TOWN OF PITTSFIELD
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TOWN HALL, 85 MAIN STREET
PITTSFIELD, NH 03263
_____________________________________________________________

MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

CALL TO ORDER

Call to order at 5:30 P.M. by Larry Konopka, Chairman

MEMBERS PRESENT

Larry Konopka (LK), Chairman, Eric Nilsson (EN), Vice-Chairman,
Linda Small (LS), Al Douglas (AD), Gerard LeDuc (GL), Paul Skowron (PS), Town Administrator, and Delores Fritz, Recording Secretary.

MEMBERS ABSENT

None, initially. Selectmen Nilsson left meeting at 6:28 P.M.

PUBLIC INPUT

Lynn Roberts: I am here tonight again concerning the Kentek property and am again encouraging the Board to approve it. It is good for the community and no tax dollars will be lost. It is beneficial to the community.

Dan Schroth: This Kentek deal, I am unsure about it. I do know the owner, Tom, and his business is growing which is not always easy. It is a good business.

Dan Schroth: Years ago I was on the Planning Board and things were good then. We wanted to get Zoning changes and acquired legal fees monies by having a fundraiser – we raised about $1,400. The legal review was there and everything failed; yes, we voted for $17,000 to change Zoning. It failed again. The lesson is that it is cheaper to do things privately; even the government fails. I think government should not be involved. The EDC should think about spending the Town’s money. I would not like to spend any more money on economic development. Be wary on spending money – keep it to a minimum. The taxpayers cannot afford to buy any more on Berry Pond.
Carole Richardson: I have been hearing a lot of rumors as to what the Beautification Committee can and cannot do like putting flowerpots and flags on the sidewalks. There is a lot of hard work involved in this and I would like to know if we can do this and would like Board’s approval.

(PS) At the last meeting Board discussed who had jurisdiction over the sidewalks in Town and we have sought an opinion from LGC as to whether Board of Selectmen has complete jurisdiction. I have forwarded this legal opinion to DOT, District 3 and asked if he could shed some light as to jurisdiction.

Carole Richardson: Should we not put the flags or the barrels of flowers out?
(PS) I think the Beautification Committee is separate and distinct. Carole Richardson: I think it came out of the Charrette. (LK) Until we hear further, do the same as you did last year. (AD) We have not passed anything yet. (LK) If we hear from the LGC, we will let you know. We do not have an ordinance to cover this and we are trying to come up with one to work for the Town.

Adam Gauthier: So there is no conflict with others that want to use the sidewalks, could the committee provide Town with a list of the locations?

Dan Schroth: The people own the sidewalks – think about it. (LK) Does the Board want the committee to note the locations? Board agreed this would not be necessary. (LK) The Beautification Committee does a beautiful job with all the flowers. Thank you.

Gary Mullen: I applied to the HSA over a month ago and have heard nothing yet. Someone else is waiting that applied to Parks and Recreation and they have not heard anything either. You have willing people to work for the Town and why should it take so long? Can you do anything to make it go quicker?

(PS) This would be done by the Moderator and I will E-Mail Steve once again.

Close Public Input

AGENDA REVIEW

(AD) St. Stephens Church 150th Anniversary; (LS) Clothes Closet – this was added to the Agenda during the course of the meeting.

APPOINTMENTS

1. 5:45 P.M.: Stuart Arnett – Arnett Development Group

(LS) Mr. Arnett is here tonight to help us answer some of the questions concerning Kentek. He has been working with the EDC in conjunction with the CNHRPC.

Stuart Arnett: I am here to see if I can: 1. Enlighten you on 79E, 2. From an economic development standpoint show us how Town will benefit and 3. What is reasonable and what is not?

He explained that he was a part of the Charrette that occurred about three years ago (January 21 and 22, 2011.) He displayed a copy of the Charrette “maps” indicating the downtown area when they came up with a scenario as to how to use the area. Primarily, things need to happen in sequence. RSA 79E is an incentive to encourage businesses to bring back substandard properties. Kentek is in the Charrette area. (It was determined later in the meeting that the property is not exactly in the Charrette area, but rather on the cusp of the properties in question.)

He discussed with Board as to “what is a fair deal?” noting that this could set a precedent. A straight percentage of the assessment increase is usually recommended – 50/50 split. You could determine what the 50% would be and frontload it which over time would lower the amount. (LK) Have you seen other communities the size of Pittsfield make this work? Mr. Arnett: Yes, about half a dozen other communities have utilized this process.

