MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, JULY 12, 2010
TOWN OF PITTSFIELD
HOUSING STANDARDS AGENCY

Present –Ch. Elkins, _P_, VCh. Ms. Hast, _P_, Mr. Bailey, _P_, Lt. Abell, _P_, Mr. Provencher, _P_, Planning Board( Mr. Miskoe) _ P_. Fred Okrent, _P_ HSA Administrator,
Meeting called to order at 7:15 PM at the Town Hall by Ch. Elkins

Public Present:
W. Chen, P. Rogers, E. Lagraize, D. Schroth, T. Mitchell, H. Schiff, R. Muensiger, L. Small, M. Roberts, L. Konopka, Paul & Carol Richardson, Paul Metcalf, Robert Lincoln, Mr. & Mrs. Abbot, Kathleen Greene.

1) Appointments
Ping/Rogers Hearing
Chair stated purpose of hearing and enumerated list of articles violated. Chair then called on landlords for comments. Mr. Rogers stated that when he bought the building, he was unaware of previous problems/HS issues. He hired a lawyer and filed suit since the situation was not under his control. He has since encountered numerous delays. He stated he has done much for the town and all his violations now relate to paint problems. While a recent inspection disclosed additional problems, the problems were remedied but there was no reinspection. He also complained of a short time to respond to a final warning. He called and left a voicemail but did not receive a response. He then asked to let the court prevail on getting the paint job done. The chair replied that the civil suit had no bearing on the HSA proceedings. Mr. Miskoe asked about dates and a general discussion concerning time frames ensued with the board members. Mr. Rogers then explained that he had 5 quotes and would use one of them once the court case was settled. Mr. Miskoe then asked the administrator if a violation existed prior to Mr. Rogers buying the building. The administrator replied that there was no Notice of Violation but the 12/05 inspection passed with the proviso that the building would be painted in the spring. Mr. Miskoe then asked if this information was available to Mr. Rogers prior to the purchase. The answer was that all HSA records are public records and available for and subject to inspection by anyone who cares to look at them.
Ms. Hast asked about date of purchase and another discussion about timing ensued. Mr. Provencher then stated that he had bought buildings in the past and that the first thing he looked at was the paint, since that was part of normal maintenance, preventing mold, mildew, and rot.
The administrator/inspector stated that on 1/23/07, Mr. Rogers stated that he had a signed contract to have the building painted in the spring. He also stated that he did not like to do business over the phone since he had been in EMS for about 18 years and a common dictum was: “if you didn’t write it, you didn’t do it”.
The Chair inquired whether Ms. Chen had anything to say. She replied that her english was not too good but that she had tried to get access to the roof of Mr. Metcalf’s building to reach her side wall, but could not get that permission, but did try to get more estimates.
The Chair then inquired whether there were any other Landlord comments. Mr. Rogers then spoke about trying to obtain grants to help pay for the cost of eliminating the violations.
The Chair then invited comments from other involved parties. Mr. Lagraize, as chair of the Suncook Valley Economic Development Corporation, talked about trying to improve the downtown area, different approaches, and trying to get a grant for the purpose of improving/restoring the facades of the 28-42 stretch of Main St. He requested that the landlords not be forced to do something that would not look good. Mr. Bailey asked questions regarding consequences if the grant was not obtained. Linda Small then talked about the EDC having been dormant for quite some time, but was now active again, having received non-profit status. She requested cooperation.
The floor was then thrown open to comments by the public. That led to many comments supporting Mr. Rogers and opposing the “shutting down” of businesses.
After the open public discussion, the Board members reviewed and debated various options.
Finally, Mr. Miskoe made the following motion: That the licenses of both Landlords be revoked automatically, effective, on April 4th 2011, (the next board meeting) unless, regardless of any grant or court settlement, the HSA be presented with signed contracts, specifying start and end dates to have the required work done. The motion was seconded by Mr. Provencher. There being no ensuing discussion of the motion, the vote was taken, and the motion passed, 5-0.
The Chair then called for a motion to adjourn the hearing. Motion made by Mr. Miskoe, second by Ms. Hast, vote was 5-0, hearing adjourned 8:35.

2) Old Business
None
.
3) New Business:
Progress reports, Discussion of vacation schedules/light scheduling.

4) Meeting Minutes;
Lt. Abell made a motion that the minutes of the meeting of June 7, 2010 be accepted as presented; 2nd by Ms. Hast, Motion passed 5 to 0.

5) Public Input:
None

6) Motion to adjourn:
Lt. Abell, 2nd by Mr. Provencher, 5 in favor, 0 against, motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:46 PM. Next meeting: 8/2/10.

Respectfully submitted,

Fred M. Okrent