Stoddard names transfer‑station committee, opts for softened letter over alleged boat‑storage violation

The Stoddard selectboard formed a Transfer Station Committee on June 8 to address staffing and operations and agreed to respond cautiously to an allegation about a Shedd Hill business storing and shrinkwrapping boats without a commercial dumpster.

Committee membership was listed in the minutes as Franz Haas, Sandra Pinnell, Chair Terry LaRoche, Pixie Durand and Joe Traniello (with Transfer Station attendant Ed Codman in an advisory role). The board noted that state rules require a state‑certified attendant by July 1, 2027 and asked committee members to begin recommendations and schedule an initial meeting.

Separately, the board reviewed a reported business concern at 1216 Shedd Hill Road (referred to in minutes as a Transit Marine/"The Boat Store" location) where someone alleged boats were being shrinkwrapped or stored without a commercial dumpster. The board agreed to send a softened letter that frames the matter as an allegation, cites the town’s policy (including a $300 fine approved in 2024 under Article Ten), and avoids accusatory language or public shaming. The minutes say a follow‑up letter acknowledging compliance will be sent to close the matter if appropriate, and the Transfer Station webpage will be updated to list policies and fines.

Board discussion also affirmed allowing anonymous complaints because of retaliation concerns and described a previous, harsher letter to the Monadnock Boat Store as an earlier misstep; the board will not send a formal apology but will follow up with clarifying correspondence.

Next steps: Committee members will coordinate by email to schedule the first meeting; staff will verify property ownership via tax cards/LLC records, send the softened letter, update transfer station web content, and report back to the selectboard.