Select Board
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Meeting Minutes
Select Board: Andrew Maneval, Andrea Hodson, Kathy Scott
Attendees: Dave Thompson, Nancy Lory, Don Scott, EMD Jeff Cady, Officer Matthew Perry
The meeting opened at 7:00 pm.
Agenda, Minutes of 10/31, 11/5, and 11/14 – With the addition of a Historic Harrisville update from Kathy Scott, the board approved the agenda. The SB approved the minutes of 10/31 and 11/14, as well as the minutes of its non-public session on 11/5.
Russell Reservoir, update on drawdown and gate and dam repairs – Dave Thompson presented information on inspection work during the drawdown, repairs undertaken to date and repairs proposed. The Highway Department has done some patching. The dam gate itself is solid but corrosion on either side of it is hampering its effectiveness. On the recommendation of the dam bureau, a metal fabricator was contacted for a quote to install a new frame while the waterbody is still drawn down.
Following discussion, including the understanding that waiting to act on the findings would prove more costly in the future and lead to continued water level issues in the reservoir, Mr. Maneval moved to increase the previously approved allocation of $1,000 for repairs up to $3,000, based on the quote provided by Hydro Hooligans. The board voted unanimously in favor.
Additional recommendations from the state include vegetation removal around the dam and checks on the spillway during annual drawdowns, both of which the Town can undertake. The complete inspection report from DES is forthcoming in January 2025. Any future work will be coordinated with the bridge replacement project on South Road. The SB asked Mr. Thompson to meet with the Road Agent and SB prior to the 2025 drawdown to discuss needed action. The board will ask Mr. Tarr to patch the last crack prior to the 11/24 gate work by the metal fabricators.
Church and School Street – The SB noted that curbing has not been completed on Church Street and discussed what is required given the pavers have finished. Mr. Maneval will contact the vendor.
Finance/Town Meeting Calendar – The SB approved the budget preparation calendar. The SB will put on their December agenda the possible Warrant articles for 2025 Town Meeting, and will solicit input from Department Heads. The board will meet Fri 11/29 at 9:00 am for budget work.
Wilcox & Barton – The SB reviewed the proposal from the environmental firm for post landfill closure inspection and reporting, an expansion of its current Groundwater Management Permit services. The SB moved and voted in favor to sign the proposal but will hold it until verifying the payment due date for this fall’s landfill inspection.
Proposed Zoning Amendments for 2025 – The SB discussed the amendments proposed by the Ordinance Review Committee and approved for public hearing by the Planning Board. The changes relate to Article XII Wetlands, Article IX Lakeside Residential District and updates to Definitions. The PB will present the draft ordinances on Wednesday, December 11, at 7:00 pm.
Recycling Center update – The SB and Jeff Cady discussed potential safety issues with the Skid steer and options for servicing, repairing or replacing the equipment. Mr. Cady will talk to Ben Hoy and Wes Tarr. Separately, Mr. Cady noted the fire alarm system is now operational.
On hours of operation for the Recycling Center during the holidays or extreme weather, the SB will post updates on the town website and the town’s Facebook page. The board will work with RC staff to establish the process.
Town Hall, security – Mr. Cady and Chief LaMears will meet with representatives from the state for a building security assessment. There are 3 different possible grant sources for a security upgrade. The estimated cost for monitors and buzzer locks is $7,000.
Energy & Electric Aggregation Committee – The committee submitted a letter of interest for grant money from the Eversource $1M Clean Energy Fund toward 50% of battery storage costs for the highway barn and Town Hall/Fire Department solar arrays; EEAC member Don Kilgus is researching the NHSaves Municipal Program for reduced costs toward insulation of the Recycling Center and heating/cooling systems; the EEAC will present information to the SAU on 11/25 about Community Power rate programs; The Renewable Energy Credit (REC) service rate, offered through CPCNH, is $35 per REC for 2024/2025. The rate will be offered to all Harrisville residential and nonresidential customers who generate power, with a new option to sell RECs directly to CPCNH
Department of Energy ECCBG/HeatSmart Program – Harrisville property owners will receive postcards in December and January with details about the HeatSmart program and kickoff events.
Transportation Committee documents – The SB approved the committee description/mission statement drafted by the Transportation Committee, noting such descriptions would be useful for all boards and committees.
Trash pickup expenses – At its next meeting on Tues 12/10, the Recycling Center Committee will discuss and make a recommendation about trash pickup at Town Hall and the beach.
Historic Harrisville update – Kathy Scott shared an update on the St. Denis Church project. The SB noted its interest in serving on the subcommittee given the future roles and responsibilities to be delineated for both the Town and HHI in the use, oversight and maintenance of the center.
SB December meeting calendar – 12/5, 12/12, 12/20 at 9am (Dept heads meeting), 12/26, and 1/2
SB draft agenda for 12/29 – Budget work only
The board signed the pay warrant in the amount of $337,764,64.
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm.