Selectmen Meeting MInutes March 27th 2008

of the Selectmen to make a public comment as a citizen of Moultonborough and not representing the Board of Selectmen.  She repeated that she is speaking as Karel Crawford, citizen of Moultonborough.  She specifically addressed her comments to the Moultonboro Citizen’s Alliance and their supporters, regarding the recent posting on their website of a letter submitted to the Selectmen in support of the proposed community/senior center.  Karel commented that this was a deliberate mistreatment of one of the Town’s volunteers by the Gilford “watch dog.”  Karel stated that the Citizen’s Alliance needs to take responsibility for this posting and she classified it as slanderous and mean spirited.  Ed expressed his opinion that freedom is lost through intimidation and results in people being afraid to speak out.  He too was disturbed by the Moultonboro Citizens Alliance website’s treatment of this individual by someone who is not even from the Moultonborough community.  He added that he has seen a lot of destruction in the past two years.
2. John Marino, MBLU #254-058, 10 Watson Shore Road:  Mr. Marino addressed the Selectmen requesting their support in his application to DES to construct a three bedroom septic system on this property.  He added that the Town’s property record cards dating back to 1989 reflect his property as being only two bedrooms.  He requested that the Town change the property record cards to reflect three bedrooms.   Ed asked Mr. Marino if the septic plan meets all of the set backs and requirements.  Mr. Marino replied that David Ames, the designer has assured him that it does.  Carter brought to the Selectmen’s attention the faxed information to the Town from DES of their correspondence to Ames Associates, denying Mr. Marino’s septic application, and offering to waive it if he produces a copy of a property record card prior to 1967 that shows it is a three bedroom house and additional information.  Carter stated that the Town’s records do not go back that far.  He cautioned the Selectmen that they would be setting precedent if they change the older cards.  Carter added that based on the Town Assessor’s recent viewing and recommendation, the Town can change the record this point forward.  The Selectmen discussed the situation and offered to provide DES with an explanation.  Carter suggested faxing Brownie’s memo to DES.  Joel suggested providing this information to David Ames and let him go to DES.  Ed asked why this has become a problem if Mr. Marino is willing to build a system that meets all of the requirements.  Joel speculated that the issue maybe the Shoreland Protection Act.  Karel offered to Mr. Marino that the Town would find out more about the problem and get back to him on what was learned.  Mr. Marino thanked the Selectmen for their help.
3. Stephen Cote, MBLU #146-004-000-029-000, 201 Hanson Mills Road:  Mr. Cote asked the Selectmen if they could be compassionate and forgive the redemption penalty in his effort to redeem his tax deeded property.  Karel explained the property was tax deeded to the Town following NH State law.  She added that although they have compassion for his situation, there are no exceptions to the law.  Mr. Cote stated that the 15% penalty based on the present assessed value will be very difficult for him to raise.  He asked the Selectmen if they could reduce the assessment.  Karel explained that presently the Town owns the property.  If he redeems it, paying the penalty, he can submit an abatement application after he receives the second tax bill, sometime in November.  Mr. Cote asked and the Selectmen told him, that he could obtain his personal possessions by providing prior notice and so he could be accompanied into the property.  Everyone agreed that with all of the snow that may not be easily accomplished at this time.  Mr. Cote asked if it was possible to make arrangements with the Town to pay the redemption penalty.  Karel stated that they would refer this question to Town Counsel and will notify him of the answer.
4. Non-Public Session, Personnel Issue:
 
VII. NEW BUSINESS:

1. Launch Request, Forge Pond Bassmasters, Lee’s Mills, August 9 & 10, 2008:  Karel commented that the recommendation by the Police and Fire Chiefs is to deny this request as there is a scheduling conflict with a tournament that has been previously approved.  Ed Made the Motion to deny Forge Pond Bassmasters request to use the launch at Lee’s Mills, August 9 & 10, 2008 due to a scheduling conflict.  Joel Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.
2. Temporary Use Permits, 528 Whittier Highway, 7/5-7/19/08 & 8/2-8/30/08:  Karel reported that the Police and Fire Chiefs recommend approval of the two permits with stipulations of no parking on Route 25 or Marvin Road, and obtaining permission from the abutter for over-flow parking.  She added that the same event was held last year.  Ed Made the Motion to approve the Temporary Use Permits, 528 Whittier Highway, 7/5-7/19/08 & 8/2-8/30/08 with the stipulations that there is no parking on Route 25 or Marvin Road, and obtaining permission from the abutter (Grill 25) for over-flow parking.  Joel Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.
3. Joanne F. Coppinger - LRPC Transportation Advisory Committee:  Karel reported that Ms. Coppinger’s term has expired and in her letter regrets that she will not be able to fill another term.  Ed reminded the Selectmen that Herb Farnham is the Alternate.  Ed Made the Motion to appoint Herb Farnham as a member of the Lakes Region Planning Committee Transportation Advisory Committee.  Joel Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.  Karel commented that the Selectmen will make inquiries for a volunteer to fill the Alternate position.
4. DES Groundwater Management Permit Renewal Application:  Karel reported that the Selectmen signed the application

VIII. OLD BUSINESS:

1. Donna Kuethe, Recreation Director:  Donna addressed the Selectmen regarding her memo that she provided them.  She felt it necessary to clarify the Minutes of March 6th, based on the report and comments made by a member of the Recreation Advisory Board.  She stated that she received ideas about senior programming and wanted the Selectmen to know that although she said no, she was not adamantly against senior programming.  Donna added that she told the RAB that even though volunteers help with the programs, it still has an impact on an already taxed staff.  She pointed out that the Recreation Department, despite being short on staff has recently run a trip to the NE Flower Show in collaboration with the Senior Meals Program.  In addition they have recently distributed a senior survey and met with the Senior Needs Committee in January.  Karel thanked Donna for clarifying the situation.
2. Budget Advisory Committee, Draft Advertisement:  Carter provided the Selectmen with a draft of an advertisement recruiting residents interested in becoming members of the Budget Advisory Committee.  The Selectmen approved the advertisement to run in the Meredith News, posted at all Town buildings, at the SAU office and also at both schools.

IX. OTHER BUSINESS:

1. Legislative Update:  Karel reported that she, Ed and Carter attended the Coalition Communities meeting and heard from Governor Lynch who feels the constitutional amendment is the answer to resolve the education funding problem.  If both the House and Senate pass the constitutional amendment, the next goal is to educate the electorate.  Karel reported that the City of Portsmouth to date is the largest contributor to the Coalition Communities, housing Pat Remick.  She reported since 1999 they have contributed $525,000 and Moultonborough has paid $57,000 the second largest contributor.  She asked the Selectmen to consider giving $3,000 towards the cause, reminding them that the Town last paid $1,000.  Carter recommended taking this from the legal line item.  Joel Made the Motion to donate $3,000 to Coalition Communities.  Jim Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.
2. Planning Board Update:  Ed reported that at last night’s meeting they did not have a quorum; therefore a majority of the items were postponed.  Judy Ryerson was appointed the Chair and Nat King is the Vice Chair.
3. Administration Update:  Carter reported as requested, that the four grants that were awarded to the Police Department was $10,400.  The Chief told him that they still have grant requests of $8,250 pending approval.  In addition, Brownie Jones will be closing the account the Town has with People GIS (Maps-on-Line) as of April 1st.  Sustainable Mapping Solutions, the new Internet provider will be linked with Vision Appraisal.  Carter informed the Selectmen that the Website Committee met this week and he will be contacting Virtual Town Hall to begin the process.  He also provided the Selectmen with the article in Meredith News, asking for residents’ comments about having Town Meeting on a Saturday.
4. Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes, March 19, 2008:  Acknowledged.

IX. PENDING:

1. Residency Ordinance for Registered Sexual Offenders, 4/15/08:  Karel commented about the court case in Dover, where the town is being sued by an offender who claims he is overly restricted and can’t find a place to live in that town.  Carter added that in his discussions with Chief Kinmond and Town Counsel, they suggest waiting for this court case to be settled before creating the ordinance.  Jim asked Carter how much more time is needed to finish the work.  Carter speculated fifteen hours of staff time and then review by Town Counsel.  Ed suggested placing reasonable restrictions.  Peter Jensen asked if there are any studies that suggest success in placing restrictions.  Ed replied that he would like to follow-up on this, researching any studies, as he has an interest in this subject.  The Selectmen agreed by consensus to continue with creating the ordinance.
2. Policy for Closing Town Offices Emergency/Inclement Weather, 5/15/08:
3. Senior Needs Committee:  Tabled.

X. CORRESPONDENCE:

1. Jean Schmidt, March 20, 2008:  Karel reported that Ms. Schmidt in her letter stated that she liked having Town Meeting on a Saturday, but felt having the School District and Town Meeting on the same day, made the meeting too long.
2. Moultonborough Fire/Rescue Dept. – Annual Firefighters’ Appreciation Night, 4/26/08:  Karel asked the Selectmen to be sure to RSVP.
3. Moultonboro/Sandwich Senior Meals – Volunteer Luncheon, 4/8/08:  Karel expressed her regret that she will not be able to attend.  Ed stated that he would be happy to attend.
4. Paul Punturieri, March 25, 2008:  Karel reported that Mr. Punturieri asked for clarification regarding Mel Borrin acting as Moderator at the School recount for SB2.  Richard Wakefield, the school’s Moderator, stated in his email that Mr. Borrin is the Deputy Moderator for the School District and attended as an observer only, as he has recently attended recount trainings.  Laurie Whitley added that Mr. Borrin was only an observer.
5. Ed thanked Sara of the Meredith News for running an article on the Methodist Church’s recent corned beef dinner at the Lions Club.  He reported that it was a successful fund raiser.

Karel asked for a Motion to go into Non-Public Session.  Joel Made the Motion for the Selectmen to go into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 II (d) Real or Personal Property.  Ed Seconded the Motion.  Karel called for a roll call:  Jim – Aye; Joel – Aye; Karel – Aye.  The Selectmen went into Non-Public Session at 8:03 pm.

Jim Made a Motion for the Selectmen to come out of Non-Public Session.  Ed Seconded the Motion.  Karel called for a roll call:  Jim – Aye; Joel – Aye; Karel – Aye.  The Selectmen came out of Non-Public Session at 8:40 pm.

Ed Made the Motion to seal the Minutes until the matter is resolved.  Jim Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.

X. ADJOURNMENT:     Joel Made the Motion to Adjourn.  Jim Seconded.
                                        Motion Carried Unanimously.
                                        Karel adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m.
 

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