Office of the Select Board
Town of Orange, New Hampshire
Minutes of January 12, 2016
Present: Dorothy Heinrichs, Chair; Robert Ells, Lyell “Skip” Smith, and Sandi Pierson (clerical). Others present: Wayne Morrison, Patrick Andrew, Debra Ford, Beverly Ells, Bob and Sharon
Proulx, and Kathy and Dave Stacy.
Meeting opened at 7:00 PM.
Minutes: The minutes of December 29, 2015 were unanimously approved as submitted.
Mascoma School District: SAU Superintendent Patrick Andrew came before the Board to update the Board on school topics. Patrick stated that his visit was a communication outreach and welcomed questions and comments. Patrick reviewed the draft of 2016 school district warrant articles:
- Elections of Moderator, School Board members (Enfield and Canaan), and District Budget Committee members (Enfield and Canaan)
- School district operating budget of $27,408,541.00 and, if that fails, a default budget of $26,539,256.00 which includes allowable adjustments.
- Collective bargaining agreement
- $75,000 to the Facilities Capital Reserve Fund (for repairs)
- $25,000 to the Special Education Capital Reserve Fund
- $25,000 to the Computers and Computer Accessories Capital Reserve Fund
- Repeal that the school district may retain over 2.5 % of an annual appropriation that is not expended. (petitioned)
Superintendent Andrew stated that the high school addition is on schedule and within its budget and that the mild December weather afforded the completion of a lot more exterior work than anticipated. Dorothy complimented the new Route 4 traffic layout as it passes the high school. Mr. Andrew agreed and said their primary objective with the new road layout was the safety of the students. The Board, audience, and Mr. Andrew applauded the first-rate representation from Orange of School District Budget Committee member Scott Sanborn and School Board representative Kathy Stacy.
Budget Committee: Budget Committee Clerk Robert Proulx submitted a timeline for joint meetings of the Select Board and Budget Committee to draft the 2016 operating budget. He stated that Sandi has prepared the 2015 budget category summaries and spreadsheets of which copies will be made for each Committee and Board member. Copies of the capital reserve balances and MS-7 will also be available. After discussion the following schedule was accepted:
Tuesday, January 26 (regular Board meeting): joint meeting of the Board and Budget Committee to recommend appropriations for the 2016 operating budget and capital reserves and to review estimated revenues.
Tuesday, February 2 (if needed): finish what was not completed on January 26. Page 1 of 3
Monday, February 8 (if needed): special joint session to finalize the proposed budget to be presented at the public hearing.
Wednesday, February 10, 7 PM: Public Hearing on the 2016 proposed town budget
Thursday, February 11: Alternative date for the Public Hearing in the event of inclement weather on February 10
Intent to Cut: The Board approved the following Intent to Cut Wood or Timber applications:
- Kevin and Gail Van den Berghe/River Road/Map 10, Lot 3
- Barbara Ells-Guaraldi/River Road/Map 10, Lot 5
Other:
- The Board received correspondence from NH Electric Co-op re: inquiry of designated scenic roads in regards to tree trimming. Sandi will notify them that there are two designated scenic roads in Orange: the entirety of Tuttle Hill and Burnt Hill from Cardigan Mountain Road to Bobby Senter’s gravel pit.
- The Board confirmed they will be in attendance at the February 9 primary voting between 11 AM and 7 PM.
- Bob Proulx distributed a list of vacancies of elected positions that will appear on the March ballot.
- Skip continues to receive complaints about trash pick-up by Casella.
Secretary’s report:
- Bernie Waugh has sent his annual Municipal Law Update. Sandi will request a PDF copy by email so it can be shared with the officers of the town. As always, Bernie has offered to do an informational presentation at the Town House, a free service for municipal clients. After discussion, the Board agreed to invite Bernie to give his presentation after the March town meeting.
- A House Bill has been put forth by Representatives Hull and Darrow (both from Grafton) that if a large wind energy facility directly affects a municipality, then that municipality may have a member seat on the Site Evaluation Committee.
Planning Board Secretary Bob Proulx stated that the continuance of the public hearing on the Large Energy Wind Systems ordinance is scheduled for January 19, 2016.
Public comment:
Sharon Proulx asked about Matt Angell’s audit schedule for 2015. She stated that she has her documentation prepared for her segment of the audit. Dorothy to follow up. This led to a discussion about the drafting of a warrant article to make the auditors’ position an appointment by the Board instead of being elected. The Board unanimously agreed that due to the complexity of financial auditing and the lack of candidates running for the position, that it would be better if it was an appointed position. The Board will follow up with Attorney Waugh and the DRA for the proper warrant article wording. Skip stated that if an article for an appointed auditor is approved by the voters, it would not take effect until 2017.
Bills and vouchers were reviewed and signed. Meeting adjourned 7:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandi Pierson
Dorothy Behlen Heinrichs
Robert Ells
Lyell Smith