1995 ANNUAL REPORT
PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
CHARLESTOWN FIREDERARTMENT "^SAMBULANCE
ik'
of the TOWN OF CHARLESTOWN NEW HAMPSHIRE DEDICATION
The Town of Charlestown would like to dedicate this Town Report to longtime
Fire Chief Robert "Mike" Bums. Chief Bums joined the Fire Department on July 7,
1949 and became its chief in 1955. He was still serving as chief when he passed away on
August 4, 1995. Chief Bums also served several years as Director of the Southwestern New Hampshire Fire Mutual Aid System. He was a founding member of the Connecticut Valley Fire Mutual Aid System. Another of Mike's many accomplishments was serving for thirty-eight years on the Executive Board of the New Hampshire Firearms Association. Chief Bums' leadership has produced one of the finest Fire Departments anywhere around, and the Town of Charlestowoi can be most proud of this fact. Mike also had many other interests, involving the Town. He was instmmental in the Christmas Tree Lighting program over the years and helped vwth many other committees and projects. Chief Bums was also an active member of the Elks Lodge of Bellows Falls, Vermont. Mike Bums will be missed very much by the citizens of this community for many years to come, and will be thought of often, especially by the members of his Fire Department.
(Cover photo courtesy of Wayne Carter) ANNUAL REPORTS
of the Selectmen
and
Other Town Officers
CHARLESTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE
For the Year Ending December 31, 1995
PLEASE BRING THIS ANNUAL REPORT WITH YOU TO TOWN MEETING, ON TUESDA Y, MARCH 12, 1996 Digitized by tine Internet Archive
in 2009 witii funding from Boston Library Consortium IVIember Libraries
littp://www.archive.org/details/annualreportofto1995cliar rHARIFSTOWN ANNUAL REPORT TABIFOFCONTKNTS
Cover Inset Dedication Facing Page Town Logo
Table of Contents 1 Municipal Office Hours 3 List of Town Officers 4 Copy of 1996 Annual Meeting Warrant 7 1995 Summary Inventory 13 Selectmen'sAVater/Sewer Commissioner's Report 14 Town Budget 16 Water Department Report 21 Sewer Department Report 23 Town Meeting 1995 25 Dept. of Revenue Administration 1995 Tax Rate 33 Comparative Statement 34 General Fund Balance Sheet 36 Statement of Debt 37 Schedule of Town Property 38 Report of the Town Clerk 40 Tax Collector's Report 41 Independent Auditor's Report 43 Property and Water/Sewer Abatements 44 Treasurer's Report 45 Detailed Statement of Payments 50 Report of Trustees of Trust Funds 60 Tax Exempt Properties 65 Library Treasurer's Report 66 Report of the Librarian 68 Report of Trustees of Silsby Free Library 70 Report of the Police Department 71 Report of Community Youth Advocates, Inc 72 Report of the Conservation Commission 73 Report of CEDA/Tourism 74 Report of the Planning Board 76 Report of Sullivan County Economic Developmt. Council 77
Report of Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Reg. PI. Comm : . . 78 Report of the Finance Committee 79 Report of Home Health Care & Community Servs, Inc 80 Report of Sullivan County Nutrition 81 Report of the Director of Health & Human Services 82 Report of Sullivan County Hospice 83 Report of the Ambulance Service 84 Report of the Medical Building Association 85 Report of Meeting Waters YMCA 85 Report of the Fire Department 86 Report of the Forest Fire Warden 87 Report of the Reaeation Committee 88 Report of the Old Home Day Committee 90 Report of the Cemetery Trustees 92 Vital Statistics 93 1
OFFICIAL OFFICE HOURS
SELECTMEN'S OFFICE
Weekdays: 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., except holidays. Tel. 826-4400, Fax 826-5181
SELECTMEN MEET - Community Room, First and third Wednesdays, 7:00 P.M. TOWN CLERK
Monday: 8:00 A.M. to 1 :00 P.M. and 1 :30 to 6:00 P.M. Tel. 826-5821 Tuesday to Friday: 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. and 1:30 to 4:00 P.M., excq)t holidays
TAX COLLECTOR - same hours as Town ClCTk
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30 A.M. to 3:30 PJVI. Tel. 826-5266 Wednesday by appointment
PLANNING BOARD
Community Room, First and third Tuesdays, 7:00 P.M. Tel. 826-5368
TRANSFER STATION
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Tel. 826-3201 Saturday: 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Community Room, Fourth Thursday of each month: 7:30 P.M.
RECREATION COMMITTEE
First Wednesday of each month: 7:00 P.M.
EMERC.ENCV PHONE NUMBERS :
Police, Ambulance and Fire 91
(Police Department - non-emergency 826-5747) TOWN OFFICERS
Selectmen Robert T. Frizzell
Administrative Assistant Health & Human Servs. Dir. Chief of Police Animal Control Officer Treasurer Health Officer
Town Clerk Tax Collector Moderator Supervisors of Check-list
Trustees of Trust Funds
Cemetery Trustees
Librarian Library Trustees
Trustees-Medical Assoc. TOWN rOMMITTFFS
Finance Committee Oscar Makinen
Recreation Committee
Recreation Director
Highway Advisory Board
Planning Board
Alternates Planning Administrator STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN OF CHARLESTOWN 1996 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT
TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF CHARLESTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, who are qualifled to vote in Town affairs,
TAKE NOTICE AND BE WARNED that the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Charlestown, New Hampshire, will be held at the Charlestown Elementary School gymnasium, on Tuesday, March 12, 1996, commencing at 8:00 A.M., to transact the following business:
(The polls will be open from 8:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M., for the purpose of voting on
ballot Articles 1 through 8, unless the Town Meeting votes to keep the polls open to a later time. All other articles will be presented, discussed and acted upon beginning at 7:00 P.M.)
ARTICLE 1. To elect the necessary Town Officers, for their respective terms (vote by Official Ballot).
ARTICLE 2. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Charlestown Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Planning Board in Amendment #1 (vote by Official Ballot).
The official copy of Amendment #1 is on file and available to the public in the Office of the Town Clerk and will be on display on the day of Town Meeting. The following question will be on the Official Ballot: "Are you in favor of Amendment #1 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Charlestown Zoning Ordinance?
Amendment #1 will require minimum setbacks from lot lines in all zoning districts, except Zone E, for the purpose of fire safety."
ARTICLE 3. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Chariestown Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Planning Board in Amendment #2 (vote by Official Ballot).
The official copy of Amendment #2 is on file and available to the public in the Office of the Town Clerk and will be on display on the day of Town Meeting. The following question will be on the Official Ballot:
"Are you in favor of Amendment #2 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Charlestown Zoning Ordinance?
Amendment #2 will require minimum setbacks from streams and water bodies , in all zoning districts, for the purpose of protecting water quality."
ARTICLE 4. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Charlestown Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Planning Board in Amendment #3 (vote by Official Ballot).
The official copy of Amendment #3 is on file and available to the public in the Office of the Town Clerk and will be on display on the day of Town Meeting. The following question will be on the Official Ballot: "Are you in favor of Amendment #3 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Charlestown Zoning Ordinance? Amendment #3 will incorporate sign review standards within the Zoning Ordinance, for the purposes of promoting business activity and assuring pedestrian and vehicular safety."
ARTICLE 5. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Charlestown Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Planning Board in Amendment #4 (vote by Official Ballot).
The official copy of Amendment #4 is on file and available to the public in the Office of the Town Clerk and will be on display on the day of Town Meeting. The following question will be on the Official Ballot: "Are you in favor of Amendment #4 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Charlestown Zoning Ordinance? Amendment #4 will revise fines for Zoning Ordinance violations, to reflect changes in State law."
ARTICLE 6. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Charlestown Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Planning Board in Amendment #5 (vote by Official Ballot).
The official copy of .'Amendment #5 is on file and available to the public in the Office of the Town Clerk and will be on display on the day of Town Meeting. The following question will be on the Official Ballot: "Are you in favor of Amendment #5 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Charlestown Zoning Ordinance? Amendment #5 will add descriptive headings (a change in form only) to each of the Zoning Districts."
ARTICLE 7. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Charlestown Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Planning Board in Amendment #6 (vote by Official Ballot).
The official copy of Amendment #6 is on file and available to the public in the Office of the Town Clerk and will be on display on the day of Town Meeting. The following question will be on the Official Ballot: "Are you in favor of Amendment #6 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Charlestown Zoning Ordinance?
Amendment #6 will revise the Flood Plain Zoning Regulation to bring it into conformance with the minimum requirements of Federal law, adding definitions and a section relating to recreational vehicles."
ARTICLE 8. To see if the Town will vote to adopt the provisions of RSA 40: 13 to allow official ballot voting on all issues before the Town of Charlestown. 3/5 vote required ARTICLE 9. To hear the reports of the various Town Officers and to take proper action thereon.
ARTICLE 10. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to sell property acquired by the Town Tax Collector's deed, either at a public auction or by advertised, sealed bids, as provided by RSA 80:42-11.
ARTICLE IL To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to apply for, accept and expend, without further action by the Town Meeting, money from the state, Federal or other governmental unit or private source, which becomes available during the fiscal year, to be used for the purposes for which the Town may legally appropriate money and in accordance with and pursuant to the requirements of RSA 31:95-b.
ARTICLE 12. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to borrow money in anticipation of the receipt of taxes, to pay current maintenance and operational expenses, as provided in RSA 33:7 of the Municipal Finance Act.
ARTICLE 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,8 19,269,
which represents $ 1 ,970,842, for the Town operating budget, $670,775, for the Water Fund budget and $ 1 77,652, for the Sewer Fund budget
ARTICLE 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $45,000 for the purchase of a truck for the Fire Department
The Selectmen support this appropriation.
ARTICLE 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $55,000 toward the renovation of the Bakery Building, shown on Tax Map 29, Lot 54, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for any Federal, State or private funds which may be available and to take all action and sign all documents as may be necessary to cany out the purpose of this vote.
The Selectmen support this appropriation, IN, 2Y.
ARTICLE 16. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,648, for the support of Southwestern Community Services, for assistance provided to Chariestown residents.
Petitioned Article The Selectmen do not support this appropriation.
ARTICLE 17. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to set user fees for trucking and disposal of trash which will offset some portion of taxes incurred for the operation of this facility.
This article is intended to determine whether residents would support a move toward payment
for service, rather than incurring all of these costs via taxation. It is believed that the burden for these costs would be, to a greater extent, borne by those using the facility. It is anticipated that such a change would reduce the amount of alien trash and increase incentives for recycling.
ARTICLE 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,500 to be allocated to maintenance costs for Fort Number 4.
The Selectmen do not support this appropriation, 2N, lY.
ARTICLE 19. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500 for the support of CEDA/Tourism's continued economic development efforts.
The Selectmen do not support this appropriation, 2N, 1 Y.
ARTICLE 20. To see if the Town will, pursuant to RSA 231:43, vote to discontinue that portion of former Town Highway, now known as South Main Street Extension, extending from the south westerly boundary of property owned by Cecil E. Fisk, to the end, bounded by the B&M Railroad. Also bounded on the westerly side by property owned by the Town of Charlestown and on the easteriy side by New England Power Company and Cecil E. Fisk (this portion of roadway is shown on the Town of Charlestown property map #33 and is abutting lots
14 and 17).
A vote to approve under this Article will completely discontinue the southern portion of the Town Highway known as South Main Street Extension. Any abutting landowner damaged by such vote has a right to appeal to the superior court, pursuant to RSA 23 1:48-49, for damages.
