Annual report of the Town of Grantham, New Hampshire

132 Pages·1999·9.2 MB·English

by  Grantham (N.H. : Town)

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http://www.archive.org/details/annualreportofto1998gran
1998
BOARD SELECTMEN
of
TREASURER
TOWN
CLERK
TAX COLLECTOR
TRUSTEES of the TRUST FUNDS
and OTHER OFFICERS
of the
Together with the
REPORT of the SCHOOL BOARD
and the VITAL STATISTICS for the YEAR 1998
^^ Town of Grantham, New Hampshire 1998 ^^
PUBLICATION NOTES
COMPLETION DATE:
—
&
Auxiliary Notes, Design, Editing, Formatting Printing
Lucy Wells • Head Hedgehog & Brad Sears • Associate
HEDGEHOG PUBLISHING
NH
355 Chandlers Mills Road • Newport 03773
Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • e-mail: [email protected]
& & &
''Words Pictures by for Folks with Prickly Backs, Soft Bellies, Small Brains"
With the invaluable assistance by the Town Clerk, Town Office Personnel,
Public School Personnel & Students, & the Diverse Municipal Employees & Volunteers
of Grantham, New Hampshire.
TEXT: Palatino • TITLES: Vag Rounded Bold On the Cover
Advance emergency
GRAPHICS: Varied, copyright free sources
responder Jill Davis of
PHOTOS: Lucy Wells, except where noted the F.A.S.T Squad
arrived at a Grantham.
COVER PHOTO: Lucy Wells home in the early
morning hours.
COVER DESIGN: Lucy Wells Here, her work is
nearly done as the
COVER PRINTER: Imperial Print, West Lebanon, NH Newport Ambulance
crew takes takes over.
BINDING: New Hampshire Bindery Concord, NH
THEME: Our Volunteers ~ Time, Interest, and Skill, Freely Given
^
Town of Grantham, New Hampshire 1998 4t^
4
>
DEDICATION
—
Ralph Waldo Emerson
For the last few years the Selectmen have ded- and fire marshall's office for software programs
icated the Grantham Annual Town Report to that are best suited for the particular needs in our
an individual or individuals who have been community. As well as learning the programs and
involved in some area in helping the town entering information, he keeps the system
function successfully. This year the Board operable and also works with the police
of Selectmen dedicates the 1998 Report department when problems arise on
toJames "Jim" Mutney. their computers (sometimes into the
early morninghours onhis way home
Jim is one of our Grantham from his work at Strum-Ruger).
Volunteer Fire Department Firemen
and is currently the Deputy Fire Jim goes about doing what he
Chief. He joined the department feels needs to be done, not asking
February 6, 1973. In 1983, Jim was for thanks, but to do what he can
invited to meet with the governor for the fire department and for the
to receive recognition for being town he grew up in.
the first New Hampshire Fire
Fighter to get 100% on the Level I . We sincerely want to say,
Certification Test given by the NH "Thank you, Jim Mutney" for the
.;
Fire Standards & Training courses youhave taken and for the
Commission. many hours of volunteer work you
have given, and continue to give, to
Some of the projects he has been the Town of Grantham.
involved in include helping to main-
tain the equipment, helping in putting Respectfully submitted,
together specifications for new fire Board ofSelectmen
trucks and fast squad vehicles, "holding > William Hutchins
Jam®S
onto" and pursuing the task of restoration Alden Pillsbury
Francs
of the forest fire vehicle. Jim has set-up the Mutney .i'n ConstanceJones
computer system and has worked with the state
1997
^^ Town Grantham ^^
of
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Annual Reports: 1998
—
Foreword Our Cover Story
VOLUNTEERISM
By Lucy Wells
To those whosay volunteerism is on the wane, altitude communities in northern New England
it's a thingofthepast, lifestyles arechanging, were hit by an ice storm that left many without
people don't have time, more women are in power, phones, and plumbing for three to 10 days.
the workplace, etc., etc., etc. Ice caked trees and lines and walkways and
Well, in Grantham, we say, "Hogwash!" roads, so thickly the first rays of sun gave the illu-
Like many other communities large and small, sion of an ice palace. But the very weight of the ice
the support system provided by individuals and brought down much it had decorated. Even when
organizations who share their time, interest, and meltdown was under way, falling ice became the
skill is the very fabric, thefoundation, theelasticity, hazard, and some damaged poles and trees earlier
the continuity, the vibrancy, th2 accountability, and supported by the rigidity of the ice began to bring
the dependability that defines community. down the newly repaired lines.
