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

MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

CALL TO ORDER

Call to order at 5:30 P.M. by Eric Nilsson, Chairman

MEMBERS PRESENT

Eric Nilsson (EN), Chairman, Albert Douglas (AD), Vice-Chairman, Gerard LeDuc (GL), Denis Beaudoin (DB), Nicholas Hayes (NH) Michael Williams (MW), Town Administrator, and Delores Fritz, Recording Secretary.

MEMBERS ABSENT:

None.

AGENDA REVIEW

(DB) BCEP Info; (EN) DBG Grant – Ted Mitchell, Auditor Survey (Action), Christopher Hill Appointment.

NEW BUSINESS
ACTION ITEMS

1. James Wesson Request to Cut Cord Wood – Tax Map R24, Lot 8

(MW) Mr. Wesson requested to cut some cord wood on a lot which has already been logged and George recommended no cutting of any red oak, but it has now been recommended that this be referred to Conservation Commission.

(DB) Motion to refer James Wesson Request (to cut cord wood) be referred to Conservation Commission. (AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

2. Clayton Wood – Website Committee Reappointment Request

(GL) Motion to table this reappointment request for Clayton Wood.
(DB) Second. Carried 5-0.

3. Darrah Enterprises Excavation Bid

(MW) I have suggested that Joey Darrah demo the foundation and fill in the cavity to ground level grade at 14 Depot Street. Now that Town has tax deeded the property, it will cost a maximum of $13,500. I am requesting that Board waive the Bid Policy and approve Joe Darrah’s bid to begin work immediately.

(GL) Motion to approve waiving Bid Policy for demo and fill at 14 Depot Street. (AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

Discussion: (GL) Is there enough money in the Budget? (MW) Yes, this would come under Maintenance of Tax Deeded Properties. (AD) And, I believe it is appropriate to waive bids? (MW) Yes, this is a Board policy as opposed to Statute. Should the owner wish to repurchase the property, he would be responsible for payment of this event.

(GL) Motion to approve Joe Darrah Enterprises bid of $13,500 to demo foundation and fill in to ground level grade at 14 Depot Street. (AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

(MW) This was the maximum cost, and costs might be lower.

4. Tax Anticipation Note

(MW) As is customary, Town needs to borrow money until taxes are collected.

(AD) Motion to approve TD Bank for Tax Anticipation Note.
(DB) Second. Carried 5-0.

(EN) signed Tax Anticipation Note.

5. Keath & Pat Wood Complaint

(MW) As you can see from the letter from Keath & Pat Wood dated March 23rd, I advised them that we would not act upon their requests until Planning Board had addressed their concerns, which Planning Board has done. I have contacted Town Counsel and they have agreed there may be some anomolies. I would suggest that we pay this bill on behalf of the Woods and refer it to Town Counsel with the stipulation that unless Counsel finds differently, the Woods’ would be responsible for the costs as noted.

(GL) Motion to approve payment of fees for Keath & Patricia Wood ($599.44) contingent upon findings of Town Counsel. (AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

(AD) Motion to refer to Town Counsel the Keath & Pat Wood request.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

6. Building Inspection Policy

(MW) This is something that Jesse brought to me a few weeks ago and would like the Town to adopt similar to the one in Alton.

Jesse Pacheco, Building Inspector was present.

Jesse Pacheco: This is a policy that will help applicants apply for the permits required. This is what a person who is building must do. (MW) This is really a two-part process. The second part would be fines for not complying. That part will require a Public Hearing, which I will research and schedule when necessary. Typically, fines are about 50% of the fees due.

Jesse Pacheco: This is not something Board has to do this evening. This will let people know what they have to do to comply with the Building Codes.

(NH) How different is this document as opposed to what is in place now?
Jesse Pacheco: There is nothing in place now. This will explain it a little bit better to people and give them a better idea to know what to do regarding permits, drawings, etc. (NH) Is there a way to incorporate into this what individuals need to do for other projects they are attempting to accomplish? Jesse Pacheco: We can come up with a policy for various building permits so people know where to look including fee schedules. (NH) So, if I am buying a shed at Home Depot, I am in violation if I put it up? We could add more information to this so that it would be “one big wave.” Jesse Pacheco: We do need to change some of the permit requirements.

(AD) This is the procedure to obtain a residential or a commercial building permit? Jesse Pacheco: There are different things required for both but also same idea for both. (AD) So the steps apply to both. Jesse Pacheco: If anyone has any questions on this, please call me.

(AD) Motion to table Building Inspection Policy until it can be further reviewed. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

7. Christopher Hill Re-Appointment to Conservation Commission

(GL) Motion to appoint Christopher Hill to Conservation Commission.
(AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

INFORMATION ITEMS

1. BCEP

(DB) I attended my first BCEP meeting last week and they mentioned that there are still two vacancies on the committee – Budget representative and BOS Alternate. They wanted to know if we are actively seeking members for this committee. It was noted that they meet the last Thursday of each month at
7:00 P.M. (MW) We can renew our request for volunteers.

