Skip Navigation
This table is used for column layout.
Fitzwilliam Town Seal
The Town of Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire
spacer
Link to Home Page
Link to Departments
Link to Education
Link to Departments
Link to Minutes
Link to Links
Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 05/10/06
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
May 10, 2006

Selectmen Present:  Andrew Clukey, Chmn., Thomas Parker, & Michael Methe


Chairman Andrew Clukey opened the meeting at 9:00 AM.  The board recessed at 12:00 and resumed the meeting at 1:00.

PRIMARY:


***                     COMPLAINT:   Mr. & Mrs. Boucher submitted a formal complaint with regard to his neighbor Mr. Bessette
                         blocking his mailbox with their contractors car, at time the mailman cannot deliver their mail.  Mr. Parker
                         suggested that they forward a complaint to the police  department and the post office.   Mr. Parker feels
                         that the mail delivery person should have gotten out of their car to put the mail in the box.   Mrs. Boucher
                         stated that Chief Newton visited with Mr. Bessette and he never bothered to let Mrs. Boucher know what
                         was going on.  Mrs. Boucher stated that a few months ago a logging truck from their property pulled into
                         their driveway.          

9:15am          MEET WITH ROB BARSTOW:  Did not appear

***                             NON-PUBLIC SESSION – LEGAL ISSUE                           
                          At 9:20 PM, Mr. Clukey 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.
                        Clukey – yes, Mr. Parker – yes, Mr. Methe –  yes.
                         At 9:25 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


9:30            MEET WITH BRIAN GORDON AND DOUG: Did not appear

10:00           MEET WITH BRUCE NEWTON, POLICE CHIEF
                         MEMO FROM CHIEF REGARDING DUMPSTERS:     Mr. Methe feels that there are other items in the
                           right of way that are in violation not only dumpsters.  Mr. Parker feels that we need to take enforcement
                           action when people break the law.  Mr. Parker feels that in cases where we can prove that someone
                           dumped items along the road, we should prosecute.   Chief Newton feels that some of our regulations
                          need to be updated.         
Boucher:  Chief Newton stated that he had a complaint from the Bouchers this morning.  He stated that he spoke with the Bessettes and told them they cannot block this mailbox.  Chief Newton stated that he was speaking with the Bessettes and did not realize that the mailman had driven by.  Chief Newton spoke with Marion Wheeler, Postmaster, they do not have to get out the car to deliver mail.   Marion agreed that the driver would stop while construction is going on.   
Chicken Issue:  They have received calls from everyone who has received letters with regard to chickens.  Chief Newton feels that this is a land use issue, not an issue for the police department.  Mr. Parker feels that Animal Control falls under the Police Department and they should relate these laws to owners.  Chief Newton questioned if the board would like to drive around with him to determine violations.  Mr. Parker would like to put an article in the newsletter and remind people that we have an ordinance with regard to fencing animals and we will be enforcing this ordinance.
Operational Plan:  Chief Newton would like a clearer picture of what the board is looking for.  Mr. Parker feels that the board needs a plan of what is a workable situation based upon current manpower and budget.  He would also like a plan of how this can be improved.  Mr. Parker feels the Chief should do the majority of the paperwork.  He feels that the full time officers should be doing the bulk of the investigating.   Mr. Parker would like to see more patrolling.  Mr. Clukey feels there should be more patrolling on the back roads.   
LAND:  Chief Newton stated that there is a large parcel and Rt. 12 for sale.  He questioned if this was anything the board was interested in looking at for a police garage.  He feels that this is fairly central.  Chief Newton stated that the land is sub-dividable, there is 83 acres.   Mr. Parker stated that there was a piece of land that Bob Anderson was willing to give the town.  Mr. Methe suggested speaking with Janice Anderson with regard to this matter.  The board agreed to looking into these two lots.                      

