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

November 22, 2021 @ 4:30 p.m.

 

Dane Headley, Acting Chair, opened the meeting at 4:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Present at the meeting were: Dane Headley, Acting Chair;  Walter Baker, Jr., Selectman; Gail Guertin, Budget Committee, Vice Chair; Elizabeth Geraghty, Librarian; Nancy Heckel, Chair Library Trustees; Jennifer Call, Marcy Vierzen, Nancy Glynn, Emily Cooper, Library Trustees; Casey Biuso, Christine Downing, Deborah Rayno and Elly Phillips, Town Administrator.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

Elizabeth Geraghty inquired into the possibility of having the Town handle the building and grounds line item (lawn maintenance and snow removal) and have that incorporated in the MOU.  No decision was made in that regard.

 

Elizabeth Geraghty presented  the library’s proposed 2021 operating budget.  Salary information was presented separately.  Ms. Geraghty advised that the library has added four extra hours.  Previous to Ms. Geraghty’s tenure, the library allotted for 3 librarians.  The library trustees determined through a survey that adding an extra day (4 hours) would be beneficial.    The library is now open for 4 days for a total of 22 hours.  The library trustees requested that any COLAS granted be allocated to the librarian and her two assistants in addition to the wages.  Based on a question regarding the total wages submitted, Ms. Heckel was granted approval by the Library Trustees to  recalculate the wage line items.  Ms. Geraghty discussed questions regarding the allocations for heating and electricity.  The Select Board recommended a 20% increase for heating and electricity.  The advertising line item was increased to accommodate the need for increased communication which was identified as a community need in the Trustee survey.  The computer line item was increased for website, QuickBooks and automated library system.  The dues line item was increased to include museum memberships and Zoom costs and the New Hampshire data base.  The library is also acquiring an Owl-Pro system.  The books and media line item was increased due to inflation.

 

The Board discussed the Storywalk recently installed by the library.   The Board was in receipt of several letters from citizens providing input.  Ms. Biuso provided feedback from Betsy Forsham regarding the Storywalk.  Ms. Forsham advised that she was not against the concept of the Storywalk but would like to see the posts painted black and anti-glare treatment for the placard guards.

 

Selectman Headley advised that the Board, personally, received five letters regarding the matter.  Four of the communications were pro and the other expressed concerns.  All five letters are attached to the file while, as requested by their writers, two of the letters were read into the record.

 

Selectman Headley read the following letter from Patrick Anderson into the record:

“Hi Elly,

Since I am out of town and cannot attend the meeting tonight (Monday, Nov. 22), I was wondering if you could read this letter during the discussion.  Thanks so much.

I am very excited to learn that Sutton Free Library has installed a Storywalk on the library grounds.  What a great way for library patrons to discover another way of reading and of accessing information about our community.  It seems that this could appeal to all ages in the things which could be displayed here:  picture book stories for the kids and a variety of historical, artistic, and cultural items for adults.  I can imagine displaying children’s books about nature which would complement the beautiful natural setting where the Storywalk is located as well as presenting interesting details about the town of Sutton and its environs–perhaps something about the historic Pillsbury Town Hall across the street or the historical marker in South Sutton where I live, leading both locals and visitors alike to explore more of our town’s history.  This could also lead to more visits to the library itself as those intrigued by what they’d seen in the Storywalk might well want additional resources on whatever they’d experienced on the Storywalk.  In a town which is geographically widespread, I feel this Storywalk could serve as a way to bring our community together.  I’ve been to Storywalks in other locations, so I’m delighted that one is coming to Sutton and look forward to experiencing it myself.

Best regards,
Patrick Anderson, Resident of South Sutton”

 

Selectman Headley read the following letter from Joanna Murphy into the record:

“To the Sutton Selectman board,

Hello, my name is Joanna Murphy. I am sorry I cannot make it to your meeting on Nov. 22, 2021. My workplace has me scheduled until 6:00pm   My husband, Steve Mason and I have lived in Sutton Mills for about 13 years. We live at 86 Main Street and have enjoyed the historic beauty of this wonderful little village.  A few weeks ago, we were very surprised and concerned about 19 pressure treated posts that appeared along the border of the town public library lawn and the town waterfall.  We had no idea what was going on but felt the appearance of the posts and now the mounted placards, take away from the natural and historical beauty of the waterfall and its surroundings.  I inquired at the town hall and found out about the library’s plans to install a storyboard walk. I asked my neighbors in town if they knew about this new project and no one had any idea. My husband and I were surprised and somewhat disappointed about the lack of notification about the project. It would have been nice if the public had the option to express their opinion about the location and also how many storyboards to construct. The library board said they notified the public in their monthly minutes but I and others felt that this was not sufficient enough notification.  This project should have been discussed at a town meeting to get more public input.

