BOARD MEETING MINUTES
June 21, 2006
Selectmen Present: Andrew Clukey, Chmn., Thomas Parker, & Michael Methe
Chairman Andrew Clukey opened the meeting at 6:30 PM.
PRIMARY:
6:30 MEET WITH BRUCE NEWTON, POLICE CHIEF
Operational Plan: Chief Newton submitted his operational plan. Mr. Parker questioned if there was anything in town the board should be made aware of. He questioned if we have a copy of the schedule from June 3 on. Chief Newton stated that he forgets to send this up. Mr. Parker feels that a lot of the things Chief Newton is proposing are for the future. He agrees that we need to look into better facilities. He stated he is intrigued by the possibility of a fourth full time officer. He agrees that there is not a need for a full time secretary. He likes the idea of having a computer in the cruiser. He would like to see five, eight hour
shifts. Chief Newton stated that with the part time officers now, he has fairly good coverage. Mr. Parker questioned the cost of the program for the IMC program Chief Newton referred to. Chief Newton stated about $5000. Mr. Clukey questioned if there is any way to relay phone messages to the cruisers. Mr. Parker would like to review this plan, and determine what can be implemented.
Mr. Parker questioned how Chief Newton feels about the department. Chief Newton feels that he would like either more part time help or an administrative assistant. Mr. Methe stated he would like to speak with Gene Cuomo to see if he could use someone to perform secretarial duties. Mr. Parker would like to keep this as a part time position. He feels that officers can pick up mail while out on patrol. Chief Newton feels that one of the needs is to have someone answering the phone.
Mr. Methe questioned how far out of town to the center of town the station should be in. Chief Newton feels no more the a mile from the outskirts of town. Mr. Methe feels that the lower end of the ski area would fit what he would want to do. Mr. Clukey stated that Chief Newton should formulate some type of plan for the building. Chief Newton feels that the ski area would be an excellent spot.
Mr. Parker feels that we should pursue hiring some secretarial staff. Mr. Parker would like to make sure that there is money in the budget.
Draft of skateboard/rollerblading sign: Mr. Parker feels that this draft looks good to him.
Public drinking ordinance: Chief Newton questioned if we should revise this to be an open container ordinance. Mr. Parker questioned how often we run into this. Chief Newton stated that we run into this regularly on the town beach. Mr. Parker requested Chief Newton revise this ordinance to what he thinks this should be.
7:00 MEET WITH DOROTHY ZUG – CONSERVATION EASEMENTS: Mrs. Zug stated there were three
groups formed by the forum; high speed internet and cell phone, natural resource group and a community
center group.. The forum report will be out by July. Mr. Parker stated that he was not aware that Verizon
had offered to put DSL in town, but were met unfavorably by the neighbors.
Conservation Easements: Mrs. Zug stated that the 2005 town meeting approved going ahead with the
easements. Mr. Parker stated that the Board of Selectmen are part of this decision. Mr. Parker stated
that some of the Selectmen are not in favor of this kind of action. Mrs. Zug stated that the Selectmen will
have the final approval of this. She has asked the Conservancy to consider having an easement. They
have approved taking an easement. We will need to have a survey. They have funds to protect the
metacomic trail which would help pay for the survey. She has all of the deeds with the exception of the
Richmond line. Once you have all of this information the cost of survey is less expensive. There is a one
time $1000 fee to the conservancy. It his her hope that the funds could come out of the conservation
fund. Mr. Parker stated that the board will be meeting with the Conservation Commission in the near
future. He feels that the conservation commission is making decisions that will affect the taxpayers in
the far future. He does not feel the best place to spend money is on an easement, he feels it is more
wisely spent on purchasing additional land. Mrs. Zug agrees that we need to move forward with doing
this. Mr. Parker concern they are saying that they don’t trust future town meeting votes. He thinks this is
a step in the wrong direction. Mrs. Zug agrees that we need to be careful with whatever money we have.
Mrs. Zug stated she has spent a lot of time and effort on this project, and would like the board to please
consider that they have done this in good faith. Mr. Parker is sure that see has done this in good
faith and feels that in her opinion this is what should be done.
7:15 MEET WITH MR AND MRS SCHOTT – ABATEMENT APPLICATION: Mr. Parker stated that he has
reviewed this abatement application. Mr. Parker stated that we have removed the hot tub. Mr. Parker
stated that there is an interesting situation for the center of town with the neighborhood adjustment.
