PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
SELECT BOARDS, TOWN OF CAMPTON AND TOWN OF THORNTON
JANUARY 26, 2012

The two Boards met as a joint Board at 6:30 p. m. at the Waterville Estates Community Center.  Present were, Selectmen, Charles Cheney, Charles Wheeler, Sharon Davis, Craig Keeney, and Marsh Morgan, Tim Tyler, Alfred Burbank, Roy Sabourn and David Joyce.  Also present were Laura Spector-Morgan, Town Counsel, Town Administrators Ann Marie Foote and Tammy Beaulieu, and Minutes secretary, Eleanor Dewey.

 

A copy of the list of members of the public who were present at the meeting can be obtained at the Campton Town Office, Selectmen’s Office.

 

Selectman Sabourn inquired if anyone at the meeting had a problem with him participating as a Selectman in this public hearing as he has performed survey work for the Waterville Estates Village District in the past.  There were no objections.

 

At 6:30 p.m. Co-Chair Tim Tyler called the meeting to order and stated that the reason for this meeting is that the Towns of Thornton and Campton have received a Petition to Change District Boundaries within the Waterville Estates Village District (WEVD). Co-Chair Tim Tyler then explained the guidelines for the procedures that would be followed this evening to address the joint Boards.  Co-Chair Tim Tyler also presented a letter that was addressed to the Town of Thornton, Thornton Town Administrator from Mark O’Hara indicating that he is in favor of the boundary change.  Co-Chair Tim Tyler read the letter out loud and then requested that the letter be part of the records.

 

Co-Chair Sharon Davis then called on Attorney Bart Mayer, who is representing the WEVD.  Mr. Mayer proceeded to explain that this matter was not in anyway a personal matter between WEVD and the Matsons.  Attorney Mayer explained that the WEVD provides benefits to it District, i.e. water, roads and recreation facilities and taxes are paid by property owners in the District to provide these benefits and the Waterville Estates Association contracts with WEVD for special events.  Attorney Mayer indicated that it is the WEVD intent to protect the integrity of the District.  Attorney Mayer indicated that after the Matson’s building permit was issued the Matson’s plans changed reflecting the fact that they wanted to build their home on an abutting lot which is not in the WEVD.  It is noted that the Matsons signed a statement on the plot plan that they agreed to build their home in the WEVD.  Attorney Mayer ended his presentation by asking the Board to turn over the vote to the District voters to make a decision as to whether or not the WEVD boundaries should be expanded.

 

Co-Chair Tim Tyler then called on Attorney Jack McCormack who represents the Matsons.  Attorney McCormack stated that the lot in question is one-half mile away from water service.  There is no water, no sewer, and no services.  The original lot that is approved for building has extensive ledge.  With that in mind, the Matsons changed their minds, in good faith, and purchased an abutting property to build their house on (after a boundary line adjustment was approved by the Thornton Planning Board).  This particular lot is not within the WEVD; however for reasons addressed above, the Matsons decided to build their home on the lot outside the WEVD boundaries.  Attorney McCormack also informed the Boards that litigation has been initiated by the Waterville Estates Association against the Matsons pertaining to “what rights people have for building on lots”.  Attorney McCormack also sited the RSA pertaining to the fact that Select Boards may decide whether to expand a District; however, his believe is that…”expanding the District just to get more taxes is not right and inconsistent”.  Attorney McCormack requested that he wanted it noted on the records that a previous owner of a lot in WEVD, Welby E. Boughton, III has addressed, in writing to him that he is against the expansion of the District.

