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

January 18, 2021 @ 4:00 p.m.

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Robert Wright Jr., Chair. Present at the meeting were Robert Wright, Jr., Chair; William I. Curless, Selectman; Dane Headley, Selectman; Elly Phillips, Town Administrator and Robert DeFelice, Budget Chair (by teleconference).

 

Selectman Wright read the following announcement into the record: “Due to the COVID 19/Coronavirus Pandemic and in accordance with Governor Sununu’s Emergency Order #12, pursuant to Executive Order 2020-04, this Board is authorized to meet electronically. The public has access to contemporaneously listen and participate in this meeting by telephone by calling 978-990-5000 and entering access code 112820.”

 

The minutes from January 11, 2021, were approved as written. The Board reviewed and approved the following manifests:

Vendor Manifest: $36,400.88

Payroll Manifest:  $10,681.80

 

The Board reviewed and approved the following building permits:

Rodney & Kristi Kisler, 01-574-395, Birch Hill Road, convert deck to 3-season room.

Stefan Trimbell, 10-480-287, Summit Road, roof mounted solar panel system.

 

The Board reviewed and approved an intent to cut for David and Shelly Hedstrom, Map 05-960-028, for 3 acres out of 7.24.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

The board reconsidered a request from Joseph Bourgeois for the Town to Adopt an OHRV ordinance under RSA 215-A follow up. The Board noted that a similar request had been made by the Ridgerunners for snowmobile access to Gile Road. The Board acknowledged that the Bourgeois were seeking access to their property. Selectman Curless recommended a bond for the road as that portion of Eaton Grange Road is a Class VI road. Phillips will follow up with Counsel. A public hearing will be required to adopt such an ordinance.

 

The Board issued correspondence to Barbara and Francisco Aguilera regarding 2020 property assessment.

 

Selectman Curless reported that he and Adam Hurst, Road Agent, met with representatives from Eversource and TDS to discuss relocation of electrical/telephone service on Grist Mill Street. A location approximately 30 feet up the road was selected. Mr. Hurst will put in the work order for the relocation. Selectman Curless also discussed repair of the Lane River Historical wall and replacement of the bridge. The Board will ask the engineer to provide an estimate for a one way vehicular and pedestrian bridge using the rigid frame arch design. The Board will conduct public hearings regarding the bridge replacement and wall repair and place an article on the 2021 warrant for Phase I, engineering design and removing the pedestrian bridge.

 

 

Selectman Headley provided an update on the Cemetery Land Warrant Article. A Purchase and Sales agreement has been completed. Travis Perkins has been engaged to dig the test pit on the land, and analysis of the pit and site assessment is being arranged.

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

The Board issued an appointment to the Planning Board for David Hill for a term until 2023 to fill the vacancy due to Deborah Lang’s resignation.

 

SELECTMEN’S COMMENTS:

Selectman Curless asked that 2021 budget review is placed on their next agenda. Selectman Curless reported that the truck that was slated for sale last year needs extensive repairs estimated at $10,000. Keeping the truck longer than recommended will result in a reduced trade in value and did not appear to be a cost effective strategy for the town. It was noted that the 2020 truck also required repairs. It is anticipated that the town will receive the parts this week although there appears to be a problem with inventory. Selectman Curless stressed the need to have equipment in good working order and to retire them so that they bring the best resale value. Selectman Headley noted that it not only an issue of repair it is also an issue of safety for both highway department personnel and the traveling public. Selectman Curless will review the issue with the Budget Committee when they meet later.

 

Selectman Wright advised that the Budget Committee will be identifying potential areas to reduce the 2021 operating budget at their meeting scheduled for this evening. Mr. DeFelice advised that the budget subcommittee on highway equipment would be reporting on their findings this evening. Mr. DeFelice will be reviewing the capital reserve schedule as well. Mr. DeFelice recommended that funds be added in contingency in the event of an increase to the minimum wage.   COLAs will also be discussed. The Select Board will be in attendance for the meeting.

 

Selectman Wright discussed repairs necessary for the Old Store Museum. The Board will do a Warrant Article for repairs to the Old Store. Selectman Curless will assist with an estimate for the repairs. An analysis will need to be made to test for lead paint by a licensed contractor.

 

The Board discussed drainage issues at the Solid Waste Facility. Selectman Curless recommended that the exterior drainage tank get pumped out.   The Board discussed a problem at the facility whereby a citizen was refusing to pay for disposal of construction debris. Phillips will follow up with Counsel.

 

The Board discussed conduct of the 2021 annual meeting and the possibility of livestreaming the meeting. The Board will follow up with Moderator Lick.

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Elly Phillips

Town Administrator