Meeting location: Town offices
Date: January 18, 2018
Members present: Jay Jacobs, Andrew Maneval, Jonathan Miner
Meeting opened: 6:45 pm; Meeting continued: 9:15 pm until Tuesday, January 23 at 9:00 am to discuss budget-related matters

Members of the public: Don Scott, Cathy Scott, Chief Driscoll, Wes Tarr, Gus Lerandeau, Barbara Watkins, Mary Day Mordecai, Ned Hulbert, Erin Hammerstedt

Public Hearing on Parking Violations
At 6:45 pm the SB opened its hearing on the matter of public fines on town roads. The public hearing was attended by Chief Driscoll and Don and Cathy Scott. After fielding comments from the Police Department and from the public, Selectman Maneval moved to conclude public input on the matter. Seconded by Jon Miner. All voted in favor.

Andrew Maneval then moved to amend several of the town’s ordinances, including the “parked car on public highway interfering with traffic flow” ordinance, entered on the public books on 5/29/1975 as amended 7/27/1989, as follows: “The fine for parking violations on town roads in Harrisville shall be $25 per violation, with increases determined as appropriate by the Police Department to conform with the timing and manner of payment of such fines.  In addition, we amend the ordinance titled “Parking at Town Bridge”, placed on the books on 5/16/1974, to conform to the amount of fines as previously stated. This change in fines will apply from here forward to all parking violations of any town roads in the Town of Harrisville. The motion was seconded by Jon Miner. All voted in favor.

SB requests that Angela Hendrickson take this minuted amendment to our ordinance and file a copy with the Town Clerk, put a copy in the “Road File”, and provide a copy to the Harrisville Police Department.

At 7:07 pm, Selectman Maneval moved to adjourn the public hearing. SB continued with its regular meeting as follows:

Documents signed or reviewed:
SB signed Select Board Meeting Minutes for January 11, 2018.

SB noted the letter from Anne Howe regarding paving Mason Road and noted that the road is not currently being contemplated by the town for paving in 2018.

SB acknowledged receipt of the resident’s letter with a complaint about an unleashed dog in the neighborhood going to the bathroom on her yard and not being cleaned up after.  A copy has been provided to the Police Department.

Eversource – SB acknowledged receipt of the letter from Mark Coleman of Eversource about the light and upgraded power. Separately, SB acknowledged receipt of a reply from Laurel Boivin answering a question whether Historic Harrisville could take over street light system and the answer was no, that it has to be a municipality.

Departments, Boards and Committees:
Highway Department – SB met with the Road Agent and Gus Lerandeau to discuss estimates for road paving projects near and long term. The group discussed potential costs and priorities for road improvements and the possibility of a Warrant Article for 2018 Town Meeting. No immediate action was taken.

Transportation Committee –  Committee members met with the SB to discuss adoption of the Complete Streets Resolution by the SB. Committee members emphasized that they were guidelines and not a mandate that provided a helpful framework for considering transportation projects and issues that promote safety, health and economic vitality. SB discussed its role and responsibilities regarding regular road maintenance and the need to be able to make decisions in a timely manner and to prepare items for Town Meeting. In addition, the group discussed the role and value of public input. Edits to the document were suggested, including reconsideration by the SB after one year, after which Selectman Miner moved to accept the Complete Streets Resolution on the condition of the amendment adding the words “and infrastructure” and adding the requirement that it lapse after one year.  All voted in favor.

Subsequently, Andrew Maneval updated Transportation Committee on its discussions with the Road Agent regarding estimates for road work and potential roads to be improved in 2018.

Conservation Commission – SB acknowledged receipt of January 3 meeting minutes and the email from Winston Sims.

Planning Board – SB acknowledged receipt of January 10 meeting minutes.

Other Business:
A propos of the problem of water being pumped into School Street, Selectman Maneval will draft a letter to the landowner, with copies to the SB, the Police Department and the Highway Department, regarding the dangers, responsibilities and liabilities with respect to such conduct.

Street Lights – Given that the test bulb is still not installed by the red barn, SB postponed further decision until the light is installed and viewed. It is expected to be installed next week.

Upcoming:
January 23 – Cemetery Meeting at 6:00 pm.
February 1 – SB Budget Hearing at 6:30 pm.
March 13 – Town Meeting at Wells Memorial School
September 11 – Primary Elections at Town Offices
November 6 – General Elections at Town Offices