 

Co-Chair Davis then opened the meeting up to the public for discussion.  She then called on Corey Smith (WEVD General Manager) Corey explained that this issue is all about property values and servicing the District.  The lot in question is 90 feet away from the boundary line to a water line.  A map was presented to the Boards.  Corey stated that one lot has use of the facilities; the other does not which presents an unfair circumstance for District taxpayers.  The District feels it would set a precedent.  The District also feels that by the Matsons building their house and living in it, they are more likely to intensely use the District’s amenities; but avoiding paying the higher taxes they would have to pay if the house was built on the lot in the District.  Corey also feels there will be a flood of abatements causing property values to go down and a chain reaction of potentially hurting the Towns of Thornton and Campton.  In addition, Corey stated that the Matsons did not comply with the approved Building Permit.  Corey confirmed the Matsons signed a plot plan indicating they would build in the District.

 

Co-Chair Tim Tyler then called on Mike Mahoney, Chairman of the Waterville Estates Building Committee. Mr. Mahoney confirmed that the Committee bent over backward for the Matson.  They signed a plot plan and specs. on how they were going to build the home.  He also stated that they created a pond on the property and received no approval from state or local agencies for the pond.  Mr. Mahoney also expressed that the Matsons were told there was no option to build outside the estates.

 

Co-Chair Davis then called on Frank Marshall, Building Committee member and member of Waterville Estates Association.  Mr. Marshall questioned the fact that the lot was unbuildable because of ledge.  He explained that the Matsons had a pond dug at least three feet into the ground so he feels that contradicts the theory that the lot is not buildable.

 

Co-Chair Tim Tyler called on Mr. Matson.  Mr. Matson stated that it is true that they would receive recreation event benefits; however, the purpose to having the District is for road and water services.  Mr. Matson stated that there is no water pipe to his driveway and no intention of the District to provide one.  Again, Mr. Matson stated the purpose of the District is to provide services; however the road to his property is maintained by the Town.  The only benefit he would receive is recreation benefits for which he pays taxes on an 8 acre lot, whereas most other lots are much smaller.  Mr. Matson also explained that they have improved the lot by putting in a driveway and pond.  Mr. Matson confirmed he spoke with the Fire Chief regarding the pond and the idea of the pond was for fire protection purposes.  Mr. Matson stated that the governing agency for the pond issue is the Department of Environmental Services to which he confirmed had been contacted.   Mr. Matson also stated that there are more than 300 land-only lots not built on in the WEVD.  If WEVD can’t require everyone in the District to build on, then, they can’t ask him and his wife to build on their lot either.  Mr. Matson did present a solution which was presented to the WEVD that upon the death of him and his wife, they would agree in a deed that the property revert back to the WEVD.  This resolution was denied by the WEVD.

 

Co-Chair Davis called on Barbara Lajunesse of 92 Pegwood Road, Campton.  She expressed to the Board that she was very concerned about the value of their house and the difficulty of resale if this precedence were allowed to be set.

 

Co-Chair Tim Tyler called on George Humphrey, a residence outside of the WEVD, but also owns a home in Waterville Estates.  He expressed that he felt the Matsons were trying to get something for nothing.  He would like the District voters to decide.

 

Co-Chair Davis called on Mrs. Chris Matson.  Mrs. Matson confirmed that the Waterville Estates District lot would be an option for someone “who has a considerable amount of money”, and they have been expending their retirement monies to straighten out this issue.  She stated the other lot is more affordable to build on.  She also presented a map depicting the outer boundaries of the WEVD.  She pointed out that one boundary is the National Forrest, one by Mad River common land and one property owned by one person.  Mrs. Matson’s posed that these abutters would cause no threat to setting a precedence of “access lots”.  Corey Smith pointed out that the property owned by the one individual that Mrs. Matson mentioned is comprised of large acreage and lots and roads have already been put in.

 

Co-Chair Tim Tyler inquired if there was any closing discussion.  Attorney McCormack wanted to clarify that covenants discussed have nothing to do with the District and nothing to do with the issue this evening.

 

Attorney Bart Mayer asked that the Boards execute their authority under their authority.

 

Co-Chair Davis then declared the Public Hearing closed with no further public discussion and the joint Boards adjourned for a non public meeting with Town Counsel.

