BOARD MEETING MINUTES
September 13, 2006
Selectmen Present: Thomas Parker, Chmn. , Michael Methe & Carmen Yon
Chairman Thomas Parker opened the meeting at 8:30 AM.
PRIMARY:
8:30am MEET WITH MIKE GRAB
· Request to purchase cedar rails and accessories: Mr. Grab stated that all of the post are in for the rails. The post were part of the original proposal. They would like to purchase the rails out of the expendable trust. He priced them at Belletetes .56 per rail deck grade Hamshaw .22 which is not deck grade. Mr. Yon moved to approve the purchase of these items, Mr. Methe seconded, the motion passed 3-0.
· Request to spend money to cut trees in Village Cemetery: Mr. Grab stated that this is ongoing work. There is one tree that needs to come down this year. Mr. Grab stated that they have used Rob the Tree Man in the past. Mr. Parker stated that he had heard that last year the Highway Department helped with this project, while the cemetery workers were standing around. The board agreed to authorize this work.
· Request to purchase digital camera: Mr. Methe stated that he uses a Nikon which has very good resolution for about $199.00. They would like to purchase this to take pictures of the old gravestones in the Village Cemetery. Mr. Methe stated that he has a camera he can borrow to see how it works. Mr. Parker stated that we would need to have a purchase order with three prices when they wish to purchase this item if it is over $250.00.
· Memo regarding employee evaluations submitted by Sexton:
Non public
At 8:40 PM, Mr. Parker made a motion to go into Non-Public Session under RSA 91 A:3 II (a. Mr.
Methe seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0. Roll Call Vote; Mr. Parker - yes, Mr. Methe –
yes., Mr. Yon – yes.
At 8:45 PM. Mr. Methe made a motion to go out of Non-Public Session under RSA 91 A:3 II (a).
Mr. Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0
Shed Floor in the storage shed at the Village Cemetery: This was budgeted for under the General Government Buildings projects. Mr. Methe suggested he contact Danny Firmin or John Syjrmacki.
Mr. Parker stated we have put a lot of money into this building. We are going to need to take out all of the equipment out of this shed. We will need to fill this with gravel. Mr. Parker feels that the cemetery workers can help with this. Mr. Methe stated that he would bring his tractor down. Mr. Parker would like a couple of prices for this work.
8:45am MEET WITH LOU GRANDPRE, VAN DYKE CONSTRUCTION
· Dam on land of Mr. Won: Mr. Grandpre stated that he is with Van Dyke construction. Mr. Parker stated that the board met with the State with regard to this. The board is in agreement with whatever recommendation the State is making with regard to this dam. Mr. Parker stated that the board is concerned that the dam be maintained properly. Mr. Grandpre stated that they are going to install a beaver pipe.
9:00 MEET WITH GENE CUOMO
· Long range road plan/ CIP: Mr. Parker would like to sit down with Mr. Cuomo and discuss this. Mr. Cuomo stated that he has his CIP plan until 2012. Mr. Parker stated that he feels we need to increase the amount of money we budget for road projects each year. Mr. Cuomo stated that Allstates lost money on asphalt from us this year. They locked into a price and the price of asphalt went way up. The next section of Royalston Road will need to be ground up. Bowkerville Road needs to be updated. They need to work with the State on Rhododendron Road. Next year they planned to purchase a new backhoe. They are in
good shape truck wise. Mr. Yon stated that they would like an inventory of roads, the condition, when they were last paved. Mr. Parker feels that Mr. Cuomo should purchase a measuring device. Mr. Cuomo stated that he will look into the price. Mr. Cuomo stated that not only road surface needs to be looked at. Drainage is just as important. Mr. Yon stated that they also need to look at what roads are being developed.
Mr. Methe requested some brush be removed from the corner of Kinsman Road and Lower Troy
Road. Mr. Cuomo stated that he cut it this spring, he will cut it again.
Mr. Cuomo spoke with Mr. Grab, they can make room in the Highway barn to store the equipment from the shed for a month.
Mr. Cuomo stated that he has graded various gravel roads in town.
Mr. Cuomo stated that he is ready to sell the Louiseville truck. The board would like to put this out to
bid.
