Office of the Select Board
Town of Orange, New Hampshire
Minutes of March 25, 2014
Present: Betty Fulton (chaired the meeting), Bob Ells, Pat Mercer, and Sandi Pierson (clerical). Others present: Judith Lindahl, Dave and Kathy Stacy, Bob and Sharon Proulx, George and Pat White, Henry Minasian, Beverly Ells, Ed Saulen, Dave Como, and Sophie Seace.
Meeting opened at 7 PM. Attendance taken by the secretary.
Minutes: The minutes of March 4, 2014 were accepted as submitted. Pat abstained from signing the minutes because she was not on the Board at the time.
Chair and Vice Chair nominations: Bob motioned to appoint Betty as Board Chair. Pat seconded. Motion passed unanimously in favor. Bob Ells stated he would decline as Vice Chair. Betty motioned to appoint Pat Mercer as Vice Chair. Bob Ells seconded. Motion passed unanimously in favor.
Committees: The Board agreed to the following ex-officio positions:
Budget Committee: Betty Fulton. Planning Board: Bob Ells. ZBA: Pat Mercer
It was agreed that an ex-officio from the Select Board was not necessary on the Conservation Commission.
DRA Municipal Service Forms:
- The Board approved and signed the MS-5 (2013 Financial Report).
- The Board approved and signed the MS-2 (Appropriations Actually Voted).
- The Board approved a request from Sandi to send these to the DRA via certified mail with a return receipt.
Excavation permit: The Board reviewed and signed the 2014 excavation permit for Robert Senter’s gravel pit on Burnt Hill Road. After discussion, the Board agreed to abate his 2013 Report of Excavated Material.
Informational Directory: The Board and other officers reviewed the draft of the 2014 Informational Directory as prepared by the secretary. It was agreed that Sandi will add the town clerk’s email address and the treasurer’s contact information.
Tax Anticipation Note (TAN): The Board reviewed a cash flow analysis from the treasurer that recommended the line of credit (LOC) request from Mascoma Savings Bank of $428,142. It was noted that in 2013 $185,500.00 was used from our LOC with interest at $1,494.29. The Board agreed the treasurer should proceed with the TAN paperwork.
Pick-ups: Sandi stated that Avitar brought to her attention that there were a number of properties “under construction” and slated for a pick-up in 2011 stemming from the 2010 town-wide reval. After discussion, it was agreed that Sandi would contact the property owners to see if there have been any improvements since 2010.
Abatements: Sandi stated that documentation from Cross Country Appraisal Group appeared to set the Fairpoint total valuation at $47,500 but their associate put $309,000 on their assessment card. Avitar is following up on this.
Other:
- The Board reviewed a quote from the road agent for damages to the guardrails on the River Road bridge. $1,136.84 is expected to be paid to the town by Geico Insurance.
- The School District voting results were reviewed. From Orange, Scott Sanborn was elected to a position on the Mascoma Budget Committee (as a write in) and Charles Sova to the Mascoma School Board. The voting results are posted at the Town House.
- The Board was in receipt of a draft of the Regional Broadband Plan from Upper Valley- Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission. No action from the Board is requested.
- The Board reviewed correspondence from the NHDOT asking if the town had a fireworks policy or ordinance. Sandi will notify them that Orange does not.
- Trash report: As of February 28, 2014 the town has disposed of 12.22 tons of trash and 4.69 tons of recyclables.
Secretary’s report:
- The road agent will be posting the roads for weight limits on Thursday in anticipation of mud season.
- Milly Hansen sent the town a letter of appreciation for getting a copy of the town report and included a donation to the Orange Scholarship Fund. Sandi will forward the check to the Scholarship Committee.
- A Keurig coffee machine has been donated to the kitchen.
Public comment: The Board entertained and took public comment. Parties that spoke are welcome to submit their comments and attach them to the minutes for public review.
Meeting adjourned 8:30 PM
Respectfully submitted, Sandi Pierson
______________________ Betty Fulton
______________________ Robert Ells
______________________ Patricia Mercer