Present: Selectmen: Richard Bennett Chairman, Gary Allen, Gino Funicella Selectmen
Visitors: Jackson Police chief Karl Meyers, Mary Cooper, Christine Crowe, John Fichera, Anne Peterson
1. The minutes of July 25, 2005 were reviewed and approved as written.
2. The Summary of Payments was reviewed and checks were signed in the amount of $9,871.19.
3. The Financial Resume indicated an amount of $1,094,816.37 in the general fund after tonight’s vouchers.
4. Deposits in the amount of $1,955.80 were transferred to the treasurer tonight.
5. Jackson Police Chief Karl Meyers attended the meeting to discuss recent police activities in Jackson. A suspicious person on Carter Notch Road investigated, suspicious vehicle investigated, assisted Madison Police Department looking for a person residing in town, assisted Bartlett Police Department with an accident, accident in Jackson, investigated complaint of tires slashed, investigated a complaint from a woman whose window was shattered while driving south through the notch, and a civil complaint regarding trees being cut. The Jackson Police Department is prepared for the Covered Bridge Dance. There will be cones set up, a cruiser, and wooden horses for safety. Karl stated there have been some parking issues during the farmers market on Saturdays. Chief Meyers advised the selectmen he received a letter from our
Congressman stating he is available for any assistance to the police department such as federal aid. Karl contacted him and after a short while received a letter from the New Hampshire State Police stating they had funds for an extra portable radio which they would make available to the town. This is not a reimbursement from the State. They are providing the town with the portable radio. Richard Bennett signed the documents required by the state to accept the portable radio for the town.
6. Christine Crowe attended the meeting to discuss the tax card and assessment on her property. The two parcels were flipped and Avitar agreed there was mistake and it was corrected. Mrs. Crowe requested tax cards and after reviewing the card the square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms are incorrect. The buyer for this property is insisting on a correct tax card. The selectmen agreed Jason Call, town assessor, would verify the information on the tax cards.
7. Mary Cooper attended the meeting to discuss the signage of the Inn at Thorn Hill that was previously on the Thorn Hill Road town road sign. She stated the signage has always been on the road sign and would like this to continue or possibly another sign could be erected there. Mrs. Cooper feels it is convenient for tourists that come into Jackson and would like them to know the inn is available. Richard Bennett stated this is an off premise sign and it would be appropriate to contact the state regarding a business sign. It could be placed on the state road. Mrs. Cooper will contact the state regarding a business sign. Mrs. Cooper stated half of her property taxes were paid and requested to pay the second half in a month. The selectmen agreed to the final tax payment for the Inn at Thorn Hill by September 15, 2005 and waived
the interest and penalties. The selectmen will prepare a letter for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission giving the Inn at Thorn Hill permission to serve alcohol outside of their licensed area in a temporary tent set up for a wedding.
8. John Fichera attended the meeting to discuss a building permit application that he submitted regarding attaching an antenna on a ski lift tower at Black Mountain. There was discussion regarding the dimensions of the antenna. Richard Bennett stated the state inspects the tower for safety. Currently there is a similar antenna on the tower. The selectmen signed the building permit application submitted by John Fichera, Northern Mountain Realty Trust. John stated he carries insurance that is mandated by the state, Unicell carries insurance mandated by the state and also insurance that John requires. The temporary equipment positioned by Unicell will be removed.
9. The selectmen discussed the August 2, 2004 letter sent to Mr. & Mrs. Protasowicki, Covered Bridge Motel regarding necessary improvements for life-safety codes at the motel. There was discussion of life safety issues that should be addressed. Access was not granted at the motel to Gordon Lang, Fire Inspector. Richard Bennett will contact the state fire inspector and will request they make an appointment Gary Allen will contact Gordon Lang and request he attends a selectmen’s meeting to discuss procedure.
10. The selectmen discussed moving forward with the engineering study on the town garage. Gino Funicella stated we received approval from the town to spend funds on an engineering study for the town garage. There was discussion regarding sites for the town garage. The transfer station and the Gray’s Inn property were discussed as possibilities. There was discussion regarding contacting an engineer to move forward with the study for the garage. Richard Bennett will contact the engineering firm that is working with the school for a quote on an engineering study for the town garage.