· Non-public session – employee evaluation:
At 9:32 PM, Mr. Parker made a motion to go into Non-Public Session under RSA 91 A:3 II (a. Mr.
Methe seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0. Roll Call Vote; Mr. Parker - yes, Mr. Methe –
yes., Mr. Yon – yes.
At 9:40 PM. Mr. Methe made a motion to go out of Non-Public Session under RSA 91 A:3 II (a).
Mr. Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0
9:30 MEET WITH GARY FIELDS, VISION APPRAISAL
Discuss various areas of concern within town: Mr. Fields stated that he is the Vice President in charge of appraisal operations. Mr. Parker stated that he is happy with the computer program from Vision. Mr. Parker stated that we have had a contentious time over the recent update. He is concerned that the values ended up at 91.5% equalization. Mr. Parker stated that this board was not involved in the reassessment. The biggest concern is that it cost the town over $12,000 to defend these values with the BTLA. Mr. Parker stated that the reason we ended up with the BTLA is that the preliminary card was not available to individuals for review prior to the meeting with Vision. Mr. Fields stated that it is a decision of the town to
provide the cards. Mr. Methe stated that Dave Arnold was the individual that recommended that the cards not be available. We were still running version 4 and the new assessments were done in version 6. We did not have the cards in this office. Mr. Methe stated that also when individuals sat down with Vision, their assessment was being dropped by $100,000 -$200,000. He is questioning how there can be this much discrepancy. Mr. Fields questioned if we dropped a certain group of home across the board. Mrs. Thompson stated that they adjusted the factor. Mr. Fields stated that a lot of information came out in the hearings. Mr. Parker stated that when the board started looking at the abatements, they discovered that some houses along a road were receiving an adjustment for location, while others were not. The town removed all views. Mr. Fields questioned if they should have added the views to the
properties that were not receiving them. Mr. Parker stated that the board decided that they needed a much better description of this adjustment. They feel that all of these properties need to be looked at. Mr. Fields stated that this could create a problem if only these properties go up when readjusted. Mr. Parker stated that the other issue is the neighborhood location. We have houses on the same street that have different location adjustments. Mr. Fields stated that whenever they finish a job they usually review the neighborhood map and the sales with the Selectmen. Mr. Parker stated that this current board came in after the fact. Mr. Parker questioned how the values are derived between size of lots. Mr. Parker stated that the antique appeal factor has been an issue. When he was on the board previously he felt that there were two problem areas, mobile homes and antique homes. When discussed with Bob
McCarthy he suggested decreasing the depreciation by 10% on the antique homes, this caused a huge outcry and the board removed this. But they stated that the next time we do a revaluation these values would be corrected. Mr. Parker stated that the data in the manual does not give sufficient information as to how the house was graded. Mr. Parker feels that there needs to be some objectivity as well as subjectivity.
Mr. Parker stated that the board has every intention of using Vision software. He stated that he is not very happy with Mr. Arnold. Mr. Fields stated that it probably would be best to have a fresh face. Mr. Fields stated that he received a call from someone from the historic group when they first started the revaluation, he spoke with Dave Arnold with regard to this. Mr. Fields stated that the COD for sales was 10.5 which is very good. It sounds that there are areas of concern, but we are in pretty good shape. Mr. Parker stated that the board wants to be hands on in this process. He wants to ensure that people are convinced that they are being fairly assessed. Mr. Yon feels that we need to get our image back with regard to this issue. Mr. Methe
stated that he attended the public meeting. He felt that Dave Arnold had an air of arrogance at this meeting. Mr. Parker stated that they want to look at the problem areas and correct them. Mr. Parker would like to have a plan to correct these issues and a timeline. Mr. Parker would like to have an open Selectmen’s meeting to discuss these issues and how they are going to be corrected. Mr. Parker stated that we have to convince people that we are on the right track. Mr. Fields stated that sales need to be used in order to determine the location factor. Mr. Parker feels that the location factor should be discussed next year. He feels that the neighborhood factor can be looked at this year. Mr. Fields stated that Ken Rogers has been with their firm 15-20 years. He had done a lot of work in Maine with old character homes and waterfront. He suggested that they all drive around the town together and
look at the town with recommendations. There would be no charge to the town to do this. Mr. Methe stated that he is concerned with the bill we received from Dave Arnold for $8,000 for the BTLA. Mr. Fields questioned if they made the issue of lack of information because of the antique appeal issue and they used this as the issue. Mr. Methe feels that this charge is not just. He feels that we went to the BTLA because of the lack of information. Mr. Parker stated that we did not go to the BTLA for an individual petition it was for the procedures of Vision. Mr. Methe stated that he repeatedly heard that information was not available. Mr. Fields stated that he would need to speak with the owner of the company. They do need to cover their cost. He feels that he can cut this bill in half.
