by admin | Jun 20, 2023 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:00 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier the Board approved the minutes of the April 12, 2023 meeting.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
An Intent to Excavate for Norman Cloutier was approved.
Mail was reviewed.
Bids for mowing the Town buildings and cemeteries. Motion made by Selectman Cloutier and seconded by Selectman Campbell, to hold up on opening and awarding the mowing bids until Marcia has a chance to check the mail and e-mails.
A letter was received from Robert Gooch regarding his mowing the cemetery next to his home for three times during the summer. On a motion made by Selectman Cloutier and seconded by Selectman Stohl the Board approved this request.
The Board reviewed a Wetlands Permit Application from the State of NH concerning a culvert replacement on Route 3.
The Board signed the Fire Warden Re-appointment Forms.
Meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary (minutes taken by Selectman Campbell)
Board of Selection
by admin | Jun 20, 2023 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:00 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell.
Mail was reviewed.
Checks and manifests were signed.
Four (4) Intent to Excavate Forms were signed and approved for Pike Industries.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved two new policies (Event Policy and Use of Town Facilities).
The Board approved an application for the Trinity Methodist Church to use the Town Hall for a “yard sale” the first weekend of May. On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Stohl, the Board voted to waive the insurance requirement.
The Board approved an application for the Manchester Motorcycle Club to hold the annual Blessing of the Bikes at the Great North Woods Center for the Arts on the last Saturday in June. It was noted that they had furnished us with all the necessary paperwork such as insurance certificate, DOT permit, etc. On a motion made by Selectman Cloutier and seconded by Selectman Stohl, the Board approved this application.
The Board signed an Excavation Tax Warrant in the amount of $3.50.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Campbell, the Board approved the minutes of the March 22, 2023 meeting.
The Board approved the appointment of Benjamin Adair as a Deputy Forest Warden at the recommendation of Warden Peter Dion.
The Board reviewed a list from the State of New Hampshire regarding “red listed” town bridges. It was noted that we have one on this list.
The Board signed an Emergency Preparedness Plan prepared by and for the Columbia House.
Marcia informed the Board that she would be placing an ad in the newspaper asking for bids to mow the Town Hall and Town Office this summer. Bids will be opened at the next meeting.
The Board discussed requesting bids for the mowing of the cemeteries. It was decided to specify that the cemeteries should be mowed 10 times (2 each in May, June, July and August and one each in September and October). Marcia will put this in the newspaper also with bids to be opened at the next meeting.
The Board reviewed bank reconciliations for all of the Town’s accounts.
The Board discussed getting in touch with Bianci Memorials in Derby regarding stone repairs, etc. in the Columbia Bridge Cemetery. Marcia will contact them and set up a meeting with the Board. It was noted that we have approximate4ly $22,000 in the Cemetery Maintenance Trust Fund.
A letter was signed to be sent to Gary Puglisi regarding his unpaid 2020 property taxes and the Town’s ability to take it by Tax Deed.
Selectman Campbell informed the other Board members that he had done some research into storm windows for the Town Hall. He said that he had spoken with Stratford Windows in Colebrook. He stated that he had toured their facility and was very impressed with the workmanship. He said that the big windows would cost $2,534.04 and the small ones would be $1,702.75 for a total of $3,744.74. After discussion, a motion was made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, to have Selectman Campbell order the windows.
Marcia informed the Board that the Town’s website has been updated by Roxanne Herres and encouraged them to look at it. One of the new features is that forms, such as the building application, are now in PDF form and easier to print out.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Jun 14, 2023 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 5:55 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell, Members of the pubic present: Treasurer Carrie Klebe.
Ms. Klebe came to the meeting to request that the Board pass and sign a resolution so that she can add the new Deputy Treasurer, Sophie Goudreau, to the Town’s bank accounts. On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board passed the resolution. The Board also signed letters addressed to the Citizens Bank, Bangor Bank and Northway Bank adding the Deputy Treasurer to the accounts. Ms. Klebe left the meeting at 6:15 pm.
