NOTES OF JULY 13, 2015 RYE BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

Final Revision B – Provided by the Rye Civic League

 

            Present (clockwise around table):  Town Administrator Michael Magnant, Selectmen Musselman, Jenness and Mills.

            Not present:  Town Finance Director Cyndi Gillespie.

            Also present and sitting in the audience:  Public Works Director Dennis McCarthy, Interim Fire Chief Tom Lambert, Police Chief Kevin Walsh.

Persons present from the public included: Lori Carbajal, Randy Crapo, Peter Crawford, Frank McDermott.

 

Editor’s note:  For ease in finding particular sections using the archived video and audio on the Town website, the elapsed time is indicated.  Use the slider and the elapsed time indicated at the bottom of the video window to fast forward to the desired section.  Videos on the Town website may currently be accessed at www.town.rye.nh.us by clicking on “Town Hall Streaming” at the bottom left of the screen.  Follow the link for “Town Hall Live Streaming,” then find the meeting by date under “Previous.”

The video starts at 6:32:01 p.m. (0:00 elapsed).  The audio is off until 6:36:12 p.m.

 

Summary

 

1.      Donations to the Heritage Commission for Town Hall were accepted.  The Selectmen questioned the authority of the Heritage Commission to expend funds without their approval.

2.      A public hearing will be scheduled on a grant aimed at reestablishing Rye as a participant in the FEMA Community Rating System.  That would allow residents to receive at least five percent reductions in their flood insurance rates.

3.      A beach use permit allowing the Rye General Store to offer eight paddle boards for rental was approved.

4.      A request by two residents to relocate a no parking sign at Cable Rd. and Ocean Blvd. backfires.  The town will instead request that the State remove trees that interfere with sight distances.

5.      The reasons for the Town Hall warrant article having failed to pass were discussed.  Selectman Jenness notes that it “is scary” that a number of absolutely essential warrant articles barely passed.

 

Reconvening of meeting

 

            Selectman Jenness noted that the meeting was being reconvened following the site walk at 12 and 18 Perkins Rd.  Editor’s note:  The video of the site walk is available at https://vimeo.com/133452796.  Separate notes are provided for this site walk.

 

Appointments (5:25 elapsed)

 

            Randy Crapo and Russ Bookholtz were unanimously appointed to the CIP Committee.  Selectman Jenness stated that these appointments are for an unlimited term.  Selectman Mills asked Mr. Bookholtz whether he had been writing letters to the editor.  Mr. Bookholtz responded that it had not been him.

            Selectman Jenness stated that they had a request for an appointment of Alex Herlihy to the Heritage Commission for a one year term.  This was accompanied by a letter recommending him from Mae Bradshaw.  Selectman Musselman moved to approve the appointment.  After a comment by Selectman Mills, it was confirmed that the appointment was for a partial year, through April 1, 2016.  Selectman Mills stated that he would not second the motion, so Selectman Jenness did so.  Selectman Mills made an assertion that Mr. Herlihy had been noted for having an illegal apartment for over 10 years and has not yet made an application to the Zoning Board of Adjustment to get the apartment legalized.  Persons serving on boards in the State should comply with all of the rules and regulations of the town.  He stated that he would be voting against Mr. Herlihy as he was “against the Town.”  Selectman Jenness stated that she had been informed that the application was in process.  The vote was 2-1 in favor of appointing Mr. Herlihy.

 

Consent Agenda (8:19 elapsed)

 

            The Consent Agenda was unanimously approved after item (a) was removed by Selectman Jenness.     

            Selectman Jenness asked whether item (a) hadn’t been approved at the prior meeting.  Editor’s note:  Item (a) is the America by Bicycle Cross Country Challenge, July 21, 2015.  Police Chief Kevin Walsh stated that there are two dates.  The second is August 3, which is item (b).  It was confirmed by Chief Walsh that both items are on the agenda, and August 3 had just been approved so they are “all set.”

 

Public Hearing on Heritage Commission donations for Town Hall (10:02 elapsed)

 

            Town Administrator Michael Magnant stated that the Town Attorney had advised that the need for a public hearing had been triggered due to the value of the donations which had accumulated. 

            Selectman Musselman asked about the approval process when the Heritage Commission goes to spend the funds.  The money is dedicated to the Town Hall, he understands.  He asked whether the Heritage Commission is of a mind that, since they have money, they can vote to do something at Town Hall.  Mr. Magnant stated that he would have to review the minutes of the meeting at which the Board of Selectmen had approved the donations as they came in.  Selectman Jenness stated that the RSA would need to be checked as well, however, if the contributions were dedicated for use on Town Hall they would have to be expended for that purpose. 

