Select Board
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Meeting Minutes

Select Board: Andrew Maneval, Andrea Hodson, Kathy Scott
Attendees: Jeff Cady, Audrey Wiita, Beate Becker, Cathy Lovas, Steve LaMears, Matt Perry, Penny King, Don Scott, Jeannie Eastman, Erica Saunders, Sonja Bianchi, Rep Jim Gruber NH State Legislature

The meeting opened at 7:00 pm.

Agenda, Minutes – With the addition of the Town Clerk on dog licensing, the SB voted in favor to approve the agenda. The board then approved the June 5 minutes.  For the May 15 minutes, Kathy Scott will draft requested amendments for board consideration.

Recycling Center/consulting arrangement – With input from RC staff and volunteers, the board considered an updated consultant proposal from Ben Hoy.  Based on Mr. Hoy’s proposed changes in the number of hours and a higher pay rate, Mr. Maneval shared a draft counter proposal in keeping with the legal obligations relative to the town and the consultant. The counter proposal included a compromise in salary request, set a specified duration period of the contract, and outlined how the management of the facility would work.

Discussion ensued among the SB, RC staff and volunteers, and town employees.  Volunteers expressed frustration with a change in a system they feel is working. The board shared their long-held interest in a  public works department to streamline town operations.

Following final suggested contract revisions, Mr. Maneval moved to propose to Mr. Hoy that he accept the response to his proposed consultancy contract, and that the SB Chair would like to meet or discuss it by phone with him, and otherwise would like to hear his response. All voted in favor.

Jim Gruber, Representative, NH State Legislature – Harrisville’s representative to the state legislature updated the SB on legislative activity in the house and senate and to hear of any local concerns. Rep. Gruber noted that the formula for the state meals and rooms tax, which the town relies on for significant revenue, is currently being negotiated.  The SB and Rep. Gruber agreed on the concern that local taxes may increase with the reduction in revenue from the state and on the difficulty of unfunded mandates.

The board thanked Rep. Gruber for all his work. He encouraged any residents with questions to contact him at james.gruber@gc.nh.gov or (603) 313-1277.

Cemetery Trustees – Sonja Bianchi updated the board on two cemetery matters, off-leash dogs and green burials.  The Trustees agree that dogs off leash in Island Cemetery presents issues for families whose loved ones are buried there, and issues for cemetery groundskeeping and neighboring private properties.  They request a town ordinance to provide for enforcement of Article 12 of the Cemetery Regulations, which requires leashing and quieting.

The Town currently follows the state animal control law, which requires leashing or having dog under the owner’s command, but this ordinance doesn’t include any fine for violation.  The SB noted it could consider amending the town ordinance to include a fine and also to include language related to pet waste. The Cemetery Regulation also could be amended to include a fine; however, this would only allow for enforcement on Cemetery grounds.

The SB agreed it will consider at its June 27 meeting draft language to amend town ordinances to include violations for dogs off leash and for failure to remove pet waste. The SB will subsequently post the topic for public hearing sometime in August.  Chief Steve LaMears and Officer Matt Perry will meet with the Cemetery Trustees in the meantime.

The SB and Ms. Bianchi also discussed the issue of Green Burials, a burial option that is environmentally sensitive but presents a challenge as the town does not offer burials year-round.  Following discussion on the matter of three families who purchased plots for Green Burials, the SB and Cemetery Trustee agreed to propose the option to the families to have the work contracted at the families’ expense with oversight by the Highway Department.

Town Clerk – The Town Clerk notified the SB that 27 dogs remain unlicensed after the deadline of April 30. The owners have received 3 notifications. In response, the SB moved that, per RSA 466:14, the Town Clerk request the Police Dept. to visit each address to emphasize the importance of registering pets in a timely manner; and, if unsuccessful, within 20 days, the governing body shall issue a warrant to begin civil forfeiture and notice delivered by the Police Dept.  All voted in favor.

Correspondence and other business
-The SB signed the pay warrant in the amount of $34,092.65.

– The SB signed the oath of office for Jon Miner as full member of the Planning Board.

– Regarding a property owner complaint of a junk violation, the SB will discuss and consider an appropriate response at its meeting Fri, June 27.

– The Town Clerk, Fire Chief and PD will host the 2nd annual Bike Rally for kids on the last day of school, Wed, June 18, on Canal and Island Streets.

Fire Dept – Mr. Maneval noted the concern about 911 signage was again raised by the Fire & Rescue squad as many homes remain without visible numbering. An ordinance may need to be considered.

-SB Draft Agenda for Fri 6/27, at 9:00 am – Cheshire Co EMS, Old Home Days, Review draft ordinance language from Cemetery Trustees and Police Dept, and junk complaint.

The meeting adjourned at 9:35 pm.