All towns · northumberland

Select Board Meeting – 01/21/25 — 25-Jan-21-Minutes-Draft

Document

Town of
Northumberland
Office of Selectmen
19 Main St

Groveton NH 03582
Phone (603) 636-1450
Fax (603) 636-6008

www.northumberlandnh.org
Town of Northumberland
Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes - Draft
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Place: Town Meeting Room - 10 Station Square
Time: 6:00 P.M.

Board members present: Jim Tierney, Jim Weagle (6:15), Keith Bronson

Others present: Al Rossetto, Tammy Letson, Jim & John St. Jean, Deb Miles, Pete
Marshall, Norm Cotter, Melissa Dano, Doug Dano, Kathy Frechette, Terri Charron, Andre
Brasseur, Ron Nadean & wife, Judy Fox, Dawn Bryan, Jeff Normand, Tim Charbonneau,
Eric Charbonneau, Shawn Swallow, Rebecca St. Cyr - Minute Taker

1. Chairman Opens the meeting: J. Tierney opened meeting at 6:00 pm
2. Pledge of Allegiance: All
3. Acceptance of Minutes: 01/06/25 and 01/09/25

Motion to accept the 01/06/25 minutes by: K. Bronson
2™4 by: J. Tierney, All in Favor 2-0

Motion to accept the 01/09/25 minutes by: K. Bronson
2" by: J. Tierney, Alll in Favor 2-0

e 5. Requested Agenda Matters: *a. - moved up before Dept Head
Business. See minutes below

4. Department Head Business: PD/AMB/FD

FD = Andre Brasseur, Chief -

Since last meeting:

7 calls for service - 1 in December 81 calls, plus the detail for the Eclipse brought us
up to 82 in 2024.

Since January 1* - 6 calls for service. With the heating season we've had a couple of
heating issues and chimney fires.

All the trucks are running good. Andre reached out to the company to have the truck
spec’d and hasn’t heard from them yet. He will reach out to them again.

The light tower was used on the hill a couple weeks ago, and it’s being used again
today. It’s used for Home Coming, etc. We got it a few years ago with a 50/50 grant.

***This Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer***


PD - Peter Pelletier, Chief -

2024 Summary — 01/01/2024 - 12/31/2024
Calls for Service - 3,429 / NHSP 214

Traffic Stops - 778 / 105 tickets issued - 7.4% to
Arrests - 98 / 185 charges

Crashes - 22

2025 - Y-T-D
Calls for Service - 269 / NHSP 20

Traffic Stops - 82 / 22 citations - 3.7% to 1
. Defective Equipment - 4

Uninspected MV - 4

Auxiliary Lights - 1

Speed - 4

. Failure to Display Plates - 2
Possession License Required - 2
Yellow line violation - 1

Open Container - 1

Driving After Revocation or Suspension - 1
10. Possession Registration Required - 1
11. Unregistered MV - 1

PENAAAWNE

Arrests - 8 / 17 criminal charges
1. DWI’s - 2
2. Drugs - 1
3. Other arrests - 5 (including resisting arrest/detention)
4. Crashes - 4

New Investigations - 16

We started utilizing the OHS grant money, and will continue to do so throughout the
year. It puts an officer on the road in Town, it’s directed at traffic enforcement but
they are also available for calls. If something comes up, they can break off the grant
patrol and then make up the time lost.

Tammy reminded that the Highway Safety grant reimburses us for all of the officers
overtime as well the matching benefits; using the cruiser is our match but they pay
us at a rate that more than pays us back for the wear and tear.

N. Cotter asked if the police are taking the cruiser up to the border, P. Pelletier said
yes, we have been talking about it for months. Cotter asked about the wear and tear
and needing another new cruiser in 2 years. Tammy said it doesn’t go out that often,
it’s a grant that reimburses us for the employee's time, matching benefits and
mileage. J. Tierney said why can’t we put it into the cruiser CRF at Town Meeting for
just in case what Norm is thinking happens.

Peter said the officer that’s spending time on highway safety stays in Town. The only

exception is the drunk driving enforcement they do with several other Towns. The
Northern Borders Alliance initiative pays for enhanced police presence from the

***This Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer***


border down - 25 air miles. Peter further discussed. Northern Border money is
typically not spent in Town it’s spent near the border.

P. Marshall said he heard we have new applicants. Peter said yes.

AMB — EMS Chiefs Report - J. Tierney read

1
2.
8.

4
5s

. 2025 as of this printing, we have had 25 calls to date.

2024 on this date, we were at 25 calls.

. Comstar report as of 01/13/2025 (this does not reflect 2025 payments): Net

commitments - $256,610.17. This does not include payments made directly to
the office or contract fees.

. Both ambulances are operational with no problems to report.

