Planning Implementation Committee
March 10, 2008

The meeting was called to order by former chairman Colin Holme at 7 p.m. Other members present were Bruce Sanborn, Bart Hague and Tim Fanning.

The minutes of the February meeting were read and accepted with the following correction: paragraph 7, fifth sentence shall read
They gave the go ahead for the committee to write wording for the maintenance section of the articles.

Tim said he had conferred with Brad Grover about the maintenance of the Blackguard/Green Road, which has been proposed for discontinuance. Brad estimates it would cost the town $50 to $75 per foot to improve a 2.8 mile section to where it could be plowed all winter long (at $50 per foot this would represent an outlay of $739,000). Brad thought the cost would likely be more towards the $75 mark.

Tim brought in a prepared draft for the proposed warrant article for road maintenance as follows:

PROPOSED WARRANT ARTICLE
BLACKGUARD/GREEN ROAD MAINTENANCE

Article #

To see if the town will vote to continue the current level of maintenance on the following section of the Blackguard/Green Road, so-called:
From the point where an inlet brook to Duck Pond crosses the Blackguard Road (near the southeasterly corner of Map 45, Lot 3) to the point where Warren Brook crosses the Green Road near Warren Farm (Map 70, Lot 11).
Total distance - 2.8 miles.

This maintenance includes grading, ditching, mowing and culvert replacement, when necessary, to keep the road passable for motor vehicles, except during the period it is closed to winter maintenance.

The intent is to continue to maintain the road as it is now used to provide access for landowners and the public by motor vehicle, even if the town votes to discontinue the road but keeps a public easement.

The article following that would be the one to discontinue this road, keeping it as a public easement.

Bruce asked about the town's obligation as far as winter maintenance should a homeowner request it. Tim will research that question. He will also seek input from Richard Flewelling, attorney, regarding the proposed warrant article. With this information available at the April meeting for discussion, then Tim and Colin will present it to Selectmen and work with them to go forward with it. Colin suggested at least one more meeting of this committee to work on road maintenance/discontinuance prior to the next town meeting. Tim suggested possibly interfacing with the Finance Committee on this subject.

Colin asked for other items for discussion. Tim asked about the list of items this committee has worked on. Colin said he would prefer to present it verbally to selectmen. Tim said John Bell would like to see the list written, to be of assistance to the next committee to form. Colin said he will bring a drafted list to the next meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Cynthia Stafford
Recording Secretary