TOWN OF DUNBARTON

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MINUTES OF MEETING

Sept. 18, 2003

 

Present:          Chuck Graybill

                        J.R. Swindlehurst, III

                        Steve Kennedy                       

                        Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator

 

7:00 p.m.__Chuck opened the meeting.  Mike Brown and Gary Chicoine, Jay Dr.

Gary indicated that a new plan was approved last night and they were here to have the road accepted and set the surety bond.  Steve brought the Board up to date, mentioning that Phase 1 is complete with top coat and the developer is ready to begin Phase 2.  He noted that Don Mayo has written down the project's history and his observations.  Steve feels the Board should accept the road, but "flip the bond".  He explained that he thinks they should take some of the $27,500 bond and hold it for weatherization of the top coat and release it over time, with the rest of the bond going into Phase 2.    Steve also noted that Ken Swayze has written a motion.  They would need to post for a public hearing.  Gary indicated that they have people waiting for building permits and he would like Phase 2 to be handled in the same manner as Phase 1.  Chuck reviewed the procedure followed with Phase 1, specifically that the bulding permits were issued before the road was accepted.  He is concerned about construction equipment damaging the top coat.

 

Steve indicated that a public hearing will be held on 10/2/03 at 7:30 p.m. to accept the road for both Phase 1 and 2 and that $18,500 of the bond will be held for Phase 2 until 5/1/04. 

 

Chuck is most concerned about excavators damaging the road.  Mike mentioned that the top coat will cost $12,000.  Steve wants to hold funds until spring.  Gary questioned why Phase 2 was being handled differently than Phase 1.  He doesn't want to be held responsible for people damaging the road.  Chuck mentioned that, in the meantime, they can file for septic permits. 

 

7:30 p.m.   Lou Costa, Lou Deberio and Gorham Pond Association, re:  speed bump and millfoil problem

Lou Costa indicated that the Association would like to install 2 portable speed bumps due to their steep and curvy road, and that there have been several near misses with children in that area.  He mentioned that the Police Chief thinks it is a good idea.  Chuck wants to see a memo from the Chief convincing him that it is a serious safety hazard, but stressed that he is not in favor of it.  He does not want to set a precedent.  Steve asked if it was an Association  issue or a Town issue.  Lou C. feels it is both.  Steve asked who will buy the speed bumps and Lou indicated that the Association will buy and maintain them both at the beach area.  Steve expressed concern about liability and that maybe a sign would serve the purpose.

 

Chuck indicated that the Board is requesting a traffic survey of the beach area and that the road agent will go down to address the low shoulders.  Steve indicated that he will try and get back to the Association by Nov. 1. 

 

The next issue discussed was the millfoil problem in the pond. Lou Deberio indicated that samples of the water were brought to the State and that the State mapped out the pond, at the State's expense, and treated the problem with a liquid.  Lou D. advised that Ken Warren, of DES, is his contact and is very knowledgeable and helpful.  After treatment, the millfoil was down but now it is back.  He described it as looking like Christmas garland and it grows 1"/day, 365 days per year. 

 

Lou D. indicated that there is grant money available, in which the State and Town each pay half of the cost.  Lou D. feels that the Town will have more clout in obtaining the grant money.  He brought in two videos and literature concerning millfoil.  He mentioned that boats are spreading it from lake to lake.  He has located two companies who can clean up the problem.  He collected signatures on a petition.  He indicated that other towns, including Moltonborough, Canterbury and Meredith, are having this problem.  The treatment is expected to cost between $6,000-$7,000. 

 

Steve offered to involve  the Conservation Commission, who will be asked to look at all the Town lakes.  It may be appropriate to bring the issue to Town Meeting and then pursue the grant.  He also mentioned the possibility of motorized restrictions on the lake.  He asked about possibly draining the lake.  Lou D. said the State wouldn't do it because it was too clean and it would take several years to refill. 