Al's State EMS inspection is this Friday at 11:00 am.

5. Requested Agenda Matters: *a. - moved up before Dept Head Business.

a

* JSJ Auctions -

Jim and John St. Jean - Jim St. Jean has been an auctioneer for 35 years; Jim
has been with JSJ for 42 years. They do a ton of tax deeded property sales so
towns can get some income out of the properties. They met with Tammy in
November, she went over a list of Town owned Properties. They went out and
looked at them and put together numbers of what they thought they would be
worth at auction, which is part of the packet presented to the Board. There is
also a sample contract in the packet for their services along with the values on
most of the properties. Some of the properties they couldn’t put a value on
because they are unique.

They have done auctions in this area: Carroll, Colebrook, Haverhill, Lancaster,
Lyman, Stratford, Warren, Woodstock. Jim said they have had good success up
here and they have good turnouts. We have been selling a lot of tax deeded
Property to out of staters, they pay good money and are keeping everyone
honest. J. Tierney asked what our fee is. Jim said they are done on buyer's
premium; the Town pays nothing. If it has to be stopped a week before the sale
~ we charge a $500.00 fee plus the advertising. Advertising won’t exceed
$3,000. They prep all the properties for auction. They looked at 3 houses that
are vacant; if they are not condemned, we like to show them.

The auctions are held ona Saturday morning, around 10:00 am with a power
point presentation. Typically, with 8-10 properties you might get 30-50 people.
Jim St. Jean asked if anyone had been through the properties from the Town.
She said yes, at least one of them, there are 3 - Bearce, Winter and Rich.

JSJ doesn’t charge for their services; they charge the buyers. We run display ads
in the local newspapers, including the Union Leader. Social media - Facebook and
Twitter. Tammy reminded the Board that we cannot make a profit on the sale of
any tax deeded property. We will get the taxes owed, plus taxes accrued,
penalties and delinquent interest and any costs we have against it. Anything
above and beyond those amounts go back to the previous owner. Jim said you
can use your own attorney or we will use ours for some occasions.

***This Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer***


Jim St. Jean asked Tammy to expand on the 2 big pieces of land. She said they
are asking about property near the Stratford town line. It’s owned by multiple
owners who each own a percentage. The largest owner didn’t pay his taxes on
his 80%, plus there are about 11 others. The land was for hunting, camping, etc.
All the names are on the deed.

Jim asked if the goal is to get them back onto the tax rolls; or will min. bids be
set. We like to do the auctions subject to confirmation giving you the right to
either accept or reject the final bid. They like to have that answer before the
auction. Tammy said it would be a property by property decision. If the Board
goes with this, Tammy recommended going to the other side of the tax deed;
normally mid-April; there may be a couple others that will be added to the list.

Motion to accept JSJ Auctions by: K. Bronson
2°4 by: J. Weagle, All in Favor 3-0

Ronald Nadeau -

Ronald said he is the maintenance person and caretaker for 645 Lancaster Rd.
the old Dupuis property. He’s asking the Town’s permission to stay there off and
on. There isn’t any electricity; the house has a fireplace for heat, he knows the
owner and has been doing masonry work for him. Ronald asked about the taxes;
the owner offered him 5% and will co-sign for him. Since the roof leaks on the
house, when it rains - it pours. There have been break-ins, they broke windows
and the back door. They also damaged a dump truck. The owner asked him to go
there to watch the place and work on it. He’s afraid it might get broke into again.

He doesn’t want to break any laws with the Town. He has cleaned a lot out of the
house, but has had an issue with a lady that’s called the Town saying it’s not
livable. Ronald is just looking for permission to stay there. Tammy has not
spoken with this person, but there are lawyers involved with this property. J.
Tierney said we can’t make any decisions, it’s private property. J. Tierney said
we have no say in it, you probably need to get permission from the lawyers.

Ronald said he’s not paying any rent to stay there. He said they were hoarders,
there is stuff from floor to ceiling, the garage is packed. He put some out to the
road and got in trouble with the garbage people. Tammy said it might mean
getting permission from the Health Officer, She looked up in legal inquires about
having a guest staying there. Tammy read — he’s a house guest unless he pays
rent. If you spend more than 6 months there then you are considered a tenant.
Tammy said the Health Officer will need to keep an eye on it and if he’s there
more than 6 months the homeowner is then required to bring everything up to
code.

Ronald asked if the store can be changed to residential zoning instead of
commercial. J. Weagle said you would need to go before the Zoning Board to
change it, and didn’t recommend if it’s just temporary. If fully converting the
owner would have to do it with the Zoning Board. Tammy said Ronald can stop in
at the Town office and get an application from Romy McMann, that the owner has
to sign, there is a fee and costs to notify the abutters then it goes to the Zoning
Board.

