Orange Archive

Office of the Select Board

Town of Orange, New Hampshire

Minutes of August 14, 2018

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

Others present: Bev Ells, David and Kathleen Stacy, Bob and Sharon Proulx, Aaron Allen, Erik Pietrowicz, Mike Sampson, Skip Smith, and Tom Dunkerton.

Meeting opened at 6 PM. Attendance taken by the secretary. Minutes: The minutes of July 23, 2018 were unanimously approved.

Tuttle Hill Road: The Board reviewed an email from Kathleen Stacy about road maintenance on Tuttle Hill Road. As a School Board member, she wrote that the school bus route for that area has changed to not include a portion of Tuttle Hill due to both a lack of students needing transportation and the “dangerous and poor condition” on a section of the road. It was unclear if the email was referring to winter or summer road conditions. It was also unclear who made the determination that there no students requiring the bus in the area, and who decided to discontinue bus service due to the road conditions. Dorothy asked Sandi to follow up on those questions with the transportation coordinator. The Board reviewed an email response from Road Agent Scott Sanborn saying that ditching and shoulder work on Tuttle Hill has been scheduled for August and another grading of roads will be done in town before winter as is customary. He added that they have used more winter road sand in the past three years than they have previously, and that although the road crew makes an effort to keep all bus routes safe, they cannot change the fact that Tuttle Hill is narrow, hilly, winding mountain road.

Kathy also brought up the ongoing issue of hazardous dead tree limbs hanging over the traveled sections of Tuttle Hill. In his email, Scott stated that he is expecting an estimate from Tom Dunkerton for the tree work, and that Tom is presently doing a small section of New Colony Road. Tom Dunkerton told the Board he will contact Scott regarding the tree work. Dorothy will communicate with Scott about a “stop” sign for the end of Razor Hill, a “park on this side only”sign for the winter Cardigan parking area on Burnt Hill, a road sign for Tug Mountain, a new handicap parking sign for the Town House, an inventory of culverts and a replacement strategy for undersized ones, and to discuss an improved bridge design with State for the Orange Brook crossing on Tuttle Hill.

Building permit: Aaron Allen said he would like to use an alternative roof underlayment strategy as a preventive for ice build-up than what is specified in the Orange Building Regulations. After discussion it was agreed that Bob Ells would meet with Aaron and Building Inspector Don Pfaefflin to review the construction design.

Municipal Budget Report: The Board reviewed the budget report ending July 31, 2018. As of that date the town has spent 60% of its total appropriation.

Treasurer’s reports: The Board reviewed the treasurer’s financial reports for May and June 2018with Select Board reconciliations. The reports and reconciliations were consistent and Dorothy signed them.

State Forest: The Board reviewed and signed the annual form for forest land reimbursement from the State. This is revenue based on the 5,279 acres of nontaxable land of Mount Cardigan State Forest. The payment for 2017 was $3,157.46.

Other:

•   A notice was received from the NH DOT that they have electronically deposited$8,824.47 into the town’s account for the July 2018 Block Grant.

•   A notice was received from the NH DOT that the Highway Block Grant for fiscal year 2019 is $29,414.89 (July 2018 through April 2019). This is a $746.15 decrease from 2018.

•   A Report of Timber Cut was received from logger Steve Johnson for the Quilty property at 52 Eastman Road.

•   The Board authorized the purchase of USB recorder at a cost of $16 so that meetings may be recorded if it was felt necessary.

  Ambulance Service: The Board met with Town Administrator Mike Sampson to discuss ambulance coverage. (Presently the town annually contracts with Canaan FAST for coverage. Earlier Canaan FAST notified the Select Board of forthcoming substantial increases in cost due to their financial circumstances.) Mike reiterated that Canaan FAST is not a municipal entity but that the Canaan Select Board does support the membership and mission of the organization. Mike stated that the Canaan Select Board was also notified of a significant increase in cost, which they have rejected. He said that the Canaan Select Board’s office is working with Canaan FAST with the objectives being adequate coverage and financial stability. He is willing to work with the members to incorporate the service into Canaan town government as a semi- autonomous enterprise account. Benefits of this would include the town taking care of the bookkeeping aspects and vehicle repairs. They would also initiate a $30,000 capital reserve fund. If the partnership plan is successful, Mike anticipates that under that plan, the 2019 cost for Orange coverage would be $10,060.79, which is lower than Canaan FAST’s estimate. Mike asked the Select Board for their feedback by September 17 regarding continuing with Canaan FAST if it unifies with the town of Canaan.

  Trash disposal: Mike Sampson noted the following about the trash transfer facility:

•   They will be hosting a “large trash” day at some point in the fall. He will notify of us

  when the date is set.

•   For regular trash removal he requested that people may come to the transfer station with a

  truck or a trailer but not both at once. It holds the line up too long.

•   Because of the vigilance of the recycling overseer, Connie Smith, there has been 0%

  contamination of the recyclable truckloads. Because glass can bring in revenue, at some point they may ask people to recycle that separately.

 The ramp up to the recycling station is slated to be widened and elongated to accommodate two cars at once.

Bob Proulx thanked Mike for working with Orange and said he very much appreciates including Orange with the services of trash and recyclables disposal, fire coverage, and the library.

Secretary’s Report:

•   The Board agreed that expenses for future work done at the town house by Skip may be paid out of the Building Capital Outlay line item when appropriate. Budget Committee Secretary Bob Proulx affirmed this was the intent of the Budget Committee.

•   The Board reviewed two printer options for the Select Board’s office. They concurred that both are acceptable and that the purchase should be done before the existing new toner is opened because it is worth a $208 credit.

•   Primex insurance coverage now includes damages from workplace violence.

•   Skip has done an exceptional job with the new Select Board office lighting project.

  Reports from other Boards and Committees:

Cemetery and Town House: Tom Dunkerton noted that the cost of the man-lift for treework at Church Cemetery has increased $25 for the town’s share, bringing the cost to $238.00. The Board concurred that the town may rent if for a second day for Skip to use to pressure-wash the building and to install the flagpole lighting.

Public comment: Tax Collector Sharon Proulx asked how the recent changes in the interest rate for delinquent property taxes are being integrated into the tax bill software. Sandi will check withAvitar, the town’s assessing firm that also provides the software and software support.

Bills and vouchers were reviewed and signed. Meeting adjourned 7:45 PM.

Dorothy Behlen Heinrichs

Robert Ells

Tamara Fairbank