Select Board
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Meeting Minutes
Select Board: Andrew Maneval, Andrea Hodson, Kathy Scott
Attendees: Don Scott, Kully Mindemann, Mary Day Mordecai, EMD and Facilities Jeff Cady, Police Chief Steve LaMears, Recycling Center Ben Hoy
The meeting opened at 7:00 pm.
Agenda, Minutes of 10-31 – With the addition of an update on the Ordinance Review committee, the Select Board approved the agenda. Approval of the minutes was deferred to 11-21.
Transportation Committee (TC) – The SB moved to approve the appointment of Historic Harrisville Executive Director John Knight to the Transportation Committee.
Mary Day Mordecai shared that the additional boat ramp sign arrived and will be installed adjacent to the Prospect Street bridge. The TC will talk to Historic Harrisville about the idea of a mirror on Main Street across from the entrance to the General Store to aid drivers exiting the General Store parking lot. The estimated cost is $615. Also raised was the recommendation to make Church Street one-way, an idea that has been discussed in the past, including with neighborhood property owners. The TC will explore this.
The TC and Select Board acknowledged the Children Center’s concerns about speeding in light of the improved road conditions on Church Street. The TC will further discuss and explore a reduced speed limit in that area, as well as ways to ensure traffic flows one-way through the Children’s Center lot entering only from Main Street and exiting only onto Church Street.
Regarding the signage and painted lines on Hancock Road, the Transportation Committee, with the support of the Skatutakee Lake Association, surveyed residents along the road for feedback since the traffic calming measures were put in place. Results will be posted on the town website.
The TC shared feedback on vehicle and pedestrian safety at the Recycling Center, with particular concern about the area in front of the dumptique. Mr. Hoy noted the relocation of the glass disposal area will now offer some protection. Parking changes and improvements are still in the works.
Recycling Center – The SB debriefed on individual site visits to the facility to assess heating options, parking, and the potential budgetary impact of winterization. Creation of a drop ceiling is possible to maximize efficiency. Any excavation to increase parking or to enhance loading dock must not impact the adjacent landfill. Mr. Hoy and the SB discussed offered donations of insulation and a propane heater. The SB requested more detail on heating options and costs but agreed insulation is the top priority; Mr. Hoy will contact Charles Michal to clarify his recommendations regarding the drop ceiling and also will get a quote for this work and for a pellet stove option.
Separately, Mr. Hoy is updating the facility’s operating plan and closure plan. He will research any grant opportunities related to needed upgrades. He noted that composting is doable but space is very tight.
Security at Town Hall – Mr. Cady and Chief LaMears continue to pursue options, costs and grant availability for near- and longer-term building security enhancements.
Library – Mr. Cady will return to the Historic District Commission with a new proposed location for a mini-split exterior compressor. The SB unanimously favors the idea.
Tax Rate – The town received a preliminary tax rate from the DRA in the amount of 12.25 per $1000 of assessed value, down from the current rate of 12.56. Following discussion of options to apply an amount from the fund balance to further reduce this rate, the SB moved and voted unanimously in favor to set the final rate at 12.04. The SB will sign the warrant at 9 am tomorrow (Friday) morning for bills to go out on Monday.
The SB signed the pay warrant in the amount of $38,521.86.
Other business
Garbage pickup – The SB will discuss with RC staff the idea of Town Hall/other building pickup and assess whether this makes sense.
South Road Bridge – The engineering design update is anticipated in the next 6 months, after which the RFP will be issued. Grant money to rebuild the bridge is available until 2026.
The DOE HeatSmart program – A launch event is scheduled for Jan 25 at the Granite Mill.
Energy Committee – The SB moved and voted unanimously in favor to appoint Tom Andrews to the Energy and Electric Aggregation Committee.
Ordinance Review Committee – The SB will review the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinances as drafted by the ORC and presented to the Planning Board.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.