|
|
Town of AmherstBoard of SelectmenMay 14, 2007
|
Chairman Bruce Bowler called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. Selectmen present: Thomas Grella, Reed Panasiti, George Infanti and Brad Galinson. Also present Town Administrator Gary MacGuire and Executive Assistant Sharon Frydlo.
There were no questions or concerns brought forth from folks in the audience.
Mr. Bowler indicated that next week the country will be celebrating National EMS Week to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide day-to-day lifesaving services of the medical “frontline”. The theme this year is “EMS: Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Service”. Mr. Alan Beede of Amherst was treated by the Ambulance personnel on December 20, 2006 and asked to share with them his experience.
Mr. Beede spoke of the quality of the EMS service. On December 20, he experienced a fatal cardiac arrhythmia – it was not fatal. Less than one tenth of one percent of people survive. He gave credit to the EMS folks for this - their professional experience and timely arrival is the reason he was here that day. It took them less than three minutes to arrive at his home and they brought him back to life at home as well as on the way to the Milford Medical Center. He indicated he was declared clinically dead twice and the Town is blessed by having such a fine group of individuals in this service.
Mr. Bowler called upon EMS Director Brian Gleason who presented “Certificates of Appreciation” for extraordinary life sustaining efforts to Paramedic Mark Hume, EMT-Intermediate Lyn Hurd and EMT Intermediate David Shaughnessy amidst applause from the Selectmen, fellow EMS members and the audience.
Mr. Bowler indicated that the Board would also like to recognize their appreciation to Public Safety Communications Specialist Timothy Johnson who on the evening of April 18, 2007 dispatched Amherst public safety agencies to a horrific motor vehicle accident on Route 101. Mr. Johnson displayed extraordinary critical situation dispatch management by coordinating the radio request needs from Amherst EMS, Fire, Police, State Police, Milford EMS and Air Medical Transport with true professionalism and dedication. Present for the recognition was Shawn Brewer, Communications Supervisor, EMS Director Brian Gleason and Police Chief Peter Lyon. Mr. Brewer presented on behalf of the Board of Selectmen a “Certificate of Appreciation” for extraordinary dispatch management to Mr. Johnson. Chief Lyon thanked Mr. Johnson for the job he had been doing very well and was trained for.
Tax Deeding
Mr. Bowler announced that the Tax Deeding process was being tabled.
Approve Recommendations & Sign
Untable
The Board un-tabled the abatement request from David Hall M/L 8-77-83. After Mr. Panasiti read the recommendation from MRI, Mr. Infanti moved to deny the abatement requested, seconded by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
The Board voted unanimously to un-table and then re-table a current use penalty for Benjamin and Rosemary Brewster M/L 4-65-1 until the Board’s next meeting and no later than June 11 because additional information requested had not been provided.
LUCT
Mr. Infanti moved to accept the Land Use Change Tax for 5 Old Mont Vernon Road M/L 7-80-5 in the amount of $17,500.00, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to accept the LUCT for 3 Mack Hill Road M/L 20-30-1 in the amount of $17,500.00, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to accept the LUCT for Thornton Ferry Road II M/L 4-47-1 in the amount of $130,000.00, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Abatements
After discussion on land values and reviewing photos of 51 Boston Post Road M/L 5-155 after the recent flood, Mr. Infanti moved to table the abatement, second by Mr. Grella. Discussion: Mr. Infanti felt it was time to have Scott Marsh meet with them. Mr. Bowler requested that the new photos be sent to the Assessing Office. Vote: Unanimous.
PSNH Environmental Volunteer of the Year
Mr. Bowler announced that Len Gerzon, a Town resident and one who has done an outstanding amount of work for the Town and especially PMEC was the recipient of this award. Several members of the Advisory Board were also present as Elizabeth LeRocca presented Mr. Gerzon the first $5,000 installment of a $10,000 grant for an energy-efficient education program. She hoped this would be a notice for other communities to tackle. Advisory Board Chairman Ann Logan recognized Jim Bowen who was head of the building construction and Kay May who had written the grant that allowed them to receive the award.