2. CDBG Grant – Ted Mitchell

(MW) After we approved support for the CDBG Grant as proposed by Ted Mitchell, it was noted that there should be several policies in place prior to application for the Grant. Since these policies are in place but have not been updated, we can re-apply in September, 2015 for the grant. Board will be provided with the policies well in advance for review. (MW) to send E-Mail to Ted Mitchell to advise accordingly.

NEW BUSINESS – ACTION ITEMS –Continued

8. Auditors Survey

(EN) The Auditors have provided a survey for Board members concerning several issues including fraud, allegations of fraud, code of ethics, how Board stays informed, revenue reports, disaster plan, investment policies, accounting procedures and policies and use of debit card and bank accounts. Board jointly completed survey which was signed by Board members.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

APPLICATIONS and WARRANTS

1. Avitar Abatement Recommendation: Bayview Loan Servicing
Tax Map R17, Lot 1-1

(AD) Motion to approve abatement Tax Map R17, Lot 1-1 per recommendation of Avitar. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

2. Avitar Abatement Recommendation: Guy Tax Map U05, Lot 67

(AD) Motion to approve abatement Tax Map U05, Lot 67 per recommendation
of Avitar. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

3. Avitar Abatement Recommendation: Medical Associates
Tax Map R34, Lot 18-1

(AD) Motion to approve abatement Tax Map R34, Lot 18-1.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

4. Avitar Abatement Recommendation: Northway Bank,
Tax Map R34, Lot 28

(AD) Motion to not approve abatement application for Tax Map R34,
Lot 28 per recommendation of Avitar. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

5. Avitar Abatement Recommendation: Fairpoint

(AD) Motion to deny abatement application for Fairpoint per recommendation
of Avitar Assessors. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

6. Current Use: Lachut Tax Map R17, Lots 3-3, 3-4, 3-8.

(MW) There are some issues with the settlement from BTLA and applicant has decided to withdraw the BTLA approval. However, it is noted that the current use is less than ten acres.

(AD) Motion to table application for Current Use, Lachut, Tax Map R17, Lots 3-3, 3-4 and 3-8. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

7. Elderly Exemption: Perry Tax Map U03, Lot 34

(AD) Motion to approve Elderly Exemption for Tax Map U03, Lot 34.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

8. Veteran’s Tax Credit: Vokey Tax Map U01, Lot 17

(AD) Motion to deny Veterans Tax Credit for Vokey, Tax Map U01, Lot 17. (NH) Second. Carried 5-0.

9. Veterans Tax Credit: Thorsell Tax Map R44, Lot 9-5.

(AD) Motion to approve Veterans Tax Credit: Thorsell, Tax Map R44,
Lot 9-5. (NH) Second. Carried 5-0.

CHECKS and MANIFESTS

(GL) Motion to approve Accounts Payable and Checks register.
(AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

(GL) Motion to approve Payroll and Direct Deposit. (AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

MINUTES

1. March 17, 2015 Public Session Minutes

(AD) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of March 17, 2015.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

2. March 17, 2015 Non-Public Session Minutes

(GL) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of March 17, 2015.
(AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

3. March 31, 2015 Public Session Minutes

(AD) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of March 31, 2015. (GL) Second. After Discussion: (AD) Rescind Motion and (GL) Rescind Second.

Discussion: (EN) noted that he had a problem with the Minutes of March 31st due to the verbatim comments during Public Input by Jim Pritchard. The Board awhile ago decided not to record verbatim comments in the Minutes and this is something that we should continue. Basically, a summary would be sufficient. Board agreed to table the Minutes until a summary of comments can be composed.

(GL) Motion to table Minutes of March 31, 2015.
(AD) Second. Carried 4-0. (NH) Abstain.

4. March 31, 2015 Non-Public Session Minutes

(GL) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of March 31, 2015.
(AD) Second. Carried 4-0. (NH) Abstain.

PUBLIC INPUT

Daren Nielson: The fee schedule for the Building Permit – shouldn’t that go before the legislative body to change that? (MW) Yes, they do. Fees are not considered as taxes but rather a fee paid for services; taxes are for the general revenue.

Close Public Input

ADJOURNMENT

(AD) Motion to adjourn. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

Meeting adjourned at 6:27 P.M.

Approved: April 21, 2015

___________________________ ________________________
Eric Nilsson, Chairman Date

No attachments
Olympus: 53:27

I hereby certify that these Minutes were recorded by me on April 7, 2015, transcribed and publicly posted on
April 9, 2015.

__________________________________________
Delores A. Fritz, Recording Secretary