            Randy Crapo stated that there had been discussions with the Heritage Commission at the Budget Committee.  Those discussions were always that any spending went to the Board of Selectmen.  Editor’s note:  Mr. Crapo is the representative to the Budget Committee from the Jenness Beach Village District.  Selectman Musselman stated that he believed that that was the case.  There is a difference between hiring a consultant and “doing something.”  The Heritage Commission had discussed “doing something” to the windows.  The Board of Selectmen needs to approve that, he said. 

            Mr. Magnant added “in the end, this is your property.”  Editor’s note:  The Town Hall belongs to the Town, not the Board of Selectmen, who have the authority to manage real property owned by the town.  N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. (“RSA”) 41:11-a, I.  There are exceptions relating to the Town Forest, Recreation and Conservation properties and the Library.  Also, the Town, by vote of a Town Meeting, may strip the power of the Board of Selectmen to manage town properties and delegate their management and regulation to other public officers.  Id.

Selectman Musselman stated that they do not want a backhoe hired by the Heritage Commission to show up one day behind the building to do whatever it is that they have decided to do, without Mr. Magnant knowing about it and the Board of Selectmen having approved. 

Peter Crawford, 171 Brackett Rd., stated that he believes that there is an RSA on the issue and that it is too bad that Mae Bradshaw is not present.  Editor’s note:  Ms. Bradshaw is Chairman of the Heritage Commission.  There is some authority for them to expend funds, he said.  Selectman Jenness agreed, stating that they have considerable authority.  Editor’s note:  See RSA 674:44-b, I(h), giving the Heritage Commission the authority to manage and control gifts of money and property, and RSA 674-d, II, permitting the Town Treasurer to disburse moneys from the Heritage Fund only upon order of the Heritage Commission.  Selectman Jenness is the Selectmen’s Representative on the Heritage Commission.  Mr. Crawford stated that expenditures are not necessarily subject to approval by the Board of Selectmen.  Selectman Musselman noted the authority of the Board of Selectmen to manage the building.  Selectman Jenness stated that the issue needs to be clarified in writing for everyone. 

Selectman Musselman moved to accept funds for the Heritage Commission in the amount of $10,000, subject to expenditure guidelines to be provided by the Town to the Heritage Commission.  Selectman Mills seconded.  All were in favor.

 

Minutes (14:35 elapsed)

 

            The minutes of June 5 were unanimously approved without changes.  The minutes of the non-public session of the same day were unanimously approved without changes.  The minutes of June 22 were unanimously approved with a change by Selectmen Jenness.  The minutes of the two non-public sessions of the same day were unanimously approved without changes.  The minutes of the meeting of June 30 were unanimously approved without changes.  The minutes of the non-public session of the same day were unanimously approved without changes.

 

Grant from Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (16:28 elapsed)

 

            Planning Administrator Kim Reed stated that the proposal relates to the Community Rating System.  The Board of Selectmen had authorized her and Mike Magnant to proceed with seeking to return to the Community Rating System.  Editor’s note:  Property owners in communities that are part of this system may be eligible for reductions in their flood insurance.  Ms. Reed continued, stating that the process had been changed significantly since the Town was a member in 2005.  Ms. Reed stated that she had asked Julie LaBranche of the Rockingham Planning Commission whether she would be willing to assist the Town as a consultant to go through the checklist to see what is needed to get the Town back in the system. 

            Ms. Reed stated that a public hearing would be needed to accept the grant funds.

            Selectman Musselman asked about the $2000 in cash matches.  Ms. Reed stated that the money could come out of the Planning Board’s line item for consulting fees, which is technically used for Attorney Donovan, but could be used for this.  It would thus not need to come from the Selectmen or the General Fund, she said.  Editor’s note:  Nevertheless, the Planning Board’s budget is part of the General Fund and the money would come from Rye taxpayers.

            In response to a question from Selectman Jenness, Ms. Reed stated that the Community Rating System is separate from the FEMA mapping, which is as of a particular date and based on the past history at that location.  The Community Rating System is for towns that want to go beyond the flood plain ordinance.  It provides a minimum five percent discount, and possibly more, for residents.  Selectman Jenness again asked about the maps.  Ms. Reed stated that the Community Rating System is nationwide and has nothing to do with the maps.  The Town was in that program from 2005-2009.  The Town used to get points for not having dams, but there are not a lot of dams in New Hampshire, so it has become harder to accumulate the necessary points, Ms. Reed said. 