***This Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer***


6. Town Administrator Business:

a.

Tammy - we received a couple of unsigned complaints. One of them Tammy was
asked to bring up at the meeting is re: the Supervisors of the Checklist held a
session that wasn’t advertised in the Paper and we are told that’s illegal. Tammy
said we reached out to the Secretary of State, they said because it wasn’t a
session for people to sign up, (it was a work session) it doesn’t need to be in the
Paper.

- Tammy - We owe the Public Works Dept. huge kudo’s for working outside all day

on a water break since 8:00 am this morning. They knew there was a leak and
rode around trying to find it on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, but couldn’t find
it. It showed this morning with water bubbling up from the ground on State St.
Eversource was called to come and hold the pole, which was very close to the dig.
It was at or near an old service line, the pipe was old, it had a wooden box
around it. It's very old. There hasn’t been a building hooked to that line in a very
long time.

Peter asked Judy Fox if it affected her crossing guard duties. Judy said no, Randy
put up the road closed sign and she put up her sign if anyone tried to turn. The
kids had no problems. Tammy noticed there weren’t any lights around the Road
closed signs, it was difficult for cars to notice after it began to get dark until they
made the turn. Andre said the highway crew needs more signs, road closed
ahead and detour. There were not any signs at the junction of Route 3 and
Church St. cars were going over to State St and then had to turn around.

S. Swallow asked how they come up with the company that is called in to

help when there is a break. Tammy isn’t sure, but knows they have a strong
working relationship with who they used, but they are not the only company they
can use. Swallow said they have the same equipment, and as a taxpayer he
would like to think it would be kept local. It’s not the first time, but at least a
phone call, since they are taxpayers. Tammy will look into it, and asked Shawn
to stop at the Town Office to leave their info. Swallows have been in business

for 30+ years.

. American Legion Auxiliary Road Toll for Poppies- Saturday, May 24, 2025 -

10:00 am - 2:00 pm. It will be on Church St. J, Weagle asked if they were sent
a letter for road tolls, there is a letter that goes out to the school in the spring
as well,

Motion to approve by: J. Weagle, 2" by: K. Bronson, All in Favor 3-0

- Budget Workshop and Budget Hearing Dates - need one more workshop; and

need to set the Public Hearing date, which needs to be after Feb 4. J. Tierney is
available on Friday’s. Scheduled the Public Hearing for: February 7‘ at 6:00 pm
in the meeting room. The last workshop date will be Saturday, Feb 1 at 9:00 am
in the meeting room

. Stark PA-28 - This is for property that we have that's in Stark, they are still using

the inventory form. There haven’t been any upgrades. In Groveton, we haven’t
used this form for a long time.
Motion to sign the Stark PA-28 by: J. Weagle
***This Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer***


f.

2"4 by: K. Bronson, All in Favor 3-0

Health Ins - Tammy - July - June plan. They want us to sign an agreement to do
by Feb 15. Tammy reached out to 2 other companies for quotes. Our current
insurance, SchoolCare, is going up 16.7%. Tammy noted that HealthTrust would
cost the taxpayers money and it’s a worse plan. NH Inter-Local Trust could save
the taxpayers $7,100 for the year. When they called, they said it will be going up
11% and more next year but didn’t know what that amount would be.

Tammy said with the pools we need to stay with them 3 years, which we have
met with SchoolCare. Tammy said we could go with NH Inter-Local Trust, but the
deductible goes up to $250 for individual; $500 for 2 person/family. Because we
offer a HRA, we pay the first 50% of the deductible so the taxpayer cost goes
up. She took that into account when figuring the $7,100. Other things to note: if
we leave SchoolCare we are saving the taxpayers, but the school will Pay more;
HealthTrust will cost the taxpayers $39,400 on the Town side. J. Tierney said it
makes sense for us to stay with School Care for another year. Tammy has talked
with Heather at the SAU, they have collective bargaining units, it’s not easy for
them to change.

Motion to stay with SchoolCare for another year by: J. Weagle
2°¢ by: K. Bronson, All in Favor 3-0

Celebration / history committee - Tammy has been bringing this up at Town
Meetings since she’s been here; in 2029 it’s Northumberland’s 250%
Anniversary. We've been putting away a little money each year, 3 years will go
by fast for planning. Some towns tried to do an event each month, one town did
the month they were incorporated and did different events each weekend, Stark
had theirs over one weekend last year, No. Stratford did the same. A resident
stopped in to advise they have a strong interest in writing a Town History book.
They would like to see 2 committee's and start the History Book Committee now
to have it ready before the 250. J. Tierney said the Country’s 250" is in 2026,
We will look for volunteers for the committees, if interested call or stop in at the
Town Office to join. Becky Craggy wants to be on it but not the Chair.