ARTICLE 21. To see if the Town of Charlestown will vote to sell the discontinued portion of the former Town Highway known as South Main Street Extension and to authorize the Selectmen to negotiate with Granite State Electric Company to convey by Quitclaim Deed, taking any and all action as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000 to be paid into the Community Recreational Facility Capital Reserve Fund, established in 1995 facility. pursuant to RSA 35: 1 , for the construction of a community recreational
The Selectmen do not support this appropriation.
ARTICLE 23. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Treasurer, in accordance with the provisions of 41:29-a, with the approval of the Selectmen, to appoint a Deputy Treasurer.
A Deputy Treasurer appointed under this section shall be sworn, shall have the powers of the Treasurer, and may be removed at the pleasure of the Treasurer.
ARTICLE 24. To see if the Town will vote to accept a donation of land with a building located thereon, designed and constructed for use by the Charlestown Ambulance Service. This land is
10 located on the Springfield Road, at the junction of Route 1 1 and Douglas Street, and is designated as Map 19, Lot 37.
This donation is being offered to the Town by Stanley and Helen Patch. The proposed use has received Site Plan Approval from the Planning Board. The access from Route 1 1 has received the approval of the Department of Transportation.
ARTICLE 25. To see if the Town will vote to amend the existing agreement imder section 218 of the Social Security Act by excluding the services performed by election woricers for a calendar year in which the remuneration paid for such service is less than $1,000.
ARTICLE 26. To see if the Town will vote to sponsor disability insurance for employees, fiinds for which are included in Article 13.
ARTICLE 27. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of $ 5,000 as a subsidy to Community Transportation Services, for bus service coiuiections to Hanover and Claremont/Newport.
The intent of this article is to offer an affordable transportation alternative for persons not having access to personal motor vehicles for travel to medical appointments, for employment searches, shopping or other activities in nei^boring communities.
The Selectmen do not support this appropriation.
ARTICLE 28. To see if the Town will vote to urge our representatives to the General Court of New Hampshire and the United States Congress to pass laws reforming electoral campaign financing, thus returning the political process to the will of the people and encouraging the participation of candidates with great ability and limited means. Measures to accomplish this may include, but not be limited to, the following: 1. Sharp limitations on all forms of contributions to candidates, including soft money contributions (contributions to poUtical parties); 2. Maximum spending limits per election linked to geographic and demographic makeup of each state and district, such as SI.00 per voter;
3. Sharp limitations on all forms of spending to influence elections, including independent expenditures; 4. Sharp limitations on contributions to and spending by political action committees; and 5. Remedies, such as free broadcast time, postal subsidies, and democratic (public) financing, to balance inequities between credible candidates, inciunbent and challenger, rich and poor.
ARTICLE 29. To transact any other business which may legally come before the meeting. Given under our hands and seal this 12th day of February, 1996.
/s/ Jon B. LeClair, Chairman
/$/ Robert T. Fri2zell
/s Robert W. Stone
CHARLESTOWN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
A true copy attest:
CHARLESTOWN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
/s/ Jon B. LeClair, Chairman
/s/ Robert T. Frizzell
/s/ Robert W. Stone
12 SUMMARY INVENTORY OF VALUATION Tax Year 1995
Value of Land Only Acres 95 Assessed Total Valuation Current Use (at C.U.Values) 12,905.9 1,446,350 ConservJlestr.Assmt.(at C.U.) 331.4 23,600 Residential SELECTMEN'SAVATER/SEWER COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
1995 was a year of change for Charlestown, an important part of which was bringing on line the North Charlestown and Bull Run wells. We have now experienced a full year with both wells up and running, consistently providing a good supply of potable water. We remain convinced that, without these new sources, we would have suffered and perhaps even have experienced water shortages, as did neighboring communities, under last summer's drought conditions. While the wells have by no means addressed all of the Town's water-related concerns, particularly regarding pressure and fire protection for North Charlestown, we have made substantial progress toward that goal. The year also brought changes to some municipal departments. In addition to the retirement of John Caine, who did a fine job of maintaining the Town's sewage treatment facility for many years, we witnessed the passing of "Mike" Bums, who had served the
Town in the capacity of its Fire Chief for an even lengthier term. While it is always regrettable to lose well-liked and experienced department heads, such as these men, the transfer of power in these departments has been accomplished smoothly and has resulted in updating of the physical plants, equipment and/or practices for both. Additionally, as the head of the Water Department assumed the management of the wastewater treatment facility, there have been changes in the Water Department as well.
Resulting from a strong effort, on the part of all department heads, to attend and to actively participate in monthly staff/loss prevention meetings, there is good communication flow and cooperation between departments. This helps to assure that municipal services are provided at a reasonable cost, without duplication of effort or time lost for work-related accidents. As an outgrowth of these cooperative efforts, and as a cost-saving measure, the Town Highway Department will commence a program of routine maintenance and inspection of all municipal vehicles in 1996. We would like to take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of the many volunteers and volunteer organizations operating within our community, without which it would be difficult to affordably provide the services needed by our residents. While those who serve on the many committees and boards within town government are critical to the smooth operation of the Town, there are also many other, private organizations which help to fill the gaps in Town-provided services. Additionally, we commend the good works of those municipal committee and board members who go the extra mile to assure that our residents get the most for their money. Their meetings are frequent, long and late, and many of their tasks less than pleasant, still, they maintain their commitment and persevere in spite of those conditions (some even run again). We ask that you seek out these volunteers and thank them for their work— in making sure that your Town budget is fit and trim; that your library is fresh and proud for its centennial celebration; for helping us celebrate Old Home Days in style; for assuring that your children have a wealth of recreational offerings in well-maintained facilities; for helping to protect and preserve our natural and historic resources; and for making thoughtful decisions regarding the development and maintenance of our roads.
We also recognize and appreciate the philanthropy of those who have made it possible this year to consider the construction of a new ambulance facility as well as a major addition to the Farwell School. We are indeed fortunate to have among us families
14 willing to invest their time and money to bring these much needed projects to fruition. Other projects which will be undertaken in the Town in 19% are the New Hampshire Dq)artment of Transportation's reconstruction of Lovo^ Lane Road and bridge, and the replacement of the water syston within the Cardinal Haven Mobile Home Park, with the aid of Community Development Blodc Grant funds. The latter project will involve the installation of a sleeve, fiom the park, undo' Route 12, to a water line located adjacent to the VFW property.
As our new year begins, regrettably, we find that we must say goodbye to several more good and faithfiil servants. We have recently received resignations from Jim Ittem, having served as Police Officer and thai Animal Enforcanent OflficCT for many years; Ruth Smith, a monber of the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a lengthy torn; Ed Ricker, a memb^ of the ambulance service, and its Director in 1995; and Marianne Peterson, the Town's Director of Health and Human Sovices, for the past five years. We wish them well in their new oideavors. Eadi will be greatly missed. Our community has been fortunate to have persons of this caliber willing to fill these most difficult and demanding positions. We will be hard pressed to find persons, willing to fill these vacancies, having the combination of experioice and dedication of their predecessors. * * * *
The most notable change to the (1995 Actual) budget inchided h^ein is that it is presented in modified accrual format (a departure fh>m the ca^ accounting practice of past years). There has also been an effort to more accurately reflect where each employee spends his/her time and to more correcdy portray the costs attributable to each department. Accordingly, you will note that personnel hours have beai reapportioned between the water and sewer budgets and between those budgets and the general government budget. Additionally, benefits and withholdings are credited to their respective departmoits, to the extent possible. We sincerely hope that this does not make the task of comparison to prior years exceedingly difficult and that voto^ will be pleased with this effort to update accounting practice and institute better tracking of dq)artment costs.
The Board of Selectmoi meets the first and third Wednesdays of evoy month, at 7:00 P.M., in the Community Room of the Municipal Building, and additionally, as required. Members also meet throughout the months of Decanber and January with the Finance Committee. All meetings are open to the public. To schedule a discussion with the Selectmen, or to inquire about an agenda item, please contact their administrative assistant, by calling 826-4400.
/s/ Jon B. LeClair
/s/ Robert T. Fri2zell
/s/ Robert W. Stone
CHARLESTOWN BOARD OF SELECTMEN/ WATER/SEWER COMMISSIONERS
15 BUDGET FOR 1996
General Government Debt Service
% Budget
WATER DEPARTMENT - 199fi
Balance on hand January 1 , 1 995 $ 1 24,775.09
Deposits: Rents and Interest $308,185.13 Connections 750.00 Meters 988.31 State Grant 19,166.50 Misc. billing 30.74 Basil Hardy/reimb. 50.00 No. Walpole Village/reimb. 92.25 Clark's Recycling 73.60 Interest earned/Money Market Acct. 2,801.66 $332,138.19 Total $456,913.28
Disbursements: Water Commissioners $ 1,800.00 Treasurer 1,250.00 Payroll 82,498.94 FICA/Medicare 6,544.49 NH Retirement 974.90 NHMA/health insurance 9,650.50 Business Management 144.00 Postmaster 600.00 LRBF/printing 111.83 Page New England 54.00 Office Supplies 344.29 Telephone 1,810.61 New telephone lines 455.36 Electricity 24,175.27 Johnson & Dix/l\iel oil 534.42 National Propane 1,524.66
Other building expenses 1 , 1 76.97 Uniforms 1,232.09 Water tests 768.00 Debt Service 132,908.05 Engineering L.L. 6,257.58 Expenses/Cardinal Haven 13,098.54 Meter maintenance 6,069.26 Line maintenance 4,059.48 Plant maintenance 3,769.78 Springfield Fence Co. 4,443.88
21 Alarm installation & monitor SEWER DEPARTMENT - 199.S
Balance on hand January 1, 1995 $ 90,696.10
Deposits: Rents and Interest $ 146,667.89 Connections 1,650.00 Septic Dumping Fees 7,275.50 State of New Hampshire/Grant 23,481.00 Smith & Allen/reim. 8.95 Interest earned/Money Market Acct. 2.413.70 $ 181,497.04
Total $272,193.14
Disbursements: Sewer Commissioners 1,800.00 Treasurer 1,250.00 Payroll 53,771.06 FICA/Medicare 4,346.78 NH Retirement 964.58 NHMA/health insurance 11,106.00 Business Management 144.00 Page New England 63.00 Office Supplies 241.19 Telephone 1,277.26 Telephone/new line 122.40 LRBF/printing 95.55 Postmaster 600.00 Electricity 17,759.08 Uniforms 1,263.78 Tests 1,150.00 Chemicals 8,641.92 Johnson & Dix/ftimace 2,637.20 USCO/pump, tubing 2,255.18 Frederick Flow/pumps 1,440.00 Badger Meter 3,192.92 Beaudry Enterprise 756.13 Arthur Whitcomb 1,014.20 Depot Homecenter 1,682.30 A/D Instrument Repair 682.65 Donald Highter 630.00 Plant Maintenance 2,343.11 VT Pipeline Services 6,280.85
23 Normand R. Beaudry Constr. TOWN MEETING MARCH 14. 199S
To the inhabitants of the Town of Charlestown, New Hampshire, who are qualified to vote in Town affairs.
Take notice and be warned that the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Charlestown, New Hampshire, will be held at the Charlestown Elementary School gymnasium, on Tuesday, March 14, 1995, at 10:00 A.M..
The polls will be open at 10:00 A.M. and close at 7:00 P.M. to vote on Articles 1 and 2. All other articles will be presented, discussed and acted upon at the business meeting beginning at 7:00 P.M..
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 A.M. by the Moderator, Charles L.
Child, followed by the reading of the Warrant in fiill. At the completion of the reading he announced that the Absentee Ballots would be cast at 4:00 P.M.. The polls were declared open at 10: 12 A.M. for balloting on Articles 1 and 2 and for members of the School Board for the Fall Mountain Regional School District.
Charles L. Child, Moderator, cast the Absentee Ballots, starting at 4:00 P.M. and ending at 4: 10 P.M..