            Selectman Musselman asked about the status of the appeal.  Editor’s note:  This is an apparent reference to a resident who had challenged the categorization of his property on a recently-updated FEMA flood plain map.  Mr. Magnant stated that it has been very active, but has not yet been decided.  FEMA has asked for more data.  Mr. Magnant stated that this was the only appeal from New Hampshire, which has been holding things up for the entire area. 

            Selectman Musselman stated that a lot of progress had been made in recent years on FEMA issues, the Town having dug itself out of a deep hole.  Editor’s note:  A number of properties in Town were not compliant, and remediation was needed by residents, such as filling basements with gravel to prevent flood damage.

            The consensus was that the matter would be scheduled for a public hearing.

 

Hiring of Jessica Doucette as Police Administrative Assistant (6:57:50 elapsed)

 

            Police Chief Kevin Walsh stated that the Board had previously met the candidate.  He wanted to make sure that they were still on board with hiring her.  The motion to approve her hiring, effective July 22, carried unanimously.

 

Beach permit for Rye General Store (27:25 elapsed)

 

            Chief Walsh stated that Mark, the applicant, was present.  He passed out a color-coded chart indicating the permits that had been approved so far.  The permit is for the rental of eight paddleboards, he said. 

            Randy Crapo asked Selectman Mills for a point of order.  He stated that requiring him to get a permit is a stretch as the regulation applies to activity at the beach.  Editor’s note:  This is incorrect.  2013 Warrant Article 23, which passed 924-783, requires that a permit be obtained from the Board of Selectmen prior to the rental by “any entity” of designated “beach equipment.”  That equipment is defined as “surfboards, paddle boards, kayaks and other equipment as designated by the Board of Selectmen.”  Mr. Crapo stated that there is no group on the beach, which is what the regulation is for. 

            The applicant confirmed that there would be no groups on the beach.  Selectman Musselman stated that there is a misunderstanding as two other permits have been issued for people doing exactly the same thing.  The applicant stated that the other businesses do lessons but the Rye General Store will be doing only rentals. 

            Selectman Jenness asked about the impact on parking at the General Store.  Powers Ave. continually has problems with deliveries, she said.  Chief Walsh stated that the employee would bring the board to the customer’s vehicle in the General Store parking lot.  Chief Walsh stated that “Peter and Kim” had gone to look at the facility and where the equipment would be stored.  Editor’s note:  This is an apparent reference to Building Inspector Peter Rowell and Planning Administrator Kim Reed.

            Selectman Musselman stated that they would need to look at the ordinance.  The issue is not that they are teaching people, but that they are gaining access to the beach as a commercial venture.  He does not recall that distinction in the ordinance.  The other businesses are renting more than providing lessons.  If they decide that no permit need be issued, there will be rental places all over the place.  What the Selectmen set out to do with the ordinance would not be accomplished.

            Chief Walsh stated that Summer Sessions was currently the largest business, followed by the Surf Shack and then Wes’s business.  Editor’s note:  See the notes of the May 11, 2015 meeting at which a permit was issued to “Wes.”  Chief Walsh added that he does not believe that the Rye General Store group has knowledge as to the safety issues and proper use of the equipment. 

            Mark stated that there would be a handout stating the rules and conduct of paddle board rental, including the use of leashes, being outside of the surf zone as much as possible, and being aware of swimmers and others in the water.  The paddle boards will be valeted from the back room to the parking lot, or to the front door if the renter is just going to go across the street. 

            Selectman Musselman asked about the January to December months of effectiveness.  Mark stated that those are the months that the store is open.

            There was discussion about the U.S. Coast Guard recommending the use of life vests outside of the surf zone.  

            Selectman Mills stated that Randy had brought up an important point as there was not going to be any instruction.  They would be controlling paddle boards that may be going to Hampton Beach or the Piscataqua River in Portsmouth and it’s none of their business.  Selectman Musselman said that it is if they have the option of launching at Jenness Beach. 

            Mr. Crapo stated that Pioneers on Route 1 is not coming before them, and may rent boards that will be brought to Rye.  Selectman Musselman stated that he does not believe that the ordinance makes that distinction.

