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Town of Sandwich
Selectmen’s Meeting: July 24, 2017
Attendees: Selectmen Bud Martin, Robert Rowan and Christopher Boldt; Admin: Catherine Graham, Jennifer Wright.
Public: Jon Peaslee, Fred Lavigne, Sharon Teel, Donna & Ken Carlucci, Mike Yeager, Dan Peaslee, M.J. Pettingill, Brewster Lee, Tom Thiel, Jim Gaisser.
Mr. Martin opened the meeting at 5:00 P.M.
Approval of Minutes: Mr. Boldt moved to approve the Selectmen’s Meeting minutes of July 17, 2017 as amended; motion seconded by Mr. Rowan and the vote was unanimous.

Mr. Boldt moved to approve the Selectmen’s Non-Public Meeting minutes of July 17, 2017 numbered I, II, III, and IV as written; motion seconded by Mr. Rowan and the vote was unanimous.

Mr. Rowan moved to approve the Selectmen’s Pre-Construction Bridge meeting minutes of July 20, 2017 as written; motion seconded by Mr. Martin and the motion passed. Mr. Boldt recused himself due to his absence from that meeting.
Meadow Brook Property – Oil Spill:

Mike Yeager, Chair of the Meadow Brook Committee, reported there was a hydraulic fluid oil spill at the Meadow Brook property which occurred during the logging operation there. While the logging operation took place over the winter, the spill was not reported so was not discovered until May. The contractor responsible for the spill has not been responsive to phone calls to determine the gallonage of the fluid leaked and the type.

Fred Lavigne, member of the committee and the individual who discovered the spill, said he delineated the area affected with orange posts. The spill covers an 8’ x 10’ area. According to State law, if the spill is less than 25 gallons, clean up must occur within 24 hours. Mr. Lavigne has been in touch with NH DES who said the first step is to get a soil sample (4 ounces) of the affected land. Cost for a soil test is $110.00 and we would need at least two tests done. Mr. Lavigne added since we don’t know the type of hydraulic fluid used, the concern is the additives.

Mr. Boldt asked if it was worth placing a tarp over the affected area. Mr. Yeager said he did not think a tarp/cover is necessary or appropriate under Best Management Practices.

Mr. Rowan said he would attempt to contact the contractor directly since he is more likely to be responsive to the Board of Selectmen. The contractor’s name and contact information was provided by Mr. Lavigne.

Mr. Boldt reported to Mr. Yeager and Mr. Lavigne the trespassing issue brought up by the abutters of the Meadow Brook property. The abutter told the Selectmen Meadow Brook visitors are walking on her property without permission; she also expressed concern that she has a live electric fence around her vegetable garden and could be a safety issue. Mr. Boldt recommended No Trespassing signage for the boundary.

Squam Lake Road – Temporary Residence Request:

Mike Yeager asked for permission to place a temporary mobile home on his property so he and his wife could live there while they rebuild their home (lost to a structure fire).

Jennifer Wright reported she met with the contractor for the mobile home this morning and confirmed the septic and well of this temporary residence would be hooked up to the current systems. Mr. Boldt moved to allow the placement of a temporary mobile home at Map R11 Lot 4C during the reconstruction of the dwelling; motion seconded by Mr. Rowan and the vote was unanimous. The property owners recently lost their home to a structure fire. The Selectmen offered their support to Mr. Yeager and his family.
Sandwich Fair Association – Mowing of Library Parking Area:

Dan Peaslee, President of the Sandwich Fair Association, stated the parking area between the Library and the SFA bleacher property is typically mowed by the Fair Association as a courtesy. Mr. Peaslee said the Library Trustees requested notice before any activity occur on that property. Mr. Peaslee would like to mow it since Old Home Week is scheduled soon and Advice to the Players have started rehearsal on the Fair stage and use that property for parking.

Mr. Boldt said from his historic standpoint, the Library Trustees requested notice for any parking improvements to that property, not necessarily for something as simple as mowing. He added he has no objection for SFA to mow that piece.

Mr. Rowan agreed and said the SFA can mow it, and thanked Mr. Peaslee for this offer.

Upper Road Drainage:

Mr. and Mrs. Carlucci of 103 Upper Road, expressed their concerns about the potential change in drainage on Upper Road due to the placement of a large rock in their neighbor’s stone wall. They feel this change is keeping the water from flowing onto their neighbor’s property and is going down the ditch line instead to their property.

Mr. Boldt warned this is a topic that it is in active litigation so any statements could be used in court.

Mrs. Carlucci said she has taken photos, per Mr. Rowan’s suggestion, to document if there is a change in water flow onto their property.

Mr. Boldt described the three culverts in that area of Upper Road. One of the cross pipes was referred to as the ‘Veld Culvert’ since it is located near the Veld driveway. Mrs. Carlucci said the Veld culvert has not drained onto their property in the past, now it is.

Mr. Rowan said since we are in active litigation, he does not feel the Selectmen should be discussing this issue at all.

Mr. Boldt said this portion of Upper Road has had more than its share of litigation.

Mrs. Carlucci said she and her husband run a working farm and asked for this consideration by the Selectmen. She added they have been dealing with these road issues for 12 years.

Mr. Carlucci feels there is a safety issue with the drainage ditches the road crew recently created; they are too deep and he is concerned for the school buses which use the road.
Highway Department Update:

Jon Peaslee reported there was a great pre-construction meeting with all parties last week on site at the Schoolhouse Road Bridge. Proposed changes were discussed and have since been approved by NH DES. Ms. Graham drew up the Change Orders as proposed by the Town to be signed by the Selectmen.

This morning the highway crew took down the trees required for the project start.

Young Mountain Road Bridge repair is now complete. The bridge engineer issued a statement to the Selectmen confirming it is now safe for use. The permanent guard rails should be delivered this Friday. The temporary bridge is now getting removed.

Mr. Peaslee would like to purchase the concrete blocks used for the temporary bridge for this project. Cost = $3,800 and he has the funds available to purchase within his operating budget. Mr. Rowan moved to approve the purchase of the concrete blocks from A.J. Coleman which were used for the temporary bridge - cost: $3,800; motion seconded by Mr. Boldt and the vote was unanimous.

Mr. Peaslee provided a plot map to Donovan Tree of the locations in Town where he would like to treat the Japanese Knotweed. Mr. Peaslee acknowledged he doesn’t have approval on the type of application for eradication from the Selectmen yet, but wanted to make sure Donovan had the proper permits in the event he does get approval. Mr. Boldt added he is still waiting to have a conversation on the issue with NH Audubon.

Mr. Peaslee stated he recently drove the Sandwich Notch Road and said it remains passable. He is proposing to upgrade 20 culverts this year as a good start to better maintenance for that road. Currently these culverts are the most problematic for drainage so he is proposing to replace these 12” – 20” culverts with 24” culverts. The cost to purchase the culverts is $5,000. He would have to rent an excavator for two weeks. Total cost = $10,000. Mr. Peaslee asked to use the Gravel Roads Capital Reserve to pay for it.

Jennifer Wright reported there are FEMA funds available through the Department of Homeland Security for road damage caused by the storms of July 1, 2017. These grant monies are for mitigation work on roads and the Intent to File deadline is August 14.

Mr. Boldt asked if there are any strings attached to the mitigation work if we receive grant monies. Ms. Wright answered ‘no’.

Mr. Rowan said there needs to be photo documentation of the damage caused by the storm as part of our application.

Jim Gaisser asked if it was necessary for the whole highway crew to be tied up on the Notch Road for two weeks to work on these culverts. Mr. Peaslee said the road is a Class V Town Road and needs quite a bit of maintenance so it doesn’t wash out with each rain storm.

Mr. Peaslee addressed the paving required as you enter the Young Mountain Road Bridge from Route 113A. He received an estimate from Bryant Paving for $69.80/ton, so work should cost less than $10,000. The paving will not start until the new guard rails are installed. Mr. Peaslee said there is a section of paving required for his daughter’s Amanda’s house at the corner. He asked permission for the pavers to also work at her property since their equipment will be there working for the Town. His daughter will be billed separately from the Town. The cost of the paving for the bridge will be paid for with the bond funds if there are funds available at the end of the project. If not, Mr. Peaslee stated he has funds available within his Tar/Paving line within his operating budget.

Mr. Rowan moved to pave the entrance to the new Young Mountain Road Bridge, and for the portion of the paving done at Map R7 Lot 30, to assure it gets billed separately by the contractor; motion seconded by Mr. Boldt and the vote was unanimous.

Mr. Peaslee acknowledged the generosity of those Young Mountain Road property owners who agreed to enter into temporary easements during the repair work on the bridge. They allowed equipment and work done on their property during the project which contributed to its success. Sharon Teel agreed and added how generous those property owners were, especially allowing a temporary road to go through their properties during the project.

Mr. Peaslee asked the Selectmen for vacation time later in August and provided them with the dates. Bob Streeter will be in charge during that time.
Property Tax:

Mr. Boldt moved to go into non-public session per NH RSA 91-A:3 II(c) for discussion of a property tax matter; motion seconded by Mr. Rowan.

Roll call vote: Mr. Martin – aye; Mr. Rowan – aye; Mr. Boldt – aye.

The Selectmen entered into non-public session at 6:03 P.M.

The Selectmen discussed a property tax due based on a proposal by a property owner.

Mr. Boldt moved to leave non-public session at 6:08 P.M.; motion seconded by Mr. Rowan.

Roll call vote: Mr. Martin – aye; Mr. Rowan – aye; Mr. Boldt – aye.

Regular meeting resumed at 6:08 P.M. The Selectmen agreed to seal the minutes in order to protect the reputation of the individual.

Selectmen’s Reports:

Mr. Boldt reported he attended the Planning Board meeting last Thursday. The Planning Board is very close to finalizing their proposed sign ordinance. Next step is to present it to the Board of Selectmen for their review.

Mr. Rowan reported he went to the Transfer Station last Wednesday to address a policy issue. He also attended the Pre-Construction meeting at the Schoolhouse Road Bridge. He attended the CIP meeting last Thursday, and inspected a Mountain Road property to check on the progress of its clean-up. Last Wednesday he attended the Police Building Committee meeting.

Mr. Martin also attended the Pre-Construction meeting at the Schoolhouse Road Bridge.

Other Business:

Mr. Boldt moved to go into non-public session per NH RSA 91-A:3 II(e) for discussion of a legal matter; motion seconded by Mr. Rowan.

Roll call vote: Mr. Martin – aye; Mr. Rowan – aye; Mr. Boldt – aye.

The Selectmen entered into non-public session at 6:15 P.M.

The Selectmen discussed a legal issue.

Mr. Boldt moved to leave non-public session at 6:25 P.M.; motion seconded by Mr. Rowan.

Roll call vote: Mr. Martin – aye; Mr. Rowan – aye; Mr. Boldt – aye.

Regular meeting resumed at 6:25 P.M. The Selectmen agreed to seal the minutes.

Based on Mr. Rowan’s inspection, Ms. Graham asked to re-address the extension request for clean-up of 130 Mountain Road for the plank wood only. After discussion, Mr. Rowan moved to grant an extension to October 1, 2017 for the removal of the plank wood on the current use property at 130 Mountain Road; motion seconded by Mr. Boldt and the vote was unanimous.

Ms. Graham proposed to hire the Town’s Archivist, Craig Evans, for an additional 50 hours this year, starting in October. The cost: $1,250. She asked to use funds from the Doris Benz Trust to offset the cost. Mr. Rowan moved to approve hiring the Town Archivist for an additional 50 hours this year and use the Doris Benz Trust to cover the cost of $1,250; motion seconded by Mr. Boldt and the vote was unanimous.

The Sandwich Fair Association is requesting permission to install their temporary ‘Sandwich Fair’ signs a few days before Columbus Day weekend and will be taken down a few days after. Mr. Boldt moved to approve the installation of the temporary Sandwich Fair signs; motion seconded by Mr. Rowan and the vote was unanimous.

The company which services our diesel pump for the Town Hall sprinkler system did their annual routine maintenance last week and discovered some issues that should get addressed. Total cost to repair: $1,793.50. Since unanticipated, Ms. Graham asked to use funds from the Town Equipment Expendable Trust to pay for the repairs. Mr. Rowan moved to approve the repair on the Town Hall diesel pump for the sprinkler system for $1,793.50 and to use funds from the Town Equipment Expendable Trust to pay for it; motion seconded by Mr. Boldt and the vote was unanimous.

On behalf of the property owner of R10 Lot 1F, Attorney Nadeau provided the Selectmen with courtesy copies of the Zoning Board of Adjustment applications filed on behalf of her client. She also provided the Selectmen with a formal written response to their Cease and Desist Order. The abutter to Map R10 Lot 1F wrote a statement to the Selectmen and Land Use Boards describing his recent meeting with his neighbor.

Ms. Graham reported NH Electric Cooperative is withdrawing their abatement appeals for the years 2013, 2014, and 2015. It is still unknown if they will file a 2016 abatement appeal since they are due on or before September 1, 2017.

Paul King, Surveyor, provided his analysis of the Sandwich-Tamworth perambulation to Attorney Stephan Nix. He also provided a copy to the Selectmen.

Ms. Graham provided the final copy of the 2016 Audit to the Selectmen and asked them to review.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:40 P.M. on a motion by Mr. Boldt; motion seconded by Mr. Rowan, and the motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine Graham