Town of Groton

Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes (Amended)

July 22, 2008

7:00pm

In Attendance:  Michael Brogna, Michelle Clark, Pamela Hamel (Administrative Assistant)

Audience Members Present

Mike called the meeting to order at 7:00pm and read the appointments, announcements and the minutes of July 15, 2008 to the audience. Michelle made a motion to accept the minutes as written, Mike 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

Michelle explained the results of their work session with the Road Agent.  At this time the Board does not feel there is sufficient money in the budget to do the test drainage area on North Groton Road. Their concern is to make sure there is enough money to begin this winter season with. After careful consideration they have decided to shim the worse section of North Groton Road. Michelle made a motion to pave beginning at Halls Brook Road and going toward Rt. 118, Mike 2^nd, all in favor, so voted. The Road Agent Glen Hansen, said that even though they will be unable to do the test drainage area he would still rather pave the hill leading down to 118.

Michelle made a motion to sign the amended Intent to Cut for Jewell Mountain Forest LLC, Mike 2^nd, all in favor, so voted. Jewell Mountain decided to take Brock Lane off as an access road.

The Board reviewed the Police Chief Interview schedule. Interviews begin Wednesday, July 23.

Mike read Selectman Rich O’Connor’s letter of resignation. Michelle said she had called Rich and asked him to reconsider. Mike had not spoken with him. Mike made a motion to accept Rich’s letter of resignation, Michelle 2^nd, all in favor, so voted. A few members of the audience expressed their desire to have the Board table this issue, talk to Rich and ask him to reconsider. Michelle repeated that she had called and asked Rich to reconsider. Mike repeated that he had not called Rich nor was he going to. He said Rich could have reconsidered had he wanted to. The Board held with the original motion to accept Rich O’Connor’s resignation.

There was much discussion about the reasons for resignation that Mr. O’Connor stated in his letter. They were related to an article that appeared in the previous week’s paper. Many members of the audience did not feel that he should resign for those reasons. This led to a discussion about what is proper dress for a selectmen’s meeting. Many members of the audience expressed their opinion that shirts should be worn at the meeting.

The Board considered the Lane request for a building permit for a 15x15 enclosed porch. Michelle said that normally she would abstain from voting as she is related to the party in question. However, since there are now only 2 members on the board, both are needed to vote on any motion. Mike said he did not see anything unusual about the building permit that would call into question a decision to sign it. Mike made a motion to sign the building permit for Lane for a 15x15 enclosed porch, Michelle 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

Mike made a motion to sign the amended septic design for Jordan, Michelle 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

Michelle made a motion to sign the new building permit application fee schedule, Mike 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.  The new fees are:

• anything over 100 square feet up to 1000 square feet--$10
• anything over 1000 square feet--$25

Michelle made a motion to sign the driveway permit application fee, Mike 2^nd, all in favor, so voted. The driveway permit fee will be $15.

Mike asked the Road Agent to review the condition of Province Road in response to a complaint they received from David Yeaton. Mr. Hansen’s review should be submitted in writing within 5 business days.

The Board reviewed a compliant received from some visitors concerning Orange Road. These visitors asked the Town to clarify the status of that road. To the best of the Board’s knowledge, Orange Road is a class VI road. Mike made a motion to send a written response stating that Orange Road is a class VI road, Michelle 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

Vicki Kimball gave an update on the Old Home Day events. So far the schedule is as follows:

• 10-11 Kid’s games
• 11-12 Kiddie tricycle or tractor pull.  The committee is looking for anyone who has a child’s tractor that they can use for this event. If unable to locate one, they will use a tricycle.
• Food will be available at 11:30
• Parade begins at 1:00
• Horseshoe tournament and baseball game will be after the parade.
• Ham and Bean supper from 5-7 pm at the Town House

The Old Home Day committee will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, August 5 at 6:00pm.

Anne Tobine thanked the many volunteers who have been helping at the Park. Work on the Shade Hut is progressing well.

Betty Smolinsky reported that the cemetery trustees had visited a few locations for a possible cemetery. A lot located on Dodge Road is a possibility. Ms. Smolinsky has made an appointment with the woodworker at Plymouth Regional High School to ask if they are willing to make signs for the cemeteries.

The Board explained the procedure for filling a vacancy on the Board of Selectmen. State statute allows them to appoint someone who will sit on the Board until the next election, or they can finish this year with only 2 members. Anyone interested in filling the empty position should submit a letter of intent to the Board.

The Board would like the Road Agent to submit in writing his timetable for raking Edgar Albert Road and cleaning the ditches.

Mike made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:30pm, Michelle 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

Respectfully submitted,

Pamela Hamel,  Administrative Assistant