Cassandra Carter

The primary action taken during this session involved a motion to enter a non-public session under RSA 91-A 3, II, (a), which commenced at 11:30AM. Following deliberation, the Board returned to the public session at 12:35PM, at which time a motion to adjourn the meeting was unanimously passed.

The meeting covered reports from Emergency Management, including details on an upcoming siren test and a graded drill, as well as the results of a grant application. Discussions were held regarding the evacuation plan. The board approved previously signed permits and water service applications. A motion was passed to approve and sign a Water & Sewer Warrant. A tax refund for Healing Rain Ministries was approved following confirmation that they qualify for the exemption based on legal counsel's opinion. The primary substantial discussion involved the review of the Folly Mill Road Extension, where property owners presented a plan to discontinue a portion of the road; the board suggested a long-term license with a renewal process to ensure rights-of-way for town use (water mains and plowing) while addressing the owner's concern regarding liability and property access control. The board later convened into a non-public session before adjourning.

The primary discussion item concerned the approval and signing of an easement deed for Griffey Seabrook, which was necessary to comply with their site plan approval conditions. The board unanimously approved the motion to accept and sign the deed, noting that the action also benefited the community center and the town due to lot line changes.

Key discussions during the meeting included the review and approval of the 2008 Annual Town Meeting Warrant following recommendations from the DRA. The Selectmen approved collective bargaining agreements for several unions (SSEA, SPA, SFA, SEA), with the SEA contract including longevity and education pay. There was discussion regarding legal funds for the litigation of an unfunded mandate concerning the N.H. retirement system, leading to an approval to fund legal aid efforts from the town's legal fund. The NHDOT Sidewalk Agreement was reviewed, focusing on property owner liability for maintenance and future repairs; the board approved signing the agreement contingent upon it not setting a policy precedent. Finally, approval was granted to sign an intent to cut notice, followed by moving into a non-public session.

The session, which included a monthly report from the Water Department, covered several key operational and financial matters. Discussions involved the I95 encroachment permit, the completion of hydro fracturing at Bedrock Wells, and the completion of the Best Management Practices survey required by DES and the EPA. Water Department updates included the completion of hydrant maintenance and 106 water meter shut-offs. Significant warrant articles proposed for the next steps included replacing a 1997 utility truck ($29,611.00), cleaning gravel pack well #2 and replacing its aging pump ($50,000.00), and replacing the water main under I95 ($235,700.00). The board also addressed ATV use and inappropriate materials being shot at the firing range. In a subsequent session, the DRA finalized the 2008 tax rate at $11.58 per $1000, with a total warrant of $17,546,314.00, and discussed the town's reserve fund balance.