The selectmen met on Wednesday while the man from Pope Security was busily working on some fixes to the system that will automatically erase what was videoed after thirty days. He finished his work during the meeting.
Kathy Vizard, Administrative Assistant, reported that the Right to Know class would be held at town hall on September 14. As directed she had advised neighboring towns of the class but so far only Tamworth has said they would attend. With elections coming, Kathy reported that she has been advised election inspectors for the Democrat and Republican committees need to be appointed. The selectmen voted to appoint Mary Leavitt and Dorothy Solomon (both Democratic Ballot Clerks) and Karen Menard (Republican Ballot Clerk) to the position.
Dana Jones, representing White Mountain Oil/Propane (Albany has purchased fuel from them for many years) came by to explain the billing programs for the coming season. The town has two accounts with them: fuel oil and propane. According to last year’s records, the town consumed approximately 600 gallons of oil and 300 gallons of propane. There are three means of pricing: open market, fixed price(pre-buy), and cap which gives the consumer the maximum cost but allows for it to go down. This last price deal requires that the consumer pay an insurance fee. After discussion, the selectmen decided to lock in the heating cost at the cap level. Mr. Jones advised consumers to go on-line to the official New Hampshire government website and look at the Office of Energy and Planning site for fuel prices. It can help in planning ahead for the heating season. He left the selectmen with a copy of the site’s information.
Conservation Commission members, Rob Nadler and Cort Hanson, came before the selectmen to discuss the Albany Forest land deals made with local farmers. They have contracted with the farmers for a multi-year use of the land. The farmers will maintain the property by mowing the pathway. The commission is awaiting state regulation information on leasing of land. They are investigating bringing power and water to the farmland and supplying storage facility for the farmers. The DOT buildings will be inspected to determine if they can be safely used. The selectmen advised that the Commission and select board both meet with the Conway Assessor and the Conway Planning Board chair to discuss the farming plans, as the farm is actually in Conway. Steve Knox inquired as to who was legally responsible for multi-year leasing of the farm land: the legislative body or the selectmen? There was no definitive answer to the question at the meeting.
Two companies are interested in the replacement of the town doors contract. The company supplying the new locks for the town will come by to give their estimate of cost.
The selectmen are looking at getting the DOT and Curtis Coleman to do an inspection of all bridges in Albany so that they can make long term plans for the repairs. Selectman Joe Ferris will follow through on the bridge work.
The selectmen will be presenting a questionaire for the town’s people regarding bi-annual taxation. Look for this either at election time or with your tax bill.
World Fellowship: Sunday, August 21 at 10 a.m. Liza Behrendt discusses Queer Politics & Jewish Palestine Solidarity. In the evening (7:30 p.m.) Chaumtoli Hug, a human rights attorney, speaks on Building Transnational Labor Solidarity. On Monday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m. Prof. Thomas Roach discusses Social Media: Virtual Communism or Opiate of the Masses? Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Dud Hendrick’s topic is Do We Have an Empathy Deficit?
Gibson Center: Join friends on a trip Saturday, August 27 to see Celtic Thunder. Call 356-3231 for reservations.
Library: Tuesday, August 23 at 10:30 a.m. it’s Story Time for Twos and Wednesday it’s Story Time for Wee Ones. At 6 p.m. the Teen Writing Group meets. On Thursday at 10:30 a.m. it’s Story Time for Threes and Fours followed at 4 p.m. when the Family Garden Club meets.
The White Mountain Interpretive Association and the Forest Service plan to celebrate Pasaconaway Heritage Day on August 27 at the Russell Colbath House (on the Kancamagus Highway). It’s free and open to all. The programs go from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Fifth Massachusetts Battery Light Artillery will put on a program. Bring a picnic lunch and join the fun.
Jackson Village Park hosts the White Mountain Art & Artisan Festival on August 20-21. A silent auction will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
We are getting some much needed rain, but it doesn’t spoil our lovely summer. Get out and enjoy! Have a great week!