 

8:00 p.m.  Jacques Belanger, Mr. and Mrs. Chan, re:  Gile Hill Rd. proposed subdivision

Jacques indicated that he has been to the Zoning Board and that the Chans would like to construct a PRD with 11 lots on this scenic, class 6 road.  What do they need to do?    Chuck indicated that the ZBA wants a clear cut clarification on what the Selectmen want.  Jacques mentioned that the road is partly a class 5 road.  J.R. wants to do a sitewalk.  Chuck reminded Jacques that the problem is the corner where the road turns from a class 5 to a class 6 road and that Jacques was supposed to get back to the Board informing them whether there is any frontage to widen the road with, since there is a 200 foot bottleneck,  and he hasn't seen it.  Steve feels that we should preserve the historical value of class 6 roads. Chuck reviewed the history of adequacy/safety on certain roads, particularly with older roads.  He would like to see historical values honored, but not if it infringes on property owners' rights.  Ken mentioned that two applications are going to the Planning Board.  Chuck stressed that the Selectmen shouldn't have to answer to the ZBA.  A discussion about  current policy/procedures regarding the ZBA and Planning Board took place. 

 

Steve is scheduling a site walk on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.  Chuck is agreeable to the site walk but emphasized that the Board will not make a statement until the ZBA makes a decision.  Jacques asked for permission to invite the Conservation Commission, which was granted.

 

8:30 p.m.  Other Business

Pam Milioto gave the following contact information:  Peter Barstow, 8 River Rd., North Brockfield, MA   01535, phone number of (508)867-6560.  Mr. Barstow cleaned up a millfoil problem at Pam's mother's pond.

 

Martha Rae notified the Board that the Town will take  the property of Gerald Upton, of Everett Dam Rd..  Martha suggested holding the property for 5-10 years.

 

Steve motioned to refund $98.90 to the VandeBogarts, for overpayment made on their building permit.    J.R. seconded the motion.  The motion carried.

 

Jan VandeBogart asked permission to clear behind the salt shed.  This was okayed.

 

Steve motioned to authorize the closure of the account for the reclamation bond for the former VandeBogart sub-division for an amount to be determined by the bank ($2,500 plus interest).  J.R. seconded the motion.  The motion carried.

 

 

John Colter inquired about the dumping of tires on Old Everett Rd. - Chuck doesn't feel that there is a reason for the Town to go and remove them, but Steve directed Jan VandeBogart to go get them, if they are on Town property, and dispose of them at the Transfter Station at no charge

 

8:50 p.m.  John Colter, re:  Complaint

John Colter brought in a written complaint against Woody Bowne (see attached).  Chuck feels that people can walk around the Transfer Station. Steve said, that it could be a distraction, however.  Steve will look into it. 

 

8:55 p.m.  Other Business:

Jan VandeBogart stated the he felt that he should not have to ask permission every year from the Forrest Committee to cut trees in order to get sand from the pit.  Chuck says it is a courtesy.  J.R. suggested telling the Town Forest to cut trees themselves.  Chuck suggested  marking the trees with ribbons and tell them he is going to cut the trees.

 

Jan asked if he can get good sand delivered for the same price as the rocky sand at the Town Forrest, can he get it?  It was agreed.

 

J.R. would like to see at least 10 hours of mowing per week, to maximize the use of the rental equipment. 

 

9:05 p.m.  Jacques Belanger and Jean Leo, Recreation Commission

Jacques indicated the Commission would like to do more for Halloween and would like to set up a Halloween decorating competition on the Town Common, similar to what is done in New Boston, in which different organizations enter and the Selectmen judge.  This was okayed, and it was agreed that the Commission will work with Lori Davis, on this event.

 

Steve asked if there were scheduling problems at the gym.  Jean would like the Rec Commission to handle the scheduling.

 

Jacques indicated that the Commission would like to plant a Christmas tree on the common.  The Board directed him to check with Donna Dunn for a good location.

 

 

9:50 p.m., Steve motioned to adjourn the meeting.   J.R. seconded the motion to adjourn.  The motion carried.

 

_____________________________________________________________________

Chuck Graybill, Chairman

 

_____________________________________________________________________

J.R. Swindlehurst,III, Selectman

 

_____________________________________________________________________

Steve Kennedy, Selectman

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Joanne Johnson