Meeting location: Town offices
Date: December 14, 2017
Members present: Jay Jacobs, Andrew Maneval, Jonathan Miner
Meeting opened: 7:00 pm. Meeting adjourned: 9:15 pm.

Members of the public: Mark Fraser and Marc Coleman from Eversource, Charles Michal, Winston Sims, Sherry Sims, Ned Hulbert

Documents signed and reviewed:
SB signed weekly financials in the amount of $6,909.93.

SB signed the meeting minutes for November 30, 2017.

SB noted the lab report for the corings done on Hancock Road and Willard Hill Road.

SB acknowledged receipt of the Power Quality Analysis Report from Eversource.

SB signed the forms from John Hancock for return of funds for overpayment to an employee.

Departments, Boards and Committees:
Building Inspector – SB noted signed building permit for Christopher Tremblay of 86 Silver Road.

Conservation Commission – SB acknowledged receipt of NHDES Municipal Eco Link for Nov/Dec and emails related to this subject and requests that the HCC keep the SB apprised of any actions or remedies it proposes. Separately, SB noted the email from Winston Sims regarding Community Conversation and the HCC Meeting Minutes for December 6, 2017. Regarding the Patton property, SB would be in favor of accepting a gift but has not heard from attorneys on the matter. Finally, the SB approved the proposed budget for the HCC for inclusion in the proposed Town Budget.

Common Threads – SB noted the December/January Newsletter. Separately, the SB acknowledged receipt of the email on Vietnam and Military Services veterans and requests that Angela Hendrickson create a file regarding the collection of this information. Once the SB has the chance to consider the suggestion regarding the Social Security number identification, it can complete the process of identifying additional veterans and move forward with the preparation of a plaque.

Historic District Commission – SB acknowledged receipt of email from Doug Walker regarding the street light meeting as well as the notice of site visit for 21 Canal Street (Map 32-Lot 30). SB requests that this be left in the bin for next week.

Planning Board – Sherry Sims and Ned Hulbert met with Selectmen to discuss the PB’s proposed 2018 budget. Regarding zoning ordinance revisions, the group discussed expenditures for hiring an outside expert to evaluate current and proposed draft ordinances and make recommendations how to proceed. Subsequently, Andrew Maneval made a motion to approve a $2,500.00 item for professional services for the Planning Board’s budget for 2018.  Jon Miner seconded. All voted in favor. Officials also discussed the Transportation Committee, expressing differing opinions on its focus to date and its objectives for moving forward. The idea of a $5 vehicle registration tax, supported by NH RSAs to fund transportation initiatives, is being deferred by the PB for the time being.

School Board – SB noted notice of special meeting for Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 5:30 pm.

Tax Assessor – Jon Miner moved that the SB conditionally choose the proposal presented by Dave Marizoff of Westmoreland for the 2018 revaluation of the town’s property assessments. The conditional approval covers that Dave Marizoff and his firm (M&N Assessing Services) would represent the town in the event of abatements and in front of the BTLA. Andrew Maneval seconded. Vote carried. SB asks Angela Hendrickson to advise the Tax Assessor of this approval so she can be in touch with Mr. Marizoff.

Other Business:

Cheshire County Board of Commissioners – The SB noted that the proposed 2018 budget is $50.5 million, representing an increase of approximately $4.6 million over 2017. This is described as the first  significant increase in taxes since 2012, with an overall tax increase of 1.83% over the last six years, with respect to bonding the new nursing home project.

 Eversource – Mark Fraser met with the Selectmen to discuss replacement of a wire and installation of a utility pole, at no cost to the town, in the parking lot of town offices. Eversource will coordinate with Road Agent to schedule the work.

NH Lottery – SB acknowledged receipt of the request to allow the operation of KENO 603 but noted the town’s zoning regulations are incompatible with the activity.

NHRS – SB acknowledged receipt of Legislative Bulletin Update

NH PDIP – SB noted Investment Rate and Benefits

Fairpoint – SB noted that effective December 1, 2017 the federal line charge will increase on residential main and additional telephone lines.

Harris Center – SB noted flyer.

NHDES – SB acknowledged receipt of the email regarding public information meeting for Wednesday, January 10, 2018.

Primex Property & Liability – Regarding the Contribution Assurance Program, the SB put the proposed agreement back in bin for discussion at next week’s SB meeting.

SB acknowledged receipt of Public Notice for meeting for 2019-2028 Ten Year Plan.

Public Works – Regarding the Final 411 document for pavement repair estimates and the Road Agent’s notes, SB requests that this be left in the bin for discussion next week.

Upcoming:
December 21 – The Town Clerk will meet with the SB to introduce the new Deputy Town Clerk.
December 25 – Christmas Day