Present: Chairman Coolidge, Selectman Delaney; Howard George, Wendy Pinkham, John Thompson, Ed Becker, Tom Franz, John Kinney, and Town Administrator (TA) Marj Roy.
Chairman Coolidge announced Sophie Viandier’s resignation and voted to appoint Vicky Mishcon to fill the position until March 2016.
Road Agent
John Thompson mentioned that he is fighting to keep ahead of the muddy roads by putting down gravel.
The lettering is on the new truck, and the Yorke rake is in use. The walk mowers have been purchased.
John would like a thank-you letter to be sent to John McDonald for helping the Town to save money on equipment purchased.
John and Selectmen Delaney visited the Lake View Cemetery to check about reactivating water.
Conservation Committee
Rules for use of Highland Lake Island: Chairman Coolidge mentioned to Selectmen Delaney that the rules and guidelines for use of Island need to be reviewed.
Semi-Annual Tax Billing
Ed Becker spoke about his objection to semi-annual tax billing.
Town Administrator Marj Roy said the tax warrant in November 2014 was $5 million, and to-date, 66 tax payers owe a total of over $200,000.
Budget Committee member Wendy Pinkham stated that the purpose behind twice a year tax billing is so the Town will not have to borrow money to pay bills at the end of the year. Wendy also mentioned that the Department of Revenue said that for the whole state, only five towns are left that do annual tax bills.
The state mandates 12% interest starting 30 days from the tax billing date, and then it changes to 18% interest 90 days after the bill due date.
Jeff Newcomb wondered if there might be a pattern of the people with delinquent taxes being seasonal workers?
Tax Collector
Joanna Sumner spoke about liening at Ragged Mountain Fish and Game Club. Joanna spoke to the Tax Collector Association reference RSA 75;3.
The Town can’t lien on the association because we didn’t set it up in advance with the association, and you can’t lien anyone or any association if they haven’t been billed.
Andover EMS
John Kinney told the Selectmen that he purchased the Cardiac Monitor plus three AEDs for a total cost of $32,013.57 from Physio Control, and the company gave $3,000 for trade-in of the old model.
Andover Police
Chief Glenn Laramie spoke about the new security system being installed in the Town Office, which includes four cameras, IT support, a flat-screen monitor, lifetime support, and training. Capitol Alarm made a considerable donation with a price break for the Town.
Chief Laramie requested the money to be paid out of the Police Department Revolving account. Selectmen Delaney motioned for vote and Chairman Coolidge approved.
Recreation Committee
Tom Franz, Howard George, Chris Norris were all at the meeting. The Selectmen asked the committee if they could give the Town a list of when and what they do for the Blackwater Park field. Nature Safe fertilizer is used, and it is kid- and Blackwater River-safe.
John Thompson spoke on how he is planning on keeping the fields up. John asked the committee when the fertilizer should be applied, and Howard stated that he would apply it in June, July, and September. Watering is done every other day; spray once a year to kill bugs.
Howard said that he would supervise the aerating and fertilizing. John asked if the committee would mind doing the aerating and fertilizing this year. The committee agreed to aerate, fertilize, and put the lines on the field.
Town Administrator
Marj Roy handed the Board a list of her job responsibilities.
Emery Road: Planning Board needs to vote on the recommendation as to what action to take for the Class 6 road.