Selectboard
TOWN OF ANTRIM
Select Board Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 27, 2019
4:00 pm Town Hall
Board Members Present: John Robertson, Chair; Michael Genest, Selectman; Robert L. Edwards, Selectman
Staff Present: Donna Hanson, Town Administrator
Agenda Items:
1. Abatements
Mr. Robertson moved to accept the recommendations for abatements of the town assessor, John Hatfield. Mr. Genest was concerned that if we don’t go with the assessor’s recommendations and the abatements are appealed it would be hard to defend without the help of the assessor. Mr. Robertson said the three Select Board members are not appraisers and that is why the Select Board should depend on the professional recommendation of John Hatfield. Mr. Edwards said he believes every approved abatement affects the tax payers in town and that is why he questions things he doesn’t understand. Mr. Edwards doesn’t believe the depreciation of the Rugg property is in line with the other condos. Mr. Edwards said we should go out and look at the property before approving the abatement. Mr. Genest said he received complaints of Select Board members going onto private property. Mr. Edwards said he did go on private property to research the abatements. Mr. Robertson and Mr. Genest suggested that permission should be granted by the land owner before going onto private property. Mr. Edwards apologized if he was trespassing. Mr. Genest seconded the motion. Approved 2/1
2. Future Planning
Mr. Robertson said he would like to have each committee describe the duties of town officials. This would help new town officials understand their duties more clearly. He thinks when someone registers to run for office they should be given this information. Ms. Hanson will ask the chairperson of each committee to write up a one page information sheet. Mr. Robertson will help coordinate this effort.
Ms. Hanson gave the Select Board draft fund balance policies to review.
There was discussion regarding private roads. Mr. Robertson suggested we pursue an agreement on Mulhall Farm Road. Town Counsel will draft an agreement. The Select Board will add to Mr. Robertson’s suggestions.
Another issue is how the Select Board wants to do deal with future with private roads. Ms. Hanson suggested all private roads remain private roads unless the developer can prove to the Select Board there is a public interest for the town to take over the road.
We will review recycling and it’s cost as well as other options.
Mr. Edwards thought an economic development committee should be formed which follows the initiatives in the Master Plan.
Mr. Edwards discussed the possibility of a public works director. Mr. Genest suggested it wouldn’t be well received to bring in another $100,000 a year job. It was suggested that the water and sewer department might be taken over by the town in the future.
3. Mr. Robertson moved to go into non-public session NH RSA 91-A:3 II (e) Legal. Mr. Genest seconded. Passed 3/0
A vote was taken in non-public to seal the minutes.
4. Adjournment
Mr. Robertson moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:30 PM; Mr. Edwards seconded. Passed 3/0
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Hanson, Town Administrator