Office of the Select Board

Town of Orange, New Hampshire

Minutes of October 9, 2018

Present: Dorothy Heinrichs, Robert Ells, Tamara Fairbank, and Sandi Pierson (clerical).Others present: Bev Ells and Judith Lindahl

Meeting opened at 6 PM. Attendance taken by the secretary. Minutes: The minutes of September 24, 2018 were approved.

Current Use: The Board discussed a course of action that would allow them to determine if property owned by Terrance McQueeny and Billie Brockhum (Map 3, Lot 13) continues to meet the current use criteria. Earlier the Board had sent them a letter asking to meet with them at the property for a site review. The property owners responded with a letter denying access to the property and requested further information regarding a site visit and requested an “affidavit” that documented evidence from the Board indicating their land might not meet the current use criteria. The Board agreed it would be the town’s assessor, Mark Stetson from Avitar Associatesof New England, who is proficient in current use standards, who would make the determinationif land needs to come out of current use. After discussion, the Board’s consensus was that JudithLindahl will assist Tam in following up with the town’s attorney to see how they should proceed.

Other:

  •   The Board reviewed the municipal budget report ending September 30, 2018.

  •   A letter was received from the UVLSRPC asking if the town wanted to order copies of

    the NH Planning and Land Use Regulation books. Sandi forwarded the letter to the

    Planning Board and ZBA chairmen.

  •   A revised Workmens’ Comp compliance notice was received (for posting).

  •   A letter was received from Tri-County Cap requesting a $114 contribution for 2019. This

    is the same as 2018. The letter will be forwarded to the Budget Committee.

  •   An Approval for Septic Operation was received from NHDES for Aaron Allen/211 New

    Colony Road/Map 3, Lot 36A.

    Highway: Bob Ells said he received a call from Grafton Selectman Leon Dugan. Grafton is repaving their section of Razor Hill Road and Leon wanted to know if the Orange road agent would agree to have the paving continue over the small section in Orange where it intersects Route 4. The Board affirmed that Road Agent Scott Sanborn had already planned to do this with part of the SB-38 grant money. Bob will call Scott to confirm the plan.

    Secretary’s Report:

  • The preliminary property tax rate has been set by the DRA at $25.81 per thousand dollars of valuation. This will change slightly depending on what the Board decides on an overlay and if a portion of the unreserved fund balance is used. The Board agreed they would set the final rate at the October 23 meeting and prepare the warrant for the tax collector on November 6. The final 2018 tax rate is expected to be slightly lower than last year.

  •   This MS-434 (Revised Revenues Estimated) has been completed and filed with the DRA.

  •   The new office printer is in operation.

    Reports from other Boards and Committees:

  •   Tamara recapped the October 1 meeting of the Historical Commission, which centered on public input for the town’s 250th celebration in 2019. She said the turnout was good and many ideas were discussed.

  •   Judith Lindahl stated she would not be accepting a reappointment as the town’srepresentative to the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission.

Public comment: n/a
Bills and vouchers were reviewed and signed. Meeting adjourned 6:30 PM.

Dorothy Behlen Heinrichs

Robert Ells

Tamara Fairbank