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Enfield F.A.S.T. Squad The Enfield FAST Squad has been in service for over 20 years and consists of volunteer members. The Squad includes Emergency Medical Technicians certified at the Basic Level, members certified at the Intermediate Level, as well as the Paramedic level. The ambulance responds to over 200 calls each year. Members are expected to participate in training and business meetings held each month, attend 48 hours of continuing education, and successfully complete a 24-hour refresher course every two years. The FAST Squad holds an annual community CPR course. Notices will be posted in What’s New! The FAST Squad also participates in Recreation Department Safety Awareness programs, as well as numerous other community oriented services and programs. We encourage anyone who might be interested in joining the FAST Squad to contact us by email at ambulance@enfield.nh.us or by U.S. Mail at PO Box 345, Enfield NH 03748. Did
you ever wonder what the FAST in Enfield FAST Squad stands for? |
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Julie A.
Huntley, Assessing Administrator
The Selectmen are the official Assessors of the Town of Enfield. Julie Huntley is charged with maintaining assessment records for the town. The Assessing Department is responsible for placing values on property for taxation purposes, as well as for processing abatements, exemption and tax credit applications, timber and excavation intents, current use applications and for creating warrants for the collection of taxes. New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated 74:1 requires the Selectmen of each town to list all the property liable to be taxed within its jurisdiction in the month of April based on the status of the property on April 1st. If a parcel of land is vacant on April 1st and the owner places a modular home on it on April 2nd, the assessment will be based on the value of the vacant land only. If a house exists on April 1st and a fire destroys it afterward, the assessment will be based on the land AND building value. On a daily basis the Assessing Department is responsible for processing changes of ownership and addresses, recording and filing septic design approvals, processing intents to cut timber, responding to requests for information from the public, and general clerical duties. The department also maintains sales analysis information in preparation for reporting to the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. The Assessing Department begins preparing for the next tax cycle as early as mid-December. Elderly exemptions are reviewed and increased based upon the age of the recipient. Veterans tax credits are reviewed to insure residency requirements are met. Lists of properties that have building permits or are still under construction are compiled for site visits in April. A list of subdivisions, boundary line adjustments and mergers provided by the Planning Board is compiled as well. During the Months of April and May site visits are completed, changes are made in the computer system and on property record cards. All new elderly, blind and disabled exemptions, veteran tax credits, and current use applications are processed. Once all these changes are made a warrant is prepared for the Selectmen’s approval, then forwarded to the Tax Collector. The Tax Collector then creates the 1st issue tax bills and sends them to the owners of record. During late summer and early fall the department focuses on reporting information to the State that will help determine the tax rate. These reports include Summaries of Inventory and Revenues and an Equalization Survey. The Summary of Inventory provides information about land and building values, exemption and tax credit information, current use values, and the value of exempt properties. The Revenue Report provides a listing of all monies received by the Town. The Equalization Survey gives information about each property sale that transpires within the Town. The information in this report determines what revenue we will receive from the State of New Hampshire. These items, in conjunction with budgets for the Town, Eastman Village District and Grafton County will determine the final tax rate for the year. Then the process of creating a warrant and tax billing is repeated. After receiving their final tax bills, those individuals who feel their assessment is wrong may file for abatement by March 1st of the year following the final tax bill issued. Property tax abatement is an equitable remedy used to correct errors in property taxes. A person requesting abatement must show that an error has been made and that they bear a tax burden disproportionately higher than others. If a taxpayer is not satisfied with the decision rendered by the Selectmen they may appeal to Superior Court OR the Board of Tax and Land Appeals. Information regarding requirements for exemptions, tax credits, timber intents to cut, current use applications and any issues relating to the valuation of property may be obtained by contacting the Assessing Department. * * * When our Legislature blessed introduction of the Statewide Property Tax in response to a court-ordered education remedial action plan, the City of Portsmouth legally challenged the State of New Hampshire (Sirrell –v– the State of New Hampshire) regarding the constitutionality of such a tax. As we all know, the City lost the challenge and in fact, the Supreme Court laid down firmly that Towns and Cities had an obligation under the State Constitution to conduct a revaluation every 5 years, and State Law (RSA 75:8) to annually review and make annual adjustments to property values to reflect any change in market values. Assessment Information and Forms More information is available on our new Forms and Documents page (or use link at left) |
