Office of Board of Selectmen 143 Main Street, P.O. Box 310, Belmont, New Hampshire Telephone: (603) Fax: (603)

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1 Office of Board of Selectmen 143 Main Street, P.O. Box 310, Belmont, New Hampshire Telephone: (603) Fax: (603) Selectmen s Meeting Minutes Monday, November 6, 2017, 5:00 p.m. Corner Meeting House Chairman Ruth Mooney called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Also present were Selectman Jon Pike, Selectman Claude Patten Jr., Town Administrator Jeanne Beaudin, Administrative Office Assistant Kathy Ford, Fire Deputy Chief Michael Newhall, Public Works Director Craig Clairmont, Julie and Lawrence Dulac, Richard Pickwick, and Larisa Djuvelek-Ruggerio. Minutes Those present stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Mooney moved to accept the minutes of the meeting held on October 16, 2017 as written. Selectman Pike seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Chairman Mooney moved to accept the minutes of the meeting held on November 1, 2017 as written. Selectman Pike seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Abatements, Manifests, Exemptions & Credits Chairman Mooney moved to approve the abatements, exemptions, credits and manifests; Selectman Pike seconded the motion and the motion was passed unanimously. New Business Discussion with Lawrence and Julie Dulac Regarding 515 Union Road Lawrence and Julie Dulac came before the Board to request a refund on their taxes for 515 Union Road. They have struggled to pay the taxes over the past 10 years. They tried to sell the property but they were told by the realtors that it would be very difficult to sell due to the high taxes. They were approved for an equestrian subdivision. Chairman Mooney asked if they had applied for an abatement and Mr. Dulac said that they had met with the revaluation company but had not filed an abatement application. He stated that not knowing any better, they only did this for just one year. He understands that the responsibility lies with them to know about this. Mrs. Dulac expressed that she had done research on similar properties and found that most are listed as residential, while theirs had been listed as commercial on prior assessments. There is a big difference in taxes between those properties and theirs. Town Administrator Beaudin explained that the Selectmen s Meeting Minutes Page 1 November 6, 2017

2 property had been used commercially many years ago. She further explained that the property was assessed as base area for the barn and stables in lieu of being considered outbuildings. When they discussed the possible transition to condominiums with the Planning Board, TA Beaudin had determined that the barn and stables should be assessed as out buildings and not the base area; she reviewed the matter with KRT Appraisal and the change was made as they were in agreement with her recommendation. Mrs. Dulac explained that they are unable to do anything to their house because, (i.e.; add an addition), because they can t afford the taxes going up any further. TA Beaudin added that the property was assessed as a single-family property in Selectman Pike explained that when the property was built it was built as a commercial property and that when they bought the farm in 2005 they should have changed it then. Mrs. Dulac expressed that similar farms are not assessed as commercial. TA Beaudin explained that they cannot legally retroactively ask for a refund on paid taxes. Selectman Pike asked what the current tax bill is. TA Beaudin said that the property taxes for 2016 were $18, and in 2017 the taxes were $12, TA Beaudin explained that they had never submitted an abatement request. Mrs. Dulac questioned why the appraised and assessed value are so different. TA Beaudin explained that the appraised value is the market value, while the assessed value is based on the value of the land and buildings with current use applied. TA Beaudin explained that had they filed for an abatement that would have brought it before an assessor every year. Selectman Pike asked for more time to mull this over, as we are limited in what we can do. Chairman Mooney asked that the Dulacs give the Board a few days to run this by the Town Attorney. TA Beaudin will get back in touch with them on the issue. Presentation by Mid-State Regional Coordinating Council for Community Transportation Larisa Djuvelek-Ruggerio, the Regional Mobility Director, did a presentation to the Board on the Mid-State Regional Council. Her purpose in coming before the Board was to raise awareness of the Council s existence and to encourage collaboration. The Council s mission is to improve mobility and access for all, by coordinating regional and local community transportation services and information. The council has 35 members and meets six times a year. They meet 3 times in Concord and 3 times in the Lakes Region. Anyone who has interested in improving transportation can join. Membership is free, but those interested must formalize their relationship by signing the memorandum of understanding. They meet every other Tuesday from 2-4 pm. If the Board is interested they will need to designate 2 people to attend the meetings, one as an alternate. In 2011 they applied for a Federal grant and they were granted monies to supplement transportation. The elderly and disabled have been determined to be the most vulnerable communities. Ms. Djuvelek-Ruggerio would ask in addition to joining the Council, that we add a link from our website to theirs. Chairman Mooney asked if the Senior Transportation service was going to be discontinued in the town of Belmont. TA Beaudin said that she believes it will be eliminated in Ms. Djuvelek-Ruggerio clarified that this Council is not related to that service. Note: to clarify the Senior Center bus is Selectmen s Meeting Minutes Page 2 November 6, 2017

3 sponsored by the Elder Services Division of CAP and was not discontinued, services provided by the Winnipesaukee Transit service were discontinued in Belmont. Selectman Pike asked for clarification on the services provided. Ms. Djuvelek-Ruggerio explained that the council helps to assess the transportation needs of the communities it serves. The council would be a good place to address the concerns expressed by Chairman Mooney regarding the transportation services currently provided to the elderly in Belmont that was previously mentioned. The Board thanked Ms. Djuvelek-Ruggerio for attending the meeting. Public Hearing Public Hearing to Amend Town s Waste Ordinance Chairman Mooney opened the public hearing relative to the amendment to the Town s Solid Waste Ordinance at 5:35 p.m. The purpose of the hearing is to amend the Solid Waste Ordinance in an effort to provide better enforcement of trash that is left roadside. TA Beaudin explained that solid waste is to be left curbside ready for pickup no later than 7 am on the designated pick-up day, and no sooner than the night before. The empty receptacles must be removed no later than the end of the day of pickup. The amendment clarifies the ordinance and also addresses concerns about unacceptable waste (yard waste, household items, anything weighing more than 50 lbs., or not fitting in a standard 32-gallon barrel), and leaving waste outside of designated times. Chairman Mooney asked what will happen if a resident does not comply with the regulations and who enforces it? TA Beaudin explained that this amendment clarifies resident s responsibilities and allows for Code Enforcement to fine a resident, when warranted, for ongoing offenses. Fines could be up to $1000 for each violation. Selectman Pike asked about commercial pickup, adding that any dwelling with more than 3 units is considered commercial. Some of these places have dumpsters but Selectman Pike s concern is that dumpsters are being rented out or being used by commercial businesses attached to dwellings. TA Beaudin indicated that she can have staff in the field and Casella try to be aware of any commercial dumping being taking care of by town. Resident Rich Pickwick suggested that perhaps we could put stickers on items that will not be picked up indicating that resident disposes of it appropriately. Selectman Pike indicated that this issue takes citizen impact. Residents need to confront those offenders. TA Beaudin asked for a motion to approve the amendment. Selectman Pike made the motion, Selectman Patten seconded it, it was approved by all and motion was passed. The ordinance as amended will take effect immediately. The Public Hearing was closed at 5:55 pm. Timber Trespass Tioga Ridge Open Space Selectmen s Meeting Minutes Page 3 November 6, 2017

4 There was a timber trespass on the open space owned by the Town in the Tioga Ridge subdivision. A logger brought it to the Town s attention immediately. Both the Land Use Technician and the Town Planner agreed that we should request a $500 donation from the offending Developer to be made to the Conservation Commission Fund. All agreed this was a good idea in lieu of the timber trespass penalty; TA Beaudin did consult with the Town Attorney prior to recommending the donation Waiver of Municipal Liability Class 6 Road Marshall Ford is requesting that the Board approve the Waiver of Municipal Liability relative to Tax Map 226 lot 021. The Planning Board issued a conditional use permit at their October 23 rd meeting. The waiver is necessary for the issuance of a building permit. Selectman Pike, who also sits on the Planning Board, recalled a time 10 years ago when Marshall Ford came in for a permit to build a home across the street from his house off of Class 6 Road. The Board was told it was to be his retirement home. It is now a rental income. This happened because state would not allow him to build driveway off 107. Selectman Pike noted that if we allow him to do this it opens up to others doing the same. Mr. Ford acknowledged by signing this that the town has no liability to maintain the road. The Board acknowledged again that if we allow this for him we will have to allow it for others in the future. Selectman Pike indicated he was going to abstain from voting on this. TA Beaudin pointed out that Mr. Ford takes all liability on this. It is a situation that he was grandfathered into. She advises that the Board not take any negative stance in this. Selectman Pike stated that if this comes back to the Board again, someone else should have the same opportunity. After discussion, Selectmen Pike agreed to move the waiver forward for signature, Selectman Patten agreed and it was signed by Chairman Mooney as Chairman of the Board. Letter of Commitment for 2018 Household Hazardous Waste Day TA Beaudin brought a Letter to be signed by the Board to commit $ at the town meeting for the Household Hazardous Waste Day. Chairman Mooney signed the letter. NHMA Voting Delegate on November 15, 2017 The Board authorized TA Beaudin as the delegate for the Town for the Annual NHMA meeting. Town Hall Closing Early on Wednesday, November 23, 2017 The Board agreed that Town Hall will close on Wednesday November 23 rd, 2017 at 2 pm. Staff will use their own vacation time to allow for this. Old Business Fuel Tank Removal Selectmen s Meeting Minutes Page 4 November 6, 2017

5 Lakes Region Environmental proposes to remove the old fuel tanks at a cost of $ This includes the crane to remove the tank as well, but does not include removal of the building. Chairman Mooney asked what the building will be used for. Deputy Chief Newhall recommends removal of the building. There is a potential buyer for the card reader system. Selectman Pike expressed that the roof will be put back on. He suggested that the building could be used to house lawn mowers and the sidewalk tractor in the Summer. Public Works Director Craig Clairmont suggested that everyone go to look at the building together once the tanks are removed to get a better handle on future use. TA Beaudin also mentioned that Lakes Region Environmental will be handling all the related state documentation needed. Water Resource Economic Analysis TA Beaudin discussed a meeting held with the Town on October 20 with water experts. It was in regards to what is in our best interest, a new well site or drilling current sites and potential treatment options? It was determined that there is high level of iron and manganese in all our existing wells. There are a number of potential sites for a new well. Resistivity testing has been done on two sites including the Chertok property and on a property out by Great Brook Village owned by Mr. Woodward. Testing has also been done on the Nutter property off of Wareing Road and another potential site on Route 140. The recommendation was that we do an economic analysis of all four sites. Our engineering firm has put together a proposal for the economic analysis at a cost of $13,600, that will look at all 4 sites as well as the treatment options for the iron and manganese issue. Chairman Mooney added that we had approached Laconia Water Works to get a feel for what we can do coming down Route 106. The outcome was that they will not sell us water coming down route 106. TA Beaudin added that Keith Pratt attended the advisory commission looking at the distribution of the ground water trust fund. The original proposal was approved for a potential loan that would allow up to $2.5 million from the revolving trust fund. This would have to go before the Town Meeting. ES did call, they aren t sure of terms as of yet, but we did make the list and we are a project that could move forward. Chairman Mooney added that we are about a year away from that. Selectman Pike asked if we have the money need for the analysis. TA Beaudin said that we do have money set aside for new well development that will cover that cost. A motion was put forward to move forward with the contract for the Water Supply Alternative Evaluation by Chairman Mooney, it was seconded by Selectman Pike. All were in favor, the motion passed. Storm Update from Deputy Chief Newhall Deputy Chief Newhall came before the Board to give an update on the last week s storm. The Department received 81 calls in 11 hours. It was determined that schools would be closed the following day. Twenty roads were also closed due to the storm. Selectmen s Meeting Minutes Page 5 November 6, 2017

6 Deputy Chief Newhall expressed what a fantastic job all teams did to assist during this emergency. He specifically noted the job done by Sarah Week. Power was lost downtown and in about 80% of the community. Public Works stationed vehicles at the Firehouse to assist with calls. TA Beaudin announced that there will be a meeting to discuss how the communication was handled. She put out a notice out that the state asked people to call 211 to report any outings, damage, etc. We are looking at potentially $100,000 in FEMA funds. Sarah has already put together the paperwork for anything needed to go to the state. The Fire department borrowed 130 orange cones from Busby. A thank you note will be going out to them. The Town needs to look into buying more for the future. TA Beaudin also reported that she had a meeting with a company about providing fiber for our phone and internet services for emergencies like this. Selectman Pike asked about the fiber option. With fiber optics we have a less likely chance of losing phone and internet. TA Beaudin said that the fiber is already run through the city. She added that the storm had a huge impact on Town Clerk s office. Registrations were unable to be done. Chairman Mooney added that she has heard nothing negative about service provided during the emergency. Deputy Chief Newhall said this has been a huge learning curve for him and others. Selectman Pike noted that residents have been asking about the Town picking up their brush. Public Works Director, Craig Clairmont, said that approximately 30 dump trucks of brush had been picked up. He also added that all necessary work related to the storm should be completed by tomorrow, November 7 th. Posted Notice by Town of Gilford Selectman Pike shared a notice that was posted in the newspaper from the Gilford School Committee about a public meeting they held regarding their budget. He asked that this notice be shared with the Shaker Regional School Board. TA Beaudin will follow-up on this. Next meeting The Board s next meeting will be Monday, November 20, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at the Corner Meeting House. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm. Ruth Mooney, Chairman Jon Pike, Vice Chairman Claude Patten Jr., Selectman Selectmen s Meeting Minutes Page 6 November 6, 2017