by admin | Feb 15, 2018 | 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 and Tax Collector Garry Parkhurst.
Mail was reviewed.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
Planning Board Chairman Scott DeBlois came to the meeting to discuss the following subjects:
- Kathleen Lamontagne – camper situation. The Board and Mr. DeBlois reviewed a letter received from Mrs. Lamontagne. After discussion, Selectman Stohl volunteered to stop by Mrs. Lamontagne’s house to see if he could speak with her and have her complete her application for the location of a camper. On the issue of her unfinished shed, the Board will revisit this issue when the weather improves.
- Christopher and Joyce Brady – the Board reviewed a letter received from Mrs. Brady regarding the unfinished siding on their store. After discussion, the Board placed a phone call to the Bradys and informed them that the front of the store must be finished by the end of January (2018) or the Town will take further action.
- Site Plan Regulations were discussed. Selectman Stohl stated that after reading them, he feels that enforcement of these regulations falls to the Planning Board not the Board of Selectmen. Mr. DeBlois said he had spoken with a lawyer from the NHMA and that he said it falls to the Board of Selectmen. It was noted that on the Town’s website, you can’t “print-out” copies of the site Plan Regulations. Marcia will contact Roxanne Herres to see if we can fix this problem.
Mr. DeBlois left the meeting.
Selectman Campbell reminded the Board that the Dispatch Center meeting is tomorrow night at 5:30 in Canaan. The Board signed a statement stating that they are in favor of changing the name of the Dispatch Center to the “Northern Borders Dispatch Center”. Budget numbers for 2018 will be presented at the meeting.
An Agreement with George Sanscouy to provide appraisal numbers in the tax cases against the Town by Fairpoint and Eversource was signed.
The MS60W (Audit Waiver Request) was signed for the 2017 fiscal year. Marcia will send it to DRA.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Campbell, the Board approved a $.50 per hour raise for both the Town Clerk and the Deputy Town Clerk retroactive to January lst.
Town Treasurer Jennifer Wells and Crystal Ouimette entered the meeting. Mrs. Wells informed the Board that she would like to appoint Mrs. Ouimette as her Deputy. Town Clerk Marcia Parkhurst issued the oath of office to Mrs. Ouimette. Mrs. Wells presented the Board with her monthly report for December, 2017. Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Ouimette left the meeting.
The Board reviewed the Town Formula numbers from the 45th Parallel. It was noted that Columbia’s appropriate has increased approximately 38%. The Board expressed concern that no back-up or documentation was received. The Board instructed Marcia to contact Ambulance Director Bill Watkins and ask him to attend the next meeting. Signing the annual agreement was postponed until the next meeting.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Stohl, the Board approved the minutes of the December 27, 2017 meeting.
An Intent to Cut was approved for Martin Zarli.
The Board spent the remainder of the meeting discussing the 2018 budget. Marcia will have final numbers ready for the next meeting.
Selectman Stohl informed the other Board members that he had received a phone call from Dale McCoy regarding towing services initiated through the Dispatch Center. Mr. McCoy was concerned because he had been told by a customer that one of the dispatchers refused to give out his number. Mr. McCoy is also concerned about the “rotation schedule” regarding which towing companies are sent out. Mr. McCoy plans to attend tomorrow night’s dispatch meeting to discuss his concerns.
Meeting adjourned at 8:11 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Feb 15, 2018 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 5:55 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell. Members of the public present: Tax Collector Garry Parkhurst, Planning Board Chairman Scott DeBlois, Charlie Jordan and Tom Jordan.
Mail was reviewed.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
Planning Board Chairman Scott DeBlois came to the meeting to discuss a zoning violation issue regarding Kathleen Lamontagne. The Board of Selectmen signed a letter asking Mrs. Lamontagne to attend the next meeting on Wednesday, January 10th. Mr. DeBlois left the meeting.
Intent to Cut forms were approved for Charles White and Paul Carter.
A contract for Tax Map Maintenance for 2018 was signed for CAI Technologies. The contract price is $1,300.
A Letter of Engagement was signed with Crane and Bell to do the compilation for 2017 and the MS535. Field work will be performed on July 9 through 11th.
On a motion made by Selectman Cloutier and seconded by Selectman Stohl, the Board approved the minutes of the November 8, 2017 meeting.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Stohl, the Board approved the minutes of the December 13, 2017 meeting.
