Town of Groton
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes (Amended)
April 7, 2009
7:00pm
In Attendance: Michael Brogna, Miles Sinclair, Kyle Andrews, Pamela Hamel (Administrative Assistant)
Audience Members Present
Mike Brogna called the meeting to order at 7:13pm.
Mike read the appointments, announcements and the minutes of the March 31 selectmen’s meeting to the audience.
Mike made a motion to accept the minutes as written, Kyle 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Robert Bradbury, Forester for Timbervest, addressed the Board. Timbervest had an Intent to Cut for Map 4 Lot 1, off Sculptured Rocks Road but had to end the operation early because of the problem of going over the Atwell/Orange Brook Bridge with overweight trucks. The bridge is posted as an E2 which has an 80,000 lb limit. Most trucks are close to 100,000 lbs. Mr. Bradbury wanted to know if there was some way they could work things out with the Town such as post a bond in order to use the bridge with overweight vehicles. He reported that in 2007 a State engineer had inspected the bridge and looked at their trucks and said the bridge was fine for those trucks. This year they were visited by the local police because of weight issues.
Glen Hansen reported that LGC suggested an engineer be hired at the expense of the company to do an inspection of the bridge and submit a report. Mr. Bradbury is willing to have a state engineer come and look at it. He does not feel that the report would be bias. The Board is concerned about the possible cost for an inspection. Glen said the state should do it at no charge. They normally come out every 2 years. However, one can wait a long time for a state inspection. Mr. Bradbury asked the Board to consider requesting a bond. He reported that they are able to secure permits for up to 100,000 lbs for state roads, including bridges. He would like to do that here. Mike replied that they are already going to be asking for bonds for all new Intents to Cut. Miles remarked the Board may require a bond. Pam reported that LGC not only suggested having an engineer that is chosen by the town yet paid for by the company seeking to use the bridge but also have that engineer submit a report that includes whether or not there are measures that could be taken to shore up the bridge before allowing overweight trucks to pass over it. These measures would be at the expense of the company seeking to use the bridge, not the town. The state’s report does not include this. It just gives the bridge rating. This issue will be revisited when Mr. Bradbury submits a new Intent to Cut for this year.
The Board reviewed the Hutchin’s background checks. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchins had driven to Concord to submit them originally, paying the fee for both in Concord. Miles made a motion to sign the junkyard renewal, and reimburse one $25 fee the Hutchins had incurred, Mike 2nd, all in favor, so voted. One background check fee is included in the junkyard permit fee that had already been paid.
Mike made a motion to appoint Alison Bagley as Trustee of the Trust Funds for a three year term, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Miles made a motion to send a letter to the property owner on Map 5, Lot 46 about a possible building permit violation, Mike 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Mike reported that the budget reflecting the 5% reduction has been completed, and the MS-2 has been submitted to DRA. Copies of the budget are posted and available in the Selectmen’s office.
Time Warner Cable has conducted a feasibility study. The results of their study indicate there are only 10 houses per mile in the Sculptured Rocks Road/Jewel Hill Road area. The current contract calls for 25 HPM before they build out.
The Conservation Commission and GRC requested to have a BBQ and street dance with BYOB on July 11 at the Town Garage. The issue of drinking alcohol on town property needs to be researched and discussed by the Board including liability, police coverage, etc. Currently, drinking alcohol on town property is not allowed.
The Board reviewed the quotes for shimming North Groton Road. Glen confirmed that he would like to begin near the s curve and do the hill toward Route 118. He will mark off the section for the Board to take a look at. The Pike quote was $88.00 per ton, CLD was $77.00 per ton and GMI was $76.00 per ton. Miles made a motion to award the bid to GMI for $76.00 per ton, Kyle 2nd, all in favor, so voted. Glen would like to do the paving in May. The Board expressed some concern as to whether or not they will have sufficient funds to pay for it at that time. Glen will contact GMI to discuss payment and get back to the Board.
Slim wanted to know if the town had applied for any stimulus money for this project or other projects. Miles reported that most of the funds are for state projects but some are for municipalities. The information supplied by Margie Maybeck was for projects that the town does not qualify for. Miles made a motion to give Glen a directive to contact any agencies or individuals to see if we are eligible for stimulus funds, Kyle 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Mike asked Planning Board chair Slim Spafford whether or not the PB has put up all their Building Permit Required signs. They bought 8 signs. Slim reported that the PB had voted to not plaster the town with signs. He would like to see more of them put up. Currently, there is a sign at the Transfer Station and in the Town Hall.
Miles made a motion to send a letter to the property owner on Map 5 Lot 64 about building an 8 x 16 shed without a building permit, Kyle 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
The Board reviewed the Ethier Report of Excavation. The estimated numbers on the Intent are quite a bit more than the numbers on the Report. The Board would like to know how this can be verified. Miles made a motion to table the Ethier Excavaton in order to research their options when they have a question, Mike 2nd, all in favor, so voted. Pam will be in touch with DRA to see how Reports are verified.
Mike made a motion to sign the Timber Tax for Hall, Map 8, Lot 1, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Miles made a motion to sign the Timber Tax for Timbervest, Map 4 Lot 1, Mike 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Miles made a motion to sign the Timber Tax for Green Acre Woodlands, Map 9 Lot 2, Mike 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Mike made a motion to deny NHEC’s request for abatement, Kyle 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
The Town Records that were sent out to be scanned and put on CD have been returned. Ernie Blood also put the pages of the birth/death records book into plastic sleeves.
Mike read a letter from the US Census Bureau announcing that in preparation of the 2010 census, census workers will be in the area gathering data between April and July.
Officer Hill will touch base with Chief White about organizing the roadside clean up.
Mike made a motion to table the abatement for an unknown lot, Map 10, Lot 40, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted. The Board would like to research this property first.
Mike made a motion to sign the 2008 inventory penalty abatement for New England Hydro, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
The Fishing Derby/Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 9-2.
Mike made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:26 pm, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.
Respectfully submitted,
Pamela Hamel
Administrative Assistant