TOWN OF ALLENSTOWN

SELECTMEN’S OFFICE

16 SCHOOL STREET

ALLENSTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03275

 

SELECTMEN’S PUBLIC MEETING 6/3/2002

The Selectmen went to Suncook Pond at 6:20 PM to honor Lena Demers as the oldest citizen of the Town. Mrs. Demers received the Boston cane, a bouquet of roses and a plaque commemorating the honor. Family members were present for the occasion.

The Selectmen returned to Town Hall and Chairman Fontaine opened the meeting at 7:00 PM. Present were Benjamin E. Fontaine, Jr., Arthur G. Houle, and Sandra A. McKenney, Selectmen; David M. Jodoin, Administrative Assistant.

The Selectmen met with Rick Lacourse, NH ATV Club President. The New Hampshire ATV Club wants the Selectmen to open a quarter-mile of Chester Turnpike to all-terrain vehicles. Other members of the Club spoke in favor of the request. Also speaking on the matter were Roland Martel, Armand Verville, Norman Provencher, Chief McGonigle, Chief Dionne, State Rep. Deanna Rush and Senator Barnes who expressed concerns with riders in Bear Brook State Park. Norm Provencher stated that Pembroke Water Works had two water tanks in the Park that required a 4000 square foot safety buffer. Roland Martel stated that he has seen ATVs riding 2 feet from the tanks as well as up and down Deerfield Road. Armand Verville complained that ATVs have destroyed his land by tearing up an area that he leveled and reclaimed. Senator Barnes stated that this was not good for Allenstown as they do not have the resources to provide Police patrols. He agreed that trails were needed and later stated that they should perhaps be in a remote area of the Park. ATVs are allowed only on Bear Brook State Park’s snowmobile trails during periods of snow cover. That doesn’t stop many riders using the park year round and crossing over private lands without permission. As the sport has increased in popularity, illegal riding has increased, local residents complained. NH ATV Club President Rick Lacourse said providing more legal trails in the state should cut down on the amount of illegal riding. In exchange for rights to ride the quarter-mile of Chester Turnpike that links to Hooksett, the club will clean, post signs and police the area.

The Selectmen have not ruled on the request but will take it under advisement and make a decision at their next meeting which will be June 17th.

The Selectmen discussed the parking lot striping at the Fire Station.

Selectperson McKenney reported only 25 children signed up for the Summer Rec. program. A letter will be sent out to inform parents of the program.

There is a Master Plan meeting on Wednesday June 5th; and a budget meeting on Thursday, June 6.

On motion of Sandra A. McKenney, seconded by Arthur G. Houle, the Selectmen approved the minutes of the May 20th Selectmen’s meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

On motion of Sandra A. McKenney, seconded by Arthur G. Houle, the meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM. Motion passed unanimously.

APPROVED:

BENJAMIN E. FONTAINE, JR., CHAIRMAN

ARTHUR G. HOULE, SELECTMAN

SANDRA A. MCKENNEY, SELECTPERSON