The Board reviewed and signed the Quitclaim Deed transferring the former Miles property (which was taken by Tax Deed) to Molly Campbell and Bradley Woodard. The new owners will take care of having the deed recorded.
A letter was reviewed and signed to be sent to Mrs. Linda Miles along with a check. This check represents the bid price of $11,008 minus taxes, interest and costs due to the Town.
At 6:50 Charlie Jordan and Tom Jordan entered the meeting. Mr. Jordan explained that the Great North Woods Committee for the Arts has a Purchase and Sale Agreement on the Shrine Property. Mr. Jordan explained what had been taking place regarding the property and the committee’s tentative “vision” for it. Mr. Jordan further explained that one of the questions the committee members would ask is if there would be a property tax bill and how much the bill would be. The Board explained to Mr. Jordan that the Oblates have paid the 2017 property tax bill but they had asked to have an Abatement Form sent to them, which was done. Once they return the completed Abatement Form, then the assessor will make an appointment to view the entire property and make his recommendation as to whether the assessment should be reduced. The Board informed Mr. Jordan that they really couldn’t make a decision until they learn more about what the property might be used for. The Board asked Mr. Jordan to provide them with a basic “business plan” outlining exactly what their plans are. Mr. Jordan promised to send this to the Town. Mr. Charlies Jordan and Mr. Tom Jordan left the meeting at 7:45.
The Board discussed items regarding the 2018 budget. The Budget Hearing has been tentatively set for February 14th. Petition warrant articles must be in by February 6th.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Jan 4, 2018 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:48 pm. Present were Selectmen Stohl and Campbell. Selectman Cloutier was absent.
Mail was reviewed.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
An Intent to Cut was approved for Daniel Klebe.
A Land Use Change Tax form and Warrant were signed for Robert Anderson.
A Current Use Application was signed for Arlene Mills.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Stohl the Board approved the minutes of the November 22, 2017 meeting.
A letter was received and read from Craig Bishop regarding his zoning violation. According to the letter, Mr. Bishop is sending out the required fee.
It was noted the Ryan Ouimette has finished paying his zoning fees.
Town Treasurer Jennifer Wells came into the meeting to present the Board with her report for November, 2017. Mrs. Wells informed the Board that she had spoken to Crystal Ouimette who is interested in being her Deputy. Training would start after January 1st.
The Board discussed the former Miles property which was recently sold by sealed bid to Stacey Campbell. Mrs. Campbell has requested that the deed be made out to her daughter. She will provide us with a letter stating exactly how she wants the deed made out. Marcia will have the paperwork ready for the Board to sign at the next meeting.
The Board discussed the public hearing held by the Planning Board at their meeting regarding changing the size requirements for a permit.
It was noted that Planning Board secretary, Stacey Campbell, submitted her resignation to the Planning Board.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Jan 4, 2018 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:14 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier and Stohl. Selectman Campbell was absent. Members of the public present: Road Agent David Cloutier, Tax Collector Garry Parkhurst, Bradley Woodard and Molly Campbell.
The Board proceeded to open bids received for the former Miles property on US Route 3. Bids were opened and read as follows:
Clark Jeffers, Jr. $ 6,110.00
Paul Barrows $ 7,575.00
Bradley Woodard $ 8,686.00
Molly Campbell $10,081.00
Stanley Hammond $10,200.00
Stacey Campbell $11,008.00
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board voted to award the property to the highest bidder, Stacey Campbell. Marcia will prepare the necessary paperwork for the next meeting.
Molly Campbell and Bradley Woodard left the meeting at 6:18 pm.
Mail was reviewed.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
Road Agent David Cloutier presented the Board will a quote for replacement of guard rails on three Town roads (2 places on Bungy Road and one place on Gray Road). The contractor can’t complete the work before December 31st. On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and
seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board voted to encumber the amount of $17,865.00 (per quote from CWS Fence & Guardrail) out of the 2017 budget to be spent in 2018. (per RSA 32:7, paragraph I)
The Board discussed other projects to be completed this year:
- Grading
- Gravel on Meridan Hill Road between Simpson’s and Boisvert
Mr. Cloutier left the meeting.
Marcia informed the Board that she had received an e-mail and survey from Heidi Lawton (NH Emergency Management) inquiring whether we had suffered any storm damage during the recent wind storm. The Board instructed Marcia to reply to the survey stating that we did not.