 

Upon the joint Boards returning to the meeting room, Co-Chair Davis announced that the Board’s agreed that they were delaying the vote for more time to review documents submitted at the meeting tonight as well as documents delivered to both Town Offices earlier in the day, and, to also consider the testimony heard tonight.  The Boards will meet again on February 13, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., at the Campton Town office to vote on the issue.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Eleanor M. Dewey

Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator

 

 

 

 

SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES for January 23, 2012

The Board of Selectmen met for their weekly meeting at 6:30 p. m. at the Campton Town Office.  Present were, Selectmen, Sharon Davis, Charles Wheeler, Charles Cheney, Craig Keeney and Marsh Morgan.  The Board signed 2 Veterans’ exemptions, 1 2012 Contract for Cyclical Revaluation Services and 1 Notice of Intent to Cut.

 

A member of the public who was present at this meeting, but not on the agenda was Sandy Morgan.

 

6:45 p.m. Chair Davis brought the meeting to order and indicated that she revised the Work Session Minutes dated January 17, 2012 (copies of the revisions were distributed to the Board for their review).  After the Board’s review, Chair Davis then made a Motion to approve the revised Work Session Minutes dated January 17, 2012, to approve the 2 sets of Non Public Session Minutes (as written) dated January 17, 2012 and to approve the Minutes dated January 9, 2012 (as written).  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan and the Minutes were unanimously approved.

 

Chair Davis then called on Ann Marie to review correspondence.  Ann Marie indicated that Attorney Adam Cook sent a letter indicating that he was representing a property owner and taxpayer in Beebe River Village District and was requesting “documents relative to the town’s relationship with the taxing district, Beebe River Village District”.  Ann Marie explained to the Board the documentation that was forwarded to Attorney Cook and the Board suggested that Attorney Cook be billed for the copy costs.

 

Ann Marie presented a picture to the Board of the Christmas tree that the Campton Corner Pantry entered in the Festival of Trees contest sponsored by the Common Man Inn, which won second prize.

 

A copy of a letter was received from Primex (addressed to Police Chief Warn) expressing that Primex is happy for the opportunity to provide additional programming and creative law enforcement-centered training to the Department in the future.

 

Ann Marie also indicated that Primex is having a workshop, “Human Resources Best Practices Series – I” on Thursday, February 9, 2012, between 9:00 a.m. and noon, at the Meredith Community Center in Meredith.  Selectman Wheeler has a conflict in schedule; however, Selectman Keeney will attend.

 

Ann Marie indicated that $1,650.00 of land use taxes will be turned over to the Conservation Commission this year.

 

Ann Marie stated that Hannah Joyce, Town Clerk/Tax Collector received the petitioned Warrant Article for a High Voltage Electrical Transmission Line Ordinance for voting at the March 2012 Town Meeting.

 

Chair Davis then called on Lisa Ash and Carolee Miot to review the 2012 Proposed Parks & Rec. Budget.  Lisa explained that the budget reflected a slight increase in compensation for the Director’s compensation and an increase for some additional programs.  After review, the Board was in agreement with the slight increase and acknowledged that they are hearing great things about the program from the public.

 

Ann Marie indicated that the Board’s 7:00 p.m. appointment was not going to be present so Chair Davis then called on Matthew Moore regarding the Blair Bridge Project.  Chair Davis explained that the Board met with Sean James and Sean briefly touched on the $619,000.00 increase for the cost of the project.  After discussing the costs reductions (suggested by Sean James) and the pier scour protection item added to the restoration plan, Mr. Moore indicated that it was hard to find ways to bring the cost down because of having to follow certain guidelines.  Mr. Moore did indicate that the engineering fee and contingency fees were a contributing factor in arriving at the overage of $619,000.00 since these figures were erroneously not included in the original restoration estimate. There was also some discussion as to why this error occurred.  While Mr. Moore felt there wasn’t much that can be done to bring the price down, he did indicate that the State informed him that they do have monies available that other Towns have not used and these funds could possibly be available to the Town of Campton for this project.   There was further discussion concerning cash flow issues for the project.

