Selectmen's Update: August 30, 2023
Selectmen’s Update – August 30, 2023
In the regular meeting, the Selectmen reviewed proposals for architectural services associated with renovation/rebuilding of the Police Station. The proposed timeline for building replacement is still to be determined, however architectural plans will allow the Committee/Board of Selectmen to move toward an RFP process for construction services that will provide the Town a better understanding of projected costs. The Board received three proposals for architectural services and agreed to award the project to Alba Architects LLP of Woodstock, New Hampshire as the lowest cost bid. Alba also has relevant experience working on projects that include public safety buildings.
The Board reviewed and approved/signed several items: AP and payroll manifests; department of revenue forms; a timber tax warrant and a grant agreement with the Rural Utilities Service and NH Electric Cooperative for the previously awarded Congressionally Directed Spending award.
The Board also reviewed and approved a letter to send to all property owners with campers visible from the roadway as a reminder of the Town’s limited allowable uses for campers. As a reminder, our Zoning Ordinance can be found here.
The Board signed additional letters corresponding with property owners out of compliance with the Zoning Ordinance.
The Board approved an updated proposal from NHAV for audio and video improvements to the downstairs meeting room at Town Hall.
The Board agreed to participate in quarterly regional Selectboard meetings focused on public services cost savings/sharing.
The Board will be requesting further information from Eversource regarding status updates for their B112 corridor project underway. As of their latest communication, Eversource is seeking to access a small portion of the Sandwich Notch in the coming winter for their project.
The first Budget Advisory Committee meeting of the 2024 budget season will be held Monday, September 18th at 4 PM.
In the public hearing portion of the Board’s meeting, the Board heard from members of the public, the Fire Chief and other Fire Department members regarding the Town’s proposal for Special Town Meeting to authorize purchase of a replacement fire engine for Engine #2 (model year 2005). The proposed fire engine for purchase became available as a rejected order from a Massachusetts town and will save the town an estimated $200,000 in comparison to projected costs for a 2025 fire engine order. The engine dealer has committed to holding the vehicle for Sandwich’s purchase pending approval at the special meeting. If you have questions regarding the meeting or proposed purchase, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Selectmen’s Office.
The Town received approval from Superior Court on Friday, August 25th to hold the special town meeting. Special Town Meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 26th at 6 PM at the Sandwich Central School.
The Board agreed to reconvene on Tuesday, September 5th at 4 PM only to sign documents, including the proposed warrant and budget documentation for Special Town Meeting. The next regular Selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 11th. The Board’s September 11th meeting will include attendance from representatives of the US Forest Service to discuss the Forest Service’s Vegetation Management Plan.
As a reminder, Town offices are closed Monday, September 4th in observance of Labor Day. As always, please reach out to the Selectmen’s Office with any questions.
Board of Selectmen