Whetheritismakingkey decisionsas town gov- In Grantham, the fire station, the Volunteer Fire
ernment board and committee members, keeping Department and the Ladies Auxiliary, were at the
watch over environmental resources, organizing core of activity. A warm, dry place, with a continu-
recreation opportunities for all ages, providing ous coffee pot and soup kettle was needed by
for a neighbor in need, locating many, especially by the utili-
and organizing the historic tycrews fromseveralstates
records, flipping hamburg- ||| working 'round the clock to
ers at Old Home Day, restoreservices. Those who
putting hour upon hour provided know who you
into emergency response training, writing a report, are. And in extending yourselves, Grantham is
reading with children, cataloguing assorted books, remembered well beyond its town lines.
planning a fund-raiser, making the phone calls, or On the cultural side, when a plan began to kin-
planting flowers ... dle for meeting growing needs at Dunbar Free
During 1998, life went on in Grantham. That Library, a skilled, methodical organization of
means, ordinary people achieved extraordinary library volunteers gathered resources, put an archi-
things, and they did it instinctively. Some are tectural plan beforeresidents, and raised an incred-
always there. Some, no doubt, were pressed into ible record of donations toward this worthy goal, a
duty and stayed. Some perhaps just wanted to building addition holding promise forall town res-
''keep busy." Some saw a way to do a task better, or idents as the year 2000 approaches.
to providesomethingofsubstance, and wentahead Then, there are the now annual Old Home Day
and did it. Fourth of July events, from "cutting the rug", to a
Each invested in Grantham, its present and pancake breakfast, tobakingcookiesfor the Cookie
future. Walk, to organizing children's games, to dressing
Let's take a few examples from whatnow seems up for the parade thatjust about everybody is in.
like the "way back machine." Are there role models for Volunteerism in
In January 1998, Grantham and other higher Grantham? "Being there" defines Grantham.
4^ Town of Grantham, New Hampshire 1998 ^^
TABLE of CONTENTS
About Grantham: SOICC of NH 102 Representatives' Reports 96
Appropriations. & Expenditures 31 Road Agent 59
Archivist 87 Right-to-Know Law/Meetings 4
Audit Reports 8 Schedule ofTown Property 38
Billboard 123 Southwestern Community Services 81
Board of Selectmen's Report 6 Sullivan County Economic Development 68
Building Inspector/Planning Board 63 Summary of Inventory Valuation 39
Cemetery Trustees 79 1999 Town Budget 22
Community Crisis Fund 81 1998 Town Meeting Minutes 41
Conservation Commission 65 1999 Town Warrant (Bluepages) 12
Dedication Tax Rate Computation & 5-year Review 40
Dunbar Free Library 71 Town Clerk's Report 50
Dunbar Library Trustees 72 Town Accountability Chart 70
Electric Deregulation 80 Town Information 2
Executive Councilor, District One 94 Town Officers 3
Fence Viewers 86 Treasurer's Report 53
Fifty Years ... plus 5 ... 1943 92 Trust Funds 54
F.A.S.T Squad 75 Unredeemed Taxes • Liens 51
Forest Fire Warden 78 UVLS Regional Planning Commission 66
Foreword 1 Vital Statistics 100
Girl Scouts 104 Volunteer Fire Department 76
Health Officer 74 Volunteer Photos 29
Historical Society 88 Zoning Board of Adjustment 64
Hogreeves Report 86
Ice Storm 1998 60 & 77
The Insider Report 69 SCHOOLS Lwenderpages 105
KearsargeArea Council on Aging 83 School Budget 1999 110
LSR Visiting NurseAssociation 82 School District Treasurer's Report 115
Meeting Rules 1 & 107 School Enrollment 107
Need Assistance? Services? 124 1998 School Election Results & Minutes 116
NH/VT
Solid Waste Project 61 School Election Warrant 125
NewportAmbulance Service 74 School Warrant, March 16, 1999 109
Old Home Day 89 Superintendent ofSchools 122
Police Department 57 Tuition Students 108
Recreation 84 Village School Report 118
/\ ^K
Town of Grantham, New Hampshire 1998
TOWN
INFORMATION • Zip 03753
Emergency (Fire - Police - Ambulance)
9-1-1
Selectmen's Office 863-6021 ECA 863-4240
PO Box 276 PO Box 990
Monday through Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Village District 863-6512
Friday PO Box 990
8:30 - 4:00 p.m.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Town Clerk/Tax Collector 863-5608 Grantham Village School 863-1681
PO Box 135 75 Learning Drive
Monday through Thursday 8:30 - 3:00 p.m.
7:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
Evenings by Appointment Lebanon High School 448-3056
Jr.
