Alexandria Board of Selectmen
August 2, 2007
Members Present: Cindy Williams and Don Gangemi
The meeting came to order at 6:00 p.m. with two members present.
Distribution of Minutes: Minutes of July 26 were distributed
Approval of Minutes: July 12; was, not were in one sentence; no attendance of selectmen
noted and Wade Reed bought. On July 19 we will wait until Peg returns as
Don Gangemi was not at that meeting. The minutes of July 12 were approved
with corrections.
Department Heads:
Jeff Cantara, Road Agent: The Fowler River Road Project is going well. He hopes to place gravel the week of the 20th and pave the week of the 29th. Maine Drilling and Blasting was able to complete their work using only the hammer. Jeff submitted a purchase order for liquid calcium as the roads are getting very dusty. With regard to the paving, signs are already in place advising people that the road will be closed at certain times. Jeff told the selectmen about an application for a driveway permit on Cass Mill Road. He said that the proposed location has the required line of sight, but he will be placing a condition on the permit that the owner needs to keep the brush cut in order to maintain that sight. Dean Benton would like the town to remove some concrete that was placed on his property some twenty plus years ago. Jeff would like the selectmen to write a letter indicating that it would cause more damage to the property to remove the concrete. The letter should also state that the area previously disturbed by the highway department will be returned to original condition as close as possible. Jeff asked the selectmen to coordinate with Boake to replace the culvert on Karl Gordon Road. Cindy will coordinate with Boake on this item.
Kate Barrett, Conservation Commission: Kate submitted minutes of the last conservation commission
meeting. The commission received a copy of an application to NHDES from The Ledges regarding some dredge and fill that they want to do in a stream between West Shore Road and the condominiums. They commission does not agree with the project and felt that some of the items were left off the application as well.
Cole Hill Road: Dan Whittemore came in to request a culvert change on Cole Hill Road. He presented a
slide show that shows the runoff problem that he experiences due to water coming from up above. The road agent said that the key issue is the properties up above and that needs to be addressed. There is a need for some cross pipes and some cleaning of the runoff areas. Jeff said he can take care of the problem at the bottom with little effort. The problem is that if something is not done above, his fix may be in harm’s way. Jeff said he has the pipe available. Cindy suggested that the selectmen go to look at the site, both the top and the bottom. He said it would not put him over budget to get the work completed as long as he doesn’t run into a lot of ledge.
Cindy asked Jeff to take a look at the Class VI section of the road and perhaps make some recommendations of the work that needs to be done. The culvert change can be done in September or October of this year. Cindy said that once Fowler River Road is done for the year, Jeff and the selectmen should get together to take a look at the area. It will be scheduled as a work session item. Mr. Whittemore said he would be happy to be present as well. Jeff suggested that the planning board be invited so they can observe some of the problems that occur on Class VI roads having to do with development.
Purchase Orders:
Two purchase orders were approved for Circle 3 Sand & Gravel; one for equipment rental and one
for gravel in the amount of $2,500 and $32,000 respectively. Don Gangemi reminded Jeff to review
purchases and to use local vendors whenever feasible.
One purchase order for NH Bituminous was approved for liquid calcium in the amount of $2,670.
Other Items Requiring Signature:
Letter to Sye Ali Road property owners were signed. The letter invited them to review the plans
for a reestablishment of the road boundaries.
Two certificates of appreciation were signed for donations to the Friendship Garden; one for Maggie
LaBerge and one for Fran Parkhurst.
New Business:
The Alexandria Ledge Climbers requested use of the old town hall for their meetings every 3rd Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. during the winter months. Cindy asked if other organizations are required to pay. Christie explained that the women’s auxiliary, church and historical society are all allowed the use of the hall at no cost. Don felt it is an acceptable use for no charge. Cindy stated that they need to be reminded that the hall needs to be cleaned after each meeting. Christie will prepare a letter stating that the hall can be used on the following conditions: a certificate of insurance is filed with the town, there is no alcohol at the meetings and the meeting area is cleaned each time. Don made the motion; Cindy seconded it and it was approved by a vote of 2-0.
Schedule of Hearings: Christie gave the selectmen a list of the preliminary values as determined by Avitar Associates. The booklet does not list the building value because it would not have fit inside a regular envelope if that number was included. It is, however, shown as a part of the total value. Letters will be mailed to property owners on August 3. Beginning on August 13, phone calls will be accepted in order to make appointments for interior inspections. Hearings will begin on the 15th and on that day the town’s new property assessment monitor from NHDRA will be present. Don asked what time the calls will be taken; Christie said between 8:30 and 4:00. Cindy pointed out that the booklet does not list ad valorem values. Christie stated that anyone can visit the website noted on the front of the booklet and see all property cards which do list market value.
Christie asked George Whittaker to drop off the screen that goes with his projector for a seminar to be held at the municipal building next Tuesday.
Cindy asked if anything had been heard from waste disposal companies. Christie said that she did not get a reply from Bestway, but did talk with the salesperson from Casella who is supposed to get in touch with Doug Paterson.
Cindy asked Jeff where he stands with the culvert replacement project. Jeff said he decided to go with an expedited permitting process rather than the 5 year as NHDES keeps asking for more information that he has not been able to get together. At the present time, the requested information is a spreadsheet to be filled out listing each culvert and the following information: material of present culvert, diameter and length of present culvert, source of water that is serviced by culvert, photo of each culvert, rip rap apron existing, diameter and length of proposed culvert, material of proposed culvert, rip rap apron proposed and total area of impact. Cindy suggested that the town continue to work on the 5 year project and meet with representatives of NHDES to find out what the town needs to do in order to get this permit. Cindy will ask Burt Williams for some assistance with this and tell him that Jeff will be getting in touch with him. Christie will write a letter requesting an extension of 120 days and requesting a meeting with them to go over the project requirements.
George Whittaker showed the selectmen a plaque he received stating that he is a NH Certified Public Health Officer. In order to qualify for this, George attended more than 100 hours of classroom instruction. The board congratulated him on his accomplishment and he was given a round of applause from all present.
Jeff dropped off letters from North Country ATV that he asked the selectmen to review at their leisure. He wanted the planning board and selectmen to be aware of the Nature Conservancy’s attempt to shut down existing ATV trails on land they have purchased after saying that they would keep them open.
Jeff wanted the selectmen to know that Parkhurst Hardware donated all the bark mulch on the garden area outside. Don said Christie and Cat spread it all out this morning. Christie mentioned that Jeff
brought the material over from the highway garage in the loader and dropped piles in various places.
Frank said the cruiser is back in town, but is still not completely outfitted. They continue to work on it and hope to have it done soon.
Christie explained that the Emerys are going to continue with the abatement appeal to BTLA. Barbara told Christie that they do not feel that Avitar is presenting anything they can agree to. Barbara said that every time she gets a new tax card, there are extra buildings on it, incorrect measurements, etc. Chris Rhude has not responded to the town with regard to the offer to adjust the Land Use Change Tax. She asked if the town wishes her to follow up on the matter. Cindy asked Christie to prepare the abatement that will bring the amount due to $1500.
Frank mentioned that the dog list has been reduced considerably and calls are being made in an effort to get them licensed.
Adjournment:
By motion of Don Gangemi, seconded by Cindy Williams, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christie Phelps, AA