Newbury Town Meeting Voting Results

TOWN OF NEWBURY

Annual Town Meeting

March 14, 2023

The March 14, 2023, Town Election was postponed to March 28, 2023, due to inclement weather.

On March 28, 2023, Moderator Christie called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m.  The ballot boxes were examined and confirmed to be empty.

ARTICLE 1.  To choose all necessary town officers for the ensuing year.

Motion was made and seconded to adopt Article 1 as read.  No discussion followed.

ARTICLE 2.  To act upon amendments to the zoning ordinances proposed by the Planning Board.

Motion was made and seconded to adopt Article 2 as read.  No discussion followed. 

Moderator Christie opened the polls at 11:05 a.m.  Voting commenced.

Moderator Christie closed the polls at 7:00 p.m.  Counting of ballots commenced.  Results of the ballot vote are as follows:

Selectboard – 3 Years

Kristen Schultz – 178

Alison G. Kinsman – 126

Russell L. Smith – 115

Treasurer – 3 Years

Jennifer Goin – 347

Trustee of Trust Funds – 3 Years

Paulette Lowe – 18

Library Trustee – 3 Years

Todd Mailly – 348

Cemetery Trustee – 3 Years

Deane B. Geddes – 351

Planning Board – 3 Years

(vote for two)

M. Darren Finneral – 300

Christopher Hernick – 290

Zoning Board of Adjustment – 3 Years

(vote for two)

David Blohm – 305

Larry A. Briggs – 275

Zoning Board of Adjustment – 1 Year

Katheryn C. Holmes – 324

Planning Board Proposed Amendment No. 1

Yes – 346         No – 56

Planning Board Proposed Amendment No. 2

Yes – 281         No – 114

Planning Board Proposed Amendment No. 3

Yes – 270         No – 121

Planning Board Proposed Amendment No. 4

Yes – 235         No – 145

Planning Board Proposed Amendment No. 5

Yes – 235         No – 53

Planning Board Proposed Amendment No. 6

Yes – 346         No – 42

Kearsarge Regional School District – 1 Year

Newbury:                     Derek D. Lick – 313

District-wide:               Derek D. Lick – 2,030

Question 1

Newbury:                     A – 222            B – 123

District-wide:               A – 1,532         B – 711

Question 2

Newbury:                     Yes – 281         No – 112

District-wide:               Yes – 1,858      No – 551

Question 3

Newbury:                     Yes – 293         No – 101

District-wide:               Yes – 1,959      No – 474

Question 4

Newbury                      Yes – 290         No – 105

District-wide:               Yes – 1947       No – 491

Business Meeting

March 15, 2023

Selectman Wheeler introduced Moderator Christie and thanked all departments, organizations, Vail Resort and the towns people for their contributions to the annual business meeting.  He also recognized Ed Thorson for his years of service to the Town as a Selectboard member. 

Paulette Lowe, Police Department Building Renovation Committee Member, gave an update on the progress of the Police Department renovation.  There is a new contractor, Turnstone Corp., out of Milford NH.  Building activity is anticipated to begin in May and should be finished in approximately six months.

Moderator Christie opened the meeting at 7:05 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Moderator Christie explained that the Election for town officers will be held March 28, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the town office building due to inclement weather.  She reviewed the Moderator’s Rules and meeting conduct printed in the Town Report. 

Motion was made and seconded to adopt the Moderator’s Rules as read.  No discussion. 

VOTE:  All in favor.  Moderator’s Rules were adopted as read.

Motion was made and seconded to approve the Town Meeting minutes from March 2022.

VOTE:  All in favor.  Motion passed. 

ARTICLE 3:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of two million four hundred fifty one thousand dollars ($2,451,000) for the construction of and other related expenses for the library addition (the “Project”), and to authorize the Selectboard to issue not more than one million eight hundred fifty one thousand dollars ($1,851,000) of bonds and/or notes in compliance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33); to authorize the Selectboard to issue, negotiate, sell, and deliver such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon and the maturity and other terms thereof; to authorize the Selectboard to apply for, obtain, accept and expend federal, state, or other aid, if any, which may be available for the Project and to comply with all laws applicable to the Project; and to authorize the Selectboard to take any other action or to pass any other vote relative thereto. The remaining six hundred thousand dollars ($600,000) required for the Project will be funded by a donation from the Newbury Library Foundation. A 3/5 ballot vote is required. (Recommended by the Selectboard).