 

Chair Davis introduced Paul Yelle, President of the Campton Historical Society (CHS) to Matt Moore.  After discussion with Paul Yelle concerning the level of involvement as to participation that the CHS desired to be engaged in with the Blair Bridge Project, it was determined that the CHS would like to be an informed party rather than a consultant.  Paul Yelle agreed that he would draft a letter to the Cultural Resources Committee informing the Committee of the Historical Society’s decision. Chair Davis expressed that the letter would greatly assist in getting to the next step in the rehabilitation process.

 

Chair Davis then called on Nancy Mardin and Martha Aguiar to present the Trustees of the Trust Funds 2012 Proposed Budget.  The requested budget decreased by $10.00 for a total of $6,400.00 and the Board members were pleased.

 

Chair Davis then called on Nancy Mardin to present the Campton Historical Society 2012 Proposed Budget and this budget also stayed flat at $5,000.00 for operating costs, and $5,000.00 in Capital Reserves for future building repairs.  Again, the Board was very pleased.

 

Paul Yelle mentioned that the Historical Society will be getting a grant for more storage area.  Paul also wanted the Board to be aware of some new events that they are working on.  One event in particular Paul mentioned was a Halloween activity which was explained to the Board.  Paul was also excited about their guest speakers they have lined up this year.  Stan Graton is one of the speakers and he will be presenting a presentation on covered bridges.

 

At 8:00 p.m. Chair Davis made a Motion to go into Non Public Session under RSA 91-A to meet with Laura Spector-Morgan, Town Attorney.  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan and with a roll call vote:  Selectman Davis – aye, Selectman Morgan – aye, Selectman Wheeler – aye, Selectman Cheney – aye, and Selectman Keeney – aye, the Board went into Non Public Session.  The Board came out of Non Public Session at 8:25 p.m. Town Counsel advised that the meeting with her did not require taking Minutes.

 

Chair Davis called on Ann Marie regarding Other Business – Selectmen’s Input.  Ann Marie requested that the Board establish a date for the Budget and Bond Hearings.  It was determined that Wednesday, February 15, 2012 is the confirmed date.

 

Selectman Keeney inquired as to the merit raise percentage proposed for Chief Warn’s secretary for 2012.  After discussion, it was agreed that Ann Marie will research the Minutes to answer additional inquires presented by the Board.

 

There being no further business, Chair Davis declared the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Eleanor M. Dewey,

Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator

 

SELECTMEN’S WORK SESSION MINUTES For January 17, 2012

The Board of Selectmen met for a Work Session at 6:30 p. m. at the Campton Town Office.  Present were, Selectmen, Sharon Davis, Charles Wheeler, Craig Keeney and Marsh Morgan.  Selectman Charles Cheney was not present because of a conflict in schedule.

 

Members of the public who were present at the meeting, but not on the agenda were Sandy Morgan, Will Lambert, Martha Aguiar, and Kathryn Joyce.

 

At 6:40 p.m. Chair Davis called on Sean James, Engineer, of Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc. concerning the Blair Bridge Project.  Sean James provided to the Board an estimate of probable construction costs, and plans of the proposed rehabilitation of the bridge.  Sean brought the Board up-to-date with what has been accomplished so far and addressed the fact that the DOT is not completely satisfied with the sub structure and abutments documentation and would like a more detailed report from Hoyle, Tanner & Associates.  Sean addressed the fact that the total cost of the bridge is now over budget and the Town’s contribution would be $123,980.00 over budget.  Sean suggested some potential cost reductions such as eliminating protectowire and eliminating a sprinkler system.  After discussion by the Board, they unanimously agreed that the Town is committed to this project and need to go forward with the project.  Sean indicated that there are training requirements necessary required by NH DOT.  This training would include participation by Ann Marie, Matt Moore and whoever is assigned to be on site.  Sean also indicated that the NH DOT was suggesting that more individuals from the Board attend the training sessions.  Chair Davis gave the dates of the sessions, but it was not determined this evening who else would be attending the sessions.

