Orange Archive

Office of the Select Board

Town of Orange, New Hampshire

Minutes of July 12, 2016

Present: Dorothy Heinrichs, Chair; Robert Ells, Lyell ‘Skip’ Smith, and Sandi Pierson (clerical). Others present: Rochelle and Dean Vanier and Beverly Ells.

Meeting opened at 7:00 PM.

Minutes:

•   The minutes of June 28, 2016 were unanimously approved.
•   The minutes of June 30, 2016 were unanimously approved.
•   The nonpublic minutes of June 28, 2016 were unanimously approved.
•   The Board unanimously voted to seal the nonpublic minutes of June 28, 2016.

Residential: The Board met with Rochelle and Dean Vanier to discuss their concerns about the refuse on a neighboring Eastman Road property and the prospect of it getting worse. The acreage on the subject property is in both Canaan and Orange. The Board and Dean reviewed a sketch plan of the boundary line of the property drawn by surveyor Scott Sanborn which revealed the camper, box trailer, and scattered debris and trash is in Canaan. The 0.4 acre that is in Orange contains the house and a thick grove of Japanese Knotweed.

Dean stated that the property owner indicated to him that he planned to move onto the property and stay in a camper (or RV) while restoring the house. Dean felt that the house should be condemned by the town and the property owner should not be allowed to move onto the property with a camper, which he added would probably be placed on the Orange side of the property. He questioned the legality of two “residences” (the RV and house) being on one lot.

After discussion, the Board agreed the junk issue was Canaan’s jurisdiction. As far as the house being condemned, Skip will refer the question to Don Pfaefflin who is both Building Inspector and Health Officer. Dorothy recommended that Dean check with the Planning Board about the zoning regulations in regards to living in a trailer while renovating a house. Skip noted that presently the property owner has not moved onto the land thus there is no action for the Board to take at this time.

Department of Labor Safety Inspection: The Board reviewed a re-inspection report from the Department of Labor which affirmed that the town is now in compliance with all safety codes as required by the State.

2016 Pick-ups: The Board reviewed a financial report of the 2016 reval (pick-ups). The town gained $191,258 in residential valuation.

Town House Maintenance: The Board discussed maintenance and repair jobs that should be done to the exterior of the Town House. It was noted that in the area of the handicap ramp there is a rotted trim board and some of the abutting clapboards need to be replaced. Also discussed was the need for pressure washing on specific parts of the building. Skip said he would prefer the repair jobs be first offered to contractors who live in Orange. Bob said Bruce Ells may be available to do the work and will have him contact Skip.

Other:

Trash report: As of June 30 the town has disposed of 35.75 tons of trash and 12.63 tons of recyclables.

The Board was in receipt of the 2017-2021 Strategic Plan Overview of Tri-County Cap.

The Board was in receipt of correspondence from Office of Veteran Services Director Mary Morin confirming the ineligibility of a veteran credit request. The Board tabled the discussion on whether to endorse a warrant article broadening the veteran credit qualification guidelines.

The Board asked Sandi to email Moderator Danny Hazelton and ask what the status is on establishing the Salary Study Committee as voted on at town meeting.

Public comment: n/a

Bills and vouchers were reviewed and signed.

Meeting adjourned 7:35 P.M.

Respectfully submitted, Sandi Pierson

Dorothy Behlen Heinrichs

Robert Ells

Lyell Smith