SELECTMEN’S MEETING

October 31, 2017

Ed Walsh addressed the recent storm and stated that half of the town's population remains without power. He talked about how hard CMP was working to restore power, but they didn't have any estimated time that everyone will be back on. He asked that people remain patient and to understand CMP is working on it. The Town Administrator added that the Fire Chief has not reported any requests for shelter; she said that if anyone is in need of shelter, that it can be arranged.

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion made by Ed Walsh to approve the agenda, seconded by Kim Stacey- Horn. Motion approved.

2. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING:

3. DEPARTMENT HEAD / COMMITTEE CHAIR UPDATES:

4. OLD BUSINESS:

A. ZBA Appointment Withdrawal

After consideration Dr. Williams has declined the ZBA appointment.

B. Bridge Clean-ups/ Easements

-Cindy Hart Follow Up

Elise Miller stated that there is still no volunteers allowed to help clean up, and that she has been away and not able to follow up with Wakefield yet to pick up loose info from 10 years ago. David Winchell would like to be contacted directly with concerns or questions regarding bridges. Ed Walsh suggested postponing the easements for turnarounds until spring. Kim Stacey- Horn agreed, adding that it would give people all of next summer to get their questions answered if there were any concerns regarding the easements.

C. Buzzell Road

- Dennis Long Follow up

Joe Lenkowski came to the town office to pick up the Buzzell Road file. He will need a few days to review the information before responding.

D. Warrant & Finance Procedural Packet

- School Follow Up

The Town Administrator explained the auditing process and gave some information on the company that does the auditing for the town. She then read a letter from Bill Hall, one of the auditors, in response to the school budget stated that he has no concerns about how the town is running their schools and the budgeting. He also mentioned in a letter that he commends the Town of Acton for how it has handled the last 8 years. After discussion, the Board agreed there was nothing to pursue in regards to the document submitted from the Warrant and Finance Committee.

E. Personal Property Tax

-William Williams Follow Up

The Town Administrator asked to discuss the personal property issue at the meeting after the election. She would like to take the time to set up a slide show to better present the issue.

5. NEW BUSINESS:

A. ZBA Alternate Appointment

Roland Waterhouse was appointed by the Board as the ZBA Alternate Appointment.

B. Salt Bids

Road Commissioners asked to grant the salt bid to Granite State at $60.60 per delivered load. The Board approved the granting of the bid to Granite State.

C. Atlantic Broadband

Metrocast will be purchased by Atlantic Broadband at the first of the year. Atlantic Broadband gave the town a copy of the Franchise Authority, which was then sent to the town lawyer. After reviewing the document, the lawyer sent it back and determined that after a couple of changes it would be acceptable for the Board to approve. The Board agreed and signed said document.

6. PUBLIC COMMENT:

Dennis Long asked if the contract that was being discussed from Atlantic Broadband, was for a 10 year contract. The Town Administrator explained that the binder was not a contract, but an acknowledgement that the town is transferring service from Metrocast to Atlantic Broadband after their buyout. Dennis added that the town can negotiate price for their service with Metrocast and would like to also see the board explore other service providers for the Town before signing another contract. He believes that Metrocast takes advantage of customers.

Susan Meehan also wanted to ask the Board to discuss allowing other companies to come into town. She would like it if the Town could negotiate pricing to find better options for Acton customers. She also asked if the Board would reconsider the 3 minute comment time at the meetings, she believes it sends the message that the Board doesn't want to hear concerns of the public.

Jan Steffens got up to talk about tractor trailer trucks using Young's Ridge Road. She stated that there are many large tractor trailer trucks using this road as a short cut from New Hampshire on a regular basis. Also mentioning that there's a sign on Young's Ridge Road just before Canal Bridge limiting trucks that use the road to 3 tons. Many of these trucks are well over that weight limit even without loads in their trucks. She also stated that the trucks are using jake brakes at the steep slope and there are concerns regarding the noise of the jake brakes. She asked the Board to consider a jake brake ordinance on Young's Ridge Road. She added that the speed is also of concern to residents, the posted the posted price speed limit is 35 mph, and that it is not being followed. The Town Administrator said that she would talk to the sheriff's department to see if we could get additional coverage in the area to monitor the situation. The Board asked Ms. Steffens if she would be willing to see if she could get company names off the trucks if she saw them and she said she would.

Ed Walsh would like to remind people without power using generators to please use them safely.

7. ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Crock Fest Nov 4

No BOS Meeting Nov 7 or 28

State Election Nov 7

Town Hall and Transfer Station closed Nov 11

Town Hall closed Nov 23 and Nov 24

Town Marijuana Moratorium Election Nov 28

Board of Selectmen Office Hours Nov 2, 9 and 16

 

8. UPCOMING MEETINGS:

Thursday, November 2, 2017 Warrant and Finance 6:00pm

Thursday, November 2, 2017 Planning Board 7:00pm (downstairs)

Friday, November 3, 2017 Marijuana Committee 6:00pm

Friday, November 10, 2017 Marijuana Committee 6:00pm

Tuesday, November 14, 2017 Board of Selectmen 5:00pm

Thursday, November 16, 2017 Planning Board 7:00pm (downstairs)

Thursday, November 16, 2017 Recreational Committee 7:00pm

Friday, November 17, 2017 Marijuana Committee 6:00pm

Tuesday, November 21, 2017 Board of Selectmen 5:00pm

Thursday, November 30, 2017 Cemetery Committee 5:00pm

9. MEMBERS PRESENT: Elise Miller, Ed Walsh, Kim Stacey- Pike

10. OTHERS PRESENT: William Williams, Dennis Long, Rollin Waterhouse, Joe Ruma, Karen McManus, Susan Meehan, Judy Shain, Jan Steffens