We are not going to make a change now, but will be reviewing this. These neighborhoods were
determined in 2001, he did not spot a problem at that time. The Schott’s neighborhood is A13 which is a
1.6 multiplier. Mr. Parker explained the location multiplier and the problems we have found, we have
removed the location modifier on properties that had this factor applied until such time that we can
determine all properties this should be applied to. Mr. Schott questioned if the fact that they are
beside Verizon has an effect on their property. Mr. Parker stated probably not. It needs to be determined
if this has any effect and it is up to appraisal firm. Mr. Parker stated that the Vision computer program
they provided is one of the best in the State. Mr. Schott stated it is different for each town. Mr. Parker
feels that the numbers they came up with are relatively fair. There are always problems that need to be
fixed. He does have some questions. When it comes to an abatement we need to determine if they are
being priced at fair market value. The BTLA appraiser basically only found a problem with raw land. Mr.
Parker reviewed the Schotts card, the kitchen is listed as average kitchen. Mr. Schott stated that their
chimney is not usable. Mr. Parker has no problem with depreciating this to 50%. They are questioning
the attic space. Mr. Parker stated that the problem is that they have an appeal rating of D which raises
the value of all the figures. There is no insulation in the walls. Mr. Parker stated that there was a
problem in 2001 with the values on older homes being under valued based upon sales. The board
decided at that time to wait until the next time around to revisit this issue. Mr. Parker stated that he does
not know why they were assigned the appeal rating of D. He feels that looking at this house is very
appealing. Mr. Schott stated all he has done is painted the house, and it raises the appeal value? Mr.
Parker stated that assessor looked beyond the cosmetic. Mr. Schott feels that they only based upon
curb appeal. Mr. Parker stated that the data collector picked up features and the appraiser made the
determination based upon this. Mr. Parker stated he tried to find out about these subjective items and
got no where. He wants to hear what the Board of Tax and Land Appeals has to say about this. Mr.
Schott stated that his questions could not be answered on appeal factor, two days later they said they
had them, following week they appeared in the office. This is after the fact. Mr. Parker question is overall
condition of the house is 34% and we can look at this to determine if this is adequate for this house. Mr.
Schott stated he would like the board to look at their arguments and treat them fairly. Mr. Parker stated
that they have looked at all applications and treated fairly.
8:00 MEET WITH KAREN CONBOY: Mrs. Conboy stated that they purchased property February 24 and were
told that previous owner would pay the first six months of taxes. Mrs. Conboy stated that she questioned
the tax collector if they had been paid, were told that they had a bill, which she has not received it was
sent to her old address. Mr. Parker stated the town does not get involved in the settlement of who pays
the taxes in a closing. The tax bill runs from April 1, the real estate agent should have taken care of this.
Mrs. Conboy stated that they do not have the money to pay these taxes. Mr. Methe suggested that they
have the taxes escrowed. Mr. Parker stated that the only thing he can suggest is to pay what they can.
The town would not take the property at this time.
*** LETTER FROM TOWN CLERK REGARDING CIVIL FORFEITURE NOTICES: Reviewed. Mr. Parker
would like to know what this means by a civil forfeiture. This is the notice that tells them they owe $25.00
more.
*** BUILDING PERMITS
Tax Map 34 Lot 27: Crossroads- This is a request to construct a deck. The wetlands
application not complete, The board does not feel there is any wetlands there. The board
approved this application
Tax Map 07 Lot 07: Mr. Methe feels that this needs to be addressed with the planning board.
Mr. Parker stated that he brought this up last night, and he didn’t get very far with this. This is a
motor home, there is not footings, this is probably going to be moved. Mr. Parker stated that the
platform will probably be left there. The board will deny this application, they have the option of
going to the ZBA for a setback variance.
Tax Map 25, 16 Baldwin - This is for an addition, Mr. Baldwin received a setback variance.
The board approved this application.
*** DISCUSS DRAFT OF INSUFFICIENCY LETTER TO DOT: Reviewed
*** LETTER REQUESTING RELEASE OF TOWN GIS INFORMATION FROM SWRPC: Mr. Methe stated
he does not problem with releasing this information , Mr. Clukey agreed.
*** SIGN APPLICATION FOR LOST TITLE – 1987 INTERNATIONAL DUMP TRUCK: Signed
*** LETTER REGARDING CHURCH FLEA MARKET: Reviewed . Mr. Methe feels that there should be a
police officer in the area at this time. Mr. Parker stated the problem is the police will want to bill as a
special detail, this should be a regular shift.
*** MEMO FROM NH FOREST AND LANDS REGARDING NEW FOREST RANGER FOR FITZWILLIAM:
Reviewed
*** UPDATE ON INTEREST IN LAND USE AND BOS WORKSHOP IN FITZWILLIAM: Mrs. Thompson
put an e-mail out , Rindge has responded all three of their boards would be interested in attending.