 

At 7:15 p.m. Chair Davis called on Police Chief Warn who introduced Jamie Stalnaker (who was accompanied by his father) as the Department’s new part time Police Officer.  Chief Warn thanked the Board for signing Jamie’s appointment in advance of this meeting.  Chief Warn explained that Jamie came to him through the recommendation of Officer Kevin Foss.  Chief Warn stated that Jamie has passed all entrance exams with “flying colors”.  The Board was impressed and wished Officer Stalnaker good luck.  Ann Marie explained to Officer Stalnaker that he needs to come into the office to be sworn in by Hannah Joyce, Town Clerk/Tax Collector.

 

Chief Warn explained that he was also here this evening to review his 2012 Proposed Budget.  After distribution of the Proposed Budget to the Board, the Board agreed that the majority of the increase reflected was due to the uncontrollable expenses relating to dispatch.  Chief Warn indicated that he allowed for the maximum allowable percentage of compensation (as set by the Board) for his staff at the rate of 3.75% across the board as he evaluated his staff as doing an excellent job.

 

At 7:45 p.m. Chair Davis then called on Butch Bain, Road Agent to review the 2012 Proposed Highway Budget.  After the Board reviewed the budget, it was agreed with Butch that the Paving Appropriation/Bridges figure be reduced from $180,000.00 to $175,000.00 and the gravel figure reduced from $46,000.00 to $40,000.00.

 

Butch Bain then asked to go into Non Public Session concerning a personnel matter.  Chair Davis made a Motion to go into Non Public Session under RSA 91-A:3,II©.  The Motion was seconded by Selectmen Wheeler and with a roll call vote:  Selectman Davis – aye, Selectman Morgan – aye, Selectman Wheeler – aye, Selectman Keeney – aye, the Board went into Non Public Session.  The Board came out of Non Public Session at 8:00 p.m.

 

Chair Davis then continued the meeting by giving an update of the Building Committee.  Chair Davis explained that the Committee has been very busy and distributed to the Board a written update as to what the Building Committee has accomplished since resurrecting the Committee on July 27, 2011. Chair Davis then called on Kelly Bolger, Building Committee Chairman.  Kelly Bolger opened the discussion to address any concerns that the Board had.  Selectman Keeney indicated that his concern (as it has been in the past) is that when the prequalifications were put out again, they were not put out to the local contractors and he expressed that this project needs the support of the Town.  Kelly Bolger reiterated the process to Selectman Keeney as previously explained by Selectman Davis at a recent Selectmen’s Meeting.  Will Lambert and Martha Aguiar expressed that they felt the process was done fairly (even with time constraints issues) and they were both excited about the project.  Dan Bergeron also expressed local contractor issues; however, he was impressed with reductions made by the Committee.  Selectman Keeney also expressed concerns about how long the proposed meeting room would be adequate space for the voting and the fact that he did not like the total estimated project cost of approximately $1,448,235.l1.  After all concerns voiced, Kelly turned the meeting over to Bryant Lehr of Conneston Construction, Inc. (CCI) who has been designated as the Construction Manager for the project.  Bryant  reviewed the preliminary budget spreadsheet with the Board pointing out certain reductions such as window treatment, cupola revisions, cabinet reduction, vinyl siding, elimination of gable end louvers, insulation adjustments, acoustic ceiling, flooring adjustments, Geothermal well and electrical adjustments. The total reduction figure was estimated at $208,979.00.  Bryan also pointed out that if completion time was reduced or extended on the project it would also affect the bottom line.

