Selectmen Minutes September 11th, 2008

  He also questioned the Town’s past use of the franchise fee.  Joel responded that prior to two years ago, these funds went into the general fund and have been completely accounted for.  During the last two years, the franchise fees are held in a fund to assist less populated areas in Town to access cable.  Joel added that if he wants this policy changed, then he should circulate a citizen’s petition for Town Meeting.  Betsey added that the Town has a 15 year contract, which will end in 2016.  When Time Warner took over Adelphia they were bound by this same contract and nothing has changed.  She stated that the Selectmen are in the process of creating a policy that protects the Town and its’ citizens and insuring a quality product.  Ed commented that it is a very complicated process.
 
VI.       NEW BUSINESS:
 
1.         Introduction of New Staff and Appointees:  None this week.
2.         Presentation of Awards & Certificates for 2088 Adopt - A - Spot Program:  Karel reported that they would like to recognize those that participated in the Adopt a Spot program in the various garden areas throughout Town.  Recently the gardens were judged by local gardeners.  As Jim coordinated this effort, Karel asked that he announce the winners.  Jim awarded Certificates of Appreciation to:  Pine Ridge Lawn and Landscaping, Dion’s Plant Place & Landscapes, Moultonborough Cycling Club, Donnybrook Homes Services and Al Hume.  First place plaques were awarded to Moultonborough Lions Club and Moultonborough Aubuchon for their collaborative effort at the Sutherland Park.  The second place plaque was awarded to Miracle Farms Landscaping for their garden spot located on the Moultonborough/Center Harbor town line.  The third place plaque went to James and Peter Nigzus & Family for their garden spot at Playground Drive.  The Selectmen expressed their appreciation for the fine job of all of the participants and expressed their hope that they would consider adopting a spot next year.
3.         Karel stated that the Advisory Budget Committee met this past Monday and elected Jean Beadle as the Chair and Gary Haracz as Vice Chair.
4.         Action Re: Acceptance of Sandra Brackett’s Resignation from MPD:  Karel stated that the Selectmen accept Ms. Brackett’s letter of resignation with regret and wish her well in her new position.  She added that Ms. Brackett will continue to work part-time until a replacement can be found.  Karel asked Carter to draft a letter of acceptance.
5.         Action Re: Acceptance of Tax Deeds:  Susette Remson, the Town’s Tax Collector, requested that the Selectmen accept the tax deeds for the 2005 levy.  She asked the Selectmen to note that her Deputy received a threat after explaining to one tax payer over the phone the process which could result in forfeiture of property.  Karel urged Susette to contact the Chief of Police and report the threat.  Betsey Made the Motion to accept the tax deeds for the 2005 levy as listed if unredeemed by September 24, 2008.  Ed Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.  Karel reported the total for taxes due is $44,322.25 with $20,087.16 in interest and there will be additional fees.  Betsey Made the Motion to authorize the Tax Collector to record the tax deeds at the Carroll County Registry of Deeds after September 24, 2008.  Ed Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.
6.         Action Re: Declaration of September 13, 2008 as Paralyzed Veterans of America Day:  Joel announced that the Selectmen have proclaimed Saturday, September 13, 2008 as Paralyzed Veterans of America Day in the Town of Moultonborough.  He added that this is the third year that the Town has made this proclamation.  The event and fishing tournament originated three years ago when the Paralyzed Veterans group and sponsors requested to rent Camp Robindel for the weekend.  Joel added that his boss responded by allowing the group to use the camp for the weekend at no cost and continues to do so.  People come from all around, with many Veterans checking themselves out of VA hospitals to participate, chefs coming from Boston, and a motorcycle club volunteering to physically transfer the vets from their wheelchairs to the bass boats.  Joel commented that it is a wonderful event for all involved.  Karel added that she will read the proclamation Saturday night.
7.         Action Re: Count Down to the Annual Town Meeting (ATM):  Carter reported that he created the proposed schedule for reporting, meetings, public hearings, etc., for the 2009 Town Meeting.  He added that the ABC Committee has reviewed the schedule and they have given their approval.  Carter asked the Selectmen to consider dates for work shops.  The Selectmen agreed that the schedule is acceptable.
 
VII.     OLD BUSINESS:
1.         Action Re: Referred from Workshop - Closure Policy (Awaiting Joint Meeting with BoLT):  Carter reported that he has requested from the Library Trustees to meet with the Selectmen on September 25, 2008.  In addition to the Closure Policy, they will also review the Internet Policy.
2.         Action Re: Referred from Workshop – PEG Policy (Presentation on 09/18 w/SAU Comments):  Carter reported that the School Board has recently reviewed the policy and have some minor suggestions.  He added that this will be on next week’s Agenda.  Al Hume reported that he spoke with the Town of Tuftonboro and Meredith asking about their cable policy.  He learned that neither town has a policy, but just requires Town Manager/Administrator’s approval.  Carter responded that the Town of Moultonborough is being responsible by thoroughly exploring and creating an access policy which will prevent future problems.  He added that Meredith cable access should not be compared with Moultonborough, as they contract with Lakes Region Public Access Corporation who oversees this.  Carter stated that during next week’s meeting, the policy will be explained along with the reasoning behind it.  He added that he feels that two months taken is a modest time to create a policy.
3.         Lakes Region Water Company Matters:  Carter stated that he has no update, but spoke with Tom Mason today and encouraged him to follow through with requesting the ordinance variance required and was assured that he would do so.
4.         Cristina Ashjian asked the Selectmen if they had any update regarding the change order for the reconstruction for Ossipee Park Road.  Carter replied that the change order was forwarded to her family’s engineer for review and they did not approve the drainage changes.  He added that LBG has made a recommendation that includes dry wells for two catch basins with perforated pipes.  Carter stated that he spoke with Ms. Ashjian and asked for approval to allow LBG and the Vappi/Ashjian family engineer be allowed to contact each other for discussion.  Ms. Ashjian confirmed that they had this conversation and provided a copy of the email to the Selectmen from Michael Rafferty to Carter dated September 8, 2008 to the Selectmen.  Hollis Austin presented his letter to the Selectmen and read it into the Minutes regarding his concern that funds voted for the reconstruction of Ossipee Park Road will be used on private property (see attached).  Carter responded that all road projects have some measure of work outside of the scope of Town property (i.e. easements, driveways, etc.) and is well within legal practice for Ossipee Park Road and other Town roads.  He invited Mr. Austin to come and speak with him to learn more.  Discussion occurred about the 2008 Town Meeting, the designs presented, the requirement from CG Roxane for their $600,000 donation, and the propriety of the Town expending funds on private land.
5.         Gary Torressen asked the Selectmen for an update regarding the Pathway II.  Karel stated that the committee met, walking the pathway and will be testing three or 4 areas with different materials.  She added that they hoped to know more in a couple of weeks.
6.         Josh Bartlett expressed his concern that the Police Department is unable to enforce the Town’s noise ordinance as they don’t have the tools necessary to do so.  He cited motorcycles with straight pipes as a violation of the noise ordinance.  Karel stated that they will talk to Chief Kinmond about the problem and asked that the item stay on pending.
 
VIII.    OTHER BUSINESS:
 
1.         Legislative Update:  Betsey reported that there was a mixed turn out for the primary elections.  She reminded everyone that it is their civic duty to vote on November 4th.
2.         Planning Board Update:  Ed reported the Selectmen that they discussed the letter sent to the Selectmen from the Fox Hollow Committee.  He added that the Selectmen’s office did not receive this letter until September 8th and will appear on next week’s Agenda.  In addition, Joanne Coppinger, on behalf of the School Board presented to the Planning Board their plans to build additional parking areas on Blake Road for the playing fields.
3.         Administration Update:  No update.
4.         Planning Board Meeting Minutes, August 27, 2008:  Acknowledged.
5.         Moultonboro Visiting Nurse Service Board of Directors Meeting Minutes, August 26, 2008:  Acknowledged.
 
IX.       PENDING:
 
1.         Municipal Needs Committee, August 15, 2008 WMF Site Visit Recommendations:  No update.
 
X.        CORRESPONDENCE:
 
1.         Justin S. Bielagus, August 19, 2008:  Karel asked Ed if Mr. Bielagus’ letter about Harilla Landing should be referred to the Planning Board.  Ed replied that it is a site plan issue, as Harilla Landing is not zoned commercially, but they had a repair shop which is a commercial activity.  Referred to the Planning Board.
2.         Douglas P. Hill, Esq., August 8, 2008:  Carter suggested that he work with Town Counsel to draft a letter to Attorney Hill who is writing on behalf of the Fox Hollow Committee, requesting that the Selectmen reconsider terminating LBG working on “Task 3”.  Approved.
3.         Heidi, Todd, Thomas D. & Donna Z. Given, August 31, 2008:  Betsey explained that during a recent meeting of the Langdon Cove Association, she suggested to the Givens that they submit a letter to the Selectmen, requesting that they authorize the CEO to visit two properties abutting them for several alleged violations.  Approved by Consensus.
4.         Edward H. Sonn, September 3, 2008:  Karel responded that the Town increased the amount of time given to property owners to schedule hearing appointments.  Betsey added that it is not practical that tax payers be notified via email regarding assessment hearings etc.  The Selectmen requested that Carter draft a letter to Mr. Sonn.
5.         Betsey reported that she has attended three meetings regarding proposed legislation.  As earlier reported the Tax Collector and the Town Clerk have submitted their comments.  The Town Clerk is opposed to the proposed bill to appoint versus elect the Town Clerk.  The Tax Collector is in favor of allowing payment of taxes by credit card and on the Internet.  Joel asked what the fee to the Town is if taxes were paid by a credit card.  Carter explained there is no fee if the payment is made on the Internet.  A fee would result if a credit card was used and paid in person.  Betsey stated that she will bring this up at her next meeting with LGC.
6.         Ed reported that he received a phone call from Jim Morrison telling him that he has not received his check for his donation from Carter.  Carter responded that he had planned on returning it to Mr. Morrison at tonight’s meeting, however he isn’t in attendance.  He stated that he would put it in the mail first thing in the morning.
 
XI.       ADJOURNMENT:   Joel Made the Motion to Adjourn.  Betsey Seconded.
                                             Motion Carried Unanimously.
                                             Karel adjourned the meeting at 8:36 p.m.
 
 
 
_____________________________________                      ____________________________
Approved                                                                                 Date
                                                                                                Respectfully Submitted
                                                                                                Hope K. Kokas, Secretary

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