Board of Selectmen, May 19
Jackson Board of Selectmen
May 19, 2008
Present: Chairman Bea Davis, Selectman Gino Funicella, Selectman Dave Mason
Visitors: Bob Davis, Sarah Clemons, Bobbie Meserve, Karen Jenkins, Fred Danbury, Jon Howe, Ron Cote, Jason Call, Roger Chambers, Joan and Roger Aubrey, Richard Bennett, Shawn Bergeron, Andy Chalmers, Warren Schomaker, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Mayes, Jackson Police Chief Karl Meyers, Richard Devillion.
Called to order at 4:02 p.m.
Approve the minutes of April 28 and May 5, 2008 The minutes of April 28, 2008 was reviewed and approved as amended. The minutes of May 5, 2008 were reviewed and approved as amended.
Jon Howe & Bob Davis Chairman Davis recused herself from the discussion. Jon Howe noted that at the last Planning Board meeting he got an approval for Bob and Bea Davis but was then informed the approval was rescinded. The Selectmen wondered why Jon and Bob were meeting with them and Jon noted that Betsey Harding had told them they needed to. The Selectmen noted there’s nothing they can do; they need to go back to the Planning Board’s next meeting on May 29th. Fred Dambrey explained that he has a building permit that may be impacted by this decision. Selectman Mason doesn’t think his building permit will be impacted but that he should also attend the Planning Board meeting on May 29th. Fred noted that he’s been in Jackson for nineteen years and has known Bob and Bea for a long time. They
were kind enough to sell him the lot he has and he’d like to keep the nature of this area. It makes no sense to him for the town to put in a road through that area, there’s no need for a huge cul-de-sac. He plans to sprinkle the house anyway. He noted there are many roads that access more than one home and he is very concerned with the Planning Board’s denial. Selectman Mason reiterated that these are all issues for the Planning Board. Fred will be unable to attend that meeting and Selectman Mason suggested he either find someone to represent him at the meeting or that he send a letter or e-mail to the Planning Board. Bob Davis noted that there are many others who have the same set up he is requesting and they got approved while his request was thrown out. The Selectmen understand his concerns but this needs to go back to the Planning Board. Bob wants to know why there was no notice of the special meeting the Planning Board held to
rescind his approval. The Selectmen don’t believe there was a special meeting but rather that Betsey Harding realized an error had been made later on during the regular meeting.
Ron Cote Department of revenue Administration discuss the 2007 Final Full Ratio Study Ron Cote reviewed the results of the monitoring he did, explaining that he looks at the Assessor’s work, evaluates accuracy and quality and assigns poits for deficiencies. All of Jackson’s scores look good. Ron receives a list of properties sold and then Ron takes a random sampling. He has to look at between twelve and sixteen sales and he actually looked at fifteen properties for his report. Ron notifies the taxpayers who will be surveyed to verify the accuracy of the Assessor’s work. If the property owner doesn’t give permission for them to come on the property when they aren’t home then their property is removed from the list. Ron was asked how the points are assigned and Ron reviewed the various reasons for
points like outbuildings, square footage, sketch accuracy, et cetera. A point range of zero to six is acceptable; the worst property Ron reviewed was four points, all others were zero. Ron noted that he and Jason sometimes saw things in differing ways but there were no red flags. Ron urged the Selectmen to call him at any time if they had any questions or a need for clarification after reviewing the information he provided. Jason sets up the tables of information from sales and the assessments for the whole year. He noted Jackson had seventy-five sales; all but forty-two were cut as there factors that would impact the price, such as sales to family members or between neighbors. Those forty-two properties were broken out by type, such as single-family, multi-family, condominium, land only, commercial. Jason noted Jackson had skyrocketing values over the last six to seven years, which is not what’s happening now. He hopes “the boats”
are all floating on the same water so they’ll all float down in value and sale price. There are rules that apply to assessing and every five years the town has to revaluate. Ron’s department looks at the statistics and this provides a report card on how the town is doing. Jason has been doing cyclical work by testing fifteen to twenty percent of properties every year; this provides him good figures to start with when the revaluation is done. On the Coefficient of Dispersion (COD) Ron explained that the COD has to be under twenty or less; Jackson’s COD is 18.4. Selectman Mason wants to know what happens if there is a score over twenty and Ron noted his department can order a full revaluation. Ron does consider the town’s prior results. Selectman Funicella wants to know if these figures are public, which Ron affirmed. Selectman Funicella noted that the report overall means we are taxing all stratum at a fair rate. Jason
noted that some properties are under assessed and some are over assessed. Jason also noted that with so few sales, one sale can affect the information a lot. He is most concerned with single family homes and if they are assessed equitably. Next he looks at land sales which are affected by factors such as view, location or size. Selectman Funicella wants to know if the state is happy with what Jackson is doing. Ron noted the stats speak for themselves; the three statistics are very close and provide tools for the town of Jackson. The Board of Selectmen expressed their happiness with these results.