The Moderator called the meeting to order and declared the polls closed at 7:05 P.M.. This was followed with the Pledge of Allegiance. At this point Charles took a few minutes to talk about the many years of service and dedication Fire Chief Robert Bums has given to the Town of Charlestown and the fact that he is in ill health.
Charles spoke about the fact that, although he spends part of his time in Vermont, he keeps his residence in Charlestown and as long as the townspeople are willing to have him continue as Moderator he will gladly do so. He did ask for people to consider volunteering to leam about the Town Meeting process and positions. At this point, the Moderator announced his procedure to be followed during the meeting, which reads as follows:
1. Members of audience not registered to vote- please sit on the back bleachers to my left. Voters please take a seat on the main floor or in the south bleachers. Any voter wishing to challenge another voter, please speak to one of the tellers or to the Town Clerk.
2. After voting is completed and the polls are declared closed, I have appointed an Assistant Moderator in charge of counting ballots with the Ballot Clerks and Supervisors of the Checklist to count on stage. When a ballot vote is required, I will call the Clerks and Supervisors back to the floor to accomplish that task.
25 3. If this meeting should recess to another evening, no action on articles already acted upon will be reconsidered on the succeeding evening. 4. All motions on articles vvill be made in writing. The Moda-ator will recognize only a positive statement motion so that a yes vote will be in favor and a no vote against the idea expressed in the motion.
5. Pctsohs wishing to have a ballot vote ^ould request that in writing, with five or more signatures of registered votes at the beginning of the meeting to the Town Clerk.
6. All persons widiing a chance to speak to a motion will please sign up in advance of the article or articles by either- a.Speaking to the Town Clerk, or
b.Writing your name and aiticle(s) you wish to ^eak to on a slip of paper and giving it to one of the tellCTs who will in turn give it to the Town Clo-k to prepare for me. The tellers have slips of papw for this use. Please sign up for those specific articles you plan to ^eak to.
AftCT the people who have signed up speak (and you may choose not to speak evoi if you have signed up), the floor will then be opened for further discussion.
The ModCTator will, however, recognize at this time a motion to call for the question and a 2/3 vote at that time will stop debate and bring a vote on the main motion.
A furthCT suggestion was made by the Moderator that each speaker speak clearly, concisely, and try to keep speaking to a minimum, although there would be no time limit
set. Total number of ballots cast: 565
Total number of registered voters: 2650
The results of Article 1 follow:
Article 1:
Selectman, three years Jon B. LeClair 427*
File Chief, one year Robert W. Bums 536*
* Trustee of Tr. Funds, three years David T. Henry 50 1
Trustee, Medical Bldg., three years
* Library Trustee, three years Katherine A. Moore 42 1 Ruth M. Smith 418*
26 Library Trustee, two years Dona A. Mates 500* Richard Rumrill 345*
Library Trustee, one year Jenny Stone 498*
Cemetery Trustee, three years
Cemetery Trustee, two years Mary R. Gray 525*
Cemetery Trustee, one year Dona A. Mates 510*
Planning Board, three years Dan Champney 193 Kennith L. Champney 330* Henry Ferland 328*
Finance Committee, three yrs. Normand R. Beaudry 404* Fred Poisson 282*
Finance Committee, two years
Highway Advisory Bd., three yrs.
Highway Advisory Bd., one year
Recreation Committee, three yrs. Dan Champney 366* Rick Crowe 379*
Recreation Committee, one year Cathy H. (Fisher)Boivin 452*
(*Elected)
Fail Mountain Regional School District:
Moderator, one year
Acworth, three years James Elsesser 308 Adrian Krieg 174
Alstead, three years Patricia Adams 262 Randy Miller 219
At-Large, three years Bernard Cooper 199
Albert St. Pierre 312
27 Charlestown, one year anticipation of taxes, to pay current maintenance and operational expenses, as provided in RSA 33:7 of the Municipal Finance Act. Motion was made and seconded to accept Article 6 as read. Article 6 was passed by voice vote.
if Article 7: To see the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,43 1 ,730, which represents $1,949,497 for the Town operating budget, $312,880 for the Water Fund budget, and $169,353 for the Sewer Fund budget. Motion made and seconded to accept Article 7 as read. Amendment presented: "I move to reduce the town operating budget of $1,949,497 to $1,869,035. This would be a 3.5% increase over the 1994 budget." This was to keep the increase for salaries and for the highway budget. This amendment was made and seconded. Motion to move question was made and seconded. Voice vote was too close to count. Amendment to Article 7 was defeated by show of hands. Amendment presented: "I move to amend the operating portion of the budget to $1,925,596 by deleting the highway tractor from capital." This amendment was made and seconded. Motion to move question was made and seconded. Amendment to Article 7 passed by voice vote. Article 7 was amended with total budget of $2,407,829, Town operating portion is $1,925,596, Water Fund $312,880, and Sewer Fund $169,353, was passed by voice vote.
Article 8: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $35,000 for the purchase of scales for the Transfer Station.
The Selectmen support this appropriation. Motion was made and seconded to accept Article 8 as read. Motion to move question was made and seconded. Article 8 was passed by voice vote.
Article 9: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $55,000 for the purchase of the land and building and kitchen equipment, if possible, known as the Bakery Building, shown on Tax Map 29 Lot 54, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for any Federal, State or private ftinds which may be available and to take all action and sign all documents as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this vote. The Selectmen support this appropriation. Motion made and seconded to accept Article 9 as read. Motion to move the question was made and seconded. Article 9 was passed by voice vote.
Article 10: To see if the Town will vote to sell the parking lot adjacent to the Bakeiy
Building property and to authorize the Selectmen to convey by Quitclaim Deed, take all
29 action and sign all documents as may be necessary to cany out the purpose of this vote. (The Selectmen will request action under this article in the event that Article 9 for the purchase of the Bakery Building is not approved). Nfotion was made to pass over (postpone indefinitely) Article 10, which was seconded. Article 10 was postponed indefinitely by voice vote.
The Moderator asked to discuss Articles 1 1, 12, 13, IS and 16 and then vote on them as one unit. Article 14 would be voted on after discussion and vote of these articles.
Article 11: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sirai of $12,000 for rq)airs to Swan Common. The Selectmoi support this appropriation.
Motion made and seconded to accept Article 1 1 as read. Motion to move the question was made and seconded. Yes 147 No 56
Article 1 1 passed by ballot vote.
Article 12: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $7,500 to be allocated to maintenance costs for Fort Number 4. Motion made and seconded to accept Article 12 as read. Motion to move question was made and seconded. Yes 143 No 60 Article 12 passed by ballot vote.
Article 13: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000 for the support of CEDA/Tourism's continued economic development efforts. Motion was made and seconded to accept Article 13 as read. Motion to move question was made and seconded. Yes 135 No 67 Article 13 was passed by ballot vote.
Article 14: To see if the Town will, pursuant to RSA 231:43, vote to discontinue that portion of an unnamed Town highway extending from Depot Street to Church Street. (This Town highway was never established by layout by the Selectmen or by deed from a prior owner, as can be detarmined from Town records, but such highway
has been shown on Town maps for 1 00 years. A vote to approve under this Article will completely discontinue the Town highway. Any abutting landown^, damaged by such vote, has a right to appeal to
the superior court, pursuant to RSA 23 1 :48-49, for damages). Motion made and seconded to accept Article 14 as read. Motion to move question was made and seconded. Article 14 passed by voice vote.
30 Article 15: To see if the Town will vote to establish a capital reserve fund, pursuant to
RSA 35: 1 , to be known as the Community Recreational Facility Capital Reserve Fund, for the purpose of the construction of a community recreational facility. Motion was made and seconded to accept Article 15 as read. Motion to move question was made and seconded.
Article 1 5 was passed by voice vote.
Article 16: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000 to be paid into the Capital Reserve Fund established by Article 15, for the purposes indicated therein. Motion was made and seconded to accept Article 16 as read. Motion to move question was made and seconded. Yes 117 No 86 Article 16 was passed by ballot vote.
The Moderator at this time opened the polls to vote on Articles 1 l,i2,13 and 16, at 9:53 P.M. The polls were closed at 10:20 P.M..
The results of the School Board vote and Article 2 were announced at 10:25 P.M.
Article 17: To see if the Town will delegate to the Selectmen the authority to accept dedicated streets pursuant to RSA 674:40-a.
(If Article 17 is approved, the Selectmen may vote to accept only those dedicated streets which correspond in location to those on a subdivision plat or site plan approved by the Planning Board. A street which has not received such prior Planning Board approval shall not by accepted without a vote of the Town, pursuant to RSA 674:40,111).
Motion made and seconded to accept Article 1 7 as read. Motion to move question was made and seconded.
Article 1 7 was passed by voice vote.
Article 18: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to negotiate a retirement plan for all peimanent, ftiU-time employees of the Town.
(The cost of this benefit is included in Article 7).
Motion made and seconded to accept Article 1 8 as read. Motion to move question was made and seconded. Article 18 was passed by voice vote.
Article 19: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Cemetery Trustees to amend the cemetery deeds to delete the words "perpetual care" and to substitute in their place the words"general cemetery maintenance".
Motion made and seconded to accept Article 19 as read. Motion to move question was made and seconded.
Article 1 9 was passed by voice vote.
31 Article 20: To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to accept a donation of land from Ralph Stoddard et al, to be used for municipal purposes pursuant to RSA 3 1 :3. Motion made and seconded to accept Article 20 as read. Motion to move question was made and seconded. Article 20 was passed by voice vote.
Article 21: To see if the Town will vote to establish, piirsuant to RSA 673:1, II, a Heritage Commission and choose the number of members (not less than three, no more than seven), all of whom shall be residents of Charlestown, for the proper recognition, use and protection of resources, tangible or intangible, primarily man-made, that are valued for their historic, cultural, aesthetic, or community significance within their natural, built or cultural context, and to exercise the powers set forth in RSA 674:44-b and as otherwise provided by law. Motion made and seconded to accept Article 21 as read. Motion to move question was made and seconded. Article 21 passed by voice vote.
Article 22: To transact any other business which may legally come before the meeting. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. Article 22 was passed by voice vote and the Town Meeting for 1995 was adjourned.
