A SPECIAL FOCUS MEETING WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, JUNE 19TH @ 1:00 P.M. AT THE GRAFTON TOWN HALL TO ADDRESS THE INFORMATION PRESENTED BY THE “FREE STATE PROJECT” WEBSITE (www.freestateproject.org*), THE FREETOWN, AND THE LIBERTERIAN PARTY AND THEIR INTEREST IN GRAFTON. LEADERS OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND AND EXPLAIN THEIR MISSIONS AND GOALS. WE ENCOURAGE ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO ATTEND.
*The
Free State Project writes, if the Police Chief abuses his power, he can be
voted out of office, and the Planning Board, just like the Selectmen, a,
busybody board--could soon be cleansed of aspiring power-trippers.
Present: Frank
Neufell, Chairman, Steve Darrow, Selectmen, Bonnie J. Haubrich, Administrative
Assistant, Mary Warren, Merle Kenyon, Police Chief, Dennis McKean and Mike
Duffy.
Frank noted that due to
Jennie’s absence he would Chair this evening’s meeting.
Minutes of April 21, 2004: Steve noted
a typo error re: junk yard/car
recycling, word should read, “how” not “haw”.
Frank stated that he had noted a couple of typo errors also. Motion by Steve to accept the Minutes of
April 21, 2004, noting typo errors.
Frank agreed.
Current Use Application –
Philip and Wendy Forest, Map 15, Lot 843, Blueberry Hill RD: The current
use application for Philip and Wendy Forest was reviewed and accepted.
Current Use Application –
Land Use Change – Ghislain and Margaret Daigle, Map 7, Lot 0289, Brock Hill
Road: The Selectboard denied the land use change current use application
as the Board cannot, by law, approve such.
Steve and Frank both explained the process in which land is removed from
current use. The landowner must start
construction, excavate earth or the land no longer meets the minimum lot size
to qualify. Frank noted that the
Daigles simply need to deed the land to their son (either by subdividing or
allowing building on their property (as the lot size conforms with Grafton’s
2-acre minimum), which would remove the land from current use. At this point the Town would levy the
penalty and taxes.
State of New Hampshire Dept of Transportation –
Critical Bridge Deficiency: The Board reviewed a letter from the State
of New Hampshire, Department of Transportation regarding the deficiencies of
Grafton Bridge # 161/135, Mill Brook Road over Mill Brook. The letter noted a crack in the stringer on
the bridge and the need to post the bridge for a 3-ton weight limit and
passenger cars only. Mary Warren noted to
the Board that the emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks and ambulances,
cannot respond to the residents via Mill Brook Road and requires them going all
the way around for access. The Board
discussed the need to address which bridge would be recommended for
replacement. Bonnie advised the Board
that later in the agenda there is an application for bridge aid.
New Hampshire Department of
Environmental Services – Approval for Subdivision – Darrell Deschenes, Map 14,
Lot 315-4, Johnson Lane: The Board reviewed the approval for
subdivision from the New Hampshire Dept of Environmental Services on behalf of
Darrell Deschenes. Frank noted that the
subdivision still needs to be approved by the Grafton Planning Board.
State of New Hampshire –
FEMA Grant – snow event – December 2003 - $3,312.23: Frank noted
that the Town has received FEMA monies in the amount of $3,312.23 for a snow
event in December 2003. Steve stated
that Bob Bassett, Road Agent, had done a nice job in submitting the paperwork
for the grant.
Dept of Administrative
Services – Surplus Distribution Section – Membership agreement: The
Board signed the membership agreement, which enables the Selectmen and the
department heads to purchase from the Surplus Distribution Center.
Danbury Planning Board –
Notice of Public Hearing – US Route 4 – Douglas and Kathleen Kelly, Map 407,
Lot 004 – May 11, 204 @ 8:00 p.m.: Frank noted that since the Town is an abutter to this
property, we had been notified regarding the public meeting to take place.
9-1-1 Address – John
Thompson, Jr. – Kinsman Road: The Board reviewed the request for a 9-1-1
address on behalf of John Thompson, Jr.
Bonnie has submitted the paperwork to the State of New Hampshire,
Emergency Communications.