10:30           MEET WITH DENNIS PROUTY:  Rescheduled for Wednesday June 14, 2006

10:45           MEET WITH CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS:  Mike Grab met with the board.   Mr. Grab stated that the
                          Sexton has been very active.  He is learning the job.  They have been trying to line up backhoes for
                          digging graves.  Mr. Grab stated that they went to a meeting a few weeks ago.  Someone told them that
                          the State has said that we cannot charge two different prices for out of town residents.  The price of our
                          lots are much lower than other towns.  They are looking into on the expansion area for cremations.  

                           Mr. Grab is trying to write up a request for proposal for stone repair at the Village Cemetery.  He spoke
                           with Keene and  Peterborough Monument.  The last three projects Peterborough has been the low
                           bidder.  He is having a problem with writing the request for proposal. Mr. Parker questioned who is going
                           to decide which stones are going to be fixed first.  Mr. Grab stated that he would like to leave this up to
                           the contractor.  Mr. Parker questioned how many stones need repairs.  Mr. Grab stated about a dozen.  
                           There are a lot of stones that need resetting.  Mr. Parker suggesting asking for a price per stone to repair
                           and reset.   Mr. Clukey feels that the stones to be repaired should be determined by the Commissioners
                           and then ask both companies to submit a quote.  

                            Pine Grove:  Mr. Grab stated that the grass is very poor.  They have limed this very heavily.  It appears
                            that there are a lot of bugs.    It is going to take a few years to bring this grass up.  The girls scouts are
                            going to help place the veteran’s flags.    They have written requests for proposals for black chain link
                            fence along the southwest side of the cemetery.  Next week the granite post should be installed along
                            Royalston Road.      

                             Mr. Grab questioned if anything is going to happen with the shed floor.  Mr. Parker stated that the
                             priority is the sill in the Town Hall and the water at the public safety building.                            

                             They have been making sure safety issues are being addressed.  Due to complaints they are requiring
                             the employees wear shirts while working.             


***             REVIEW DRAFT OF DEED FROM ATTORNEY WATSON:  The board approved this deed.

***             REVIEW TIMBER TAX WARNING ISSUED TO ERIC GRIMSHAW:  The State issued a warning on this
                          cut.  Dennis Thorell looked at this, the volume looks in line, the report should include saw logs.   We will
                          fax him a copy of the report when we receive this.

***     REVIEW LETTER FROM ATTORNEY PRIGGE REGARDING NOTICING OWNERS FOR REPURCHASE OF TAX DEEDED PROPERTY IN WOODBROOK:  Attorney Prigge has completed this list of who should be noticed.  Mr. Methe would like to ask Attorney Prigge if we can take just the trailers in Woodbrook and not the land.
***     BUILDING PERMIT FOR APPROVAL - TAX MAP 12 LOT 15:    This is a request for an extension.  The permit was issued a year ago and they have not completed this yet.  The board approved this.

***             DECISION ABOUT CONTRACTING FOR ROAD PROJECTS:  Mr. Parker moved to authorize Gene
                         Cuomo to contract with  All States Asphalt, Mr. Methe seconded, the motion passed 3-0.

***             REQUISITION FROM ROAD AGENT FOR SANDER:  Mr. Methe moved to approve this requisition,
                          the motion was seconded by Mr. Parker, the motion passed 3-0.

***             LETTER FROM BILL PRIGGE REGARDING FIRE HORNS:  The board reviewed this response

***             APPOINTMENT FOR HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION:  

***             COMPLAINT LETTER FROM ANONYMOUS PERSON:   The board will disregard this since it is
                         anonymous.

***             LETTER FROM WEBBER ENERGY OFFERING PRICE PROTECTION PROGRAM:  Mr. Methe stated
                         that they have a service plan available that includes free service calls and replacement of boilers.   Mr.
                         Parker stated that we would have to look at our records to see if this was advantageous.   The
                         board would like to go out to bid for oil.   The board will send out a request for proposal by mid July.

