BOARD MEETING MINUTES
September 25, 2006
Selectmen Present: Thomas Parker, Chmn., Michael Methe & Carmen Yon
Chairman Thomas Parker opened the meeting at 6:30 PM.
PRIMARY:
6:30PM PUBLIC HEARING – LAND: Mr. Parker opened the Public Hearing at 6:30 PM. Mr. Methe stated that he had brought this property purchase up at the Forum and felt that it was well received. He feels that members of the town feel that the Board of Selectmen have a preconceived agenda of what to do with this property, which is not the case. The only thing the board is recommending is selling the house and the barn. It is up to the voters to decide what to do with the remaining property. The board felt that this would be a way to protect a large piece of property. We could end up with no debt if the voters decide. Mr. Methe stated that there is a lot of potential for this property.
Carol Beckwith questioned if the board was able to get the real figures of the offset of cost? Mr. Methe stated that a realtor has estimated the sale of the house, barn and 30 acres at about $650,000 - $675,000. Building lots are selling for about $65,000 to $75,000 a piece in town. There is also forest income. Mr. Methe stated that the value is there in this property. It is up to the voters to decide. The board does not have an agenda for this property.
David Green questioned if the board had done calculations of worse case scenerio if nothing sells. Mr. Parker stated that it depends upon how we finance this. The board met with Northway Bank. They are offering a lower interest rate then the bond bank. The bond bank will do an interest only bond for two years. The current rate is 4.99%, the rate is set when the bond is finalized. With Northway Bank the rate is between 4.3% and 4.5%. The rate is locked in up front. Payments begin on the full amount borrowed. We can put money against the principal.
Anne Killeen stated that she loves the rural character of Jaffrey Road. Many people walk this road every day, She feels that the character will be changed with the items that they have been talking about; a police station, ballfield, sewerage treatment plan. She feels this town is divided into factions of groups; the village, fire department, teachers, etc. She sees this setting up discord in town, there are pockets of people angry with each other. Mr. Methe stated that it is up to the majority of the voters to approve or disapprove. Anne Killeen questioned if the board had looked at any other parcels of land that are
for sale in the village for a septic system. She stated that she understands there is a home in the village with acreage for sale. Mr. Methe stated that the board looked at the Hancock parcel as a large tract of land to purchase to protect the town. Mr. Methe stated that the board is aware that there are other parcels of land for sale in town, but they don’t want to be in the real estate business. Carole Beckwith stated that the property for sale in the village could be subdivided and would be suitable for a septic system. Mr. Methe stated that he assumed she was referring to the Moulton property next to the town hall. He stated that there is not a lot of road frontage to subdivide parcels off. The Hancock parcel has approximately 2500 feet of road frontage on Rt. 119 and 2500 feet on Jaffrey Road.
Anne Killeen stated that the house has been for sale for two years. The Board of Selectmen are creating a sense of urgency for this purchase, they are acting as if it is out of their hands and in the hands of the taxpayers. The truth is that the board arranged this deal with the Hancock’s without the voters knowing about it. Mr. Methe stated that the Board of Selectmen met with the Conservation and the Planning Board in non-public session when they first started this discussion, these two boards endorsed this purchase. Karen Craig stated that she is not satisfied that this is an emergency. This
property has been on the market for over two years. Mr. Methe stated he felt it was a worthwhile project to present to the voters. Mr. Methe stated the he will personally have no problem if this is voted down. Karen Craig stated that she resents that the message in the Keene Sentinel is that this is to prevent kids in town.
Steve Reinart stated that he first read about this in USA Today. An article stated that there may be a possible sewerage treatment plant across from his home. He feels the board has secretly had meetings and made this deal. Mr. Methe stated that it was not a secret, they met in non-public session prior to signing a contract, as soon as the board had a signed contract, they made this issue public. Mr. Reinart stated that he does not trust what is going on. Mr. Reinart questioned why they had to have a signed contract, this reeks of behind the scenes dealing. He feels that we now have the common against
the rest of the town. He feels that the sense of urgency the board is operating on a fear-based ideology, they are assuming it is going to be developed. Mr. Methe stated that the board went public as soon as possible, he stated that he believes in democracy. Mrs. Reinhart stated that their property is surrounded by Hancock property. She feels that they should have been notified about this .
Andrew Walters stated that we are not being forced into purchasing this property and he appreciates the opportunity to decide.
Austin Killeen stated that he spoke with Debbie Lucy, a realtor and we are in a depressed market. He is questioning why we are paying the full price. Mr. Methe stated that he negotiated the price and asked Mr. Hancock to donate his tax liability to the town. Mr. Hancock would not and his bottom price was $1,325,000. Mr. Killeen stated that if this is an unrealistic price, then he would have to lower it.
David Green stated that he does not feel that the Board of Selectmen are sneaking around. He attended the forum as well as about 10% of the town. One of the groups criticized the Board of Selectmen for not taking risk to put the town where we wanted it to be in the future. He does not feel that the criticism of secrecy is justified. He feels that the board is acting in the best interest of the community. Mr. Methe stated that at the forum, he mentioned going after this property.