State Department of Transportation
Discussion of Route 101/Williamsburg Drive Plans
William Oldenburg, Civil Engineer of Highway Design updated the Board on the Route 101 and Old Manchester Road intersection after meeting with the Selectmen last year. The State has ground out the striping, cleaned out some brush, put in signs, and evaluated the speed limit. The Department did not think anything should be done at the moment with the speed, but did post 40 mph warning signs leading up to the intersection. He talked about the current area and the protective turning lanes and the length of the shoulders. Pine and Old Manchester Roads are overlapping in the wrong direction and was an issue. In the area of Joe English Brook, there is a restriction of two feet on either side.
Mr. Oldenburg commented that Route 101 has 20,000 cars on it per day, Old Manchester has approximately 500 per day and Pine Road even less. He indicated that one thing they had to do is remove the shoulders and put back stronger ones. Another thing was to change the location of Old Manchester Road and build it to the Town’s standards so that it will be a well-built road. There is only one property that would be impacted and he hoped it was owned by the Town of Amherst. Old Manchester Road used to be the old Route 101 and they would be rebuilding it to where it used to be. There will be no Town funds involved and will cost the State approximately $300,000. The schedule for it to begin is tentatively in the spring of 2008. Hopefully, he said, it could be at the end of 2007, but because of the flood they may not be able to achieve this. The rebuilding would be done by State forces out of District Five.
Mr. Infanti had no questions, but commented that the State made a great effort to make this work. Mr. Grella asked about the telephone switches that were located in the vicinity. Mr. Oldenburg advised they were marked and will be avoided. Mr. Grella felt it was a great plan and vast improvement. Mr. Galinson thought they had done a terrific job for a State Department to come up this quickly with a plan.
Mr. Panasiti commented that Carol Murray mentioned something about a new generation of watch lights or signs. He asked if there was any further discussion that would indicate this was a dangerous intersection and believed there needed to be some visual signals. Mr. Oldenburg explained that originally they talked about an overhead blinking light and something they normally start with to draw people’s attention. The next step would be a flashing light on a sign that said “intersection ahead” and they could look into doing both of them. One thing they tended to do was fix the intersection and then put up a light saying it is dangerous. They could put up a beacon saying there is an intersection and he did not have a problem with doing this. Once it was done, he did not think there would be a problem and it was similar with Saddle Hill. He felt one of the things was to be consistent.
Mr. Bowler thought being consistent was a good way to go. Camp Road was different and he felt it was perfect. He asked if there was going to be any impact to Schoolhouse Road. Mr. Oldenburg explained this was one thing they looked at where the bridge comes into play and were talking about three lanes all the way down to Saddle Hill, one lane would be a dual use. They could look to create a left hand turn lane at Schoolhouse. He also briefly spoke about the guardrails near the bridge. He talked about twelve feet being the standard in the area of the bridge and they could look at eleven feet, but it would add cost to bring the shoulder all the way down to Saddle Hill. Mr. Bowler mentioned that if they do this, Schoolhouse Road will be the only one not having a turning lane. He would appreciate it if this could be looked at. Mr. Bowler indicated he liked the plan and hoped everyone in the neighborhood approves it as well.
Mr. Grella mentioned that many years ago there had been signs on Route 101 to the Seacoast that indicated dangerous intersections and the number of fatalities. There were a number of issues from the By-Pass through to Bedford and Route 114. He thought there should be a warning about entering a dangerous intersection and existing signage. Mr. Oldenburg thought this made people more aware and there was a project to widen 101 that solved that issue. They can look at it, but he tended not to be the expert on signage.
Mr. MacGuire asked that on the existing plan where it narrows by the bridge, what was the shoulder width. Mr. Oldenburg said it would be at least four feet wide. Mr. MacGuire mentioned that if they had to go with a two foot shoulder he did not think it would work for a bicyclist.