            Lori Carbajal, 18 Tower Ave., Rye Beach Committee, indicated that she could rent 100 paddleboards out of her garage and put them in at “E” St.  The problem is that the board is long and weighs 16-20 pounds and ingress and egress is a problem.  They are very hard to control.  She asked whether the restaurant’s business liability insurance would cover the rentals. 

            Mark indicated that they had submitted a policy dealing with this issue.  He provided assurance in response to a question from Selectman Musselman that renters would be required to sign the Town’s release form. 

            Mr. Crapo stated that catamarans used to be launched from Town beaches.  Ms. Carbajal noted that there is an ordinance which prohibits that.  Editor’s note:  See paragraph 12 of the Beach Ordinance.  Mr. Crapo stated that that would not apply to beachfront property owners.  Editor’s note:  These are known as “riparian rights” or “littoral rights.”  Pursuant to RSA 483-C:1, towns may make reasonable ordinances relative to the use of public trust coastal shorelands, which extend seaward from the high water mark.  The public has a right to use public trust shorelands below the high water mark.  However, those rights are “subject to those littoral rights recognized at common law.”  Furthermore, while that statute attempted to redefine the high water mark so that it would extend to the highest point in the 19-year tidal cycle, the New Hampshire Supreme Court determined that extending the high water mark beyond the customary mean high tide level constituted an unconstitutional taking.  Purdie v. Attorney General, 143 N.H. 661 (1999).

            Ms. Carbajal stated that the Beach Committee would be proposing the implementation of restrictions on areas where stand-up paddleboards can and cannot be used.  Those renting from the Rye General Store will be going across the street to “E” St., not Hampton. 

            There was then discussion about whether Dave Cropper of Cinnamon Rainbows in Hampton refuses to rent paddle boards due to liability issues, or because he does not want the paddle board renters to interfere with surfers. 

            Ms. Carbajal reiterated that there is a safety issue.  Rentals cannot be controlled, but where there the paddle boards may be used can be. 

            Robin Wehbe, 20 Spruce Ave., stated that he had been surfing these waters for a number of years.  He is sympathetic to what the Beach Committee has gone through.  There are too many boards on the beach without any instruction.  He applauds the beach use ordinance.  The Rye General Store is proposing rentals, not groups on the beach.  He reviewed the ordinance and was surprised to find that there was language relating to the rental of surfboards.  This will be a challenge as it is not possible to identify where the boards come from.  He suggests that a permit be granted, perhaps for more than eight boards as this group is well known and there is very safe crosswalk access to the beach.  Services are an amenity for those coming to the beach, he said.

            Frank McDermott, 30 “F” St., stated that he lives diagonally across the street from the Rye General Store.  At least half of the people on paddleboards are riding the waves, although they also go beyond the surf zone.  It is not an easy thing to do.  The boards are large.  They are a far greater danger to swimmers and surfers because of the size.  It seems like there is one permit after another.  He wondered where this is going to stop.  The beach is becoming more and more crowded, there is no parking, and the crosswalk is not safe, he said. 

            Selectman Jenness stated that the permit will end at the end of the season and an assessment will then need to be done.

            Mr. McDermott stated that he had thought that applications were due during the winter.  Mr. Crapo responded that the applicant had not thought that the regulation applied.  The applicant confirmed, stating that all of the discussions had revolved around groups on the beach. 

            Selectman Musselman noted that there were two businesses at Wallis Sands, one of 25 boards, and the other of eight.  He stated that he does not believe that these are rented all of the time.  Adding eight more boards may just be spreading out the business.  He suggested that the permit be issued for this season.  He stated that he was uncomfortable with winter rentals.  The applicant stated that he did not intend to rent boards at that time.  Mr. Crapo stated that the Rye General Store was the only place that surfers could go to the bathroom during the winter.  Selectman Musselman moved that the permit be issued through October 1, and that it be reassessed after then.

            Chief Walsh passed out a photograph of the Wallis Rd. Extension area at low tide showing the swimmers and the boards provided by the rental companies that were in the water and the distances between the swimmers and the board renters.

            All were in favor of approving the permit.