Mr. Parker stated that nothing is committed. Suggestions have been made of what can be done with this property. The board knows there is a need for a septic system for the village. This would not be a treatment plant; it would be a leach field. It has been mentioned that this would be a potential site for a police station, it is up to the voters. There is potential for elderly housing, they are trying to look ahead at the needs for the town. Anything that is done with this property has to be a vote of the town. Mr. Methe stated that he would not recommend the police station on this parcel. He feels the parcel of
land the town owns on Richmond Road would be more suitable. The board is not trying to fool anyone. We will have a mailing going out at the end of the week. We have added another informational meeting on October 5, 2006.
It was questioned if the $15,000 deposit was committed without an open taxpayers meeting. Mr. Parker stated that it was committed from the Conservation fund set up to purchase conservation land.
Jack Ernst stated that the meeting was posted for 7:00, John Fitzwilliam stated that he read the posted notice and it stated 6:30. Mr. Ernst questioned why Mr. Hancock backed out of the last contract he had on this property. Mr. Methe stated that he did not know. Mr. Ernst questioned what assurance we have that this property would be acceptable for a septic system. Mr. Methe stated that Mr. Hancock would not allow perk tests to be completed. Mr. Methe remembers from years ago there being gravel there, he has heard some people say there is clay there. Mr. Reinhart stated that they had to dig on their
property and it was solid clay. Mr. Ernst questioned why the town did not look into purchasing the Moulton property. Mr. Methe stated that he presented the Hancock parcel to the board because he felt we would be able to retain a large amount of acreage for open space. Mr. Ernst stated he still felt the Moulton property would be viable. Carmen Yon stated that the two properties are not comparable. The Hancock property would preserve open space. Mr. Ernst questioned how much open space the town had to have.
Carole Krunklevich questioned if abutters would have the first option of purchasing land.
Gene Cuomo stated that he has hayed these fields and dug holes on this property. There is a lot of clay. In his opinion, the land would not perk well.
David Green stated that the voters decide what is done with land.. At last years Town Meeting, there
was an overwhelming vote for conservation issues. The town would be gaining approximately 300
acres of open land. Karen Craig stated that other towns have voted to purchase open land, but they
did not make it an emergency. She stated that she appreciates the board holding an additional
meeting.
Anne Killeen stated that at last weeks meeting it was not determined how the article would be worded.
Tom Parker stated that the last meeting the Budget Committee had to vote to recommend or not
recommend. Anne Killeen stated she feels that the taxpayers are impacted by the governing boards
support of this. She does not know how they could have supported this issue with the amount of vocal
opposition to this issue.
Andrew Walters stated that someone else could purchase this property and sell the land to the town for
a police station and sewerage plant.
Austin Killeen stated that it is his understanding that the voting is only for one hour. Mr. Parker stated
That the polls need to remain open one hour after the meeting. Karen Craig questioned if an absentee
ballot could be obtained. The board explained that like the annual Town Meeting, voters have to be in
attendance in order to vote. Carmen Yon stated that the article can be changed, which would create a
problem with ballot voting.
John Fitzwilliam stated that he feels that this is an opportunity to control the town’s destiny. We could
sell off the property at future dates, he feels this is a very good opportunity for the town. Andrew
Walters agreed.
Jack Ernst questioned how sure of the numbers the board is. Mr. Methe stated that the realtor has
stated that he has had numerous opportunities to sell the house and barn. Mr. Ernst stated that this
property has been advertised for sale for over two years. Carol Krunklivich stated that she saw an add
that advertised the house barn and 50 acres for $859,000. Mr. Parker stated that he was told by
Landvest that the house, and 49 acres would be for about $659,000. Mr. Hancock refused to
subdivide the barn out. Mr. Parker stated he was not aware of the listing for $859,000. Mr. Parker
questioned Mr. Silverman if the Planning Board had been approached to subdivide the barn. Mr.
Silverman stated that they had not, but usually they are approached after the purchase and sale.
Anne Killeen questioned the growth ordinance. She stated she does not feel a developer would be willing to purchase the property with only being able to build five properties per year. Mr. Methe stated that he has spoken with developers and they are willing to spend a considerable amount of money in court to fight growth ordinances.
Dave Green stated he feels that this is a great opportunity for the town. Mr. Methe stated the board
wanted to present this to the voters. Karen Craig stated that the fear factor the board has implied is that
this is an emergency. Mr. Methe stated that the judge must of felt this was an emergency to grant the
special town meeting.
John Greer questioned if it will be on the ballot to sell the house. Mr. Methe stated no it would have
to go to Town Meeting. Mr. Greer does not feel that a small percent of the town should be voting on
this issue. Mr. Methe stated that 100% of the voters have the opportunity to attend this meeting.
Carole Beckwith stated that many people in town are in favor of conservation land. When the Board of
Selectmen made the decision to use town money immediately, it caused distrust among the town. The
Question is whether the board can gain the trust of the townspeople. She feels the board needs to
explain what lead to the decision and represent the course of events. She feels the way it is being
presented with a fear factor it will be defeated. Mrs. Reinart stated that she is all in favor of
conservation, but the problem is not knowing what they are going to do with the property. Mr. Methe
stated that it is up to the voters.
Mr. Methe moved to close the public hearing at 7:45, the motion was seconded by Mr. Parker, the motion passed 3-0.
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