Office of the Select Board
Town of Orange, New Hampshire
Minutes of March 14, 2013
Present: Dorothy Behlen Heinrichs (chaired the meeting), Betty Fulton, Bob Ells, and Sandi Pierson (clerical).
Others present: Barbara Smith, George and Pat White, and Henry Minasian.
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM.
Minutes: The minutes of February 26, 2013 were approved as submitted.
Salvage Yard: The Board signed Warren Morrill’s annual Salvage Yard license. This is licensed by the state as well.
Block Grant map: The Board reviewed a town road map and Block Grant correspondence from the Department of Transportation. This will be forwarded to the road agent. Scott Sanborn will complete the required forms so the Block Grant allotment for Orange corresponds to the mileage of maintained town roads.
Abatement application: The Board reviewed an abatement application from Daniel and Hope Kokas for their 2012 taxes. The Kokas’ feel their property is overvalued. The abatement application will be referred to Cross Country Appraisals when they do the town’s pick-ups. Sandi stated the Board has until July 1 to mail the notification of decision on abatements.
Land Use Change Tax: The Board reviewed correspondence from Daniel and Hope Kokas regarding the recent levy of a Land Use Change Tax on 0.5 acres of land taken out of current use by Avitar in 2010 and of which the Selectmen were not informed. The Board agreed the Land Use Change Tax should be paid and asked that Sandi send a copy of the letter to Attorney Waugh and request he respond to the Kokas’
Abatement: The Board signed a partial abatement for Tylawsky’s Land Use Change Tax due to over-assessing the value of his primary 1.5 acres.
Select Board audit: Betty stated that she and Tess have reconciled their books and are ready for their audit. The audit will be done by the newly-elected auditors Chris and Bill Souza, and former auditors Bruce and Catherine Ells will also attend to assist with the procedure.
Orange Conservation Commission (OCC):
- Dorothy reminded everyone of the Ben Kilham bear presentation at the town house on April 7.
- Trash report: During February 5.45 tons of trash was picked up and 2.26 tons of recyclables.
Other:
- The Board received correspondence from the Department of Transportation stating that the revised Block Grant for FY 2013 is $29,187.58
- Capital Reserves: Dorothy stated that they need to get an “Affirmation of Vote” from the town clerk so the Board can process vouchers to deposit funds into the respective capital reserve funds as voted on at town meeting.
Secretary’s report: Sandi noted the following items:
- Sandi asked if she could proceed with the professional office cleaning as recommended by the Budget Committee and of which funding is included in the 2013 budget. The Board agreed.
Public comment: The Board entertained public comment. Those who spoke are welcome to submit their dialogue in writing to be attached to the minutes.
The Board received correspondence from the Department of Transportation stating that the revised Block Grant for FY 2013 is $29,187.58
Capital Reserves: Dorothy stated that they need to get an “Affirmation of Vote” from the town clerk so the Board can process vouchers to deposit funds into the respective capital reserve funds as voted on at town meeting.
Vouchers were signed.
Meeting adjourned 7:30 PM
Respectfully submitted, Sandi Pierson
Dorothy Behlen Heinrichs
Betty Fulton
Robert Ells