TOWN OF DUNBARTON

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MINUTES OF MEETING

APRIL 24, 2003

Present: Chuck Graybill, Chair

J.R. Swindlehurst III

Steve Kennedy

Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator

7:00 p.m., Other Business:

J.R. mentioned that Dick Dupre called him regarding his interest in paving the Long Pond class 6 access road himself. J.R. will send Jan VandeBogart down to look at the road.

7:05 p.m. George "Skip" Sansoucy, re: New England Power Co. appeal.

Skip gave a brief history on the New England Power appeal, including that there was an original settlement with the Town, and that the value has increased 11 times since. He further indicated that the ratio is down to 68%, and the poles and wires do not increase in value. He recommended that the easements have gone up in value, but there shouldn't be an increase in the ratio. He went on to say that the east/west line easement is owned by PSNH, not New England Power and that the tax maps will need to be changed. Skip presented his valuation of New England Power and then reviewed the tables. The tables have been equalized at 68%. Skip mentioned that PSNH has been forwarned concerning the ownership of the easements and have acknowledged ownership.

7:40 p.m. Shannon Larson, VP and Director of Properties, National Grid

Ms. Larson came in to discuss the status of the appeal. She felt that the the land values were too high. She indicated that they collected data and came to the conclusion that they were not on solid ground, as they originally thought. She said there are issues with the land values, including current use and she would like to resolve. Skip asked if they would consider a non-suit. Shannon indicated that they were willing to do that, in return for the Town being willing to hold the value until the 2005 revaluation, and taking PSNH off in 2005.

Steve mentioned that the Board wants to treat New England Power the same as everyone else and motioned to accept the recommendation not to change the value until 2005 and accept the offer for a non-suit, with recommendation of the Board of Assessors, provided there are no major improvements to the property. J.R. seconded the motion. The motion carried. Shannon will file via their attorney.

8:00 p.m. Other Business:

The Board will meet on Thursday, 5/1, at 9 a.m. to review the applications for the Building Inspector's position.

Janice discussed Richard Gleason's request for Town records and the fee charged to him of $15 for time and .50/copy, which the Board deemed to be reasonable.

Steve discussed salt damage to trees along Rt. 13, and indicated that he will write a letter to the Commission, cc to Ted Gatsas. He said the dead trees need to be taken down.

A discussion took place regarding a Police Dept. grant that Chris Connelly was instrumental in obtaining. The grant of $3,200 is for biohazard gear and is fully funded by the State. Janice indicated that the auditors said the Board has authority to accept the grant and can set up a liability account (which will be a wash account). Steve asked that the grant money be verified with the State. Steve wants a meeting with the Police Dept. J.R. indicated he wants a department head meeting. The latter is set for 5/15 at the Police Station.

Tom Watts mentioned to Steve that he wants to be a ZBA member. Steve asked him to submit a "bio" and Janice suggested he write a letter indicating his interest.

J.R. motioned to appoint Matthew Leavey to the Conservation Commission for a three year term. The motion was seconded by Steve. The motion carried.

J.R. motioned to accept Gerald Berdus' resignation from the Conservation Commission. Steve seconded the motion. The motion carried. J.R. thanked Gerald for his work.

Steve briefly reviewed the last Planning Board meeting. He indicated that the Master Plan is a "Town thing", not a Planning Board thing only.

Janice mentioned that Jacques Belanger's request for an appointment to discuss upgrading Stone Rd. from a class 6 road may involve the same person who expressed an interest in subdividing a scenic road.

9:00 p.m. Ken Perkins, re: non-buildable lot

Janice indicated that Karen Gagne's husband called and said that the agreement on the non-buildable lot was not signed by the owners. Ken indicated that the owners are the three children of Adolph and Roberta Dankawicz and Roberta.

9:15 p.m., J.R. motioned to adjourn the meeting. Steve seconded the motion. The motion carried.

________________________________________________________________

Chuck Graybill, Chairman

________________________________________________________________

J.R. Swindlehurst, III, Selectman

________________________________________________________________

Steve Kennedy, Selectman

Respectfully Submitted,

Joanne Johnson