Select Board
Friday, March 29, 2024
Meeting Minutes

Select Board: Andrew Maneval, Andrea Hodson, Kathy Scott
Attendees:  Katie Hamon, Don Scott, Police Chief Steve LaMears, Road Agent Wes Tarr

The meeting opened at 9:00 am.

Agenda, Minutes of 3/21 – With the addition of the pay warrant, the board approved the agenda. The board approved the minutes as submitted.

Energy & Electric Aggregation Committee, 2023 Warrant Article 10 – The solar Installation at the highway barn started this week.  The EEAC has considered options for integrating the new array into the town’s circuit and presented its recommendation to group net meter, and to keep the town hall solar array on Eversource and move the highway barn meter to Eversource for now, with all other town accounts remaining on Community Power as they are now.

Following discussion, Andrew Maneval moved to accept the EEAC’s recommendation to group net meter all town accounts, and move the highway barn meter to Eversource, with the board’s opting not to establish a separate revolving account for the highway barn array. All voted in favor. The SB thanked Katie Hamon and the Committee for its work, authorizing Andrea Hodson to follow up with the required paperwork.

Police Department – Chief LaMears noted that Officer-in-Training Matt Perry is half-way through the academy and that this may be the academy’s last part-time class. Should the academy implement this plan, the town would still be able to hire part-time officers who already are certified/trained.

-On the need to replace the PD debit card, the SB will revisit and look at cost of a credit card, but requested that the Chief work with the Treasurer to have the PD debit card re-issued.

-On the plan for the County to install a two-way radio tower on Cobb Hill for police, fire and highway use, the board agreed Chief LaMears should explore options for a town installation.

-The Chief noted the increased number of service calls versus in past years, attributing this likely to the full-time presence in town.

– The board approved authorizing access by Erin Hammerstedt, Historic Harrisville Executive Director, to the Code Red Alert System for notifications to dam managers downstream in the event of dam emergencies. The board further agreed with the Chief’s and Emergency Management Director’s recommendation to remain with Code Red versus signing on to the state’s new system.

Highway Department – The Road Agent and SB discussed staffing for the budgeted part-time position, and will finalize the job description.  Separately, the Road Agent noted that in 2025 the body of the 2009 dump truck will need replacing, anticipating a cost of $50,000.

-On completion of work on Eastside Road, once the ground thaws, the Highway Dept will clean the culverts and add stone as needed. The Road Agent has graded.

-On the Village Road project, 2024 Warrant Article 7, Mr. Tarr will order piping next week, and granite curbing as it makes sense to obtain the best price.  The board and Road Agent would like, if possible, to keep Church Alley open through the construction process in order to manage traffic flow. Mr. Maneval will check with town counsel in light of the town vote to discontinue this road. Andrea Hodson recommends posting signage during the transition.

Recycling Center –The RC Committee recommends hiring Ben Hoy. The SB agreed and will draft the appointment letter for him to start April 1. The RC Committee will meet frequently up to launch of expanded operations and will recommend a plan to the SB for volunteer assistance.

Oaths of Office and Conflicts of Interest Policy – Andrew Maneval will connect with Cathy Lovas on obtaining officials’ signatures on the Conflicts of Interest Policy.

-SB signed oaths of office for newly appointed or re-appointed board and committee members as follows: Planning Board – Ryan Stone and Lisa Anderson; Zoning Board – Patrick Gagne and Mary Ann Noyer (alternate); Historic District Commission – Rex Baker and Noel Greiner; Energy & Electric Aggregation Committee – Katie Hamon; Agricultural Commission – Deirdre Oliver; Cemetery Trustee – Sonja Bianchi; Forest Fire Wardens – Joseph Breidt, Wayne Derosia, Russell Driscoll, and David O’Neil.

Correspondence and other business
– The SB signed the pay warrant in the amount of $62,043.58. Separately, the board noted the payroll and pay warrant functions will be handled by the office administrative assistant as the SB considers how the broader finance position is filled.
– Mr. Maneval noted the Housing Appeals Board issued orders for a pre-hearing conference and hearing on the merits, scheduled for April 16 and April 30 respectively, in the matter of John and Anne Cucchi vs. Zoning Board of Adjustment.
– The SB acknowledged receipt of the Shoreland Permit Application for John and Jennie Newcombe.
-The SB moved and voted in favor to approve the closing of town hall to the public on Mondays, effective April 8. This change will be posted on the website and at the post office and does not affect Town Clerk hours of operation.

The meeting adjourned at 10:40 am.