by admin | May 10, 2019 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:00 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the March 13, 2019 meeting.
Mail was reviewed.
On a motion made by Selectman Cloutier and seconded by Selectman Stohl, the Board voted to enter non-public session per RSA 91-A:3, paragraph (c) at 6:18 pm. On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Campbell, the Board voted to return to public session at 6:31 pm.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
Marcia informed the Board that she had spoken to SDI Signs from Jefferson regarding the Town installing signs at both the north and south ends of Town. Ms. MacKillop will be sending us a couple of sketches for our review along with a quote.
The MS232 (Report of Appropriations Voted) was signed by the Board.
The Town website has been recently updated by Roxanne Herres and looks really nice. She has added the 2018 Town Report (2014 – 2018 are on the site). Also, added Debbie as new Tax Collector and all three Selectmen’s names. At the present time, there are Minutes of Selectmen’s meetings dating back to 2012. It was decided that keeping only two years back would be sufficient. All other minutes are on file at the Town Office.
A letter was sent to Mike Ouellet after the last meeting asking him to come in and discuss the proposed ATV trail on Sims Stream Road. No answer from him has been received. Selectman Campbell stated that he
had received a message from Metallak ATV Club President Craig Washburn and that he had called and left two messages but hadn’t gotten a response. Selectman Campbell stated that he thinks we should write to Ted Burns (of the No. Stratford) Club and ask him to come in to discuss So. Jordan Hill Road. The other Board members agreed. Marcia will send Mr. Burns a letter.
Selectman Cloutier stated that he had put up some of the “road ban/temperature signs” even though the State hasn’t put theirs up yet. Marcia will put a notice in next week’s newspaper.
The Board reviewed a list of properties to be deeded to the Town by Tax Collector Debra DeBlois on April lst for unpaid 2016 taxes. Marcia gave the Board an updated on what was outstanding for each taxpayer and if they had gotten in contact with the Town. On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Campbell, the Board voted to not accept a Tax Deed on a mobile home now or formerly owned by Billy Lesperance due to the fact that an estate has never been filed for this individual and it would cause an undue hardship for the Town.
An Engagement Letter for the 2018 compilation was signed by Chairman Cloutier for Crane & Bell. It was noted that they conducted the compilation last week.
A letter to the Coos Animal Sanctuary was signed.
The Equalization Ratio numbers were reviewed. It was noted that the ratio is 91% but that we are in the fourth year of our five year cyclical review. Marcia will share these numbers with Assessor Steve Allen.
Letters were reviewed from Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella (attorneys for the Town in the Fairpoint case) regarding the need for the Town to update our pole/conduit license policy. Selectman Stohl said he would come to the office tomorrow to review the information and let Marcia know what steps need to be taken.
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | May 10, 2019 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:02 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier and Campbell. Selectman Stohl arrived at 6:26 pm. Members of the public present were Craig Washburn (Metallak ATV Club) and Charlie Jordan (Great North Woods Center for the Arts).
Mail was reviewed
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
Craig Washburn entered the meeting at 6:02 pm. Mr. Washburn and the Board discussed the status of the rail bed right of way and Sims Stream Road being part of the ATV trail. A letter was signed by the Board to be sent to the Trail Bureau expressing support for the use of the rail bed as part of the trail. Selectman Stohl suggested that an actual meeting between the State (DOT), the Trails Bureau, the Town and the Club would be helpful to make sure everyone is on the same page. The Board asked if the Club would be willing to provide gravel to help repair some of the damage done by ATVs to the Town’s roads. Mr. Washburn left the meeting at 6:59 pm.
On a motion made by Selectman Cloutier and seconded by Selectman Stohl, the Board voted to enter non-public session per RSA 91-A:3, paragraph II (c) at 7:01 pm. On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board voted to return to public session at 7:15 pm.
An Intent to Cut for Molly Campbell was approved.
At 7:28 pm Charlie Jordan entered the meeting. Mr. Jordan presented the Board with paperwork to support the Great North Woods Center for the Arts’ application for tax-exempt status regarding property taxes. The Board
told Mr. Jordan that they would review all of the information at their next meeting. Mr. Jordan gave the Board a brief presentation on upcoming activities at the center including the Easter Egg Hunt, etc. Mr. Jordan left the meeting at 8:00 pm.
The Board reviewed a quote and sketches from SDI signs in Jefferson for Town signs to be placed at the north and south ends of Town. Marcia will contact SDI and see if they can provide us with a darker copy of the sketch the Board picked out.
A e-mail was received from Melissa Hall from the Colebrook Public Library asking for permission to use the football field on August 2nd or 3rd for “star gazing” as part of their summer reading program. After discussion, the Board instructed Marcia to e-mail Ms. Hall with the application for using Town premises. Marcia will also inquire as to the Library’s liability insurance.
Selectman Cloutier said he had been approached by Forrest Hicks regarding use of No. Jordan Hill Road while the road bans were on. Mr. Hicks stated that he would be willing to provide a bond to cover any damage done by his operation. On a motion made by Selectman Cloutier and seconded by Selectman Stohl, the Board voted to allow Mr. Hicks to use the road after obtaining a bond.
Selectman Campbell told the other Board members that he had received a letter from Heidi Lawton (Department of Emergency Management) regarding the CERT trailer that is currently still at Richard Johnsen’s. Ms. Lawton will be picking it up and taking it to Concord for inventory. Selectman Cloutier will be part of a conference call regarding this matter on Friday morning.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board voted to enter non-public session per RSA 91-A:3. paragraph II (e) at 8:09 pm.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Campbell, the Board voted to return to public session at 8:15 pm
The Board set a public hearing for Wednesday, May 8th, at 7:00 pm. to amend the Town’s Pole and Conduit License procedure..
