TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
FEBRUARY 26, 2013
5:30PM
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Harry Wright, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:03pm with John Pfeifle, Sonny Harris, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer, Cheryl Behr, Administrator and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
Appearances:
Mr. & Mrs. Chet Mitchell, 14 South Ridge Road, Solitude Ridge came before the Selectmen regarding the property assessments and the 20% additional adjustment for the neighborhood. Cheryl Behr read the following letter received from Cross Country Appraisal Group into the minutes.
January 24, 2013
Board of Selectmen
Town of Bradford
PO Box 436
Bradford, NH03221
RE: Solitude Subdivision
Dear Members of the Board:
As I am sure you are all aware the vacant lots located in Solitude Ridge have been foreclosed on and are being sold by People’s United Bank for far less than their current assessed values. Mandy Irving has recently met with the Chairman of the Association who expressed the Associations concern over the value differences and that they are considering filing abatements. In 2010, the last revaluation of the Town the lots were given an additional 20% adjustment for the neighborhood. I would agree with this adjustment if not for the fact of the developer being foreclosed on which, drove down the property values due to the bank selling the lots for a lot less and setting the market for private land owners trying to sell. I would strongly recommend that the values of all of the lots in Solitude Ridge be adjusted for the 2013 tax year simply by removing the additional 20% adjustment that was given.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Very truly yours,
Jeffrey M. Earls
Mr. Mitchell advised in 2009 and 2010 no lots were sold, in 2012 8 lots were sold between $28,000 and $35,000.
Mr. Mitchell also advised he is not the President, but is on the Board of Directors.
Harry Wright, Chair advised that Solitude Ridge is not the only area with the percentage having gone up, as water front has also.
The Selectmen advised they will appraise the situation for justification and will get back to the Mitchells.
Marlene Freyler stated there is a meeting regarding Articles on the Warrant numbers 7 & 8 on Saturday at the Community Center.
Sonny Harris suggested the need of a new safety building in the future and questioned if some of the money from the sale of town owned property could be used for this purpose.
Much discussion followed.
John Pfeifle reminded everyone there are going to be two specific committees formed:
1. To upgrade and enhance Main Street
2. Create new jobs in town.
Jim Bibbo advised he is on a State Committee with N H Planning Commission with a second meeting coming up in March to bring industries into the area based on existing businesses already here, as well as developing infrastructure.
Posting of Building Inspector position:
The position of Building Inspector will be posted upon the Administrator’s wording of it. There will be about a two week response time.
Cost of Community Center Repairs:
The Selectmen received a proposal for the necessary repairs for the Community Center which will be discussed at the next Selectmen’s meeting.
Intent to cut for Brooks McCandlish was signed, Map 4, Lot 15.
Transfer of TAN note to operating Account was signed.
Posting of Roads:
Roads will be posted on March 11 running into May with the load weight to be determined.
Discussion ensued regarding the length of Bonds with the thought that extending it longer will increase the interest, but make the annual payments lower, thus lowering the percentage on tax rates. John Pfeifle will bring in charts for the next Selectmen’s Meeting.
Accounts Payable and Payroll manifests were reviewed and signed.
The Selectmen signed the Warrant.
Minutes of February 18, 2013 and Bond Hearing Minutes February 18, 2013:
Motion was made by Sonny Harris to approve the February 18, 2013 minutes as presented. Seconded by John Pfeifle. Motion carried 3-0.
Motion was made by John Pfeifle to approve the February 18, 2013 Bond Hearing minutes as presented.
Seconded by Harry Wright. Motion carried 3-0.
No other business to come before the board, meeting adjourned 6:50pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary