Select Board
Thursday, October 6, 2022
Meeting Minutes
Select Board: Andrea Hodson, Kathy Scott, Pegg Monahan
Attendees: Kate Neary, Scott Neary, Barbara Watkins, Don Scott, Mary Day Mordecai, Ned Hulbert
Agenda and minutes – The board approved the agenda and the minutes of the previous meeting, with Kathy Scott abstaining on the minutes due to absence.
Eastview Trail and E-bikes – The board met with the property owners, over whose land the town has an easement, to hear concerns about increased e-bike usage along the Eastview Trail. The board, property owners and Trails Group representatives discussed differing perspectives on language in the easement deed describing permitted activities along the trail and language in the state RSAs that defines and classifies e-bikes as similar to bicycles. (see Attachments to SB Minutes of 10-6-2022) The board will consult with town counsel and continue the discussion, focusing on the intent of the easement, where e-bikes fit in and how to proceed from here.
Water sampling at town offices and fire department – As planned in early summer, water samples from the two buildings will be taken to EAI Labs for testing this week.
Transportation Committee (TC) – Mary Day Mordecai and Ned Hulbert updated the board on the school safety zone radar signs, cost estimates and sign locations. They noted the need to electrify at least one of the radars because of inadequate solar access. DOT has approved both sign locations. The TC has requested the town cover the installation expense in order to ensure installation is complete before frost sets in. Funding assistance may also come from the school and/or Southwest Region Planning Commission.
The TC noted the estimated total cost of both radar signs is $4186, including annual operating / electricity charges of approximately $16-$18 per month. This is approx. $1,000 more than originally estimated, which the SB had agreed to cover. Kathy Scott then moved to approve the estimated $1,000 funding for the radar sign expense not covered by the MAST Grant. Pegg Monahan seconded. All voted in favor. The TC will let the SB know about contributions from other sources.
Finance – The SB signed the pay warrant in the amount of $8,862.46 and the payroll warrant in the amount of $22,719.36.
The SB noted the need to raise $921,802 for the town’s portion of County Tax in 2023.
The SB signed the returned check policy charging fee of $25 plus certified mail fees if applicable.
Highway Department – Kathy Scott noted concern expressed during the Conservation Commission meeting that brush cutting along the roads is contributing to the spread of Japanese knotweed. The board will talk to the road crew to see what can be done.
Class VI Roads – Barbara Watkins, representing the Trails Group, requested that the town undertake deed search on the town’s Class VI roads to confirm their classification. Acknowledging the time and cost involved, the trails group is just requesting to start the conversation. The board noted this has been discussed in the past.
Separately, Ms. Watkins also asked the board about the current use discount. Property owners with land in current use who apply for/receive an additional 20% recreational adjustment in exchange for keeping trails open to public use may not under state law post “No Trespassing” signs. The board noted it will post reminders about Current Use requirements.
Employee Manual – The updated manual is being circulated for comments. The board will review all at once in the coming weeks.
Digital billboard project – Pegg Monahan noted the order for the new sign has gone to the vendor, who estimates 4-6 weeks for delivery. She will confer with the Road Agent and Jeff Cady on installation.
Church Alley – The board will invite property owners to meet at the end of October to establish the facts of ownership and road maintenance, and to ascertain next steps.
Assessing – The SB signed the Intent to Cut for Map 51 – Lot 36.
NH Planning and Zoning Regulation Manuals – The board approved the purchase of updated regulation manuals at a cost of $10/each through SWRPC.
Community Conversation on Recycling in Town – Kathy Scott that a Community Conversation is being scheduled for 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 15. Details forthcoming.
At 9:12 pm, the SB moved to continue the meeting to Friday, October 7, at 9:30 am at the Marlborough Town Offices to meet with their Select Board to discuss police operations.