Town of Groton
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2009
7:00pm
In Attendance: Michael Brogna, Miles Sinclair, Kyle Andrews, Pamela Hamel (A A)
Audience Members Present
Mike Brogna called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
Mike read the appointments and announcements.
County Commission Martha Richards addressed the Board and the audience. She gave an overview of the current jail, the proposed 38 million dollar jail, the farm, the nursing home and their present budget process. She feels it is necessary to build the jail in spite of the economic times. There are 38 towns and one city in Grafton County. Sixteen of the 38 have written to the Board of Commissioners urging them to postpone, delay or not build the jail. Anyone with concerns can contact our local legislative delegation representatives; Margie Maybeck, Burt Williams and Phil Preston. Slim Spafford urged the Board to join the 16 towns that have already written to the Board of Commissioners.
Mike read the minutes of the March 17th selectmen’s meeting to the audience.
Mike made a motion to accept the minutes as written, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Miles made a motion to sign the letter to USDA Rural Development, Kyle 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Mike made a motion to sign the letter to the Hardy Country Snowmobile Club, Kyle 2nd, all in favor, so voted. Miles had pointed out that although he is a member of the club, he did not see a conflict in signing the letter especially since it was a letter declining their offer for a complementary meal. Mike asked if anyone in the audience had any objections. There were none.
During the week the Board had reviewed the 2009 Town Meeting Minutes and found them to be accurate. Mike made a motion to sign the 2009 Town Meeting Minutes, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Mike made a motion to sign the septic plans for Michele Escobar, Map 2, Lot 50, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Mike read the memo from Town Clerk Laura Hauser with the final results for the zoning positions available. Patti Bailey has taken the 3 yr alternate position. The ZBA will need to appoint someone to fill the 2 yr and 1yr alternate positions and a 3yr term.
The Board of Selectmen will need to appoint someone to the 3 year position as Trustee of the Trust Funds. They would like Pam to contact all those who received write in votes and to post the position on the web, at the Transfer Station and at the Town House.
The Board reviewed and discussed the Town’s Junkyard Regulations, noting any changes that needed to be made or looked into. Miles asked Doug Hutchins what type of junkyard he had, whether or not there were any changes from last year and if he is using best management practices as determined by DES. The Hutchins’ Junkyard stores junk motor vehicles, automotive parts and scrap metal. There were no changes reported. When applying for a permit or a renewal the applicant must have a background check. The Hutchins will fill out the background check paperwork and submit it to the Administrative Assistant. Mr. Hutchins said he would gladly pay any additional fee there might be for the background checks. He asked if his junkyard was considered commercial property. The Board plans to meet with the assessor to discuss the various commercial properties in town.
Mike made a motion to table the Hutchins Junkyard Renewal until they receive the background checks, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
The Board assured Mr. Hutchins that even though his current permit expires on April 1st, he can continue to operate while they wait for the background checks.
Mike made a motion to table the Rego Junkyard Renewal until they receive the background check, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted. Pam will be in contact with Mr. Rego to let him know the status of his application and have him fill out the paperwork for the background check.
The Board would like Pam to find out if it is necessary to have another public hearing if they revise the current Junkyard Regulations.
The GRC requested $203.90 from their revolving fund to buy a button maker to make buttons for Old Home Day, the Fishing Derby and other Town events. These buttons would be sold for a small profit.
Mike made a motion to table this until they determine if this is a proper use for the revolving fund, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so vote.
The Town Clerk/Tax Collector has new hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00-4:00
Tuesday evenings 5:30-7:30
For other times call for an appointment
Mike reported that a resident asked the Board and the Health Officer to look at the logging operation off of Blood Road. They are concerned about wetland violations and an oil spill. Although Kyle had taken a walk out there last weekend, the Board agrees that they should be accompanied by someone who has expertise in this area. DES has placed a number of requirements on this cut. The resident would like the Board to send a letter to DES asking if these requirements are being followed up on. Miles would like to find out if the Forester will go to the site with them to educate them on what to look for. He would also like to have a work session with the resident. The property in question has since been posted. Pam will find out what authority the Board has in this case.
Jackie reported that the Conservation Commission and the GRC will be holding a joint meeting on Thursday, April 2nd, 6:30pm in the Town House.
Mike made a motion to go into non public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (b) (c) at 9:20pm, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Mike made a motion to go into public session at 10:35pm, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted
Mike made a motion to seal the minutes of the non public session, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Mike made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:37pm, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Respectfully submitted,
Pamela Hamel
Administrative Assistant