RAYMOND BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES 01/06/03 APPROVED 02-03-03
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Chairman Harold Wood. Members present: Norm Weldy, Wayne Welch, Paul Brown and Jonathan Wood. Also present: Town Manager Richard Bates.
Chairman Harold Wood led a salute to the flag and a moment of silence for departed citizen Joseph Nardone.
Public Hearing Sign Ordinance
The Board of Selectmen reviewed the revised Sign Ordinance with the recommended changes included.
Section VI-b, Campaign Signs -Added wording to include "political position or advocacy" and the timetable for removal in accordance with statute.
Section VII-I, Prohibited Signs -Also a definition of a "snipe" sign (out of the dictionary), "Those signs placed to aim a carping or snide attack of a personal nature."
Chairman Harold Wood read the changes and stated the second reading of this ordinance will be January 27th.
NEW BUSINESS
Proposed Eagle Scout Project Public Hearing - Mike Fotino presented plans to the Board of Selectmen for an Eagle Scout Project. He proposed building a Smoky the Bear Sign for the Raymond Fire Department. This will include installation and landscaping of the sign.
MOTION: Selectman Weldy made a motion to accept the proposed Eagle Scout Project as presented by Mike Fotino for the Raymond Fire Department. Selectman Brown seconded. DISCUSSION: Selectman Welch asked when the project will be done. Mike Fotino stated that he hoped to have the project completed by the fall. Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Request for builing permit on Stingy River Road Class VI Highway - Greg Bemis and Kathy Lee met with the Selectmen to request a building permit on Stingy River Road.
Town Manager Bates stated that under State statute the Board of Selectmen can grant permission on Class VI Roads after the Planning Board reviews and comments on the application.
The Board of Selectmen reviewed an opinion written by Town Counsel Sharon Somers relative to the issuance of building permits on Class VI and private roads. She recommended that the Planning Board develop concrete criteria for review. After the Planning Board review, they should make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen for their final decision. The Board of Selectmen then would have to vote favorably to authorize the issuance of a building permit and that the town would not be responsible for maintenance. The applicant is required to record at the Registry of Deeds information relative to the stipulations.
MOTION: Selectman J. Wood made a motion to forward this request from Greg Bemis and Kathy Lee for a building permit on Stingy River Road to the Planning Board for review and recommendation. Selectman Brown seconded. Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
MOTION: Selectman J. Wood made a motion to recommend that the Planning Board develop a criteria on reviewing and approving Class VI Road Building Permits. Selectman Welch seconded. Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
OTHER BUSINESS
Steve Georgeopouls was concerned that Lisa Ave. was not sanded on New Year's Day. The road was very icy and the road was not serviced. He stated that the road has been serviced now.
Chairman Harold Wood stated that the highway crew has been working diligently to keep the roads plowed and sanded. There have been several storms close together and it's been difficult to keep up.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Non-Money Warrant Articles - The Board of Selectmen reviewed the following warrant articles:
Appointing Selectmen as Agents to acquire and sell land. Applicable legislation recently adopted give the Selectmen the authority to do this providing the voters support the article. This would give the Selectmen the power to act quickly to time sensitive land sales and purchases. MOTION: Selectman J. Wood made a motion to include the warrant article appointing Selectmen as agents to acquire and sell land on the 2003 ballot. Selectman Weldy seconded. Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Development of a Regional Water District. This article is necessary to continue to move forward in protecting water resources owned by Pennichuck Water of Nashua. MOTION: Selectman Welch made a motion to include the warrant article to develop a Regional Water District on the 2003 ballot. Selectman Weldy seconded. Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Annual Audit Requirement Under State statute, there is no legislation requiring an annual audit of the Town books. Many Town have provisions in their code requiring an annual audit. This is good fiscal practice and provides protection for taxpayers. MOTION: Selectman J. Wood made a motion to include a warrant article to require an annual audit for the Town of Raymond on the 2003 ballot. Selectman Welch seconded. Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Noise Control Ordinance This ordinance was presented at the 2002 Town Meeting and it was met with a minimum level of opposition. Town Manager Bates stated that people were most upset with Section H "Domestic Power Tools" and the Town legislating when they could use them. That section could be eliminated entirely. MOTION: Selectman Welch made a motion to table this warrant article. Selectman Brown seconded. DISCUSSION: Selectman Welch stated that we have not even worked on this article since last year and we should have public input prior to deciding if it should be on the ballot. He stated people had other concerns about measuring the noise and we should address those types of questions. MOTION TO AMEND: Selectman J. Wood made an amendment to the motion to add that this will be tabled until the first work session in April. VOTE ON THE AMENDMENT: Voted unanimously in the affirmative. VOTE ON THE MOTION AS AMENDED: Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
NEW BUSINESS
Elderly Exemption - This item was not on the agenda. The Board of Selectmen agreed to hold a public hearing on this item at the next meeting.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Trash Complaints - Due to the two most recent holidays and the several snow events, Waste Management was unable to pick up all the trash on time. The Public Works Director McCarthy is working with them to make sure the trash is removed in a timely manner.
Recreation Department - Conditional approval for the Riverside Park grant has been received.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Selectman Weldy made a motion to approve the minutes of 12/30/02. Selectman Welch seconded. Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Selectman Weldy made a motion to adjourn. Selectman Welch seconded. Voted unanimously in the affirmative. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:20 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Bette Patterson
Selectmen's Secretary