Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
November 15, 2023
Virtual Via GoToMeeting
Attending: Karen Cruise (KC), Phil Gott (PG), Town Administrator Sherry Patch (SP)
Absent: Robert Cumming (RC)
Call to Order
Meeting called to order to order at 3:00 PM.
FY 24 Tax Classification Hearing
Board of Assessors Chair Helen Townsend gave an overview of the Tax Classification process and discussed the classification options including the selections of a minimum residential factor (single or split rate), granting a discount for open space, granting a discount for a residential exemption and granting a small commercial exemption. Helen advised that historically, the Town has maintained a single tax rate for all classes of property as we have limited property that is classified as commercial, industrial and Personal Property. PG expressed an interest to learn more about ways to possibly incentivize new businesses in town through offering a tax incentive. Helen will look further into what programs may be available for next year.
KC moved to close the hearing. PG 2nd. Voted 2-0.
KC moved to approve one tax classification for all classes (residential, commercial, industrial) of property. PG 2nd. Voted 2-0.
Approval of Minutes
KC moved to approve the minutes of 11/01/2023. PG 2nd. Voted 2-0.
Approval of Treasury Report Warrant #10
KC moved to approve Treasury Report #10 as follows:
Payroll $144,072.84
Accounts Payable $280,675.85
Light Department $168,357.81
Total $593,106.50
PG 2nd. Voted 2-0.
Public Comment
Holly Burgess of 42 Sam Cobb Lane stated that she would like to register her discontent with the revaluation process. Holly stated that her valuation is out of line with the market and that she asked for reconsideration and was told that she would have to reapply for an abatement in January.
Appointments
KC moved to appoint Kevin Descarreaux to the position of Truck Driver Laborer for the Highway Department. Term to expire 6/30/2024. PG 2nd. Voted 2-0.
Ecotourism Committee appointment. This matter was taken under advisement until 11/29/2023. No action was taken.
New Business
KC moved to approve the placement of temporary signs as requested by Robert Peura. PG 2nd. Voted 2-0.
KC moved to approve MIIA’s FY 25 & 26 Property, Liability and Worker’s Comp Rate Guarantee Proposal. PG 2nd. Voted 2-0
KC noted that the proposal includes a 0% increase for FY 25 and up to a 2.5% increase for FY26.
Correspondence and Communications
KC would like to schedule a Q & A for topics of interest to residents. A Q& A was tentatively scheduled for 12/13/2023 at 6:30 PM. SP to confirm RC’s availability.
Old Business
Flag Policy. This matter was taken under advisement until 11/29/2023. No action was taken.
Mechanics Hall Draft RFP. This matter was taken under advisement until 11/29/2023. No action taken.
Bid Awards
None
Grant Opportunities and Status of Existing Grants
SP is scheduling a meeting with Jim Mazik to discuss grant writing services.
Town Administrator Report
SP reported that DOR certified Free Cash ($843,893) on 10/24. SP advised that FY 25 Budget Requests were sent out to Department heads on Monday and are due 1/4/2024. A Financial Team meeting to begin reviewing FY 25 Capital requests is scheduled for next Wednesday.
Selectboard Report
PG will schedule a meeting with Chief Bennett to review and discuss FY 24 goals. PG has drafted metrics for the Police and Fire Departments. These have been reviewed by SP and Asst. Louise Bowen. KC will review and get back to SP on metrics. KC stated that she is not sure if there is any value in data from the speed radar signs. PG would like the Board of Assessors to attend the next meeting to discuss the Revaluation Process in general but not one resident’s situation in particular.
Adjournment
KC moved to adjourn the meeting. PG 2nd. Voted 2-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Patch
Town Administrator