I also did a bit of reading about storyboards across the country and from what I read they are  usually placed in a location where the public can meander along a trail. The storyboard at the Sutton Public Library is pretty much in a straight line and in my opinion and others, overwhelms the natural and historic beauty of the falls. Some of us would have preferred the storyboard walk in a different location.  We figured since that probably will not happen that at least taking out a few posts will help improve the view of our scenic and historic waterfall. My recommendation would be to remove 6 of the story board posts.

In the end, this is not about being anti arts and education. This is about the public being left out of an important decision making process and also it is about how the beauty of the waterfall and its wildlife is what we truly should be looking at and appreciating.

I hope you think about my recommendation of paring down the number of posts. I truly feel there has to be some sort of compromise to make folks happy.

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Joanna Murphy”

 

Selectman Headley also read from the Select Board’s Minutes of July 19, 2021 which discussed its initial meeting with Nancy Heckel, Chair Library Trustees, regarding Storywalk. They are as follows: “The library has received grants and donations to offset the cost for story walk materials.  The posts with the story, poetry or art will be placed 12 feet apart along the river.   There will be about nineteen panels   The story walk will be dedicated to Beth Cernek.   Selectman Headley brought up traffic concerns and parking.  Ms. Heckel will discuss these concerns with her fellow trustees. “

 

Selectman Headley stated that at the time, it was the Board’s position this was a “no-brainer.”  No taxpayer costs would be incurred, it appeared to be low impact with just posts and placards, and it would be recreational and educational at the same time.  It was the sense of the Board that the library wanted the story walk close to the school for convenience and safety.  Selectman Headley said that perhaps the Select Board should have asked for additional specifications, and in retrospect and based on the current feedback, should have conducted a public meeting regarding the Storywalk.  It was noted that this was not a legal requirement, but any change on Town property should be noticed and discussed at a public meeting if possible.  Selectman Headley indicated that the Select Board felt that it was a win-win for everyone.  However, as it turned out, the posts don’t blend into the surrounding area.  The Board felt that if the posts were painted a flat black, they would blend better.  Ms. Heckel indicated that the posts will be painted black when the weather permits.

Selectman Baker felt that if instead of installing the posts in a straight line, that if they could be placed using a few semi-circles, the aesthetics would be improved.  Selectman Baker emphasized that the Select Board felt that this was a totally  benign project and there was no money involved.  Selectman Baker felt that locating the Storywalk at the library was the proper location for accessibility and safety and provided a public benefit.

Selectman Headley said that the library should not be taking any heat on this.  The Select Board made the decision, but the Select Board should have asked for more specifications, but it seemed so minor.  Selectman Headley supported painting the posts black and finding a mechanism to reduce the glare on the placards.  Selectman Headley said that he would hate to have them moved at this point.

Selectman Headley added that the Board was working on replacement of the Grist Mill Pedestrian Bridge and there has been some communications regarding the materials to be used for that bridge.  Selectman Headley said that the first priority was to re-establish the bank.  However, when the Board gets to the point of replacing the bridge, the Board will conduct a public meeting to get input.

Ms. Geraghty asked about the location and materials fora new bulletin board the library was planning to install.  A discussion ensued.  Selectman Headley recommended that this be an item for discussion at a future meeting.

Ms. Verizon asked about whether or not the old bridge railings could be used on the Grist Mill Pedestrian Bridge and was advised that the railings were not to code.  Ms. Verizon made several suggestions regarding using local artists to fabricate the bridge and expressed a willingness to be a part of the design process to do justice to that beautiful location, to do it right.  Ms. Verizon asked how she could keep up with the project so she doesn’t miss it.  Selectman Headley recommended monitoring the Select Board agendas and minutes on the website.  The Board will advertise any public meetings in the Intertown.

Ms. Glynn emphasized the need for communication in the community which has been a topic at library trustee meetings and felt there should be an outlet for information.   Ms. Glynn asked whether there was any way information could be amplified more so that all the Sutton families could hear about what is going on.  A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the need for communication.  Those present were encouraged to make an appointment to meet with the Select Board to discuss these suggestions/ideas in further detail.

At 5:30 p.m. Deborah Rayno, met with the Board to discuss a  Repurchase Agreement for Map/Lot 07-804-025.  Ms. Rayno agreed to meet with the Board on November 30, 2021, to execute the agreement.

 

The minutes from November 15, 2021, were approved as written.  The Board reviewed and approved the following manifests:

                Vendor Manifest:  $11,382.30

Payroll Manifest:   $ 8,782.60

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Phillips advised that the Town had an opportunity to sell the Grist Mill Pedestrian Bridge for about the same amount as the original bridge had cost.  The Board noted that several citizens objected to the aesthetics of the wooden bridge.  The Board agreed to revisit the matter when a full Board was present  to consider the alternative of replacing the bridge with one similar to the previous bridge.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Selectman Headley made a motion to release the 2008 and 2012 liens for Map/Lot 05-834-514.  Selectman Baker seconded the motion.  The cause for the release was administrative error.  The motion passed by a vote of 2-0.

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:01 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Elly Phillips

Town Administrator