***             DISCUSS SIGN INVENTORY DONE BY MARK SWEENEY, CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER:   Mr.
                         Sweeney has taken photographs of the businesses in town.  We also have pictures from 2004.  We need
                          to sit down and review these and determine what is allowed.

***             NHMA REQUEST FOR PROPOSED POLICY SUGGESTIONS:

***             REVIEW INVOICE FROM ATTORNEY BERNIE WAUGH:  This is for $450.00  Mr. Parker moved to
                          approve, the motion was seconded by Mr. Methe.  The motion passed 3-0.

***             REVIEW COORESPONDANCE FROM ATTORNEY EBER REGARDING PENDING LITIGATION:  
                          Reviewed

***                     MONADNOCK ADISORY:  Robin Haynes suggested Lori Brockelman and Andrew Walters.  Mr. Clukey
                         also suggested Roy Suntner.   Mr. Methe moved to ask Lori Brockelman to serve on this committee, Mr.
                         Parker seconded, the motion passed 3-0.   Mrs. Thompson will contact her.   We also need to send a
                         letter to Robin Haynes her term has expired.  

***                      ZBA:  Mrs. Roberts met with the board with a written list of suggested members to the Board of
                         Adjustment.   Connie Porter and Carl Goldenknoff terms are up.  Diane Schott resigned since she is on
                         the Planning Board.   The ZBA is recommending Brian Luddy, Mat Buononomo, and Mary-Jo Yon.  Mr.
                         Parker moved to  re-appoint Connie Porter as a member, Mary-Jo Yon and Maty Buononomo as
                         alternate members.  Mr. Parker also suggested Jack Ernst as an alternate.  We will send a letter to Carl
                         Godenknoff thanking him for serving on this board.   We will ask Steve Filipi if he is interested in serving a
                         full member.  Mr. Methe seconded, the motion passed 3-0.    

***                      Mr. Parker stated that his wife told him that she heard a long time employee was fired.    This was not the
                          case.  Mrs. Thompson questioned if we should put a memo out to all employees stating that we have
                          heard a rumor with regard to this matter, and this is not that case.            


***                      SWEENEY PROPERTY:  Mr. Parker was told that there are three mobile homes on this property with
                           three different families.  Mr. Parker would like the Code Enforcement Officer to look into this
                          matter as soon as possible.   Mr. Parker feels that we need to be more consistent with enforcement.  
                           These people need to be made a aware that we are going to prosecute if there are violations.  

***                      BALLFIELD:  Mrs. Thompson spoke with Mr. Cuomo,  he suggested putting rocks across, the board
                          agreed  

***                      BRENDA JONES:    Mrs. Jones stated that she has many concerns with the spraying proposed by PSNH   
                          along the power lines.  She has contacted a company and has found that they could cut the trees cheaper than spraying.    She questioned if the town has any opinion with regard to this.  Mrs. Jones has a petition with 50 signatures of people opposed to this.  Mr. Parker stated that he would need to look into the options before he makes any stand with regard to this matter.  The board would need to have authority in order to stop this.  Mr. Parker stated that we will speak with NHMA to determine if the town has any authority with regard to this matter.  Mr. Parker feels that this is an issue that needs to be addressed on a State level.  She should speak with Tom Eaton.      Mr. Parker would like to send a letter to NHMA to see if the Board of Selectmen have any legal basis to take action for the treating if power line with herbicide.   

***                      HISTORIC DISTRICT:    Mr. Methe would like the issue of fences and the regulations looked into.

***                      REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:    Mrs. Thompson drafted a request for proposal for the painting of the  Town Hall and for the water at Public Safety We will request these be submitted by June 15.    

***                      1/3 update:  Mrs. Thompson spoke with Dave Kirschula from Vision with regard to the area to be completed this year.  They suggested doing map 8, Woodbrook and the southern part of town.   The board agreed.  Mr. Methe questioned why Templeton Turnpike is considered A11.  Mrs. Thompson stated that this determination was made when we did the full revaluation in 2001.        