It was noted that there will be a follow-up Recycling Budget Meeting on Friday at 10:00 at the Nursing Home.
An e-mail was received and reviewed from Colebrook Town Manager Becky Merrow requesting that Columbia pay a vet bill that the Town of Colebrook had received. The Board instructed Marcia to e-mail Becky and ask for more information before they would approve payment of the bill.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the October 25th meeting.
Marcia told the Board that she had received a request from the 45th Parallel for census and housing numbers. It was discussed whether all the Towns use the numbers that are available on the State of NH – Department of Energy and Planning website. Marcia was instructed to respond with our numbers but to add a note on the bottom of the page asking if all Towns are using the same numbers. A copy of this will also be sent to Brett Brooks (Columbia’s representative to the 45th Parallel Board of Directors).
Tax Collector Garry Parkhurst gave each Board member a list of taxes still outstanding for 2015 and explained that these properties would be eligible for tax deeding in April, 2018.
Meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Oct 17, 2017 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 5:54 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier and Campbell. Selectman Stohl was absent. Members of the public present were Craig Washburn (Metallak ATV Club), Scott DeBlois, Planning Board Chairman, and Ron Estabrooks.
Mr. Estabrooks came to the meeting to ask permission to trap on the Town’s property. Selectman Cloutier signed his permit.
Mail was reviewed.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
The Board reviewed six letters and two petitions from residents/taxpayers regarding ATV usage on Kelsea Notch Road, Bungy Road and Gray Road. Mr. Washburn stated that he had come to the meeting because he had heard there were some complaints. He said that as far as he knew, the Club hadn’t received any complaints. Mr. Washburn also stated that the Club had done some rock raking and put down gravel on Kelsea Notch Road. Selectman Campbell stated that the Town can’t put any money into Class VI roads and that, if the Club has done some work, then he should bring that information to the next meeting. The Board decided that this matter should wait until the full Board is present to be discussed. Mr. Washburn stated that he would attend the next meeting. Mr. Washburn was given copies of all the letters and petitions.
Selectman Campbell said that there is also an ATV issue on South Jordan Hill Road and that he was going to discuss this with Ted Burns of the Stratford ATV Club.
While on the subject of South Jordan Hill, Selectman Campbell brought in a letter that he had drafted to be sent to Jeremy Ward regarding the gate that was placed on that road. Selectman Campbell had taken pictures of the
gate and said that he thought the Board should re-consider their position regarding the placement of the gate. No letter has been received from Mr. Tessier, whose land the gate is on. Marcia will type the letter on Town letterhead and have it ready for the Board to discuss and sign at the next meeting.
Mr. Washburn left the meeting.
Other road issues brought up included:
Pot holes by Wally Laro’s on Bungy Road
Jason Young has complained about the intersection of Schoolhouse Road and Bungy Road and his neighbor’s driveway.
A Supplemental Intent to Cut was signed for Renaud Grandmaison.
A Veteran’s Tax Credit (first all-veteran credit we have received) was approved for Michael Dunham.
Scott DeBlois came to the meeting to discuss the Brady/Planning Board issue. Mr. DeBlois asked that the Board send a “clarification letter” to the Bradys regarding the issue of their building being “entirely” sided by the end of the year.
Mr. DeBlois also asked if the Board felt that the Planning Board should start tackling other “unfinished” structures in Town. He said that they were planning to put an ad in the newspaper stating that they will be addressing unfinished structures. Mr. DeBlois left the meeting.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the August 28, 2017 meeting.
Town Treasurer, Jennifer Wells, entered the meeting. She provided the Board with end of the month reports for both the Transfer Station Account and the Town’s accounts. Mrs. Wells informed the Board that she had spoken to Crystal Ouimette regarding the Deputy Treasurer position and that Mrs. Ouimette is interested. Mrs. Wells left the meeting.
The MS535 was reviewed and signed by the Board.
The MS60 was reviewed by the Board.
Assessor Steve Allen had requested, and been granted, an extension on the Town’s MS1 until September 30.
The Board reviewed a letter and report from George Sansoucy regarding utility values. The letter also addressed the issue of Fairpoint Communications. The Board decided that since we have an extension that this matter should wait until Selectman Stohl returns.
Marcia informed the Board that she would be temporarily changing the Town Office hours. An ad will be placed in both the local newspapers to inform residents. New hours will begin on September 25th and will be Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 4:00 daily.
Meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Oct 17, 2017 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:05 pm. Present were Selectmen Stohl, Campbell, and Cloutier. Members of the public present were Craig Washburn (Metallak ATV Club).
The minutes from September 13, 2017 were approved.
Checks and manifest were reviewed and signed.
Material from George Sansoucy was reviewed in regards to Eversource and Fairpoint. Selectmen agreed to use Sansoucy’s assessment figures for Fairpoint, and signed the MS-1. Attorney Jonathan Frizzell sent an email stating that this was out of his field of expertise, and recommended Attorney Chris Boldt from Meredith. The Board agreed with the recommendation. Selectman Stohl said he would contact Boldt to touch base with him.
Eric Stohl reviewed the letters received from taxpayers/residents regarding ATV usage from the last meeting. Mr. Washburn was on hand to discuss the situation, and has also reviewed the letters. The complaints were on the following roads: Kelsea Notch Road, Bungy Road, and Gray Road. Selectmen Stohl inquired if the ATV Club had any funds to repair the roads. Mr. Washburn stated that the Club had put $4950 into Kelsea Notch Road this year, and he is continuing to work with the State (Maggie) on funding. Mr. Washburn is aware that the road is getting washed out, and needs to be ditched, but states that he tries to only maintain the road, and that driveways would need to be fixed, so they aren’t washing into the road. After a lengthy discussion, Selectmen Stohl suggested a letter be drawn up to Metallak ATV Club to address these issues, and see if the Club is willing to do repair work on the roads. Selectmen Campbell agreed to draw up the letter. A copy of the letter will also be sent to Keith Smith. The Club meets the first Thursday of every month. Mr. Washburn left meeting at 6:55.
Treasurer, Jennifer Wells, entered meeting at 6:30. She reported her monthly statements, and Selectmen agreed on reports. The letter from Crane & Bell was reviewed and the Selectmen did mention to Mrs. Wells about balancing her accounts using Quickbooks. It was discussed that Mrs. Parkhurst, Town Clerk, uses Quickbooks, and Mrs. Wells balances her statements on paper, and that the two of them could discuss which works best for them. Mrs. Wells left at 7:15.
The letter from Crane & Bell also discussed taxes being taken out for election workers. Two out of the three requirements were met by the town, and the workers are handled as independent contractors.
An enforcement issue concerning Ryan Ouimette and the Planning Board was presented. After discussion, Selectmen Stohl suggested a letter be sent to Mr. Ouimette asking him to come in and discuss the issue in front of the Selectmen.
Selectman Cloutier signed the MS-434.
A letter to Jeremy Ward to remove his gate was presented and signed by the Selectmen.
A Road Liability Waiver for Lewis was signed, notarized, and witnessed.
A road issue of dust from Doma Watson was discussed. Also the potholes near Wally Laro’s, which Selectman Cloutier said was fixed.
An ad will be put in the newspaper requesting bids for plowing the Town Office and the Town Hall.
Selectman Stohl said he had been contacted by Ben Champagne to discuss plowing of the Transfer Station. Mr. Champagne should be sending an email out shortly regarding this.
Appointment forms for Fire Wardens was signed the Selectmen.
The Ski-Bees Trail Permission form was signed, and Gray Road was the only road they could think of to be utilized. Selectman Campbell was considering attending their Appreciation Dinner.
Selectman Stohl said he would contact Millard Crawford to run a new line up the flag pole, since the old rope broke.
Dispatch minutes and email from Selectman Campbell were discussed and the Community Action Report from DRA was reviewed.
Selectman Campbell was approached by Beverly White about using the old Bennett gift shop property for a store and small restaurant. The Selectmen agreed it would be best to let the townspeople decide upon this at town meeting.
The football field not being used was discussed. There are still goal posts on the field, and it has not been mowed. There is also some stuff left behind—a grill, frame, trailer, etc. It was suggested that a letter be sent to Dale McCoy asking if they could keep the field mowed, so it doesn’t look unattended, and if they could clean up their stuff left behind.
Cloutier Sand & Gravel was approached by C.N.Brown to see if they could fix Simms Stream Road after the propane truck accident this past week. Selectman Campbell approved, and Selectman Stohl seconded it. Cloutier was also told that C.N.Brown’s insurance would cover the bill for the fire departments, so there should be no bill for the town.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debra Deblois
