TOWN OF SUTTON
Pillsbury Memorial Town Hall
93 Main Street Sutton Mills, NH
Sutton Mills, NH 03221
Select Board

June 6, 2022 @ 5:00 p.m.

 

Michael McManus, Acting Chair, opened the meeting at 5:08 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Present at the meeting were:  Michael McManus, Acting Chair; Wally Baker, Jr., Selectman;  Jonathan Korbet, Police Chief, State Representative Tom Schamberg: and Elly Phillips, Town Administrator.

 

APPOINTMENT:

Jonathan Korbet, Police Chief met with the Board for a departmental update.  Selectman McManus said that the Board was seeking input on how things are going and keep the communication channels open.  Chief Korbet responded that the department is in a good place.  The new position is working out great and the department is getting back to normal with a full staff.  The Chief has received positive feedback regarding their new officer, Corporal Faria, from citizens and the school.  The Chief stated that the Town is seeking funding through the ARPA SRF local Equipment Matching Program for portable AEDs for each cruiser and a portable speed sign.  The funding has received preliminary approval.

 

When asked about equipment, Chief Korbet responded that equipment-wise the department is in good shape.   The Chief expressed appreciation for community and local government support.  Chief Korbet said that the department was looking at potential uniform changes and was exploring the use of outer carriers to replace the duty belt.  The outer carrier distributes accessories for better body load resulting in less physical wear and tear on the officers.  The outer carrier can be removed and put on very quickly.  The side arm remains on the duty belt.  At this juncture, there are funds available within the police department operating budget due to the fact that the department was down an officer for the first part the year.

 

Selectman McManus inquired about how things are with school issues and training for events such as active shooters.  Chief Korbet said that the Department participates in regular training.  Prior to Covid, the department had once a month training on school safety.    The department is in the process of familiarizing neighboring agencies with layout of the schools and is anticipating integrating training activities with the other towns.  Chief Korbet reported that school calls were up 39% last year and this year.  School calls are up 18-19% from pre-covid.

 

In response to Selectman McManus’ inquiries, Chief Korbet said that the department participates in regular firearms training and were up-to-date with their computer equipment and have a replacement schedule/capital reserve for computer equipment.  Chief Korbet discussed the possibility of replacing one of the cruisers in 2023.  The cruiser in question has higher mileage and is starting to show some rust.

 

There was a general discussion regarding securing the Stotler property.  The Town is actively in the process of beginning clean up activities and is planning to have a special duty officer on site during the cleanup.  Selectman McManus agreed to visit the property with a local contractor.

 

Selectman Baker made a motion to accept the May 31, 2022, minutes as written; Selectman McManus seconded the motion.  The motion passed by a vote of 2-0.

 

The Board reviewed and approved the following manifests:

Vendor Manifest:             $ 49,213.33

Payroll Manifest:              $ 15,558.94

 

ABATEMENTS:                  

The Board issued the following abatements.  The cause for the abatements was that the properties were tax deeded and are now Tax Exempt:

01-406-067                          $2,125.00

02-714-455                          $2,286.00

07-804-025                          $2,658.00

08-110-363                          $   261.00 (1/17 Interest)

 

The Board discussed tax deeded properties and is considering doing a sealed bid or private auction of eligible deeded properties in 2022.

 

BUILDING PERMIT:

The Board issued a building permit for Cole Dube, 05-837-329, Gile Pond Road, for a dwelling.

OLD BUSINESS:

The Board discussed the possibility of gating the Stotler Property.  Adam Hurst, Road Agent is going to visit the site and provide recommendations.  The property will also be posted for no trespassing.

NEW BUSINESS:

The Board issued a building permit follow up letter to Map 10-480-287, Timbrell, Summit Road.

SELECTMEN’S COMMENTS:

Selectman Baker reported that the Town received complaints regarding highway department ditching activities.   The work is ditching work is being done prior to street sweeping and facilitates drainage.  Selectman McManus felt that educational outreach should be done so that citizens understand why roadside maintenance is necessary.  Selectman McManus expressed a willingness to meet with the Kezar Lake Protective Association to discuss the necessity for roadside maintenance.

 

Selectman Baker asked the Town Administrator to follow up on getting a flagpole for the Highway Department.

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:07 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Elly Phillips

Town Administrator