Senator Peter Bragdon agreed with Mr. MacGuire on the bridge and thought a two foot wide shoulder and a guardrail on the other side wouldn’t be good. There was great improvement and he appreciated the Department’s work.
Jill Slocum, Williamsburg Drive, asked if there was any more discussion on lowering the speed limit, in terms of a long range plan, on this stretch of road. Mr. Oldenburg indicated he did not know of any plan to lower the speed limit. He knew they looked at the intersection and the thought was it didn’t really warrant reducing it. Just changing the number on the sign did not change people’s speed. Mrs. Slocum asked if they were looking to reduce the speed through Amherst and Milford. Mr. Oldenburg commented on the over all plan in 2002 where there was a corridor study done through the NRPC from Bedford to Wilton. There are recommendations that involved creating two lanes in each direction and creating connector roads. There had been many ideas and he knew all the communities were involved in 2002. Mr. Bowler added there were several hearings held by the NRPC before the Selectmen as well as the Planning Boards and plans were reviewed. Mr. Oldenburg indicated that there was currently $50 million dollars in the ten-year plan. There was a concept plan developed for the entire corridor. They now have the plan, the money is allocated and were waiting for the time to go out. They start 6-7 years in advance to begin discussions.
Relative to winter maintenance, DPW Director Bruce Berry asked how far off the asphalt is the telephone switching cabinet. Mr. Oldenburg indicated the cut work is at least 20’ off the side of the road. Mr. Berry commented there was a fair amount of water across 101 and a fair amount of damage to the shoulder. Mr. Oldenburg would be able to see where they had to do some repair work on his way back to Concord.
Scott Hettinger, 14 Williamsburg Drive, indicated there was water in the April storm as well as last year where repairs were made at lower Williamsburg as well as Old Manchester Road. Steve Morgan spoke about Greeley Point. Mr. Oldenburg explained they would leave the driveway where they could turn left and also have access off Pine Road and would not look at closing the driveway. Mr. Morgan said he would like to have the driveway closed. Mr. Oldenburg advised that this would be a State issue.
Mr. Bowler thanked Mr. Oldenburg for his time in giving them an update. He asked if they could keep them informed at least every other month so they could keep their residents informed. They are still on schedule and possibly ahead of schedule. Mr. Oldenburg indicated they will continue to look at this stretch from Old Manchester Road to Saddle Hill. Mr. Bowler knew everyone was busy, but asked if they could they do some staking. Mr. Oldenburg had no problem doing this. He added this was a work in progress and wanted everyone to know it is not final.
Request from Kathryn Dillon
McKayla Geisinger Soccer Field
Kathryn Dillon told the Board that she was there with the Amherst Soccer Club, coaches and parents to request naming fields in McKayla Geisinger’s memory. She was a tremendous athlete and she would like her memory to stay with them for eternity.
Mr. Bowler thought this was a great idea. He had communicated with her via email and were possibly thinking about this for the Bean Fields. He said he supported this. He had talked to Amherst School Board Chairman Dwight Brew and one more step was to go before his Board. They meet the first Thursday of the month and they will be expecting her to get in touch with them. This was School-owned land and the Town is funding it. Both he and Mr. Brew had a long discussion and feel this is a joint effort and the Selectmen will be writing a letter to the Amherst School Board in support. He felt this was a fantastic thing the girls were doing.
Mr. Panasiti also thought this a fantastic idea. He thought this was not the only thing for McKayla that could be done. There could be other things in recognition for those who had gone to school there. There were memorial benches, and stands that could be placed in the field too. He wouldn’t say that naming the field is the only thing that could be done. Mr. Galinson felt that the team being present was terrific. Mr. Grella also thought it a great idea for those going past the school every day on their way to Souhegan High School and he hoped they continued their soccer careers. Mr. Infanti agreed with the other Selectmen and was totally in support of this. With the entire team turning out, it was a great idea and a great tribute - this said a great deal about who they all were.
Mr. Bowler explained that the Amherst School Board’s next meeting was June 7 and he will give Kathryn Mr. Brew’s email so that she could contact him. He asked the Selectmen for authorization to send a letter with this request. Mr. Infanti so moved to send a letter to the School Board in support of this request, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Recycling Task Force Update
Tom Lewis, member of the Committee, recapped that the warrant article for the Transfer Station passed and he had received questions about when they were going to get started. The money was not available until July 1. Mr. Berry was working on getting a permit for the driveway. The Committee has recommended that the Transfer Station be opened one night in the summer. The Committee recommended it be opened beginning on Tuesday, June 5, 2007 and run through Tuesday, September 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and they will be handing out pamphlets with this information. They will also be participating in a program called “Mow Down Pollution” that provides a voucher for trade-in of a gas powered mower for an environmentally friendly electric powered mower. The details were on the web site.
Mr. Bowler asked that the Committee give a brief synopsis of their report for ACTV20 so that this information can be given to the residents. Steve Morgan, also a member of the Committee advised that Mr. Berry had found a way for residents to dispose of video display devices. This had become a State law and was not a problem for Mr. Berry. He also updated the Selectmen on their first quarter results relative to recycling. Every category consisting of aluminum beverage cans, cardboard, commingles, glass, mixed paper, and newspaper/magazines improved over the first quarter in 2006 with Amherst now being in the same ballpark as the other three towns in the District. The total value per ton was $148.00 vs. $121.00 last year. When everything was in place to crush items, they will have a savings of at least one third and the savings would continue to accrue to tremendous amounts.
Mr. Infanti commented this was good news, it made him happy and he had no further questions. Mr. Grella asked with all the flooding and road repairs, was this going to upset their scheduling. Mr. Berry indicated it was hard to tell and he would like to get this started in the fall. Mr. Galinson also felt it good news and it was important for the Town, the environment and the budget.
Mr. Morgan briefly answered questions from the Board as they related to trash per ton in the first quarter of 2006 vs. the first quarter in 2007 and the reasons for the variables. Mr. Panasiti thought this was a great idea giving them information quarter by quarter which would show the “bean counters” what was actually happening. Mr. Morgan indicated he had numbers from 2003-2006. Mr. Bowler asked that they receive these numbers for their “read file”. He thanked both Committee members for coming in.
Fred Miller who lived at the end of Thatcher Drive asked to bring a matter to the Selectmen’s attention of a potential flooding situation in the area of 101, Thatcher Drive and Thornton’s Ferry Road in the vicinity of the Ross Bird Sanctuary as well as his property, other houses on Thatcher Drive and Fox Brook. He mentioned there was more water going into this area that isn’t being released. This was the second year in a row and there was not enough drainage for the wetland areas. He proposed the Selectmen consider replacing the culverts with a bridge to allow for greater drainage or adding extra culverts so that equal amount of water coming in can be drained.
Mr. Berry commented that he had been in the area in the past Mother’s Day flood and in April and no matter what was there would be backed up because of the Souhegan River. However, he admitted he was not an expert. Mr. Miller believed the culverts were blocked and this year’s problem was clearly that more water was entering the wetlands area than was able to pass through the culverts on Thornton’s Ferry Road because it started to overflow and this was his contention. Mr. Berry explained this was an ongoing issue an there were beaver dams – if this was replaced with a bridge, they would lower the water level. Many beaver dams were on private property and not the Town’s problem. The Town had damage on 26 roads with some being pretty significant where they had water where they never have had in the past.
Mr. Miller asked if there was any other evidence they may want him to produce. Mr. Bowler added that both he and Selectman Grella were in this area, but there were also water in places where they never had seen water before. One solution would be if they could go on private property downstream and remove beaver dams. However, most property owners were not in favor of laying out traps on their property. Mr. Miller commented that he wanted to raise this issue and hoped they could resolve it.
Mr. Harris told the Board he currently works as a commercial Real Estate Agent and has served on the Planning Board. This gives him a better feel of Amherst and how to develop what is good growth and what is bad growth – what is good residential property and what is good commercial property. He served on the Planning Board for 2 ½ years - it was a good Board that worked together even though they came from different backgrounds and viewpoints.
In answer to Board questions, Mr. Harris indicated the Planning Board was struggling to get more people out for the Master Plan and receiving more input from the citizens in how they want Amherst to look in the future. They have certain regulations and have people who know why they were originally written. Mr. Grella asked what insures the Planning Board on a development coming in what is actually being done. Mr. Harris explained that approvals were given and they ask Charlie Tiedemann to inspect and insure what the Board wanted to be done. He specifically asks about sidewalks and every person on the Board has a different expertise regarding different issues on a plan. Mr. Grella asked how he rated the Amherst Planning Board with other communities since he brought the matter up. Mr. Harris commented that the Board was quite thorough, have their own check and balances and didn’t want their customers coming back three or four times.
In answer to Mr. Galinson’s question, Mr. Harris indicated that good development was going to help the Town of Amherst and bad wasn’t going to help. Bad development would be tearing down the Center and putting in a Dunkin Donuts where there was no value. Bedford had a performance zone. He also mentioned receiving green space out of a development as well as an affordable housing development where a developer requested 26 units and the Planning Board reduced it to nineteen units.
Mr. Panasiti commented they had a seven full member Board plus alternates. Mr. Infanti explained the membership roles on the Planning Board with the significant one being that Rich Hart was originally placed on the Planning Board as a one year alternate representing the Conservation Commission. He recently was appointed to a one year full position leaving an alternate position open. Alternates and regular members all participate in Board meetings. It was the Selectmen’s position to make the Conservation Commission a full voting member this year. Mr. Harris was the only full time member left to be appointed this year. It was also pointed out by the Board, that another issue was attendance and that Mr. Harris’s attendance was 19 meetings out of 29 and was a Board concern.
After further discussion, Mr. Infanti moved to appoint Cliff Harris an alternate for a three year term to expire in 2010, second by Mr. Grella. Discussion: Mr. Harris questioned having different groups being mandatory on the Planning Board and why did the Selectmen take a slot for Conservation. It was pointed out to him that the Selectmen last year made a Conservation member an alternate for one year. Two weeks ago the Board felt they wanted to place this member as a one year full member. Mr. Harris commented he was good as an alternate, but felt the Planning Board needed to be a Board without any other group as a voting member. Mr. Bowler indicated there were questions last year as to why they appointed so many developers and real estate agents. There was also a large discussion on placing a Conservation Commission member on the Board as an alternate. Mr. Hart was up for reappointment and the Selectmen took into consideration attendance that was involved. Mr. Panasiti commented that the answer to the question of why did they put Rich Hart in a full time position was that they wanted to give diversity to the Board. Vote: Unanimous.
Award Bids for Crack Sealing, Street Paving, Utility Paving,
Line Striping, DPW Mobile Radios, DPW Truck Cab and Chassis
Crack Sealing
Director Berry reported he received four bids. Two did not include a security deposit and he believed they did not come to look at the roads. Mr. MacGuire added that it appeared that Asphalt Crack Repair & Sealing did not put in a significant amount of work into the bid and was half a mile less than the proposed 5.8 miles. Mr. Berry felt that if he picked either Asphalt Crack Repair or Nicom Coating Corp. when they came to do the work and saw what was actually involved they would stop. Mr. Infanti suggested Mr. Berry get back to Asphalt Crack Repair and asked for either a security deposit or a bond.
Mr. Grella moved that the contract for crack sealing be awarded to JDK Striping, LLC for $32,400, second by Mr. Galinson. Discussion: In response to Mr. Panasiti’s question, Mr. Berry spoke about the comparison of last year vs. this year. He advised the price of asphalt has been increasing and is based on cracks per linear foot or cracks per mile which is why a company needed to go out and look at the roads. Mr. Infanti commented that gas prices are related to asphalt prices. Mr. Bowler was concerned about the lack of a security deposit. Vote: 4-1, Mr. Infanti opposed.
Street Paving
Mr. Berry reported he received three bids for street paving. Brox $53.00 per ton in place, Pike $50.65 per tone in place and F.W. Whitcomb $59.66 per ton in place. He was recommending Pike Industries at $50.65. Mr. Infanti so moved, second by Mr. Grella. Discussion: Mr. Berry explained the flagging options would be either in-house or supplied by the company in answer to Mr. Galinson’s question. Vote: Unanimous.
Utility Paving
Mr. Berry reported he received four bids for utility paving. Tate Brothers (no security deposit) at $110 per ton in place. A. Thibodeau $98 per ton in place, Shattuck Sealcoating $96 per ton in place and Advanced Excavating & Paving $125 per ton in place. He was recommending Shattuck Sealcoating at $96.00 per ton in place. Mr. Infanti so moved, second by Mr. Grella. Discussion: Mr. Berry advised he wanted to cut down the paving to four feet because he felt they were paving wider than they should be. Vote: Unanimous.
Line Striping
Mr. Berry reported he received two bids for line striping both of which he has used in the past. Markings, Inc. was $15,672.57 and Hi-Way Safety was $15,231.09. Mr. Grella moved Hi-Way Safety be awarded the contract for line striping at $15,231.09, second by Mr. Infanti. Discussion: Mr. Berry talked about the national standard for double yellow vs. single yellow lines in response to Mr. Galinson’s question. Vote: Unanimous.
Mobile Radios
Mr. Berry explained they bid out for 24 radios and one DPW Base Station. He received bids from three companies: Beltronics, Inc. $17,550.77, Wright Communications $22,199.00 and Cen-Com Option #3 $16,306.00. He recommended Cen-Com Option #3 which were for Motarola radios and were more than adequate for their needs at $16,306.00. Mr. Infanti so moved, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Truck Cab & Chassis
Mr. Berry reported that typically they go with a State bid, but he put together a bid that did not exclude anyone and received two. Liberty International’s quoted price was $62,608.00 each and Freightliner of New Hampshire’s quoted price was $64,272.00 each. Both companies met the specifications – one truck will be standard and the other automatic. In response to Mr. Bowler’s question, Mr. Berry believed it would cost $4500 or $5000 to replace a clutch. He indicated he would buy an extended warranty. Mr. Infanti moved to accept the truck cab & chassis from Liberty International at an average price of $62,608.00 each, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous. Mr. Berry advised delivery would be in July and outfitted for them by fall.
Emergency Declaration for Tree Removal on a Scenic Road
Mr. Berry was seeking an emergency declaration under RSA 231:158 to remove one tree near 4 Colonel Wilkins Road and two trees between 59 Brook Road and PMEC. It was his recollection that Carl Weber was given authority by the Board to sign on their behalf. Mr. Bowler did not remember this happening, but had no problem with the Board’s approval. Mr. Grella moved to grant an emergency declaration to the Department of Public Works under RSA 231:158 to remove two trees on Brook Road between 59 and the PMEC parking lot and one tree near 4 Colonel Wilkins Road, second by Mr. Infanti. Discussion: Mr. Berry explained to Mr. Panasiti that under the RSA’s when trees are cut down the wood goes to the abutters and if they don’t want it the Town will dispose of it. Vote: Unanimous.
