Minutes of Meeting

                                                Board of Selectmen

 

Meeting held upstairs in Town Hall                                    Monday July 20, 2009

 

Attending: Town Manager Edward Samson

                   Selectmen Allan Carr, David Stickney and Leo Enos

 

Others attending: Alan Savage, Murray Vashaw, Joe Bachefor, Don Williams, Richard Stoddard and Steve LaFrance (Mr. LaFrance left during the meeting)

 

            The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M.  by Chairman Allan Carr followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

            Richard Stoddard of Gospel Messenger Service was present to speak to the Board regarding tax abatement.

Leo Enos recused himself at 6:31 P.M.

 

            Mr. Stoddard had received a letter from the Town stating that under state statues he was no longer eligible for a tax exemption as the Gospel Messenger Service is now listed under the names of Richard and Roberta Stoddard.

            Mr. Stoddard gave an overview of what their mission is all about and he felt that in some ways they still qualified.  He stated that in a letter signed by the Selectmen in 1997 that they were eligible for 100% exemption and feels that regardless of the name they are still working for the gospel. 

            Mr. Stoddard said that he had taken out a loan to pay off bills as the service they provide does not require people to pay for the material that is sent to them.  He said that the interest on the loan was higher than the taxes that they would have to pay.  He was asking that they town waive the first 6 months of taxes and that he would start paying on the rest of the year taxes now.  He could apply for elderly exemption but does not want to do that.

            Edward Samson said that he would look over the documentation that Jason Call has and give it to the Selectmen to review and see if any portion of it is eligible for an abatement.  Mr. Stoddard said that he would not be angry if the Board decided against giving an abatement.

            The Selectboard agreed to review the records and an answer will be given at the August 17th meeting.

            Mr. Stoddard thanked the Board for their consideration.

 

Leo Enos was back on the Board at 6:47 P.M.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

            To review and approve the minutes of the July 6,2009 meeting.

 

It was noted on Page one that it should read that the grant was given to the Town “from the Motor Vehicle Waste Oil”  and on Page two it stated that Mr. Johnson wanted $1,200.00 for the granite and it should read $12,000.00.

            Noting no further corrections a vote was called for the accept the minutes.

A motion was made by Leo Enos and seconded by David Stickney to accept the minutes as written with the above corrections.  A vote was taken and the motion carried.

 

Department Head Up-dates:  None

 

Signing of Various Paperwork:

            Timber Tax Warrant:

                        Wm. McCarten           $l65.72  R26 – 009

                        Martin Meadow Pond Rod

            Intent to Cut:

                        David Putrain              R20  Lot 3     191 acres to be cut selectively

                        246 Portland St.          Land runs from Lancaster into Jefferson

            Abatement:

                        Richard Roy                $965.00  ˝ of Sewer bill

                        47 High St.

                        Richard Roy                $512.50  ˝  of Water bill

                        47 High St.

 

The Board was reminded that they voted to give this abatement at the July 6, 2009 meeting. Leo Enos asked if Mr. Roy had responded to the letter that had been sent to him regarding this and the answer was no.

 

            A vote was needed to decide if the Board wanted to send out the PA-28 forms to the residents of the Town.  It was stated that if the re-val is done properly any changed would show up and the resident would be taxed accordingly.  It was stated that one of the reasons for not sending these out was that it would save the Town quite a bit of money on postage.

A motion was made by David Stickney and seconded by Leo Enos that the Town not send out the PA-28 forms. A vote was taken and the motion carried.

 

            A reimbursement form for Forest Land needed signatures.  It involves White Mountain National Forest, Northern Regional Headquarters and Weeks State Park.  This is a figure that they pay in lieu of taxes.

 

            Mr. Samson read a list of properties that were recommended or not recommended for abatements from Jason Call.  (see attached list)  After some discussion a vote was called for to approve.

A motion was made by David Stickney and seconded by Leo Enos to accept the recommendations of Jason Call on the attached property list.  A vote was called for.  The vote was two for and Chairman Carr voted against.  The motion carried.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

            A letter was read from Bruce Webster regarding a water bill abatement.  He stated that the meter was wrong and the Town had inspected it and it was all right  He, Mr. Webster stated that he wanted the whole bill abated or a formal hearing.  Mr. Samson said that he would notify Mr. Webster that there would be a formal hearing at the August 3rd meeting.

 

INFORMATION:

            Also in the packet were the following building permits.

 

            Lou Perry Jr.                                                    10 Cemetery St.

            Ron Kay                                                             9  Holton Park

            Mark Keddy and Walter Stone                      52 Depot St.

            Jon and Tiffany Parks                                     106 Summer St.

            Kathleen Maurice                                                8 Page Hill Road

 

            A driveway permit for Jerry McCann dba Lancaster Realty Associates at 7 Chelle Road

 

Don Williams asked about Becky Newton’s position and wanted to know if it was necessary to fill it.  Mr. Samson said that it was going to be filled as there needs to be someone to take care of the Planning Board, Zoning Board information and Grant writing.  There are State Statues and Regulations stating was has to be done for these areas.  The position will be advertised.

 

Alan Savage if there had been any more information about the tree that the Passumpsic Bank would like to have removed.  Edward Samson said that the tree hides a lot of poles and wires and it would not be coming down.

 

Don Williams asked what the next thing that the Town would be doing now that the outside of the building was done.  He was told that they are looking at an elevator and handicap bathrooms.  There are studies being done at this time.  Any changes that will be made will be brought before the Town’s people for a vote.

 

Noting that there was no further business to come before the meeting a motion was called for to adjourn.

A motion was made by David Stickney and seconded by Leo Enos to adjourn.  A vote was called for and the meeting adjourned at 7:20 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted:                                                        Approved:

 

 

Sandra E. Doolan – Clerk                                                    Allan Carr

 

 

                                                                                                David Stickney

 

 

                                                                                                Leo Enos

 

 

                                                                                                Board of Selectmen