Mail was reviewed.
Checks and manifests were signed.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Campbell, the Board approved a tax abatement in the amount of $3,472.00 for the Great North Woods Center for the Arts.
The Board reviewed and signed a Land Use Change Tax bill and warrant in the amount of $2,040.00.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Campbell, the Board approved the minutes of the May 24, 2023 meeting.
The board signed a Road Liability Waiver for Christopher Snow on Meridan Hill Road.
The Board and reviewed an amended contract with George Sansoucy. This new contract includes assessing services for cell towers and internet towers.
Marcia informed the Board that approximately 20% of the first installment property taxes have been received. The on-line option continues to be used frequently.
The Board signed letters to various property owners who have cell towers and/or internet towns on their property asking that they forward information to George Sansoucy to be used in his valuation of the properties.
The Board reviewed the Report of Wood Cut forms in order for Marcia to prepare the Yield Tax Warrant and bills for signature at the next meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Town Clerk
by admin | Feb 20, 2023 | Public Notices
No public notices at this time.
by admin | Sep 30, 2022 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began a 5:58 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier and Campbell. Selectman Stohl was absent. Members of the public included: Norma Jean DeLong, Patrick and Molly Carr, Gary Whitehill, Craig Washburn and Ted Burns.
Mail was reviewed.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
Ted Burns and Craig Washburn came to the meeting at the request of the Selectmen. Selectman Campbell explained that the Board was concerned about where the ATV trails are crossing the Town’s roads and the damage that is being done. Discussion continued about what could be done to fix this problem. Materials discussed included asphalt, concrete, etc. Both Mr. Burns and Mr. Washburn stated they would look into it and try to do something before another riding season. Mr. Burns and Mr. Washburn left the meeting.
The Board opened bids received for the former Pearson property as advertised in the newspaper. Bids were open as follows:
Samuel Jeffers $7,000.00
Tala Silver $14,800.00
Norma Jean DeLong $12,500.00
Tyler Barrows $15,500.00
Landon Placey $31,100.00
Michael Collins $21,000.00
Patrick & Molly Carr $29,817.00
On a motion made by Selectman Cloutier and seconded by Selectman Campbell, the Board voted to award the bid to Landon Placey. The Board instructed Marcia to continue Jon Frizzell with a couple of questions and to return the deposit checks to the people who didn’t get the bid. Norma Jean DeLong, Patrick and Molly Carr left the meeting. (Norma Jean DeLong took her deposit along with her son, Tyler Barrows” with her.)
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the August 24, 2022 meeting.
The Board reviewed end of the month reconciliations for the Citizens Bank, Transfer Station and Northway bank accounts.
The Board signed a letter appointing Selectman Cloutier as Columbia’s representative to the Nash Stream Citizen Advisory Committee.
The MS535 and MS60 were reviewed. Marcia will take care of submitting these to DRA.
A Driveway Permit Application was received from Albion Herres for North Jordan Hill Road. Selectman Cloutier said he would view the proposed site.
Marcia informed the Board that she had received a phone call from the engineer in charge of the Lyman Falls project. He stated that the project should be completed this week and wanted to make sure that the Town was happy with the road. Selectman Campbell said the road was in very good condition. Marcia said she had spoken with Barbara Schomburg who claimed the road was the best it had ever been.
Selectman Campbell informed the Board that he had recently spoken with Gerard Gray regarding Mr. Gray’s concerns about the Columbia Covered Bridge. The Board discussed ways to fix the problem. Selectman Campbell is going to go and take some measurements for further discussion.
At 6:53 pm Chairman Cloutier declared the public hearing on unanticipated funds from the State of New Hampshire open. There were no members of the public The Board discussed using the unanticipated funds for additional paving on Marshall Hill, Meridan Hill and perhaps replacing a couple of culverts on Meridan Hill. On a motion made by Selectman Cloutier and seconded by Selectman Campbell, the Board voted to accept the funds and spend it on the projects discussed. Chairman Cloutier declared the meeting ended at 7:10 pm.
Meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
