Office of the Select Board
Town of Orange, New Hampshire
Minutes of April 10, 2018
Present: Dorothy Heinrichs, Chair; Robert Ells, Tamara Fairbank, and Sandi Pierson (clerical)
Others present: Terrence McQueeny, Bev Ells, Aaron Allen, Donald and Karen McFarlane, and Tessa Michetti.
Meeting opened at 6 PM. Attendance taken by the secretary.
Minutes: The minutes of April 27, 2018 were unanimously approved.
Planning Board Appointment: Because David Stacy declined on his election to the Planning Board, Bob Ells said that the Select Board needs to appoint someone to fill the vacancy. He said that Karen McFarlane was willing to fill the seat. Bob motioned to appoint Karen McFarlane as a member of the Planning Board. Tamara seconded. Motion passed unanimously in favor.
Tax Anticipation Note: The Board and Tessa signed the necessary bank papers for the 2018 Tax Anticipation Note. The line of credit amount is $400,000, slightly lower than other years due to the decrease in the school payment.
Building permit inquiry: Aaron Allen asked if the Board would approve a building permit if a septic approval from DES is pending. He said he will submit the perk tests done by registered septic designer, Sam Vose, with the building permit application. He said that because he has over five acres the State would not require a septic design if his land were a subdivision plan, meaning it is assumed that a property of over five acres is clearly adequate for a septic system. Aaron has 27 acres. Aaron said he is licensed to install septic systems and would be installing it himself. After discussion, Bob motioned to accept a building permit from Aaron Allen with a septic approval pending by the State. Motion passed unanimously in favor. Aaron said he will have the permit reviewed by the building inspector prior to submitting it at the April 24 meeting.
Timber Tax Warrant: The Board signed a warrant to the tax collector for timber taxes for John Morse for $1,277.69. The cut was on the Class VI Old Colony Road at the Groton town line.
Gravel tax and abatement: The Board signed a gravel tax warrant of $56.00 and subsequent abatement to the tax collector for Robert Senter d/b/a Razor Hill Construction on Burnt Hill Road.
Other:
An invoice was received from Gardner, Fulton and Waugh for various legal services. This is paid for out of the retainer.
Secretary’s report:
The six-acre parcel of land assumed to be owned by the heirs of Ben and Mary Gunn was revisited. Records show the lot exists and it was part of the comprehensive survey work done for the family by Scott Sanborn but there is no assessment card for it. At this point the Gunn heirs have two properties on records. Having the assessor create an assessment card would generate a valuation and tax bill. Sandi asked if they could first send the heirs a letter explaining the situation and getting their take before the assessment card is created. The Board agreed that the Gunn heirs should be notified and that Sandi will submit a draft of the letter to the Board for review.
The new office router is working well for the town clerk. Sophie Seace reported she is no longer having internet failures while registering vehicles.
Reports from other Boards and Committees:
Dorothy stated the Orange Conservation Commission is hosting Green-Up Day on May 5. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Town House at 9 AM. This is the traditional time the Town House grounds and garden are given a post-winter cleaning and raking. People are also encouraged to pick up litter from their roads on that day.
Public comment:
Terry McQueeny said the Select Board had thirty days to either deny or approve his building permit and that they have not done so. Dorothy stated that the building permit is incomplete and the thirty day limit applies to building permits that are submitted in completion.
Terry McQueeny stated that it has been a month since he lodged a complaint that he was not notified of an annexation abutting his property and still has not been notified. Dorothy said that he needs to address that with the Planning Board.
Terry McQueeny said that he did not mind if the grader (used by Remacle) turned around at his access, but if the access is not considered a “driveway” then they should stop ruining it.
Don McFarlane requested a replacement dump sticker. Sandi to follow up. Dorothy answered a pistol permit question for Donald.
Bills and vouchers were reviewed and signed.
Meeting adjourned 6:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandi Pierson
_________________________ _______________________ ________________________
Dorothy Behlen Heinrichs Robert Ells Tamara Fairbank