Select Board
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Meeting Minutes

Select Board: Andrew Maneval, Andrea Hodson, Kathy Scott
Attendees: Barbara Watkins, Earl Horn, Don Scott, Mitchell Shlyaktychenko, Mary Day Mordecai, Ned Hulbert, Les LaMois, Paul Clark

Agenda, minutes of 4/19 – The board approved the agenda. On the minutes of April 19, the board approved with the following additions from Kathy Scott: Pertaining to the discussion with the Transportation Committee, Kathy Scott reported on the existence of a Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) within the Southwest Region Planning Commission. Harrisville is not currently represented. Ms. Scott had also stated that her research indicates that most towns use their local planning commission as their advisor for transportation issues. Her inquiry to NH Municipal Association resulted in a suggestion that the line of reporting of a town’s Transportation Committee – whether to the Select Board or the Planning Board –  should be based on the focus of  the committee’s work: if it’s grant-driven, then reporting to the Select Board would make more sense; if planning of roads or complete streets is its main focus, then working under the Planning Board is more logical.

Recycling Center – The board expressed sincere thanks to Nick Colony and Harrisville Designs for their donation of a pallet stacker to the Recycling Center.  Kathy Scott reported that facility improvements to date include installation of windows, interior remodeling and repairs to the main building entranceway. The RC committee requests that the Energy Committee consider a solar installation to help with the increased electrical use once recycling operations begin. They also request that the SB consider a payment card reader for tipping fees, as discarded items will be weighed and priced at $.20/lb, and to re-install the computer in the RC office.  Donations of paint are still needed. The committee continues to recruit for an additional employee. They meet again Tues 5/21 from 5-7 pm.

Andrea Hodson suggested the RC Committee review and adapt the rules of procedure from Walpole’s facility; she also offered to consult with the EAC on options to change the heating system and potential for solar power.

Note: Public Hearing, Thursday, May 23, at 7:00 pm. The Select Board will consider and seek public input on possible changes to hours of operation, and also discuss the timetable for facility transition and staffing.

Trails Group – Reporting for the Conservation Commission, Don Scott noted that the commission ended its Request for Proposals for repairs to the Town Rail Trail, since the Trails Group withdrew its request for town funding.  The SB expressed gratitude for the generous, anonymous private donation and the resulting ability of the Conservation Commission to retain its funds for other town uses. Separately, Andrew Maneval noted he will raise with the HCC at its next meeting the topic of managing knotweed and other invasive plants.

Housing research project – Ned Hulbert and Paul Clark discussed their aim to embark on a housing research project, a process that would engage as many community members as possible to help solve the housing crisis. They requested feedback from the Select Board on what board members see as the biggest challenges to creating affordable housing in town in the context of the goals outlined in the town’s Master Plan – e.g., preservation of natural and historic resources, infrastructure, economic viability and local food production among others.

Mr. Hulbert reiterated JB Mack of SWRPC’s offer to assist with a survey of the community on housing needs and issues, and to make recommendations based on the research findings. Following this, a working group would be developed to implement the recommendations.  Following discussion, Andrea Hodson moved to endorse the proposed housing research project. Andrew Maneval seconded. All voted in favor.

Grants update – Andrea Hodson noted the annual ARPA funds accounting report was filed. The Town’s fund commitments for the Church and School Streets project are due by this December. The balance remaining is approximately $70K after nearly $4K for culverts and $25,5K for the GIS (Geographic Information System) culvert mapping project.

Other grant work pending includes application for federal rebate for expenses on solar, and traiing and processing for the South Road bridge replacement project.  The letter of intent to apply for generator funding for the Highway Barn is due June 7.

Finance Specialist position – The board is in the candidate evaluation process, which includes reviewing and screening submissions, interviews, selection and reference checking, and hopes to complete hiring by mid-June. Eight applications have been submitted to date.

Correspondence and other business
-The board signed the pay warrant in the amount of $73,512.74.
-The SB signed appointment letters for two Recycling Center hires.
-The board signed the Timber Tax bill for Map 20 – Lot 2 and an application for Veteran’s credit.
-The board noted the letter of resignation from Jeff Cady as head of the Safety Committee. The committee will discuss a recommendation for succession at its next meeting.
-In response to Eversource’s request for a public hearing for tree trimming on scenic roads in town, the board will propose Friday, May 31, at 9:00 am.

SB Meeting Calendar – The board will meet Thurs 6/6, and 6/13 at 7pm, and Fri 6/28 at 9am.

At 8:55 pm, per 91-A:3II(c), the board moved and voted unanimously in favor to enter non-public session to discuss a complaint.  At 9:00 pm, the board voted unanimously in favor to exit non-public session and moved and voted in favor to seal the minutes of the discussion.

The meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm.