[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6212997,"mediaKeyId","3682680-c207cff1ed8a2abc3acad7e42df12cfb","parentId",3682680,"title","Selectmen note review of small, longstanding cemetery perpetual‑care trust accounts","audioSeconds",111,"startMs",3405000,"endMs",3516000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3682680-c207cff1ed8a2abc3acad7e42df12cfb&start=3405&end=3516","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3682680-c207cff1ed8a2abc3acad7e42df12cfb/thumbnail_3405000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6212997/West-Swanzey/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Selectmen-note-review-of-small-longstanding-cemetery-perpetualcare-trust-accounts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6212997-5c8544418e23b0889dbdeaf0d65be09d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191042&Signature=XjUD50eZSv~yrI-WDpAifxdc0oRnxvyX7jKQafN~-1ObXqq4WZCOBCiqTw7WBlvo8U4sgiivelwEgaTH3EE5iJr2W5Vo6q3zkVpTY9gtOXpjZ1QI~2yz26bouHYEN0DeQxKEXS7YRW4lNRLeaKO-KiJhpi3r2kaCfTbxdUwUxFqulHKLJq4fP2N06gw2peEbxOFKQ4sdJRCa9a6SLdQAY5TZOlfOAgUw8wvym3PBzwLUF6fsx1RXegn73LDIVTl9EKy5xQLwCZDA8xrG-czdHdojLkJTY853mFXdHCRqTSwriUS9t9E3vXuZ1JjJW1AYioCCUrYax~gcwpwfK3gupw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of West Swanzey NH","date","2025-06-05T16:59:42Z","article","The board heard a point‑of‑information about several small, longstanding trust funds set up for cemetery plot maintenance and asked staff to review options for administrative consolidation.

A selectman summarized conversations with the sexton and finance staff, saying the town holds a number of small individual trust accounts created when the cemetery was privately maintained and people paid for perpetual care. “There’s apparently, there’s quite a few trust funds that have been set up, individual trust funds for people, for cemetery plot maintenance,” the selectman said. He said some funds date back decades and that the administrative burden on trustees and the finance department may exceed the income those funds generate.

The selectman said staff would discuss potential ways to fold small perpetual‑care funds into a broader account or otherwise reduce administrative workload, and he recommended returning to the board for a discussion once the sexton and finance staff were available. No policy change or vote was taken at the meeting; the board asked staff to prepare options and to present them when key staff were present.

Board members noted the concern that stopping new individual trust funds could raise legal or procedural questions and that any change should not create unintended consequences for plot owners or trustees. Staff said they needed more time to assess balances, legal constraints and trustee responsibilities and would return with recommendations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Swanzey Select Board: April 23rd, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Board members were briefed that multiple small trust funds established for perpetual cemetery care exist and that staff will evaluate consolidation options; the selectmen asked for a follow-up once staff and the sexton are available to review balances and administrative burden.","taxTitle","West Swanzey, Cheshire County, New Hampshire","taxId",75717,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6213002,"Resident urges reflective stop sign after repeated crashes at Matthews Road intersection",298,145000,443000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3682680-c207cff1ed8a2abc3acad7e42df12cfb&start=145&end=443","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3682680-c207cff1ed8a2abc3acad7e42df12cfb/thumbnail_145000.jpg","/articles/6213002/West-Swanzey/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Resident-urges-reflective-stop-sign-after-repeated-crashes-at-Matthews-Road-intersection","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6213002-bed86f1dc5e9744ceb9455a054c75f79/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191042&Signature=Hiu-A0sohVN3ePAxuT0cWb9zGgRQWgSulx~ipFTiVJ9CMlL05z64Gr5LLKZdI~jfXumO1RNLOJvSh9W2XPc4HBfLPYM1oeZV9aEhWwFELG1NNSp3-qpZ7vpfHJapr7oSenRRIf0-F9wzil1fCUwFzQpuTtGj1Zb-PN2cjUM8yx1EjC-zuiceYGw5kXAoo6phWkbobd99OonGHPBwU7Ibu30tPVb-RB5vAYDN3d21AQT-jo7-av7Re4NlFYDilzrTjj-8hmNEu13C9nhMBUxDytEFjf3n~rdztNOUAgFe54dqGdYHKqkz0bSvnG2TVe4Lht4uNynZ-ZBqZwJW6kjfKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Swansea resident told the Board of Selectmen that vehicles have struck her property fence repeatedly over the past three decades and urged the town and state to install enhanced signage or other protections at the T intersection where Matthews Road meets Sobeys Crossing Road.

