Ossipee selectboard authorizes $12,100 landfill monitoring contract, denies abatements and confirms appointments

The Ossipee selectboard at its regular meeting authorized several routine actions and handled public business including contracts, abatements and appointments.

Landfill monitoring: Highway/solid‑waste staff (TJ) asked the board to authorize a one‑year contract with Stantech Consulting Services for postclosure landfill monitoring, permit reporting and related work required for New Hampshire DES compliance. The board authorized the expenditure of $12,100 and directed staff to sign the agreement. TJ said the cost has risen from about $5,500 in earlier years because of additional monitoring wells and regulatory requirements.

Abatements and exemptions: The board moved and approved assessor‑recommended denials for a property tax abatement (Map 37 Lot 3 Sub 2, 80 Deer Code Road) and for an elderly exemption (Map 275 Lot 15). The assessor's reasoning was noted as part of the public record and board members said full public documents may be requested from the assessor's office.

Audit and minutes: The board approved an engagement agreement for the town's 2025 audit with a firm identified in the minutes as "Plats and Sanderson" (the transcript contains alternate spellings of the firm name) and approved the meeting minutes from March 16, 2026.

Appointments and notices: The board appointed Jim as the selectboard representative to the planning board for a one‑year term. Staff noted a zoning notice to inform loggers about requirements in the Water Resource Protection District, including a 70% maximum cut limit (leaving at least 30% vegetative cover) and special‑use permit requirements in that district; the notice was informational and does not require selectboard approval.

Other business: The board discussed creating five to six parking spaces on the former Boy Scout property to allow access to Bear Camp River; staff will stage work when road maintenance priorities allow. Trustees of Trust Funds announced the Life and Marrow Scholarship is accepting applications via the common application with a deadline updated to May 13; the board agreed to post a notice in town offices.

Next meeting: The selectboard meets on the first and third Monday of each month; members noted the rail‑trail committee meets May 6 and recommended public participation.