(LS) How can this benefit the Town? Mr. Arnett: I would recommend that anyone meeting the criteria as set forth in RSA 79-E:2 be approved.

(EN) I did some research on this and Concord has done several of these – some worked out well and some did not but we cannot compare a small town to a big city. Where is the benefit to the public? How can it help the Town? He is not doing anything to the outside of the property and I am trying to determine as to what would be the benefit to the public. Mr. Arnett: Investing in the downtown area would not happen otherwise. (LS) We are trying to get technology back into Pittsfield. The overall project is that they stay in Pittsfield, which is what is happening. The property is on the edge of the Charrette area.

(LK) This is the first one the Board has ever been involved in and we want to make sure we are doing the right thing. Mr. Arnett: If rehab is all inside the structure, why tax relief? (PS) That is why it was sent to the assessors.

Loren Martin (Avitar Assessing): The interior does not affect the assessment of the building. There is some increase in value. (LK) Taxes are about $7,000. He explained how Board determined the proposed amount of the tax relief.

Loren Martin: The incentive is to keep this business in Pittsfield because of the high tax rate. Town is trying to revitalize the downtown area. This has been done successfully in other towns such as Manchester. (AD) So the benefit to the Town would be to keep the business here.

Board, Mr. Arnett and Loren Martin discussed how to calculate the tax relief.
(LS) So it sounds like it would be better to use the percentage. Mr. Arnett: Yes, because the property would be worth more as time goes by. Board discussed and agreed that the 50/50 ratio would be a good way to go – less in the first year and more as time goes by.

Selectmen Nilsson left meeting at 6:28 P.M.

(LS) We can the set the parameters according to the RSA. Mr. Arnett: This is what people can count on and if something “exceptional” comes to Town you could go the extra mile.

Mr. Arnett left meeting at 6:35 P.M.

(LS) agreed that she would meet with Loren Martin of Avitar Assessing to
coordinate a plan to accomplish the determination of the tax relief. Board
tabled this matter and agreed to address again at the next Board meeting.

2. 6:10 P.M. Loren Martin Avitar Assessing (6:35 P.M.)

(LK) Loren is here tonight to discuss the option for assessing income producing
properties. Loren Martin: Noted that she accomplished a comparison review
of several income producing properties (which she distributed to Board) and
related that the current assessment is appropriately in line with the market values.
The age of the property, condition and location could all be considered in the
comparison. Change in the economic market could possibly change this in the
future but at the present time, this is appropriate. (LK) So, you would do nothing
at this time with these properties? Loren Martin: Not at the present time.

Ms. Martin left meeting at 6:48 P.M.

NEW BUSINESS
ACTION ITEMS

1. Application for Community Revitalization Tax Relief Incentive (Cheticamp)

See Appointment No. 1 above – Stuart Arnett

2. Application for Leave of Absence Without Pay

Philip Gordon was present.

(LS) Motion to approve Leave of Absence Without Pay for Philip Gordon.
(AD) Second. Carried 4-0.

Philip Gordon left meeting at 6:51 P.M.

Break: 6:52 P.M. Resume: 6:58 P.M.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

(GL) Motion to go into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 II (a).
(LS) Second. Carried 4-0. Individual members of the Board were
polled and all agreed.

Board went into Non-Public Session at 6:59 P.M.

Board returned to Public Session at 7:17 P.M.

(GL) Motion to seal Non-Public Session of May 21, 2013.
(LS) Second. Carried 4-0.

APPLICATIONS and WARRANTS

3. Application for Hawkers and Peddlers License

(PS) I noticed that the application for Hawkers and Peddlers License has not been
approved by Police Department. Form was forwarded to Chief Wharem for
approval and will be addressed at the next Board meeting.

(LS) Is it normal to request use of all public roads? Chief Wharem: Yes, this is
for an ice cream truck and will be over all roads provided they do not obstruct
traffic or roadways.

Chief Wharem left meeting at 7:20 P.M.

NEW BUSINESS – ACTION ITEMS Continued

3. Property Tax Account Abatement – Tax Map R15,Lot 19

(PS) This is an abatement that the Board has taken action on and is an
acknowledgement to the Tax Collector of the abatement minus the existing lien.