 

Relocation of no parking sign at Cable Rd. and Ocean Blvd. (51:20 elapsed)

 

            Chief Walsh addressed the issue.  He stated that two residents had requested that the sign be put further back.  The distance is 62-63 feet already.  One of the residents has offered to remove one of his trees blocking the view if the sign were to be removed.  Selectman Jenness asked whether all of the trees were not in the State right of way.  Selectman Musselman asserted that they were.  Chief Walsh stated that that would be his guess, but that he could not be sure without measuring.  Selectman Jenness asked how far the sign would be from the intersection if it were moved 30 feet as requested.  Chief Walsh stated that it would be 90 feet.  He stated that he was not in favor of granting the request.  Selectman Mills stated that the issue of the tree had come up with each beach meeting with Senator Stiles.  He said that, had the tree been trimmed, there would not have been a problem. 

            Selectman Musselman stated that Selectman Mills was taking that position because he wanted the wood.  Selectman Mills disagreed, saying that the tree was not that large.

            Chief Walsh acknowledged that cars need to edge their way out on a busy beach day due to the obstructed view.  However, that is no different from other intersections in the area, he asserted. 

            Selectman Mills stated that there was a telephone pole referenced in the letter.  He suggested that Public Works Director Dennis McCarthy research who owns the pole and who gave them permission to locate the pole there.  Selectman Mills stated that the pole is designated “PSNH 7-53.”  Selectman Mills stated that the result of the research would reveal whether the location is in the State right of way or not.  If they got an easement that is fine. 

            Selectman Mills raised his voice and pointed his finger at Chief Walsh, saying “you and I have locked horns over this for a long time.  Okay.  And I don’t agree with your ideas.”  Chief Walsh responded that he wanted to make it clear that this was not his idea.  He started to refer to the two residents.  Selectman Mills interrupted, saying “No.  Get the tree, the limbs trimmed.  There was an article in the paper ten years ago about a guy who got a ticket because he couldn’t see the sign because of the tree limbs.  Trim the damn tree limbs.”

            Selectmen Jenness and Musselman interjected that it was the State right of way.  Selectman Musselman asked whether a site walk was needed.  Selectman Mills stated that common sense and a visit to the area would reveal that the sign is not visible because of the trees.

            Selectman Musselman asked whether the resident was willing to remove the tree regardless of what the Board of Selectmen decides.  Chief Walsh stated that the offer was contingent upon the Board of Selectmen agreeing to move the sign.

            Selectman Mills stated that he would take care of it the next day.  He pointed his finger at Town Administrator Magnant and instructed him to get in touch with State Senator Nancy Stiles first thing in the morning and Doug DePorter in Durham.  “They’ll be expecting a call from me.  And, if I have to, I’ll go see Governor Hassan,” he said. 

            Selectman Musselman asserted that Mr. DePorter had retired.  Public Works Director confirmed, and further noted that the State had been very responsive to recent letters from the Board of Selectmen.  All of that Rosa Rugosa is gone, he said.  Editor’s note:  See the notes of the May 11, 2015 meeting.  Selectman Jenness stated that she was happy about that.  People who walk or bike along that area are glad not to be scratched up as they traverse the area, she said. 

            Selectman Musselman asked whether they could get the State to take down the tree that the resident is trying to use as leverage.  Selectman Mills stated that he was going to try to have Nancy Stiles do that.  Chief Walsh suggested that he “head things off at the pass” by e-mailing the District Engineer, ask him to take a look at the area and see what he has to say. 

            Selectman Jenness asserted that she believed that they will find that it is a State right of way.  All of the trees need to be limbed up to permit what parking is available there to be used more safely. 

            Selectman Mussselman stated that it appeared that Selectmen Mills and Jenness were in agreement.  He said that they would see if they could get the State to take the trees down.  It was agreed that Chief Walsh would get in touch with the engineer. 

            Public Works Director Dennis McCarthy stated that, if the trees are in the right of way he would recommend their removal.  He added that they’re not supposed to go in the State right of way.  He started laughing and said “I know Joe would like…”  The rest was inaudible due to his chuckling.  Selectman Mills asked “what State?”  Selectman Musselman said “New Hampshire.”

            It was agreed that no motion was needed. 

 

Town Hall survey estimates (61:29 elapsed)

 

            Town Administrator Magnant stated that the Selectmen had asked for a proposal from the UNH Survey Center.  They have that in front of them.  The Town Hall Committee has decided to proceed with the survey.  The proposed cost is $5858.44.  The motion to approve the contract for that amount carried unanimously.  Selectman Musselman stated that the individual was excellent. 

