Moultonborough Selectmen Meeting Minutes April 17th, 2008

Route 25 Corridor Study, which targets the road from Meredith through Center Harbor and to 109 South in Moultonborough.  He explained the study began in July of 2007, identifying potential problems, safety priorities and conditions.  They also looked at the development potential along Route 25 and the subsequent impact.  Mr. Izard introduced Adam Karowski, who actually studied the traffic counts and created maps that looked at 500 feet on each side of the corridor, identifying the existing land use for each parcel, and potential for future development.  Mr. Izard stated that each Town’s land use practices are a major factor of the road’s capacity.  The Committee reviewed the Route 16 Corridor Study video on access management, which was well received.  It is suggested that each Town’s Planning Board view the video.  They developed corridor wide recommendations for access management that can be readily adopted into local ordinances and regulations.  A consulting engineering firm was hired to prioritize the five major areas of safety along the corridor.  The study identified problem areas in each Town.  Center Harbor’s problem area is downtown by the lake with pedestrians and car traffic, two traffic lights and funneling traffic.  The study identified four problem areas in Moultonborough; Fox Hollow, Glidden Road, Sheridan Road, Redding Lane.  Mr. Izard acknowledged that there has been significant discussion already about these four roads and ways to remedy the problems.  He added that Chief Kinmond has identified some recommendations through the Transfer Technology Center at UNH which conducted safety audits.  This information was given to the consulting engineer requesting that they develop conceptual preliminary plans for safety improvements at these intersections, which is included in the study with an estimated cost for each area.  Mr. Izard stated that he feels having this information will benefit the Town when working with DOT.  He informed the Selectmen that the study report is due to DOT by April 30th.  Upon the Selectmen’s review of the report, they are requesting that the Selectmen write a memorandum of understanding and endorsement with the Town of Center Harbor, which will help facilitate improving the traffic.  Mr. Izard explained that he presented the plan to the Center Harbor Selectmen yesterday and made the same request.  He acknowledged that the Town’s Master Plan is already working on identifying problems along the corridor.  The memo of understanding acknowledges access management protocols and coordinates efforts between the Towns’ planning boards and DOT.  There are six memos of understanding throughout the state, many of which exist in the seacoast area.  Mr. Izard added that the problems that exist in the seacoast are similar to those in the Lakes Region.  Chief Kinmond commented that over the past two years, the Town’s Planning Board has submitted subdivision information to his office and also to Chief Bengtson, with the focus of traffic safety.  He added that the memorandum of understanding will facilitate open communication between the Planning Board and the State.  The Chief explained once DOT approves driveway access, the Town is without recourse.  It is hoped that if DOT requests that the Town reviews driveway applications prior to approval, it will allow known problem areas to be identified and safer access approved.  Karel asked Mr. Izard if he feels it is necessary that Moultonborough Selectmen meet with the Selectmen from Center Harbor.  He responded that he feels that the memorandum of understanding is straightforward, but he would not discourage them from meeting.  Betsey asked which towns on the seacoast have the same memo of understanding.  Chief Kinmond replied that Barrington was the first town.  Mr. Izard stated he would provide her with the list.  Ed commented that the Planning Board has been waiting for the study and asked if it is possible to receive more copies for each member and also to have a copy for the Library, etc.  Mr. Izard stated that once the study is finalized they planned on providing each town with additional copies.  Betsey asked when the memo of understanding is needed.  He replied that it should be signed and in the report to DOT by the end of the month.  Mr. Izard offered to provide the Selectmen with a memo for their signature for next week’s meeting.  Karel and the Selectmen thanked Mr. Izard, LRPC, and the Committee members for all of their effort.
2. Enid Holmes expressed her concern that the Camp Tecumseh scholarship for Moultonborough boys ages 8-12 is not being utilized.  She felt that the scholarship is not being publicized.  Karel explained that the school identifies qualified boys for the scholarship.  The Selectmen have learned that some parents have an issue with sending their son away for seven weeks.  In addition, there is an economic disparity between a child that receives a scholarship and campers who have an advanced socio-economic lifestyle.  Karel assured Ms. Holmes that they will check with the school to be sure that all is being done to utilize the camper scholarship.

VI. NEW BUSINESS:

1. Sick Bank Contribution, Kathy Remson:  Acknowledged.
2. Carolyn Nelsen – Outing Club, Request for Funds:  Karel stated that the Outing Club is an activity sponsored by the Academy.  She and Ed questioned if the fund for Community Substance Abuse Prevention and Education is meant for this type of activity.  Carter suggested that he and Chief Kinmond meet with Ms. Nelsen, receive more information and will report back to the Selectmen.  The Selectmen agreed and asked that this item be tabled for next week.
3. Vadar Systems 2008 Contract:  Carter explained that the contract is for annual support at a cost of $5,839.51.  Carter requested that he be authorized to sign the contract as had been the practice with the former Town Administrator.  Karel informed him that she misunderstood and has signed the contract.  Carter stated that he will add a signature line.  The Selectmen authorized Carter to sign the contract by consensus.
4. Sex Offender Residency – Proposed Ordinance:  Carter presented a draft for the Selectmen’s review.  He asked that this be held for the upcoming workshop, which will give them time to review it.  Approved.
5. Ossipee Park Road, LBG Proposal:  Carter explained that LBG is requesting the Selectmen to sign the base scope which will allow the engineers to get started and determine the results of the test pits.  The cost is $34,500.  Betsey Made the Motion to authorize the Chair to sign the contract for the base scope work at the cost of $34,500.  Ed Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.
6. Jim brought to the Selectmen’s and Carter’s attention an article he found in the Granite State News about Wolfeboro creating a policy for information to be submitted and placed on their town’s website.  Carter thanked him for this information, adding that this will help the Website Committee.

VII. OLD BUSINESS:

1. NH Bass Federation Nation, Launch Request, Change of Date:  Hope explained that this group was previously approved to use the Lee’s Mills Launch for April 20th.  The group has asked to move the date to Sunday May 4th, hoping that the ice will be out by then.  She added that there is no other group using the launch on May 4th and both Chief Kinmond and Chief Bengtson are agreeable as long as they abide by the same stipulations.  Approved.

VIII. OTHER BUSINESS:

1. Legislative Update:  Betsey reported much to her regret that SB 539 passed and is being sent to the Finance Committee.  Hearings will start this Monday, 10:00 am in Concord.  She explained that this will add 37 donor towns.  The cost is just under $1 billion, which doesn’t include the proposed bill for kindergarten or the transition aid (special education).  Betsey stated that she voted against SB 539.  She reported that the School Board’s letter was received by everyone in the House and Senate.  Karel asked if the Town’s representatives voted against it.  Betsey replied that she will find out how they voted.  Joel asked if the Shoreland bill has come up yet.  She reported that it has not and expects to see it by July 1st and will get more information on this.  Karel referring to SB 539, stated that the Selectmen will sign a letter to the Finance Committee, which asks that it be read into the Minutes.  Discussion occurred about SB 539 discouraging home schooling by requiring that the curriculum be approved by the Department of Education.
2. Planning Board Update:  Ed reported that they had a site walk on Randall Road and discussed a few minor subdivisions.
3. Administration Update:  Carter provided the Selectmen with the work plan that was scored by the Selectmen, which will be a guide for the next couple of years.  He presented the Selectmen with the revised letter to the Finance Committee for their signatures.  Mike Lancor has suggested meeting on April 24th, 6:00 pm to consider continuing the joint meeting day.  Jim and Ed both agreed that the day will work for them.  Mr. Lancor would like the School Board members and Jim and Ed to meet on May 15th and the 21st, 4:00 pm for the Budget Advisory Committee.  They would like to make their presentation to both boards on June 15th and invite the members of the study committee to also attend.  Carter reported that he’s heard from Dick Rodrique of DOT, reporting that they have received septic approval for the state’s property on Route 25.  They will be cleaning up the present building and adding an addition.  As a courtesy, DOT would like to make a presentation to the Selectmen on May 8th.   Karel asked Carter to place a public notice in the newspapers and an invitation extended to the Planning Board.
4. Betsey stated that she is looking into the RSA’s and the Capital Improvements Committee.  She will be speaking with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Planning Board, as the Town’s legislative body during Town Meeting gave the Planning Board the authority to do capital improvements and planning, which is very similar to the Municipal Needs Committee.  During the Selectmen’s work session, she will provide them with feedback of this conversation.
5. Municipal Needs Committee Minutes, April 9, 2008:  Acknowledged.
6. Planning Board Meeting Minutes, April 9, 2008:  Acknowledged.

IX. PENDING:

1. Policy for Closing Town Offices Emergency/Inclement Weather, 5/15/08:
2. Heidi A. Davis, April 7, 2008:  Tabled.

X. CORRESPONDENCE:

1. NRRA, April 9, 2008:  Karel reported that the Northeast Resource Recovery Association is sending a letter of thanks for the Town’s continued support of NRRA.  The annual NRRA’s Annual Recycling Conference & Expo will be held on June 9th & 10th.  Betsey voiced her support of recycling and hoped that the crew at the Town’s WMF will be able to attend.

Betsey Made the Motion for the Selectmen to go into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 II (b).  Ed Seconded the Motion.  Karel called for a roll call:  Jim – Aye; Betsey – Aye; Ed – Aye; Joel – Aye; Karel – Aye.  The Selectmen went into Non-Public Session at 8:07 p.m.

Joel Made a Motion for the Selectmen to come out of Non-Public Session.  Betsey Seconded the Motion.  Karel called for a roll call:  Jim – Aye; Betsey – Aye; Ed – Aye; Joel – Aye; Karel – Aye.  The Selectmen came out of Non-Public Session at 9:05 p.m.

Joel Made the Motion to seal the Minutes until the matter is resolved.  Betsey Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.

Betsey Made the Motion to authorize Carter to sign the Miracle Farms contract after first checking on the $75/week weeding.  Joel Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.
 

XI. ADJOURNMENT: Betsey Made the Motion to Adjourn.  Jim Seconded.
                                     Motion Carried Unanimously.
                                     Ed adjourned the meeting at 9:07 p.m.
 

_____________________________________      ____________________________
Approved                                                                   Date
                                                                                   Respectfully Submitted
                                                                                   Hope K. Kokas, Office Secretary