Orange Archive

Office of the Select Board

Town of Orange, New Hampshire

Minutes of July 28, 2014

Present: Betty Fulton, Chair; Bob Ells, and Sandi Pierson (clerical). Pat Mercer was absent. Others present: Bev Ells and Dorothy Heinrichs

Meeting opened at 7 PM. Attendance taken by the secretary.

Approval of minutes: The minutes of July 14, 2014 were unanimously accepted as submitted.

Orange Conservation Commission (OCC): OCC Chair Dorothy Heinrichs came before the Board to follow up on her request that the Board approve the removal of an invasive species, Euonymus atropurpureus, commonly known as a Burning Bush, from the Town House grounds. At the last meeting, Pat Mercer had expressed concern that the bush may have been planted as a memorial. It was agreed that Dorothy would speak to Gary Hamel to see if he knew if it was planted in memoriam. Dorothy reported that Gary had no idea if the bush was a memorial to someone and that he recommends its removal. Betty felt there should not be a plant on Town House grounds that is on the State’s invasive species list. After discussion, Betty motioned for the Conservation Commission to remove the Burning Bush promptly and replace it with a comparable bush that will benefit birds and other wildlife. Bob seconded. Motion passed unanimously in favor. Dorothy said the OCC will replace it with a high bush blueberry plant and pay for it out of the OCC budget.

Junkyard Ordinance: The Board signed a letter thanking a resident for coming into compliance with the junkyard ordinance.

Voluntary Merger: The Board signed a letter to notify a property owner that their two parcels of land were voluntary merged in 2002 and was recorded at the Registry of Deeds. The letter stated that they will now receive a single tax bill. Included with the letter will be a copy of the merger survey approved by the Planning Board in 2002. Betty asked Sandi to verify the mailing address of the property owners.

Trash pick-up:

• As of June 27, 2014 the town has disposed of 38.61 tons of trash and 14 tons of recyclables.

• It was noted that “large trash pick-up” is slated for September 19. After discussion it was agreed that Sandi will mail a postcard to homeowners notifying them of the date and what items are not appropriate to be disposed of.

• Per the town’s contract with Northeast Waste, Bob Ells noted the cost of trash pick-up has increased as of July. Bob will have the revised figures available for the 2015 budget discussions.

Other:

• The Board was in receipt of correspondence from NH DOT stating that estimated Block Grant for Orange for the 2015 fiscal year is $20,151.25.

• The Board received a copy of the Grafton County Budget. Sandi noted that the county farm has generated more revenue that what it cost for the prisoners to sustain it and that the farm is now supplying fresh produce to the county nursing home.

  Historical: Dorothy brought a box of antique odds and ends donated to the town by Peggy Read, the former owner of the brick house on Cardigan Mountain Road. They will be turned over to the Historical Society.

  Treasurer: After discussion it was agreed Betty would meet with Treasurer Cathy Bean to resolve some concerns.

  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 7:30 PM

Respectfully submitted, Sandi Pierson

______________________ Betty Fulton

______________________ Robert Ells

______________________ Patricia Mercer