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Phil Neily, Building Inspector/Health
Officer/Fire Inspector/Zoning Administrator BUILDING INSPECTION The Town of Enfield requires building permits for any construction or repairs, other than ordinary repairs. The voters adopted the 2000 International Building Codes and the 2000 International Residential Codes in 2002. Copies of the current code can be viewed at the Enfield Public Library. The purpose of adopting a comprehensive building code is to assure current and future occupants of the home that the work done on the property is correct. It is the responsibility of the Building Inspector to inspect the work to ensure that the work meets the minimum requirements of the Code. If you are unsure if you need a building permit please contact the Building Inspector; he will be happy to assist you. A building permit must be obtained from the Building Inspector before you begin work. The Building Permit Procedure will guide you through the building permit process and includes a list of the fees that are charged. When you are planning your building project, you may have questions about zoning such as required lot sizes or set back requirements. Information about these and other zoning questions can be answered by the Building Inspector, the Planning/Zoning Administrator or can be found in the Town’s Zoning Ordinance. If you have any building or zoning questions the Building, Planning & Zoning Departments will be happy to assist you. It is better to ask the question now than to make a costly mistake. Many of the forms you will require are available in PDF under Forms and Documents (or use link at left) HEALTH DEPARTMENT The Health Officer responds to issues relating to failed or failing septic systems. He also inspects daycare centers, foster homes and apartment buildings for minimum housing standards. FIRE INSPECTOR The Building Inspector has been delegated by the Fire Chief to perform fire inspections and to issue permits to install and operate oil burning equipment, as required by State of New Hampshire R.S.A. 153:5 and NFPA standard #31. Other permit forms are available at the Building Inspector’s office for other types of heating devices. These permits are for your safety and this is no charge. Home Smoke Alarms Save Lives! |
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Richard M. Henderson The Town of Enfield has 27 public and private cemeteries. The three-member Board of Cemetery Trustees is elected to oversee the operation of all public cemeteries (including those older private cemeteries which have, under State law, reverted to Town responsibility), and to establish new public cemeteries. If you need assistance purchasing a cemetery lot please contact the Cemetery Sexton. For more information read the Municipal Cemeteries Rules & Regulations enacted by the Trustees in 1996. |
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Alan Strickland, Chairman The Enfield Conservation Commission is involved in a wide variety of conservation and preservation projects. The Commission meets the first Thursday of each month, unless otherwise posted. Please see our Meeting Schedule for meeting dates and times. The Conservation Commission reviews wetland and dredge & fill permit applications after they have been submitted to the Town Clerk. If you have a project that involves wetlands, whether it’s the installation of a dock, building a pond, installing a culvert, or dredging or filling a wetland area, the Conservation Commission may be able to answer some of your questions before you submit your permit application. The Conservation Commission has been charged with managing the town properties on Grafton Pond Road on which the Bicknell Brook Trail is located. Alan Strickland was instrumental in the development of this trail that includes an interpretive guide. Household Hazardous Waste collections are held in the Upper Valley on an annual basis. The Enfield Conservation Commission, along with the Department of Public Works and Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission, have sponsored collections in Enfield since 1998. Take a look at What’s New! for notices of these collections. |