A true record. Attest:
Debra J. Clark Charlestown Town Cleik
32 33
1995 DRA TAX RATE CAiriJIATTON
Appropriations Less: Revenues Less: Shared Revenues Add: Overlay War Service Credits i
«: OOOOVOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO at
o
r^ o\ ON co «r»«ooor~Tj-«r)00\«n'«»-'^00*r»vOONOO\0«OOVO — — 0\NOOrO'^'*OOOOOOrorSO ror4'oCoo o o r^ — B^2 B _g O "g V « 1 3 ^ «» e Q. * » on -• — O Ml = I 2 «•« CB C IS S^ e g « I. e E I -a « S oi n3 (V Ck U u .5 OS fa H S CO H fa s 34 O O r«^ O O O O «s ^ o GENERAL FUND BALANCE SHEET as of December 3 1 , 1995 Beginning End of Year of Year A. Cyrrent Assets: Cash and equivalents $ 422,856 Taxes receivable Accounts receivable Due from other govemmaits Other current assets Total Assets: B. Current LiahiKties: STATEMENT OF DEBT December 31, 1995 Annual Maturities of Outstanding and Long-Term Notes Water Improvement Sewer Department Bond NH Municipal Bond Bank Farmers Home Administration 4.75% 5% Qriginal Amount Original Amount Year $650,000.00 $490,000.00 1996-1999 $ 30,000.00 each year $ 24,500.00 each year 2000 - 2005 $ 30.00000 each year Total $300,000.00 $ 98,000.00 WATER - WELLS PROJECT Claremont Savings Bank 5.5% Qrigiinal Amount: $300.000.00 Year Principal Payment Interest Payment 1996 1997 1998 1999 1 199f> SUMMARY INVENTORY General Buildings and Contents $ 4,593,550 Boilers and Madiinery 1 ,000,000 Computo^ and Media 27,400 Fine Arts 131,000 Fire and Ambulance Equipment 56,692 Highway 17,300 Police Departm^t Equipment 1 1 ,293 (Figures above provided by Koson Insurance Agency) Vchicte Ambulance Department 1994 Ford $ 67,045 1987 Ford 60,000 Cemetery Department 1987 Chevy 16,538 Fire Department 1922 Ford No value 1951 American LaFrance 15,000 1976 International Tanker 5,000 1 976 Dodge Fire Truck 29,000 1980 American LaFrance 125,000 1987 Ford 28,000 199 Americ.LaFrance Cent. 2 1 0,000 Highway Department Economizer Sander 2,500 Motorola Mobile Radio Unit 1 ,500 1 977 International Dump 1 8,864 1993 Ford Pickup 24,740 1983 International Dump 36,399 1985 Fiat-Allis Grader 93,745 1 992 John Deere Loader 1 1 6,500 1987 International Dump 36,877 1994 Ford Dump 17,900 1 988 Gardner-Denver Comp. 1 6, 1 50 1989Massey-FergusonBackhoe 67,938 1990 International Dump 27,674 1 99 Ford 1 -ton Dump 24,800 Police Department 1994 Ford LTD 15,700 1993 Ford LTD 13,000 Transfer Station 1 979 Clark-Michigan Loader 55,000 Water/Sewer Dept. 1 975 O'Brian Power Rodder 3,800 1983 John Deere 28,000 1993 Ford Pickup 20,698 1992 Ford Pickup 10,336 (Cost new price provided by Mortenson Insurance) 38 CURRENT USE REPORT Land Categories No. of Acres Farm Land 2,&57 Forest Land - Managed 1 ,582 Forest Land - Unmanaged 8,755 Unproductive Land 844 Total number of acres exempt under Current Use in 1995 13,238 AD Valorem: $8,077,950 Current Use Assessment: $1,469,668 39 REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK 199,S Debra J. Clark MOTOR VEHICLES: Permits Issued: 5,835 Amount of Fees received $ 343,376.00 Bad Check charges mm Paid to Treasurer $ 343,436.00 DOGS: Licenses Issued: 738 Amount of dog fees received 4,999.00 Amount of dog fines received 1,478.50 Bad Check charges 10.00 Paid to Treasurer $ 6,487.50 MARRLVGES: Licenses Issued: 31 Amount received $ 1.395.00 Paid to Treasurer FRYING FEES: Motor Vehicle Titles Uniform Commercial Codes Uniform Commercial Codes-misc. Federal Tax Liens Vital Records Miscellaneous Filing Fees Paid to Treasurer ELECTIONS: Filing Fees - Town Meeting Sale of Checklists Paid to Treasurer TOTAL TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT Year Ending December 31,1 995 Levies of -DR- IJncollected Taxes - Beginning of year: 1995 1994 Property Taxes $1,091,633.09 Interest 90.58 Land Use Change 688.00 Yield Taxes 419.75 Interest 7.55 Utilities 101,405.11 Taxes Committed this year: Property Taxes $5,391,424.41 Land Use Change Yield Taxes Utilities Jeopardy Assessments Overpayments: Property Taxes Utilities Costs & Interest Collected on de- linquent tax TOTAL DEBITS -CR-- Interest 147.15 Land Use Change 860.00 Yield Taxes 1,185.27 509.39 Utilities 1-3-3.215.81 TOTAL CREDITS $5,901,993.84 $1,282,370.15 TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT Year Ending December 31, 1995 DK 1994 1993 1992 1990/91 Unredeemed Liens, INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S OPINION ON FINANCIAL PRESENTATION We have audited the accompanying general purpose financial statements of the Town of Charlestown, as of and for the year ended December 31, 1994, as listed in the table of contents. These General purpose financial statements are the responsibility of the Town's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these general purpose financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the general purpose financial statements are ftiee of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the general purpose financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall general purpose financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. As described in Note IB, the general purpose financial statements referred to above do not include the General Fixed Assets Account Group, which should be included to conform with generally accepted accounting principles. The amount that should be recorded in the General Fixed Asset Account Group is not known. In our opinion, except for the effect on the financial statements of the omission described in the preceding paragraph, the general purpose financial statements referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Town of Charlestown, as of December 31, 1994, and the results of its operations and cash flows of its non-expendable trust funds, for the year then ended, are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the general purpose financial statements taken as a whole. The combining and individual fund financial statements listed in the table of contents are presented for purposes of additional analysis and are not a required part of the general purpose financial statements of the Town of Charlestown. Such information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the general purpose financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly presented in all material respects in relation to the general purpose financial statements taken as a whole. Plodzik & Sanderson Professional Association April 20, 1995 43 ABATEMENTS 1995 January 1, 1995 through December 31, 1995 Real Estate Frazier,Kurt $192.99 Total abatements on 1992 property taxes $ 192.99 Frazier.Kurt $150.63 Total abatements on 1993 property taxes $ 150.63 Cook, Ross & Carol 91571 TREASURERS REPORT Detailed Statement of Receipts January 1, 1995 through December 31, 1995 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE Shared Revenue Block Grant $ 2 1 2,692. 1 Reimb. State & Federal Forest Land 1 ,352. 1 Rooms & Meals Tax - 1994 and 1995 64,221.97 Railroad Tax 8,766.92 Sewer Grant (State's Share of Sewer Bond) 23.481.00 $310,514.21 HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT State of New Hampshire-Highway Block Grant $ 99,0 1 5.7 Reimbursement - sign 125.90 $ 99,141.61 TRANSFER STATION Permits $ 32,551.00 Tires 1,040.00 Demolition 7,732.41 Pinetree Waste Corp./Rags, cans, plastics etc. 7.483.22 $ 48,806.63 POLICE DEPARTMENT U.S. Treasury - Grant $ 10,183.32 U.S. Treasury - PD Cops Fast Grant 7,740. 1 Aetna Insurance - Reimb. damage to Pol. Cmiser 2, 1 1 8. 1 Claremont District - Court Fines 1 50.00 Fines - Local Parking & Leash law 1 10.00 AT&T Refund 25.00 Donation 200.00 Police Reports 685.00 Pistol Permits 140.00 $ 21,351.62 45 7 AMBULANCE DEPARTMENT Insurance Paymaits $ 13,469.77 Payments by Individuals 2,080.00 Reimbursement - 1 994 Haz Mat 17400 $ 15,723.77 FIRE DEPARTMENT State of N.H. -Reimbursement fw training $ 608. 1 Reimbursement - 1 994 Haz Mat 696.00 City of Claremont - reimbursement 375 .97 Peerless Insurance - Fire Dq)t. Report 15.00 $ 1,695.14 PLANNING BOARD Building Permits $ 1,450.00 Application Fees 885.00 Sale of Regulation 50.00 Reimb. - Ads, Certified letters, expenses 648.53 $ 3,033.53 SELECTMEN'S OFFICE Town Histories $ 800.00 Copies 757.25 Saleof labels, reimb. postage, etc. 142.26 $ 1,699.51 HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES State of N.H., Reimb. for individuals $ 70 1 .82 Claremont Savings Bank - Reimb. f. individual 927.41 Reimbursements by individuals 504.21 $ 2,133.44 46 CEMETERY DEPARTMENT Cemetery Lots $ 2,800.00 Recording Fees for Deeds 52.50 Fees for opening graves 2,450.00 Trustees ofTrust Funds/Cemetery Care 24,156.33 $ 29,458.83 Perpetual Care & General Maintenance Funds Received and Remitted to Trustees of Trust Funds $ 4,000.00 RECREATION DEPARTMENT Swimming Pool - Admission Fees & Lessons 941 TAX COLLECTOR 1 995 Property Taxes & Interest $4,373,785 .47 1995 Jeopardy Assessment 6,029.04 1 994 PropCTty Taxes & Interest 1 , 1 56,35 1 .79 Redeemed Property Taxes, intCTest & cost 726,600.73 Yield Taxes & Interest 1 5,86 1 . 1 Land Use Penalty - Taxes & Interest 10,659.00 OverpaymtyProperty Taxes, received & returned 2,782.63 $6,292,069.77 MISCELLANEOUS Boat Fees $ 4,121.03 Junk Yani Permits 2 1 0.00 Fireworks Business Permit 250.00 Paymoit in Lieu of Taxes 2,000.00 Elderly Tax Lien-Taxes & Interest reimbursed 7,386. 1 Taxes & Rrat (Town-owned property) 34,798.32 Donation/Use of Patch Park 50.00 US Treasury-Refiind on Quarterly Tax Return 776.08 US Treasury-Refund Soc.Security & Medicare 694. 1 Great American Ins. Co.-Reimb. Lightning Damage 6,81 7.70 Voided check (from 1994) 750.00 Proceeds of Tax Anticipation Notes 1 ,500,000.00 Interest eamed-checking account 7,633.29 Water & Sewer Depts.-Reimb. to General Fund 554,865.68 Radio Shack - Refund telephones 350.00 $ 2,120,702.43 Balance January 1,1995 $ 422,555.62 Receipts 9.338.390. 14 $ 9,760,945.76 Disbursements -9.263.523.45 $ 497,422.31 48 81 INSURANCE NH Insurance Co.- Reimb. Legal Fees $ 9,892.93 Comp. Funds of >fH-Retum/Contribution 965 .6 Koson Ins. - Refund/Overpayment of Premium 853.00 Reimb. by Individuals - Group InsyCOBRA 4.125.40 $ 15,836.94 ACCOUNTS HELD BY THE TREASURER Town Hall Savings Account $ 6,514.78 Conservation Commission-Money Market Account 8,378.32 Conservation Commission-Certificates of Deposit 30,066.26 Recreation Department/Special Fund/Checking Acct. 4,667.94 Town of Charlestown Water Dept.-Money Mkt. AccL 80,708. 1 Town of Charlestown Sewer Dept.-Money Mkt Acct. 92,782.56 49 DETAILED STATEMENT OF PAYMENTS General Government Executive Oflice Selectmen's Salaries Tax Sale expenses 139.40 Vital Statistics llQ.oo 12 Fire/Ambulance/fiiel oil 638.85 Fire/Ambulance/maintenance 450.34 Fire/Ambulance/maintenance (1994) 24.45 Highway/electricity 1,977.26 Highway/fuel oil 1,185.50 Highway/maintenance 3,697.52 Highway/maintenance ( 1 994) 90.26 Transfer Station/electricity 1 , 1 56.09 Transfer Station/maintenance 2,014.50 Transfer Station/maintenance (1994) 35.99 Recreation Facilities/P/T salary 6,597.50 Recreation Facilities/electricity 1,289.27 Recreation Facilities/electr.(1994) 6.43 Recreation Facilities/maintenance 2,841.36 Other Town Buildings/electricity 735.5 Other Town Buildings/fuel oil 1,197.31 $ 57,848.46 Cemeteries Sexton $ 16,248.33 P/T Salaries 13,632.95 Uniforms 447.60 Safety shoes, reimb. 1 84.89 Vehicle expense 667.32 Gasoline 662.92 Pinnacleview/mowers 829.90 Equipment & repair 1,134.13 Spring raking 792.64 Gate opening 503.00 St. Pierre Inc. 342.29 Depot Homecenter/fence posts 815.12 Depot Homecenter/supplies 740.81 Agway, Inc./grass seed/rakes 103.98 Fall Mountain Printing/deeds 46.00 LaVal ley Bui Iding Supply 90. 1 Eagle Publications 4 1 .82 Miscellaneous 288.35 $ 37,572.17 Lessels contract/Hearse House.ex- pended in 1995 to be paid 1996 lr650001,65000 $ 39,222.17 Income $29,406.33 Insurance Koson Insurance Agency $ 35,262.00 Mortenson Insurance Agency 17,434.00 $ 52,696.00 Income $853.00 52 Regional Associations Charlestown Senior Cirizens 7 Vehicle expense 1,236.67 Gasoline 670.04 Gasoline (1994) 66.82 Uniforms 1,507.07 Merriam-Graves 871.15 Physio-Control 912.00 Moore Medical Supplies 1,324.85 Bound Tree/North Ameri ca 3 ,08 1 . 80 Other Medical supplies 524. 1 Postmaster 270.00 Dues/training 490.00 JPS Comm./2 portable radios 750.00 LeFebvre Ambulance/EMT course 150.00 General expenses 672.19 General expenses (1994) 21.32 $ 22,129.78 Income $15,723.77 Fire P/T salaries $ 14,205.75 Training 1,110.00 Vehicle expense 3,53 1 .34 Vehicle expense (1994) 103.90 Gasoline 549.77 Gasoline (1994) 7.II Telephone 624.66 Communications 812.14 Fire Mutual Aid/per capita 3,952.83 Fire Permits issued 79.00 Advanced Fire Safety 142.40 Anton Enterprises 2,286.25 Old # 4 Fire & Hose Co. 486.00 Fire Bam 675.98 Fire Tech & Safety 292.26 Ossipee Mountain Electronics 139.71 National Safety Equipment 328.71 Depot Homecenter 482.68 Sunset Printing 216.55 National Fire Protection 181.80 Furman's/gloves 98.46 Uniform allotments 1,500.00 Dues 220.00 Supplies/miscellaneous 756.96 $ 32,784.26 Gas detector-carried over to 1996 2.715.00 $ 35,499.26 Income $1,695.14 54 EMT F/T salary Momingside Lane - paving Veterinary Services Fields maintenance Town Offices/AVS Computers $ 4,989.00 Road Signs/911 -Atlantic 6,147.09 9 1 1 -AT&T/Police phone 925.65 $ 7,075.74 Cemetery/DiBemardo Assoc/survey $ 4,430.00 Municipal Bldg./Gerard Leone/roofing $ 6,835.60 Misc.: Police/radio repair $ 8,099.70 Police/seminar for 6 1 ,224.00 Police/Radio Shack 350.00 Cartographics/bal. contract 440.75 $ 10,114.45 Income (Radio Shack) $350.00 Insurance-radio $6,817.70 Special Articles Article 8/Northeast Scales Co. $ 32,285.75 Springfd. Fence Co. 3.27000 $ 35,555.75 Article 9/Conn.Riv.Bk./Bakery Bldg. $ 55,000.00 Article 1 1 /Frank Whitcomb $ 12,000.00 St. Pierre, Inc. 227.08 $ 12,227.08 Article 12/Fort at #4 $ 7,500.00 Article 13/Ceda/Tourism $ 5,000.00 Article 1 6/Trustees of Trust Funds $ 1 0,000.00 Grand Tota l $i.95i.3n.is Property Tax Abatements & Refunds- Checks issued in 1995 $ 30,964.48 59 cviocMoooooin ooooinoo-"- OToinoopppN; ooooooo^ c\j oj h^ "cootdcdcJcdK o> o in CO to tr> 00 to O CJ> (D iDoco'^oincNj 0> O CO lO ^J- CO 00 o) oi in to oococooO'-m«D CO to o> ••- CM t^ ^ CO t^ t^ X z O O CO O -r- Oy-o s ^ s a. u H *0 U Q> «•-•- !