Littleton Selectmen’s Meeting
Minutes-March 23, 2005
LITTLETON SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
LITTLETON OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM
MARCH 23, 2005
Present: Chairman Bill Hight, Selectman Burt Ingerson, Town Manager Jason Hoch, Executive Assistant Cheryl Sargent
Excused: Vice Chairman George Hicks
Ryan Glass, Recreation Director, was in to introduce himself to the Selectmen and to let the Board know he is available to them. He stated he is in the planning stages on several programs which will include senior citizens as well as programs for both younger and older children. The Selectmen welcomed Ryan to Littleton and thanked him for VISITING.
There were no citizens’ concerns at this time.
There were no matters for discussion at this time.
Jason has been kept updated on the school funding bill by John Ward who sits on the subcommittee. Jason commended John on his efforts to keep the Town informed on this matter.
Jason noted the Solid Waste/Recycling Ordinance has been prepared by Dan Woods of North Country Council and is ready for adoption by the Selectmen. Jason added the Ordinance is a basic one which has been adopted by several towns and follows the current operating procedure of the transfer station.
Selectman Ingerson moved to approve and adopt the Solid Waste/Recycling Ordinance as presented. The motion was seconded by Chairman Hight and carried 2-0.
Selectman Hight moved to repeal the Bridge Street Landfill Ordinance which was originally adopted in March of 1990. The motion was seconded by Chairman Hight and carried 3-0.
Selectman Ingerson moved to approve adoption of the Littleton Adopt-A-Road Program that has the purpose to encourage residents, organizations, and businesses within the community to get involved to keep Littleton clean by picking us litter on an “adopted” Town road. These roads will be cleaned at least 3 times a year in an effort to maintain a healthy, more scenic environment, and strengthen the feeling of pride within out Town. Initially, the adopter will commit to a term of 2 years, but may be renewed indefinitely upon the end of every contract.
The motion was seconded by Chairman Hight and carried 2-0. Jason added this program will be introduced to the general public in conjunction with Earth Week.
Selectman Ingerson moved to approve the list of traffic control devices and stop signs presented by the Police Department at this meeting. The motion was seconded by Chairman Hight and carried 2-0.
Selectman Ingerson moved to approve the Cable Franchise Renewal Agreement as presented. The agreement will be in effect for eleven years. The motion was seconded by Chairman Hight and carried 2-0.
Jason explained the franchise agreement renewal provides that Channel 2 will be hosted at the Littleton High School. An agreement will be signed between the Littleton School District and each of the Consortium Towns.
Jason explained that the Town has received a request from Riverglen House to extend the end date for their CDBG project to June 30, 2006. This will allow them time to try to meet job creation goals. As the Town of Littleton acted as agent for their block grant, they need the Town to request this extension.
Selectman Ingerson moved to authorize request of an extension as requested by Riverglen House. The motion was seconded by Chairman Hight and carried 2-0.
Jason present the Selectmen with a revised fee schedule for various document which can be obtained at the Town Office. He noted that many of the documents can be obtained on-line at no cost. He added that the last fee revision was in 1995.
Selectman Ingerson moved to accept and approve the revised fee schedule as presented by Jason. The motion was seconded by Chairman Hight and carried 2-0.
Dennis Hartwell has requested permission from the Selectmen to use Mill Street and the land owned by the Town around the Senior Center. In addition, he is requesting to bag parking meters on Friday and Saturday during the Summer Fest events and use of the covered bridge until 9:30 pm as well.
Selectman Ingerson moved to grant Mr. Hartwell’s request for Summer Fest weekend. The motion was seconded by Chairman Hight and carried 2-0.
The Police Department has acquired a new vehicle from the Central NH Special Operations Unit. The vehicle will be used primarily by the Deputy Chief. This vehicle will not be any expense to the town as it has been purchased, insured, fueled and licensed by the Central NH Special Operations Unit. Jason asked permission to place the 1998 Crown Victoria currently being used by the Deputy Chief offline and offered for sale. The vehicle currently has 120,000 miles on it.
Jason noted he has talked with Larry Jackson and they hope to be able to post roads by the end of the week. This will depend on the weather. Larry and Jason have also been working on bids specs for the roads which were approved at Town Meeting.
Jason has had communication with Above the Notch Humane Society regarding their desire to explore the possibility of utilizing land adjacent to the Transfer Station for the purpose of establishing an animal shelter. They are in the early stages of working through the USDA Rural Development planning grant program to see if this project would be feasible.
Although the Selectmen liked the idea, Burt suggested that some research be made into the zoning of the particular piece of property they are considering. He said he recalled something had done with this property sometime in the mid 90’s. when the zoning had been changed for the current Littleton Coin property.
Jason distributed an article written by Neil Pierce for the Washington Post. The article was very complimentary to Littleton and elaborated on its efforts to flourish and thrive even through some rough times.
Selectman Ingerson moved to yield Board authority for oversight of the operation, use, maintenance and activity on public ways within the downtown area (between the Congregational Church and Opera House, both sides of Main Street and back to the river) to the Town Manager in the limited cases of events sponsored by the Littleton Area Chamber of Commerce and Littleton Main Street and to direct the Town Manager to consult with all appropriate Town Department Heads to ensure appropriate planning and operation of such events. This authorization will expire on March 31, 2006. The motion was seconded by Chairman Hight and carried 2-0.
Selectman Ingerson moved to authorize Town Manager Jason Hoch on behalf of the Town of Littleton to enter into lease agreements approved by a majority vote at the Annual Town Meeting. This authorization will expire on March 31, 2006. The motion was seconded by Chairman Hight and carried 2-0.
Selectman Ingerson moved to authorize Town Manager Jason Hoch to issue permits to any charitable organization desiring to conduct a raffle under the provisions of RSA 287-A. The permit shall expire at the time of the drawing, and shall not be transferable. This authorization shall expire on March 31, 2006.
Selectman Ingerson moved to authorize Town Manager Jason Hoch to enter into all contracts regarding sewer and storm water re-design. This authorization shall expire March 31, 2006. The motion was seconded by Chairman Hight and carried 2-0.
Selectman Ingerson moved to repeal the Escort Service Ordinance which at one time offered Littleton Police Department escort services within the Town of Littleton for those transporting large sums of money for deposit or other transactions. The motion was seconded by Chairman Hight and carried 2-0.
Selectman Ingerson moved to approve the minutes of March 9, 2005 as amended. The motion was seconded by Chairman Hight and carried 2-0.
The meeting adjourned at 4:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Sargent
Executive Assistant
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Chairman William R. Hight Vice Chairman George O. Hicks
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Selectman Burton E. Ingerson