Town Clerk Hours

Sophie Seace gave us new hours for the town clerk office. Before you head up to the office, be sure and check the calendar.

Emergency Planning

Brent Stevens let us know that the consultant who has been hired to update Orange’s Emergency Management Plan will be holding an organizational meeting at the Town House at 6 pm on Tuesday, July 10, just prior to the Selectboard Meeting. 

We'll put it on the Town Calendar.

June 26 Select Board Meeting

We're a little behind schedule in giving you an informal summary of the last Board meeting. 

Betty Fulton reported on a state welfare workshop she attended recently. She said that the town welfare office is a "legal landmine," with welfare recipients likely to sue over any errors in the guidelines and how they're carried out. The guidelines are written by the welfare officer, and Betty suggested that they be run past our town attorney, Bernie Waugh. Betty said that an aid request needs a response within 72 hours. In the even that our current officer, Pat Mercer, isn't available, Betty suggested that Pat appoint an alternate. Pat should also serve on the town's emergency management committee.

Dorothy Heinrichs swears in Bob Ells.Last year the Select Board rewrote the welfare guidelines, which hadn't been updated in more than a decade, according to Dorothy Heinrichs. Pat Mercer attended that meeting but didn't attend the other meetings at which the guidelines were approved. Bernie Waugh was fine with the Board doing the rewrite, but Pat said that the guidelines must be written by the welfare officer. 

Betty reported that Pat has not yet submitted vouchers or receipts on expenses she has claimed.

In other business, Dorothy noted that there's a large trash pickup July 20. Sandi Pierson reminded everyone that because of the July 4 holiday, this week's trash pickup will take place July 7.

Dorothy said that Northeast Waste is raising its fee by 2.32% next fiscal year. Pat White said to look at the contract, which may forbid a price increase. 

Linda Giner talked about the forms she has completed for reporting the town budget and expenses to the state (MS-5 and MS-2). She said she has written instructions for whomever does it next year. In larger towns, the manager and staff fill out the forms, a task done by our elected Board members in Orange.

Anita Watson talked about cemetary maintenance. George Smith took it upon himself to do some cleanup on his own. The Cemetary Committee needs to control and approve all maintenance. Anita said she spoke to George.

Finally, Linda Giner formally resigned from the Board. She and Frank Giner are moving to Virginia. Bob Ells was sworn in as her replacement. Gary Hamel presented her a painting he had done of the summit of the Pinnacle, purchased by the other Board members. Everyone present ate cake and drank sparkling lemonade.

June 11 Select Board Minutes

We just received them, freshly approved by the Board.  You'll find them here.

Odd Job Fair

Pat Mercer sent us a message saying that she's organizing a job swap that matches "people who have jobs to be done with people who want to do them." She's looking for volunteers to list the jobs and the people. And she's hoping to hold a small jobs fair at the Town House sometime in the future.  

For more information, call 304-6629.

We just checked the New Hampshire Craigslist, which offers free listings. It's not used much in our area but might offer a way to organize postings. We'd also be willing to help out with a discussion board. Let us know, Pat!