Orange Archive

Present: Dorothy Behlen Heinrichs (chaired the meeting), Bob Ells, and Sandi Pierson (clerical). Betty Fulton was out of town.

Others present: Barbara Smith, Pat and George White, Chuck Townsend, Judy Lindahl, Marilyn and Lewis Lieto, and Beverly Ells.

Meeting called to order at 7 PM. Attendance taken by secretary.

Minutes: The Board approved the September 25, 2012 minutes as submitted.

Marilyn Lieto, a Democrat from Groton, gave an informational presentation of her candidacy for state representative. Democrat Carol Friedrich was also scheduled to appear but could not attend. Speaking on behalf of Carol Friedrich, Marilyn stated that Carol is a “floterian” candidate and had been a state representative for two years prior to the redistricting. Carol’s successes as state rep include the biomass heating system at the new correctional facility.

As a candidate, Marilyn said her priorities were education, job loss at hospitals (because the current House did not take federal stimulus money), the environment, and voter restrictions. She said state college tuitions have risen considerably and she did not support the bill that would allow funding to homeschoolers and families with children who attend private schools. She said this was more of a “voucher program” than “scholarships.” She opposes the ten cent reduction in cigarette taxes and said it cost the state thirty million dollars. Judy Lindahl stated that she should support a type of waver/exemption initiative whereas smaller towns do not have to adhere to across-the-board state mandates that are actually only relevant to larger towns and cities. Answering a question from Sandi, Marilyn said she supported the Groton wind power project. She said the turbines were quiet and not a danger to wildlife or the environment.

Election warrant: The Board signed the election warrant to be posted.

Dorothy reported that Northeast Waste responded to the contract revisions suggested by Attorney Waugh. She requested they table it to the next meeting so there is a full board to review and sign it. Bob agreed.

Road Agent Scott Sanborn could not attend the meeting. Earlier he submitted reports and documentation for the following: The Board reviewed documentation from Mike Poirier of FEMA approving funding to be used at an alternate job site. The alternative job site is the repaving of an approximate 600-foot section of Tuttle Hill Road between Jaegers and Cross Road. Scott also submitted a September 10, 2012 correspondence from Mr. Poirier stating that any funds remaining after a project is deemed complete by FEMA “…can be used in mitigation projects or on other damaged sites that were not the direct result of the declared event. That discretion is left up to the applicant.”

For the Tuttle Hill alternative paving site, Scott sought four proposals of which Blaktop and Pike responded. Scott recommended using Blaktop of West Lebanon, NH. Scott recommends approving the Cross Road and Tuttle Hill paving sites. After discussion and review, Bob motioned to approve the Blaktop contract. Dorothy seconded. Motion passed unanimously in favor. Scott would like the town to consider long-range planning for other essential repaving projects such as Eastman Road, Cross Road, New Colony Road, and Peaslee Road. He feels it is important to address these before they become degraded to the point where shim and overlay will not be a viable remedy. Even though a formal approval has not yet been received by the town for the wetlands permit necessary for the FEMA work to commence at the Burnt Hill bridge site (Standard Dredge and Fill application), the Board was in receipt of a print-out of a DES website page indicating that the permit was approved.

Remacle contract: The Board revisited the contract revisions submitted by Scott between the town and Richard Remacle Construction. After review, Bob motioned to approve the contract with Remacle Construction. Dorothy seconded. Motion passed unanimously in favor.

Subsurface boulders were recently removed from paved sections of Tuttle Hill. These areas will be patched with a hot-mix shortly.

Roadside mowing will commence sometime in the next couple of weeks.

Scott has updated the NHDOT maps (for Block Grant purposes) and will be submitting minor bits of additional information as requested. The map delineates the sections of roads reclassified from Class VI to Class V approved at the 2012 town meeting. Barbara Smith noted her concern about the enlarged pot holes stemming from a logging operating on Tuttle Hill. Dorothy will follow up with Scott.

Supervisors of the Checklist: Dorothy reported that Beth DeFrancesco said the Supervisors need a four-draw, locking file cabinet and that the available two-draw, unlocking one was not sufficient. After discussion, Bob motioned to approve the purchase of the file cabinet. Dorothy seconded. Motion passed unanimously in favor. Dorothy noted that Beth said the filing cabinet will cost about $100.

Harvest Festival: Answering a question from Judy Lindahl, Pat White stated the Harvest Festival on October 14 formally begins at 10 AM; the music begins at 11 AM and the drawing is at 3 PM. She noted that last year’s festival netted the scholarship fund $1600.

Secretary’s report: Sandi noted the following: Sam Greene from the DRA came to the office to instruct her on the Equalization data system website. This replaces the annual handwritten form that is used by the DRA to calculate the estimated 100% value of the town. After the assessing data is downloaded, the DRA website prepares the form and the town just needs to verify the property transfer information. Bob and Sharon Proulx came in recently and gave the Town House a thorough cleaning including the kitchen area and refrigerator. The Board acknowledged their appreciation. Judy Lindahl noted that Sharon was recently honored by the Tax Collectors Association for her 25 years of service in that capacity.

A previous current use map and A-10 form of the Figliolia property was found in an adjacent file. Mary Langdon from the DRA property division will review the map with Sandi and compare it to Mr. Figliolia’s recent current use filing. (The comparison indicates that land was not taken out of current use.) The Upper Valley-Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission is hosting a hazardous waste disposal day in Lebanon on October 20 which is free to “participating towns.” Sandi stated she has contacted the Commission to ask why Orange is not considered a participating town considering they are a dues-paying member. Scott has submitted an itemized list of highway department “mobile equipment” with corresponding values. Sandi will forward this to Debby Lewis of the LGC for insurance purposes.

Orange Conservation Commission: Dorothy stated the OCC hosted a clean-up of the lower Cardigan State Forest parking area. From over the banking they hauled out two truckloads of trash including tires and a computer. Judy Lindahl commended them on the great job they did.

Public comment: The Board entertained public comment. Those who spoke are welcome to submit their dialogue in writing to be attached to the minutes.

Vouchers reviewed and signed.

Meeting adjourned 8:00 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Sandi Pierson

Dorothy Behlen Heinrichs Betty Fulton Robert Ells