11. The Jackson School District is requesting a response on the progress of repositioning Black Mountain Road by the Town Hall. Richard Bennett stated the town has received a positive response from the state. Richard Bennett feels the town needs a written response from The New Hampshire Department of Revenue so we can raise the amount to be voted on in March at town meeting. The selectmen will contact the Department of Transportation and request a written proposal. Gary Allen stated since this issue has to be voted on by the town, we need an appropriate proposal.
12. The selectmen received a letter from Kevin Killourie, Badger Real Estate Agent, requesting a modification to a letter that was previously sent to his clients. The letter explained that the town recognizes currently the property at 147 Jackson Highlands Road consists of 2 kitchens and 6 bedrooms and is a two family dwelling. The letter further explained that no expansion may be made on the property and if the septic system was to fail the town would require a two family redesign. The selectmen agreed to send a subsequent letter with stating only the first paragraph, the original letter will remain in the file as part of the permanent record on this property
13. There was discussion regarding Duxbury Lane and a violation for this road from the Department of Environmental Services. Richard Bennett stated the town will contact the DES requesting information on this subdivision and inquire if the violation was corrected. There was discussion between Rob Upton, town attorney, and the attorneys of the property owners on Duxbury Lane regarding a settlement on the road issue. Richard Bennett stated a written document stating there is an agreement regarding the road before a building permit is issued is advisable.
14. The selectmen reviewed a letter from Michael Clarke requesting use of the gazebo for a wedding celebration for the entire day. The selectmen agreed it would not be appropriate for an individual to use town property for a wedding celebration. Since the date requested is available for the gazebo, the selectmen will grant permission to use the gazebo for ceremony only. The selectmen will send a letter to Mr. Clarke. A $25.00 fee is required.
15. The selectmen agreed to the request of Lou Anne Johnson to use the gazebo on October 8, 2005 for a wedding ceremony. A $25.00 fee is required.
16. The selectmen received a letter from the Coalition Communities requesting a contribution from its members to continue the coalition since the new law enacted will be challenged in court. The selectmen agreed to financially support the coalition, but will not have town funds until December.
17. The selectmen denied the building permit submitted by Laurance Garland due to the fact he would be adding more volume to a non-conforming situation. A letter of denial will be sent to Mr. Garland and advise him he as the right to make application with the Jackson Zoning Board of Adjustment to obtain a variance.
18. Anne Peterson attended the meeting to request information about Mr. Woodason’s building permit. She stated this building permit was issued for a new residence on a property which has dwelling on it before the property was subdivided. She stated when she was in a similar situation a number of years ago she was not issued a building permit application until her property was subdivided. The selectmen stated they could not answer for the actions of another Board of Selectmen. They requested and received a signed document from Mr. Woodason that before occupancy is taken the land must be subdivided, or if subdivision was not possible one of the dwellings would be taken down or moved. There was a new building inspector and all the zoning issues were fine. The other house was missed and once it was brought to the attention of the
selectmen, immediate action was taken. Anne requested an update on the legality of running a business on Cyrus Lane. There was discussion regarding zoning for commercial vehicles in the rural residential zone. The selectmen agreed the business on this road has grown. Anne stated this is a non-conforming business in the rural residential zone. The selectmen agreed to send a letter to Mr. Spiers regarding the equipment on his property based on a complaint that this is not compliant with the Jackson Zoning Ordinance.
19. The following changes in the building permit application will be instituted immediately: A building permit will not be required for a project of less than $10,000 unless it work extends outside of the current footprint. In this case a fee of $25 is required.
20. The selectmen discussed the request from the attorney’s representing Robert Gamble requesting a refund of back taxes that were paid by him on a lot owned by the Jackson Water Precinct. Gary Allen consulted with town counsel regarding this issue. The selectmen will research the New Hampshire State RSA regarding the town’s responsibility and will request that Bill Botsford, Jackson Tax Collector, verify the amount that is being requested by Mr. Gamble.
21. Gino Funicella submitted an appointment policy he would like to review regarding appointments made to the boards in Jackson. He researched this policy and requested information from other towns. Richard Bennett mentioned at present time the procedure for appointments to the board are executed according to the New Hampshire RSA. The selectmen will review this policy and discuss it at a future meeting.
22. There was discussion regarding A- frame or temporary signs. This is an allowable use on the owner’s property, but the signs must be brought in at night.
23. The meeting started at 5:30 p.m. and ended at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Julie A. Maiorano
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