Jane Kennedy identified herself by name and address during public comment and said the fence at 210 Sobeys Crossing Road has been hit “four times in 30 years,” most often at night by drivers who appear impaired or not paying attention. “This particular time, the individual was very responsible, showed up the next morning,” Kennedy said. She told the board she had contacted the state and that town staff had suggested bringing her letter to the state through town channels.

Kennedy said she spoke with “Alex” (identified in the discussion as a person who deals with state issues) and that Alex suggested installing a reflective sign or replacing the existing stop sign with a reflective version. She said her landscaper will provide an estimate for a more substantial physical barrier at the property line but that she would prefer a state-installed sign if possible.

Town staff confirmed there had been a discussion with the DPW director, Joe D’Russo, and said DPW plans include striping work coordinated with an upcoming installation of crosswalk lighting on Matthews Road this summer. A staff member said DPW would discuss installing a reflective sign and that striping would be done when the crosswalk lights are installed.

Board members did not take a formal vote on the request during the meeting; staff said they would follow up with DPW and, if the state did not act, would discuss local options including a reflective sign or other physical measures.","A resident described multiple crashes over decades at her Sobeys Crossing Road property and asked the town and state to install reflective signage or other measures; town staff said they will discuss a reflective sign with DPW director and plan striping when crosswalk lights are installed.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6213007,"Selectmen direct planning office to staff town‑hall hours starting May 1",184,4000000,4184000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3682680-c207cff1ed8a2abc3acad7e42df12cfb&start=4000&end=4184","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3682680-c207cff1ed8a2abc3acad7e42df12cfb/thumbnail_4000000.jpg","/articles/6213007/West-Swanzey/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Selectmen-direct-planning-office-to-staff-townhall-hours-starting-May-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6213007-3d36a8d1401d7db0a2436c86ebe986e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191042&Signature=nL~Vumu~LZcsPiIUD0dszJifAj7Lg4tnVaU9UwtHqSE-kgxDppfnK1atxH4K8O8HNB3vuHdzjngbWMVv6kEL-a8J~Dvf4zNRxfSPJGqiSrToaxvRbg5TmzO1HMLpPovc-w65kAYt0QXnsNyMu~KpT4ItZBZSKyo~XY9a1CjlufI5R63is74nh96FOE~sINAcChIYnIRLWRO0MUZhYxaLOuzRyof9YsJxNKeAH6tQE8fJFrqzgmx3Kwq4kVwUhbRuTgc-EdvqeoWMc~w8kyK6e5XfTGdf3lJkLsR4srbCNUm6L0z4CNMoKpBNKcdh6pjrXoLm3NkS3fN6xqaOaERqdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Selectmen directed the town planning office to staff the town‑hall hours beginning May 1, 2025, and formalized supervision of the assistant town planner by the town planner, saying the change is intended to ensure daily in‑person coverage for residents.

At the meeting, a selectman read the directive to the board: “Starting 05/01/2025 the planning office, town planner, and assistant town planner will be in the office Monday through Friday during town hall hours,” the selectman said, adding that the only exceptions are employees who had a remote‑work agreement at hire and that “there will be no exceptions or negotiations going forward.” The directive also said the assistant town planner would “report to and be supervised by the town planner.”

Board members discussed practical coverage concerns and a transition to an appointment‑based system once a security door is installed. One selectman said the office reorganization and a staffed reception window should ensure someone is available most of the time, but acknowledged there could be moments when staff are out for field inspections. The board also discussed mailbox logistics for department heads and making meeting packets available by appointment.

