Selectman Michael J. Hayward, Sr. called the regular session of the Selectmen's meeting to order on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 at 7:04 p.m. The meeting was held in the Town Office, located at 34 Dunbar Hill Road, Grantham, NH.

Chairman Michael J. Hayward, Sr.

Selectman Constance Jones

Selectman William Hutchins

Town Administrator Tina Stearns

Road Agent Joe Newcomb

Asst. Road Agent Jeff Hastings

Building Permits - Approved

For Approval / Signature – Approved

Motion made by Selectman Jones to approve the regular meeting minutes of October 23, 2002 and the special meeting minutes of November 6, 2002; motion seconded by Selectman Hutchins. Unanimously approved.

Sugarwood Lane Property Owners: Present were Daniel & Karen Foster, Joseph Clark, Chris Paquette, Tom Nagy, Merle Schotanus, Michael & Audrey Walker.

The property owners on Sugarwood Lane have petitioned the Board of Selectmen to accept their private road as a Class V road; which would be town maintained.

J. Newcomb gave his thoughts as Road Agent on the road. It appears to be well laid out with adequate drainage. The road should be inspected by an engineer to determine the material contained and the condition of culverts, etc. His major concern is where Sugarwood Lane pitches into Dunbar Hill Road and feels that section should be paved to avoid erosion.

M. Schotanus gave a history of Sugarwood Lane and provided plans and documentation. He stated that the Board of Selectmen accepted the road in 1990. The construction began in July 1987 and every stage of construction was overseen by the engineering firm of Dubois & King. Merle stated that the road was over-engineered, over-designed and over-built. The subdivision regulations at that time required the road be 16 feet wide and was built 22 feet wide with a 24" sub-base. The cul-de-sac received a waiver from the Fire Department to be a 90 foot radius which is under the requirement at that time.

J. Newcomb informed that should the town take the road over there needs to be a drainage easement on all culverts and within the cul-de-sac to allow the town the right to maintain. The engineer needs to verify the quality of the road before it’s taken over to determine the adequacy.

J. Clark questioned who would be responsible for paving the entrance from Dunbar Hill Road if that is required. J. Newcomb responded that it would be the property owners on Sugarwood Lane if the engineer determined it necessary.

M. Schotanus stated that the recommendation was originally made as to a negative grade to prevent erosion but during construction it was done at a more shallow grade than required. After inspection, Dubois & King waived the requirement of the negative grade.

Chairman Hayward read from the letter from the Board of Selectmen in 1990 provided by M. Schotanus which stated, "We are not making any commitments concerning the possibility of the Town accepting the roads in the future, only that the roads are meeting the present requirements." The Fire Department needs to be able to maneuver within the cul-de-sac and an engineer should look at the road and cul-de-sac to address the issues. An engineer needs to be retained at the expense of the property owners, have the results brought back to the Board of Selectmen and then the road will be brought to a vote at Town Meeting.

Highway Department – The Board of Selectmen reviewed the Highway Department’s budget with J. Newcomb & J. Hastings.

Paving was discussed and prices given for paving Walker Road and New Aldrich Road. Chairman Hayward questioned what the cost was per mile for paving. J. Newcomb responded the cost is approximately $55,000 per mile.

Prices were obtained to replace the International plow truck - ~$90,000 fully outfitted. There was discussion regarding trading in the truck or selling it outright. J. Newcomb doesn’t have a preference either way but does not want to be left without a truck. Chairman Hayward questioned what was being done with the Ford one-ton truck. J. Hastings responded that they would like to hold on to the one-ton; it has become the truck of convenience. It can be utilized in a pinch and is handy for the custodian to use for large jobs.

The Board of Selectmen had no concerns with the budget received and will look at the monies in capital reserve to determine the best route for replacing the plow truck.

Fire Department – A letter was received from Chief Seavey regarding the condition of private bridges within town and having fire apparatus crossing over them. The Board of Selectmen agreed that this is an issue for the Fire Department to handle by sending a letter to the property owners. Administrator Stearns to inform Chief Seavey of the steps needed.

Butternut Pond Road – The certified letter was received by the Hastings and they are disputing the classification of the road. Documentation has been received from NH DOT stating that the road is a Class VI town road; the Hastings state that it is a private road. Mr. Hastings informed Administrator Stearns that he has court documents verifying it as a private road and will provide copies. The Board of Selectmen agreed that they cannot override a State of New Hampshire decision and the issue of classification is between the Hastings and the State of NH. In the meanwhile, if the road is blocked it will be cleared to allow passage.

Ball Field – A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 27^th at the Town Hall beginning at 3:30 p.m. to discuss the ball field. Bob MacNeil & Ken Ryder will be present in addition to a representative from the Sullivan County Economic Development and committee members.

Police Department Facility – Chairman Hayward stated that before an architect can be retained the Board needs to have the site plan from Bruno Associates. Administrator Stearns apologized for not having contacted Dan Nash prior to this meeting to get the status.

On a motion by Selectman Jones, seconded by Selectman Hutchins the Board voted unanimously, by poll, to adjourn at 7:54 p.m. into non-public session under the terms of RSA 91:A:3 Para. 11(a) to discuss a zoning issue. Selectmen returned to regular session at 8:45 p.m. with no action to be voted on.

There being no further business, Selectman Hutchins moved to adjourn, seconded by Selectman Jones; the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. There will be a regular Selectmen’s Meeting on Wednesday, November 27^th at 3:30 p.m. at the Town Hall

Respectfully submitted,