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Kim Quirk, Chairman The Enfield Energy Committee exists "to identify energy savings for the town and energy savings opportunities for the community". Created by a vote at the 2007 Town Meeting, the Enfield Energy Committee is part of a growing number of energy committees across New Hampshire and New England who all share an important goal - helping to reduce our impact on the environment and diminishing the effect of climate change by reducing our energy usage in our community through conservation, higher efficiency, elimination of wasteful energy usage, and the replacement of non-renewable energy with renewable energy sources. By reducing our energy consumption and our carbon footprint we can also save considerable tax payer dollars. We are investigating ways that the town can use less energy, and spend less money on energy usage. |
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David J. Crate, Fire Chief Dick Chase, Assistant Fire Chief A very dedicated team of volunteer firefighters serves the Town of Enfield. They work hard to save lives and property in addition to holding jobs and raising families. In addition to what they already give to the Town, many of these individuals have donated time, labor and materials to improve both the Union Street and Enfield Center Fire Stations. The Firefighters Association consists of many of our Enfield firefighters. This Association has donated equipment to benefit the Enfield Fire Department. Please support their fundraising efforts! BURN PERMITS Burn permits are required before any burning takes place. Permits can be obtained from David Crate 632-7004 (between the hours of 6:00 pm & 7:00 pm), Richard Chase 632-9376, Rick Bean 632-4936, Tim Taylor 632-5452, Richard Crate 632-7530, Donald J. Crate, Sr. 632-5851, Jeff Densmore 632-4182 and Robert Pollard 632-7058 |
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Heritage
Commission
Meredith Smith, Chairman MISSION STATEMENT The Enfield Heritage Commission will properly recognize, protect, and promote the historic and esthetic resources that are significant to our community, be they natural, built or cultural. The Commission will work co-operatively with other educational and civic organizations in fulfilling its mission. On March 17, 2007 Town Meeting voted to authorize the Heritage Commission to assume the duties of a historic district commission, while continuing its responsibility to act as a heritage commission in accordance with RSA 673 and RSA 674. |
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Human
Services
Diane Heed, Director of
Human Services The
basic local welfare duty is described---somewhat vaguely---in RSA 165:1, I,
which says: The Town of Enfield has specific guidelines to determine eligibility for assistance. An applicant must seek aid from all other federal, state, and community agencies before applying for local welfare. After receiving assistance they must comply with certain conditions in order to receive future benefits, i.e.: employment search, work program, budget counseling. The food pantry is available to all families. Nonperishable items are generously donated from town churches, local organizations, and residents. Donations are always greatly appreciated.
Staying Warm in
the Upper Valley "KEEP EACH OTHER WARM” A new
community program will start September 13, 2008 in an effort to “Keep Each
Other Warm” during the heating season.
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Marjorie
Carr, Librarian and Town Historian The
Enfield Public Library serves the community of Enfield with a collection
of 27,000 volumes. The
library also provides historical research and assistance through the Town
Historian who is available Monday through Thursday during library hours.
The Library Trustees meet the second Monday of each month, unless
otherwise posted. Please see our
Meeting
Schedule for meeting dates and times. SERVICES BORROWER INFORMATION
When materials become overdue, three notices will be given in the form of a mailed reminder or a phone call. |
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Planning, Zoning, Code Enforcement & Economic Development Nathan Miller, Acting Town
Planner PLANNING BOARD The Town of Enfield Planning Board is responsible for applications for subdivision, site plan review, excavation, home occupation and town driveways. The Board is also responsible for keeping the Town Master Plan and Capital Improvements Plan updated. Minor Subdivisions (two lots), Major Subdivisions (more than two lots), Boundary Line Adjustments (no new lots created) and Voluntary Mergers (two or more lots into one) all fall under the Enfield Subdivision Regulations and are approved by the Enfield Planning Board. The Enfield Site Plan Regulations cover the development, modification, or changes in use of all non-residential and multi-family dwellings. Applications are reviewed for things like for safety, traffic, aesthetics and operational standards. People interested in subdividing their land or opening a new business should contact the Planning Board for an informal conceptual hearing to discuss their plans. The Board can give general guidance as to the application procedure. Many of the forms you will require are available in PDF under Forms and Documents (or use link at left) Questions about the new