(LS) Motion to approve abatement refund Tax Map R15, Lot 19 of $137.69.
(AD) Second. Carried 4-0.

4. Property Tax Account Abatement – Tax Map R12, Lot 3

(PS) This also would be the same type of adjustment.

(LS) Motion to approve abatement refund Tax Map R12, Lot 3 of $1,103.90.
(GL) Second. Carried 4-0.

5. Clothes Closet

(LS) Since we are still in the process of doing the amendments to the Obstructing
Streets and Sidewalks Ordinance, the Clothes Closet is holding off doing anything
about sidewalk displays. Paul, could you write a letter to them that we are
awaiting clarification and are trying to get it straightened out. (PS) to do.

(LS) Motion to approve Clothes Closet utilizing sidewalks in front of
establishment temporarily until clarification from State on sidewalks.
(AD) Second. Carried 4-0.

INFORMATION ITEMS

1. Report from Selectmen’s Representative to the Planning Board

(EN) is not available at this time. Next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for
June 6, 2013.

2. Report from Selectmen’s Representative to the Suncook Valley Regional Town Association

(GL) There is nothing to report at this time.

3. St. Stephens Church 150th Anniversary

(AD) related that he had attended this service which included a very nice program.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Policy for Recruitment and Employment – Revised Pending
2. Policy for Employee Total Compensation Pending
3. Amendment to the Obstructing Streets and Sidewalks Ordinance

(PS) I have enclosed in your packet of information the updated DRAFT for Board
to review at your leisure. After clarification from DOT as to jurisdiction of the
sidewalks, it will be before the Board for review and comment.

APPLICATIONS and WARRANTS – Continued

1. Timber Tax Levy – Tax Map R52, Lot 2 – $2,335.74

(LS) Motion to approve Timber Tax Levy – Tax Map R52, Lot 2 – $2,335.74.
(GL) Second. Carried 4-0.

2. Timber Tax Levy – Tax Map R2, Lot 2 – $510.89

(GL) Motion to approve Timber Tax Levy – Tax Map R2, Lot 2 – $510.89.
(LS) Second. Carried 4-0.

3. Application for Hawkers & Peddlers License

Application to be reviewed by Police Department and will be addressed at next
Board meeting.

4. Notice of Intent to Cut – Tax Map R52, Lot 2

(PS) This notice is all in order.

(LS) Motion to approve Notice of Intent to Cut – Tax Map R52, Lot 2.
(GL) Second. Carried 4-0.

CHECKS and MANIFESTS

(LS) Motion to approve Accounts Payable and Checks Register.
(GL) Second. Carried 4-0.

(LS) Motion to approve Payroll and Direct Deposit. (GL) Second.
After brief note: Carried 3-0 (LS) Abstain.

Note: (LS) There were 51 hours of sick time this week.

MINUTES

1. Public Session Minutes of May 14, 2013

(GL) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of May 14, 2013.
(LS) Second. Carried 2-0. (AD) and (LS) Abstain.

PUBLIC INPUT

Adam Gauthier: First I want to say thank you to Paul for the paving contract
information. Also, springtime the crime rate increases. I would like to see
something in the paper about a neighborhood watch or something on the
Crimeline website as to what is happening in Town. I checked and there was
nothing under Pittsfield. There are items being stolen while homeowners are
home. A reward might help and be an incentive to help this issue.

(LK) suggested discussing with Chief Wharem and also the Crimeline issue.

Close Public Input

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

(LS) Motion to go into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 II (a).
(GL) Second. Carried 4-0. Individual members of the Board were
Polled and all agreed.

Board went into Non-Public Session at 7:35 P.M.

Board returned to Public Session at 7:52 P.M.

(GL) Motion to seal Non-Public Session of May 21, 2013.
(LS) Second. Carried 4-0.

OTHER

(GL) The house on the corner of So.Main Street and Clark Street is becoming an
eyesore with a lot of items all over the property. Building Inspector will be
advised to review.

ADJOURNMENT

(GL) Motion to adjourn. (AD) Second. Carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 P.M.

Approved: MAY 28, 2013

___________________________ _______________________
Lawrence Konopka, Chairman Date

I hereby certify that these Minutes were recorded by me on May 21, 2013, transcribed and public posted on
May 22, 2013.

______________________________________
Delores A. Fritz, Recording Secretary

II Tapes
No Attachments
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