by admin | Mar 14, 2019 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:08 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell.
Mail was reviewed.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
A letter was reviewed from NH DOT regarding missing signs on Town-owned bridges (Meridan Hill and Bungy Road). Marcia will send them a letter informing them that we will be addressing the issue in the spring after the snow melts.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Stohl, the Board approved the minutes of the February 13, 2019 meeting.
Marcia informed the Board that she would contact James Wells regarding plowing the second parking lot at the Town Hall. Selectman Campbell said he would take care of turning on the water for Town Meeting. Marcia was instructed to contact Corey Rancloes to see if he would be willing to shovel the stairs and handicap ramp at the Hall.
A letter was received from the Coos Animal Sanctuary asking that the Board write a letter of support for them to use in applying for grants. The Board instructed Marcia to contact Carol Couture to get more information regarding their mission, goals, etc. before writing a letter.
Treasurer Jennifer Wells entered the meeting at 6:50 pm and presented the Board members with her monthly reports.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Campbell, the Board voted to enter non-public session at 6:53 pm per RSA 91-A:3 II, paragraph (c).
At 7:13 pm on a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board voted to return to public session and to seal the minutes of the non-public session.
Mrs. Wells left the meeting.
The Board reviewed an e-mail request from Mrs. Sandra Tremblay for information under the Right-to-Know Act. Marcia was instructed to contact Jon Frizzell (Waystack Frizzell) to see exactly what the Town’s next step should be.
The Board reviewed the articles on the Town Meeting Warrant and decided which Selectman would speak to each article.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.
Respectfully sub
by admin | Feb 27, 2019 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 5:55 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell.
Hannah Campbell, representing the Chamber of Commerce, entered the meeting to speak with the Board about writing a letter of opposition to HB 498 & 683 regarding ATV usage in the State of New Hampshire. The bill that the Chamber is mostly concerned with is the bill regarding ATV usage of Town Roads. The Chamber is asking that letters be sent to Representative Moynihan before the bill comes up for a vote. Hannah will provide the Board with an address for the Board to use should they wish to participate. Ms. Campbell left the meeting.
At 6:11 pm, Robert Langevin and Planning Board Chairman Scott DeBlois entered the meeting. Mr. Langevin explained to the Board that he and his daughter had recently purchased 90 Kelsea Notch Road (from former owner Charles Laros). Mr. Langevin said that since he purchased the property he has been having an issue with the person who lives in the first house on the road (currently owned by William Claypoole). Mr. Claypoole had applied for and received a permit to build a barn, however, according to pictures provide by Planning Board Chairman Scott DeBlois he has built the structure illegally because it does not meet the 25 foot setbacks. This has caused a problem with the road being plowed by Mr. Langevin because there is no place to put the snow. In addition, Mr. Claypoole informed Mr. Langevin that he could “gate the road” that Mr. Langevin could only travel on the 8 to 10 feet of graveled road, and that he would have to provide a bond in order to plow it. The Board explained to Mr. Langevin that this is a Class VI road, which means the Town still owns and controls it. According to the Tax Map and other documentation maintained
by the Town, Kelsea Notch Road is a fifty-foot wide road. As far as the building which was built in violation of the Town’s zoning ordinances, the Planning Board will have to contact Mr. Claypoole and tell him that he has to move his building. Mr. DeBlois informed by Mr. Langevin that they would be sending a letter and that they would send him a copy of it. Hopefully, this will take care of the situation. Mr. Langevin and Mr. DeBlois left the meeting at 6:40 pm.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board voted to enter non-public session at 6:40 pm as per RSA 91-A:3, paragraph c.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Stohl, the Board voted to return to public session at 7:05 pm.
At 7:05 pm, Selectman Cloutier announced that the annual budget meeting would now start. There were no members of the public present. The Board reviewed for the last time, the budget recommendations for 2019. The following changes were made:
- Increase winter road budget from $96,000 to $98,000.
- Increase revenue received from the Planning Board for 2018 to $3,397.00 from $2,875.00.
- Decrease expenditures for 2018 in the Solid Waste line item from $49,072 to $44,322.
There being no other changes to be made, the Board approved the budget and warrant. Marcia will make the necessary changes and the Board will come in and sign them. Budget and Warrant must be posted by February 25th.
Selectman Campbell reminded the Board members that there will be a Northern Borders Regional Dispatch Center meeting tomorrow night beginning at 5:30 here at the Columbia Town Office. Selectman Campbell explained several issues that would be discussed at that meeting and asked for input from the other Board members.
An Intent to Cut was approved for Thomas Patenaude.
Tax Collector Debra DeBlois left each Board member a list of taxpayers who will be received Notices of Impending Tax Deed next week.
The Board signed a Reimbursement Request to be sent to the State for Fire Warden Expenses.
The Board signed a letter addressed to the 45th Parallel EMS nominating Brett Brooks as our Board of Director representative.
An e-mail was received from the NH DOT informing the Town that they would soon by instituting the load limit regulations.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the January 23, 2019 meeting.
An e-mail was received from Jon Frizzell regarding the Stanton/Sweatt property situation. Mr. Frizzell was inquiring whether the Town knew if the previous owner (Emaline Ellingwood Stanton) had any known relatives. The Board instructed Marcia to contact Mr. Frizzell and tell them that there are none that we know of and to proceed with whatever he has to do to close out this matter.
