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Bethlehem Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
Bethlehem Town Building Meeting Room
April 15, 2013
Present: Chairman Blanchard, Selectman Fiorentino, Selectman Laleme, Selectman Glavac.
Chairman Blanchard opened the meeting at 6:30.
Jeff and Beno from North Country Council came before the Board to discuss a tax abatement. They said they saw a huge increase in valuation and that they are a non-profit so they want to know the process on what they can do. Mary Jackson said the town is completing a full revaluation now so that valuation may change with that process. She also said the deadline for a tax abatement request is March 1st. Chairman Blanchard said he would talk to the assessing firm to see if we can get answers for them. They asked if all non-profits are taxed. Mary said some have PILOTS (payment in lieu of taxes) but some do not.
Carol Boucher came before the Board to discuss a façade improvement request through the Bethlehem Revolving Loan Fund (BRLF) for Frank Piffath Jr. Carol said the total cost of the improvements would be $8,465.00 with BRLF giving $3000.00 towards that. Carol said the business will be retail space with a workshop in the back and possibly an art gallery. Carol said she thought they were done with the façade improvements but Len Reed approached Frank about it so they feel obligated to follow through with it. Selectman Laleme moved to approve the request. Chairman Blanchard seconded. Selectman Fiorentino said it needs to go to the Planning Board to make sure it is not a change of use. Selectman Fiorentino said this should be tabled until they find out if they have been to the Planning Board. Selectman Laleme said she
would find out. Chairman Blanchard withdrew his second. Selectman Laleme withdrew her motion. Chairman Blanchard moved to approve the $3000.00 with the stipulation that the applicant has gone to the Planning Board and received approval about the use of the property. Selectman Laleme seconded. Carried 4-0.
Chairman Blanchard announced that Stan Borkowski has agreed to remain our Health Officer.
The Board signed the letter to DRA for the assessment review request.
The Board signed a corrected abatement form that Mary gave to them.
The Board discussed 2323 Main street and how there have been complaints about the appearance of it. Mary said the Town can go in to inspect for an environmental assessment. Chairman Blanchard along with Jack Anderson will go in and inspect.
The Board discussed the request from Mr. Uncles to waive the interest dueon his taxes. Chairman Blanchard said on advice from counsel the Board needs to be consistent and charge delinquent taxes and interest and
only waive the penalty. Chairman Blanchard moved to approve consistency of policy and only waive the penalty in repurchasing of property. Selectman Glavac seconded. Carried 4-0.
The Board discussed another request from a property owner about paying $1000.00 a month until he is caught up. Chairman Blanchard said they have previously said payments have to take care of the balance within a year.
Selectman Glavac said the Board needs to address the eviction notices.
Selectman Glavac gave an update on the pool committee and said they received and accepted a bid for painting and lining the pool. He said that will be starting soon.
Chairman Blanchard said we are still waiting for the last quote on the flag pole.
The Board tabled the minutes from April 8, 2013 until the next meeting.
Cheryl Jensen announced that the date and time for the annual roadside cleanup will be on May 4th(rain date May 11th) with registration being from 9:30 to 10:00, clean-up from 10-12 and the cookout at 12:00 at Bretzfelder. She said the highway department will pick up the collected trash. Cheryl said they are partnering with the school on the 3rd of May.
Julian Czarny asked what the current tax rate per $1000.00 is. The Board will let him know at the next meeting.
The Board discussed sending a letter and calling Robert Uncles to let him know of the Board’s decision concerning his repurchasing of his property.
Chairman Blanchard moved to stay the eviction for 15 days for Naples and Uncles. Selectman Laleme seconded. Carried 4-0.
At 7:30 Chairman Blanchard moved to go into non-public session per 91A for reasons of personnel and reputation. Selectman Fiorentino seconded. Chairman Blanchard did roll call with all members agreeing to go into non-public session.
The Board discussed personnel issues.
Selectman Laleme moved to hire Dawn Ferringo as the new Planning/Zoning Clerk along with her current position as Welfare Director at $13.00 an hour for 28 hours a week. Selectman Glavac seconded. Carried 4-0.
Selectman Laleme updated the Board of a recreation parent concern and updated the Board on her response
to the parent. The Board was in support of this.
The Board discussed the evictions of the tax deeded properties.
At 7:50 Chairman Blanchard moved to come out of non-public session. Selectman Glavac seconded. Carried 4-0.
At 7:50 Chairman Blanchard moved to adjourn. Selectman Fiorentino seconded. Carried 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
April Hibberd
Administrative Assistant
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