Selectboard Minutes
TOWN OF ANTRIM
Select Board Meeting Minutes
Monday, February 24, 2020
7:00 pm Town Hall
Board Members Present: John Robertson, Chairman; Michael Genest, Selectman, Robert L. Edwards, Selectman
Staff Present: Donna Hanson, Town Administrator
Others Present: Joan Gorga, Gregg Lake Watershed Management Committee
Agenda Items:
1. Public Hearing Lowering of Gregg Lake
Mr. Robertson opened the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Hanson read the public notice. Ms. Gorga gave a brief overview on why the Gregg Lake Watershed Management Committee feels it is necessary to lower the water level at Gregg Lake. She said there is severe erosion around the lake. Ms. Hanson said there were 9 letters received. Five were in favor of lowering the lake and 4 were not in favor. Mr. Genest is concerned with how shallow it is near the boat ramp. Mr. Edwards asked if there was a mitigation plan that addresses the concerns of lowering the lake. Ms. Gorga said most of the concerns were not new to them because the committee has already gone over all of the concerns in detail. Ms. Gorga said they consulted with Fish & Game and they feel keeping the lake at a constant level is easier on the wildlife. Mr. Edwards asked if Fish & Game response was available in writing for all to see. She said some of their response on the lake level was by telephone. Mr. Edwards wants to make sure that all the ramifications are addressed before lowering the lake. There was much discussion on how best to fix the problems at Gregg Lake. Mr. Robertson suggested continuing the hearing in order to gather more information on the effects of lowering the lake level. Mr. Genest would like to see something in writing from Fish & Game. Mr. Edwards moved to continue the public hearing to March 9, 2020. Mr. Genest suggested we continue it to after Town Meeting in order to have time to do more research. Mr. Edwards changed the motion to continue the public hearing to March 23rd. Mr. Genest seconded. Passed 3/0
2. Approval of Minutes – Public
Mr. Edwards moved to accept the meeting minutes of February 10, 2020. Mr. Genest seconded. Passed 3/0
3. Appeals
There was discussion regarding the appeals to the Board of Tax and Land Appeals (BTLA) for the 2018 abatements. Mr. Genest moved to keep the 2018 values as the assessor has recommended but ask owners to file for a 2019 abatement if they wish. Mr. Edwards seconded. Passed 3/0.
4. All Veterans Tax Credit
Mr. Edwards moved to approve the All Veterans Tax Credit. Mr. Genest seconded. Passed 3/0
5. Elderly Tax Exemption
Mr. Edwards moved to approve the Elderly Tax Exemption after Ms. Hanson checks the assets aren’t more than $75,000. Mr. Genest seconded. Passed 3/0
6. Update on Meetings Attended
Mr. Robertson attended the Planning Board meeting. Minutes can be found here.
Mr. Robertson attended candidate’s night. There was a lot of discussion about education funding.
7. Town Administrator Update
Ms. Hanson asked if the Select Board wanted to write a letter to the editor of the Monadnock Ledger Transcript regarding the petition warrant article on the school ballot. It was agreed to write a letter to the editor opposing the article.
We received a letter from Teri Hardwick’s attorney asking for the Select Board to take over the maintenance of Mulhall Farm subdivision roads. The Select Board will reply to the attorney.
Ms. Hanson discussed the letter received from Antrim Elementary School children thanking the town hall staff and elected officials for the work they do.
8. Adjournment
Mr. Edwards moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 PM; Mr. Genest seconded. Passed 3/0
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Hanson, Town Administrator