NH
75 Bank Street, Lebanon 03766
Road Agent 863-9156
PO Box 276 Lebanon Sr. High School 448-2055
Monday through Friday 195 Hanover Street, Lebanon 03766
Police Department 863-6844 non-emergency SAU#75 863-9689
PO Box 704 PO Box 287, Grantham NH 03753
Monday & Tuesday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thursday 8 a.m.- Noon
Dunbar Free Library 863 2172 Burning Permits
PO Box 1580 Ken Barton 863-2907
Monday & Wednesday
9:00 - 12:00 noon Fire Chief
12:30 p.m. -4:30 p.m. Bob Scavcy 863-3927
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Thursday Planning, Zoning, Conservation Secretary
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Kelly Cornish 863-8310
12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
TRANSFER & RECYCLING STATION
Winter Hours (Standard Time) Summer Hours (Daylight Savings Time)
Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Wednesday 1:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon & 10:00 a.m. -12:00 noon &
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
^\
Town of Grantham, New Hampshire 1998 ^^
TOWN
OFFICERS
Moderator MerleSchotanus • 2000 Assistant Librarian Roger Bloomfield, WalterMadore,
Selectmen B. Joey 1 lolmes F. RobertOsgood, & F. Robert
Chair, William Hutchins • 1999 Friends of the Dunbar Free Library Schwartz
Alden "Chick" Pillsbury • 2000 BobbieTravis, President • 1998 Recreation Department
ConstanceJones • 2001 Marcia Clayton, Vice President Jim Peirce, Director • 1999
Town Administrator Conrad Frey, Treasurer Representatives to the General
Dexter Bucklin Joan Krumm, Secretary Court,
Bookkeeper/Secretary — Jean Simon Grantham & Springfield
Barbara Mutney Interim Fence Viewers ConstanceJones • 2000, Grantham
Town Clerk/Tax Collector Lorie& Dan McClory District3
Tina Stearns • 2001 F.A.S.T. Squad Richard Leone • 2000, Sunapee
Deputy Rita Eigenbrode John Lui, Coordinator District2
Treasurer Henry Robinson • 1999 Robin Palermo, Asst. Coordinator Representatives to the NH/VT
Deputy David Eigenbrode Fire Chief RobertSeavey • 2000 Solid Waste District
CemeteryTrustees Deputy Jim Mutney William Hutchins & Ed Jenik • 1999
Warren Kimball • 1999 Captain Mike Benoit Representatives to the UVLS
Dennis Howard • 2000 Lieutenants Chris Palermo (1) Regional Planning Council
Francis Mutney • 2001 Doug Fountain (2) Ed Jenik • 1999
Cemetery Sexton Treasurer Bob Guyette Road Agent Joseph Newcomb
T. Edward Buckman Secretary Robin Palermo School Board
Census Committee Emergency Management Terry Dorr, Chair • 2000
Frank Farinella • 2000 Alden Pillsbury, Director Charles Rogers • 1999
Nancy Farinella • 2000 Deputies Patricia Short • 1999 Marcia Llewellyn • 2000
Helen Rego • 2000 ErnestCollier, Director • 1999 Shannon Hastings, Clerk • 1999
Jean Grinold • 2000 Fire Warden Kenneth O. Barton Carl Hanson, Moderator • 1999
Marquand Ransom • 2000 Deputies Everett R. (Mike) Reney, Superintendent of School
William Wagner • 2000 Jim Mutney, Paul Osgood, Dr. Gordon Schnare
Richard Whiting • 2000 & Mike Benoit Supervisors of the Checklist
Patricia Wooison • 2000 Health Officers Allen Walker • 2002
Conservation Commission Dr. Kenneth Kerwin • 1999 Carrie Hastings • 2004
Carl Hanson, Chair • 1999 Board ofSelectmen Henry Barton • 2000
Jim Berg, V. Chair • 2000 Historical Society Transfer Station Attendants
Jerry Ellsworth • 1999 Allen Walker, President Herm Barton
Peter Forest • 2000 Barbara Mutney, Vice President Donald Herman
Mike Holdowsky, Chair • 2001 Conrad Frey, Treasurer Laura Brown
Joe Bergin • 2000 Ella Reney, Secretary Trustees ofTrust Funds
Charlie Witham • 2001 Town Archivist Lea Frey • 1999 Ted Short • 1999
Conservation Commission Hogreeves Connie Howard • 2000
Alternates Dick Hayes • 1999 Polly & Eugene Eaklor • 1999 Conrad Frey • 2001
Jeremy Turner • 2001 Planning Board UVLSRPCTransportation
Stephen Hastings • 1999 Carl Hanson, Chair • 2000 Advisory Committee
Kelly Cornish, Secretary Tammy Wilson • 2001 Representative
