TOWN OF PITTSFIELD
BOARD OF SELECTMAN
TOWN HALL, 85 MAIN STREET
PITTSFIELD, NH 03263
_____________________________________________________________
MEETING MINUTES OF August 28, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
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Call to order at 6:00 P.M., by Larry Konopka, Vice-Chairman.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Larry Konopka (LK), Vice-Chairman, Linda Small (LS), Ed Vien (EV),
John Lenaerts (JL), Leon Kenison (LKe), Town Administrator, and Delores
Fritz, Recording Secretary.
MEMBERS ABSENT
Arthur Morse (AM), Chairman
PUBLIC INPUT
Maurice Wells noted that the Town dump truck was purchased about two
years ago and it still does not indicate the Town seal. He also noted that the
street light on the corner of Elm and Main has been out for two weeks,
apparently no one cares about this.
Close Public Input
AGENDA REVIEW
Several items were added to the Agenda. (LKe) Action: Town Hall Roof
Project Payment, Lily Pond Road, LLC, EDC Request for Approval of
Funds, Quit Claim Deed, R. Daigle; Information Items: ESGR Award, Staff
Meeting Minutes of August 28, 2007. (LK) Information: Drug Awareness
and Education Meeting Update.
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NEW BUSINESS
Action Items
1. Central NH Regional Planning Commission – Request for support
of Brownfields Grant Application to EPA
(LKe) noted that the Brownfields Grant is for funds for assessment/possible
cleaning process for contaminated sites. Pittsfield is eligible for this grant in
cleaning up such contaminated areas of petroleum and industrial/chemical
wastes from industries relating to shoe factory or leather processing.
(EV) Motion to approve application for Brownfields Grant. (JL) Second.
Carried 3-0.
2. NH DRA MS-1 Form, Summary Inventory of Valuation
(LKe) noted that this is prepared every year by Cara for presentation to set
the tax rate. The first one is the inventory of land/improvements for
residential, commercial and industrial. The second one is for the estimated
revenues and is used to set the tax rate. Cara worked with the appraisal firm
regarding this.
(LS) noted that there were significant abatements. She noted that the total
value went down. It is always based on what the value is.
(EV) Motion to approve NH DRA MS-1 – Summary Inventory of Valuation.
(LS) Second. Carried 3-0.
3. NH DRA MS-4 Form, Revised Estimated Revenues
(LS) Motion to approve NH DRA MS-4 – Revised Estimated Revenue.
(EV) Second. Carried 3-0.
4. Town Hall Roof Payment
(LKe) noted that though this does not require BOS’s signature as we have a
signed contract, just wanted to bring it to their attention that the roof has
been completed and payment is ready to be sent.
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(LS) noted that BOS in the past has noted their displeasure with services for
things in the past, and it would be nice to write a letter to the company
noting our pleasure with the company’s professionalism, work accomplished
and clean-up procedures. (LKe) to do.
5. Tax Abatement – Lily Pond Road (Tax Map R4, Lot 2C)
(LK) RECUSED HIMSELF AND WAS SEATED IN THE AUDIENCE
(LKe) noted that action was taken last week on this adjustment, and Cara has
presented an abatement to be approved. (LS) This is the result of an actual
devaluation. (EV) I thought we were going to leave it as it was and next
time around a change would be made. Jeffrey Waterhouse recommended
denying abatement. (LKe) noted that taxes were reduced from $6,500 to
$4,300. (LS) Was the abatement filed in a timely manner? If done after the
fact, we would not abate it. (LKe) noted that this was an error on the
Town’s part found by the Town. (EV) recommended denying any
abatement request as noted in Mr. Waterhouse’s letter. (LS) recommended
getting something from Jeffrey Waterhouse in writing on this. (LKe) noted
that he felt he had not adequately explained this matter to the BOS and
would like to once again discuss with Cara and will get back to Board.
(LK) RETURNED AND WAS SEATED ON THE BOARD.
6. EDC Request for Funds
(LKe) related that there has been a request from the Committee to advance
funds for employing WOKQ for the upcoming U.S. Auto Car presentation
on the Friday before NASCAR weekend. It would attract folks to Pittsfield.
There would be six vehicles positioned around the Town. WOKQ requires
advance payment and these funds will be repaid by individuals/companies
buying advertisements in excess of $2,000. The Committee has partially
raised enough to cover this and additional advertisements should be forth
coming.
(EV) noted that this had been voted in by the EDC last March. They have
acquired about half the monies and anticipate generating additional funds for
this. All collected monies will go to the General Fund. The cost would be
about $5,500 and Committee has raised $2,500. This would include ads on
WOKQ, three hours of live radio in Pittsfield on Friday, and on-air
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interviews with advertisers promoting their business. He noted with some of
the bad publicity Pittsfield has been receiving lately, this would be three
hours of radio time sending good messages about Pittsfield.
(EV) Motion to approve request for EDC funds. (LS) Second. Carried 3-0.