 

After review of the costs, the Board summarized the reasons for going forward with the project:  (1) The need for the new building; (2) Reassurance from Bryant Lehr of CCI that local contractors would definitely have an opportunity to bid and be considered for the job; and (3) The fact that the project will have a zero effect on the tax rate.  The latter being accomplished by borrowing $1,000,000.00, at 3% for a 15 year period, the total first payment being $96,667.00 (representing approximately the equivalent of what the Town has been putting aside each year to save for this project).  The total payment due each year would be reduced until the loan was paid off. The figures were given as estimates calculated by Northway Bank.  Kathryn Joyce also expressed that the school bond will be all paid off this year.

 

Kelly Bolger indicated that the next step would be to schedule the architect to come forward to speak with the Board.

 

Sandy Morgan suggested, (after discussion about the maintenance cost and repair issues with the present Town Office building), that a figure be calculated as to how much the present building costs to maintain and operate.  Ann Marie will arrange to calculate the figure.

 

The Board thanked the Building Committee for all their hard work and look forward to meeting with the architect.

 

At 9:12 p.m.  Selectman Wheeler requested the Board go into Non Public Session under RSA 91-A:3,II© pertaining to a personnel issue.  Chair Davis made the Motion to go into Non Public Session and the Motion was seconded by Selectman Keeney and with a roll call vote:  Selectman Davis – aye, Selectman Morgan – aye, Selectman Wheeler – aye, and Selectman Keeney – aye, the Board went into Non Public Session.  The Board came out of Non Public Session at 9:30 p.m. and the Minutes were sealed by a unanimous roll call vote.

 

At 9:30 p.m. Chair Davis declared the meeting adjourned.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Eleanor M. Dewey,

Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator

 

SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES for JANUARY 9, 2012

The Board of Selectmen met for their weekly meeting at 6:30 p. m. at the Campton Town Office.  Present were, Selectmen, Charles Cheney, Charles Wheeler, Sharon Davis, Craig Keeney, and Marsh Morgan.  The Board signed the manifest and reviewed the bills.  They signed 1 Notice of Intent to Cut, 1 Tax Abatement, 1 Veteran’s Exemption, 1 Requisition Request and Certificate of Acceptance, 2 Timber Tax Warrants, 1 Equalization Municipal Assessment Data Sheet, 1 appointment of part time Police Officer, 1 2012 Contract for Cyclical Revaluation Services and 1Tax Agreement.

 

Members of the public who were present at the meeting, but not on the agenda were Sandy Morgan, Lloyd Willey, Kelly Bolger and Corey Smith.  Jules Doner arrived later after the meeting began.

 

At 6:45 p.m. Chair Davis called the meeting to order.  While waiting for other members to arrive, (who were scheduled on the agenda) Chair Davis called on Ann Marie to review correspondence.  Ann Marie indicated that Laura Spector-Morgan has been in contact with Matthew Mavrogeorge, Assistant Attorney General regarding the Board’s concerns with the Beebe River Village District issues.

 

Ann Marie also distributed to the Board the Notice of Supreme Court Decision regarding the Right to Know Law (RSA 91A).  There was some discussion as to the financial burden this will place on the Town relating to possible additional legal fees.

 

An inspection report was received from The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. regarding the cleanup completion of 37 Front Street in Beebe River Village District.   Ann Marie spoke with Dennis Prescott who is now ready to move forward with the purchasing of the property.  This information was confirmed by Selectman Keeney as Mr. Prescott relayed to him that he was just waiting for the inspection report to be completed.  However, Selectman Keeney indicated some concerns which were brought to his attention by Dennis Prescott regarding other property in the District that needs cleanup attention.  Selectman Keeney stated that he told Mr. Prescott that he would present the issue to the Board.

 

Ann Marie indicated that the NH Department of Environmental Services has sent a copy of their letter to Mr. Kevin Rogers indicating that a Land Resources Complaint has been filed and his need to respond within 20 days from the date of the letter (January 4, 2012).

