The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm with Chairman Siranian, Selectman Thompson and Selectman Levengood in attendance.
Chairman Siranian opened with a discussion of the minutes of the July 5th Board of Selectmen’s meeting. Mrs. Rhonda Gauthier maintained that the cease and desist letter sent to them had not been discussed at that meeting. Chairman Siranian, Selectman Thompson and Selectman Levengood all agreed with the minutes as they stand for July 5th. Selectman Thompson and Selectman Levengood agreed with Chairman Siranian that there had been a discussion of the cease and desist letter at the July 5th meeting.
Chairman Siranian acknowledged Mrs. Gauthier’s difficult position taking minutes and being involved in the matter before the Board. Chairman Siranian moved that Mrs. Gauthier be relieved of taking minutes. This was seconded by Selectman Levengood.
Minutes of August 2, 2006 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting were reviewed and approved.
The Payroll and Accounts Payable manifests were signed
Gayle Irick made a request to transfer $100,000 to the New Hampshire Investment Deposit Pool. The Selectmen unanimously agreed.
Mr. Dean Hughes appeared before the Board expressing interest in a part-time position at the Transfer Station. Selectman Thompson explained our expectations of enforcement of stickers and re-enforcing recycling policies. Mr. Hughes has had prior experience on the job in 1998 and 1999. He recognizes a number of problems requiring attention.
Joyce Lichty met with the Board to inform them that she hadn’t been sufficiently occupied to warrant the increased hours. She proposed to return to her old hours next week. The Board unanimously agreed.
The Board met with Mrs. May Jones and her family. Selectman Thompson moved to non-public meeting per RSA 91-A:3. The motion was seconded by Chairman Siranian. The Selectmen discussed proposed acquisition of her property currently under lease with Mrs. Jones.
Selectman Thompson made a motion to return to public session which was seconded by Chairman Siranian.
The Board met with Lynn Solomon, Laurie Sliter and Brenda Snyder regarding possible sites for the Transfer Station and Town Garage. Lynn Solomon underscored the date for the Public Information Session as September 19th. Brenda Snyder asked if the Selectmen expected a list of prioritized choices from the Transfer Station Committee. Laurie Sliter said the Highway Department Committee was well into the process. Options for proposed sites for the Town Garage included 30, 40, and 70 acre sites. The issue was raised that the parcels of this size might accommodate a site for a future Town Hall or a town forest. Lynn Solomon suggested notifying abutters of the September 19th meeting by telephone or by letter. Letters
would identify properties and proposed use. Selectman Thompson stated the letter should come from the Town Office. Lynn Solomon will draft the letters.
Liz Kirby met with the Board regarding the Soldier’s Monument Committee and projected costs for restoration. There is a firm offer of $7500 for restoration of the statue from Mr. Court in Northfield. There has been no response from Tallix. There is an estimate of $1500 to clean the granite base of the statue. The proposed bronze plaque for the monument is estimated as less than $1000. Installation of possible irrigation pipes have been discussed. Bricks could be purchased for $500/300 bricks. Cost of engraving would be $25-$35 per brick. The Committee will apply for a grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. Mr. Court will require $1000 deposit from the $3000 in the account. He estimates a
3-month turnaround for the restoration.
Mr. Rick Gauthier came before the Board regarding the Gauthier’s property on 159 Campground Road and a cease and desist letter sent by the Board of Selectmen regarding the rental of the property on a nightly basis. Mr. Gauthier said he had a list of questions he would like to pose to the Board and asked not to be interrupted. Chairman Siranian stated her understanding was that we were to address a definition of transient. Mr. Gauthier stated that he had consulted the Planning Board before and after the Board of Selectmen issued the cease and desist letter. The Planning Board voted to affirm the Gauthier’s proposed use of the property. Mr. Gauthier stated that he had called Selectman Thompson and Chairman Siranian on several occasions and did not
receive any response. He said he wrote a letter to the editor in the papers. Mr. Gauthier said he did not believe the cease and desist letter had been discussed at the July 5th meeting. He wanted to know when it had been discussed. Selectman Thompson stated that he had never been a part of any such discussion outside a public meeting. Mr. Gauthier asked to know who complained about the brochure. Chairman Siranian said she had received three complaints but refused to divulge the source. Mr. Gauthier raised the issue of other short-term rentals in the area and whether they had received cease and desist letters. Mr. Gauthier stated that he spoke to Mark
Puffer who told him that he gave the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board the same advice. Mr. Gauthier wanted to know what that advice was. Chairman Siranian stated that Mark Puffer said he did not feel the Gauthier’s proposed use fell within the ordinance. Mr. Gauthier asked what other counsel had been consulted. Chairman
Siranian informed him the Board had contacted the New Hampshire Local Government Center. Mr. Gauthier stated he had not been advised of his legal rights and proper procedure was not followed in issuing the cease and desist order. Mr. Gauthier stated he felt discriminated against and that the Board was playing lawyer, judge and jury.
Concerned Citizens of Wilmot appeared before the Board to voice concerns. Laurie Sliter disagreed with the Board of Selectmen taking their own minutes. She stated that the Board of Selectmen cannot dictate occupancy. Further, there were suggestions that any complaints be made in writing. The group expressed a feeling that it was unfair not to permit short-term rentals. The group asked that the Board rescind the cease and desist issued to the Gauthiers. Chairman Siranian moved that we address issues regarding Gauthier’s property and complaint process at the next meeting. Motion seconded by Selectman Thompson.
Mr. Hughes’ application for the Transfer Station was discussed. It was agreed unanimously that he was well qualified. Chairman Siranian made motion to hire Mr. Hughes. This was seconded by Selectman Levengood and unanimously agreed upon. Selectman Thompson noted that prior to checking stickers, a sign should be posted at the Transfer Station indicating the effective date that transfer station stickers would be required.
Selectman Levengood raised the issue of action pending on recommendations from the Transfer Station Committee. Selectman Levengood moved to discuss these at the next meeting. Motion seconded by Chairman Siranian and affirmed.
Selectman Thompson moved that we hire a contractor to clean carpets in Town Office. This was seconded by Selectman Levengood and unanimously affirmed.
Selectman Levengood moved to discuss the Elkins Fish and Game Club request for an abatement at the next meeting. This was seconded by Chairman Siranian.
Selectman Thompson asked Chief White to look into the practicality and cost of striping the parking lot at the Town Hall. Chief White agreed to pursue information.
The Board of Selectmen signed the following building permits:
1. Schamel – modular home on Granite Hill Rd.
2. Beau – decks on Stonebridge Rd.
3. Moody – addition on Pocket Rd.
4. Dutton – deck on Kearsarge Mt. Rd.
5. Gutman – interior renovations due to fire
6. Caponigro – 2 car garage on Stonebridge Rd.
A pistol permit was signed.
The Board will next meet on September 6, 2006
Meeting adjourned 9:00 pm
Respectfully submitted by:
Robert Levengood
Selectman
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