Custodian T. Edward Buckman Allen Walker • 1999 Constance A. Jones • 1999
Deregulation Advisory Committee ConstanceJones, Alt. Selectmen's Welfare Official
Charles Amick Representative Board ofSelectmen
John Clayton Chick Pillsbury, Alt. Selectmen's Zoning Board of Adjustment
Henrv Hood Representative Dick Mansfield • 1999
CliffOsmer Planning Board Alternates John Clayton • 1999
Richard Mansfield Michele Daigle • 1999 Lewis 'Bud' Hennigar, Chair • 2001
James Hurst Ed MacNeill • 2000 Joe Bergin • 1999
Henrv Robinson Mike Hayward • 2001 Wilfred Hastings • 2000
DunbarFree Library Trustees Kelly Cornish, Secretary Kelly Cornish, Secretary
Charles Pearce • 1999 Police Chief Russell E. Lary ZBA Alternates
Allen Walker • 2000 Police Sergeant Jerry A. Whitney Barbara Roll • 2000
Bud Henniger • 2000 Full-time Officer Carol Sturgis • 2001
Suzanne Lower • 1999 Marshall Osgood Conrad Frey • 2001
Louise Robinson • 2001 Special Police Officers Myron Cummings • 2001
Librarian Sally Allen Massad Ayoob, StewartAdams,
=
3
^^ Town of Grantham, New Hampshire 1998 ^^
RiGHT-to-KNOW LAW
A Guide to Public Access
1. What is the "Right-to-Know" Law, RSA 91-A? •The public is entitled to attend and may record or
It is New Hampshire's statute which emphasizes videotape the proceedings.
that the business of the Town is the public's busi- •All votes, with the very few exceptions itemized
ness. It makes clear that, with very few exceptions, below, must be taken in open session and not by
the public has access to Town records and meetings secret ballot.
held in connection with Town Government. •Minutes must be taken and made available to the
public within 144 hours.
2. Who does it cover?
All of us, whether we are elected officials, employ- 5. When can we hold a nonpublic session?
ees or volunteers serving on Boards of the Town of Rarely. The Right-to-Know Law listscertainlimited
Grantham. situations which allow a Board to go into nonpub-
lic session. Those situations are:
3. What does it cover? •Dismissal,promotion, orsettingcompensationfor
Itcovers all "meetings." A "meeting" occurs when- public employees, RSA91-A:3, II (a).
ever a quorum of a Board, Committee or •Consideration of the hiring of a public employee,
Subcommittee gathers and discusses or acts upon a RSA91-A:3, II (b).
matter over which that Board, Committee or •Matters which, if discussed in public, would lik—e-
Subcommittee has supervision, control, jurisdic- ly affect adversely the reputation of any person
tion, or advisory power. The law also requires that however, this cannot be used to protect a person
the business of a Board be conducted at a meeting, who is a member of your Board, Committee or
rather than by telephone, E-mail, or private gather- Subcommittee, RSA91-A:3, II (c).
ing ofindividuals. •Consideration of the purchase, sale, or lease of
real or personal property, RSA 91-A:3, II (d).
4. If it is a meeting, what does that mean? •Discussion of pending or threatened (in writing)
•Anotice ofthe timeand placeofthemeetingmust litigation, RSA91-A:3, (e).
be posted at least 24 hours in advance (excluding
Sundays and legal holidays) in at least 2 public Continued on nextpage
places.
Schedule of Municipal & School Meetings
Board of Selectmen • 34 Dunbar Hill Road Grantham Volunteer Fire Dept.
2nd & 4th Wednesday each month • Fire Station
2nd Wednesday; 7 p.m., Town Office 1st Tuesday each month; 7 p.m.
4th Wednesday; 3:30 p.m., Town Office Grantham Fire Dept. Ladies'
Conservation Commission Auxiliary • Fire Station
• 34 Dunbar Hill Road 1st Wednesday each month; 7 p.m.
3rd Wednesday each month; 7 p.m., Town Office Grantham F.A.S.T. Squad • Fire Station
Planning Board • Main Street 2nd Wednesday each month; 7 p.m.
1st Thursday each month; 7 p.m., Town Hall Grantham School Board • GVS Library
Zoning Board of Adjustment 1st Monday each month; 7 p.m
• 34 Dunbar Hill Road Grantham Parent-Teacher Group
2nd Tuesday each month • GVS Library
By call of Chairperson/7 p.m., Town Office 2nd Monday each month, 7 p.m.
V