Chris Mays, Shawn Bergeron Shawn Bergeron explained that when he was reviewing Chris’ permit, there was a question regarding the value. He was asked by the Selectmen about the project and Shawn explained Mr. Mays’ home was almost entirely in the setback, now they are lifting the structure, moving it and then adding on to it. The volume of the existing nonconformity is being reduced because the building is being moved back significantly and there will actually less building in the setback. Chris had a value of $125,000 on his application but now the value is $185,600. Shawn recommends that the Board grant Mr. Mays’ permit and allow him to make up the difference. The Board agreed to approve the permit.
Building Permit Aubrey V-3 Lot 34 denied; Permits recommended for approval by Shawn Bergeron: The Wentworth condominiums framing only, Christopher Mays, Karabelas, Regina Chang, Kay & Tony Downs Shawn explained that he is okay with the technical aspects of the Aubrey’s application but he doesn’t agree with a value of $350,000. Shawn calculated it at $596,125. Selectman Mason felt the figures he saw looked low to him as well. Andy Chalmers explained the construction cost would be $200 per square foot rather than the $125 the Aubreys had used. The Aubreys noted they had also left out the garage and porch. The Aubreys feel this is very high next to the home sales in the area. Selectman Funicella stated the Board had agreed to use the $125 per square foot for construction to provide a flat
rate. Dick Bennett verified this was the case. It was explained the Board considers construction costs not the estimated sale price when establishing the building permit fee. It was explained the figure of $596,125 was a calculation of the estimated construction cost. The Aubreys asked what square footage Andy used to arrive at that figure. Andy explained he’d reduced the per square construction on the decks but reminded them there is an increased cost associated with the cathedral ceiling. He calculated 2,040 square feet on the first floor and 771 on the second level. The Aubreys used 2810 so they agree on that amount. The garage is 930 square feet and the Aubreys used $75 per square foot for garage construction and the porch is 370 square feet, which they calculated at $40 per square foot. Andy explained those estimated construction costs are too low. Selectman Mason feels Andy has been generous to the Aubreys with his
figures. Shawn explained to the Aubreys that this is the problem with the market today; you can buy an existing home for less than it costs to build one. Shawn noted he’s tried to be fair on both sides of the equation. He recommends the Selectmen approve the permit after the Aubrey’s pay $640.31, which is the difference between the amount they previously paid and what is owed based on the higher figure.
Shawn introduced Andy Chalmers to the Board. He provided the Board with the Hold Harmless agreement to review. He also provided the amendment, as requested by the Board, clarifying that when Shawn provides services to members of the public advising in regard to land use or permitting he is not representing the town and his recommendation does not assure approval. Selectman Funicella wants to know what happens when Shawn is involved with a project in Jackson where he is also doing the inspections. Shawn noted the school is one such project and that goes to the fire marshall. Shawn would also like to have a work session with the Planning Board, the Board of Adjustment and the Selectmen to review the process. Roger Chambers agrees this would be a great idea.
Richard Devillin requesting use of the Town Hall Richard explained he wants to provide Tango lessons once a week beginning Monday June 2nd. He has hired an instructor who will be coming over from Franconia. The Board doesn’t have any concerns as long as long as the instructor provides a certificate of insurance and agrees to use only the first floor. Chairman Davis let Richard know he’d have to come to the Town Office to get the key. Selectman Funicella, seconded by Selectman Mason, made a motion to allow Richard Devillin to use the Town Hall provided the instructor provides a certificate of insurance. The motion passed unanimously. Richard asked that this information go in the e-news.
Chief Karl Meyers Chairman Davis noted that the Board has gotten word that Jackson has been awarded the grant for the cameras in the cruisers. Chief Meyers noted we got the $5,000 for the first camera and the second camera is free. This is a federal grant administrated through the state; it will be reimbursed to the town after Jackson provides the receipt to the state. The $5,000 to purchase the first camera is already in the budget but the department doesn’t have the second $5,000. He is asking the Board to allow the department to go over its budget. The funds would be returned to the general fund after the state issues the reimbursement check for the cameras. If the receipt is given to the state by the 20th then reimbursement would be received by the following month. If the receipt doesn’t go in
until the 21st then we wait another month for that reimbursement. Selectman Funicella, seconded by Selectman Mason, made a motion to approve deficit spending for the purpose of purchasing two cameras. The motion passed unanimously.
Chief Meyers also noted that Jackson had approved raising $500 for Project Prom and he was asked to serve as a chaperone. It was awesome, well-planned, with lots of activities, and if kids wanted to leave, their parents were contacted. He firmly believes if that hadn’t been in place the kids would have been out getting into trouble. At 5 a.m. the kids went to breakfast and he went home. It was great with several prizes, including a used pick-up truck, a gas card and $250 in cash.
The Police Department assisted the fire department when a dump truck caught on fire. They performed Project Good Morning checks and there were loose cattle on Moody Farm Road. There have been several moose collisions. They responded to a report of suspicious activity but found they were folks working for the Forest.
