Present: Marj Roy; David Blinn; Vicky Mishcon; Jim Delaney (left meeting at 7:30 PM)
Also present: Levi Southworth; Chief Laramie for the duration of the meeting. Chuck Keyser; Jeff Newcomb; Jeff Miller; Bill Keyser; Andy Guptill; and Smoke Miller stayed for appropriate items
Portable Hot Dog Stand
Southworth inquired about obtaining a “peddler’s license” in order for him to set up a hot dog cart stand at Highland Lake, Bradley Lake, and other areas in town. Southworth has already received approval from the State. However, the Board recommended Southworth contact Andover’s Road Agent, John Thompson, for potential appropriate spots to set up the cart along with the Police Department and the Snowmobile Club.
Road Agent Report
Transfer Station gravel pit: Roy received a complaint that the gravel excavation is abutting the wetland area and that there is a conservation easement on the abutting property, thus the excavation is disturbing a turtle sanctuary. The Board explained they are in the information gathering point. However, due to the concern, Roy requested that the excavation stop until more information could be gathered.
Thompson indicated the value of the gravel is cost-effective to the town. Crushing gravel on this property instead of purchasing crushed gravel saves the town approximately $42, 000.00.
Jeff Newcomb – understood that the Board would be signing off on a conservation easement this evening. He wanted assurance from the Board that this was not the case. Additionally, Jeff suggested the Planning Board develop an excavation plan for the town similar to the plan a private excavator would do.
The Board explained that the Planning Board was looking at possibly putting a business district in that area. The Conservation Commission thought there was an easement on the abutting property. It was a study by Earle Chase, not an easement.
The Board told Thompson to continue to crush gravel at the Transfer Station gravel pit. Thompson will touch base with State Forester, Doug Miner, regarding the conservation area.
Pinewood Lane Drainage Issue
Thompson viewed the Spring flooding situation on this road which has now encroached the homeowners basement. The problem is basically due to routine maintenance not being done through the years. Thompson explained there is a similar situation on Tucker Mountain Road which creates ice on the hill. The property owner on Tucker Mountain Road is willing to help pay for approximately 50 % of the cost to make the repairs.
Summer Work And Projects
Pinewood Lane
Working on rounding up numbers for Old College Road, Monticello Drive, Shaw Hill Road. Waiting for figures from Brad at Allstate Paving.
Continue collecting parts for the fire truck project.
Swept the roads inn East Andover up to Switch Road.
Cemetery clean up is underway.
Water is turned on at Proctor Cemetery but not at the Blackwater Ball Field.
LRPC
Delaney made a motion to appoint Bob Ward as the second representative for Andover. Blinn seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.
Planning Board Fee Schedule
The Board reviewed the fee schedule. Mishcon made a motion to adopt the new schedule of planning board fees. Blinn seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion passed
Administrative Fee Schedule
The Board reviewed the fee schedule. Mishcon made a motion to adopt the new schedule of administrative fees effective June 1, 2016. Blinn seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.
Committee Procurement Policy
Roy requested the Board to approve:
no approval for funds up to $100.00 needed
$100.01 to $1000.00 needs Town Administrator approval
and $1000.01 and above need Board of Selectman approval
Mishcon made the motion to approve the procurement schedule as described by Roy. Blinn seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.
Work Session
Roy requested the Board schedule at least the first work session. The first work session the Board scheduled is on Thursday, May 5, 2016 a 10 AM Subject matters include goals and objectives for 2016-2017, red-listed bridges, financial goals, roofing bids for town hall, insulation for the library, revise personnel policy, and forming a noise ordinance committee.
Avitar
Roy presented the Board with three utility companies, each requested a tax abatement. Avitar recommended a denial for each of the three utilities, Fairpoint, American Tower, and New Hampshire Electric Coop. Mishcon made the motion to deny all three utility request for a tax abatement. Blinn seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.
Received a letter from former owner/president of Avitar, Gary Roberge, regarding the possibility of not providing utility assessments in 2017, dependent upon the outcome of the BTLA and the Courts decision.