*** EMAIL REGARDING GRANITE: Mr. Methe stated this is the quarry in back of the fire department,
Mr. Val owns it. No it did not exhaust the supply. A copy of this reply will be sent to Mr. Val.
*** NON-PUBLIC SESSION – LEGAL
At 8:45 PM, Mr. Parker made a motion to go into Non-Public Session under RSA 91 A:3 II (a). Mr.
Cukey seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0. Roll Call Vote; Mr. Clukey – yes, Mr. Parker
yes, Mr. Methe – yes.
At 8:48 PM. Mr. Clukey made a motion to go out of Non-Public Session under RSA 91 A:3 II (e). Mr.
Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0
At 8:48 PM, Mr. Parker made a motion to go into Non-Public Session under RSA 91 A:3 II (a). Mr.
Cukey seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0. Roll Call Vote; Mr. Clukey – yes, Mr. Parker
yes, Mr. Methe – yes.
At 8:52 PM. Mr. Clukey made a motion to go out of Non-Public Session under RSA 91 A:3 II (e). Mr.
Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0
At 9:12 PM, Mr. Parker made a motion to go into Non-Public Session under RSA 91 A:3 II (a). Mr.
Cukey seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0. Roll Call Vote; Mr. Clukey – yes, Mr. Parker
yes, Mr. Methe – yes.
At 9:14 PM. Mr. Clukey made a motion to go out of Non-Public Session under RSA 91 A:3 II (e). Mr.
Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0
*** REVIEW COPY OF LETTER SENT TO TRUSTEE OF TRUST FUND FROM DRA: Reviewed. Mr.
Parker feels that we should look into what our requirements are. Mr. Parker stated one of the problems is
that we have to keep track of the cemetery accounts by account. Mr. Methe feels that we should
discuss this at the regional meeting to see how they handle these.
*** NEW REQUIREMENTS REGARDING REAL PROPERTY REVALUATIONS: Reviewed
*** REVIEW AND APPROVE MEMO: Mr. Clukey has a question on the sentence with regard to title
changes he feels that this may be questioned by employees and give a negative feeling for employees.
Mr. Methe concern is the title of the Town Administrator. He feels that it is perceived that the Town
Administrator runs the town. Mr. Parker feels that some employees would not know what they are
referring to. Mr. Parker has read Mrs. Thompson job description and feels that the job she is doing is very
close to what she does. Mrs. Thompson stated when the title was changed in 2001 it was because the job
meets the description. Mr. Methe stated that there is more than one job description for this title.
*** REVIEW MAY TREASURERS REPORT: Mr. Parker reviewed this. Mrs. Thompson will work on a
cash flow this week.
*** ELM TREE PROGRAM: They have a new elm tree that is resistant to the elm disease. They will donate
trees to the town based upon someone in town purchasing one.
*** REVIEW LETTER FROM DOT TO STENERSON REGARDING ISSUES WITH THEIR DRIVEWAY:
Reviewed
*** REVIEW RECENT SALES OF PROPERTY: Reviewed
*** MONDAY MORNING AT 9:00 BOARD WILL MEET WITH MR. GREG
*** MR. PARKER MET WITH GARY KINYON
*** Mr. Parker questioned the letter that Joan Knight and Andy Clukey signed with regard to a question from
Margaret Wittenborg. He questioned why he as a Selectmen had no knowledge that this was going out.
This is on town letterhead. In the letter it state that the town was under contractual obligation not to put
out this information, He has read the contract and does not feel that. Mr. Clukey stated that this is what
they believed. Mr. Parker has a problem with him doing this behind their back, it is a means for
excluding them. Mr. Clukey stated that he signed this, since they were the ones responsible at the time.
Mr. Parker stated that if a letter goes out, then the board should be made aware. With all that they have
been trying to do to ease the tensions he feels this is a problem. Mrs. Thompson stated that last week
she told Mr. Parker that Joan Knight was coming in to sign a letter that Margaret Wittenborg had asked
answered and Mr. Parker told her that he was not a part of this. Mrs. Thompson stated that she does
understand that this board is responsible for everything that occurs now.
*** SCHOTTS: removed hot tub, changed chimneys to 50%. Mr. Methe has a question on the
depreciation. He understands that all of the other houses have a depreciation of 39% and this one has
34%. Mr. Parker is disappointed that we do not have a better narrative of some things. Mrs. Thompson
pulled up the Moulton’s property and they have 34% depreciation. Mr. Methe feels that we need to be
consistent and leave this alone.
SECONDARY:
· Various committee/board minutes
· Newsletters
· Review Police logs/reports
SIGN:
· Minutes
· Correspondence
· Payroll and Accounts Payable Manifests
There being no further business Mr. Methe moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 PM, Mr. Parker seconded, the motion passed 3-0.
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