Minutes of Town Meeting and Elections
Town of Harrisville
County of Cheshire
State of New Hampshire
March 12, 2024
Moderator Bryan Kingsbury opened the deliberative session on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 7:00 pm at Wells Memorial School, 235 Chesham Road in Harrisville. He extended special thanks to the School Administration and Staff, the Select Board, Election Officials, Fire & Rescue Personnel, the Police Department, Town Officials and employees, Board and Committee members and volunteers.
The Moderator explained the procedure for voting on individual warrant articles and for offering comments and raising questions throughout the proceedings. He then introduced Select Board Chair Andrew Maneval for presentation of the award for the 2023 Citizen of the Year.
Mr. Maneval spoke to the many years of dedication to the Trails Committee by its chair, Barbara Watkins, emphasizing what her contributions toward the enjoyment of Harrisville’s recreational trails has meant for the town. She has inspired a dedicated group of volunteers along the way, planned, organized, facilitated and spearheaded the work that has resulted in the preservation of the natural beauty and safe access to Harrisville’s magnificent trail system. Town Meeting attendees congratulated Barbara Watkins, Harrisville’s 2023 Citizen of the Year.
A few words were spoken on the importance and role of volunteerism in town, particularly in the area of Fire & Rescue personnel, and Mr. Maneval encouraged anyone interested in serving to please contact the Select Board, the Fire Chief, or any board or committee chair.
Attendees observed a moment of silence for one of Harrisville’s longest serving residents, Alton Chamberlain, who passed away in February. Mr. Chamberlain served in numerous capacities, including as 50-year member of the Fire Department with 14 years as Chief, and as a Police Officer, School Board Chair, and Select Board member. His contributions were wide-ranging and extremely valuable. Alton Chamberlain was so emblematic of this spirit of volunteerism.
Resident Jack Calhoun offered a friendly suggestion to the Select Board. Noting Alton Chamberlain’s involvement in the start-up of many important volunteer efforts, including Future Search, the community newsletter Common Threads, the trails system and other meaningful projects, including the Citizen of the Year Award, Mr. Calhoun suggested that the Select Board rename the Citizen of the year Award the Alton A. Chamberlain Citizen of the Year Award.
Moderator Kingsbury then called attention to the 2024 Town Warrant, introducing the articles as follows:
Article 01 – Election of Officers
Continuing the election of positions voted on by ballot, the Moderator called for a floor vote on the following: Chesham Beach Committee – Judy Gagne, Patrick Gagne; Harrisville Beach Committee – Ranae O’Neil, Scott Oliver, Eric Swope, and Peter Thayer; Harrisville Recreation Committee – Ranae O’Neil and David O’Neil; Old Home Day Committee – Maria Coviello, Jennifer Foreman, Janet Selle, Susan Weller; Fence Viewers – Harrisville Select Board; Fire Wards – Joseph Breidt, Sharon Breidt, David O’Neil, and Jonathan St. Peter; Surveyors of Wood and Lumber – Wesley Tarr, Jr.
The Article was moved and seconded. There was no discussion.
Article 01 PASSED by voice vote.
Article 02 – Zoning Amendments
Voting on proposed zoning amendments was on the Official Ballot with votes to be counted by the Ballot Clerks at the conclusion of the deliberative session.
Article 03 – Expand Recycling at Transfer Station
Will the Town vote to transition the Willard Hill Transfer Station to Single Source Separation, to add staff, to use the Recycling building and equipment we already own to separate, bale, and sell recyclable materials for revenue, to revise the tipping fee set up to include fair pricing per pound of items, and to re-open a “dumptique” shop for donations to benefit the Town Recycling Center? [Non-financial Article. Recommended by the Select Board. Majority vote required.]
Kathy Scott discussed the history of recycling in Harrisville and the Select Board’s interest in returning to recycling as the market and conditions allowed. She shared the work of the Recycling Committee to identify opportunities and recommendations for doing so. Mr. Maneval added support of the article for environmental and financial reasons and for the sense of community that recycling engenders.
Residents expressed concerns and opposition to expanded recycling, citing personal knowledge of the industry, industry research, and reputable news sources, believing the cost of single source separation will outweigh any revenue, and that the revenue projections are not realistic in today’s market; and despite the best intentions, hard work since the 1980s, and the near universal desire to recycle, the extra money expended to do so would be wasted and the recyclables will inevitably end up in a landfill.
Other residents spoke in support, believing it’s worth it for the town to spend a little extra to keep pressure on the plastics manufacturers and for the town to at least do its part until a better recycling solution comes along, even if only some of the sorted material is recycled or earns revenue. Kathy Scott noted the committee visited numerous facilities actively recycling, and has identified purchasers for cardboard, certain plastics, aluminum, cardboard and tires. Residents urged the town to consider that, after all these years, still only 5% of materials worldwide are actually recycled. Several encouraged everyone to rethink purchasing and shopping habits.
Following approximately an hour and ten minutes of discussion eabout the operational, budgetary, staffing and market dynamics, the Moderator called for a vote.
Article 03 PASSED by voice vote.
Article 04 – Operating Budget
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,664,431 for general municipal operations with $100,000 to come from the unassigned fund balance, the balance to come from general taxation. This article does not include appropriations contained in special or individual articles addressed separately. [Recommended by the Select Board. Majority vote required.]
The article was moved and seconded. Andrew Maneval highlighted a few of the changes over 2023, and the board’s work to balance vigilance regarding taxes while needing to maintain and invest in buildings, facilities and equipment.
To questions about tax bills and whether or not taxes would go up based on the proposed budget, Andrea Hodson explained the tax billing and tax rate setting processes, and the relationship to property assessments. In response to comments on the difficulty for many people caused by the 2023 property revaluation and resulting rise in property taxes, the board noted the revaluation process is mandated by state law and the substantial rise in assessed values resulted from the rise in market values of real estate in Harrisville.
Ryan Stone noted the percentage increases in the past several years of operating budgets compared to actual expenditures, the latter consistently increasing by roughly 10%. He urged the board to be more mindful of expenditures. The Select Board commented that the town underspent in 2023 and hopes to underspend in 2024. Further, $100,000 from the town’s fund balance is being used to offset the tax impact for the 2024 budget. The board conservatively estimated revenues, which are not reflected in the operating budget but which affect the overall tax impact. With no further discussion,
Article 04 PASSED by voice vote.
Article 05 – Fund Capital Reserves
To see if the Town will voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $247,000 to be added to the Capital Reserve Funds previously established, and to allocate the sums as follows: $50,000 – Road Equipment; $70,000 –Roads; $100,000 – Fire Equipment; $5,000 – Re-Valuation; $5,000 – Police Equipment; $5,000 – Bridges; $5,000 – Dams; $5,000 – Town Buildings; $2,000 – Gravel Pit Management & Reclamation [Recommended by the Select Board; Majority vote required.]
The article was moved and seconded. With no discussion ensuing,
Article 05 PASSED by voice vote.
The Moderator paused the session for School Moderator Phillip Miner, who announced the results of the Harrisville School District voting as follows: School Board Moderator – Phillip Miner, Elected with 247 votes; District Clerk – Janice Garcia, write-in, Elected with 15 votes; District Treasurer – Kathryn Miner, Elected with 244 votes; School Board, 3-year term – James Phillips, Elected with 240 votes; School Board, 2-year term – John Knight, Elected with 253 votes.
At 8:39 pm, a motion to adjourn the Harrisville School District annual Meeting and to recess until Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 11:00 am was moved, seconded and passed. The Town Moderator applauded the turnout for the School District Meeting, and subsequently returned to the Town Warrant.
Article 06 – Discontinue and Reclassify Church Alley
To see if the Town will vote to discontinue completely as a public highway, pursuant to RSA 231:43, that portion of Church Alley from its intersection with Church Street running south and west to its intersection with the south boundary of Town Tax Map 32, Lot 21 (approximately 170 feet); AND to see if the Town will vote to reclassify as a Class B Trail under RSA 231-A, the remainder of Church Alley from its intersection with the south boundary of Town Tax Map 32, Lot 21, running south to its intersection with School Street (approximately 93 feet).
Under RSA 231-A, a Class B Trail is also a full public right-of-way of indefinite duration subject to public trail use restrictions adopted pursuant to RSA 231-A:4, and does not have the status of a publicly approved street. A Class B Trail is not to be used for vehicular access or for any new or existing building or structure and shall not be used by the owners of land abutting or served by the Class B Trail in any manner inconsistent with applicable public trail use restrictions adopted pursuant to RSA 231-A:4. [Recommended by the Select Board. Majority vote required.]
