Date: March 19, 2007
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Town Office
Present: Selectmen Daniel Donovan, III, Jerry Greene and
Richard Rockwood And Recording Secretary Peggy Arn
1) Chief Hautanen asked the Board if they would approval his ordering the new cruiser and they approved.
2) At 7:10, Chairman Donovan adjourned the regular meeting and called a non-public session per RSA 91-A-3,II(e).
3) At 7:35, Chairman Donovan called the regular meeting to order. The meeting was moved to the Court Room because representatives from PSNH, TDS, the Sidewalk Committee representatives, Town Attorney Silas Little and interested Wilton residents attended the meeting. Chairman Donovan started the dialog by reading a letter that had been sent to Attorney Little in response to a question he and the Board had asked PSNH about pole licenses and existing power on Main Street. The letter was written by Christopher Allwarden, a Senior Counsel of the legal Department with PSNH. He stated that PSNH had worked with a number of municipalities in the past on projects to move overhead poles, wires and equipment underground and that he was happy to work with Wilton as well. He further states that in 1999 PSNH performed engineering design services, at the Town’s request for a Main Street improvement project but that changes have occurred which make that plan no longer feasible. PSNH personnel are currently reviewing the situation to determine if there is another way to serve the load in this area.
Tracy Hutchins-Bardsley, representing the TD Sidewalk Committee informed those present that she and other Steering Committee members had met with PSNH representatives and were working to find ways to move the poles, either behind the main street buildings or underground. Their Field Engineer has visited the area and now the town needs to have an Environmental Engineer look at the land behind the buildings for feasibility.
Chairman Donovan then stated that this letter did not address the question
of the pole licensing and that was one of the main reasons for the meeting.
He said that the meeting had originally been set up so that both the Town
and PSNH Attorneys could be in attendance. PSNH’s Attorney chose
not to attend the meeting. Donald Nourse, Field Supervisor of PSNH
stated that the pole licensing was a legal issue and that they would not
address that issue. Marc Violette, Manager of TDS attended the meeting
and discussed TDS’s part in the placement of the wires. He informed
the Board that TDS owns a portion of the utility poles and also would be
a part of the licensing of the poles. Discussion ensued as to the
effect a move of the utilities could have on the TDS lines.
Attorney Silas Little stated that he had tried to open a dialog with
legal counsel at PSNH concerning pole licensing and the renewal of such
which would be reviewed and approved by the Selectmen. Attorney Little
stated that he would like specific information as to what poles are licensed
on Main Street. TDS representative March Violette stated that he
believes that they were licensed by PSNH and TDS as far back as 1956 but
not one had the actual licenses.
Discussion ensued on the topic of pole licenses and also the work involved to move the utility poles. In conclusion, Chairman Donovan stated that he would like to have a follow-up meeting with all parties involved. He would like to have the Attorney representing PSNH also in attendance. All parties agreed and set a date of April 9, 2007 to meet again. No decisions on this issue were made at this time.
4) The next agenda item was a request from Fire Chief Ray Dick for approval to start repairs on a fire truck. The Board approved his request.
5) Roger Hatfield addressed the Board in response to his receipt of a Cease and Desist Order because of a Zoning Violation. He presented the Board a copy of a Zoning Application he had prepared. He stated that he disagreed with the letter from the Board but that he would go before the Zoning Board of Appeals. No decision or action taken at this time.
6) Charles McGettigan asked to speak to the Board concerning the Mt. Calvary cemetery maintenance. He is concerned that the trust funds are not adequate to cover the expense to the town. He stated that when he was in charge of the cemetery, the church was billed for these expenses. The Board told Charlie that they will look into the matter and will also make sure bills are submitted for work done.
7) Selectman Richard Rockwood made a motion to restate that the Wilton’s representatives to the Ambulance Board are Paul Buffum and William Carnduff. Selectman Greene seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
8) Selectman Rockwood suggested to the Board that Todd Haywood attend a meeting a discuss any changes he would make in assessments due to appeals. The Board agreed that they should review them before they are made on the system.
9) The bills and payroll for the week ending March 17, 2007, were reviewed and approved.
10) The correspondence and informational material was reviewed.
11) The regular scheduled Board of Selectmen’s meeting for March 26, 2007 is cancelled due to two Selectmen not being able to attend.
12) The meeting was adjourned on a motion at 9:35 with all in favor.
Respectfully Submitted;
Peggy Arn, Recording Secretary