Mr. Yon stated that we are a very small town with few sales. Can they use sales from area towns? Mr. Fields stated that they try to use sales from within the town. Sometimes you do have to go to area towns.
Mr. Fields stated that he will arrange for someone to come to the town.
11:00 MEET WITH BRUCE NEWTON: Chief Newton did not attend this meeting. Mr. Parker feels that we need
to insist on an operational plan. Mr. Methe stated that we should insist that this be in two weeks. Mr.
Methe wants to see the procedure for the day to day operations of the department, procedures, number
of hours per shift. Mr. Parker feels we should be on eight hour shifts, he would like to see a sample
schedule. Mr. Parker feels that the Chief should be in to work by 8:00 with an hour for lunch and leave at
5:00. Mr. Parker feels that we often have double shifts and then empty shifts. Mr. Methe stated that in
the past we had taken away on-call pay from the Chief. This has been reinstated, he feels that this should
be left as is. Mr. Parker questioned if we should pay a minimum of two hours of call. Mr. Yon stated he
feels that the Chief should take this as comp time. Mr. Methe feels that this needs to be taken within the
pay period. Mr. Parker feels that we should pay as overtime. Mrs. Thompson explained the procedure
for over time pay for exempt employees. Mr. Methe stated that he has never supported comp time.
*** SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
· REVIEW MS7 AND WARRANT FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: Reviewed
· FINALIZE DATE OF SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: The meeting is October 17
· SUE HUNT, VP NORTHWAY BANK TO MEET WITH BOARD 9/21 AT 10:30AM?: Mr. Methe is not sure he can make this meeting.
*** WENDELL TOWER CASE – NON-PUBLIC LEGAL – This is a reply to Mr. Wendell’s petition. The board did not go into non-public session.
*** DWINELL CASE – NON-PUBLIC LEGAL – The board did not go into non-public session
*** DISCUSS WHIPPLE HEIRS LAND AND LETTER FROM BOARD: The board reviewed this letter.
*** WORKER’S COMP CLAIM: This was Mr. Bowers whose foot fell through the floor. He did not miss work and has been working.
*** INVOICE FROM HAMPSHIRE FIRE PROTECTION CO FOR SPRINKLER INSPECTION: This is in the
amount of $1210. This is for the library, Town Hall and village fire station. This was budgeted for. Mr.
Parker questioned if this is the only company that does these inspections. Mr. Methe suggested
contacting Life Safety to determine if they also do these inspections.
*** REVIEW MINIMUM IMPACT APPLICATION FROM ROY BROS TO STATE DES: This is for fire
access.
*** DISCUSS PROJECTS TENTATIVELY PLANNED TO BE FUNDED WITH MONEY FROM THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS EXPENDABLE TRUST FUND: Mr. Parker stated that we still need to do the sill work. Mr. Methe will follow up with Richard Goodnow. Mr. Methe will look under there this week. The next project is the cemetery building floor. The only money we have used for this account is the jaswell seal. We have committed to having the floor in the cemetery shed done. Mr. Parker would like to put a closer on the front door of the Town Hall. Mr. Methe will speak with Richard Goodnow. Mrs. Thompson stated that Keene Door has done some work for the town. Mr. Methe feels that we could save a lot of money by finding
the closure we want and having someone make the plate. Mr. Yon moved to proceed with this, Mr. Methe seconded, the motion passed 3-0. Mr. Methe will contact Keene Door to see what they recommend.
