OFFICE OF SELECTMEN
6 HOLLAND STREET
PO BOX 139
MOULTONBOROUGH, NH. 03254
SUMMER INFORMATIONAL MEETING MINUTES JULY 21, 2007
Present: Panel: Mel Borrin, Moderator; Karel C. Crawford, Edward J. Charest, James F. Gray, Joel Mudgett, Hon. Betsey Patten (Representative, District #4), Board of Selectmen; Judy Ryerson, PB Chairman; Robert Stevens ZBA Vice Chairman; Judy Ryerson, Conservation Commission; Laurie Whitley, Chairman, School Board; Phyllis Prouty, Chairperson, Library Board of Trustees.
Staff: Chuck Connell, Town Administrator; Don Cahoon, Code Enforcement Officer; Scott Kinmond, Police Chief; David Bengtson, Chief of Fire Department; Debbie Peaslee, VNS Administrator; Brownie Jones, Town Assessor; Kay Perenelli, SAU #45 Business Director
Others: Fifty to Sixty Residents in attendance.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. OPENING COMMENTS:
Karel Crawford welcomed everyone stating that the purpose of the meeting was to gather information from residents, summer and year-around. She also offered updates regarding the Pathway, the 2007 Road Projects and other projects ongoing.
Betsey Patten spoke about the successes of the 2007 Legislature and the work ahead of the Legislators and the voters. She thanked everyone for their support once again graciously commending Ernest E. Davis, Jr., for his years of service.
Judy Ryerson spoke about the Town’s Master Plan and process to secure consultant support both for the Master Plan and for the planning effort overall. She encouraged everyone, year-round and summer resident alike to become involved in the planning process pointing out that the Master Plan is the Town’s roadmap to the future.
Bob Stevens explained the role of the ZBA in the community and touched upon upcoming issues.
Phyllis Prouty chronicled the many successes experienced by the Library, its Board of Trustees and staff and those who use the Library. She presented statistics that are the result of the very successful expansion project.
Laurie Whitley announced that SAU #45 was selected as one of the best districts in the US. She stated that there were only three districts recognized in the state. She spoke about the school year just completed so successfully and about the school year soon to start.
Scott Kinmond talked about the Police Department and the year past and the year underway. He offered statistics to illustrate the busy nature of police work in the Town. He indicated that with surrounding towns, they will conduct a series of speed and DWI checkpoints in this and neighboring towns.
David Bengtson spoke of the Fire and Rescue Department, its three fulltime staff and its 31 volunteers. He acknowledged the work at the Fire Tower and the effort to check and verify all the dry hydrants in Town. He praised the people that make the Fire Department its resounding success.
IV. COMMENTS, QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: The Moderator invited those in the audience to advance to the microphone to make comments or ask questions. He stated that he would direct the statement or question to the appropriate Town official present.
Al Hume: Al spoke in favor of SB 2. He stated that Town Meeting is no longer appropriate to the conduct of business. Al offered that by putting the issue on the ballot more people will be involved. He stated that at the last election (March 2007) 28% voted, in person or by absentee. At Town Meeting, only 9% were present; at the School District meeting only 3%. He urged those voters present to support the adoption of SB 2 at the next March election.
Fred VanMagness: Fred offered very positive comments about the Second Summer Informational Meeting. He urged the Selectmen to work with Center Harbor to obtain no-cost access to that town’s boat ramp on the common town line. He spoke of the conflict inherent between HB 383, just passed into law, and the Town’s Shoreland Protection provisions in the Zoning Ordinance suggesting that the Town rescind its language in favor of the state RSA. He urged consideration as the Master Plan goes forward to the regulation or undesirable development such as Adult Entertainment and Tattoo businesses. He urged that the Selectmen provide the means to improve the Town’s web site.
Unknown: The population of Moultonborough is changing dramatically as summer residents retire to live here. As the Master Plan effort occurs, the planners need to pay particular attention to the needs of this expanding segment of the population.
Hollis Austin: Hollis spoke to the matter of removing personnel information from the Vision and MapsOnLine web sites sponsored by the Town. Karel responded that the Town removes that information expediently upon request. She cautioned, however, that there are several search engines where a name or phone number elicits more personal information than the Town ever displays.
Hollis expressed dismay that Board Meetings and committees and subcommittees meetings frequently occur on the same night. Karel responded that those meetings are held by volunteers and that meeting dates are set at the convenience of the members.
Hollis asked about the continuing efforts of the Coalition Communities and what position that group takes on an alternative broad-base tax. Karel responded that the Coalition continues to work to eliminate donor communities. With regard to a broad-base tax alternative, Karel stated that the Coalition took no position. Asked the same question, Laurie Whitley responded that she is unaware of the Coalition supporting alternative taxes. Laurie added that the School Board relies heavily on the Association of School Officials to track and inform its members on related funding issues.
Joyce Leighton: Joyce asked who will maintain the Pathway. Pointedly, she asked about the rocks on the Pathway. The response was that the Town is still working this issue with the engineers and contractors seeking resolution. The Town will ultimately accept responsibility for the Pathway and necessary maintenance.
Patricia Difazio: Patricia asked what the Town is willing to do to rid Lake Winnipesaukee of Milfoil. Karel responded that the Town has partnered in several milfoil eradication projects. Betsey added that the Legislature was able to take the NH Fish & Game out of the controlling seat regarding projects and that future projects will be more likely to occur.
Judith French: Judith asked why the Zoning Ordinance was removed from the Town’s web page. Karel responded that it is still on the web page and urged Judith to call the Town Administrator if she is unable to find it there.
Hollis Austin: Hollis asked why there were two Articles in the Warrant. Mel responded that the second Article is there to make the Warrant legally sufficient and to enable the voters to adjourn the meeting.
Patricia Difazio: Patricia asked whether the Town would take action to reduce the two telephone exchanges (476- and 253- ) in Town to one unique to Moultonborough. Karel responded that there are at least four exchanges, none of which are Moultonborough. This, Karel stated, reflects the decisions of the phone companies doing business in the Town.
The Moderator recessed the Summer Informational Meeting at 10:20 am to provide a break between it and the Special Town Meeting scheduled for 10:30 am. The Moderator indicated that he will reconvene the Summer Informational Meeting following the Special Town Meeting.
At 10:35, the Moderator reconvened the Summer Informational Meeting.
V. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further questions or comments from the audience, the Moderator thanked everyone for attending. The Moderator adjourned the Summer Informational Meeting at 10:40 am.
Respectfully Submitted:
Charles E. Connell, Town Administrator
Approved:
Karel A. Crawford, Chairman Date