***         ABATEMENT APPLICATIONS

·       Map 30 Lot 31 – Appraisal states value is $295,000 and they are assessed at $310,000. This is within 5% and that is acceptable range. Denied
·       Map 33 Lot 19 – Assessed for $174,200.  The property was transferred to Jeff Craig for $125,000. This is not an arms length sale and can’t be considered. Denied
·       Map 25 Lot 09-02 – Assessed $226,300. The applicant states he has .30 acres not .50 acres according to the measurements of his lot. The board looked at this and agreed. We will adjust the land to .30. Granted
·       Map 25 Lot 05 – Assessed at $128,000. This property has a location factor which will be removed. For many years the property has been a year round residence. Granted for removing location (LC4) factor.
·       Map 25 Lot 14 – Assessed $265,600. They have an appraisal from Paquette Appraisal. We are assessing by the size of the lot, not by the foot. Denied
·       Map 32 Lot 32 – Assessed $316,500. They paid $275,000 in 2003. The increase of 15% seems very reasonable. Denied
·       Map 21 Lot 7 – Assessed $235,300. This is a small lot with a house on it. The value is that it is right on the lake and is a building lot. Denied
·       Map 35 Lot 29 – Assessed $140,800 Denied based on the fact that he is being assessed in line with other properties on Scott Pond and actual sales on Scott Pond. Both properties on private road.
·       Map 6 Lot 30 – Adjusted depreciation on home from 19% to 24% Adjust year built
·       Map 20 Lot 15 – Show actual year built as 2001 – this is not accurate – it should be 1956. We will have assessor look at this.
·       Map 03 Lot 20 – He could put this land in current use by using the property he owns across the street to meet the 10 acre minimum. Denied
·       Map 24 Lot 08-01 – The comps are not good because of the quality of water difference and the third comp is actually across the road from the pond. Fairly assessed as compared to other Fitzwilliam properties. Denied
·       Map 24 Lot 08 – most of comps do not have waterfront, Hemlock Dr and Scott Pond Road are not same quality of water. Denied
·       Map 11 Lot 63 – Current use 50% wetland 50% other. Also reduce acreage 47.20 acres. Granted
·       Map 12 Lot 31 – The value on his assessment varies from $30,000 to $60,000 less due to acreage. House is considered one of the two oldest houses in the town and the value is in its antique appeal. Denied.
·       Map 06 Lot 40-11 – Adjust condition factor of land to .90. Granted
·       Map 22 Lot 10 – Change square foot living space to 894. Granted
·       Map 18 Lot 20-01 – The applicant states there is no artesian well.  The contractor who built the house was a well driller,  it is hard to believe there is no drilled  well on the property.  A Drilled and artesian are used interchangeably. The sheds are depreciated 50%. The number of bedrooms don’t affect value. It is in current use – explain assessed and appraised value. We discovered the site index should be A09.
·       Map 22 Lot 09 – Increase is in the land and the value is in the waterfront. Denied
·       Map 23 Lot 11 – House is depreciated 39% and acknowledge that there is a gas heater. Denied
·       Map 25 Lot 01 -  Assessment is fair. Denied
·       Map 4 Lot 65 and 65-01 – 65-01 change neighborhood code to A10. Granted

SECONDARY:
·       Various committee/board minutes
·       Newsletters
·       Review Police logs/reports

SIGN:
·       Minutes
·       Correspondence
·       Payroll and Accounts Payable Manifests




There being no further business Mr. Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:15 PM, Mr. Methe seconded, the motion passed 3-0.  


 
spacer
13 Templeton Turnpike, PO Box 725 Fitzwilliam, NH 03447
Phone: 603.585.7723   Fax: 603.585.7744
Link to Email Subscriber
Contact Fitzwilliam