Tammy said if they are Town committees, they need to have minutes. She
would like to see the Board appoint the chairman but not have to appoint each
volunteer if possible.

Becky and Tammy came up with some methods for advertising, re: Town

Meeting, Town Report, social media, etc. We didn’t narrow the CRF down to just

the Town’s 250", some of the funds could be used for the Country’s 250",
Motion to form a Town 250" Celebration Committee and a Town History
Committee by: J. Weagle, 2" by: K. Bronson, All in Favor 3-0

Trustee of the Trust Funds - one has stepped down due to health reasons, do
you want to appoint somebody until March or leave it vacant. All 3 positions will
be vacant and on the ballot, 1 or 2 of the current Trustee’s might sign up again.
They have quarterly meetings. The Board didn’t think we need the position now
since there are still 2.

i, Possible cut of timber on M/L 219-002 - L. Meservey, MOM's came in, they want

to do a timber cut on some of their land. It abuts the lagoons and the backside

***This Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer***


of the Highway Dept. land. Meservey is suggesting the Board consider asking the
cutter to extend the cut onto our land and harvest the timber off of it. This is
one of the few ways we access to the area, otherwise there is a thin strip of land
along the edge of the road. At Town Meeting 2 years ago, it allowed the

abutter to have that lot of land. We haven't heard from them. Meservey wants
to have the Intent to Cut in a couple of weeks. J. Tierney suggested contacting
Ed Mellett, Tammy will email him to get his opinion. If we get the Intent to Cut
it can be added to the agenda for Feb 3rd. Tammy said he knows he has to put
in the Intent to Cut.

7. Applications/Permits and Warrants:

a. Tax Exemption Application (1): Map/Lot 234-004 - Solar panels have been there

since 2017; they are just now asking for the exemption. They don’t have
$10,000 worth of solar assessed value, they can have up to that amount, it’s
just the max. The exemption is just on the panels.

Motion to approve by: J, Weagle, 2" by: K. Bronson, All in Favor 3-0

b. Abatement Application (1): Map/Lot 234-004 -
Motion to send to the assessors by: J. Weagle
24 by: K. Bronson, All in Favor 3-0

8. **Public Comment:

P. Marshall asked, isn’t there something on the computer, something about signing
up for text messages or something? J. Weagle said textmygov. Pete asked if the
water break was on it? Andre mentioned that the water was still on. Tammy said no
it wasn’t. It only affected that section of State.

9. Announcements: The Town Offices will be closed on February 17, 2025 in
observance of President's Day.

10. Next Board Meeting Date: Monday, February 3, 2025 - 6 pm

11. Non-Public Session: (Pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (b):

Motion to go into Non-Public Session by: J. Weagle
2"4 by: K. Bronson, All in Favor 3-0
Roll Call: J. Tierney - Yes, J. Weagle - Yes, K. Bronson - Yes

Into Non-Public Session at 7:25 pm

a. Resident Matter
b. Land - “Sealed”

Motion to come out of Non-Public Session by: J. Weagle
24 by: K. Bronson, All in Favor 3-0

Out of Non-Public Session at 8:23 pm
Into Regular session at 8:23 pm

Motion to seal Part b of the Non-Public minutes by: J. Weagle
***This Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer***


2°¢ by: K. Bronson, All in Favor 3-0
Roll call - J. Tierney - Yes, J. Weagle - Yes, K. Bronson - Yes

Erica Canales used to be with CDC went into business on her own. She is going
to have Steve Fortier from Rural Policy, Andew Dorsett from InvestNH and Tan
Davis from NBRC (all related to BEA) here next Tuesday, they are talking to
towns that they don’t normally visit. They will visit Lancaster then us. They want
to know if any of the Board members are available to meet with them around
2:00 or 2:30 that day.

J. Tierney said InvestNH is primarily housing. There is a possibility of a for profit
person turning the building they own into apartments. If it’s for workforce
housing, InvestNH might be able to help. If InvestNH continues with the grants —
the Town can get money for allowing it.

Discussed the Warrant Article for improving the bridge and train. We haven't
spent any of the money waiting for the Beautification Committee to use it. The
money wasn’t used and rolled back to the Conservation Commission. Further
discussed the warrant article. Tammy will speak with Ed.

12. Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by: J. Weagle, 2" by: K. Bronson, All in Favor 3-0

Meeting adjourned at 8:31 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Rebecca St. Cyr, Minute Taker

*Agenda is subject to change
**Deadline for Agenda items is 12:00 noon on the Friday before scheduled business meeting (by vote of Board of

Selectmen at 7/11/2005 meeting). This deadline may be amended by the Board of Selectmen at will (by vote of Board of

Selectmen at 06/17/2024 meeting).
***This Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer***