WESTMORELAND SELECTMEN’S MINUTES

December 21, 2006

 

Present:  David Putnam, Wesley Staples, Elaine Moore, Attorney Sam Bradley, Maria Gavin, Jim Hatt, Charles Wills, Ted Ferguson, David Raabe, Mike Read and Barbara Chase.

 

Chairman David Putnam opened the meeting at 7:00 PM.  It is noted that Elaine Moore has given up the position as Chairman and David Putnam will be Chairman until March 07 Town Meeting.  All in favor.

 

Attorney Bradley was in to discuss building on a Class 6 road.  There are some towns that allow building on Class 6 so long as a Waiver is signed releasing the Town from any lawsuits if emergency vehicles cannot get to the residence, etc.

Attorney Bradley said the law states the Planning Board must be asked by the Selectmen for consideration and must hold a Public Hearing.

 

The question was asked if only “seasonal camps” could be put on a class 6 road.  Even if Zoning were changed to allow this Attorney Bradley is not sure it would not be in the best interest of the Town.  How long would a property be “seasonable” before more building would take place on the property?  Many towns have tried this only to find the “seasonal camps” become Permanent Homes.  Attorney Bradley stated if there is any “illegal” building on a Class 6 road, that construct should be taxed, even if it is “illegal”.  This meeting was to gather information only.

 

Charles Wills property off London Road owns back taxes.  Attorney for Mr. Wills asked if the Town would accept a partial payment of $12,000 and abate the difference.  The Total due is approximately $23,000.  Mr. Wills has a potential buyer for the land, this is why he is asking for an abatement.  After discussion Elaine Moore moved not to make a decision at this time.  David Putnam seconded the motion.  All in favor, so voted. 

 

Jim Hatt was in to discuss a Heater he purchased for the shed at the Landfill.  This heater was not an authorized purchase and the Board had withheld the payment for the heater.  Mr. Hatt indicated he had been told by the landfill operator the heater had been approved by a Board member.  No Board member approved this purchase.  The wiring and minor work was all that was authorized.  After discussion Elaine Moore moved to pay Mr. Hatt for the heater as he cannot make a return on the heater, and the Board will speak with the Landfill operator regarding purchases in the future.  Seconded by David Putnam.  All in favor, so voted.

 

Dave Raabe was in to ask about the Debris Cleanup on Route 12.  At this time the Town does not have the funds for cleanup. The Board is trying to find ways to raise the money so the project can get done.  The County Commissioners were asked to contribute, but the Financial Director stated the County does not have the money to expend at this time.

 

 

 

 

 

Pandemic:  Mike Read and Barbara Chase were in to discuss a mailing to townspeople regarding Pandemic.  Everyone is encouraged to read this mailing as it has lots of information that one day may be needed.  Barbara Chase indicated if the Emergency Management Plan is re-written the Town could apply for a grant to help with costs regarding Pandemic.  David Putnam moved to have the Plan re-written and apply for the Grant.  Seconded by Wesley Staples.  All in favor.  So voted.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Chairman David Putnam moved to approve payroll in the amount of $23,867.62 with the condition the Planning Board Chairperson, Laurel Bressett be called regarding a Lexus Nexus bill.  If Mrs. Bressett does not wish to pay this bill the amount will be deducted from the approved payroll.  Seconded by Wesley Staples.  All in favor, so voted.

 

APPOINTMENTS:  The Board moved and approved the following appointments:  Bruce Smith of Stonewall Circle to the Planning Board.  A vacancy existed.  The Term is until March 07 Town Meeting.  Gary Dermott of Route 63 to the Budget Committee as a vacancy existed. Term is to March 07 Town Meeting.  Appointments were signed and will be given to Mr. Smith and Mr. Dermott to take to the Town Clerk to be sworn in to their respective positions.  The Board wishes to thank them both for volunteering for these positions.

 

Mackinen Road Bridge:  A motion was made by David Putnam to encumber the cost of the bridge, as a bill has not been given to the town for installation by Whitcomb.  Seconded by Wesley Staples.  All in favor, so voted.

 

The Board again discussed the Wills property.  After discussion Elaine Moore moved not to grant the request to accept partial payment and abatement the difference.  It is the consensus of the Board that Mr. Wills knew he owed property taxes and should have made arrangements with the Town Clerk.  Seconded by David Putnam.  All in favor, so voted.  Mr. Wills will be contacted regarding the Boards decision.

 

Chairman David Putnam moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 PM.  Seconded by Wesley Staples.  All in favor, so voted.

 

 

___________________                                  ____________________________

Elaine Moore                                                    Elaine Moore

Recording Secretary

                                                                        ____________________________

                                                                        David Putman, Chairman

 

                                                                        ____________________________

                                                                        Wesley Staples

 

 

THESE ARE UNAPPROVED MINUTES.  ANY CORRECTIONS WILL BE SHOWN IN THE SELECTMEN’S MINUTES OF JANUARY 04, 2007.