by admin | Jan 17, 2021 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:05 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
Mail was reviewed.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the September 23, 2020 meeting.
Marcia informed the Board that she had been asked by Cemetery Sexton Sheila Parkhurst if the Town would be willing to increase the burial rates charged. She said that she usually has Ed Poulin dig the graves and that he has recently gone up on his price. On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Stohl, the Board voted to increase burial rates to $350.00. Selectman Stohl asked Marcia to check with Sheila to see how Columbia’s cemetery rates compare with Colebrook’s.
Bob Baker was planning to attend the meeting but had an appointment. He left with Marcia a letter regarding the Rails to Trails project that he has been working on. The letter, which is addressed to Shelley Winters and Chris Gamache, was reviewed by the Board and signed.
Selectman Campbell stated that he had received a letter from the State stating that our Hazard Mitigation Plan needs to be updated. Selectman Cloutier said he would take a look at it.
Marcia informed the Board that Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Gay had contacted the office about having the section of Bungy Road from Pires’ driveway to their driveway plowed. The Board discussed the problems with this which include ditching, widening the road, gravel, place for plow truck to turn around, etc. Marcia will draft a letter for the Board to sign to be sent to Mr. & Mrs. Gay telling them what the Town’s position is on this request.
The Warrant for the State/General Election was signed. Marcia will see that it is posted.
Bids were opened for the removal of the Bovill Gift Shop building. Only one bid was received from Clark Jeffers. The Board discussed what needed to be done with the electricity going from the building to the light poles. On a motion made by Selectman Cloutier and seconded by Selectman Campbell the Board voted to award the bid to Mr. Jeffers. Marcia will draft up an agreement for the Board to review and have Mr. Jeffers sign it.
Selectman Campbell stated that he had received a phone call from Ted Burns (No. Stratford Snowmobile and ATV Clubs) regarding opening a section of So. Jordan Hill Road up to snowmachines and ATVs temporarily. He is requesting this because there is a logging job going on and this would avoid any interaction. The section he is proposing to use is approximately 500 feet long. On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board voted to give permission for this “temporary” trail detour.
Treasurer Carrie Klebe left reports for the Board on monies available in the Transfer Station Account, the General Fund and the NHPDIP accounts as of 9/30/2020.
A Current Use Application form was signed for Gregory & Nancy Archambault for property on Bungy Road.
An Intent to Cut was signed for Christopher Chase.
Marcia informed the Board that the Coos County Recycling Center Budget Hearing will be held on October 30 at 10:00 am. via Zoom. The County will provide copies of the Budget prior to the meeting.
A contract with Central Paving was signed by Selectman Cloutier.
An Agreement with the State for resurfacing part of US Route 3 during the summer of 2021 was signed by Chairman Cloutier.
Marcia reviewed for the Board an e-mail received from the Town of Stratford. The forester that was going to perambulate the line between Stratford and Columbia doesn’t think he will have time to complete the job in 2020. On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board voted to encumber $5,000.00 from funds raised in 2020 to be spent in 2021 for perambulating the Town line with Stratford.
Marcia spoke to the Board about a Yield Tax Bill for Clarence Young. Marcia explained that Mr. Young had called to complain about his Yield Tax bill and during the conversation Marcia discovered that she had made a mistake on the bill and charged Mr. Young for the amounts listed on the original intent not on the report. When she discovered this she told Mr. Young what had happened and that his adjusted bill would be approximately $518, which he thought was also too high. Marcia asked him to send the Board all slips/pay stubs that he had received for stumpage. After reviewing the paperwork, the Board discovered that there was stumpage listed on the list that it looked like Mr. Young didn’t get paid for. Marcia will write a letter to Mr. Young informing him of this fact and see what he can find out from the logger.
The preliminary tax rate paperwork was received from the State and reviewed by the Town. The Board made necessary adjustments and on a motion made by Selectman Cloutier and seconded by Selectman Stohl the approved the 2020 tax rate. Marcia will send it back to the State for final review. Marcia informed the Board that they hope to get the bills printed and mailed out by Friday, October 23rd with a due date of December 4.
An e-mail was reviewed from the Vermont Nature Conservancy checking with the Town to see if there had been any changes to property that the Conservancy has an easement on. Marcia will respond to them and inform them that there are no changes.
A letter and paperwork from Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella was received regarding the Right-of-Way policy that they are working on for the Town. Selectman Stohl offered to review it and get back to the Board with his recommendation.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Oct 21, 2020 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:00pm. Present were Selectmen Eric Stohl, Donald Campbell, and Norman Cloutier, and Treasurer Carrie Klebe.
Treasurer Klebe told the Board what was available for funds in the town accounts. The Board and Treasurer Klebe both agreed to transfer funds into the NH PDIP account until needed. Treasurer Klebe left the meeting at 6:15pm.
David Falkenham entered the meeting at 6:20pm to discuss the Timber Tax as the logger for David Buckley. After discussion, the Selectmen agreed to reassess the yield tax. Falkenham was in agreement with the Selectmen, and left the meeting at 6:35pm.
Mail was reviewed. Email from Bob Baker was reviewed as well.
Checks and manifest were signed.
Selectman Cloutier made a motion to accept the July 22nd minutes, Selectman Campbell seconded the motion. All were in favor, so moved.
Intent to Excavate for Clark Jeffers was signed.
A Channel Easement was signed for the State of New Hampshire, granting permission for them to do work on the Sims Stream channel and bank by the Town Hall property on US Route 3. An Estimate of Compensation with the State of NH was also signed.
Selectman Campbell picked up the PPE for the Elections from the State today, and has left it all at the Town Hall.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:30pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra DeBlois
by admin | Oct 21, 2020 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:02 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell. Members of the public present: Les Klinefelter (CRAG), Lisa Potter, Laurie Cotnoir, Becky Bunnell and Steve Bunnell (Carriage Lane Players), Charlie Jordan (GNWCA), Alan Coats and James Gilbert (Town of Stewartstown Selectmen).
Checks and manifests were signed.
Mail was reviewed.
An e-mail was reviewed from the Secretary of State’s office regarding PPE that the State would be providing Towns in anticipation of the September and November elections The Board members will review the memo and plan to get together with Town Clerk, Marcia Parkhurst, and Moderato, Stephen Brooks, to discuss plans for the two elections.
Members from the Carriage Lane Players, CRAG and Charlie Jordan came to the meeting at the request of the Board members to discuss the future of the Arts Center. Selectman Stohl started the discuss by stating that the Board of Selectmen is very supportive of the center and wants to work with them as much as possible, However, the concern of the Board is public safety and the impact this creates on the rest of the taxpayers in Town. He further explained that the Board had “refunded” what the GNWCA paid for property taxes in 2019 and had abated the lst installment of the 2020 taxes.
Charlie Jordan shared with the Board an e-mail that he sent today (July 8th) to Deputy Fire Marshall Shawn Toomey outlining items that they had discussed in a recent conversation. The Board informed Mr. Jordan that when the Fire Marshall responds to this e-mail that we would like to have a copy for our files.
Les Klinefelter spoke on behalf of CRAG. He stated that they are very supportive of the Center and want it to succeed. CRAG has and will continue to pursue grants to help with the upkeep of the Center. They plan future activities such as an “artist in residence”, art classes, demonstrations etc. He stated that they are not an “owner” in the property as they do not have the financial means to do that.
Steve Bunnell spoke on behalf of the Carriage Lane Players. He said that it is their intention to take over the entire building known as the St. Joseph’s Workshop. They will store their props, etc. there. They will also use the building to build sets and have an office. It was noted that this should go before the Planning Board as it is a change in the “site plan”. Future activities they plan are a drive-in performance of “War of the Worlds.”
Charlie Jordan informed the Board that later this summer there will be a kids’ performance by the “Patchwork Players” outside at the center. It was noted that the “management team” is looking into hiring someone to just write grants for the center.