Contribution to the Society for the protection of NH Forest The Board agreed that no money had been raised for a contribution. Selectman Mason, seconded by Selectman Funicella, made a motion to deny the request for a contribution. The motion passed unanimously.
Selectman Funicella left the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Permit for use of Jackson Property
· Wentworth ceremony at Jackson Falls Friday June 20th at 4 p.m. Chairman Davis, seconded by Selectman Mason, made a motion to have Rob Upton submit draft information on this. The motion passed unanimously.
· Wentworth ceremony at Gazebo Saturday October 18th (already approved by the Selectmen)
Extension of building permit for Vosburgh 70 Green Hill Road V1 Lot 16 The Board has no issues with extending this permit.
Sign Intents to cut Completed.
Install a faucet in the front of the town office building Chairman Davis, seconded by Selectman Mason, made a motion to install a faucet in the front of the town office building. The motion passed unanimously.
Wind power This item was tabled.
The Bartlett Selectmen are able to meet on June 23, 2008 This will be a public meeting but not a Board of Selectman meeting. This will be only to discuss the Transfer Station and the ambulance. Chairman Davis believes this is public but will make sure the information gets out if this is not the case.
Other Business Selectman Mason would like folks to know that HB1645 affects health insurance for retired workers. He wants to know if this puts on people who work in Jackson to retire earlier to protect that benefit and if that’s the case, would we have a policy re: employing folks who retired on a part time basis. He’d like this put on the agenda for the June 2nd meeting.
Selectman Mason noted that Linda Dresch did a great job getting info on Alpine Drive. We are waiting only for the plan that was filed for the Tyrol development; the deed transfers Alpine Drive to the town but indicates the plan represents the Road being transferred. The Local Government Center has ventured the opinion that if the Cul-de-Sac shows on the plan it was part of the transfer to the town. Regarding the Highway building site, there were a number of folks who went out and looked at sites; they floated balloons so they could see how high forty feet would be and how visible the building would be. The site at the top of the transfer station was not big enough and the site out through the old tennis court would prove too visible. There were two sites that would work; one that is half way up the transfer
station road and the other is behind the town office up on the knoll. We need input from the abutters and Burr Philips is looking at the sites and is going to see if we can get the three acres at the lower site at the transfer station. Once they have that information then the subcommittee will meet again. Roger Chambers would like to know if we take land from the transfer station would Jackson have to pay Bartlett for that. Selectmen Mason commented that would be the case, unless they wanted to give it to Jackson.
Chairman Davis noted she had discussed with Selectman Funicella earlier Larry Baima’s request to put a bench in for Mabel Slade. He’d like to put it by the gazebo. Bobbie Meserve has heard that it would be nice to have benches along the five mile circuit. Chairman Davis noted the two bridges that are by the school and the Snow Flake Inn. These are state owned but they both need repair and painting. Chairman Davis will see if the Bridge Crew would take care of that.
Sarah Clemons noted that during the site tour for the sand and salt shed she learned that the Conservation Commission has different ideas regarding the Gray’s Inn property. She wants to make sure if any plans come to the Board that they be bulked together and posted and put in e-news. She’d also like there to be a public meeting for review of the plans before a final decision is made. Selectman Mason thinks this wouldn’t hurt and suggested when the Commission brings their ideas to the Board they could go on the agenda for the next meeting, giving interested people the opportunity to comment. The land isn’t Conservation land; it is town land so they have to come to the Board in order to do anything with it. The information will go into the e-news and put on the agenda for the next meeting.
Dick Bennett noted that the ideas coming from the Conservation Commission would mesh with the ideas the town has regarding the property. There is nothing cast in stone but they want to try to clean it up and take out the dam to get rid of the wetlands we created. The folks from UNH laid out a nice walking trail also.
The Board will follow up with Jon Edgerly regarding putting up black and white speed limit signs.
Chairman Davis noted we have a tremendous turnout for the ducks and it would be nice to see similar attendance at the Memorial Day parade. She asked that Julie put this in the e-news.
Dick Bennett would like to know why Chris Mays had issues with non-conformity but not turning a garage into a dwelling unit. Selectman Mason could only share what he’s been told and that is that the garage was on a separate lot; the Selectmen thought that individual had been granted a building permit prior to the change in the zoning ordinance and thought he was grandfathered. Dick noted he’s just curious how we have a non-conforming structure that’s too close to the road and a change in use. It’s a lovely structure but mistakes set a precedent and we’ve learned that in this town. Selectman Mason agrees but noted that a mistake is a mistake and now we try to avoid the next one; we don’t necessarily set a precedent for making another mistake. This is part of the reason Selectman Mason asked for clarification
regarding the Mays structure location in the setback.
Tracey has set up a meeting with Mike Edgecomb from Time Warner cable on June 16th at 4:00 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 5:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Martha D. Tobin
Recording Secretary
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