Westmoreland
Selectmen's Minutes
November
20, 2008
PRESENT:
Dave Putnam, Marjorie Merena, Russ Austin, John Stronk, Robert
Mitchell, George Laine, Jan Carpenter, Marcia Cooke,
Pam Martens,
Russ Martens, Richard Cate
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Dave called the meeting to order at 7:02PM.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
Jan Carpenter, representing the Historical Society, asked if the
Society could have permission to use one of the small side rooms
(underneath the balcony) upstairs in the Town Hall. They hope to use
it for both an office and storage space. Questions arose regarding
heating and availability of electricity. No decision was reached
tonight but the Board will notify Jan before the end of the year.
After speaking with us, Jan left the meeting and was not part of the
following group.
Except for Jan, the residents named above came for one main reason.
They came to ask the Board to please enforce existing laws regarding
unregistered vehicles and existing ordinances regarding "junk" on
residential property. They were concerned with three specific
properties in Westmoreland.
A) Bob Mitchell suggested sending a certified letter to the
property owner(s) who are in violation of the law. If this letter did
not result in removal of the unregistered vehicles, then he advised
the Town to hire it done. Any money received from the sale of the
vehicles (after paying for the towing) would be given to the property
owner. He was also concerned about residential junk but offered no
specifics on resolving this.
B) Pam Martens spoke at length about the same two problems.
She also spoke about property values in town, the current economic
situation (locally, in
perceived impact of this in the coming months and years. Pam also
reminded the Board members that they chose to run for the Board, they
were elected, and now they must perform the duty of ordinance
enforcement. Toward the end of this group discussion, she
notified/invited the Board members (and all other interested parties)
to two future meetings of the Lions Club. The first meeting is on
February 12 and will include a presentation on the current worldwide
economic situation. The second meeting is scheduled for June 22 and
will include a talk with a former New Hampshire Bank Commissioner.
C) Dick Cate spoke briefly add concisely about the
need for
proper enforcement of both aforementioned problems.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Dave moved that the accounts payable totalling
$21,196.71 be
accepted. Russ seconded the motion. All approved.
Selectmen's Minutes:
Dave moved to accept the minutes of the November 6 meeting. Russ
seconded the motion. All approved. Dave moved to accept the minutes
of the November 13 morning-meeting. Russ seconded the motion. All
approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
An e-mail was received from Gary Smith requesting copy of the
Westmoreland specifications for town roads. A copy will be sent to
him.
A letter from Dick and Joyce Cate was discussed
(previously referred
to under New Business).
Two unpaid property tax bills, subject to lien, were discussed
earlier in the week with Town Attorney Sam Bradley. Sam was going to
follow up with Cindi to see if all steps were taken
regarding letters
to the property owners. Marjorie will call Sam for an update.
Letter from Cindi Adler, Tax
Collector. Tabled until next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Notification from Cindi Adler when last tax bill was
mailed out. Noted.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program information received. The Board took no action.
Fax machine issue: The selectmen will look into the cost of a replacement.
A letter was received from the Cheshire County Finance Department
regarding the tax allocation for the Town of
Abatement: Map 5,
acres and the tax is $3. The Town owns this property and it will be
taken off the tax list.
Abatement: Map R14,
Letter from Peter and Linda Remy regarding status of
voted in the affirmative at the 2006 Town Meeting (Article 14). A
copy of the Article will be sent to Sam to complete the paperwork.
A letter was received from from Cindy Hatt regarding the placement of
barriers by the highway department. When the new survey is done next
spring and when all affected parties have agreed as to the property
lines, the highway department will move any barriers that are not
placed correctly.
Supplemental Tax Warrant- Patrick Moody
Supplemental Tax Warrant- Charles H. Shook Jr. & Janet A. Shook
New tax bills will be generated and mailed to the property owners.
Asselin property: After speaking with a local
representative of the
NH-DOT, Dave moved that the Town accept ownership of this small
piece. This passed unanimously.
Dave moved to adjourn the meeting at
motion. All so voted.
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David Putnam, Chair
M. Merena for Tina
Cutter, Secretary
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Marjorie Merena
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Russ Austin
THESE ARE UNAPPROVED MINUTES. ANY CORRECTIONS WILL BE SHOWN IN THE
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES OF