Select Board
Friday, June 28, 2024
Meeting Minutes

Select Board:  Andrew Maneval, Kathy Scott, Andrea Hodson
Attendees: Code Enforcement Officer Mike Wilder, Cemetery Trustee Chair Leslie Downing, Road Agent Wes Tarr, Police Chief Steve LaMears, EMD Jeff Cady, Town Clerk Cathy Lovas, Tax Collector Karen Castelli, Treasurer Anne Havill, Finance Specialist Mitch Shlyaktychenko, Fire Chief Wayne Derosia, RC Manager Ben Hoy, Eversource Representative Kevin Maurer, Don Scott, Katherine Upton, Weston Parker

Agenda, minutes of 6/13 – With suggestions to move the cemetery item up to #2, add a Community Power update and a question about the culvert inventory, and add updates on the Recycling Center and Eastside Road, the board moved to approve the agenda as amended.  The board approved the minutes of June 13.

Code Enforcement – Mike Wilder informed the board of code violations related to an unpermitted accessory structure that also violates setbacks and sanitary regulations. Following discussion, Andrea Hodson moved to endorse the Code Enforcement Officer’s recommendation to send a letter to the property owner, and to delegate Andrew Maneval to follow up. All voted in favor.

Cemetery Trustees – The board confirmed with Leslie Downing the Cemetery Trustees’ authority over cemetery maintenance and grounds keeping and clarified the payroll process for employees of multiple departments.

Eversource Public Hearing, Tree Trimming on Town and Scenic Roads
At 9:12 am, the board opened a public hearing for a proposal from Eversource to trim trees along town and scenic roads. Kevin Maurer for Eversource explained that the inspection of trees is incomplete at this time, though he conducted a preliminary inspection of hazardous trees along Brown Road. Eversource requested approval for normal trimming and standard maintenance along scenic roads for 2024-25, but not for removal of hazardous trees, which are handled separately.

The board reviewed with Mr. Maurer the process and different timetables for removal of hazardous trees, and how property owners are contacted. Brown Road residents and the board asked for more immediate removal of the hazardous trees, which had been marked by the town and discussed with Eversource previously given the safety concerns. Residents thanked Eversource for the prompt responses in the past and expressed appreciation for their work and support for the routine trimming.

Mr. Maurer explained that the 5-year maintenance rotation for trimming is mandated by the state. He would like separately to inspect every scenic road for hazardous trees, determine which are within the right-of-way, and submit the information to the board within 2-3 months. The board requested that this be done sooner, as hazardous trees are the board’s priority. The Road Agent confirmed that many need to come down and, for those in the ROW, the town has to outsource the work.

At 9:23, the board closed the public hearing for deliberation on the request to trim. Following discussion, Andrew Maneval moved to approve authorization for Eversource to trim over the next two years and to express concern about hazardous trees and the need for these to be identified at the earliest possible time. Andrea Hodson seconded. During discussion the board agreed it would like confirmation about property owner agreement or denial to the proposed removal. Mr. Maurer confirmed property owners have 45 days to respond to Eversource’s proposal, and confirmed he will complete the hazardous tree inventory within the next month. The SB voted 2-1 in favor of the motion, with Ms. Hodson opposed, stating the SB should support and endorse what property owners have approved or not. The Admin Assistant will draft a letter to Eversource indicating interest in working with Mr. Maurer and Eversource to identify hazardous trees on the town’s designated scenic roads.

Department Heads Meeting – Department Heads shared updates and their requests to the board.  Treasurer Anne Havill recommended the appointment of a Deputy Treasurer. The board endorsed the recommendation and moved to appoint Melinda “Mindy” O’Donnell as Deputy Treasurer. All voted in favor. Andrea will draft the appointment letter.

Cemetery Trustees – The board conferred with Leslie Downing about dog walking in Island Cemetery. She confirmed that signage is posted requiring leashing and picking up and the Trustees support the status quo at this time as so many villagers express gratitude for the opportunity to walk their dogs there.  The SB will consider a reminder in Common Threads about proper dog walking etiquette.

Cathy Lovas requested that a “NO OUTLET” sign replace the existing “Cemetery Access Only” sign adjacent to the Church, as visitors continue to mistakenly drive down Island Street believing it’s either boat ramp access or a thru street. Mr. Maneval recommended discussing with the Road Agent and PD.

Police Department – Chief LaMears shared an update on beach parking and enforcement of violations. The SB noted it welcomes recommendations from the Police Chief and Beach Committees. The board confirmed that enforcement of parking is the most practical means of enforcing beach use for Town residents, property owners, renters and their families and guests only.  The board separately noted it endorsed the Chief’s recommendation on a shared violation (between two vehicle owners) for violators who pleaded their case.

Chief LaMears also shared the ongoing positive feedback he has received on the traffic calming measures along Hancock Road, emphasizing that this was a trial that is resulting in reduced speed.

Highway Department – On the recent drainage issue on Breed and Eastside Roads, the board and Road Agent confirmed state jurisdiction over Breed Road, though the state is short on resources to enlarge the catch basins. The town will continue its maintenance of the culverts and ditches on town roads. The SB proposed drafting a letter to the DOT describing the drainage issue and problem locations, and requesting advisement from the state, and requested Mr. Scott draft for board review, as he has closely studied the site.

The Road Agent confirmed the town’s culvert inventory conducted by SWRPC is complete for both paved and dirt roads, and that Brian Tarr has been updating the information to reflect the ongoing Highway Dept maintenance.

The SB noted Mr. Hersey’s request for a mirror on the state road at the bottom of Willard Hill, noting it’s a matter for state consideration given the proposed location along the state road.