Shoreland Protection Act Standards? Phil Neily, Zoning Administrator The Town of Enfield Zoning Board of Adjustment hears appeals dealing with the town zoning ordinance and town building codes. There are four different types of Zoning Board Hearings: An Appeal of an Administrative Decision goes to the zoning board when a person disagrees with a decision or interpretation made by a town administrative officer, usually the Building Inspector or the Zoning Administrator. Each Zoning District has permitted uses and uses by Special Exception. Permitted uses are uses like single family homes and churches. The zoning board grants special exceptions, after first seeing if the application fits a certain list of criteria, for uses like office buildings, schools and bed and breakfasts. The board hears Appeals for Equitable Waiver. This type of hearing happens when all parties acting in good faith discover a zoning problem after a building or project has been substantially completed. These waivers are only granted when the harm done by correcting the problem greatly outweighs the problem itself. The last appeal is for a Variance to the terms of the ordinance. This type of appeal has the most difficult set of criteria to meet. A Variance is a relaxation or a waiver of the strict interpretation of any provision of the ordinance. Many of the forms you will require are available in PDF under Forms and Documents (or use link at left) |
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| Police
Richard A. Crate, Jr., Chief of Police
Police operations are quartered in a newly constructed police station. The department provides full police services employing the latest technology in forensic sciences, communications, and informational systems. Operational scheduling provides a mixture of assignments for the individual officer. Core assignments are to patrol functions with time allocated to assignments in drug enforcement, criminal investigations, communications, and computer crimes/fraud investigations. The department supports several community youth programs, including the Law Enforcement Cadets under the Boy Scouts of America, the DARE program and a Police Intern program. This focus on youth has a manifold of advantages for our community and the department. The Department has a vigorous training program drawing on the resources of the New Hampshire Police Academy, the New England Institute at Babson College, the FBI National Academy. John E. Reed Associates of Chicago, IL has provided considerable specialized training to members of the department. |
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| Public Works
James L. Taylor, Director of Public Works The Enfield Public Works Department consists of these divisions: Highway Department, Water & Sewer Department, Buildings & Grounds, and Sanitation (solid waste and recycling). These departments each supply a distinct service to the residents of the town and combine forces when the work requires. The Director of Public Works oversees the operations and administration of these departments, plans and programs Town public works projects, and coordinates them with State agencies. The Enfield Highway Department is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Town road network. Spring through fall this department’s tasks include road grading, ditching, culvert installation and replacement, resurfacing, reconstruction, upgrades, surface treatment for dust, vegetation trimming and call-ins for storm-downed trees and washouts. Crew Hours: Many of the forms you will require are available in PDF under Forms and Documents (or use link at left)
The Water & Sewer Department provides water supply and sewerage disposal benefits to 532 residents in the immediate vicinity of the Village, while continually looking for ways to increase the service area and quality. Some of the duties of this department include water quality monitoring, sewer collection system maintenance, water distribution system maintenance, state required monitoring and reporting, and daily operations to insure that the collection and distribution system are functioning safely and properly. Crew Hours: Current Water & Sewer
Rate Structure Many of the forms you will require are available in PDF under Forms and Documents (or use link at left)
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS DEPARTMENT This Department is responsible for the maintenance, upkeep and landscaping of the Town-owned buildings, grounds and cemeteries. The majority of these tasks occur during the summer months; during the winter this department is absorbed into the Highway Department for winter maintenance support. Crew Hours: The Sanitation Department consists physically of the Transfer Station & Recycling Center and Stump Dump. The duties of this department are to supply the residents of Enfield with an environmentally pleasing operation area to dispose of and recycle their refuse. The items that are handled through this department and facility operating hours are listed in the yearly Solid Waste & Recycling Program Guide Although the operation hours are limited, personnel work in other divisions when the sanitation operations are not underway.
