Town of Lisbon
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
Meeting Date: August 13, 2007
Selectmen Present: John Northrop (JN), Ruth Robar (RAR),
Town Administrator: Regan Pride (RP)
Clerk: Barbara Menchin
Chairman Northrop opened the meeting at 6:55 pm.
PUBLIC INPUT:
Patty O’Brien of Pine Ridge Road was requesting permission to sell fireworks from a proposed new building on Pine Ridge Road, Lisbon. According to the town Ordinance she needed either permission from the Board of Selectmen or the Chief of Police. Ms. O’Brien had asked the Chief of Police when she first started this project if he had any problems with her selling fireworks. He had stated “no”. Her builder, Presby Construction had consulted with the fire chief regarding the width of the driveway for protection purposes and the driveways have been amended to coincide with his recommendation. She further stated that this would be a seasonal business and her hours of business would be probably from 10 to 5 but that was not definite. There is a possibility she may have
extended hours during certain times. She is going to be attending the Planning Board Hearing on August 15, 2007 and is looking for an approval on her project with conditions that have to be met with the State. Regarding signs for her facility, she stated that the owner of Fireside Hearth would allow her a sign on his and also she thought perhaps a sing on her building. Was not sure on this subject yet. RAR asked why she was asking for the permission before the planning board. Ms. O’Brien said because the ordinance was did not state which she should do first, she decided to just ask. JN and RAR both stated they had no problems with allowing her to sell her product but would prefer she get approval from the Planning Board first. After approval, the Board will write up permission in writing. The select board welcomed her to the town.
SELECTMEN’S MATTERS:
RAR asked if perhaps RP could contact Steve Colby regarding Trustee of the Trust Fund.
RAR asked for clarification on the “elderly exemption” on property taxes. RP explained that a person qualifies by age and by income level. The assessed value of the property is reduced by a specified amount. The town has never voted in the optional exemption for disabled persons (RSA 72:37-b). Under RSA 72:35, however, there is a tax credit for disabled veterans in the amount of $700.
RAR requested she be allowed to attend the Municipal Law Lecture Series that is to be in September. JN approved.
RAR asked about the water/wastewater bills and when they may be sent out as she noticed that the meters have been read. RP stated he had promised the Town Clerk he would have the commitment ready for signatures on August 20, 2007.
RAR asked about the MS 1 and the MS 4 forms that have to be submitted to the Department of Revenue by September 1 or the town could be fined $100.00 per day.
RAR asked if the Board should still be speaking with Mr. Butch Burbank regarding the liability policy. The Clerk to call Mr. Burbank to set up an appointment for him to visit the town and answer the Board’s questions. The preferred day would be a Tuesday around 1 pm.
JN asked RP to contact the town of Littleton regarding the Grant monies they received for their air system they had installed to help with exhaust from Fire Trucks, etc.
RAR wants to check further into ADA compliance and possibly the costs of a lift or elevator. JN suggested perhaps an engineer be contacted.
DEPARTMENT HEAD: None
CLERK’S MATTERS:
Mr. Jeff Gould was in to see RP regarding the recent letter he received through the town clerk regarding an unpaid water/wastewater bill. BM explained to him that the bill was a generic bill that gets generated to all those who have an outstanding balance. He also wanted to know when he may see a new meter installed.
JN asked the clerk what was happening with the Ed Rasicot trailer on Presby Road. She stated she was waiting for council to call back with what should be done.
The clerk notified the Board that per the Tax Collector, there is $78,000.00 worth of unpaid water/wastewater bills.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S MATTERS:
Regarding Mr. Jeff Gould and his new meter, it is on the list. RP stated that he would send the old meter to EJ Prescott to test the old meter to see if it was functioning properly. If it is found that the meter is functioning properly, then Mr. Gould would be billed accordingly.
RP spoke of the up coming hearing on Friday, August 17 regarding the Barbara Baines property. He stated he had a previous obligation and may not be able to attend. He requested JN to attend. JN stated he would not be able to attend. RP had spoken with Andre Caron housing coordinator, City of Berlin. He stated that there could be two options of removing Ms. Baines. #1 would be a Health Officer action to deem the property unhealthy and #2 would be the building inspector to state that the property is unsafe to live in.
Surveyor, Mr. Harry Burgess, was in the selectmen’s office regarding a piece of property. RP asked if Mr. Burgess would be interested in the Lisbon/Sugar Hill perambulation. Mr. Burgess stated that he had the old records and would be very interested in this. RP to get back to him in the near future.
RP received a letter back from the Trustees of the Trust Fund regarding the Buffington Fund. They plan on staying with Bank North. RP to contact Peter Nightingale.
Aldis Wright had a suggestion regarding street numbers. He asked if there could be an ordinance regarding street numbers. RP to call LGC to see if there needs to be a warrant.
RP presented information from the US Census Bureau regarding the “Local Update of Census Addresses” (LUCA) program. Participation is estimated to require 100+ hours, and RP asked if this would be something the board would like to pursue. It was decided to not participate in the program at this time.
RP stated he had been looking into the costs of the operating the former Railroad Station building. He recommends that it should be put under the Parks and Recreation budget category as that would follow along with the state guidelines. Main Street to possibly rent space. JN stated that it would probably take a year of operation to find the true costs of operation.
RAR moved and JN 2nd to enter non-public session per RSA 91-A: 3, II (c) for the purpose of discussing a Buffington Fund Application. All voted in favor.
Resumed public session:
Motion made by RAR to seal the minutes of the non-public meeting. 2nd by JN. All in favor.
Motion made by JN to adjourn meeting. 2nd by RAR. All voted in favor. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm
| 