June Burrington, Town
Treasurer: June was present to discuss the need to borrow monies. She noted that she felt it necessary to
borrow $500,000 in order to cover the Town’s bills and meet the 5 school
payments through October in the amount of $485,926,25. June noted the need to borrow was due to the
warrant articles approved by the voters, the increase in the school payments
and to cover the costs for the Sargent Hill bridge. Frank asked if we would credit the monies received from the State
for the Sargent Hill bridge, once received.
June said she would check with the bank to see if those monies could be
credited to the loan. June stated that
the Town Clerk needs to be notified as she needs to provide a notarized copy of
the Deliberative Minutes indicating permission to borrow and that the paperwork
needs to be reviewed and approved by the Town attorney. Frank informed June that the Town could
anticipate the funds from the property revaluation as Jennie had written and
requested the transfer of those funds.
Building Notification –
Michael and Karen Selinga, Map 3, Lot 1008, Brock Hill Road: A building
notification for an addition to an existing building was signed by the Board
for Michael and Karen Selinga.
Invoice to the State of New
Hampshire, Dept of Resources & Economic Development (Forest Fire Fighters
compensation): The Board signed an invoice for Grafton fire
fighters who recently covered grass/forest fires in Grafton and Enfield.
New Hampshire Dept of
Revenue – Community Assistance Reports: Frank noted that whenever a representative
from the New Hampshire Department of Revenue visits the Town a Community
Assistance Report to generated which addresses what was discussed with the Town
representative.
State of New Hampshire –
Department of Revenue – 2003 Equalized Valuation: The Board
reviewed a letter from the Department of Revenue Administration regarding the
town’s sales-assessment ratio and the formula for this information. The total of base valuation for debt limits
(including utility valuation and railroad monies reimbursement) is
$84,732,790.
Real Data Report – 2003/2004
Property Sales: The Board reviewed the report from Real Data
which lists all of the properties sold in Grafton for 2003/2004 and the amount
that the properties sold for. Frank
asked Bonnie to always make a copy of this report for him.
Certified Mail –
Received/picked up certified mail regarding junk yards/junk – Judkins, Davis
Road, Neville & Qunital – Lower Meadow Road, McKean, Slab City Road: Frank noted
that there has been six (6) letters sent to property owners regarding junk
yards/junk and the need to clean up the property before court action is
taken. Frank noted that 3 of the
letters had been signed for and he stated that a property owner on Kinsman Road
has done a good job in cleaning up his property, although his letter has not
been signed for yet.
Recycling cans & bottles
(Jennie): Jennie has researched the Town of New London and their process
for collecting aluminum cans and bottles, but since Jennie was absent this
evening, the issue was tabled for Jennie’s input.
Bonding – Administrative
Assistant: Bonnie noted that she had phoned the New Hampshire Liability
Trust regarding the need to bond the Administrative Assistant, at the request
of the Auditors, and was informed that only those positions required by State
Statue are bonded, but that the Administrative Assistant is automatically
financially covered within the liability insurance. Bonnie had requested a copy of the insurance policy, stating such,
and has received it. Frank noted that
the Auditors should receive a copy for their records.
Application for Drive Permit
– State of New Hampshire – Albert Morgan, Map 11, Lot 0332, Main Street: The Board
reviewed the application for Albert Morgan, Main Street, for a state approved
driveway. Mr. Morgan is requesting a
second driveway from the State as he is placing a mobile home on the property
as a second building.
horizons Engineering PLLC –
Mike Duffy: Mike Duffy was present on behalf of horizons Engineering, PLLC,
with a proposal for groundwater sampling for the Grafton landfill closure. Mike explained that he has left Provan &
Lorber, why he left, and that he is now employed by horizons. Steve stated that he was under the
impression that we are no longer under contract with Provan & Lorber and
able to enter into an agreement with another firm. Frank asked Mike if he was privy to the Provan & Lorber
information in order to check with compliance as the Town had recently received
communication from the State indicating that we were negligent in
compliance. Frank stated that the
Selectboard had contracted with Provan & Lorber and expected that all the
necessary requirements and deadlines had been met so they were surprised to
receive this letter indicating otherwise.
Mike asked that Bonnie copy and fax copies of the letters from the State
to his office so that he might research it.
Frank stated that he would take horizons’ information and ask Jennie to
preview it also. Mike informed the
Board that Jennifer from horizons would work with the Town, if they were
selected. Frank noted that the Town
would respond within a week to the proposal.
Mike informed the Board that the contract is almost half the contracted
amount that Provan & Lorber requested.
Mike thanked the Board for the opportunity to meet with them. The Board thanked Mike for coming in.
Police Department Grant –
“Grafton Corridor DWI Saturation Patrols” : Merle reported that the
Grafton Police Department has received a grant in the amount of $300. for
personnel services during the period of July 30 – 31, 2004 to step up patrol in
the Grafton corridor for DWI prosecution.
Police Report for the month
of March: The Board reviewed the police report for the month of March.
Election Booths: The Board
reviewed the information for the purchase of additional voting booths and a new
handicap voting booth to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. Discussion ensued regarding the 2 companies
and noted that both companies were comparable in price. Frank instructed Bonnie to purchase a
4-booth set and 1 handicap booth and charge it to the Contingency Account. Steve agreed with the purchase. Bonnie, as Moderator, thanked the Board and
remarked that some voters had left the polling place in March due to the long
waiting lines.
Society for the Protection
of New Hampshire Forests – Monitoring Report: The Board reviewed a letter
from the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. He informed Steve that once a year the
Society requests that the Board of Selectmen walk the property of Colonel
Quigg’s property on Kinsman Highway to ensure that no development has taken
place. Frank stated that the neither
Town nor Selectmen receive any compensation for this and that the Town actually
loses revenue having the property in protection. He further noted that he has walked the boundaries for quite a
few years and felt it was unreasonable to request these services. Steve and Frank agreed that it should not be
the responsibility of the Board and that the Society should send someone to
carry out the inspection.
FEMA – National Flood
Insurance Program: The Board reviewed the information sent by
the New Hampshire Bureau of Emergency Management regarding the National Flood
Insurance Program.
Delinquent Property Taxes: Frank asked
Bonnie to get a list from Donna Dugan, Tax Collector, and set up meetings in
the near future for the property owners to meet with the Selectboard to discuss
their intentions.
Other Business:
Recycling Center – Paper
Container: Frank stated that he has been unable to phone to get the new
paper container as he had asked the Road Agent to prepare the site for it to be
placed and he has not taken down the berm and one of the Highway crew had
knocked a tree down onto the wires at the Recycling Center which needs to be
removed. Frank asked Steve to meet with
Bob and discuss the need for this to be done in the near future. Frank stated that he cannot initiate the
phone call to get the container until the site is prepared.
Joint Loss Management
Committee: Police Chief Kenyon noted that he is unable to locate the file on
the Joint Loss Management Committee in order to fill out the form that is
required, by law and penalty to file each year. Bonnie noted that she will look in the Selectmen’s files to see
if she can locate one and if not, she will call the State of New Hampshire and
request a copy of the form.
New Radio – Police Department: Frank asked
Merle if he had purchased the radio yet, which will be paid for by grant
monies. Merle noted that he has phoned
Ossipee Mt. But that they have not returned his calls. He stated that he has located a company in
Concord and they informed him that they will be having a half price sale in the
fall.
Safety Committee: Frank noted
that Merle had set up a meeting for the Safety Committee, secured the date with
Frank and that Frank had totally forgotten the meeting. Frank apologized to Merle but noted that
Merle was able to hold the meeting without him.
Building Notification: Discussion
ensued that a new property owner on Millbrook has begun construction of an
addition without a building notification being approved by the
Selectboard. There was also a question
of proper septage disposal. Bonnie will
send a letter requesting information on both.
Dennis McKean – Slab City Road: Mr. McKean
was present to discuss the letter he had received from the Selectmen regarding
junk vehicles on his property. He
informed the Board that of the 9 vehicles on his property, 7 of them had legal
registrations, one was his plow rig and one was to be restored. Dennis noted that he was not in violation of
the RSA regarding junk yards/junk.
Steve said that he felt the complaint against Dennis, by his neighbors,
had a direct relation to the fact that he had been crushing vehicles and that
the fluids were being absorbed into the earth.
Dennis stated that since there is no zoning and there are various
self-proclaimed businesses in Grafton, he asked the Board to identify the
difference between junk yards and people who were providing services of
repair. He asked for a copy of the
guidelines that the Board uses. Frank
stated that the law says 2 or more unregistered vehicles, or the equivalent in
parts to make 2 or more vehicles constitutes a violation. Frank said that the Board had received a
complaint of junking/crushing vehicles for resale (not against Dennis) and that
the Board cannot single out one person, therefore the need to identify the
obvious. Dennis asked what constitutes
a legal business. Frank said that a
legal business will have a posted sign or be registered with the State of New
Hampshire. Dennis noted that he has
been cleaning up his property and had planned on having the property
landscaped, but what encouragement did he have if his neighbors were collecting
junk and aluminum and Conkey was driving up and down Slab City Road to pick up
these materials every week, devaluating his property. He stated that his next door neighbor has junk in the yard and
piles of dirt and that the neighbor had not received notice. He stated that he is willing to clean up and
comply but that the Board needs to address all of the other property owners and
enforce the law for everyone. Frank
stated that some properties are more conspicuous than others and that Dennis
lives on a major road. He encouraged
Dennis to clean up the property and then run an auto repair business, not
crushing cars and contaminating the earth.
Dennis indicated that he is in the process of building a 28 x 40 garage
and running a part-time auto repair business.
He said that he is annoyed that certain people complained about him and
not his neighbors. Dennis told the
Board that his tenant has a pile of tires and asked if he should require his
tenant to remove the tires. Police
Chief Kenyon noted that Mr. McKean had not problem if what he said is true
regarding the fact that the 7 cars were legally registered and that he simply
needed to refrain from crushing cars.
Frank asked Dennis if he was going to be in compliance by May 31st. Steve thanked Dennis for coming in and
sharing his concerns. Steve noted that
the Board wants to be fair with everyone, but that he must not crush cars. Dennis said that if he is made to comply he
will expose all of the other people in Town doing the same. Merle instructed Dennis in the process of
filing a complaint; write a letter to the Selectmen, the Selectmen have 30 days
to respond and then the issue is turned over to the Attorney General. Frank again outlined the process and the
reason for the complaint to Dennis and informed Dennis that his meeting with
the Board was over.
Motion to adjourn by Steve @ 8:45 p.m. Seconded by Frank. Both in favor.
Respectfully submitted: Bonnie J. Haubrich, Administrative Assistant to the Board of
Selectmen.
Present: Jennie Joyce, Chairman, Steve Darrow and
Frank Neufell, Selectmen, Bob and Gerry Bassett, Merle Kenyon, Police Chief,
Gen Smith, Dennis McKean and Bonnie J. Haubrich, Administrative Assistant.
Minutes of May 5, 2004: Motion by
Steve to accept the Minutes of May 5, 2004 as submitted. Seconded by Frank. All in favor.
Letter from New England Municipal Consultants re: contract: Jennie read a letter aloud
from William Krajeski, New England Municipal Consultants. The first issue addressed the contract
cycle. The maintenance contract covers
the 2004 valuations, the 2003 abatement requests, the 2004 new construction
pick-ups and review of at least 25% of existing parcels, general advice and
assistance. The period to actually
cover these tasks is January 1, 2004 to January 1, 2005. He suggested the present contract expire
December 31, 2004. The second issue
involves the 2005 valuation. The DRA
has scheduled Grafton for review for 2005.
The 2003 review was ordered by the Board of Tax and Land Appeal and will
need to be updated to satisfy the DRA.
The cost for this process will be $17,500, which does not include the
yearly contract sum of $7,500. Frank
noted that the contract cycle has to accommodate the Town Meeting, March to
March. Jennie and Steve agreed. Jennie noted that the Board will be required
to present a warrant article for $17,500 on the March ballot to satisfy the
DRA.
Certified Mail Receipt – John Thompson, Jr., 427
Kinsman Road: Jennie informed the Board that another
certified mail receipt has been received regarding junk/junk vehicles. Frank noted that quite a few of those
receiving notification have done an excellent job in cleaning up their
properties. It was noted that a few of
those people have not made any progress and that they have until the end of the
month to comply.
9-1-1 Address Assignment – (1) Matthew Monahan,
Sargent Hill Road, Map 17, Lot 0661 (2) Philip and Wendy Forest, Blueberry Hill
Road, Map 19, Lot 0640: Jennie noted that the 9-1-1 forms for
address assignments have been sent on behalf of Monahan and Forest.
State of New Hampshire Dept of Transportation Driveway
Approval, Albert Morgan, 788 Main Street: Jennie stated that Albert Morgan, Main
Street, has received approval for construction of a driveway from the State of
New Hampshire. Jennie asked the other
Board members if Mr. Morgan was actually constructing the driveway from Route 4
or if he was coming in off Dragon Creek, as it appeared that work was being
done from Dragon Creek. Frank stated that
perhaps it is just within the right-of-way, but that the State had issued the
permit.
NH Dept of Environmental Services Approval for
Construction – (1) Douglas Carpenter, 225 Main Street, Map 12, Lot 0720-01 (2)
Russell Poitras, James Way, Map 11E, Lot 0513 (3) Russell Dubuc, Main Street,
Map 17, Lot 0233: The Board reviewed the approval for
construction from the NH Dept of Environmental Services for the above
properties.
Intent to Cut:
(1) Shawn Wood, Cherry Hill Road, Map 11, Lot 0004 (2) Michele Charest,
Wild Meadow Road, Map 12, Lot 1027-4 (3) Stanley Kimball, Turnpike Road, Map
12, Lot 0786: The Board reviewed and signed 3 intents to
cut; Wood, Charest and Kimball, pending verification that their property taxes
have been paid in full. Bonnie will
check with the Tax Collector before sending out the approval.
Building Notification – Merle Kenyon, Island Road, Map
16, Lot 0089, Russell Dubuc, Main Street, Map 17, Lot 0233: The Board
reviewed and signed a request from Merle Kenyon, Island Road and one for
Russell Dubuc, Main Street. Bonnie
asked the Board if there was a fee for Dubuc for the shed. The Board said that there were no fees for
anything that did not constitute living space.
The Board instructed Bonnie to send a letter to Mr. Dubuc instructing
him that he needs to request driveway construction permission from the State of
New Hampshire as his property is on Route 4.
Jay Waldner, Upper Valley Land Trust Exemption Denial: The Board
signed a letter of denial for tax exemption to Jay Waldner, Upper Valley Land
Trust.
Loftus & Borgstrom, P.C. (representing Lawrence
Heath, Kilton Pond Road) Request for Extension Cleaning up Junk and Junk
Vehicles: The Board signed a request for extension of removing junk/junk
vehicles for Lawrence Heath. Mr. Heath
has until August 1st to rid his property of all junk/junk vehicles.
Grafton Historical Society and Grafton Congregational
Church– Letter Regarding List of Real Estate and Personal Property Exemption
Application Filing Notice: The Board signed letters requesting these
organizations fill out the exemption applications which are required annually
to be filed with the Selectmen. (It
appears that these tax-exempt organizations have never been aware that this is
required annually.) Bonnie informed the
Board that she is trying to reach a contact for the East Grafton Christian
Church to send a letter to them also.
Jennie suggested sending it to Chester Martin in Danbury.
Landfill Closure: The Board discussed the
contract with Horizons and the fact that the employees now employed by Horizons
are mainly comprised of prior employees with Provan & Lorber who knew our
landfill and what has been done to date with the closure process. Also, Jennie noted that another firm may
require new wells or repeating the testing already accomplished. Steve stated that he was under the
impression going elsewhere may cost $3 – 4,000 more. The Board asked Bonnie to fax the information from the State of
New Hampshire and the contract to Horizons.
Abatement Requests:
Jeffrey Ayres, Blueberry Hill Rd, Map 15, Lot 0015 Denied
Ann Brisson, French Hill Rd, Map 07, Lot 0654 Denied
Paul Comeau, Sargent Hill Rd, Map 17, Lot 0982 Denied
Michael Cowen, Slab City Rd, Map 16, Lot 0318-01 Denied
Cornelius Davison, Wild Meadow Rd, Map 12, Lot 0188 Abate
Margaret Emslie, Cherry Hill Rd, Map 11, Lot 0870-03 Denied
Christine Ferguson, Parker Rd, Map 06, Lot 0842-03 Abate
Frank’s Auto & Excavation, Map 12, Lot 0938 Abate
Sharon Gallagher, Main Street, Map 16, Lot 0773 Abate
Sharon Gallagher, Main Street, Map 16, Lot 0881 Denied
Grafton Country Store, Map 17, Lot 0330 Denied
Edward Grinley, Slab City Rd, Map 16, Lot 0092-03 Denied
Paul Lafreniere, Slab City Rd, Map 20, Lot 0043-01-A Denied
Mark Lodi, Riddle Hill Road, Map 10, Lot 0061 Denied
Roy and Shirley Mogan, Main Street, Map 02, Lot 0029 Denied
Moran Rev Trust, Height of Land Rd, Map 01, Lot 0650 Denied
Michael Murphy, Turnpike Rd, Map 12, Lot 0174 Abate
David and Patricia Nasco, Dragon Creek, Map 11, Lot 1175 Denied
Marie Nicolazzo, Bear Hollow Road, Map 16, Lot 0495-A Abate
Robert Peck, Millbrook Road, Map 07, Lot 0889-03 Denied
Brenda Pierson, Bassett Lane, Map 17, Lot 1216 Denied
Glenn Reese, Barney Hill Road, Map 17, Lot 0317-02 Abate
George Soeters, French Hill Road, Map 07, Lot 0663-01 Abate
Michael Sforza, Millbrook Road, Map 12, Lot 0802 Denied
Richard and Beverly Smith, Turnpike Rd, Map 06, Lot 0457 Abate
Clayton Stockwell, Public Works Road, Map 11, Lot 0064 Denied
Cheryl Babbitt-Sullivan, Cherry Hill Rd, Map 11, Lot 0799 Denied
Virginia Tillson, Snug Harbor Road, Map 02, Lot 0913 Denied
Michael Trimpi, Orange Pond Road, Map 02, Lot 0920 Abate
NH Electric Cooperative, Parcel UTL 0002 Denied
Granite State Electric, Parcel UTL-0001 Denied
American Tower, McIntyre Lane, Map 11, Lot 1036-2T Denied
Gerard & Gilda Demers, Cherry Hill Rd, Map 11, Lot 0026 Abate
Michele Fairbrothers – Building Notification –
Driveway Permit: The Board reviewed 3 letters sent to Michele
Fairbrothers, Wild Meadow Road; (1) building notification permits required by
the Town of Grafton, (2) the need for a Town approved driveway and (3) property
dispute. The Board noted that Ms.
Fairbrothers has failed to respond to any of the letters and that there are
complaints about the number of mobile homes on the property, the wires and
water lines running across the road, and obstructions in the road/town
right-of-way, making unsafe travel along the road. Ms. Fairbrothers was sent a letter, at the direction of New
England Municipal Consultants, Ltd, suggesting she seek legal opinion regarding
the property dispute, the driveway issue will be turned over to the Grafton
Planning Board and the Selectmen will send a certified letter to Ms.
Fairbrothers informing her that she has until June 15th to comply
with Town regulations, clean up the property and remove things from the Town
right-of-way.
State of New Hampshire, Dept of Transportation –
Notice of Conference: The Board reviewed a letter from the State
of New Hampshire Department of Transportation notifying them of a Regional
Safety Conference to be held on May 25, 2004.
Merle and Bob also received a copy of this notice. Merle and Bob noted that they presently have
no problems regarding any portion of the State Highway through Grafton.
Police Department Responses for the Month of April: The Board
reviewed the Police Department report for the month of April.
RSVP Raffle: Jennie read information regarding a raffle
(John Deere mowing tractors) on behalf of RSVP. Jennie instructed Bonnie to put the tickets out to see if there
is any interest.
Sargent Hill Bridge Reimbursement Update: Bonnie
informed the Board that she had received a phone call from Bob Barry, State of
New Hampshire, and Jim Karmozyn, H.E. Bergeron, to say that the State has
received the Town’s request for reimbursement, but that the project will be
completed within the next couple of weeks and that reimbursement will be
forwarded after completion, unless the Town is having a hardship waiting for
the funds. Jennie said that she is of
the opinion that the State should undertake any future bridge projects due to
the cost, the processes and the “headaches”.
Frank agreed that the Board had to take on a large roll in the process
and that the bridge cost appeared to be substantially higher than when the
State handles the project.
Planning Board Funds: Jennie informed the Board
that June had contacted Mascoma Bank and that the cost to set up a savings or
checking account along with the monthly charges would be cost prohibitive as
this time as the Planning Board had only $76+ presently. Frank suggested the funds be held until
there is a minimum of $100 to set up the account with or that the Board “lend”
them enough money to set up the account and then the Planning Board could pay
the Town back. Frank informed the Board
that the Planning Board, according to the DRA, cannot take possession of
driveway permit funds.
Other Business:
Junk/Junk Vehicles: Jennie stated that there have been numerous
complaints regarding the property on Main Street next to the Grafton Center
Cemetery and Shirley Smith’s property on Riddle Hill Road and that those
property owners need to receive the same notification sent out to the previous
property owners.
Recycling Center: Frank noted that he has an
information flyer to be handed out to property owners in regard to what types
of materials can be recycled through the mixed paper program. He stated that the cost to copy these (about
500 copies) would be cost prohibitive ($100+ per toner cartridge) in our office
and asked if the project could be done at Staples or Gnomon Copy. Jennie asked if the Town had any savings
coupons for Staples for printing projects.
Bonnie affirmed there is a $10 coupon for printing. Frank suggested taking the funds from the
Solid Waste budget and move funds towards the end of the year, if the budget is
too low.
Mike Duffy/Horizons: Mike Duffy, Horizons, (having
arrived after the discussion regarding the Horizon contract) was given a copy
of the signed contract and a copy of the letter from the State of New
Hampshire, noting noncompliance for reporting.
Town Office/Fire Station Parking Lot: Bonnie
thanked the Highway Department for the nice job of sweeping the parking lot in
front of the Town Office and the Fire/Ambulance Station.
“Road
Committee”- Gen Smith: Gen circulated information regarding the
Road Committee’s first meeting. She
noted that Camela Tupper had stood in for David at their meeting on May 11th,
as David was not available. She noted
that their purpose is to identify road safety issues, identify maintenance
issues, identify alleged road encroachment issues and identify damage to
private property. The Committee will
collect road information from the public through a collection box at the Post
Office, which will be monitored by the Road Committee and then will work on the
issues with the Road Agent. Steve noted
that hopefully this will open communication between the townspeople and the
Highway Department. Jennie asked if the
Committee will meet on a regular basis.
Gen responded that they will.
Jennie stated that Wesley was unable to attend the first meeting but
looks forward to being part of the group.
Merle suggested the Committee devise a master plan to have long-term
goals. Gen stated that the Committee
will report periodically to the Board.
Radio: Frank asked Merle if he has ordered the new radio
(with the grant monies). Merle said
that he has not as he is waiting for a 2-for-1 deal, which is, suppose to be
available this fall.
Junk/Junk Vehicles: Dennis McKean stated that he
had been present at the last Selectmen’s Meeting and was still unclear as to
the Selectboard’s expectations and that he had studied the laws which state
that if there is a 300’ setback and he has a fence (236:91—Industrial property)
he is in compliance and that he is not operating an illegal business. The Board asked Mr. McKean if he removes
fluids (such as gasoline) from these vehicles before crushing/dismantling
them. He affirmed that he does and that
he reuses the gasoline. He said that he
does not crush engines. Jennie stated
that it is not the Selectboard’s intention to put people out of business but
that if anyone is going to crush vehicles they need to do it safely and
legally. Frank asked Mr. McKean what
his intentions are. Mr. McKean said
that he does not intend to crush cars anymore, but that he does plan on
repairing them and perhaps, at time, tow cars from one place to another. He stated that he does not want the EPA on
his property or digging holes. Jennie
informed Mr. McKean that he is not being singled out, that others had received
the same letter. A very lengthy
discussion followed and Mr. McKean said that he would like a letter from the
Board stating that he is in compliance so if anyone complains again. Frank told Mr. McKean that the Board could
not write such a letter, that they could instruct Mr. McKean not to break the
law and there would be no further complaints.
Steve agreed with Frank and told Mr. McKean to stay within compliance to
ensure no further communication from the Board. Gen Smith asked if Mr. McKean could contact the State of New
Hampshire for guidance on how to store/drain fluids and follow procedures. Merle affirmed that he could contact “Green
Yards” and they could get him the necessary information. Frank asked that the discussion be closed as
Mr. McKean had been given necessary information and that the conversation was
redundant. Mr. McKean asked how he
would know that he need take no further action, having recently cleaned up his
property. Frank said that if he does
not receive a citation at the end of the month, he is in compliance.
Nonpublic Session: Motion by Jennie to enter Nonpublic Session
under RSA 91:Ac. Seconded by
Frank. All in favor. The Board returned from Nonpublic
Session. Frank made a motion to come
out of nonpublic session and to seal the Minutes. Seconded by Steve. All in
favor.
Junk/Junk Vehicles: Merle asked the Board if their intention is
to cite people who have not complied with the warning letter. The Board noted that quite a few of the
offenders have cleaned up, or have been given an extension. Jennie noted that those not in compliance
should receive a fine/penalty. Steve
asked what constitutes compliance, that the Board should establish criteria for
the Police Chief. Frank noted that 2 or
more cars or the components to equal 2 is a violation. (That cars have to be inspected and
registered.) Merle noted that when the
time comes, he will need guidance from the Board.
Motion
to adjourn by Frank. Seconded by
Steve. All in favor.
Respectfully
submitted - Bonnie J. Haubrich, Administrative Assistant to the Board of
Selectmen
The Grafton Focus will accept "Letters
to the Editor" from any person or organization. Letters may not be more than 350 words in
length and will be printed as and when space allows. Letters will be unedited, but inappropriate language will not be
printed.
Department of Revenue - Low and Moderate Income
Homeowners Property Tax Relief for New Hampshire Residents - You are eligible for this program if you are: Single with Adjusted Gross Income equal to
or less than $20,000; Married or filing Head of NH Household with Adjusted
Gross Income equal or less than $40,000; and own a home subject to the State
Education Property Tax; and resided in that home on April 1, 2003. The
application filing period is from May 1, 2004 until June 30, 2004. Forms are available at the Selectmen’s
Office.
2nd Annual Spring Town Wide Litter
Collection - May 29th through the 31st. Last year residents helped beautify over 33
miles of Grafton’s state and town roads!
For information, bags and road assignments for this year’s clean-up
effort, please contact Gretchen Renee at 523-4517. The spring litter collection is being sponsored
by the Grafton Recycling Initiative (GRI), a non-profit organization promoting
the reduction and recycling of household waste, is currently working on mixed
paper collection and recycling of glass at the Transfer Station and generally
meets once a month.
Grafton Volunteer Fire Department is looking for a few good volunteers. If you are 18 years of age or older, a
resident of Grafton, have a valid New Hampshire driver’s license and the desire
to help our community please phone 523-7500 and leave a message for Chief Chris
Williams.
The Grafton Focus will
gladly publish announcements or news items on behalf of your organization as
space allows.
was formed by citizens interested in
finding and providing information relevant to local government, identifying
issues of concern for the betterment of Grafton, finding resources, and seeking
solutions.
Please join us at our next regular
meeting on Monday, June 21 , 2004 @ 7:00 p.m. @ the Grafton Town
Hall.
EVERYONE IS ENCOURAGED
TO ATTEND AND ALL INPUT IS WELCOME!
Please contact focus@endor.com if you wish to receive
The Grafton Focus via electronic copy.
The Grafton Focus would
appreciate feedback regarding the newsletter. Please contact us by email (focus@endor.com) or send a note to Grafton Focus, PO
Box 141.