We also had on the list insulating the attic of the Town Hall. We have an estimate from Hamshaw. Mr. Parker would like to contact Builders Insulation. There are no heat or smoke detectors in the Public Safety building. This was on this list of projects. We started updating the electrical at the Public Safety building, they would like to continue this.
*** MEETINGS:
· PSNH Oct. 12th in Keene: This is a program they do every year. If you attend they give you four vouchers to give to residents to use which stays their bill for another month. Mrs. Thompson will attend.
· LGC – Health saving accounts: Tuesday, October 10. Mrs. Thompson would like to attend. Mr. Methe will also attend.
*** SURVEYS:
· PSNH: The board will review
· CENSUS BUREAU:
· INSURANCE SURVEY: The board will not complete
*** SUNUNU OUTREACH AT TOWN HALL – SEPT 18 FROM 9AM – 10AM:
*** REAL ESTATE TRANSFER: Reviewed
*** STATE DRIVEWAY PERMIT: This is a request for a driveway over a private right of way. The policy has
been to not issue a building permit unless they have road frontage. The board would like to write the
landowner and state that there is an issue of whether a building permit would be issued. A copy of this
letter will be sent to the state.
*** INTENT TO CUT: The board reviewed the regulations with regard to exempt land. Mr. Yon feels that
we should contact the state with regard to them starting the cut prior to having the intent in place. Mr.
Thompson will contact Dennis Thorell..
6:30PM PUBLIC HEARING ON PURCHASE OF LAND AND BUILDINGS:
Mr. Parker opened the Public Hearing at 6:30 pm and read the public hearing notice. Mr. Parker
explained the timeline of events.
Mr. Parker stated that this property consists of approximately 350 acres, which includes a house & barn.
Mr. Parker stated that the main purpose for purchasing this property is to take the property out of the
development market. Mr. Parker stated that we have a limit on the number of building permits that can
be issued. This will expire in 2008. The reason they looked at this property is that it is on the market.
There is a lot of frontage on Rt. 119 and Jaffrey Road. Mr. Hancock would not subdivide the house and
barn out. The primary purpose is to take this out of the developer stream. This is not a method of
shutting out development, but the board is concerned with large developments. Mr. Parker ran some
figures with regard to the increased cost for the school system and the revenue from taxes would fall
short of our costs.
Daniel Baker questioned how many households do we have in Fitzwilliam? Mr. Parker stated about 700.
Mr. Parker stated that he is concerned that a large development would draw families.
Mr. Parker stated that the Board of Selectmen has no definite plans for the property. It is up to the town
to decide what to do with the land.
Mr. Parker stated that the board looked at how we can pay for this purchase. They would like to
subdivide the house and the barn with some acreage to be sold. The real estate agent has indicated
we would be able to sell this for about $600,000. We can generate additional revenue by subdividing a
few lots. There is marketable timber on the property. The Board of Selectmen are having the amount
verified.
Dan Baker questioned if we could negotiate the buying price of the property. Mr. Parker stated that
$1,325,000 was the bottom price Mr. Hancock would accept. Mr. Parker stated that the assessed value
is $445,000, a lot of the land is in current use. The appraised value is $930,000. Mr. Baker questioned
if there is any precedent of towns being in the real estate business? If a developer purchased this
property they would have to pay the change of use tax. Mr. Baker questioned if the town would have
control over a subdivision if proposed? Terry Silverman stated that the Planning Board would have very
little control. They did have a proposal on this property, which basically only put the wetlands in
conservation preservation.
Mr. Parker stated that the board has discussed financing with the bond bank for a 20 year bond at
4.99%. We can do a bond anticipation note with up to two years to finalize the note.
Perry Nadeau stated that he is concerned that the growth management ordinance runs out in 2008.
Terry Silverman stated that the Planning Board has determined that the ordinance can be amended by
a vote of the town to not have an end date.
Winston Wright questioned what the anticipated cost to maintain the property would be and if there is
money to do this. Mr. Parker stated that they are proposing a 1.4 million dollar bond which would include
money for cost and maintenance. Mr. Wright questioned if the bond would affect this years tax rate. Mr.
