Town of Bristol

Board of Selectmen

Minutes of 12-06-07

Members Present: Paul Fraser (PF), Steve Favorite (SF), Bruce Van Derven (BVD), Joe Denning (JD), Rick Alpers (RA), Town Manager Elizabeth Corrow

Chairman Rick Alpers called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.

Land Use Change Tax - Denton

Chairman Alpers stated the Board needs to make a final decision on the Denton’s Land Use Change Tax.  He explained the assessor could not recommend an equitable value and the Board needs to make a decision tonight.  Mr. Van Derven read a statement from prior minutes when this was previously discussed and stated the Denton’s did not understand the process.  Ms. Corrow stated she had previously estimated a value of $2000 for the first 2 acres, however, the assessor stated the first 2 acres are the most expensive.  The assessor did not calculate a value but suggested it would have been closer to $5000 or $6000.  Mr. Van Derven questioned what the attorney’s opinion was.  Ms. Corrow stated that attorney agreed with the assessor’s concerns and complemented him for following assessing ethical guidelines.  He recommends reconsidering the abatement entirely as there is an opportunity to reconsider now that they have the assessor’s recommendation.  The attorney also stated if the Board decides to grant an abatement they would need to determine how much to abate.   The other option was a conservation easement, but Ms. Corrow stated this case would not qualify for this year.  Mr. Denning questioned if it is legal to do what they are doing.   Ms. Corrow stated legally the Board are the assessors and can grant an abatement.  Generally, an abatement in this case could be granted for disproportionate equity or hardship, however neither is the case here.  Mr. Van Derven questioned if the Denton’s live at this house and if it is their principal residents.  The Board confirmed this.  Mr. Van Derven made a motion to approve an abatement of $6000 which would impose a Land Use Tax of $8,000 instead of $14,000.  Mr. Van Derven stated this does not establish a precedent as all cases are different and reviewed independently.  Mr. Denning felt this was the fair thing to do.  Mr. Van Derven felt this was an honest mistake as they stated they were confused with the process at a previous meeting.  Mr. Alpers stated he was in favor of the full $14,000 penalty.  Mr. Van Derven stated he does not know the Denton’s financial situation and would assume the rest of the Board does not either.  Mr. Fraser stated the Board is not picking a number based on a specific formula.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Favorite and the Board voted 4-1 opposed.

Town Manager Items

Ms. Corrow gave a copy of the updated budget sheets to the Board that she had also provided the Budget Committee the night before.  She gave the Board the most recent 2007 actual budget expenses.  Ms. Corrow also gave the board a proposal from Ms. Claire Moorhead regarding contract service to provide downtown promotion and work on events like Old Home day. The proposal included estimated budgets and estimated offsetting revenue.  Mr. Denning stated Ms. Moorhead has really “lit some fire” for the Old Home Day committee and has contributed some great ideas.  

Selectboard Items

Mr. Favorite questioned how the parking agreement was being handled.  Ms. Corrow stated the application has been updated and a permit has been created.  Mr. Favorite questioned whether a letter was sent out to the local businesses.  Ms. Corrow stated offending vehicles were ticketed and if they brought the ticket into the Police Department, the Chief would educate the citizen regarding the parking ordinance and have them apply for a permit.  He has also has the discretion to void tickets.  Mr. Van Derven suggested having the foot patrol inform business owners in the Downtown.  Ms. Corrow stated the Chief is very involved with Public Relations and she feels he handled the ticketing after the snowstorm very well. 

Ms. Corrow stated Ms. Moorehead has an email program that allows information to be sent out to business owners to inform them of events and notices.  This is another effort Ms. Corrow will be making in her efforts of the Downtown Revitalization if Ms. Moorehead is brought on board in the upcoming year.  Mr. Favorite stated it is important to support the merchants as we are this year in the budget with recommending funding to begin revitalizing the downtown. 

Mr. Van Derven stated there are upcoming positions available in Bristol’s local government.  There are seats available for the Selectmen, Budget Committee, Conservation Commission, and Historic District Commission as well as others.

Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Paul Fraser; seconded by Mr. Steve Favorite; vote was unanimous.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Krystal Alpers

Administrative Secretary

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Richard Alpers, Chair                                            Steve Favorite

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Joe Denning                                                            Paul Fraser

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Bruce Van Derven