«-'-'- s - t- «8 E 5 ••- C35 t- ^ SI s o 5 E o h- T- 1- 8S: 1- 1- OJ 1- ?? SI 8 E ? u o> in o •<-- « c ;:: o) 1- -^ in o> Si T- 1^ 1- Si n CM o S Si CD T- s ^ o 5 "2 2| TAY FYFMPT PROPFWTfES Churches and Religious Institutions Valuation Anglican Church ofthe Good Shepherd $ 79,350 Charlestown Bible Church 86,050 Charlestown Congregational Church 538,700 International Church of the Foursquare Gospel 244,750 St. Catherine of Siena 369,600 St. Luke's Church 255,150 South Parish Unitarian Church 298,450 United Methodist Church 1 20, 1 00 Charitahle Institutions American Legion 92,300 Camp Blessing, Inc. 207,850 Child Evangelism Fellowship 633.000 Foundation of Biblical Research 848,250 Health Care Strategies, Inc. 340,600 Carol Hopkins (Old School House) 8,000 Student Conservation Association 5 1 8,800 Union Hall Association 57,100 V.F.W. Post 136,400 Fiincatinnal Institutions Fall Mountain School District 2,775,350 Farwell School Trustees 1 14,200 Old Fort # 4 Associates 375,350 State of New Hampshire Cheshire Toll Bridge 1 , 1 76,600 Highway Garage 90,750 Fish & Game Department 1 7,700 State Forest 227,700 Other Land 1 66.850 TOTAL EXEMPT PROPERTIES $9,778,950 65 4 Savings Account (for copier supplies and maintenance) 12/31/94 Balance on hand $707.89 01/18/95 Town of Charlestown 53.19 Income/Use of copier 2 11 .83 Interest income for the year 10.23 Ca^ on hand $983.14 Transfer to checking for copier expense - 862.80 12/31/95 Balance on hand $120.34 Trust Fund Accounts (to be used for books and magazines only) 12/31/94 Balance on hand $ 206.69 1995 Total Silsby Trust 8,703.86 1995 Total Sayce Trust 97.56 1995 Total Blish Trust 57.89 1 995 Total Kinson Trust 25.17 Cash from overdue book fines 360. 1 From Conservation Committee 200.00 Memory/Charles Reed 95.00 Memory/Isabel Palmer 235.00 From Centennial Account 28.08 Chariestown Women's Club 50.00 Alma Marcley/book 10.05 Book Sale 137.00 Sale of postcards 1.25 Cadi on hand $10,207.69 less book and magazine expense - 8^922.98 12/31/95 Balance on hand $1,284.71 Ruth M. Smith, Treasurer 67 1 Sn.SBY FREE PUBLIC LmRARY Report of the Librarian Circulation Adult Books 9,263 Juvenile Books 1 1 ,424 Magazines 456 Cassettes, Records, Miscellaneous 4il Total Circulation 21,183 Book Stock Books owned January 1 , 1995 2 1 ,205 Books discarded 540 Books added by purchase 56 Books added by gift/donation 332 Total Books 21,558 Current Registered Patrons - 2,050 As we usher in the hundredth anniversary of Silsby Free Public Library in 1996, we close the door on the eventful year of 1995. A year of much joy, some sadness, continued progress, and worthy accomplishments. Earlier this year the Library received one of its greatest joys by way of the very wise decision of the selectmen to hire Gerard Leone to repair the library roof The library's leak problems had been unending. Mr. Leone is a master of slate and copper work. The heavy rains of fall, followed by a snow-filled winter proved no match for Mr. Leone's talent. The library is once again dry and drip free. Many thanks to the Charlestown Board of Selectmen. Always a source ofjoy, the Summer Reading Program was again well attended by the children of the area. Through the theme of "Saddle Up A Good Book", children were introduced to the stories, music, and daily life of the westward movement, thus giving them a summer of imaginative travel through a young United States. A successfiil grant application on my part, offered through the New Hampshire State Council of the Arts and the New Hampshire State Library, enabled our six week program to culminate in a special musical program by the group Infinities, who delighted children and adults alike with the musical antics of their orchestral woodwinds. Sadness came to the Library with the passing of Mr. Edward Kelleher, Mr. Charles Reed, and Mrs. Isabel Palmer, each an avid patron and ardent supporter of the library. Their presence is deeply missed. 68 Silsby Library will enter its second century technologically prepared. A generous donation, coupled with efforts on the part of the Board of Trustees, has resulted in our being able to make a computer available for patron use. Also, in October, the library began the process of updating its circulation computer. Completion of this project is scheduled for spring. Spurred by yet another successful grant application entitled "Project Access", offered conjunctively through the New Hampshire State Library Advisory Council and the United States Department of Education, this update will assure our access to the future. For the first time in some years, the library offered a Book Discussion Series this year. Consisting of a six part series derived from a statewide series entitled "What Is New Hampshire Reading This Month", in depth exploration was offered on such diverse New Hampshire authors as Deborah Navas, Celia Thaxter, Donald Hall, Thomas Williams, and Robert Frost, to name a few. The authors and their works came alive through insightful contributions made by scholar and patrons alike. This too came to us through a successful grant application this time offered by the New Hampshire Humanities Council. All in all, a truly enlightening series. Other special programs included a treasure hunt of knowledge for the children earlier this spring, as well as the "Ask Anne and Nan Road Show" later in the year for the adults. They can solve all your problems, and then some! Highlights of community involvement for the library included Old Home Day Open House featuring the art work of James Furman, historical scrapbooks of David Conant, and Postal Cover exhibit of Charles Child; a visit by members of the Yankee Male Chorus, who enjoyed a pause at the library between dinner and song; and the Christmas Tour, for which staff, volunteers, patrons, and trustees turned out to decorate, while Kay Young kept us in artwork ever changing— our best effort yet. Thank you all. Not to be forgotten are the Garden Club, Women's Club, and Mr. Lovell Comstock, who did so much to keep the Library planters beautiful all year. Thank you too to the many individuals and volunteers for their time and support. As a final note, I give a heartfelt thank you to Betsey, Alma and Edna, my staff, without whose support and efforts this year would not have been possible. Thank You! Most sincerely yours, Lois H. Cook Head Librarian 69 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF Sn.SBY FREE LIBRARY The Board of Trustees is a group of dedicated citizens representing a varied cross-section of the community. We believe that, as public servants charged with control of the Library, our role as liaison to the community at large is one of our most important duties and responsibilities. It is indeed our duty to make the community aware of the Library's need for financial and moral support, and of the plans and programs for development of better library service. Effective library service can be said to be that which meets the needs of the total community, so far as possible, while seeking to place the Library in its proper relationship of service within the overall community picture. To this end we have level fiinded our budget two years in a row while attempting to improve and expand our services. Not an easy task-but we have a professional and dedicated staff, individuals, patrons, community groups and businesses all of whom have contributed greatly to our goals. The Library has a new personal computer system fully functional and operating some of the most popular software releases. This system is now available and is solely dedicated for use by the Charlestown public. We encourage anyone who does not have his/her own system or access to one to take advantage of this opportunity-it's yours to use! The Library will be opening from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays beginning in March. This is being done in the hope of accommodating those who otherwise may find it difficult to "get to the Library". By the time Town Meeting rolls around, we will have completed some re-decorating of the Library's interior and will have some new furniture for patrons to enjoy. Most all of these improvements have been accomplished mlhoul taxpayer funds. They have happened because of gifts, volunteer efforts and thoughtful planning. Throughout this year 1996 we will be celebrating one hundred years of the Library's contribution to the lives of our townspeople. If you have not visited the Library in recent years, we encourage you to do so. As always, we encourage any feedback you can give us. Let us know what your library can do for you. Jeffrey M. Lessels, Chairman Board of Trustees 70 REPORT OF THF. POUrK DKPARTlVfFNT The Police Department received over 14,000 phone calls ending December 31, 1995 and handled 5,601 police incidents. From the police incidents there were 450 criminal investigations, an increase of 34% over 1994. The investigations lead to 124 arrests, an increase of 111% over 1993 (at 59 arrests). The Police Department dispatched to the Charlestown Ambulance 323 calls, an increase of 19 over the 304 ambulance calls in 1994. The 1995 police budget expenditures were offset by the $31,000.00 worth of revenues from grants and other income; the balance of the 1995 grant money should be in before the 1996 Town Meeting. This leaves the Town with a $228,561.00 Police Budget for 1995, this is about the same as in 1994. Even with the increase in calls for service over the last year, the Police Department has moved ahead in technology, training and equipment. In the last year the two-year old radio interference problem has been solved along with several dispatch wiring problems, and both the radios are working properly. Over the last year the Police Department was able to cover all the weekend shifts with the help of the extra full-time officer and fill in for vacations and sick days. The Police officers and myself were able to continue the Cops & Kids program at the Primary School, even with the loss of the County funding. This was made possible through donations by LeStudio in Bellows Falls, VT and the Lions Club and Rotary Club. Many thanks for your support; this program has been an overwhelming success and it is important to continue for the children of Charlestown. As Chief of Police I would like to thank all the people who came forward in response to the newspaper articles with information, this made a big difference in the arrests. This is a tremendous help to us with investigations when people call in with information on stolen property, break-ins and suspicious activity. It is nice to see the community come together to help out their neighbors, remember someone is always here 24 hours a day. RespectfiJly submitted, Michael S. Bumham Chief of Police 71 REPORT OF rOMMIJNITY YOUTH ADVOCATES, INC. Organizational Mission Statement Community Youth Advocates and Chandler House programming is specifically intended to maintain the family integrity whenever possible and practical by providing education, prevention, intervention, crisis counseling and recreational services to the youth and their families of Sullivan County. These services are intended to empower the youth and their families to work out healthy solutions to their problems and to thereby prevent the out-of-home placement of as many at-risk youth as possible. Community Youth Advocates and Chandler House maintain that by keeping the services local, and allowing the family members to remain in close proximity of each other, these intervention services are more effective. Youth and families are the foundation of a healthy society. CYA's guiding principle is: to not just offer help to people, but to empower each youth and family member by strengthening family ties, promoting healthy alternatives and supporting diversity and encouraging community- based services and partnerships. This is accomplished by working closely with all area service providers, schools, courts, and police. Together, Community Youth Advocates and Chandler House strive to create innovative community resources that ensure that the essential needs of today's youth and their families are met by supporting individual programs and other community endeavors. 72 1 1 REPORT OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION In 1995, the Conservation Commission, with the assistance of an Antioch College Intern, initiated the sizable task of preparing the Town's Wetland Evaluation and Assessment. The Commission also continued to coordinate Green-Up Day activities, an effort which would be aided by more citizens participation. Members are committed to assisting townspeople with the many natural resource inquiries directed to us. Other activities performed by the commission, during the year, were those mandated by the State and Town, such as reviewing and commenting upon dredge and fill applications. Finally, the Commission assisted the Planning Board in rewriting the Conservation section of the Master Plan. The Commission's primary objectives for 1996 are to continue to implement measures for the proper utilization, protection and enhancement of our community's natural resources, particularly its watershed and groundwater resources. Additionally, the Commission intends to provide better avenues and access to natural resource information, for citizens with concerns relating to rules and regulations which can help them to minimize the negative impacts on our environment. Respectfully, Chris Spaulding, Chairperson Deborah Stone, Co-Chairperson/Secretary Doug Scott, Co-Secretary Gary Bascom Clifford Stark Edna Farrell, Alternate Dean Bascom, Alternate Ron LeClair, Alternate Robert W. Stone, Ex -officio Conservation Commission Accounts (Held by the Town Treasurer) Balance Jan. 1, 1995-Money Market Accoimt $ 8.728.3 Interest Earned 277.34 $ 9,005.65 Disbursements: Antioch College-K. Mai/Wetlands Work - 127.33 Chris SpauldingAVedands Work - 500.00 Balance December 31, 1995 $ 8,378.32 Certificates of Deposit - Total $ 30,066.26 Transferred Emma Hunt Account for Nature Trails (to Trustees of Trust Funds) $ 3,340.4 73 REPORT OF CEDA/ TOURISM 1995 was a very satisfying year for CEDA/ Tourism. This was our second year working towards our mission "to promote and enhance the natural, historic, cultural and recreational assets Charlestown has to offer." Our accomplishments this year were varied, and in some cases prepared the foundation for our future success. Many of our activities improved opportunities for communication and the enhancement of public awareness of the many activities and accomplishments of our community and its citizens. These changes have, in great part, been brought about via the completion and dedication of the Community Information Board and the publication of Charlestown's community newspaper, "OUR TOWN". The information Board has now been turned over to the Town, and is available for public notices of all Charlestown community and civic groups, but not for personal or business items. The monthly issues of "OUR TOWN" are becoming popular with community groups, for notification and promotion of their various activities. We feel with improved community awareness, benefits will continue to multiply for users of these two services. Many ongoing projects were again a significant function of CEDA II, and a focus for us this past year. We continued to help advertise and promote or, in some cases, organize local events. For example, we assisted with restoring the Halloween party and spearheaded the newspaper promotion of Old Home Days and the Sullivan County Agricultural Fair. We planned and organized the Yard Sale Day, a Day of Christmas in Charlestown, and several potluck suppers to invigorate and stimulate interest in the Charlestown Historical Society, and the Bakery Building. We received an invitation to participate in the "Big E", where we distributed our community brochure. We made great strides with the State of New Hampshire, in regards to recognition, and now Charlestown is in their thoughts. Other continuing projects include our work on the trails in the Hubbard and Connecticut River State Forests, gathering information regarding beautification of Main Street, by eliminating the utility poles, participating in discussions regarding buildings and space needs for community activities and organizations, helping the Planning Board with the Master Plan, by organizing a 2001 Project, with the assistance of the Charlestown Rotary Club, which will promote community involvement and give input to a discussion of "what we want our community to be", and/or "what do we want for the future of Charlestown?" A special note regarding the Charlestown Historical Society: We believe it needs to be one of the strongest and most well received organizations within our community, because of the rich history of Charlestown. We will continue to support all efforts in that direction. In closing, we would like to thank all of the individuals in Charlestown who gave of their time and effort to support our projects and to help make Charlestown a better 74 place to live and work. With your support, 1996 will be another exciting year. We look forward to your input and participation. Our Meetings are held on Mondays, at 6:30 P.M., at Maplehedge B & B. We encourage new members for the short term or specific project involvement to please attend. We also welcome new members to be on our committee working all year for a better Charlestown. All are welcome! Dr. George H. Grabe Chairman 75 REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD In addition to its bi-weekly consideration of development proposals, in 1995, the Planning Board began the work of making revisions to the zoning article rejected by voters at the 1995 Town Meeting. New hearings were held and every effort made to assure that the changes are reflective of the needs of all sectors of our community. The Board then opted to separate the changes into several articles, thereby allowing voters a better opportunity to approve/reject them on an individual basis. We hope that Tovmspeople will find them to be the minimal measures necessary for preserving the best of our community while helping us all to be better neighbors. The Planning Board has also worked long and hard on revisions of other planning documents, including the Floodplain Development Ordinance, requiring changes to bring it into compliance with Federal Emergency Management regulations, to allow the Town to continue in the flood insurance program. The Subdivision Ordinance was also updated, to comply wath those regulations and to reflect needed changes to the road specifications. The year's major planning effort, however, has been to get back to the work of redrafting and updating the Town's Master Plan. After a lengthy review to identify those sections most in need of work, it was decided that the board would invite community organizations to assist with the much needed revisions. Accordingly, relevant portions of the current Plan were disseminated to the the Historical Society, CEDA, CEDA Tourism and the Conservation Commission, along with pleas for their help. We are happy to say that the response from these groups has been excellent, with none of these organizations rejecting the idea outright. Our true success story is the complete overhaul and final approval of the Natural Resource section, which is now entided "Conservation". This was accomplished with the able assistance and dedication of the members of the Conservation Commission, who held many special meetings in order that the task be accomplished in a reasonable amount of time. While Planning Board members would be pleased to have the revision schedule stepped up, it is unlikely that the quality of this one section could be matched with less effort. We would like to take this opportunity to thank publicly each member of the Conservation Commission, for their help in arriving at a concise guideline of next steps in a process aimed at achieving the protection and preservation of Charlestown's natural resources. The Planning Board meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, in the Community Room. All meetings are open to the public and, in addition to the published notice, agendas are posted on bulletin boards located outside the Selectmen's office and at the Connecticut River Bank. Please contact the Board's assistant, at 826-5368, with questions or to schedule a hearing/discussion with the Board. Sharon Francis, Chairperson Roger Thibodeau, Vice Chairperson Kennith Champney Aare lives Henry Ferland Daniel McPherson, Alternate Robert Frizzell, Ex-officio Fred Poisson 76 STJT.MVAN COUNTY ECONOMTC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL 1995 Report of Activiries The following are highlights of our very successful year: A. Obtaining a Community Development Block Grant fix)m the Office of State Planning for the County. This grant will be used to provide assistance to East Coast Steel Inc., located in Claremont to purchase machinery and equipment for this new location. When the company is fully operational, the county job base will be increased by 180 jobs and our revolving loan fund will increase substantially. B. The Claremont Foundry, formerly known as Joy Technologies, Inc., is under new ownership and operational. SCEDC's role in this project began in January by providing assistance to an employee buy-out association and has recently been completed by providing financial assistance. 28 jobs were re-established. C. Financial assistance was also given to Skyline Designs which recently began construction of a new facility in Newport. D. SCEDC continues to maintain and expand its Revolving Loan Fund for the purpose of assisting existing and new companies with financial needs. E. We are also working with other companies interested in expanding and relocating in the County. Some of these projects will hopefully come to fruition in the spring of 1996. Along with this effort to expand our industrial base, increase the area's wage base and provide financial assistance, SCEDC is working with other groups that are interested in enhancing Sullivan County. A labor task force was established for the purpose of conducting a study of the County's labor pool. As part of this process an 800 piece mail-out was done to survey businesses relative to their employees strengths and weaknesses. Results were compiled and work will begin on correcting our short falls. SCEDC is also serving on the School-To-Work Program which includes individuals at the local and state level, educators and business owners. Work continues with Chariestown Economic Development Association (CEDA) and the Economic Corporation of Newport (ECON) to establish a county initiative regarding tourism. This is an area in which everyone would reap the benefits. 1995 was a very productive year for SCEDC as well as the County and we will continue to work towards the betterment of the entire area. Stephen A. Marro, Executive Director 77 REPORT QF IIPPER VAT.T.KY LAKE SITNAPEK REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION The Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission is a voluntary association of 31 towns, four Vermont and 27 New Hampshire Communities. The Commission is concerned with the development of comprehensive plans for beneficial and balanced economic, environmental and social growth in the Region. It functions as a research, resource, and informational agency, and when appropriate, acts to obtain Federal, State and other approvals, grants-in-aid, loans and similar assistance for individual member towns and for the Region. The Commission provides technical assistance to member communities in the areas of planning (land use, transportation, water quality, etc.) mapping, community development, grantsmanship and grant administration. In addition, regional publications, such as our Regional Profile, regional studies, such as our Regional Transportation Plan, and regional projects, such as the Lake Sunapee Watershed Management Plan, are undertaken to the benefit of more than one community. In the past year, services such as our Planning Board training series, and library which features maps, planning resources and US Census data, were available to all or our member communities. A complete list of services and regional projects which benefit our members follows the list of services provided directly to residents of Charlestown. In 1995, our work specifically for the Town of Charlestown included: * Counted daily traffic at five locations using computerized equipment and provided data to the Town. * Developed a one-page economic data summary sheet for the Town. * Provided information about the Upper Valley 2001 project. * Provided administrative assistance to the Upper Valley Solid Waste Management District. * Organized a household hazardous waste collection for Sullivan County to be held in 1997. Our Commission looks forward to continuing to serve Charlestown in the coming year. 78 REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMTTTEE The Finance Committee held meetings almost every week from December 1, 1995 through January 22, 96 to work on the 1996 Budget. We finalized the budget with a Saturday meeting that lasted most of the day. The Finance Committee invited all department heads to meet and review their budgets. We were able