Selectmen's Update - May 23, 2023
The Road Agent joined the Selectmen’s work session to discuss several topics:
- The Board and Road Agent reviewed 3 proposals received for the Town’s 2023 paving projects. Proposals ranged from an estimated $93,000 - $103,000 for paving of Heard Road (Town section), Church Street, Grove Street, Quimby Field Road/Parking Lot and the Town Hall parking lot. Being the lowest cost bid, the Board approved Bryant Paving’s proposal.
- The Board and Road Agent discussed a proposed trial program for Styrofoam collection at the Transfer Station. The Town will accept Styrofoam at the Transfer Station on a trial basis effective Friday, June 2nd. In 60 days the Board will re-assess the program with feedback from the Transfer Station attendants and Road Agent. Styrofoam must be placed in a 40-55 gal bag and placed at the designated collection site at the Transfer Station; bags will be available at the Transfer Station, however we request that Styrofoam be bagged prior to drop-off to avoid traffic congestion. Please note: Styrofoam that is not bagged and placed in the drop-off area will be sorted as household trash.
- 2023-2024 facility stickers are now required for use of the Transfer Station (and swimming facilities). Stickers are available for purchase at Town Hall, by mail or by drop box (see here for more information). Transfer Station use is strictly prohibited for vehicles without stickers/passes (even for longtime residents!).
In other business, the Board discussed traffic concerns with illegal u-turns on Main Street (by the Center Sandwich post office). Doing so is a yellow line violation and will be strictly enforced by law enforcement. The Board is exploring ways to improve parking signage and facilitate safer “turnaround” opportunities downtown.
The Board held a public hearing at 5 PM for eight Discretionary Preservation Easement applications; all eight applications were approved for a 75% reduction in full value assessment of the historic structure. More information regarding Discretionary Preservation Easements and other property tax credits/exemptions can be found here.
The Board reviewed and approved several items: AP and payroll manifests, timber tax warrants, employee health insurance plan renewal documents, and other documents.
The Board reviewed a Home Occupation Questionnaire for a home office at 232 Quaker Whiteface Road; the questionnaire was approved with no Site Plan Review required based upon the information provided. Home Occupations are allowed per criteria established in the Zoning Ordinance however Site Plan Review by the Planning Board may be required as a condition of approval based upon several factors. More information can be found in our Zoning Ordinance. The Home Occupation Questionnaire is available here and/or at the Selectmen’s Office.
The Board approved the 2023 first issue tax warrant (representing one-half of estimated taxes due based upon the previous year’s tax rate); as you may recall, the Selectmen approved transition to semi-annual tax billing in 2023 to eliminate reliance upon a Tax Anticipation Note, thereby reducing costs to the town and improving cash flow. First issue tax bills will be in the mail tomorrow and available online using our tax kiosk; bills are due July 6th.
The Board reviewed and approved a raffle permit application. Per RSA 287-A raffle permits are required for any raffle conducted in the Town, however this standardizes the formatting for permit requests submitted to the Selectmen.
In other business, the Board discussed several items:
- Correspondence regarding discussions by the Lakes Region Planning Commission of efforts to address housing concerns. Efforts in discussion include requirements by towns to ensure a certain percentage of newly developed housing is “affordable”.
- The Board will be moving forward with legal action to bring a property into compliance with the Town’s Zoning Ordinance.
- The Board is pursuing a septic plan for the proposed new police building. The Police Building Advisory Committee (PBAC) has been working for almost a year (following the committee’s revitalization in 2022) and has plans developed for renovation/rebuild of the station. The PBAC has been working diligently to pursue cost-effective renovation/building plans to meet the needs and budgetary constraints of our community. Meeting minutes and more information is available here. Committee meetings are open to the public with the next one scheduled for Monday, June 5th at 3 PM.
Town Offices will be closed Monday, May 29th in observance of Memorial Day. Please join us for our Memorial Day remembrance ceremony at 10:30 AM at the Honor Roll (Center Sandwich). The Selectmen will not meet next week and will reconvene on Monday, June 5th for a 4 PM work session and 5 PM regular meeting.
Board of Selectmen