Other Business
Mr. Berry advised the Department broke away from repairing storm damage to do some paving on roads that needed paving. They started that day and will come back to do shoulder damage work. They pulled the Zipper out from winter storage and cut into the asphalt where they had damage on shoulders and then put paving on them. He spoke briefly about unexpected culvert and road collapses. He met with FEMA last week and estimated $100,000 in damages with the only hours covered were overtime ones.
Deirdre Rogusky advised that the second Amherst Master Plan Public Forum was scheduled for Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at the Amherst Middle School. The contact team will be present and they will break out into teams and discuss the same topics and elements. On June 15, they will be wrapping up Phase I. Phase II will be starting with this visioning. Mr. Bowler asked if Mr. Berry could do something about advertising the need for volunteers for the Master Plan at the Transfer Station. Mr. Berry explained he was currently advertising the change in hours, but had no problem with doing something at a later date.
Abatements Recommended
Mr. Infanti moved to approve an abatement for M/L 5-18-16 135 Amherst Street Unit 16 from a previous assessment of $252,500 to a new assessment of $251,90, an abatement of $600.00, tax dollars $11.30, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve an abatement for M/L 11-16 Sutton Court Rear of $70.00 which was an overcharge, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve an abatement for M/L 17-48 2 Sunset Road from a previous assessment of $301,300 to a new assessment of $268,300, an abatement of $33,000, tax dollars $621.39, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
* Mr. Grella moved to approve an abatement for M/L 6-91-1 82 Broadway from a previous assessment of $335,200 to a new assessment of $311,100, an abatement of $24,100, tax dollars $453.80, second by Mr. Infanti. Discussion: It was noted, by Mr. Bowler, that the abutting landowner did not request an abatement and it would be interesting to see what it was assessed for because of the shared driveway. Mr. Panasiti remarked that they needed to ask the question about topography. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Grella moved to approve an abatement for M/L 8-2-20 20 Gowing Lane from a previous assessment of $418,400 to a new assessment of $377,300, an abatement of $41,100, tax dollars $773.91, second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: Unanimous.
** Mr. Grella moved to approve an abatement for M/L 25-32 10 Clark Avenue from a previous assessment of $233,900 to a new assessment of $222,300, an abatement of $11,600, tax dollars $218.43, second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: 4-0-1, Mr. Bowler abstained.
*** Mr. Infanti moved to approve an abatement for M/L 24-58 3 Hillside Avenue from a previous assessment of $152,300 to a new assessment of $137,000, an abatement of $15,300, tax dollars $288.10, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Grella moved to table an abatement for M/L 8-93 50 Walnut Hill Road for correction in amounts reported, second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: Unanimous.
The Board discussed the abatement of almost $160,000 for 3 Carriage Road M/L 17-23 and it being approximately $60.00 per square foot. Mr. Infanti moved to table until the next meeting, second by Mr. Grella.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve an abatement for M/L 11-4 97 Chestnut Hill Road from a previous assessment of $273,400 to a new assessment of $221,800, an abatement of $51,600, tax dollars $971.63, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve an abatement for M/L 5-79-1 75 Lyndeborough Road from a previous assessment of $782,600 to a new assessment of $581,800, an abatement of $200,800, tax dollars $3781.06, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Denials Recommended
Mr. Infanti moved to deny an abatement for M/L 8-68 2 North End of Lake (A), second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Galinson moved to deny the abatement for M/L 24-30 12 Hillside Avenue, second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: 0-4-1, Mr. Galinson abstained.
Mr. Infanti moved to table the balance of Lake properties until someone could come in to explain where they were coming up with the land values, second by Mr. Grella. Discussion: The properties tabled were: M/L 24-30 12 Hillside Avenue, M/L 24-36 16 Hillside Avenue, and M/L 25-48 43 Broadway. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Bowler stepped down, Mr. Infanti chaired. Mr. Grella moved to table M/L 25-22 11 Washer Cove, second by Mr. Galinson. Vote: Unanimous. Mr. Bowler returned to the Board.