The article was moved and seconded. Kathy Scott explained the purpose behind the article and the board’s recommendation not to rebuild Church Alley, but to instead cede the land to the property owners and maintain the public right of way for pedestrian access only. The southerly section will revert to Brian Ewing and Marilyn McMaster, and the northern section will revert to Historic Harrisville, which has maintained and will continue to maintain the parking area adjacent to the general store and post office as it sees fit.
Extensive discussion ensued. Numerous questions and concerns were raised about parking, and the need for more of it, and about safety, and the inability to use Church Alley as an egress option. Some felt the proposal is premature and encouraged town collaboration with Historic Harrisville to help resolve traffic flow and parking.
Andrew Maneval stated that, while the ability to drive thru the alley is one small advantage, the danger to vehicles and to neighbors’ properties, and the cost to the town to rebuild it to road specifications and to maintain it result in many more disadvantages. The tax impact of restoring just that section of road is $56,800. The board anticipates residents will become accustomed to its closure to vehicles.
Several neighbors abutting Church Alley, having witnessed many close calls, spoke to the safety issues of vehicles traveling on Church Alley and encouraged support of the article. Erin Hammerstedt noted that Historic Harrisville will do what it can to ensure the parking area is as usable as possible, and will prioritize traffic flow and parking, though adequate funding is necessary. Several suggestions for improvement were made by residents.
At the end of discussion, the Moderator called for a vote on Article 06.
Article 06 PASSED by voice vote.
Article 07 – Village Road Rebuild, Church and School Streets
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $230,000 to repair Church and School Streets, including installing drainage ditches, pipes, catch basins and granite curbing, regrading and repaving, for the purposes of improved drainage, mitigation of stormwater damage, and improving road surface and parking conditions. And further to authorize $125,000 to come from the Roads Capital Reserve Fund, $30,000 to come from unassigned fund balance which represents Highway Block Grants already received, and $75,000 to come from ARPA grant funds. No amount to be raised by taxation. This will be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and will not lapse until the project is complete or December 31, 2026, whichever is sooner. [Recommended by the Select Board. Majority vote required.]
Kathy Scott noted the Road Agent has been the lead on this project, including coordinating with the DOT, to improve stormwater management and to rebuild roads overdue for repair.
Article 07 PASSED by voice vote.
Article 08 – Roads, Church and School Street + Church Alley
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $306,800 to repair Church and School Streets and Church Alley, including installing drainage ditches, pipes, catch basins and granite curbing, regrading and repaving, for the purposes of improved drainage, mitigation of stormwater damage, and road surface and parking improvements. And further to widen Church Alley to 14’ traveled way, 16’ Right-of-Way, establish an easement with the property owner for such, and construct a retaining wall at the southern terminus to meet town road specifications for safe vehicular passage. And further to authorize $125,000 to come from Roads Capital Reserve Fund, $30,000 to come from unassigned fund balance which represents Highway Block Grants already received, $95,000 to come from ARPA funds and $56,800 to come from general taxation. This will be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and will not lapse until the project is complete or December 31, 2026, whichever is sooner. This Article is contingent on Article 06 failing. [Not recommended by the Select Board; Majority vote required.]
Kathy Scott explained that this article was needed in the event that Article 06 failed, and Church Alley was to remain a town road; however, because Article 06 passed, she recommended that the article be passed over.
Article 08 FAILED by voice vote.
Article 09 – Fire Department Brush Truck
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $40,000, to match private donations of the same amount, toward the repair or replacement of the Fire Department brush truck, estimated to cost a total of $80,000. [Recommended by the Select Board. Majority vote required.]
Mr. Maneval explained that the 36 year-old truck needs rebuilding or replacing. Though not used often, it is an important piece of equipment for when it is required. Friends of the Harrisville Fire Service are prepared to fund half of the cost, $40,000, and the Select Board requests approval of the other $40,000. The funds will come from taxation.
Article 09 PASSED by voice vote.
Article 10 – South Road Bridge over the Minnewawa Brook
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $100,000 for the purpose of updating the 2014-15 engineer’s report, prepared by Dubois & King, relating to construction of a replacement bridge for South Road over the Minnewawa Brook. And further to authorize $100,000 to come from the Bridge Capital Reserve Fund. An updated report is required for the Town’s eligibility to receive 100% funding costs to replace the South Road Bridge over the Minnewawa Brook through the federal MOBIL funding program. The amount sought to be raised is the estimated cost of the updated engineer’s report, and will be incurred initially by the Town, with 80 percent to be reimbursed by the State after approval of the finalized plans and specifications and receipt of “municipality-paid” invoices. This special warrant article will be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7 VI and will not lapse until the project is completed or December 31, 2026, whichever is sooner. [Recommended by the Select Board. Majority vote required.]
The article was moved and seconded. Andrea Hodson summarized the history of the bridge, noting its construction in 1950 and its red-listing by the state in 2002 for certain deficiencies, and interim repairs undertaken in 2013. An engineering report was commissioned in 2014, but federal funding to replace the bridge was not available. This article authorizes the board to access the capital reserve fund for an updated engineering design, which will qualify the town for 100% funding of bridge replacement construction, which would otherwise cost the town $1.2 million. Once the design is updated, the town will be reimbursed by the state for 80% of the cost of the engineering update.
Patrick Gagne urged the townspeople to take advantage of the funding while it is available and to support the replacement of the temporary bridge which sits atop the red-listed bridge. With no further discussion,
Article 10 PASSED by voice vote.
Article 11 – Adopt Conflicts of Interest Policy Ordinance
To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to RSA 31:39-a, to adopt as an ordinance the “Town of Harrisville Ethics & Conflicts of Interest Policy” in the form set out in the Annual Report following the 2024 Proposed Budget and as may be amended in the future, to define and regulate conflict of interest policies for Town officials, whether elected or appointed. [Recommended by the Select Board. Majority vote required.]
The article was moved and seconded. Andrew Maneval noted a state law allows towns to pass ordinances related to conflicts of interest. A committee evaluated many different towns’ policies, and drafted a “middle of the road” policy for recommendation to the Select Board. The policy sets forth guidelines for town officials and board and committee members to prevent personal and financial conflicts in the conduct of town business. With no discussion ensuing,
Article 11 PASSED by voice vote.
Article 12 – Modify Elderly Exemption
Do you support modifying, per RSAs 72:33, 72:39-a and 72:39-b, the Town’s Elderly Exemption amount and income and asset qualifications for eligible taxpayers as follows:
i.) Raising the current exemption amount from $20,000 to $50,000 for property owners between the ages of 65 and 74, raising the current exemption amount from $25,000 to $60,000 for property owners between the ages of 75 and 79, and raising the current exemption amount of $30,000 to $70,000 for property owners 80 years of age and older, this exemption being applied toward the assessed value of the qualifying taxpayer’s home; and
ii.) Raising the income and asset qualification levels for single and married taxpayers, such that the current income limit for single taxpayers would be raised from $20,000 to $30,000, the income limit for married taxpayers would be raised from $27,000 to $40,000, and the asset limits for both single taxpayers and combined assets for married taxpayers would be raised from $50,000 to $60,000?
To qualify, the taxpayer must meet the age and eligibility requirements per RSA 72:39-a and RSA 72:39-b, including having reached the age of 65 by April 1 of the tax year for which the application is made.
The article was moved and seconded. The town last updated exemption amounts in 2007 and currently has no taxpayers receiving the elderly exemption. The board proposes updating the qualifications and exemption amounts to help those over 65 manage the tax burden caused by the increased assessed values. Asset valuation is based on gross income, less certain assets as outlined in the RSAs.
Article 12 PASSED by voice vote.
Article 13 – Receive Reports of Agents
To hear reports of agents, committees, and offices chosen and pass any vote related thereto.
Article 13 PASSED by voice vote.
Article 14 – Business Transactions
To transact any business that may legally come before this meeting.
Article 14 PASSED by voice vote.
At 10:04 pm the Moderator called for a motion to close the deliberative session for Town Meeting 2024 to continue with ballot counting. The motion was made, seconded and passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Ann Noyer, Recording Secretary, for Town Clerk Catherine Lovas
March 28, 2024