Minutes of February 16, 2004

Selectmen Present: Michael Carney, Richard Hotchkiss, and Richard Labadie

Secretary: Fawn Woudenberg

Others Present: Patricia Hartwell (Valley Road) and Al Henry (Fire Chief)

Meeting called to order 7:30pm.

P. Hartwell inquired as to the status of her disabled veteran’s credit. She stated that she had been informed that the credit, which was applied for and approved August 4, 2003, would be effective for the 2003 tax year. The Board of Selectmen explained that Ms. Hartwell was eligible to apply in August, 2003 having met the one-year residency requirement. However the State statute requires applications be submitted by March 1 and therefore the credit would not be applied until 2004. As to the matter of the nuisance dog belonging to Ms. Hartwell, she stated that she is willing to go to court to resolve the issue. Ms. Hartwell stated she has invested a great deal of money to restrain her dog and that her dog is kept inside at night due to the barking issue.

P. Hartwell inquired about an abatement and stated the portion of her house on piers is “falling off”. R. Hotchkiss stated that her property assessment already reflected an adjustment for the physical depreciation. R. Labadie stated that Ms. Hartwell set the market value for her home when she agreed to purchase the property for $150,000. Ms. Hartwell’s current assessment reflects a value of $90,500. F. Woudenberg stated that Ms. Hartwell’s assessment had been adjusted for the lack of in-ground pool on the property; the prior assessment included an in-ground pool which has been removed.

Fire Chief Al Henry stated that he was unable to locate the title for the old pumper truck. R. Hotchkiss signed an application for title replacement on behalf of the town.

A raffle permit for Ellen’s Walk was signed by the Board of Selectmen.

Payroll and bills were approved.

Meeting adjourned 8:50pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Fawn Woudenberg