GILFORD BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
July 9, 2008
Town Hall
The Board of Selectmen convened in a regular session on Wednesday, July 9, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., at the Gilford Town Hall, 47 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH. Selectmen present were Connie Grant, Gus Benavides and Kevin Hayes. Also present were Interim Town Administrator John Markland and Administrative Secretary Sandra Bailey.
1. Pledge of Allegiance – The Selectmen recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Grant announced that the meeting would be videotaped and broadcast on Lakes Region Public Access TV.
2. Review/Approval of Minutes – The Board of Selectmen approved the minutes of the regular and non-public minutes of the meeting of June 25, 2008.
3. Public Hearing – Chairman Grant opened the public hearing. Interim Town Administrator Markland explained the provisions of RSA 41:14 and disclosed the terms of the sale.
Doug Lambert stated that this issue is not about seniors, but he feels that if taxes were lowered more people would be able to stay in their homes. He does not feel that it is fair for people to not have to pay taxes and still be able to vote. He further stated that he does not feel that the Town should encourage this situation and has a petition circulating to stop the sale and have the matter decided at the 2009 Town Meeting.
Tony Ferruolo asked to speak as a private citizen, rather than a Board member of Gilford Village Knolls. GVK II pays the Town and County portions of their tax bill, although GVK I does not pay taxes. Mr. Ferruolo also stated that the residents of Gilford Village Knolls are well below fixed income levels. As a taxpayer of Gilford, he is willing to pay extra taxes to support these residents.
Skip Murphy asked about the other party that expressed interest in purchasing the lot for senior housing. Chairman Grant stated that the Board took a pro-active approach for senior housing with Gilford Village Knolls and did not pursue the interest expressed by that party because there were no guarantees that the lot would be used for senior housing. Skip Murphy further stated that the Board should have looked into this party’s offer in order to look into the greatest possible revenue to the Town.
Mark Corey questioned if Mr. Lambert is also opposed to veteran’s exemptions. He also stated that Gilford Village Knolls is a known entity within the Town.
Kirk Dougall stated that he is not apposed to GVK III due to the taxes, but rather because the size of the lot is small and has wetlands. He also advised the Board of a water supply problem that he thinks should be addressed. Mr. Dougall also posted material at GVK II regarding the petition and it was torn down.
Mr. Dougall then brought up the matter of a survey conducted by Selectman Hayes. After Chairman Grant and Selectman Benavides stated they were unaware of this, Mr. Dougall stated that he does not think that Selectman Hayes should have done with without the knowledge of the other two Selectmen.
Selectman Hayes stated that he had informally asked Mr. Ferruolo for some information on the residents at GVK, such as what Town they came from. Mr. Ferruolo then provided that information to the Board and members of the public in attendance.
Resident Joe Hoffman provided information on the purchase of the Potter Hill Road lot. He feels that the property is still owned by Milo Bacon. Mr. Hoffman also expressed concern with other matters. Chairman Grant reminded Mr. Hoffman that his comments must relate to the matter that is presently before the Board.
The public hearing was closed at 7:25 p.m.
Selectman Hayes commented that he feels that the sale to GVK is in the best interests of the Town of Gilford. Chairman Grant commented that the matter of taxation for GVK III has not as yet been determined.
4. Appointments
4.1. Jonna Fulton, DVM – Winnipesaukee Veterinary Emergency Center – Dr. Fulton advised the Board that her hospital would like to donate a pet health insurance policy for Agbar. This policy will provide 80% reimbursement for eligible veterinary expenses for accidents and illnesses. Selectman Benavides asked Dr. Fulton how long she plans to make this donation. Dr. Fulton replied that she plans to take care of the policy throughout Agbar’s career and retirement.
Selectman Hayes moved to accept the donation of Dr. Fulton for a one year pet health insurance policy for Agbar. Selectman Benavides seconded. Motion carried.
5. New Business
5.1. Appointment of Scott Davis – Mr. Davis has expressed an interest in returning to the ZBA as an alternate member.
Selectman Benavides moved to appoint Scott Davis as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Selectman Hayes seconded. Motion carried.
5.2. Zonta Club Holiday House – Phyllis Corrigan was in attendance on behalf of the Zonta Club. They are seeking permission to use the Town Hall parking lot on November 21, 22 and 23, 2008, and guests will be bussed to the Holiday House.
Selectman Benavides moved to grant permission for the Zonta Club to use the Town Hall parking lot on November 21, 22 and 23, 2008. Selectman Hayes seconded. Motion carried.
5.3. D.A.R.E. Donation – Captain Keenan asked the Board to accept a $400 donation from the Laconia Lodge of Elks, to benefit the D.A.R.E. Program.
Selectman Hayes moved to accept a $400 donation from the Laconia Lodge of Elks, to benefit the D.A.R.E. Program. Selectman Benavides seconded. Motion carried.
5.4. Planning Board Conditional Approval – 22 Sawmill Road – DPW Director Sheldon Morgan was in attendance to explain Mike McGinley’s request to have the sidewalks located at 22 Sawmill Road located in the Town’s right-of-way. This was part of the Planning Board’s conditional approval for the site plan amendment.
Director Morgan also pointed out that approval is needed for the crosswalk across Sawmill Road and has included it in his request to the Board.
Selectman Benavides moved to grant permission for the sidewalk at 22 Sawmill Road to be located within the Town’s right-of-way and the installation of a painted crosswalk across Sawmill Road. Selectman Hayes seconded. Motion carried.
6. Public Input
Cutter Mitchell of the Laconia Citizen advised the Board that he is moving out of state and this will be his last Selectmen’s meeting. He thanked the Board for working with him and encouraged them to continue their pursuit of the Liberty Hill clean-up.
Doug Lambert commented on the property taxes at 31 Potter Hill Road. He also encouraged the Board to look at ways to save energy with regard to Town vehicles.
7. Selectmen’s Issues – Selectman Hayes would like the matter of the additional road maintenance discussed at the next meeting. He also mentioned the matter of the rising cost of liquid asphalt.
Selectman Benavides moved to permanently change the Selectmen’s meetings to Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Selectman Hayes seconded. Motion carried.
8. Administrator’s Report
8.1. Evening meetings have already been addressed.
8.2. Interim Town Administrator Markland reported that Waste Management emptied the dumpsters at Glendale several times over the holiday weekend. In addition, Dee Chitty checked on their status during the weekend.
8.3. Selectman Benavides moved to reverse the recently made decision regarding the denial of the issuance of guest passes to Richard Casale. Selectman Hayes seconded. Motion carried.
8.4. Interim Town Administrator Markland stated that consideration has been given to closing off a portion of Belknap Mountain Road during the library move. It has been determined that only one lane will be closed – the one closest to the library.
8.5. Interim Town Administrator Markland advised the Board that the Summer Town Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. He asked the Board if they would like to have John Cameron asked to be facilitator, as he has been in years past. It was the concurrence of the Board that they will facilitate the meeting themselves.
9. Signatures
DATE SIGNED |
DOCUMENT |
MAP/LOT # |
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02/10/08 |
Change of Status - Reitz |
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04/01/08 |
Change of Status - Hopkins |
|
05/30/08 |
Change of Status - DiCarli |
|
06/20/08 |
Change of Status - Abbott |
|
06/20/08 |
Change of Status - Menton |
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06/23/08 |
Change of Status - Dobbins |
|
06/23/08 |
Change of Status - Markland |
|
06/23/08 |
Change of Status - Keenan |
|
06/23/08 |
Abatement - Lakes Region Water Co. |
227-192.000 |
06/23/08 |
Abatement - Parsons |
266-102.005 |
06/23/08 |
Abatement Denial - Drozd |
222-060.000 |
06/23/08 |
Abatement Denial - Johnson |
254-028.000 |
06/23/08 |
Abatement Denial - Bissonnette |
217-085.000 |
06/23/08 |
Abatement Denial - Drodz |
216-075.012 |
06/23/08 |
Payroll Register |
|
06/25/08 |
Accounts Payable Manifest |
|
06/26/08 |
Elderly Tax Deferral |
211-028.000 |
06/28/08 |
Change of Status - Macone |
|
06/30/08 |
Payroll Register |
|
06/30/08 |
Notice of Lien - Murphy |
213-071.000 |
06/30/08 |
Notice of Lien - Miller |
217-023.000 |
07/02/08 |
Veteran's Tax Credit - Gill |
203-227.000 |
07/02/08 |
Veteran's Tax Credit - Gifford |
201-009.047 |
07/02/08 |
Accounts Payable Manifest |
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07/02/08 |
Payroll Register |
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07/02/08 |
Accounts Payable Manifest |
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07/09/08 |
License Agreement with Carsens |
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07/09/08 |
TC Warrant - Sewer Rents |
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10.0 Next Meeting – Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
11.0 Adjournment – With no further business before the Board, the Board of Selectmen’s July 9, 2008 meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra J. Bailey
Administrative Secretary
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