The selectmen met on Wednesday in the Planning Board Room. Kathy Vizard was not able to attend the meeting. Only two selectmen were there as Cathy Ryan was ill. Still work was done. Joe Ferris led the meeting as vice-chair of the board.
Rick Hiland reported on two meeting he attended. The first was the Albany meeting of all town boards. He was happy to report that the meeting was well attended and the participation was good. Among the ideas developed was to have this type of meeting twice a year. The selectmen voted that the combined boards should meet in February before Town Meeting and again in May. Rick was disturbed that there didn’t appear to be a great deal of interest for these boards to hold training and education sessions as to their duties and current statutes. It appears that the Zoning Board of Adjustment has not met in a long time. According to Rick, all boards must meet at least once a year by state law. It also appears that the Conservation Committee needs to update their officers. Rick learned that training for boards can be obtained through a variety of groups: for Zoning Board it’s NHMA, NH OEP, NCC; for the Conservation Committee it’s NHMA, NH OEP, NCC. The School Board and the Planning Board have been meeting regularly.
Rick also attended a training session at the County Administration Building held by the NH Municipal Association. Those attending were reminded that Select Boards can only act as a board not individually; local municipalities receive their power and duties from the state via NH Statutes not home rule. Much of the meeting revolved around the Right To Know Law. He also learned about some of the duties of the Conservation Commission: planning for proper utilization and protection of the natural resources and the protection of watershed resources, keeping an index of all marshlands, swamps and other wetlands within the town as well as open space and natural, aesthetic or ecological areas within town, keeping accurate records of its meetings and actions and filing an annual report to be printed in the Town Report. Rick learned at this meeting that due to the federal ruling regarding overtime pay, a Webinar is in the planning for this summer. Lastly, he praised Kathy Vizard’s knowledge of the lien procedures. From what he learned, she was right on top of the program.
The selectmen discussed Bob Mathieu’s quote for new safety doors that Chief Solomon said were necessary for the public meeting room. They will put out an RFP for other quotes before doing anything further.
There was also discussion of having the selectmen meet with the assessor to set the tax rate earlier than has been done since the town will likely have to use TAN monies this year. This will help reduce the interest paid on the TANs.
Sara Knox suggested that the town train a deputy treasurer to learn the job and help Mary Leavitt.
Waldorf School: Don’t forget to stop by the yard sale on Saturday at the bottom of their driveway (Ambix parking lot) from 8 a.m to 2 p.m. This is a fundraiser for the 4/5 grade.
Gibson Center: Join the Strength, Balance and Stretch Group at 10 a.m. Friday. Call 356-3231 to set up a half hour computer lesson on Tuesday with Judy, a retired educator. Bring your computer and/or device if they are mobile. On Wednesday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. there’s a Care for the Caregiver meeting. Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Pat Davis will play ballroom dance music for your dancing enjoyment.
Library: Mountain View Knitters meet at 10 a.m. on Monday. At 5 p.m. there’s Adult Spanish instruction. On Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. it’s Story Time for Twos and on Wednesday it’s Story Time for Wee Ones. At 6 p.m. there’s a plant swap. On Thursday at 10:30 a.m. it’s Story Time for Threes and Fours. At 1p.m. Pam Katz teaches Tai Chi. At 4 p.m. join the Family Garden Club.
UNH Extension: If you have a gardening question a Master Gardener may have your answer. You can call 877-398-4769 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday with your question. Eight year old and older youngsters with dogs they love can join the 4-H Dog SPIN Program. This is a five week session of fun learning and bonding of child and dog. The first session is June 23, 30, July 14, 21, and 28 and the second is August 4,11,18, 25 and September 1. Both are held at the Sandwich Fairgrounds from 6-7 p.m. Contact Amanda Royce (447-3834) for further information or to register.
Josh Knox and wife, Melanie Brown spent Memorial Day with Steve and Sara Knox enjoying the lovely Swift River among other things.
Some Albany people were among those Memorial Hospital volunteers who were recognized at the annual luncheon and received pins for their work at the hospital: Dick VanDyne, 800 hour pin, Shirley VanDyne, 1000 hour pin and Carol Munroe, 1800 hour pin. Thanks to you all.
Happy belated birthday to Stan Solomon who celebrated his day on May 31.
We know it’s almost summer because the Lady Slippers are out. Hope you get out too and enjoy this lovely time of the year. Have a great week!