7. Quit Claim Deed – Richard Daigle
(LKe) noted that he has been told that this happens occasionally where
property has been sold and purchaser of property is chasing the title. The
Town was involved in 1978 and then sold property in 1980. However, the
then Tax Collector did not record it so there is no public record of the sale.
According to counsel, if we had an old Deed, it could be filed now, as there
is no Statute of Limitations for filing deeds. However, we are unable to
locate Deed.
(EV) Motion to approve Quit Claim Deed for Richard Daigle. (JL) Second.
Carried 3-0.
INFORMATION ITEMS
1. Larry Berube August 21, 2007 Letter
(LKe) noted that this had been delivered last week. (LK) noted that he
would like a written response from Department Heads. (LS) related that an
update should be generated as to what is taking place to reassure and
comfort individual. (LKe) to do.
2. Community Action 8/20/07 Letter of Appreciation and
3. Community Action 8/22/07 Letter, Senior Center Week
(LKe) All BOS invited to join Community Action Program on the 13th of
September to learn about the workings of the Center and their appreciation
as to community support. There is a breakfast scheduled.
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4. ESGR Award
(LKe) Chief was invited to Concord ceremony because of Departme nt’s
support of police officer that went overseas recently. Town was commended
for their support in this matter. {(EV) read award to audience.}
5. Staff Meeting of August 28, 2007
(LKe) noted some of the highlights concerning staff meeting. These
included Department Head working on drafts of budget, which are due after
Labor Day.
It was noted that Police Department is “camera ready” for employee badge
pictures during business hours.
A copy of these Minutes are available for BOS review to offer informat ion
for update.
6. Drug Awareness and Education Committee Meeting
(LK) noted that a meeting was held last night and there were eleven different
ideas presented to Committee by attendees including such matters as
education/resources regarding “clean needles.” what other towns who have
similar problems are doing, cameras around Town, cash rewards as an
incentive, how to cope living with fear, educating younger kids (1st, 2nd, and
3rd graders), young people programs on NA and AA, a mentor group and
citizen volunteers to supervise youth who require redirection.
(LK) noted that thirteen people have volunteered to serve on sub –
committees. He noted it was an excellent meeting with positive feedback.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Thompson Road/NH 107 Driveway Permit – AHG Subdivision
(LK) RECUSED HIMSELF AND WAS SEATED IN THE AUDIENCE.
(EV) Motion to approve Thompson Road/NH107 Driveway Permit.
(LS) Second. After discussion: Carried 3-0.
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(LKe) noted that Paul Skowron and Town attorney had started the process
via E-mail in February for this to be accomplished according to RSA 670:41,
which has been done. The plan was approved and the matter is currently in
Court.
(LK) RETURNED AND WAS SEATED ON BOARD.
2. Contract Service for Emergency Trash Removal
(LKe) noted he had contacted firm in Chichester, (Shaver) and they will
present proposal for truck and crew when necessary for trash removal.
3. Parks & Recreation Pavilion Repair – Meeting 9/7/07
(LKe) This is unchanged for now and will be revisited after meeting on
September 7th.
4. In-Law Apartment Permit – LGC Legal Referral
(LKe) noted he had tried to contact the “contact person” at LGC but he has
not gotten back to him as of yet.
5. Police Detail Policy (Copy Attached)
(LS) Private parties should be billed for police detail services. If they have
not been billed in the past they really should be. I originally had questioned
whether the Rotary had been billed for this for the recent Balloon Rally.
Chief Wharem noted that other organizations reimburse Town for police
detail services such as school functions, auction business, etc. Several
members of the BOS agreed that it would be prudent for Rotary to also do
so. Town sponsored functions would not be included in this process such as
Old Home Days. BOS discussed whether this sho uld be retroactive to 2006
and whether the reimbursement of services should begin next year. Most
agreed that reimbursement should begin this year.
(LS) Motion to request reimbursement for Police Detail services for Balloon
Rally beginning in 2007. (LK) Second. Carried 2-1 (EV).
(EV) noted that he was agreeable that this should occur beginning next year,
rather than this year so that Rotary could be advised in advance as it has not
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been done in past years. (LK) noted that as Vice -Chairman of tonight’s
meeting, he would not normally vote but agreed that he would like to see all
organizations and businesses treated fairly, and thinks that it is a good idea.
6. Leave Accumulation Policy – Summary of Status
(LKe) noted that BOS now has a list indicating number of vacation hours
which have been accumulated, though does not subsequently identity these
individuals. (LS) noted that many individuals have hours accumulated
beyond what our policy allows. (LKe) It should be noted that some of these
individuals have hours accumulated prior to 2004, which is when the policy
became effective and those hours would not be applicable under the new
policy. (LS) I was under the impression that this was for comp time and not
for vacation time. Some of the individuals have a significant amount of
vacation time accumulated and should be encouraged to use that time and
follow our policy in this matter. (EV) noted that up to 80 hours can be
accumulated and no more than that. (LKe) will check with Cara regarding
those who accumulated vacation hours prior to 2004.
7. Crime Line Signs
Chief Wharem noted he has been checking on these and they are on order.
He noted that the family possibly could be away on vacation. Will check
further.
8. Pittsfield Players Tax Exemption – Additional Information
(LKe) noted that he has provided Board members with copies of all the
documents he has in this regard including tax filing (last 3 years), By-Laws
and profit/loss statements. (LS) noted that it is the BOS’s discretion as to
whether to allow exemption and also what information they would deem
necessary to make a decision on this. Non-Profit would indicate that it
benefits significant amount of community, noting that they would have to
use the entire building for this purpose. (LK) noted that he would like to
have them file for 50% abatement for now and present it on Warrant Article
and let citizens decide and vote on it. I would prefer not to say yes or no.
(EV) questioned whether abatement could still be given? (LS) questioned
whether it was too late already for this year. They have filed for tax-exempt
status. (EV) noted that they did start the process within the acceptable
timeframe, but it has been tabled on various agendas since April.
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(LKe) noted that they acted within the proper timeframe and the BOS still
has ability to do this. (LS) noted she thought it was a good idea to allow
citizens to determine this.
(EV) Motion to deny tax-exempt status and accept abatement for 50%
reduction as long as it meets legal requirements asking voters on Warrant
Article as to tax-exempt status at next Town Meeting. (JL) Second.
Carried 3-0.
9. Jenness Pond Properties (Added to Agenda)
(JL) noted that last week at the BOS meeting the Jenness Pond properties
were discussed. He noted that three of these property owners with land in
current use are to have their valuations cut from $70,000 to $16,000. He
stated that he is aware that Diane Steward who also resides in that area, does
not have enough property to put any in current use with only a little piece of
land in the front. All the others had theirs reduced to $16,000. Do we go
Town-wide? I believe they all should know, and it is public information,
what is happening with the other properties. I am advising the Board as a
free citizen that I will be making this aware to several other property owners,
namely Bill Baker, Diane Steward and John Buatti.
(LK) noted he would like to have a total count of those properties meeting
the same criteria and send to DRA without assessing whole Town.
(JL) reminded Board that Mr. Waterhouse had said he would have to go
Town wide. I believe it is a “glaring” inequity. The Town discovered its
error. (LK) again noted he would like a headcount, though are we “opening a
can of worms?” (LS) “Where do you stop?” The justification for what we
decided is correct. The process was done for a reason. (LKe) noted that he
understood (JL)’s sense of equity. These particular property owners brought
this up. We could ask for it to be done and then decide what is t o be done
about it. (LS) I agree, if we had something to actually look at, it might be
different and then we wouldn’t be opening up the whole Town to disparities.
(LKe) Future adjustments will be on the “next round.” (JL) again reiterated
that he would be giving this information to the aforementioned individuals.
(EV) noted that it is public information anyway.
APPLICATIONS AND WARRANTS
None.
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CHECKS AND MANIFESTS
(LS) Motion to accept Accounts Payable. (JL) Second. Carried 3 -0.
(LKe) noted that he originally had a question regarding food items. It is
noted that Parks and Recreation purchase and resell food items and it was for
restocking their store.
(LS) Motion to accept Payroll. (JL) Second. Carried 3-0.
MINUTES
(JL) Motion to accept Non-Public Minutes of August 21, 2007 with addition
of date. (EV) Second. Carried 3-0.
(JL) Motion to accept Public Minutes of August 21, 2007. (LS) Second.
Carried 3-0.
Several corrections were noted as to spelling of names and towns.
PUBLIC INPUT
Bill Smith noted that he was unsure whether he had to make an appointment
to discuss this matter concerning the Building Permit that was issued by
Building Inspector on Shingle Mill Brook Road. This is really kind of
bizarre as I discussed this with Mike McLaughlin and he admitted he was
unfamiliar with the property and had never even been to the property.
(LK) noted that for the Board to get a clear picture on this, Mr. Smith should
make an appointment with the Town Administrator so he can then relate any
issues concerning this to the Board.
(JL) noted that he could offer some useful input in this matter. He related
that he was called by a citizen. He noted, “I have reviewed RSA 674:41 and
also thought the Building Permit should not have been issued. I then called
Mike who referred me to the latter part of the RSA, which noted that it
applied to properties after a certain date. I noted that prior to this date, it
was free and clear; I believe it is Paragraph E. He convinced me that the
Building Permit could be issued.”
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Mr. Smith related, “This is bizarre. As of yesterday, he still knows nothing
about this property and has not stepped foot on this property.”
Mr. Smith also wanted to know if Board had any additional information
concerning Shingle Mill Brook Road. Chief Wharem related that it would
be taking a little bit of time as there was quite a bit of information that they
would have to review.
Close Public Input
NON-PUBLIC SESSION
(LS) Motion to go into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3, II (a) and (c).
(JL) Second. Carried 3-0. Each Board member was polled individually and
all agreed.
ADJOURNMENT
Public Session was adjourned at 7:28 P.M.
Five-Minute Break.
Approved: SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
___________________________ ____________________
Larry Konopka, Vice-Chairman Date