Office of the Select Board 

Town of Orange, New Hampshire 

Minutes of June 26, 2018 

Present: Dorothy Heinrichs, Chair; Robert Ells, Tamara Fairbank, and Sandi Pierson (clerical). 

Others present: Bev Ells, Alasdair Smith, Skip Smith, Judith Lindahl, Karen McFarlane, Cameron McFarlane, and Fran Hanchett. 

Meeting opened at 6 PM. Attendance taken by the secretary. 

Minutes: The minutes of June 12, 2018 were unanimously approved. 

Correspondence: The Board signed letters to the following individuals: 

  • Scott Sanborn: request to update tax maps 
  • Donald and Karen McFarlane: request to update current use map 
  • Billie Brockhum: earlier inquiry regarding ZBA 

Planning Board: Planning Board Vice Chair Judith Lindahl updated the Board on the outcome of the Planning Board’s deliberations on the McQueeny/Brockhum request to waive the driveway regulations. Judith stated the Planning Board did not find the applicants’ presentation persuasive and that they are required to obtain a driveway permit. Judith stated that a Notice of Decision was sent to the applicants within five days of the Planning Board’s decision. 

July 4th ceremony: Fran Hanchett from the Lebanon Historical Society came before the Board to discuss a monument dedication ceremony for Civil War Veteran Moses Hale who was born in Lebanon in 1844 and died in Orange in 1883 and is buried in the French Cemetery. On Wednesday, July 4, the Sons of the Union Soldiers of the Civil War will conduct the ceremony at French Cemetery and will include a musket firing volley. Dorothy said the Town House will be available for refreshments following the event and that she would provide a cake. Sandi will send the invite to the ceremony out on the town’s listserv. Dave Wilson will be asked if he knows of a student who could attend and play taps. 

Highway: The Board reviewed an email from Tessa Michetti regarding her concern that the type of crushed stone used on Tug Mountain Road might be responsible for her getting a number of flat tires on her vehicle. Two neighbors weighed in on the email and said they did not experience the problem. Road Agent Scott Sanborn responded to Tess by email stating that it was the same material used in years but if she felt strongly that it was causing a hazard, he would remedy it immediately. 

Inventory forms (PA-28): The Board approved and signed the annual form from the DRA confirming they will use inventory forms and for the DRA to send them the appropriate amount. There is no cost for the forms. 

Deputy Health Officer: The Board reviewed an email from DHHS Program Manager Matthew Cahillane asking if the Board wants Phil Neily to continue as Deputy Health Officer. Sandi said she shared the email with Health Officer Doug Weekes, and he was fine with it. The Board will review and sign the nomination form at the next meeting. 

Mascoma School District: Dorothy reviewed and signed the 2017-2018 Verification of Orange Students for the SAU office. She stated there were 41 students listed for Orange. 

Town House maintenance: Skip Smith distributed information on lighting possibilities for the Town House and the flagpole. For the flagpole, Skip suggested a solar, LED top light with enough battery power to last throughout the hours of winter darkness. For the Town House he recommended bronze LED lights with hoods which would be placed on poles instead of on the building. This would alleviate the considerable accumulation of dead bugs adhered to the building at the site of the present lights. The Board will review the information. 

Other: 

  • The Board extended thanks to Anita Garland for reseeding a section of the Town House lawn that had died out due to the placement of the stage platform. 
  • The Board was in receipt of a copy of a State driveway permit for Mildred Hansen on Route 4. This is a temporary logging permit which expires on June 19, 2019. 
  • The Board reviewed at attorney invoice that was paid out of the retainer. 
  • A note of appreciation was received from the Hardy Snowmobile Club thanking the Board for their continued support of their trails that are located on the outskirts of Orange. 

Secretary’s Report: 

  • The opinion of legal counsel from the Local Government Center is that the Goodearl annexation may be assessed as such for 2018 because the Planning Board approved it prior to April 1. The recordation date (which was after April 1) is not a factor. Sandi will refer the information to the assessor. 
  • The Remacle contract has not been renewed since December 31, 2015. Scott Sanborn is going to speak to Richard Remacle about the present fee schedule before a renewal contract is drawn up. 

Reports from other Boards and Committees: 

  • Welfare Director Karen McFarlane asked the Board to approve the annual membership in the NH Local Welfare Administrators Association at a cost of $30.00. She said the Association is available for advice on welfare issues at no further cost to the town. The Board approved the request. 
  • Cemetery Trustee Tam Fairbank stated that it has been a challenge for Barry Geddis to have time to mow the Orange cemeteries. 

Public comment: n/a 

Bills and vouchers were reviewed and signed. 

Meeting adjourned 6:50 PM. 

Dorothy Behlen Heinrichs

Robert Ells

Tamara Fairbank