Town of Groton
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
January 15, 2008
In Attendance: David Leone (Chair), Michael Brogna, Richard O’Connor, Pamela Hamel (Administrative Assistant)
Audience Members Present
Dave called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.
Dave read a list of upcoming appointments and the selectmen’s meeting minutes of Jan. 8, 2008 to the audience.
Dave made a motion to accept the meeting minutes as written, Rich 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Rich made a motion to sign the penalty abatement form for Stanley Jackson, Dave 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Rich made a motion to accept Jan. 15 as the 2007 bill posting date cutoff, Mike 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Dave introduced Chris Wells and Brian Hotz from the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. They explained the proposed Forest Legacy projects that would acquire conservation easements on the Green Acre Woodlands and Kimball Hill tracts of land in Groton. The combined total acreage of the two tracts of land would protect approximately 7,500 acres. The Society would act as the facilitator of this process which is a negotiation between the land owner and the state, and could take up to 5 years for completion. They encouraged the Conservation Commission to give their input, ideas, and concerns to the Society who will in turn pass these on to the state. Several comments and questions were taken from the audience. Chuck Stata stated that these easements are consistent with the Master Plan for the town. Gordon Coursey brought up the issue of gated roads. Betty Smolinsky asked about the forestry management of the land, Jackie Brogna mentioned a hiking trail system and sufficient parking. The Society will be returning periodically with updates and to hear more comments.
Miles Sinclair read a memo he had received from the Board concerning the paying of Ballot Clerks after the polls are closed and while Town Meeting is in session. After speaking with the Attorney General’s office and pursuant to RSA 669:5, Miles believes that all election officials should be at Town Meeting as at any time 3-5 people can request yes/no secret ballots on any warrant. This would require the use of the supervisors of the checklist as well as ballot clerks. Because of this, he feels they should be on the payroll.
The Board thanked Miles for looking into the issue and having some concrete answers, and has agreed to continue the current payment policy.
Mike made a motion to sign the Municipal Assessment Data Sheets Certificate, Dave 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Mike made a motion to accept Pamela Hamel’s letter of resignation as Supervisor of the Checklist, Rich 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
The Board scheduled a warrant work session for 9:00 Thursday morning.
Questions and comments were taken from the audience.
Dave made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:47pm, Rich 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Respectfully submitted,
Pamela Hamel
Administrative Assistant