The transcript shows a motion was made to adopt the directive, but the record did not include a completed vote tally in the minutes included in the meeting transcript. The board asked staff to proceed with door‑security and appointment arrangements and to circulate an acknowledgment form the employees would sign to confirm the new expectations.","The Board of Selectmen directed the town planning office — planner and assistant planner — to work in‑office during town‑hall hours starting 05/01/2025, and to put the assistant planner under the town planner's supervision; the board discussed appointment systems and secure reception windows.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6213012,"Swansea transfer station staff outline recycling pilot, facility upgrades and equipment needs",2501,548000,3049000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3682680-c207cff1ed8a2abc3acad7e42df12cfb&start=548&end=3049","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3682680-c207cff1ed8a2abc3acad7e42df12cfb/thumbnail_548000.jpg","/articles/6213012/West-Swanzey/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Swansea-transfer-station-staff-outline-recycling-pilot-facility-upgrades-and-equipment-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6213012-2ef8c007b93630f7eda2281a6195f8b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191042&Signature=HCCAgYT7LePV5MVI~vGSPUWuz84SrxeKG~pG-tl5JrRMUdbQ6BhE65tLaRsXLqZLqL37onkn5J7yCEZiOrWe4q7J6z6qekwt3PNkS1cUwqFNXMnO5DL7YbmaecJloTAYdJm~pA28jDINKHgoX328K5LnfFKLorKYcpOQNjwhDBDt3jW2tnu9UlcQ1d~~xOPTE08Fiyx5Z4cWQHs2rg35r2Li7vCsJdCP-XKY7KHIm2NS03VxL6viAlp1QwLnLIAg4iEKk5MSB5dXhmBGpumuAHJV0dAuNppGB6LtbdhwW6x-doKCy9QYYPYjqhMfFAUXAnpeBy-0e9qCXekVkh7GeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staff at the town transfer station gave the Board of Selectmen a detailed update on recycling operations, pilot programs and planned capital work, saying the town is testing new collection streams and preparing grant applications and an equipment RFP.

The presentation, given during the selectmen’s meeting, covered a pilot for plastics labeled 3–7, compost and brush handling, a phosphorus-removal pilot test at the wastewater plant, a planned waste-oil building replacement with associated grant applications, and a request to procure a second skid-steer to provide operational redundancy.

Staff said the 3–7 plastics pilot began in February and is currently averaging “about a bin every week and a half” at roughly 60–70 pounds per bin; the town is waiting to produce a first bale before wider public rollout. “We started it in February, and we’re averaging about a bin every week and a half,” the staff member said. The presenter said contamination (wrong plastics mixing in) is the primary challenge and that the town is exploring bale storage and scheduling to avoid interfering with existing compactors.

On equipment, staff described plans for an RFP for a second skid-steer with a rock bucket (greater utility for brush and compost) and said a purchase could be subsidized with a $5,000 grant the presenter called out. The presenter gave a rough price range for a new machine around $60,000–$61,000 before municipal discounts and trade-in considerations and said buying a second machine would reduce rental costs and wear on the existing unit.

The presenter also reported on operations and certification: several staff are pursuing wastewater operator certifications. The presenter said they have completed most of the required training hours and that state staff have visited the plant for on‑site review. On a separate chemistry pilot, staff sat in on composite jar testing with Underwood Engineers to evaluate phosphorus removal, and expectation was that the program would start in the coming weeks.

Planned facility projects discussed included rebuilding the glass bunker (to expand storage capacity ahead of scheduled shipments to a Canadian vendor), constructing a new waste-oil building (the presenter noted the town may seek up to $2,000 from the waste-oil grant program), and minor site repairs: front gate roller bearings, fence repairs and signage updates. Staff said they were also organizing storage and sorting layouts to reduce noise in the building and to create dedicated windows for glass and specific plastics streams.

On revenue, staff reported material market movement and inventories ready to ship: “we’ve got probably close to 2 loads of aluminum. It’s at roughly 78¢ a pound,” the presenter said, and estimated fiscal-year recycling revenue approaching $65,000 compared with $58,000 last year, though the presenter framed that as an estimate pending forthcoming shipments. The department’s diversion rate was reported as 32.75 percent.

No formal appropriation or vote to purchase equipment was recorded in the meeting transcript; staff described ongoing planning, grant applications and an intent to return with formal RFPs and budget requests. The selectmen and other board members asked operational questions and offered items such as potential donated windows and volunteer help; staff confirmed they would follow up on grant applications, planning-board steps and RFP detail.

The transfer station presentation concluded with staff saying the program is still being refined and that a full public rollout of the 3–7 plastics pilot would follow the first completed bale and decisions about storage and processing logistics.","Town staff reported progress on recycling pilots, staffing and several planned facility upgrades including a waste-oil building, a second skid-steer and a glass bunker rebuild; staff also described certification work for wastewater operators and a phosphorus-removal pilot test.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Selectmen note review of small, longstanding cemetery perpetual‑care trust accounts

Resident urges reflective stop sign after repeated crashes at Matthews Road intersection

Selectmen direct planning office to staff town‑hall hours starting May 1

Swansea transfer station staff outline recycling pilot, facility upgrades and equipment needs