Town of Lisbon
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
June 6, 2005
7:20 pm Meeting Opened
Selectmen Present: R. Pride and J. Northrop. Absent: J. Hite
Clerk: W. Johnson
Media: None
Barbara Baines and her attorney Ruth Heinz addressed the Board regarding the pending tax deeding of Barbara’s property located on School Street. The Board expressed their concern about continuing to abate and/or defer her property taxes and utility bills to prevent the deeding when she continues to have people living with her who do not pay any rent to help make the tax and utility payments. The Board is sympathic to Barbara’s situation and would consider deferring or abating her taxes and/or utilities again if she was the sole benefactor of the action. However the Board does not feel they can extend these benefits to the other occupants of the home if they are not contributing to supporting her welfare. It was agreed that Attorney Heinz would discuss the matter of having the tenants leave if the Board would
consider an abatement and/or deferral again. The Board agreed to have the tax collector delay the deeding of the property for a couple of weeks until Barbara makes a decision on the other occupants/tenants. Attorney Heinz will provide a letter to the Board regarding the decision before the next Board meeting on the 13th. Attorney Heinz and Ms. Baines left the meeting at 7:25 pm
K. Clement, DPW supervisor, gave a brief report on the activities of his department including: winter sand is now being put up, paving of Cole Plain Road and other locations will begin next week weather permitting, crushing approximately 3,000 yards of old asphalt will begin this month, new 1-ton truck is being fitted with accessories in Concord and should be ready be the end of June, working with Kim O’Connor from SAU on student career program started last year, worked with WJ on submitting figures for snow emergency reimbursement for some costs of February snow storm, working with WJ on problem with Verizon moving lines and removing poles, boulders to use on Barrett Street retaining wall at Hudson property have been secured allowing the savings of the cost of the block wall originally planned and the savings will
be used for additional paving, AHEAD projects need inspection of the roads to be sure they are cleaned and repaired as agreed as promised. KC left the meeting at 7:35 pm.
Chairman Pride opened a public hearing per RSA 31:95-b to discuss expending unanticipated grant funds received and awarded this year. Funds include: NH Fish and Games funds for ATV enforcement $4500, additional DOT funding from the Transportation Enhancement program for the restoration of the former railroad station $50,000, NH Division of Historic Resources $5875 for the railroad station, USDA Rural Development for the railroad station $25,000. There was no public in attendance for the hearing and no comments received. RP declared the hearing closed. JN moved and RP 2nd to expend the funds received for the designated projects. So voted all.
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
June 6, 2005
Page 2
Rob Brooks addressed the Board regarding some confusion over his intent to cut and timber tax. He stated he intended to use 10,000 MBF of pine for construction of a camp on land he owns on Hodge Hill Road but did not declare his intent on the Intent to Cut form. WJ suggested he contact Board assistant Donna Clark to discuss the matter as she is familiar with the forms and the procedures for cutting timber.
Prudy Piechota addressed the Board regarding a problem with a drain located on her property and the possibility of septage leaking onto her property across from her home. WJ reported there are no septic systems in that area as it is serviced by municipal sewer and has been for many years. WJ will report the concern to K. Clement to investigate. Ms. Piechota also expressed a concern regarding cars traveling at 50 MPH on Riverside Av. RP questioned if the matter was reported to the Police and the answer was no. The Board strongly encouraged her to report the matter to the police for action and let the Board know if there is no response. A question about placing boulders on her property was discussed and it was noted by WJ that the zoning ordinance only addresses buildings for complying with setbacks and boulders do not have
to meet setback minimums. However they must not be in the Town’s right of way.
8:00 pm County Commissioner Ray Burton addressed the Board regarding the state of county government in Grafton County. Commissioner Burton provided informational and budget reports to all Board members and discussed the several functions of county government. RB mentioned the budget increase is 4.5% this year mostly due to personnel matters including increases in prison staff and wages and benefits. Prison inmates are available to do work in area communities such as roadside liter pick up etc. WJ asked if there is any possibility for the county to recoup the cost of incarcerating inmates from them or their families to help off set the cost of the facility. RB will look into the question and report back. In answer to a follow-up question from WJ on the status of the wall at the brick church on Main Street there is still no
response from DOT Commissioner Murray on who owns the wall and who will repair it. RB would inquire about the matter.
WJ reported the water system chemical feed building was moving along on schedule. Construction on the railroad station began today. No additional info on Marshall v Town of Lisbon to report.
JN moved and RP 2nd to move to non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II © to discuss four Buffington Fund applications. So voted all. Pride yes, Northrop yes.
RESUMED PUBLIC SESSION
Minutes of the public session are sealed.
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
June 6, 2005
Page 3
WJ reported on a new junior firefighter program under the direction of Jeff Dodge. Three members as of now are participating. The program is for 16 to 18 year olds.
WJ requested Board approval to reduce the fees for the Town recreation program. The program would run 8 weeks beginning June 27, hours are 7 am to 3 pm and the fee would be $25 per child for the season for Lisbon residents and $50 for non-residents. Hopefully this reduction in fees would increase the participation in the program. JN moved and RP 2nd to approve the changes as proposed for this year’s program. So voted all.
Adjourned at 9:15 pm.
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