BOARD MEETING MINUTES
January 9, 2008
Selectmen Present: Michael Methe, Chmn., Thomas Parker & Carmen Yon
Chairman Michael Methe opened the meeting at 7:00 PM
PRIMARY:
7:15 MEET WITH ARNIE FILIPI: Mr. Filipi questioned how we determine current use value. Mr. Parker stated that it is
the market value at the time of the change. Since we have done a recent revaluation we base it on sales of similar
lots. Mr. Filipi researched land sales in Fitzwilliam. Land sales have declined in the past year. Mr. Parker stated
we based the change of use on Mr. Filipi’s lots on the assessment from Avitar. Mr. Yon suggested Mr. Filipi give the
board of a copy of his comparables and we can speak with Avitar.
7:30 MEET WITH GENE CUOMO, ROAD AGENT – EMPLOYEE EVALUATIONS:
At 7:27 PM, Mr. Methe made a motion to go into Non-Public Session under RSA 91 A:3 II (a). Mr.
Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0. Roll Call Vote; Mr. Parker – Yes, Mr. Methe –
Yes, Mr. Yon - Yes .
At 7:45 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.
Mr. Yon questioned if we should increase any of the fees at the transfer station. Mr. Methe stated that Bobbie Methe
has questioned the possibility of taking the aluminum from the Transfer Station. Mr. Cuomo stated that we do have
someone that picks it up and we get paid for it. Mr. Cuomo stated that he would require a proposal from him with
regard to what he would pay for this. Mr. Cuomo is happy with the system we have in place now, Mr. Methe stated
that we should leave it this way then.
8:00 MEET WITH STEPHEN CONBOY: Mr. Conboy met with the board. He stated that his wife has been hospitalized
twice last November. They were not able to determine what was causing this. They feel that the house they
live in is making her sick. They have moved out. He recently went to the house and felt ill. He called the State
environmental service and they suggested having the house tested. This will cost $700-$800, which they cannot
afford. He does not feel that they can sell this house he feels it is unsellable, they are going to have to let it go back
to the bank. The house was built over a spring which he feels is causing the problem. There is mold in the crawl
space. Mr. Parker stated that the board needs to determine if this is a private or public problem. From what he has
heard tonight he does not feel that this is a public problem. Mr. Parker stated that the board cannot condemn a
house without valid reason without compelling information that it is a public hazard. Mr. Parker suggested he contact
an attorney. Mr. Conboy questioned what would be sufficient evidence to condemn the house. Mr. Parker stated
that we would need documentation from doctors with regard to medical statements and from valid testing companies
as to the exact problem and remedy. Mr. Conboy stated that the town did test their septic system last year because
of a complaint of odor from their neighbor. He questioned why we can’t test for this. Mr. Parker stated it is required
that all houses have a state approved septic system, which the town has the responsibility to test upon complaints.
*** RALPH NEIMELA: Mr. Neimela came in upon receiving a letter stating he needed to file a building permit for
constructing a roof on his building without a permit. The board reviewed the application process with Mr. Niemela.
*** ABATEMENT APPLICATIONS
· MAP 12 LOT 45-03: This is not a complete application. Mr. Yon moved to send a letter, the motion was seconded by Mr. Parker, the motion passed 3-0.
· MAP 32 LOT 09: To be reviewed at a later date.
*** POSSIBLE CODE VIOLATIONS: John Tommila has installed a sign on Rt. 12 without a permit and is going to be
converting the building to a retail office. This is not an allowed use. We will send him a letter.
*** OCCUPANCY PERMIT : signed
*** BUILDING PERMIT: Approved. Land needs to come out of current use. They are requesting 1.79 acres out of
current use. The board will talk to Gary at Avitar to discuss this.
*** AIR PRESSURE TANK VIOLATIONS – ESTIMATE: $425.00 from Keating. Ed Mattson is obtaining an estimate to
replace this air tank with a compressor.
*** INVOICE – AVITAR : approved
*** LIST OF INVENTORY OWNED BY FITZWILLIAM FIRE INC AT FITZWILLIAM FIRE STATION: Reviewed. Mr.
Parker questions the radios on this list.
