Present: Marj Roy, Vicky Mishcon, Jim Delaney, and David Blinn

Also present were Mario and Caroline Ratzki, along with Lisa and Jack Braley

Reorganization of the Board:

Delaney made the motion to nominate Vicky Mishcon to continue as the Chair. Blinn seconded the motion. Mishcon will continue to be the Chair for another year.

Lisa and Jack Braley and Monticello Road Property (Map 18-410-483)

Mishcon explained to the Braley’s that the board will discuss the issuance of a building permit at this meeting but that the Board will not vote on the issue tonight. Mishcon expects the vote will take place at the next meeting.

Mario and Caroline Ratzki and Maple Street Trees

Discussion began regarding the trees in front of the Ratzki’s property at 72 Maple Street. It was noticed that the camera was not turned on for the meeting. At this point Mishcon reiterated what was discussed prior to 6:34 when the camera was turned on.

The discussion about the trees in front of Ratzki’s home at 72 Maple Street resumed. In Thompson’s opinion, the trees are a road safety concern. The trees are on town property in the right of way. There are big dead limbs overhanging the road. The limbs are not only on the roadside, but two other sides are involved. The Ratzki’s home will not be impacted. Additionally, the utility lines are on the other side of the road.

The Ratzki’s wish to see the entire trees pruned, not just the side overhanging the road. They offered to share the cost in an effort to get the trees trimmed up for safety reasons and also so that the trees might continue to live. Thompson had several estimates ranging from $3000.00 to $3600.00 for those particular trees. Thompson would like to take care of a couple of other trees in that area at the same time. Thompson indicated that $4000.00 should cover all of the safety concerns of those six trees.

Thompson agreed to have the cost come out of the Road Agent’s Special Project line in the budget. The Board will work on this and discuss with the Ratzki’s what a fair price for them to pay will be. Thompson will not have the work done until the road posting signs are removed about May 1st and will probably schedule the work for June.

Road Agent Report

Thompson indicated that the crew is now working out of White Oak Pit, calling it the Highway Office. The crew worked on the spring storm clean up and expects to deal with possibly two more storms predicted for this week. As time permits from cleaning up after the spring storms, they are opening up culverts and ditches. Additionally, they began working on summer project plans.

Roy received a letter from DOT with regards to the sign on Valley Road at Sucker Brook. Thompson will check to see if the sign is posted so Roy can notify DOT.

Lisa and Jack Braley and Monticello Road Property (Map 18-410-483)

Mishcon explained to the Braleys that the Select Board does not usually get involved in issuing building permits; that it’s the job of the Zoning Administrator and the Planning and Zoning Boards. Mishcon is not taking this decision lightly and wants to make sure the correct decision is rendered for the property.

Mishon reviewed the New Hampshire Municipal Association list of things to consider when faced with making this decision of issuing a building permit or not on a private road. One issue to consider is the safety factor for emergency services. Although the property owner signs off from the town’s liability, it is concerning to Mishcon, especially with a young family living there year round. The other two homes in that area are seasonal homes, not year round residences.

Another concern is the effect of having a building in that area and if it is in line with the Master Plan. The Board needs to take a long term look at this to see if this will fit in with the Master Plan.

A concern about abutters being notified. If the Planning Board or Zoning Board were involved, abutters would be notified. For this particular case, those Boards are not considered and abutters do not need to be notified.

After discussion with Mr. Braley, he agreed to notify the Fee’s, the Taylor’s, and the Renwick’s for their opinions/and or objections. Braley will get back to the Board with confirmation.

Other Business:

Mishcon informed the Board that the heat pumps for the Town Office Building will be installed at the end of April.

Delaney informed the Board that he made copies of the Taylor’s deed (245 Monticello Road Extension) as a reference for the Braley’s.

Blinn made a very rough list of project/issues for the Board to work on that can be prioritized.

Blinn will create a rough outline of current job descriptions and potential job descriptions for our current and future use. Blinn suggested these to Roy and will send copies to Board members for review and considered usage.

Roy would like for the Board to work on updating job descriptions. There is an upcoming conference that addresses this. Roy has signed up to go.

Roy mentioned the upcoming Primex Conference on May 10th and 11th. It is an overnight conference in Bretton Woods.

Correspondence and Signatures:

Intent to Cut on Sam Hill Road – Hersey

Timber Tax Bill – Boisvert

Verizon letter authorizing Town of Andover owns the Transfer Station property in which they want to erect a cell tower.

Granite State Power Link – FYI/News Release