Present: Selectmen: Richard Bennett Chairman, Gary Allen, Gino Funicella Selectmen
Visitors: Ray Abbott, Frank DiFruscio, Ross Heald, Lorraine Tilney, Robbie White, Warren Schomaker , Jackson Police Chief Karl Meyers, Laurance Garland, Jackson Fire Chief Ed Dubie, Fire Inspector Gordon Lang, Treasurer Warren Schomaker, Mary Pat Dolan, Susan Wing,
1. The minutes of August 8, 2005 were reviewed, amended and approved.
2. The Summary of Payments was reviewed and checks were signed in the amount of $27,728.99.
3. The Financial Resume indicated an amount of $1,213,059.20 in the general fund after tonight’s vouchers.
4. Deposits in the amount of $12,623.65 were transferred to the treasurer tonight.
5. Several former Jackson Selectmen attended the meeting to voice their opinions regarding recent issues in town that have been in the press recently. Frank DiFruscio stated the former selectmen are in agreement that Route 16B near the Town Hall should not be redesigned and moved. He stated the Town Hall and road has been there for as long as anyone can remember. The Trickey Barn should stay a barn. Ray Abbott added in 1965, selectmen met with New Hampshire Department of Transportation about moving the road and the consensus was it was cost prohibitive and it was dropped. He advised the selectmen that this issue was investigated. Ross Heald stated he is an ex-selectman and trustee of the Whitney Foundation. Peter Benson is an executive of Betty Whitney’s estate, member of school board and working for governor. He feels the
school district seems to have taken over the Whitney building. Gino Funicella stated that he was at a meeting of a building committee to plan for the future of the school. There was discussion at this meeting about using the Betty Whitney building for the school, but feels this is premature. There was discussion regarding state aid for the school if the Betty Whitney building is connected with the school. Richard Bennett stated these changes are ideas, but if the will of the town is not to finance these changes then it will not happen. He thinks that it would be advisable to have a meeting at some point this fall to find out the will of the town for changes that are being discussed. The legislative body will dictate what happens in the town. The selectmen will implement what that the town meeting puts before us. Lorraine Tilney had concerns regarding all of these issues and had questions about what falls under the municipal jurisdiction and the school. Ray Abbott and Frank
DiFruscio agreed that change might not be what the town needs. Ray questioned the need for the expansion of the Jackson Grammar School because of a downward trend in the number of children moving into Jackson. The cost of building the new high school has not been finalized and residents should be aware of what they are facing before voting on additional spending. Gino Funicella feels there is not as much money involved with some of these projects but the voters will decide whether the town should stay the same or make improvements. Robbie White agrees with Frank and Ray about changes but feels the face of the community is changing and not everyone agrees what rural means. Gary Allen stated it was his understanding that the trustees of the Betty Whitney Foundation is in favor of the location near the school, the building being attached to the school, and has abandoned the Gray’s Inn property location. There should be an indication within the next month whether the septic
in that area can support the building. Richard Bennett advised the group that Jackson has remained a donor town. Ray stated the former selectmen speak with many people and would like to be of service to the selectmen by bringing information to them or from them. Richard Bennett stated it is that continuity that keeps this town running smoothly. It was the consensus of the group that a meeting to poll the will of the town on these changes would be advisable.
6. Jackson Police Chief Karl Meyers attended meeting to report to the selectmen of recent police department activities. There was an abandoned vehicle on Tin Mine Road, received a complaint of a dog in a parked car with windows up on a hot day, theft of furniture from renter, several house checked for residents on vacation, bear complaint on Juniper Way, 4 minor car accidents two of which were hit and run, the police department qualified with their weapons, and dead bolt locks on the police department doors were installed. The Covered Bridge Dance went well and there were no problems associated with the dance. Last Friday and Saturday night the police department participated in the Saturation Patrol to intercept motorists that were driving while intoxicated. There was a car accident on Route 16 involving an individual
driving while intoxicated with a minor child in the car. He was arrested and charged with aggravated assault because the child was under 16.
7. Laurance Garland attended the meeting to discuss his submitted building permit which was denied by the selectmen. He wanted to clarify the building permit application. The original plan was for a complete remodel. The intention of the building permit is to build a second story of the main house and not on the addition. The portion of the house that is going to be remodeled is not in the setback. The 25 foot setback only affects the addition on his house. Based on contractor estimates, he will only be working on the second story for the main house. He would like to pitch the roof for snow removal on the addition. Richard Bennett stated the building permit was denied because it was increasing the volume of non-conformity because of the second story on the addition which is in the setback. If there is not an increase in the
volume of non-conformity and the addition is out of the scope of work than the selectmen would be agreeable to this building permit. Richard also stated at some future date the roof pitch might be allowable because you are saving the addition and not adding living space within it. Due to the fact the construction was not in the setback the selectmen agreed to the second story addition and the false roof on the addition to shed snow. This application was approved and Mr. Garland submitted the check for the building permit fee.
8. Jackson Fire Chief Ed Dubie and Gordon Lang attended the meeting to discuss the Covered Bridge Motel life-safety code issues. Gordon stated some of the life safety code improvements were addressed from the list that was prepared by the selectmen and Gordon. Gordon requested that the New Hampshire Fire Marshall inspect this property with him. Richard Bennett stated that Gordon should contact the Fire Marshall and request he attend the life-safety code inspection at the Covered Bridge Motel with Gordon. There was discussion of life-safety code inspections in commercial buildings. Gordon stated that any commercial building that has a place assembly over 99 has to be done twice a year but only the floor with the place of assembly. All other commercial properties are once a year. Gordon will contact the State Fire Marshall next
week for his availability and advise Gary Allen. The selectmen requested information regarding the last inspection of the Lodge at Jackson. Gordon advised the selectmen this property was inspected following the transfer of property. He stated the main floors for the guests have excellent egress. The third floor is a private residence and not a rental unit and has one bed and a smoke detector. The second floor of the new deli in town, J town, is being used for storage and office space. All replacements are up to code. Ed suggested the town adopt the new state adopted code that states any building over 10,000 square feet has to be sprinkled. He stated all fire codes should be adopted and when the state updates the codes Jackson should update.
9. Warren Schomaker, town treasurer, attended the meeting to discuss the cable television franchise agreement. He requires more research on the revenue numbers to see why the 2004 amount was less than 2003 even though their revenues increased. Their answer was that the town was overpaid in 2003. He will follow up on this matter. The extension policy states that you had to have 15 dwelling units per mile otherwise there would be construction charges. Warren is recommending the extension policy be eliminated because it was based on revenue 9 years ago which is out of date. He left a packet for the town attorney to review. A public meeting with the cable company for quality of service and future services might be advisable. Warren submitted an investment policy for the town which is required by the state. Every year it must
be reviewed and reaffirmed. He researched the policy and patterned the policy which is in place at Enfield. This policy has all the provisions needed for a small town like Jackson.
10. Mary Pat Dolan and Susan Wing attended the meeting tonight to represent the Heard Road Association. The first meeting was held and Mrs. Dolan was voted President of the Heard Road Association. They voted to improve the Duxbury Road which is a private road and will never request this become a town road. They requested that Burr Phillips, town engineer, and their contractor meet and agree to a road specification. The Heard Road Association would sign an agreement for the road specifications. Richard Bennett stated that they would review Burr’s report and agree with his recommendation. Mrs. Dolan asked if Burr approves the building specifications for the road would the building permits be issued. Richard stated the building permits are signed and as soon as we receive specifications with a signed agreement for this road, the building
permit will be issued.
11. The selectmen received a letter from Larry Baima, Thompson House Eatery, informing them he is bringing town water into the Gallery Square building. This requires cutting across the sidewalk and requested clarification on procedure. Richard Bennett stated the sidewalk must be replaced to whatever was there before the project began. A letter will be sent to Mr. Baima advising him.
12. The selectmen will meet with Bob Barry, Engineer New Hampshire Department of Transportation; on August 29, 2005 to discuss the cost of moving 16B near the Town Hall.
13. The selectmen signed the New Hampshire Department of Revenue MS-5 report.
14. The selectmen discussed the Prospect Farm project. Richard Bennett stated Don Johnson has informed him the forest service is projecting a timber cut at Prospect Farm. They will have to improve the road. The town might be able to purchase culverts and the forest service will do the work. Don Johnson is agreeable to postponing the cut on the town property at Prospect Farm for a year to see if the forest service will upgrade the road. If the town purchases the culverts, the forest service will put them in and leave them. Don Johnson is scheduled to do the orchard release. Richard Bennett will contact Terry Miller to verify information
15. The selectmen will not attend the meeting on Duxbury Lane with Burr Phillips, town engineer, and the Heard Road Association representatives and contractors. Burr Phillips will advise the selectmen. Richard Bennett proposed to accept Burr Phillips’ policy for using the services of the town engineer. It was decided to adopt Burr Phillip’s engineering policy for payment of his expertise for residents who require the town’s engineer. This policy will be adopted for future situations so property owners will be aware of additional fees.
16. The selectmen received a letter from Avitar stating they will review any 2005 Town of Jackson abatements received.
17. The meeting started at 5:30 p.m. and ended at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Julie A. Maiorano
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