Littleton Board of
Selectmen-Meeting-Minutes-April 28, 2004
LITTLETON BOARD OF SELECMEN
MEETING MINUTES
LITTLETON OFFICCE CONFERENCE ROOM
APRIL 28, 2004
Present: Chairman Burt Ingerson, Vice Chairman Bill Hight, Selectman George Hicks, Town Manager Jason Hoch, Executive Assistant Cheryl Sargent
Chairman Ingerson opened the Selectmen’s Meeting at 4:00 pm.
Carol Cullen noted that Littleton Water and Light and the Advent Christian Church have agreed on a boundary line which has been in question. The designated boundary will now become one foot from the fence line, with the fence being the benchmark. This is a mutual agreement between both parties. Selectman Hicks moved to approve the new boundary line. The motion was seconded by Selectman Hight and carried 3-0.
MINUTES
Selectman Hicks moved to approve the minutes of April 14, 2004 as presented. The motion was seconded by Selectman Hight and carried 3-0.
LADDER TRUCK
Jason noted he has received no feedback from the public regarding media coverage of the last Selectmen’s Meeting at which the ladder truck was discussed. All Selectmen noted they had also not heard back from anyone regarding this issue. Jason added he has had conversation with Laconia Savings Bank who are willing to finance the truck with a non-appropriation clause written into the contract.
Selectmen Ingerson asked if a Special Town Meeting would be necessary considering this change in events. Jason stated, in his opinion, it would be prudent to hold a Special Town meeting in September, but it may not be necessary legally.
Selectman Hight moved to have Jason enter into the agreement to buy the ladder truck and to report back to the Board at the end of May about options for a Special Town Meeting.
The motion was seconded by Selectman Hicks and carried 3-0.
The Selectmen asked Paul Lopes how quickly he felt the truck could be here and were told he was looking at May 15th as a possible delivery date.
Selectman Hicks noted he would like to see the Ladder Truck Committee come up with a replacement schedule for the other fire department equipment. Chief Lopes stated there are several schedules for various pieces of equipment. These will be updated and given to the Selectmen. It was also noted that the engine would be paid off in 2007.
Bill Sargent, on behalf of Eureka Hose Co., requested permission to purchase Bertha, the 1931 truck, with the intent that Eureka Hose Co., would get it repaired and maintain it in the future. They would like to do this in partnership with the Littleton Historical Society Ray Hopkins of the Historical Society noted that although the members have not voted on this; he felt it would be thought of favorably. Ray stated he felt it would be a welcome addition to the museum to have the truck on display when tours of the museum are given. Bill added it is not the intention of Eureka Hose Company to sell the truck, but they would like to have it available for parades and other functions.
Selectman Hight moved to sell Bertha to the Eureka Hose Company for the sum of $1 with the understanding that they will repair and preserve it in the future. The motion was seconded by Selectman Hicks and carried 3-0.
CITIZENS’ CONCERNS
Ray Hopkins asked if it would be possible to have the town building washed down. He noted over the winter months it has gotten very dingy and needs to be cleaned. He noted the fire department has done this on occasion in the past. He also added Casey Pillsbury is capable of doing this if the fire department is not available.
Jason noted at one time Bast & Rood had recommended that this not be done as it created a liability issue due to certain risks involved.
Ray asked that the Selectmen consider his request and he was told they would.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
Jason reminded the Selectmen back in the fall of 2003, they had been approached by individuals from the Mountain Bike Club interested in creating some trails on the Town property on Mt. Eustis. At that time, there were several pieces of information the Selectmen needed before endorsing this plan. Jason told the Board that to date the insurance question has been answered as Joe Wiggett has learned that this would be covered under the Town’s liability insurance. Abutters to the property have been notifed and there has been no concerns or issues raised. The Club has drawn up a rough draft of the proposed trail system and are now looking for the Board’s approval.
Selectman Hicks moved to approve the Mountain Bike Club’s proposal with the condition that the club provide an annual report to the Board. In addition, the trails will be for non-
motorized use only and the project will be under the supervision of the Parks and Recreation Department. The motion was seconded by Selectman Hight and carried 3-0.
Jason noted the Town is currently looking to fill a vacancy in the Highway Department and a vacancy in the Police Department.
Jason and Carol Cullen met with a representative from DRA last week regarding the Town’s poor assessment ratio and the Town ‘s plan for reassessment. Jason feels the Town is up to speed on what needs to be done even though the State feels we need to be reminded.
Fire Chief Paul Lopes is working with Trapper Brown on getting numbers together for the roof replacement at the station.
The Riverwalk Bridge trusses have arrived and are being assembled this week.
All building plans for the Home Depot store have arrived and are in the process of being reviewed by Department Heads.
Draft plans for Bishop and Bronson Street sewer projects have arrived.
Jason will be meeting with Tony Ilaqua on Thursday to discuss alternate options other than the Bethlehem Landfill for the disposal of construction and demolition debris.
Jason noted an area of concern regarding trash and littering in Littleton. He noted 44 bags of trash were collected by the Highway Department from Slate Ledge Road and Mann’s Hill. Of the 44 bags of trash, 36 bags contained recyclable cans and bottles. This is a higher volume than what had been expected. Selectman Hicks asked a letter of appreciation be sent to Andrew Drum who has been vigilant in keeping roadside trash picked up. Jason also added he is considering an Adopt a Road Program.
Issues over residents’ yards have been brought up and Carol and Jason are working the residents.
Selectman Hicks asked when the road ban will be lifted. He noted many of the roads he has driven have dried up and do not present a problem any more. Jason stated all bans should be lifted by May 6th.
Plodzik and Sanderson have completed their audit of the Town after only two days of work. Jason noted Greg Colby had complimented Karen’s record keeping and the good job she had done compiling the information they needed to complete the audit.
During the recent power outage the Town lost one of the hard drives in the server.
Recently, Jason hosted a group of Tamworth students who were here to study Main Street.
Cathy Conway and Nicole Lapointe gave presentations on the Main Street Reconstruction Project and the Model Community Grant to a group from Cornell University.
Jason will give upcoming presentations regarding “Big Box Development” at the Office of State Planning; and will sit on a GIS Conference panel at the New England Conference.
A list of items are being compiled which can be auctioned off soon. Once the list is ready the Selectmen can give authorization to proceed with the auction.
Jason noted there is an amendment to the CDBG agreement regarding the Riverglen. The amendment extends the agreement for another year.
Bill Hight moved to approve the amendment to extend the CDBG agreement regarding the Riverglen for another year. The motion was seconded by Selectman Hicks and carried 3-0.
The Selectmen agreed to hold the next Selectmen’s Meeting on May 11th at 3:00 due to a prior commitment of Jason on may 12th.
The meeting adjourned at 4:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Sargent, Executive Assistant
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Chairman Burton E. Ingerson Secretary George E. Hicks
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Vice Chairman William R. Hight