to reduce some budget items, but were unable to level-fund the total Town Budget. This was all done with the taxpayer in mind in order to make the budget affordable for Charlestown taxpayers. I wish to thank all members of the Finance Committee and the Selectmen for their attendance and input to arrive at this budget. It was prepared with a lot of discussion and some disagreements, but final figures were arrived at with the general consent of all members. I also want to thank Marianne Marsha and all town office staff for pulling numbers from the computer and providing us with a good format to work with. Thanks! Respectfully, Normand R. Beaudry Chairman 79 REPORT OF HOME HEALTH CARE AND COMMIJNTTY SERVICES. INC. In 1995, Home Health Care and Community Services (HCS) continued to provide home care and community services to the residents of Charlestown. The following information represents a projection of HCS's activities in your community in 1995. The projection is based on actual services provided from January through September 1995 and an estimate of usage during October, November and December. Services Offered REPORT OF SULLIVAN COUNTY NIJTRmON SERVICES Sullivan Nutrition delivered over 8300 meals in Charlestown during the 1994- 1995 fiscal year. We served over 5600 meals at the congregate site in Charlestown during the same time period. We provided over 200 units of outreach service to Charlestown. The home-delivered nutrition services program provides nutritious meals to older citizens, particularly those in greatest economic and social need, who are home-bound by reason of illness or disability and to those who are otherwise isolated due to transportation problems. Services are designed to maintain or improve the health of these older Americans, preserve and support their independence and prevent premature or unnecessary institutionalization. The congregate program provides a daily noon meal to seniors in Charlestown at our site in the basement of the municipal building. This program provides our senior citizens with a nutritious meal and a chance to socialize with other senior citizens. The number of home-delivered meals in Charlestown continues to grow each year and we feel this trend will continue. We are finding that more and more seniors are in need of some type of assistance. Sullivan Nutrition provides over 95,000 meals each year to the senior citizens of Sullivan County. 65,000of these meals are home-delivered. Our meals-on-wheels drivers are responsible for checking on our clients each day when a meal is delivered. If there are any problems, the appropriate person or agency will be notified. We are presentiy facing budget cuts in many of the Human Services Agencies throughout the nation and the state. At the present time we are not sure how much the cuts might be to the nutrition program. We may not lose any of our state and federal fiinding. It is a wait and see situation. Sullivan Nutrition wishes to thank the Board of Selectmen and the citizens of Charlestown for your support of this program. Your concern for the senior citizens of Charlestown and Sullivan County is to be commended. We are very thankful for the financial assistance we receive from the citizens of Charlestown. Sincerely, Rodney Walker, Executive Director 81 REPORT OF THE DTRKCTOR OF HEAI/TH & HITMAN SERVICES Welfare Department appropriations for 1995 were $30,270.00. Of that amount $20,678 was spent. The budget for 1996 has been set for $31,222. Drastically cut federal funding could, of coiuse, affect this projected figure. Forty-nine families and individuals received assistance in 1995; this is up slightly from 1994. Welfare recipients worked 133 1/2 hours on the work program for a total of $600.75 in labor for the Town. This figure fluctuates according to the number of able-bodied men requesting assistance (No one is asked to work for the town unless they are well able to do so). Reimbursements were up considerably. This is due in part to reimbursement from the State for prescriptions paid for by the town while medical benefits were pending. The $ 2,133.44 figure includes both individual and State reimbursement. The death of Arthur Mayo last May left a huge void in the operation of the Food Shelf. This past December Robert & Catherine Jackson consented to take over the food, shelf and with Walter Sharon as back-up are doing an excellent job. The Jacksons found people to donate a freezer and a refiigerator. These will come in handy when meats and other perishables become available at low prices. Shelving has been repainted, food supplies put in order and supplies (including frozen meats) were brought from the Fall Mountain Food Shelf Warehouse in Alstead to the Town Hall in Charlestown. In addition to food, donations are always welcome for non-food items such as detergents, soaps, paper products, etc. Making good use of the Food Shelf has resulted in considerable savings on food vouchers throughout the years. Health and Human Services hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 P.M.. Wednesday by appointment only. Marianne Peterson, Director 82 REPORT OF SULLIVAN COUNTY HOSPICE, INC. Sullivan County Hospice has been in existence since 1984. We are a volunteer agency, governed by a Board of Directors. The board of directors is comprised of 10 members, all of whom reside in Sullivan County. Our goal and purpose is to provide practical and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families within Sullivan County. The majority of our patients are home hospice patients. They have decided to remain at home under the care of their families and we provide most of our services in that setting. However, we are flexible enough to follow and serve patients and families in the hospital or nursing home setting as well. Our volunteers are fully trained in areas such as death and dying, active listening, universal precautions and grief. A few of the ways our volunteers might provide practical support include respite for care-givers, running errands, light meal preparation. These volunteers provide emotional support to both the patient and the family by being available to them, by listening, reassuring and encouraging. Our referrals come from doctors, nurses, visiting nurse associations, discharge planners, and from family members or patients themselves. Our only requirements for service are that the patient be terminally ill and that they reside in Sullivan County. We accept all referrals on that basis and there is never a charge for our service. In addition to providing volunteer services, Sullivan County Hospice offers a bereavement support group and a cancer support group. Each of these groups are open to anyone. We maintain a loan closet with hospital beds, walkers, commodes, and other equipment that is useful in the home setting. These are loaned at no charge and in some cases this service helps considerably to keep out of pocket expenses lower for the patient. All of these services are available to the residents of Sullivan County. We thank you in advance for your consideration. We hope that you will continue to support our work with your financial contribution, as we continue in our efforts to support the terminally ill and their families in Sullivan County. Sincerely yours, Annie Alcorn, Director 83 REPORT OF THE AMBULANCE SERVICE 1995 has been another busy year with 300 plus ambulance calls. This has kept the members ever vigilant. I would like to commend the members for their ability to answer calls in all sorts of weather conditions and under some very stressful situations. They are a very caring group of individuals who risk their health and their lives on every call; they should be honored for their work and the spirit of generosity behind their efforts. The 91 1 Emergency System went on line in July 1995, but not without some glitches in the system. These were quickly resolved as we grew with the system. The Police Department is to be commended for their dispatching service to us throughout the year. All of the dispatchers attended an Emergency Medical Dispatch School and they have provided us with truly top-notch dispatching service in tandem with 911. The new ambulance has performed every bit as well as the manufacturer said it would. The change to a diesel engine has cut fuel costs considerably. Maintenance costs are way down. This ambulance should serve the town well for many years to come. At this point, everyone is probably aware that Stan and Helen Patch have offered to build the town an Ambulance Building on land they own on the Springfield Road. After many hours of preparation and meetings with Mr. & Mrs. Patch, my wife, Anne, and I presented the idea to the Selectmen and subsequently to the Planning Board. The building and location were approved by the Planning Board. The acceptance of this offer now goes to the voters of the Town of Charlestown. The members of the Ambulance Service respectfully ask that you support this offer. During the day of Town Meeting members will be available to show you drawings of the proposed building, along with the specifications, and answer any questions you may have. During part of 1995 a Paramedic Intercept Program was available thru Valley Regional Hospital. This program is no longer available thru VRH, but will be available through Springfield Hospital sometime during early 1996. This means we can call for this higher level of care when it is deemed necessary and a Paramedic, Physicians Assistant oi a Physician will meet us on the scene or en route to the hospital. There are many plans underway presently with regard to dispatching, protocols and other vital parts to this Intercept program. Once it goes on line there will be public notice given in the many area publications and newspapers. Respectfully submitted, Edward A. Ricker, Director 84 REPORT OF THE MEDICAL BiriLDTNG ASSOCIATION, INC. Central Air Conditioning was installed in the whole building. The cost for this was split 50-50 between the tenants and the Association. The rear parking lot was enlarged and paved this year. Funds from the Town's Hoyt trust fund were made available to repair the front parking area. Our thanks to the Highway department for marking the parking areas. Respectfully submitted by Trustees: Kenneth Place Steven Neill Brenda Ferland REPORT OF THE MEETING WATERS YMCA Dear Voters of Charlestown: The summer of 1995 brought 31 children fi-om Charlestown to the Lewis Day Camp in Springfield, VT. Of these, eight received either full or partial scholarships through your generosity. Camp is a very important part of growing up and we are pleased that together we can provide this opportunity for your children. The Meeting Waters YMCA once again requests the amount of $1,000 to provide scholarship assistance for youngsters from Charlestown. We thank the Town of Charlestown for its continuing support of the YMCA. 85 RF.PORT OF THE FIRK DF.PARTMENT It was with deep regret that we lost our long-time Fire Chief Robert "Mike" Bums the first part of August of last year. His guidance and leadership will be missed by many of us that grew up in the Fire Department with him. Mike gave his all as fire chief for forty years, a goal that will not be obtained by anyone of us. The fire department had a busy year responding to 105 calls. These ranged fi-om structure fires to alarm investigations, auto accidents, brush fires and other various calls. We also conducted a very successful fire prevention program in the schools. This program was put on by my Assistant Chief Gary Stoddard, with the help of some department members and support from local banks and insurance agents. We hope to continue this program on an annual basis. Many fire inspections of local businesses and residences were also conducted by myself. All members have attended drills which are held twice a month, and several members have attended the National Fire Academy in Maryland, as well as local fire schools located in Keene, NH and Springfield, VT. We are planning to replace our Engine #5 this year, as it is 20 years old and needs some repair work. The firemen have been raising money towards this project for some time and we hope to be able, with some private donations, to pay for half of this project ourselves. We are also in need of other equipment, the most important of which is a detection device for carbon monoxide, as we have seen an increasing request for these services. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the citizens of Charlestown, the town office staff. Highway, Police and Ambulance departments for their support and help when needed, and last but not least for the support of the members of the fire department upon my appointment to the position of Fire Chief You are a great crew and do a commendable job. Looking forward to another progressive year. Respectfully submitted, Gary R. Wallace Fire Chief 86 RFPORT OF TOWN FOREST FTRE WARDEN AND STATE FOREST RANGER In calendar year 1995, our three (3) leading causes of fires were Children, Non-Permit fires not properly extinguished and Smoking Materials. Violations of RSA 224:27 II, the fire permit law and the other burning laws of the State of New Hampshire, are misdemeanors punishable by fines of up to $2,000 and/or a year in jail. Violators are also liable for all fire suppression costs. To aid your Forest Fire Warden, Fire Department and State Forest Fire Officials, contact your local Warden or Fire Department to find out if a permit is required. This also helps to prevent unnecessary response to a controlled bum. 1995 Fire Statistics: Forest Ranger reported Fires Fires Reported by County It 465 Acres Burned Suppression Cost Lookout Tower Reported Fires Visitors to Towers Local communities and the State share the cost of suppression on a 50/50 basis. The State of New Hampshire operates 15 fire towers, 2 mobile patrols and 3 contract aircraft patrols. This early detection and reports from citizens aid the quick response from the local fire departments. "REMEMBER, ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT FOREST FIRES!" Robert B. Stewart Jim Bushway Forest Ranger Forest Fire Warden REPORT OF THE RECREATION rOMMITTEK Another year has passed and we have had a great year in recreation and in fund raising for our programs and for the future of Charlestown residents. As you know, the voters established a capitol reserve fund for the future building of a Recreation/ Community facility in Charlestown. The voters allocated $10,000 to this fund. The Recreation Committee, through fixnd raising events, is pleased to announce that we have added an additional $5,022 to this fiind. Wow!! This is a sample of what can be done when people pull together for a common cause. Many thanks go out to the children in our programs, parents, residents and many area businesses who made it possible. Our recreation programs continue to be very successful and attract new faces every year. Baseball and Softball seem to show a bit of a decline in numbers this year. It is felt that spring and summer soccer appear to have peeked the interest of the kids. We will, however, continue to encourage these programs. Soccer continues to be a very strong program and attracts more numbers as each year passes. Charlestown also hosted a tournament held at Fall Mountain High School this year and had 12 teams participating in the event. The soccer camp held by Dartmouth College was a big success with 42 children participating. Basketball continues to be very successful as well. Numbers for this year are up over last. We had 9 teams and also participated in three tournaments and came home with trophies for the children's and coaches' efforts. Winter Carnival was a big hit. Broom hockey went well under the guidance of Vic St. Pierre and company. The snowball dance was held at the Town Hall and a good time was had by all. We were, however, forced to cancel Fall Festival due to a lack of public interest in regards to renting spaces at Patch Park. We had sent mailings to approximately 100 people and had only received 23 responses to the day's events. If the interest seems to be revived, we would love to bring Fall Festival back to Charlestown in future years. The Pool had a good year as well. We had a relatively young staff at the pool but overall a good season. Jessica Holmes was the pool manager and had many challenges that faced her early in the season. With the guidance of the Recreation Committee and the Selectmen, I think that Jessica came to do a good job at the pool and worked well with her staff. Many thanks to the Water Department for their hard work in this past season, as well as many years past. As with years past, we have had many strong programs that continue to grow in numbers and in quality instruction for our children. This is possible because of dedication by the Recreation Department, Recreation Director and the numerous people 88 who donate many hours of their valuable time to enhance our programs. We look forward to the next year with vision, and hope to continue our goal towards making the recreation programs something that everyone involved can be proud of. We look forward to the fiiture. I ask for your continued support of the recreation programs and the support of the future building of a recreation and community facility in Charlestown. It is very important that the entire community be involved in the future of Charlestown and its future leaders, our children. I would also like to take this time to acknowledge Mike White for his many years of service to the recreation department. He and his family have recently moved out of the area to pursue other interests. Lastly, but certainly not least, I would like to thank my fellow recreation committee members for the many hours of time and dedication they put in to make 1995 a great year. I look forward to working with them in the future. Sincerely, Rick Crowe, Chairman Bob Bailey, Co-Chairman Cathy Boivin, Secretary Jim Campbell Nate Hewes Dan Champney Barry Kinne Mark Robbins Don Hart 89 REPORT OF THE 199S OLD HOME DAY rOMlVnTTEE To say that a lot of work went into the 1995 Old Home Day Celebrations is an understatement. So many people put as much spare time into planning and organizing as they possibly could. Our goal as a committee was to just have fun planning this special weekend. A special thanks goes out to all the committee members who spent the last 2 1/2 years planning. The streets were decorated with flags and wreaths donated by the VFW to give a more festive appearance, and to let people know something big was just around the comer. What started out as a cloudy, rainy Friday afternoon ended as a beautiful evening spent at Patch Park, listening to the big band sounds of the Robert Cunniff Orchestra. Quite a number of people turned out despite the possibility of rain. As the sun set a barrage of explosion echoed off the hills as our fireworks began. Comments were made all over that there had never been a kick-off to Charlestown's Old Home Day weekend such as this. Saturday began at 6:00 A.M. for most of the Old Home Day committee and Lions Club members, preparing for the parade. The parade began right on time and proceeded smoothly up Main Street. We had a variety of participants and thank all of you, and invite you to be with us in the year 2000! Wasn't it great to see our dedicated past librarian, Florence Bingham, as Grand Marshall? It brings back special memories for us all. The special guest appearance of Charlestown's hometown hero, Carlton "Pudgy" Fisk, was certainly a highlight of Saturday's events. We have no idea how many hands he shook or autographs he gave, but he certainly pleased the hundreds of people who crowded around him. We have also heard that he was quite entertaining at the banquet as well. Saturday continued with all the street events until the rains came again. However, there was plenty to do inside during the evening hours at the Fort and at the Alumni Banquet. Many people braved the rain and attended the Line Dancing performance and Street Dance downtown. Unfortunately the rain continued on Sunday, but that did not deter a group of committee members and volunteers from showing up at the Foundation to set up for the Old Fashioned Games and picnic and Temple Band concert. The Sullivan County Young Farmer's Association kept all the children who came busy with innovative games from the past. Tents had been erected and donated by John Decker the night before, so we were able to have free ice-cream and drinks set up all day. Weren't those maple jet shakes great? The Temple Band aixived just in time for a good old Charlestown downpour. Everyone rallied in raising another tent and moving chairs in to accommodate the brave audience. The Committee appreciates the support given by the Town in preparing for the 90 weekend and the donations sent in for special events. We hope you all were able to participate and enjoy some or all of the events during Charlestown's 1995 Old Home Day Weekend. 1995 Old Home Day Committee A special thank you is extended to all the committee members ftx)m the 1995 chairman, Gaston Tanguay. You all did a great job! 91 REPORT OF THE CEMETERY TRUSTEES Effective April 1, 1995, Edward Nelson, the Cemetery Sexton, retired due to ill health. We commend him for the excellent job he did for the Town in this position for seventeen years. Daryl Royce, who has worked in the cemeteries during the summers for ten years, is now the Cemetery Sexton. During the transition from his teaching duties to Cemetery Sexton, the mowing got a little behind schedule during May, but will be back on line in 1996. We did institute the change from Perpetual Care to General Maintenance, as voted at the 1995 Town Meeting. This became effective in September, as well as an increase from $ 50.00 to $100.00 per lot for the general maintenance. This money is invested by the Trustees of Trust Funds and the interest earned used for the care of the lots. New cemetery deeds and a change in some of the regulations also took effect at this time. One of the important additions to the regulations is that a marker of some type must be on the grave within one year after a burial. This does not have to be a monument, and funeral directors can advise about inexpensive markers. Work has been completed at Pinecrest Cemetery for additional grave sites. New roofs have been completed on the Brick Building and the Hearse House in Forest Hill Cemetery. An Ordinance relating to dogsA)icycles being prohibited in the cemeteries became effective July 1, 1995 by order of the Board of Selectmen. Respectfully submitted by Trustees: Mary R. Gray Dona A. Mates Victoria Sargent 92 1 MARRIAGES - 199f> DATE NAME OF GROOM/BRTOE RESIDENCE PLACE OF MARRIAGE Jan. 1 1 Richard Arthur Kowalker Charlestown Charlestown, NH Brenda Louise Baker Charlestown 15 Robert Leslie Brown Charlestown Charlestown, NH Cherie Anne Rice Charlestown Mar. 1 Francis Arthur Ash Charlestown Alstead, NH Dawn Elizabeth Stone Charlestown 1 1 John George Heavisides Charlestown Charlestown, NH Janice Dawn Hutt Lebanon, NH Apr. 1 5 Murphy Collier Charlestown Charlestown, NH Elaine Mary Galliher Newport, NH 1 7 Donald Edward LeClair Charlestown Charlestown, NH Brenda Renee Hensen Charlestown 22 James Wilfred Bushway Jr. Hillsboro, NH Charlestown, NH Sharon Marie Greene Hillsboro, NH 29 Joseph Ronald Morissette Charlestown Charlestown, NH Brenda Marie Hamilton Charlestown May 20 Jeremy Stephen Shand Charlestown Charlestown, NH Stephanie Anne Dischinger Windsor, VT Jun. 16 Kevin John Bragg Charlestown Charlestown, NH Cynthia Ann Hooker Charlestown 17 Jason Matthew McCaffrey Charlestown Claremont, NH Audrey Lynn White Charlestown 24 Timothy Russell Coleman Charlestown Springfield, VT Allison Leigh Faucher Charlestown 24 Jon David Helie Charlestown Charlestown, NH Susan Marie Home Charlestown Jul. 6 Charles Edward Gravely Charlestown Charlestown, NH Misty Dawn Adams Charlestown 93 DATE NAME OF GROOM/BRTOE RESIDENCE PLACE OF MARRIAGE Jul. 15 Brian Nelson Sprague Charlestown N.Springfield.VT Heather Lyn Weston Charlestown 29 Arthur Michael Peck Charlestown Charlestown, NH Connie Renee Manley Charlestown 29 Donald Henry Spaulding Charlestown Sunapee, NH Molly Jo Snow Charlestown 30 Michael John Skowfoe Charlestown Charlestown, NH Karen Marie LeDoux Charlestown Aug. 14 Tom Baker Charlestown Claremont, NH Sandra Ann Kivler Charlestown 26 Daniel John Rivard Charlestown Cornish, NH Jamie Lynn Hayes Charlestown Sep. 2 Donald Joseph LaPlame Jr. Charlestown Charlestown, NH Mary P. Little Claremont, NH 2 Scott Allyn Davis Charlestown Sunapee, NH Penny Sue Martell Charlestown 2 Bradley Fay Regan, Sr. Charlestown Chariestown, NH Marjorie Rostosky Charlestown 2 Edwin Walter Tenney Chariestown Chariestown, NH Nancy Ann Pecor Charlestown 9 Glenn Richard Baron Charlestown Chariestown, NH Cheryl Ann Patterson Charlestown 16 Wade Corwin MaAllister Springfield,VT Chariestown, NH Meredith Brooks Piletz Charlestown 23 Brant Shepherd Pagan Chariestown Chariestown, NH Heidi Ann Bosse Brookfield, CT 30 John Joseph Parrott II Charlestown Walpole, NH Donna Lee Merrill Charlestown Oct. 2 Nathan Van Herring Bellows Falls,VT Charlestown, NH Barbara Jane Barrett Bellows Falls.VT 94 DATE NAME OF GROOM/BRTOE RESIDENCE PLACE OF MARJUAGE 7 Bradley Raymond Baker Charlestown Chart estown, NH Tammy Lynn Flood Charlestown Nov. 25 Thomas Michael Garrette Charlestown Charlestown, NH Tracy Lynn Fisher Charlestown Dec. 14 Larry Bowen Hill Charlestown Charlestown, NH Joanne Rae Black Charlestown 23 Jeremy James Palmer Charlestown Claremont, NH Gwen Patricia Grondin Charlestown 26 Eric Adam Warren St. Albans,VT Charlestown, NH Shanine Fawn Hotte Charlestown 27 Donald Ernest Mack Jr. Charlestown Charlestown, NH Linda Lee Kazak Charlestown 95 « {5 >» -J ^ <^ " -< ^ 2 "J S Q J Q fa^ S^ § CQ 5 6-2^ m ^ O T3 o in 3 CLi ^ ^. •« iJ s > £P = ^ ^ I "I 'M c s 3 — o u i: M 3" I tw =3 •^ o o c 3 5 S U CS u a S 8 on oa 00 < a; U E £ <2 Q cS U 2 " 55 r^ CD -^ « " CO on s a tA •o o •£ o •£ £ u c "5 E I I 3 < z < S c ^ ft. .£ 03 ^ o u := B J= O TO - n Q m 2 z p= -- z z s E E E E E E E E E — U I) u U o r~ iTiI o^ o vs 97 DEATHS - 199S Date: NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES 5 o00 > O O n w PI o 2 w H jc S o M CO M o 2! 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