Transfer Station & Recycling Center Hours: |
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| Recreation
Jeanine King, Recreation
Director The Enfield Recreation Commission sponsors recreation programs and several special events each year. An Easter Egg Hunt is held each spring, a Halloween Party is held each October, and a Skating Party is held each winter, if our unpredictable New England weather permits. July is time for the Summer Recreation Program, held for children entering Kindergarten through Grade 4, and Swimming Lessons, available for children and adults. Notices
of events are advertised in the local newspaper and information about
children’s programs is provided to the students at the Enfield Village
School. You can also be added to an email notification list of
recreation programs. Check out What’s New! for a listing of upcoming
events and information about the Summer Recreation Program and swimming
lessons. RECREATION FACILITIES Huse Park: Located on the corner of Main Street and US Route 4. Hours are 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Huse Park boasts a basketball court, children’s playground, ball field and pavilion building with covered picnic tables. Shaker Recreation Park: Located on NH Route 4A at Lower Shaker Village. Hours are 9:00 AM to dusk. Shaker Recreation Park has two ball fields, a playground, volleyball court and open field for soccer or other field sports. The Recreation Commission schedules the use of both parks. Contact the Recreation Director at recreation@enfield.nh.us for activity reservations. Shakoma Beach: Located on the corner of NH Route 4A and Main Street at Shaker Bridge. Parking, by permit only, is located in the upper beach parking area on NH Route 4A opposite the beach. Parking permits, available at the Enfield Town Hall, are free to residents; non-residents must pay a small fee ($1.00/day, $10 for 15 consecutive days or $25 for a season pass). Mascoma Boat Launch: Located on the corner of NH Route 4A and Main Street at Shaker Bridge, opposite Shakoma Beach. The Boat Launch area provides parking for the handicapped and for cars with boat trailers or car-top boat carriers only. No parking permit is required. Crystal Lake Boat Launch: Located off Algonquin Road, 1.2 miles from Crystal Lake Road. Parking is provided. Other recreational opportunities are available in Enfield and the surrounding area, including a large number of Class VI roads and trails. Check out the Town’s Guide to Class VI Roads, Trails and Boat Access in Enfield and the Surrounding Area for more information. |
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Selectmen
603-632-5026 Voters elect a three-member Board of Selectmen to staggered three-year terms to govern the Town of Enfield. The Selectmen set policy, prepare an annual budget for presentation to the Budget Committee and Town Meeting, and follow through on votes that take place at the annual town meeting. The Selectmen meet the first and third Monday of each month, unless otherwise posted. Please see our Meeting Schedule for meeting dates and times. Public participation in these meetings is encouraged. Adjustments are made to the Selectmen’s meeting schedule for holidays and particularly heavy workloads. Municipal operations follow a chain of command that begins with the registered voters of the town, who elect selectmen and other town officials. The Board of Selectmen acts as the governing body, and appoints a Town Manager to be in charge of day-to-day operations of the town and implement their policies. The Town Manager hires and supervises the Department Heads, who supervise the individual town employees. Residents can make appointments to meet with the Board of Selectmen through the Town Manager's Office at townhall@enfield.nh.us or by calling 603-632-5026. The Board of Selectmen selects volunteers to serve on several Town
committees, boards and commissions. Check out our guide to Your
Local Government Officials. Meeting dates and times are publicly posted on our website
Meeting
Schedule, at the Town Hall, and the Enfield and Enfield Center
post offices and are open to the public. For more information, or if you are interested in serving on a
committee, please submit a letter of interest to the Office of the
Selectmen, PO Box 373, Enfield NH 03748 or by email at townhall@enfield.nh.us. |
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| Tax Collector
Carolee T. Higbee, Tax Collector The Tax Collector is responsible for the collection of taxes, including property, current use, timber yield, active pit and excavation taxes. The Tax Year runs from April 1 to March 31 of each year. Property taxation in New Hampshire is a process involving all levels of government, from the voters at town and school district meetings, town selectmen, and local assessing officials, to state legislators and court officials. It is a yearly process beginning with the preparation of the budget and voting of appropriations, continuing with the assessment of property and the setting of the tax rates, and concluding with the appeal process. Property owners are billed on a semi-annual basis. The first issue bill is mailed by the end of May and is due July 1. This amount of the first bill is based on the property assessment as of April 1 of the current year, multiplied by the previous year’s tax rate and divided by two. The second issue bill is based on the property assessment as of April 1 of the current year, multiplied by the tax rate, set by the NH Department of Revenue Administration in the fall of each year, minus the amount paid on the first issue bill. Because the tax rate is not set until the fall, the amount owed on each of the two tax bills you receive will differ. The date that the second issue is billed will vary, depending on when the tax rate is set. The second issue bill is due 30 days from the date the last bill is mailed, but not before December 1 of each year. Tax bills may be paid at the Town Hall during the Tax Collector’s regularly scheduled hours, mailed or left in the Drop Box outside the entrance to the Town Offices. The Drop Box is accessible 24 hours a day. If you mail your payment or leave your payment in the Drop Box, and you want a receipt, you must include your entire tax bill and a self addressed stamped envelope with your payment and your receipt will be mailed to you. Payment may be made in the form of cash or check. For your protection we do not recommend mailing cash or leaving cash in the Drop Box. Current Use, Timber Yield, Active Pit and Excavation Taxes are calculated by the Assessing Department. |
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| Town Clerk
Carolee T. Higbee, Town Clerk The elected Town Clerk is responsible for vehicle registration services, marriage licenses, dog licenses, recording, conducting elections, voter registration and maintaining vital records, including birth certificates and death certificates, and accepting State Wetlands/Dredge & Fill Applications for filing. AUTO REGISTRATION & TITLE APPLICATION Registration renewals are due during the month of your birth if you own your vehicle. The date of registration renewal for leased vehicles is based on the first letter of the company that owns the vehicle; check your registration or inspection sticker for the month you must do the renewal. The Enfield Town Clerk is a Municipal Agent. As a Municipal Agent the Town Clerk can do both your local and state registration, under most circumstances, and can issue new plates. A fee is charged for each state registration done at the Town Office. Temporary plates are available only at designated state motor vehicle substations or the Department of Motor Vehicles in Concord, NH. If your vehicle is less than 15 years old, a title is required for registration. If your vehicle was manufactured before 1991, proof of ownership in the form of your last New Hampshire registration OR previous title OR VIN Verification Form (available at the Town Clerk's Office) AND bill of sale is required. The Town Clerk will prepare a NH title application with the registration and you will be required to relinquish the existing title at that time. MARRIAGE LICENSES DOG LICENSES ELECTIONS VOTER REGISTRATION WETLANDS/DREDGE & FILL APPLICATIONS |
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| Town Manager
Steven P. Schneider, Town Manager The Voters of the Town of Enfield act as the legislative body; the Board of Selectmen as the governing body. The Town adopted the Town Manager form of government in
1996. The Town Manager is charged with day-to-day operations of
the town and the implementation of policies set by the Board of Selectmen.
The Town Manager acts as the first contact for many issues of concern to
Enfield residents, and is available to residents at Whitney Hall during
regular office hours. The office staff works directly under the direction of the Town Manager. It is in the Town Manager’s Office that you can obtain general information about all town departments, minutes of town meetings, Resident Permits for access to the town’s Transfer Station & Recycling Center, Lebanon Landfill weight tickets, Parking Permits for the Mascoma Lake upper beach parking lot. This is also where you may submit information to other departments and organization events for posting on the town’s website. If you don’t know who you need to contact you should start with the Town Manager’s Office. Building Rental Forms, Annual Reports and more documents are available in PDF under Forms and Documents (or use link at left)
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We've moved our Forms and Reports to a more convenient location. Click on Forms and Documents (or use link at left)
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