The contract with CAI Technologies for map maintenance was reviewed and signed for 2019.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Feb 27, 2019 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:05 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell. Members of the public present: Sandra Tremblay and Deputy Town Clerk Debra DeBlois.
Mrs. Tremblay came to the meeting to discuss her property tax bill. Mrs. Tremblay was concerned because the tax bill went to the previous owner and the taxes were pro-rated at closing but haven’t yet been paid. Mrs. Tremblay also asked some questions regarding how the taxes were calculated, school funding, etc. Mrs. Tremblay left the meeting at 6:40 pm.
The Board signed a form appointing Debra DeBlois as Tax Collector until March. At that time, Mrs. DeBlois will run for the position. Marcia will continue to serve as Deputy Tax Collector and Debbie will continue to serve as Deputy Town Clerk. Office hours will remain the same – Monday through Friday – 10:00 to 4:00.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
Mail was reviewed.
Marcia informed the Board that Moderator Stephen Brooks had asked for permission to attend the Moderator’s Workshop in February. Marcia has already sent in his registration form.
A letter was signed to be sent to Lyn Grover to discuss her late aunt Grace Hunt’s affairs.
A request was received from the 45th Parallel EMS asking for confirmation as to who is Columbia’s representative to the Board of Directors. Marcia will contact Brett Brooks to see if he is still willing to serve and then prepare a letter to be sent to the 45th informing them of that fact.
The Board discussed the spreadsheet prepared by Becky Robinson, Dispatch Administrator, showing budget figures, amount to be paid by various Towns, etc.
The Board reviewed the list of unpaid taxes as of December 31, 2018.
Letters and e-mails were reviewed from Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella regarding the BLTA matters involving Fairpoint and Eversource. Negotiations are still on-going in both of these matters.
The Board reviewed budget figures for 2019. The Budget Hearing will be held on Wednesday, February 13th, at 7:00 pm. Marcia will put a notice in the newspaper.
Selectman Campbell brought up the matter of the old gift shop next to the Town Hall. Several individuals have approached the Town regarding renting the structure various things including a market place, a dog kennel and a storage building. The Board agreed that they were not in favor of becoming “landlords” and felt that it was best if the Town kept it and used it themselves. Discussion continued about doing some work on the building and what needed to be done. No final decisions were made until the Board can view the building and discuss it further.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the January 9th meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Feb 27, 2019 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:10 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell.
Mail was reviewed.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
A letter was received from Michael Pearson (Jenkins and Newman Funeral Home) regarding an unpaid bill for a former resident of Columbia. Mr. Pearson is looking for assistance from the Town in clearing up this bill. The Board discussed the situation and instructed Marcia to draft a letter to the niece of the former resident who is living in her mobile home. Marcia will also do some research regarding burial costs as part of Town Welfare.
The Board members reviewed the Planning Board proposals left for them by Planning Board Chairman Scott DeBlois. These proposals are being looked at in preparation for a Town Meeting vote.
Selectman Campbell reminded the Board members that there will be a Dispatch Committee meeting on Thursday, January 11th, at 5:30 in Stewartstown. Mr. Campbell read a memo he received from Sue Collins regarding her discussion with the County Commissioners about payments from the unincorporated Towns. According to Ms. Collins the Commissioners are in favor of Dixville, Millsfield and Wentworth Location paying $3,500 each to Dispatch and Atkinson-Gilmanton, Cambridge and Dix’s Grant paying $4,000 each.
The Board discussed the vacant Tax Collector position and possible ways to fill this position. Marcia has been in contact with Crane & Bell regarding what must be done as far as accounting practices are concerned.
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Feb 27, 2019 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:00 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell. Members of the public present: Planning Board Chairman Scott DeBlois.
Mr. DeBlois explained that he had recently contacted Colebrook Fire Chief Brett Brooks regarding the Great North Woods Arts Center (formerly the Shrine property). Mr. Brooks suggested that the Fire Marshall’s Office be contacted. A Deputy Fire Marshall viewed the property and prepared a list of violations that the GNWCA needs to address. Mr. DeBlois left the meeting.
Checks and manifests were signed.
Mail was reviewed.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Stohl, the Board approved the minutes of the September 26th meeting.
A permission form was signed by Chairman Cloutier giving the Colebrook Ski-Bees permission to use certain town roads as part of the trail system. Marcia will write a letter to the Club asking which roads they currently use.
The Warrant for the State General Election on November 6th was signed by the Board.
A contract with CN Brown for heating oil was signed by Chairman Cloutier.
A Road Liability Waiver was signed for Alejandro Vaquez, et als was signed by the Board.
Marcia reminded the Board members that there is a Dispatch Center meeting tomorrow night in Colebrook at 5:30 pm.
The MS535 was reviewed and signed by the Board.
The MS60A was reviewed.
The Board discussed amending the ATV policy to change the “closing date” for the trails in Columbia to dusk on Columbus Day each year.
Road issues were discussed as follows:
- So. Jordan Hill Road – ruts
- Holes in roof of Columbia Covered Bridge
- This weekend Clark Jeffers plans on working on the section of Bungy Road near Kelsea Notch Road.
- Either Monday or Wednesday (next week) will be working on Fish Pond Road.
The Treasurer left a note for the Board regarding current monies on hand:
NHPDIP (9/30/2018) $731,370.96 ($1,203.55 in interest for month)
Checking Account (9/30/2018) $146,527.77
Marcia said that all of the required forms have been filed with DRA and that we should be getting a preliminary tax rate sometime next week.
Meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
