Present: Fred Childs, Chair, Jack Sapia and Paul Sullivan and Town Administrator Russell McAllister.

Gary Brownfield and Leon Artus addressed the Board on behalf of Ms. Goodrich noting that they had secured 55 signatures petitioning the Town to conduct another revaluation. Mr. Brownfield asked if the Board had several million dollars to cover the expense of rebated taxes. Mr. Childs noted that the Town budgeted an amount for overlay, which funded the costs of abatements granted throughout the year. Mr. Sullivan noted that he had had initial concerns, but subsequent research on the issue reviewed no irregularities. Mr. Sullivan explained that his position was not to have the Board petition the BTLA for another revaluation. The current work conducted by Purvis and Associates was thorough and complete and the State had reviewed Purvis’ work and approved the revaluation. Mr. Sapia agreed with Mr. Sullivan’s view explaining that the assessments had been done correctly according to the State’s review. The proper process for any taxpayer to follow who disagreed with their assessment was to file an abatement application. Mr. Childs agreed as well and noted that the petitioners were well within their purview to file a request for reassessment with the BTLA, but he was not in favor of the Board spending more money for a revaluation that was already completed. Mr. Childs explained that the proper process to follow was to file an abatement application. Mr. Artus argued that 47 sales used for the revaluation represented too small a sample size. The Board noted that the sample size was 161 sales. Mr. Artus asked whether or not the Board understood the land extraction method as explained by Rod Wood. Messrs Sapia and Sullivan acknowledged that they did. Mr. Childs explained that he didn’t need to and that was why the Town hired assessors who had the education, training, and expertise to do this work. Similar discussion ensued.

The TA briefed the Board about a planned meeting at the Fire Station to discuss the hazard mitigation plan with representatives from the town, Rockingham Planning Commission and the Bureau of Emergency Management.

The TA provided a CTAP program overview, the goals for the CTAP region and described the funding request application for the CTAP discretionary fund. He noted that the Town’s emerging master plan and strategic goals may be used as a framework within which to direct the discretionary fund towards the completion, or study of a portion of the master plan or as a means of developing strategic goals.

The Board reviewed a veteran’s exemption for 7 Steeple View Drive (0013-0001-025A). Mr. Sapia made the motion to approve the veteran’s exemption. Mr. Sullivan seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and so moved.

The TA explained that Sumner Kalman had reviewed the latest iteration of the AMR contract, and that Primex had also been provided a copy of the contract for their comments. The TA explained that the insurer’s comments about the contract had been forwarded to Mr. Kalman for his review and comment.

The TA provided recent correspondence from the RPC speaking to the issue of new commissioner appointments for the RPC. It was noted that Mr. Sullivan’s term had expired. Mr. Sullivan noted that it was a good idea to appoint someone with some planning experience as commissioner. The Board agreed to review the issue.

Mr. Sapia asked if Board members had reviewed the strategic plan hand. Mr. Sapia asked Board members to review the handbook. Mr. Sapia also spoke to his desire to appoint members to the existing tower committee as outlined in a warrant article discussed at the deliberative session. Other Board members believed it best to wait for the outcome of the March vote.

There being no further business to come before the Board Mr. Childs made the motion adjourn the meeting. Mr. Sullivan seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and so moved. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:40pm.

Respectfully,

Russell McAllister

Town Administrator

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Fred Childs, Chair

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Jack Sapia

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Paul Sullivan