September 3
Condensed from approved minutes
Present: Selectmen Mishcon, Danforth, Coolidge; Town Administrator Marj Roy, Road Agent Jon Champagne.
At 6:01 PM, Mishcon opened the public hearing for review of new building permit fees. Also in attendance for this portion of the meeting was Dan Coolidge, chairperson of the Andover Zoning Board of Administration (ZBA). Dan stated that, according to the current zoning ordinances, these fees should be set by the ZBA, not the Board of Selectmen. It was agreed that administrative fees must be included in all fees.
The ZBA will hold a public hearing for public input when they finalize the fees. The Board of Selectmen will send a letter to the ZBA stating they have reviewed the fees and will state whether or not the Board finds them acceptable.
Jon Champagne questioned the “Driveway Permits” listed under “Other” on the Permit Fee Schedule. It was agreed that the Road Agent has authority to direct homeowners to address any driveway problems that impact town roads.
Selectman Danforth moved to forward the proposed building permit fees to the ZBA; Coolidge seconded; the vote was unanimous.
The hearing was adjourned at 6:18 PM by Mishcon.
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Selectmen opened at 6:18 PM.
The Road Agent reviewed the bridge inspections that were conducted by Stephen Liakos, Senior Bridge Engineer for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (DOT). These informal inspections were performed on August 28 and included Selectmen Mishcon and Danforth, Road Agent Champagne, and Town Administrator Roy.
Due to an abutment issue, the Lawrence Street Bridge over the Blackwater River will be posted as a one-lane bridge with a 20-ton limit. Also, the chain link fence along the boardwalk needs to be secured.
The Gale Road Bridge was closed some time ago, but a more prohibitive method of closure is required. Jon will talk with Andover Fence Company for pricing on both of these bridges.
Due to deterioration, the Gale Road Bridge requires removal as soon as possible. It will be wise to remove it before it falls into the river and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services issues have to be dealt with and paid for.
The Valley Road over Tucker Mountain Bridge requires two ten-foot gates at either end. These gates will be padlocked.
Jon reported washouts and a sink hole on Boston Hill Road have been repaired. He also reported that fuel costs are a concern to the drivers on the winter plow roster.
Pike Industries will be in town on September 9 and 10 to pave Apple Crest Lane, Pancake Road, Mill Road, and Bradley Lake Road. The grader will rip up the joints on Mill Road and Pancake Road prior to Pike’s arrival.
Gravel from the Town’s inventory will be used to grade Old College Road and Chase Hill Road where ledge is cropping up.
Brush cutting was discussed. Jon’s crew of three will use a chipper and a one-ton truck.
Jon hired a local tree removal company to remove critical trees on Plains Road, Raccoon Hill Road, Maple Street, and Lawrence Street. This work was completed in two days. There is more to be done.
Jon reminded the Board that he had submitted a proposal for ditching with the grader. The proposal has not yet been signed by the Board.
Jim Shaw will again do the roadside mowing.
Jon will notify the police, fire, and EMS department about the one-lane posting on the Lawrence Street Bridge. Notices will go up in the Post Offices, Lake Sunapee Bank, and Jake’s Market.
A work session was scheduled for Thursday, September 5 at 1 PM.
The Road Agent will notify the Board of Selectmen of any driveway or culvert problems that effect Town roads. The Board will send the homeowner a letter of notification. Questions can be answered by the Road Agent, who will work to help keep homeowners’ costs down.
TDS
TDS is formally requesting a franchise for the Town of Andover for high-speed internet, phone, and TV that will be provided through fiber-optic cable. This franchise will be parallel to the Comcast franchise already in place. TDS will re-word the Comcast franchise agreement and send a draft to the Town Administrator, who will send it to Town Counsel for review. A public hearing will be required before acceptance of the franchise. Tom will notify Comcast of the TDS franchise.
Building Permits
Inspections will be for zoning enforcement. The inspector will go to the ZBA with zoning questions, and the Board of Selectmen will hear appeals of contested ZBA rulings. This process will begin immediately, and if the ZBA makes a change in fees, the Selectmen can revisit the fees.
Dave Powers stated that the word “permit” triggers the assumption that an inspection will be performed. Dan Coolidge stated that the law requires the use of the word “permit.”
August 1, 2012 will be the date used as the beginning date for open permits that require refunds.
Coolidge asked the Town Administrator if she had received any indication of the cost to the Fourth of July Committee for the $1,000,000 required coverage. She replied that the price would vary dependent upon the insurance company.
Danforth moved to authorize the Town Administrator to set pay requirements and process. Coolidge seconded. The vote was unanimous.
A work session was scheduled for Friday morning for the sole purpose of Transfer Station planning.
Danforth stated that the job description for the Road Agent’s position should be published in the October issue of the Beacon.
The term of the right-of-way agreement with Mark Thompson for the Morrill Hill Road entrance to the Town sandpit will be through March 2014.