 

Discussion of reasons for Town Hall warrant article having failed to pass

 

            Selectman Mills asked Frank McDermott what the rumor was “on the street” as to why the Town Hall warrant article was turned down.  Mr. McDermott stated that he had heard no discussion about this at all.  There is a civic interest in voting things down in Rye, which he cannot believe given the growth.  He referred to the close vote on the additional police officer.  Editor’s note:  In 2014, Warrant Article 17 to add such an officer failed 839-803.  However, 2015 Warrant Article 9, for the same purpose, passed 762-709.  He personally believes that it needs to be done and it is way beyond due.

            Selectman Mills stated that he had spoken with a number of younger people and the issue was cost.  Mr. McDermott stated that, if one wants to live in a town and keep the property values up, the beaches, schools and the seat of government need to be taken care of.  Selectman Jenness noted that the votes on a number of measures that were absolutely necessary were “way too close.”  There was an across the board push not to vote for anything, which is “a little scary.”

 

John Loftus e-mail volunteering for Town Hall Committee (64:49 elapsed)

 

            Selectman Musselman said that they had already organized and were about to have their third meeting.  His background is excellent but he would suggest that he be invited to attend the meeting as a member of the public. 

            Selectman Mills stated that he did not have a problem adding him as, so far, only the survey had been discussed. 

            It was agreed that Mr. Loftus would be invited to the next meeting of the Town Hall Committee. 

            Mr. McDermott asked whether additional representation from the beach area is needed. 

            Selectman Mills stated that Selectman Mills and Paul Goldman are the only holdovers.  The next door neighbor of Mr. Loftus was on the Committee the prior year.  Mr. McDermott offered to volunteer if there are any openings.  Selectman Mills stated that it might affect his Florida vacation.  Mr. McDermott asked whether he could fly back at town expense.  There was laughter. 

 

E-mail from Katy Sherman re:  Sawyers Beach and Route 1A traffic (68:04 elapsed)

 

            Selectman Jenness stated that she would not read the letter as it was two pages long, however it would be attached to the minutes. 

            Selectman Mills asked about the 20 minute response to a fender bender accident by the Police Department referred to in the e-mail.  If it had been an emergency it would have been five minutes, he asserted.   

 

Letter from Elizabeth Norton regarding a beach sticker (69:24 elapsed)

 

            Selectman Jenness read the letter, which stated that Ms. Norton had resided in Rye for 32 years at 901 Ocean Blvd.  It states that her husband passed away in October.  On June 26, she had gone to pay her taxes and remove her husband’s name from the “deed” and obtain a beach sticker, however the sticker was denied as she does not have a license.  She does not own a car and her daughter provides transportation.  She requests a sticker to be affixed to her daughter’s car.

            Selectman Mills moved to approve, stating that this had been done before for incapacitated residents so that they can park and look at the ocean.  The motion to approve the permit carried unanimously.

 

Changes to meeting dates (71:09 elapsed)

 

            Selectman Jenness noted that Selectman Musselman had some conflicts preventing attendance at two Board of Selectmen meetings.  It was agreed that the meetings would be July 23, August 10 as currently scheduled, and August 26. 

 

Discussion of impact of fireworks ordinance (74:29 elapsed)

 

            Selectman Musselman asked whether fireworks usage had been down due to the new fireworks ordinance.  Chief Walsh stated that it was, but that he believed that the reduction was due to the weather.  The day was a prime beach day, but the weather cooled in the evening and people left.

            Randy Crapo stated that there were chemical lights but the other fireworks were very limited. 

            Selectman Musselman stated that South Berwick had encountered significant public opposition.

            Interim Fire Chief Tom Lambert noted that there were a number of inquiries prior to the holidays, but people were accepting once the new ordinance had been explained to them.  There is some knowledge out there, he said. 

            Randy Crapo stated that a lot of people had probably already purchased their fireworks prior to the signs going up, which is probably why they had called.   

 

Response time to accident referred to by Katy Sherman (78:20 elapsed)

 

            Chief Walsh stated that he had had the logs checked, and the response time to the accident referred to in Ms. Sherman’s letter was 13 minutes.  Selectman Mills questioned the routing of ambulances in the area.  Interim Fire Chief Lambert stated that he would look into the matter. 

            Randy Crapo stated that town residents use Big Rock Rd. as the alternative to Route 1A.  Editor’s note:  Mr. Crapo lives on Big Rock Rd. 

 

Adjournment (80:55 elapsed)

 

            The motion to adjourn carried unanimously.