Mr. Jordan inquired about the “tax exempt” status of the Center and did they have to come before the Board every year. The Board informed Mr. Jordan that they would like him to come in every time he gets a tax bill so they can keep informed of what is going on with the property.
Les Klinefelterr, Laurie Cotnoir, Becky Bunnell, Steve Bunnell, and Charlie Jordan left the meeting at 7:20 pm.
Alan Coats and James Gilbert entered the meeting to discuss Transfer Station issues. The Station is incurring a “bear” issue and Mr. Coats showed pictures of the mess that was left behind. He has spoken to Ben Champagne from the County and Ben is very much behind the idea of installing fencing/cameras to try and control the dumping of trash by people when the Station is not actually open. Several pictures showed items that
apparently came from the Spa Restaurant. The two Boards discussed having Ben write a letter on “county stationery” stating that there is to be no dumping by them when the Station is closed. It was decided to try the camera idea before going to the expense of additional fencing. Mr. Coats and Mr. Gilbert left the meeting at 7:50 pm.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the June 24th meeting.
Marcia reminded the Board that she would be out due to medical reasons for approximately one month beginning on July 20th. A notice will be coming out in the newspaper next week.
Cohos Advisors will be at the office on July 16th and 17th do the compilation for 2019.
The Board discussed purchasing new flag poles for the Town Office. Marcia will place the order.
The Board signed a Warrant for Yield taxes in the amount of $22,976.84.
Meeting adjourned at 8:28 pm.
Respectfully submitted.
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Oct 21, 2020 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:00 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell.
Mail was reviewed.
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 June 10th meeting.
The Board reviewed a letter from Clark Jeffers, Jr. regarding a fire bill that the Town recently sent him. After discussion, the Board instructed Marcia to write to Mr. Jeffers and tell him to disregard the bill.
An e-mail was reviewed from Christina and Donald MacFarlane regarding the condition of Gray Road. Mr. & Mrs. MacFarlane stated that they had experienced three flat tires due to the rocks on the road. The Board instructed Marcia to send the MacFarlanes a letter expressing our apologies but explaining that there isn’t really anything we can do. The Board discussed the lack of rain and how this affects the gravel roads. Marcia said she had received a call about Bungy being dusty. Selectman Coultier stated that for the calcium chloride to work properly we need rain.
Marcia informed the Board that Richard Hurley had recently donated a new flag for the Town Hall. Marcia has written him a thank-you letter.
Marcia informed the Board that since January lst there have been 40 taxpayers who have used the on-line tax kiosk and 14 of them have been since June 1st.
Marcia asked the Board for some guidance regarding customers who give the Town checks which are returned for “insufficient funds”. Marcia
explained that she had one customer who has given us two bad checks in the same month. The Board instructed Marcia to turn them over to the State Police.
The Board discussed a new flag pole for the Town Office. Marcia will do some more research on it.
Selectman Campbell gave the other Board members an update on things regarding the Dispatch Center. The next meeting will be tomorrow night at 5:30 pm.
The Board spent the rest of the meeting reviewing Report of Wood Cut forms.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Oct 21, 2020 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:00 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier and Stohl. Selectman Campbell was absent.
Mail was reviewed.
Checks and manifests were signed.
Chairman Cloutier signed an agreement with CN Brown to purchase oil for the upcoming season. Marcia will return the agreement along with a check.
The MS535 (Financial Report) was signed.
The MS434 (Revised Estimated Revenues) was signed.
Marcia told the Board that assessor Steve Allen has finished updating the property values and that letters were sent out to each property owner. Hearings will be held on Friday and Saturday (September 25th and 26th).
Utility values were received from George Sansoucy and reviewed by the Board. Marcia said that the values had been sent to Steve Allen to be included on the MS1.
Bids for plowing the Town Office and Town Hall were opened. On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board voted to award the contract to Boire Property Maintenance.
Marcia informed the Board that she had been served with a Summons for the Town from PSNH. (Chairman Cloutier was served also.) Marcia has forward the Summons to Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella.
An e-mail was received from Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella stating that Fairpoint will not be including Columbia in its new court case for 2019 property taxes.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the September 9, 2020 meeting.
A Yield Tax Warrant and associated papers were signed for Clarence Young in the amount of $993.67. Marcia said she still has one Report of Wood Cut that has not been received.
A letter was signed for the Coos County Conservation District in support of the native plant nursery grant.
A Driveway Permit was reviewed and approved for Kelsey Robbins on Gray Road.
Summer road projects were discussed and work should be done in the next couple of weeks.
Marcia informed the Board that as of today she has not received any bids on the former “Bovill Gift Shop” building. Selectman Cloutier will get in touch with David White regarding mowing the football field.
Marcia spoke with the Board regarding a problem with the front door of the Town Office. Selectman Cloutier will contact Dan Dionne to see if he could fix/replace the parts that are bothering.
Marcia informed the Board that she had been corresponding with the company we ordered the flag poles from. A box with the hardware for the first flag pole arrived today. The company had said that the other pole and hardware should arrive either Friday or Monday.
Meeting adjourned at 7:26 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Oct 21, 2020 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:00 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell. Members of the public present were Steven LaFrance, Charlie Jordan and Kim Carter.
Mr. LaFrance entered the meeting to discuss the work proposed for the Lyman Falls site. He told the Board that he had been contacted by the Vermont River Conservancy to see about taking out part of the dam at Lyman Falls. Mr. LaFrance explained to the Board the necessary permits that are required and left a map so that the Town could answer any questions that they receive. The Board approved and signed the Shore land Permit that Mr. LaFrance had prepared. He said that he would probably be back in another month to have the Board sign the Wetlands Permit. Mr. LaFrance left the meeting.
Mr. Charlie Jordan entered the meeting at 6:20 pm to discuss with the Board abatement of the 2020 taxes on the Arts Center. Mr. Jordan explained what had been happening (or not happening) at the Center since the pandemic started. Mr. Jordan asked about the possibility of making the “abatement” permit, however, the Board felt that it was in the best interest of the Town to review it every year. On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Campbell, the Board approved abatement of the amount of $1,155.00 (lst installment of the 2020 taxes). Discussion continued regarding work that needs to be done to the Center itself and the financial concerns going forward. Selectman Stohl stated that he would like to see all three of the groups involved in the Center sit down and discuss how we go from here. The three groups being (Cottage Lane
Players, North Woods Center for the Arts and the CRAG group.) Mr. Jordan said that he would try to set something set up so that everyone could discuss going forward. Mr. Jordan left the meeting at 7:10 pm.
At 7:12 pm, Ms. Kim Carter entered the meeting at the request of the Board to discuss outstanding taxes on the property where she lives. Ms. Carter explained what was happening. The Board expressed interest in working with her in this situation. Ms. Carter left the meeting at 7:30 pm.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
Mail was reviewed.
A Driveway Permit for Donald Cooke was reviewed. Selectman Cloutier will take a ride up and view the proposed site.
A Road Liability Waiver was signed for William and Cora Stevens.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman
Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the May 27th meeting.
Possible road projects were discussed as follows:
Ditching on Harvey Brook Road
Culverts on Fish Pond below Andrews’
Culverts on Fish Pond by Gendreau’s
Paving – Titus Hill, Meridan Hill, Fish Pond
Selectman Campbell stated that Ken Hastings had approached him about the old Bovill gift shop and if the Town would be willing to sell it. Mr. Hastings would take care of moving it. Selectman Cloutier said that Ben Adair had mentioned something to him at Town Meeting about the gift shop also.
Selectman Campbell gave the other Board members an update on what was happening with the Dispatch Center. There will be a meeting tomorrow night at 5:30 in Stewartstown.
Treasurer Carrie Klebe left each Board member a breakdown of what was currently in all three bank accounts – NHPDIP, Citizens Bank (general fund) and Transfer Station.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