Meeting adjourned at 8:37 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | May 10, 2019 | 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.
At 6:03 pm Fire Chief Brett Brooks entered the meeting. Chief Brooks expressed concerned regarding life safety code violations at the Great North Woods Center for the Arts. He informed the Board that the Center had requested an “assembly permit” from him and that he had refused. Under State law, in a Town without a fire department, the Board of Selectmen can issue an “assembly permit” but it is his recommendation that the Board not do this. Chief Brooks went on to say that concerts outside should be okay since a licensed electrician had checked those circuits and found them to be okay. After discussion, the Board instructed Marcia to draft a letter to the State Fire Marshall expressing concern about possible life safety issues in the three buildings. Chief Brooks left the meeting at 6:30 pm.
At 6:32 pm Ted Burns from the North Country ATV Club entered the meeting. Mr. Burns showed the Board members a map depicting the new ATV trail on So. Jordan Hill Road. The new route will not utilize the Town road. Mr. Burns said that the Club has applied for grant monies to help build the new trail. The Board decided to send a letter to the Trails Bureau in favor of this application. Mr. Burns left the meeting at 6:41 pm.
Intent to Excavate forms were signed for Pike Industries (4) and Norman Cloutier.
Marcia informed the Board that we had received a check from Hicks Logging as a “bond” for any road damage that they might do during their recent timber cutting operation on No. Jordan Hill Road. Marcia will send the check back to Hicks once the operation is completed.
A Junkyard Permit (renewal) for Harry Haynes, Jr. was signed.
Marcia asked for permission to place an ad in the newspaper requesting bids for mowing the Town Office and Town Hall this summer. Bids will be opened at the meeting on May 22nd.
Marcia informed the Board that all the 2016 property taxes have been paid. At the present, there are only 2017 and 2018 taxes due for a total of around $70,000.00.
At the next meeting, we will hold the public hearing on amending the Town’s Pole and Conduit License. All utility companies have been notified as required.
Marcia informed the Board that she had received a complaint about ATVs riding on Wallace Road. The Board will contact the person involved.
An e-mail was reviewed from the Manchester Motorcycle Club regarding the Blessing of the Bikes to be held on June 21st – 23rd. Marcia will e-mail the Vice President back with answers to her questions. With the GNWCA starting to hold events, the Board discussed drafting a policy to address vendors, outside concerts, etc. Marcia will see if any other Towns have policies.
An e-mail was received from Melissa Hall (Children’s Librarian at Colebrook Public Library) regarding the “star gazing” activity that they wish to hold on the football field in August. Ms. Hall was concerned about if the field would be mowed. Marcia was instructed to e-mail her back and tell her that the Town will take care of that.
Marcia informed the Board that she had e-mailed SDI Signs in Jefferson and they will provide us with a more detailed sketch of the proposed Town sign. Once that is done, we can decide on colors, etc.
At 7:12 pm Allen Coats (Stewartstown Selectman) entered the meeting. Mr. Coats came to discuss some Transfer Station issues. After much discussion, it was agreed to put the “fence” on hold for the time being. Mr. Coats stated that the rest of his Board would be in agreement with this.
Marcia informed the Board that on May 2nd, the Stanton/Sweatt property will be ready for tax deeding. After the deed is accepted by the Board, the property will be put out for bid.
Stacey Campbell entered the meeting to discuss removing the cedar trees in the front of the building which have gotten quite large. Stacey reviewed for the Board members what her plans were as far as landscaping the front of the building. The Board agreed to remove the cedar trees.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Mar 29, 2019 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:05 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell.
Town Clerk Marcia Parkhurst administered the Oath of Office to newly re-elected Selectman Norman Cloutier.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Stohl, the Board voted to appoint Selectman Cloutier as Chairman.
Mail was reviewed
Checks and manifests were signed.
Selectman Campbell reminded the other members that there will be a Dispatch Center meeting on Thursday, March 14th, beginning at 5:30 at the Colebrook Town Office.
An Intent to Cut was signed for Forest Hicks, II.
The Board signed a contract with CAI Technologies to maintain the tax maps on the Town’s website.
Marcia explained to the Board members her recent e-mails/communication with Attorney Jon Frizzell regarding the Right to Know request received from Sandra Tremblay.
The Board discussed a request from the Coos Animal Sanctuary for a letter of support for them to use when applying for grants. The Board reviewed the brochure received from Carol Couture. Marcia was instructed to draft a letter to the Sanctuary asking questions about some of the items on the brochure.
The Board reviewed a Tax Deed Notice to be printed in the newspaper regarding the Stanton/Sweatt property issue. According to Jon Frizzell we should run the notice for one week. If no one responds to the notice by May 2nd, the Town will take the property and then be able to sell it.
Selectman Campbell stated that he had read an advance copy of an article to be printed in next week’s News & Sentinel regarding the ATV issue. The article states that the trail is being expanded to include the rail bed in Columbia and Sims Stream Road. Marcia was instructed to write to Trail Administrator Mike Ouellet and ask him to attend a meeting to discuss this issue.
A Veteran’s Tax Credit was approved for Russell Johnson.
Selectman Stohl inquired as to the status of the proposed Town sign for the south end of Town. Marcia will contact SDI signs in Jefferson whom she had spoken to last fall.
Marcia informed the group that Donna Jordan had contacted the office regarding the Great North Woods Committee for the Arts’ property being tax exempt. Marcia was instructed to contact Mrs. Jordan and explain that the Board had requested previously a business plan and financial information from the group before granting a tax exempt status.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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
