The Select Board voted unanimously to approve $151,906.73 in additional highway block grant funds, which were given to the town after the approval of senate bill 38.
No plans for the funds were discussed, but Selectman Robert Hamilton did say he had asked DPW Director Mike Cloutier about using the funds for the Wellington Road bridge.
“I thought it would be good to get [the project] off the table,” said Hamilton.
Selectwoman Roberta Oeser said the project wouldn’t work out, as it is scheduled for state funding in 2020. At that point, up to 80-percent of the project could be funded by state funds.
The money was part of $30 million given to all cities and towns in New Hampshire.
Selectmen approved an alteration of the town’s camper permit, adding language about the permit seeker needing proper sanitary facilities, to comply with zoning ordinances, and to notify to all abutters. A signature line for the board was also added.
The board elected to not give back a $5,000 deposit to Brenda Seppala, who recently attempted to purchase a Rand Road property from the town during an auction of town-owned land.
Half of the deposit was owed to James R. St. Jean Auctioneers – the company that conducted the auction – with the selectmen deciding to have the town keep the other half to preserve the integrity of the auction.
“We ask for a deposit to ensure prospective buyers are serious,” said board chair Jim Qualey.
The board also announced that St. Jean will be contributing $5,000 for legal fees associated with a property sold on Cromwell Court.
Town Administrator Joe Byk said St. Jeans was not contractually obligated to give the town anything, adding that legal fees were estimated at $6,500.
Byk also updated the board on the search for a new executive secretary, saying the town has received four applications.
A discussion ensued about adding the duties of a zoning board clerk – another open position in town – but no decisions were made, other than having the board look more into it.
The board approved four camper permits: three for Tim Dunne and one for Claudia Stewart.