*** GRANT FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT TANKER: To be reviewed
*** THANK YOU FROM HELPING HANDS: Reviewed
*** PLANNING BOARD MEETING: Mr. Patel did not attend the scheduled meeting last evening. Mr. Parker has asked
Sandra to give the board a written list of violations and we will send him a letter.
*** BUDGET: Mr. Parker received an estimated expenditure from the school for each town. They are projecting a
$3.20 increase for Fitzwilliam. Mr. Methe stated that when the CIP committee met with the budget last week there is
a 14.8% increase for capital. He does not agree with this.
*** FIRE DEPARTMENT: Mr. Methe feels that we need to send a letter to the members with regard to the issue of
donations and the Fire Chief/Fire Ward. He has been told that the members are not being told accurate
information. Mr. Parker feels that the letter should state that all employees have an avenue of appeal.
Mr. Parker moved to recess at 9:40 PM, the board will reconvene at 9:00 AM Thursday the motion was seconded by Mr. Methe, the motion passed 3-0.
Mr. Methe reconvened the meeting at 9:00 AM
*** AVITAR: Gary Roberge met with the board. Mr. Methe questioned how you come up with the value of change of
use. He stated he tries to find sales in the neighborhood or use the assessed value since we recently did a sales
update. Mr. Methe questioned if he has seen a change in value since the update. Gary stated the market has
staled he would have to look at sales to see if there is a decrease. The board discussed the assessment for the
change of use for David Green on Jaffrey Road. Gary stated that the land can only come out of current use at the
actual time of change. They are proposing constructing on this property at different times. They have submitted a
building permit for the barn and driveway now, with a future site for a mobile home and homesite.
Mr. Parker stated that we have been approached by Fleur Dis Lis about a pilot program. The board needs to
determine what the advantages and disadvantages are for this program. Gary stated that the State has not
decided a standard for these programs. With the pilot program you lock into a specific payment for a determined
amount of years. Gary will do a search to determine if other camps are in a pilot program.
PSNH substation: Gary stated that he works closely with PSNH in other towns. He will contact them for a progress
report.
*** BUDGET: Mr. Parker would like a letter to the Fire Department with regard to the SCBA money that has
not been spent and questioning if they wish to place this in the expendable trust for equipment purchases.
Ambulance Capital Reserve: They are requesting $20,000, the Board is recommending $10,000, the CIP is
recommending $40,000. Mr. Methe feels that expenditures such as vehicles should be purchased and
appropriated in the year they are requested. Mr. Parker feels that we should put $10,000 in this account. Mr. Yon
made a motion to place $10,000 in this account, the motion was seconded by Mr. Methe, the motion passed 3-0.
Ballfield: The board questioned if there is a need for a new field. They are questioning if we should transfer this
money into another account.
Village Cemetery: they are requesting $2000 to replace the shed. We have moved this to the Town Bldg Expense.
They had requested $10,000 with the CIP for stone walls. Mr. Yon stated it appears that departments are not
requesting capital projects under their budget.
Town Clerk/Tax Collector: Mrs. Thompson reworked the salary figures for splitting this position.
The recreation department requested $24,000 for paving, the board is not recommending.
The cemetery department is requesting $10,000 for stone walls, Mr. Yon feels he would recommend this, Mr.
Methe does not feel we should include this, Mr. Parker agreed to leave this in.
Mrs. Thompson questioned what the board would like to do with regard to warrant articles on the items the board is
not recommending. Mr. Parker feels that we need to speak with each department with regard to these items. Mr.
Yon feels that if the department wants to put this on the warrant then we should. We also need to find out the
Budget Committee recommendations.
SIGN:
· Minutes
· Correspondence
· Payroll and Accounts Payable Manifests
Mr. Methe left the meeting at 11:15 AM
Mr. Yon moved to adjourn at 11:30 AM, the motion was seconded by Mr. Parker the motion passed 2-0.
| 
