Town of Groton
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes (Amended)
October 21, 2008
7:00pm
In Attendance: Michael Brogna, Miles Sinclair, Pamela Hamel (Administrative Assistant)
Audience Members Present
Mike called the meeting to order at 7:04pm and read the appointments, announcements and the minutes of October 7 to the audience. Mike made a motion to approve the minutes as written, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Boyd Smith, Executive Director for Newfound Lakes Region Association gave a brief presentation on the Newfound Watershed Master Plan. One of the Association’s goals with this Master Plan is that it lay the groundwork that can be used by the 5 towns that make up the watershed to protect the local habitat and watershed. This habitat includes the thousands of acres being logged off of Sculptured Rocks Road. Approximately 30% of the water in Newfound Lake comes from the Cockermouth River, and Groton is the second largest land owner in the watershed. Mr. Boyd was here to ask for the town’s support, both financial and in enthusiasm and excitement for this project. There was some discussion about the fact that Groton residents do not have access to the lake except paying per person at Wellington. Mr. Smith will be looking into the possibility of making an agreement with the state for the residents of Groton to use the park after paying a small yearly fee instead of per person per visit. The town of Alexandria currently has an arrangement of this type. He did stress that the dollar amount they are requesting ($500) is small but they hope it will provide a connection between the Association and the Town.
Pam reported that the Groton Historical Society has chosen to mail the ledgers to Mr. Blood in Colchester. Mike made a motion to allow the Groton Historical Society to mail the ledgers to Mr. Blood for preservation, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
By invitation, Miles visited Buck N Horse Campground. Mrs. Leone showed him the barn and bathhouse/office/store. She told him that one time they helped out a camper who had run short on hay by selling them a bale, but that this was not a regular practice. The hay stored in the barn is for their horses. The Board does not feel that the Leones are in violation of the zoning ordinance, and they are not interested in nickel and diming people about the ordinance. Helping out a camper by selling a bale of hay does not constitute commercial use.
Pam checked with Joyce about the amount charged for the building permit for Mike Taylor. Joyce’s receipt was for a check for $25 for Mike Kelly. The deposit record was for $15. At this time, the Board is not certain exactly how much Mr. Taylor paid. Miles left a message with him letting him know that if he feels he has received the refund in error then he can return it to the town. If he feels he should have this refund, then he should keep it.
Mike read an email letter of resignation from Michelle Clark. Mrs.Clark has moved from the town and is no longer eligible to serve on the board. Mike made a motion to accept Michelle’s letter of resignation, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted. The Board would like anyone who is interested in filling this vacancy to submit a letter of intent. The deadline is November 11. Pam said she will post it on the web as well as at the Town House and Transfer Station.
The Board discussed the Avitar Assessing software upgrade. The cost is $750. There was some discussion about the need for this upgrade. Mike made a motion to table the Avitar Assessing software upgrade until next week, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
The Board discussed changing the time for the selectmen’s meeting from 7:00 to 6:00pm. They asked the audience to express their views. Because the number of audience members present was less than normal, Mike made a motion to table this until next week, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
The polls will be open on November 4 from 8:00am to 7:00pm. Miles is planning to be here for the entire day. There will be no selectmen’s meeting that night.
Mike made a motion to sign the building permit for Abbott for a 12x24 entryway, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Mike made a motion to sign a building permit for O’Connor for a 12x16 shed, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Mike made a motion to sign the LUCT warrant for Aprea, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Mike made a motion to table the MS-5 contract until next week, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Mike made a motion to sign the septic design for EXPx2 (Maxam), Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Betty Smolinsky said she had noticed an old trailer with a rusted propane tank in the woods off of North Groton Road. She would like someone to take a look at it to make sure there are no leaks. The Board said either the Police Department or the Health officer could take a look at it.
Ms. Smolinsky reported that she has tried to be in touch with the woodworking department at Plymouth Regional High School but has not been successful. Her request was for them to build some new signs for the cemeteries. Miles suggested that she email the department head as that seems to be a better way to reach people.
Mike reported that Gordon Coursey has begun the work at the Playground. It is currently 1/3 finished.
Mike made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:34pm, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Respectfully submitted,
Pamela Hamel
Administrative Assistant