 

Chair Davis then called on John Whitney, Commissioner of the Campton Village Precinct (CVP) who stated he would be glad to go forward with the scheduled appointment on behalf of all the Campton Village Precinct Commissioners since the additional Commissioners had not arrived and the Board had an extensive agenda.  Chair Davis explained that the Board received the CVP’s letter, which suggested that the Town take over street lighting.  Chair Davis stated (through Ann Marie’s research) that it was established in 1890 that the purpose of the District was to provide lighting.  Mr. Whitney explained that CVP’s intent was to alert the Board of the CVP’s plan to bring certain issues to Town voters’ attention at the Annual Town Meeting.  These issues are as follows:  Necessary Street lighting issues (mentioned in the letter); how to best create fairness in regard to Precinct taxation; fire hydrant rental charges to the Town; and expanding the Precinct.  Mr. Whitney suggested that the Fire Department and the Police Department be contacted to address specific street lighting mentioned in the CVP’s letter to determine which lighting is essential for safety.  It was agreed that Public Safety should review this issue.

 

At 7:15 p.m. the Library Trustees were called on to discuss their proposed 2012 Budget.  Present were:  Shelley Thompson, Priscilla Whitney, Tara McKenzie and Michelle Betts.  Michelle Betts presented the Budget to the Board.  After discussion, it was suggested by the Board that the Library Trustees revisit the proposed Budget concentrating on certain areas such as Books/Periodical/DVDs, Special Programs and Accountant fee to see if these items could be reduced.    The Board agreed to have the Library Trustees resubmit their proposed Budget focusing on reduction and to provide the Board with their actual expenses incurred for the year 2011.

 

At 7:30 p.m. the Conservation Commission presented their proposed 2012 Budget. Those present were:  Jane Kellogg, and Lea Stewart.  With only one $10.00 increase in dues, the Board was pleased with the total Budget of $1,085.00.

 

Ann Marie presented the Planning Board proposed 2012 Budget and it was reduced by approximately $1,100.00.  Selectman Morgan explained that Planning Board activity has been slow, but all items on the Budget would be affected if activity picks up.  Ann Marie presented the Zoning Board proposed 2012 Budget and expenses had decreased approximately $175.00 from last year; however, the Proposed Budget was presented at $1,500.00 reflecting that the proposed Budget was kept flat.

 

Ann Marie then presented the proposed Cemetery 2012 Budget.  The Budget reflected a slight raise in labor; however this was not a reflection of a COLA for employees, it was due to additional necessary work projects anticipated.

 

Chair Davis then called for a Motion to approve the Minutes and Non Public Minutes of December 19, 2011.  Selectman Morgan made a Motion to approve the Minutes and Non

Public Minutes as presented.  Selectman Wheeler seconded the Motion and both sets of Minutes were approved as written.

 

At 7:45 p.m. Chair Davis then called on Lewis Matson, property owner of the proposed boundary line change in Waterville Estates, which is now scheduled for hearing on January 26, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., at the Waterville Estates Community Center.  (This issue was previously discussed at the Selectmen’s Meeting on December 19th). Chair Davis explained to Mr. Matson that the Board cannot make any decisions at this meeting, but will listen to what he has to say.  Mr. Matson and his wife Christine were present this evening and Mr. Matson explained that he wanted the Board to know their side to the issues.  Mr. Matson explained that the properties in question are both located in the Town of Thornton and not in the Town of Campton.  He expressed that they do not want to be a part of the Waterville Estates District (WED) and they will not benefit from road maintenance, or water benefits.  Mr. Matson also stated that he interrupted the law to state that a District cannot expand the District boundaries solely for the purpose of increasing tax revenue.  He explained that Waterville Estates Association now has a lawsuit filed against them and they have expended their retirement savings on trying to resolve the issues in order to build their home. Mr. Matson presented a map (prepared by John March), of the properties in question. At this point, there was an issue raised by Selectman Morgan concerning the driveway approved by the Thornton Planning Board and the fact that they approved a lot that is land locked. Mr. Matson also expressed that he felt taxpayers should be notified of this hearing throughout the Town and not just limited to Waterville Estates property owners.  Ann Marie explained that the Town followed instructions set by the Town Attorney for proper notification.  Mr. Matson also mentioned that he felt the meeting itself is scheduled to be held in Waterville Estates and he didn’t feel this was neutral territory.  Ann Marie further explained that both the Towns of Campton and Thornton do not have sufficient meeting room to accommodate the public for this anticipated size meeting.  Ann Marie further explained that other budget meetings are scheduled right after this meeting which also requires the necessity of a large facility.  It was explained again that both Boards have to be present to hear the issues and a decision cannot be made this evening.  Also, questions arose from this meeting that might need to be presented to Town Attorney.