Parker stated that it would not. Mr. Baker questioned if the warrant article includes wording for money for
maintenance and subdividing. Mr. Cuomo questioned if the board will be able to spend the additional
money from the warrant article if passed for maintenance.
Mr. Baker requested that the board have a handout of cost and assumptions of the expected income
and expenses for the next meeting.
Susan Silverman questioned how this would affect the CIP Plan. Mr. Parker stated that it would not
affect it, we have no long term debt. Carmen Yon stated that they would have to put together two
plans. One assuming the purchase goes through and one that doesn’t. Mrs. Silverman questioned if
this would affect other town purchases because of this purchase. Carmen Yon stated the more
development the more capital you have to put in.
Perry Nadeau questioned what percentage of land is developed in town. He stated that assuming we
can extend the growth ordinance, we are going to grow at the same rate.
Gary Heald questioned if Conservation Easements would be put in place. Carmen Yon stated it
depends upon the will of the town.
Terri Roberts stated that she is an abuttor of this property. She stated that she and two other people
have offered to purchase abutting land from Mr. Hancock which he refused. She stated that they may
still be interested.
Mike Methe stated that the real estate agent has indicated that there has been a lot of interest in the
house and barn. Mr. Hanock would not subdivide the barn out.
Mrs. Silverman questioned what is there to prevent someone from purchasing the house and barn and
thirty acres from subdividing. Mr. Parker stated that they could put a covenant on this stating no further
subdivision. Mr. Methe stated that it would also detract from the house if it were subdivided.
Susan Massin stated she feels the board is painting a rosy picture of the prospect of selling the house.
She spoke with the Hancock’s and was under the impression that there has not been a lot of interest in
the property.
Susan Silverman stated that she is concerned that there is nothing to prevent developers from
developing other large tracts of land in town. Are we buying our way out of growth? Mr. Parker
stated that each piece would have to be looked at individually.
Virginia Woodard questioned where the board got the money for the down payment from? Mr. Parker
stated that they used the conservation fund. She questioned if the money was refundable if this
does not pass. Mr. Parker stated that it is not. The board felt they should give the voters a chance to
decide on this issue.
There being no further comment, Mr. Parker closed the Public Hearing at 8:40 pm.
Mr. Methe stated he feels that we need to stress that if we are ever forced to put in a sewerage
system we will have to make a large expenditure on the purchase of land.
The board will meet for a work meeting on Friday, September 15 at 9:00 am to develop and outline of
information.
8:00PM MEET WITH BUDGET COMMITTEE: Budget committee members Skip Hagstrom, Winston Wright,
Martin Nolan and George Chapman met with the board. Mr. Parker stated that he is concerned that they
had not been told by the Planning Board in the past that the growth ordinance could be extended. The
board will need to look into this matter to determine if this is correct. Martin Nolan questioned how much
land will go into conservation. Mr. Parker stated that it will depend upon the will of the voters. Carmen
Yon stated that there are different ways to protect land. The town can own the property or we can put it in
permanent easements. Mr. Parker does not feel that we should encumber property without giving it up to
the vote of the town. Carmen Yon stated that there is no intention to put in under conservation easement
at this time. Sandra Gillis spoke with Paul Sanderson at NHMA with regard to the extension of
the growth ordinance. This falls under RSA 674:22. Skip Hagstrom questioned who would pay for the
roads to the lots if we subdivide. Mr. Parker stated that he would subdivide the lots from Rt. 119. Mr.
Methe stated that if we had to purchase land for a sewerage system, we would be looking at spending at
least ½ million dollars.
SECONDARY:
· Various committee/board minutes
· Newsletters
· Review Police logs/reports
SIGN:
· Minutes
· Correspondence
· Payroll and Accounts Payable Manifests
There being no further business at 12:15 pm Mr. Methe moved to adjourn, the motion was seconded by Mr. Yon, the motion passed 3-0.
The board reconvened at 6:30 pm. Mr. Yon moved to adjourn at 8:40, the motion was seconded by Mr. Methe, the motion passed 3-0.
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