Select Board
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Meeting Minutes

Select Board: Andrew Maneval, Andrea Hodson, Kathy Scott
Attendees: Ben Hoy, Don Scott

The meeting opened at 7:00 pm.

Agenda, Minutes of 11/21 and 11/29 – With the addition of brief updates on streetlights and from Historic Harrisville, the board approved the agenda as amended. The board also voted in favor to approve the minutes of 11/21 and 11/29.

Finance – Budget update – The board noted no updates to the 2024 budget year but noted the Conservation Commission’s vote to request the same budget for 2025 and the Historic District Commission’s vote to propose a 2025 budget down $500 from 2024, the reduction to come in its line for professional services.

Recycling Center – Ben Hoy shared that a new pellet stove was delivered for use in the collection building. He seeks a qualified installer to connect the unit.  On the Skid Steer, Mr. Hoy will await the diagnosis and quote from the mechanic recommended by the highway department.   Mr. Hoy will reach out to Jordan Long to coordinate the transport of donated insulation. He agreed with Kathy Scott’s suggestion of a cover for the glass bin and will research options. Mr. Hoy also noted that the installation of a drop ceiling, as well as parking, remain to be addressed.  For all of the remaining/prospective improvements, Andrea Hodson requested by mid-January, for Town Meeting planning purposes, a plan with estimated costs for each element so the SB can ascertain if and how facility improvements should be phased in, and over how long a period of time.

Russell Reservoir – The board noted that, unfortunately, the gate repair on the Russell Reservoir Dam can’t be completed until the next drawdown in the fall of 2025 due to the late season rain that impeded this year’s effort.

Correspondence and other business
-The board signed the pay warrant in the amount of $11,114.76.

-The board signed the Intent to Cut for Map 30 – Lot 3-2.

-Oaths of Office – Following on the recommendation of the Conservation Commission, the SB voted in favor to approve the appointment of Jordan Long as a new member.  The SB signed the Oath of Office for Mr. Long, as well as for Tom Andrews to the Energy and Electric Aggregation Committee and Ryan Whitworth to the Transportation Committee.

– The SB acknowledged receipt of the updated floodplain maps from FEMA for Harrisville and updated data for Cheshire County flood zones. The town has 30 days to comment or submit any corrections, and will ask Jeff Cady as Emergency Management Director to review.

Streetlights – Don Scott shared that 4 of the LED streetlight bulbs are out, for which extra bulbs are available in the Highway Garage. The board noted it is reviewing the specifications required by Eversource for the town to remain on the company’s OL (outdoor lighting) plan as well as the terms to migrate to Eversource’s EOL (energy efficient outdoor lighting) plan. The review will be part of the budget process.

Historic Harrisville – HHI is forming a committee for the St. Denis rehabilitation project.  Both Andrew Maneval and Kathy Scott will serve as citizens, along with other community members. The committee will bring any recommendations and ideas to the Select Board for consideration.

SB agenda – The SB will not meet the week of 12/12. The board will meet with Department Heads on Friday, 12/20, at 9:00 am, followed by a meeting on Thurs 12/26 at 7 pm and Thurs 1/2 at 7 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.