Office of the Select Board
Town of Orange, New Hampshire
Minutes of December 16, 2013
Present: Betty Fulton (chaired the meeting), Dorothy Behlen Heinrichs, Bob Ells, and Sandi Pierson (clerical)
Others present: George White, Janet Tows, and Michael Scala Meeting opened at 6:30 PM. Attendance taken by the secretary. Minutes: The minutes of December 10, 2013 were unanimously approved.
Budget: The Board reviewed the overall municipal budget and discussed what the remaining December expenses will be. Betty requested that Sandi attach the most recent spreadsheet to the minutes. The Board will meet on Monday, January 6, 2014 at 7 PM to process the remaining 2013 vouchers and close the budget.
LUCT: The Board reviewed correspondence from Attorney Waugh regarding an abatement request for $409.50 from Nick Brunet, d/b/a Woodlot and Grange, for a portion of his Land Use Change Tax. Mr. Brunet reasoned that a portion of his land, a right-of-way, was taken out of current use because the adjoining land owners built a cabin, thus they should be held liable for the LUCT. The Board agreed with Attorney Waugh’s opinion that they should grant the abatement.
Town Clerk’s Office: The Board reviewed a quote from Young’s Propane to install a new heater in the town clerk’s office. The present heater is non-operational and the town clerk is using a space heater. The Board unanimously approved the purchase and installation. George said he and Pat will provide access to the office for Young’s Propane.
UVLSRPC: The Board reviewed the annual report for Orange from the Upper Valley-Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission. Dorothy said that even though the town did not utilize the UVLSRPC very much during 2013, the Conservation Commission will be making use of their assistance when updating the Natural Resources Inventory. The Planning Board is also expected to utilize the UVLSRPC during the Master Plan update.
Junk Ordinance: The Board reviewed a copy of correspondence and a recommended warrant article sent to Planning Board Secretary Bob Proulx. The article, slated for the 2014 warrant, will revise the current junk ordinance to make it more specific and enforceable.
State Education Tax: The Board was in receipt of correspondence from the DRA stating that the 2014 State Education Tax for Orange is $71,327. This will be part of next year’s tax bill.
Secretary’s report: Sandi asked the Board to approve the purchase of a 25-slot literature holder from Staples at a cost of $60. Sandi submitted a list of 25 municipal application, forms, and handbooks that may be requested from the public. The literature holder would make them readily available regardless of who is in the office. The Board approved the request.
Vouchers were signed. Meeting adjourned 7:00 PM
Following the meeting, Michael Scala, a representative from the office of Senator Kelly Ayotte, met with those present for informational purposes.
Respectfully submitted, Sandi Pierson
Dorothy Behlen Heinrichs Betty Fulton Robert Ells