Mr. Infanti moved to deny M/L 5-18-27 135 Amherst Street, Unit 27, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Veterans Tax Credits
Mr. Galinson moved to approve a Veterans Tax Credit for Robert Grassett, 341 Boston Post Road, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve a Veterans Tax Credit for Michael Bloom, 3 Elmwood Way, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve a Veterans Tax Credit for Stephen Morgan, 4 Williamsburg Drive, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to deny a Veterans Tax Credit for Paul Henderson, 2 Belleview Drive, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Elderly Exemption
Mr. Infanti moved to approve an elderly exemption for Beverly McHatton-Balfour, 124 Baboosic Lake Road, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Abatements Already Approved
Mr. Galinson mentioned that there were three Lake properties they had already approved and wondered if they should withdraw their original vote so they could include them with the others they had tabled for information on land values. Mr. Infanti moved to reverse their decision and to table an abatement for
* 82 Broadway, ** 10 Clark Avenue, *** 3 Hillside Avenue, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Bowler asked Mr. MacGuire to schedule someone in from MRI. He commented that he was very disappointed in what was coming through and couldn’t understand their thinking. Mr. Infanti talked about his concerns regarding the number of errors they were finding on the tax cards and wondered how many more there were. Twenty five percent of the properties were checked each year and almost everyone who applied for abatements was because of faulty data – who has been checking the data, he asked. He also asked how many abatements have been applied for.
Other Business
Mr. Infanti reminded everyone again about the visioning session for the Master Plan scheduled for the next night. There is a Planning Board meeting this week and they will be reviewing several good size projects.
Mr. Grella advised they had a report from Martha Lyon who was working on the Master Plan who gave the Heritage Commission a lot of information that will be discussed at the Master Plan session at the Middle School.
Mr. Galinson reported OSAC was still active and moving along slowly. There will be another conference call with Comcast. CIC Chairman Doug McAllister mentioned they have another negotiation call a week from this Thursday.
Mr. Panasiti reported he had missed the ACC meeting on Sunday. The Recreation field project is proceeding. There is a meeting scheduled in the future with irrigation people.
Mr. Bowler asked if there was anything done about meeting with someone from the State to talk to them about trees. Mr. Grella advised nothing further has been done. Mr. Bowler reported that the SRLD did a site walk of the Amherst Transfer Station – this was done yearly by the Commissioners. There were several issues they will request the engineer to look at. These issues will be dealt with by the four towns in the District.
Minutes
Mr. Bowler advised he found no problem with the minutes and moved to accept the April 16, 2007 minutes as amended at the last meeting (Line 50 – Strike “Hill”; Line 57 – Strike “short”), second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to table the minutes of April 30, 2007 until the next meeting, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Updates
Mr. Bowler read an invitation from the Amherst Memorial Day Committee to attend the Memorial Day Sunset Village Parade and Observance, on Friday, May 25 with a 6:00 p.m. step off and 7:00 p.m. post parade ceremonies.
Mr. Bowler reported their next meeting is on Tuesday, May 29 at 6:00 p.m. with a non-public session – the time could change. The non-public is scheduled with the School Department, the Superintendent and their Attorney. On June 11, 2007 there will be a joint meeting with the Town of Milford at 6:00 p.m. at the Milford Town Hall. If there were any questions or suggestions to please get them to Mr. MacGuire so they will have an idea of the discussions such as potential purchasing, potential sharing of equipment such as a street sweeper. They will recess in Milford and come back to Town Hall for their meeting.
Mr. Bowler indicated they received a report on the storms from Chief DeSilva with a potential meeting with him on June 11. Mr. Infanti said he read the report and they were working on improvements. Mr. Grella commented they came up with a few items that needed improvements. He was satisfied with the report. Mr. Bowler suggested that perhaps a report could be given in August after they work on the issues brought up.
Mr. Panasiti moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 p.m., second by Mr. Galinson. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon L. Frydlo
Executive Assistant