Special Meeting Minutes
January 8, 2007
Special Selectboard Meeting
Unapproved - See minutes of subsequent meeting for any changes.
Present: J. McDonough, R. Oliver, M. Stacey, C. Todd, D. Benware (recorder)
Others: Harry Smith, Donna Pidgeon, Arlan Pidgeon, Ron Fiske, Carol Morrison, John Hughes, Mary Hughes
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair. Flag salute recited.
Ron spoke on behalf of the ZBA/Planning Commission, as a follow-up to the meeting of Dec. 21, 2006. The cleaned up copy of the tape of the Conditional Use hearing for the Leicester General Store did not yield any clarifying or specifying information. Ceil took pictures from the right of way of the property north of the store. She was given a business card, which indicates that a junk yard is being operated illegally at the site. It was noted that photos have been taken of the store, which has a VW, travel trailer, boat, and car on the lot. The large trailer south of the store belongs to the house. The constant shifting of vehicles and items, as well as the fact that there are 3 properties involved makes it difficult to determine when violations have occurred. It has been noted that the store owners have complied with about 95% of the conditions set forth at the conditional use hearing.
After further discussion, Mark made the motion, second by John, that the Selectboard will proceed with enforcing the junk ordinance and the Zoning Board will investigate the zoning violations on the property north of the store. Motion passed unanimously.
In regards to the store, for Jan. 15, Ceil will have pictures and a letter prepared for our signature, for James Perley and Dale Counter (J and D Builders, Inc) to be mailed to
Carol Morrison spoke on behalf of the town auditors. Under state statute, the auditors can set payment for the Selectboard. The pay rate has not changed in quite a few years. The increase would have been $275 total for the five members. Mark made the motion, Ceil the second, to thank the auditors, but to turn the offer down. Motion passed unanimously.
Carol also reported that for future reference we will need to complete a highway /infrastructure inventory, as the values of bridges, culverts, and roads will be needed.
A culvert inventory has been completed with the help of ACRPC. Dave Lathrop and ACRPC may be able to help us with this.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Ceil made the motion, Mark the second, to pay $1,520 to Richard Humiston for 2006. Motion passed unanimously.
Harry reported that the appraisal is on schedule. The "first run through" is nearly complete. An article in the paper has asked anyone who has not yet been contacted to call the Town Office for an appointment. Harry also reported that the State Board of Property and Valuation Review upheld the town listers' determination regarding the appeal Mrs. Wolf submitted.
Mark asked if residents get a letter when the appraisal is complete. Harry responded that all taxpayers get a booklet of all appraisals and information on how to grieve your taxes. This should be available by June and is not available until all appraisals are completed and logged. One person did come in to inquire about the Lister vacancy.
The
Selectboard Report:
John indicated that he did not like the draft Diane submitted and presented his own version. Certain aspects were discussed and it was agreed to continue discussion on Thursday evening, Jan. 11. Ceil will mail the final draft to the auditors at: leicesterauditors@comcast.net.
BUDGET WORK:
Discussion followed on salary for Town Clerk/Treasurer, building expenses, computers, contracted services, fuel, grounds care, and office expenses.
John made the motion to adjourn at 10:00 p.m., second by Mark. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m
Next budget work session Thursday evening, Jan. 11, at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Diane Benware (recorder)