 

Chair Davis then called on Ann Marie to continue with correspondence since the Board’s Non Public Session tax matter scheduled for this evening did not go forward because the property owner was not present.

 

Ann Marie indicated that Laura Spector-Morgan stated that the Electrical Transmission Line Ordinance presented to the Board is not a valid ordinance, but if a Petition is presented, the Board has to put it on the warrant.  It was suggested that this be handled with a consensus vote.  Ann Marie will discuss further with Tom Mullen.

 

Ann Marie indicated that an e-mail was received from Juliet Harvey-Bolia regarding the Town submitting a $1.00 per cable subscriber, yearly fee to the Town of Plymouth, NH to offset the costs of broadcasting municipal meetings such as Governor’s Council, Grafton County Commissioners and the Pemi-Baker Regional H.S. The subscriber fee will also allow the Town to submit one municipal meeting a week to Channel 3 (among a few other benefits mentioned in the e-mail).  The Board agreed not to contribute at this time.

 

Ann Marie indicated that LGC had gotten back to her regarding the cost of the Pay & Classification Study and the charge will be based on the number of job descriptions involved not the number of employees.  The fee will be $3,825.00 based on 17 job descriptions and there were no reductions for eliminating the benefit review.  The Board agreed to go forward with the Pay & Classification Study.

 

Ann Marie indicated that the U.S. Postal Service will increase their rates effective January 22, 2012.

 

A letter was received from NH DOT, Nancy Mayville regarding the fact that the Preliminary Plans for the Blair Bridge Project have been approved; however, the project is currently estimated to cost more than the available national Historic Covered Bridge Program funds.  Chair Davis indicated that a meeting with NH DOT, Matt Moore and Sean James has been scheduled for Thursday, January 12, 2012, and she will attend this meeting.  An e-mail from Paul Yelle of the Campton Historical Society (CHS) was received addressed to Sean James expressing their interest in the Blair Bridge Project.

 

There being no further correspondence, Chair Davis continued the meeting with Other Business – Selectmen’s Input.  Chair Davis indicated that the Building Committee will be meeting this Wednesday and she has also provided handouts (containing pertinent information concerning the Town Office Building project).  The public may attain this information at the Selectmen’s Office and the Building Committee Meeting Minutes are on the Town website.  The Building Committee’s intent is to propose to the voters at the 2012 Town Meeting, in March, the Town Office Building project.  The Building Committee meets on a regular basis and the public is invited.  Kelly Bolger is the Building Committee Chairman and can be reached by Cell Phone at #941-809-3192.

 

After discussion by Selectman Wheeler concerning employees’ questions regarding performance evaluations, it was agreed by the Board that all questions should be referred to the Human Resources Committee (Selectman Craig Keeney and Selectman Charles Wheeler).

 

Ann Marie proudly announced that the Campton Cupboard Pantry Christmas Tree entry at the Festival of Trees sponsored by the Common Man Inn has won second prize in the contest

 

Ann Marie also indicated that she wished to speak to the Board this evening about her staff, and that Ellie has asked to be excused from this part of the meeting.  Ellie was excused at 8:25 p.m. and the meeting continued in regular session.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Eleanor M. Dewey

Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator