May 8 Selectboard Minutes

Sorry about the bunched-up posts. I'm (Jay) traveling and playing catch-up. Sandi Pierson sent the approved minutes; you'll find them here.  Meanwhile, we'll continue to ask Dorothy to send short reports of highlights before the minutes are approved.  Some people have been under the impression that Dorothy's notes are official minutes. They're just notes. For the real deal, you'll want to look up the minutes themselves.

Big Family

Henry Minasian sent in this picture with the caption, "A proud mother and her new born, and life goes on in Orange!" Click on the thumbnail to see the full sized photo.

We're looking for your pictures as well--people, turkeys, people who are turkeys, places, whatever. We'll put them up in the photo albums for all to enjoy.

May 22 Select Board Highlights

Dorothy Heinrichs sent us this latest--not the official minutes but her notes. The highlight of the highlights: three Orangeites are interested in filling Linda Giner's chair when she steps down at the end of June.  Get on the discussion board and comment on the choices and the criteria. Dorothy and the other remaining selectwoman, Betty Fulton, will be choosing the third member after the next meeting on June 11. Let them know what you're thinking!

The Selectboard reviewed the recent emergency meeting to sign a welfare voucher.  Betty Fulton reported that in the future, the NH Electric Cooperative needs only verification of payment on town letter head from the Welfare Officer.  The board is waiting for the Welfare Officer to complete a welfare voucher to accompany the check voucher.

 To replace Selectwoman Linda Giner, who’s stepping down June 30, Board members Betty Fulton and Dorothy Heinrichs must choose someone to fill the remainder of her term—until  Town Meeting next spring.  Last night the board discussed the qualifications for that position and what they were looking for in that person – someone practical, committed to transparency and the smooth and drama-free running of the Town.   

Bob Ells asked to be considered for the position.  Bob moved to Orange in 1976 but has been coming to Orange and spending summers here since he was 11. He and his wife raised their children in Orange and both children now live in town with their families.  Bob was recognized at the 2011 Town Meeting for his 35 years of service as a member and chair of the planning board.  He also served for several years as road agent and was a member of an ad hoc committee looking into a  joint Orange-Grafton police force.  He was a superintendent at Trumbull Nelson for 35 years.  

George White and Henry Minasian have also asked to be considered and will meet with the board at their next meeting which will take place on MONDAY. June 11.  

Town residents are reminded that if they have any questions, concerns or suggestions about town roads, they should contact the road agent, Scott Sanborn.

Residents who need copies of town documents may contact Betty.  She will arrange mutually convenient time to meet at the Town House.  If the copy requested is a map, that copy will be available the next day.   

An ad hoc committee is being created to propose a mileage policy for the town.  If you are interested in serving on the committee, please contact Sandi Pierson.  

Update on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 4:33PM by OrangeNH

Dorothy informs me that the new Board member will be chosen at the June 11 meeting, not after. 

Select Board Highlights

We asked Dorothy Heinrichs to give us notes so that you can get the news without waiting for the official minutes. Of course we'll also post the minutes when we get them.  (You can read past minutes here.)

Here's Dorothy's unofficial report:

Todd Gammell, the Market Area Manager from Casella Waste came and spoke briefly.  He commended the Town for its rapid and enthusiastic adoption of Zero Sort Recycling.  Well done, All!  He also mentioned three places his driver reported needed attention:  a low telephone wire (Frank Giner will check out and then Dorothy Heinrichs will call Fairpoint);  a home where a dog frequently prevents pick up and a spot at the bottom of Peasley that tends to be very icy in the winter (The Selectboard will notify Scott who will talk to the State as that portion of the road is state maintained).  

Paul Hatch, NH Homeland Security liaison, came to the meeting with Brent Stevens and Don Pfaefflin to discuss application for state funding to cover the cost of the Town’s Emergency Management Plan rewrite.  The state will cover the $5000 cost, the Town will contribute “in-kind”.  That means the plan will be created at no cost to the Town –we’ll receive credit for the hours given by the committee advising the consultant on the draft of the new plan.  While the major disaster risk in Canaan is flooding, the biggest risk to Orange is wildfire. The board voted to accept the state grant. 

Barbara Smith wants residents to know that there may be state tax relief available to those of low and moderate income.  You will find more information at the Canaan Library or online: http://www.revenue.nh.gov/forms/low_mod_program.htm. 

Finally, it was with regret that Linda Giner announced that she will be stepping down from the selectboard at the end of June.  She is retiring from Mascoma Bank at the end of the year and as the Vice President of the bank’s largest branch, will have to focus her attention on training her replacement and preparing for life after retirement.  The two remaining members of the Selectboard (Dorothy Heinrichs and Betty Fulton) will appoint her successor.  We are currently discussing possibilities.  The replacement will serve from June 27, 2012, until the March 2013 Town Meeting.  

The Tuesday, June 12, Selectboard meeting has been moved to Monday, June 11; the change will be noticed in all the appropriate places).  

Dorothy

Change in Town Clerk Hours

Sophie Seace, our Town Clerk, reports that her hours are changing beginning May 9.  The office will be open Wednesday nights from 5:30 to 7:00, and the first Saturday of each month from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. The calendar shows the new times.

Of course you can also make an appointment to see her at other times.  You can reach Sophie at 603-306-1356.