Town Clerk – Cathy Lovas thanked Officer Perry, Chief LaMears and Chief Derosia for their help organizing and participating in the successful Bike Safety Rally along Canal Street on the last day of school.   On dog license violations, the SB authorized the Police Dept beginning July 1 to pursue civil forfeiture as required by state law, on owners who have not obtained licenses from the Town Clerk.

Fire Department – Chief Derosia reported the Tanker truck is back in service and the new brush truck chassis will arrive next month. The Chief is looking into a FD notification system called “I am responding,” which lets Fire Dept members know who is responding to calls. The Chief confirmed the money is in the budget and the SB agreed that it’s a useful system.

Separately the Fire Chief requested that any decision made or any change to any policy is communicated promptly to department heads and employees. The board agreed, adding that decisions by other boards or committees that don’t flow through the SB should also be communicated by the SB office. The SB will continue to hold department head meetings at least once per quarter.

Emergency Management – Jeff Cady noted the Town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved by FEMA and requested SB signature to the resolution adopting the updated plan. The SB signed. Mr. Cady will distribute copies of the plan to the relevant departments.

Facilities update – The mini-split will be installed in the conference room. Mr. Cady will continue to explore an appropriate and agreeable location for the library unit, as any location obstructing the scenic village view is not supported. Mr. Cady will also explore a water leak on the back side of the building.

Code Enforcement – Mike Wilder reiterated his request for the Ordinance Review Committee and Planning Board to address the need for language regulating mini homes, currently treated as accessory dwelling units.  The board confirmed this is on the list of topics for the ORC to address.

On code violations in Chesham, Mr. Maneval will draft a letter to relevant property owners.

Recycle Center – Ben Hoy shared input on opening of the updated facility, traffic flow and safety of employees and visitors. He feels it went smoothly for the first day with the new traffic pattern, and overall was a big success. RC Committee volunteers were on hand to assist.

Asked for their input, Chief LaMears noted his only concern remains that the backing up of vehicles out of parking spaces poses a danger.  He also requests updated safety procedures for the facility in light of the expanded operations.

In the coming year the RC hopes the Highway Department can enlarge the parking area. Separately, MDS has offered to help pull the storage trailer if the Highway Dept can help push it. MDS also suggested a dock to facilitate waste removal. On fire safety, Monadnock Security will be installing an alarm. They were on site last week to address emergency lighting, heat alarm and required fire safety and detection measures. Mr. Cady awaits quotes, raising the concern that these items could be costly and were not budgeted. The board will discuss whether these items fall under the Recycling or General Government budget lines, and otherwise agreed with the Building Inspector that the building must meet code requirements or can’t be occupied. Mr. Wilder will meet with RC Manager Ben Hoy.

Finally, the RC Manager noted the Skid steer is not running reliably and needs a new battery, which the manager recommends.  Estimated cost is $400-$500. The board suggested Mr. Hoy consider the purchase or identify an alternative option. The board will discuss any budget overage.

Addressing safety concerns and the request for updated safety procedures, Ben Hoy and Kathy Scott noted these are in the works and that the procedures dovetail with both OSHA and DES requirements. Mr. Hoy also will reconfirm certification and licensing requirements for equipment. The Manager and RC Committee will look into a publishable set of regulations for safety of employees and the public and get back to the SB on recommended procedures and compliance, including with Primex. The procedures will ultimately be approved by the SB.

Mr. Hoy thanked Steve LaMears and Jeff Cady and Harrisville Designs and all who have supported the transition. He will discuss the trailer request with Mr. Tarr.  Kathy Scott noted the SB’s commitment to a successful operation and apologized for any communication mishaps.

Community Power Coalition of NH (CPCNH) – Andrea Hodson shared that CPCNH’s governance committee set rates effective 8/1. CPCNH continues to maintain and improve on project goals, meeting Eversource default rates and noting the ability by Community Power customers to elect a greater amount of renewables and come out ahead of Eversource.  The board noted that $53K has been saved collectively among community residents over 12 months over Eversource pricing.  The actual amount is $108K, but a portion goes to joint reserves. Mr. Maneval congratulated the committee and town on its success. The Energy Committee will have a booth at Old Home Days.

Correspondence and other business
Dog nuisance issue – On the correspondence by both parties related to the dog nuisance issue, the SB acknowledged receipt of the letters and confirmed it was a police matter and has been addressed and resolved. The Police Chief will update the board on any further developments.

Pay warrant – The board approved the June 20 pay warrant in the amount of $189,910.59.

The SB signed the DRA form per the recommendation of the Assessor.

The board authorized the listing of the Aldworth Manor Stone Gateway on the State Register of Historic Places. Historic Harrisville is pursuing a grant to repair the columns and securing additional estimates.

The SB signed the appointment letter for Robert L. Drake as RC Attendant.

The SB signed the lien discharge letter per the recommendation of Tax Collector.

Q2 Financials – The SB noted that end of 2nd Q budget expenditures look favorable.

2023 Audit – Vachon Clukay will be on site at the end of July.

SB Meeting Schedule –  The SB will meet on the following dates:  Fri 7/5 at 9:00 am, Thurs 7/11, and Fri 7/26 at 9 am.  August meeting dates include: Thurs 8/8, Thurs 8/15, and Thurs 8/22.

On the request of the PB to meet, the SB will attempt to coordinate but, if a date prior to August 14 is not possible, the SB will attend the PB’s regular August meeting. The PB also is invited to join any SB Meeting prior to 8/14, if desired.

Draft SB Agenda for 7/5– Follow up on RC, library, draft letter re: code violation and junk complaints.

The meeting adjourned at 11:30 am.