Selectperson Thorson made a motion to adopt Article 3 as read.  Selectperson Lord seconded the motion.  Discussion followed. 

Jean Palleiko, Chair of the Library Foundation, presented the library addition power point proposal with an outside and inside view.  She reviewed the activities and services provided by the library.  The cost of the addition to the taxpayers after the Library Foundation’s contribution calculates to $11.00/year per $100,000 of property valuation.  The cost to the Town for the project is guaranteed by the contractor, Milestone Engineering and Construction, not to increase. 

Marty Newell made a motion to call the question.  Motion was seconded. 

Moderator Christie explained that a 2/3 vote is required to call the question.  However, since Dick Wright was in line to speak when the question was called, as per the Moderator’s Rules adopted at the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Wright is allowed to speak prior to the vote on calling the question. 

Mr. Wright commented that in 1950, he remembers five gas stations, three grocery stores, two libraries, two schools and several civic and social organizations.  The only thing that has been constant is the library.  In past years, the Town has been diligently voting on needed services.  The library is the last cog in the wheel, and it needs to be done.  Mr. Wright commented that people are social animals, and the library has fulfilled its function.  He encouraged the voters to vote yes on the library. 

VOTE on calling the question:  Majority in favor. 

Moderator Christie informed the voters that this article needs 3/5 affirmative to pass, and she explained the process for casting the Yes/No ballot.  Polls were opened at 7:37 p.m.

ARTICLE 4:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,599,703 for general operations:

Selectperson Lord made a motion to adopt Article 4 as read.  Selectperson Wheeler seconded the motion.  Discussion followed. 

Dennis Pavlicek, Town Administrator, reviewed the budget line items and explained the increases and decreases.  He called on the Department Heads to explain their individual budgets. 

Peter Mitchell asked why the Parks and Recreation line item is so high. He stated he has tried to reach the recreation advisory committee but was told there is not a committee, consequently, there is never a report on the Recreation Department budget details. 

Mr. Pavlicek commented that the Parks and Recreation Director is a part-time position and the department head is not present at this meeting.  Any questions would need to be directed to her.

Laurie Seaholm commented that she went on the Parks and Recreation website and found no programs available or listed. 

Selectperson Wheeler commented that there will be an Easter Egg hunt on April 8. 

Reed Gelzer commented that Mr. Pavlicek had mentioned additional revenues in a previous discussion.  He asked if there is any future intent by the Selectboard to report imposed fines as part of revenues.

Mr. Pavlicek commented that is a great question for a Selectboard meeting. 

Craig Stokel as if someone from the Parks and Recreation Department could attend the meeting and explain the breakdown of expenditures and list of programs. 

Selectperson Wheeler commented that is done at the budget hearings in the fall.  All of the department heads attend their budget hearing to discuss plans for future expenditure.

VOTE:  Majority in favor.  Article 4 was adopted as read. 

ARTICLE 5:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $300,000 to be added to the following previously established capital reserve funds: (Recommended by the Selectboard) (Majority vote required).

FIRE EQUIPMENT                                   $ 130,000

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT                        $ 150,000

RECREATION FACILITIES                  $   20,000

Selectperson Thorson made a motion to adopt Article 5 as read.  Selectperson Lord seconded the motion.  Discussion followed.

Selectperson Wheeler explained that these are funds that the Town puts money in to each year.  The balance builds up so departments can draw on those funds when needed without drastically affecting the tax rate. 

Sandra Warde asked if there is a Capital Improvements Plan.

Mr. Pavlicek explained there is a Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) Committee that meets on a regular basis and has created a CIP which is available to the public at the town office and on the website. 

Denise Mitchell commented that she has reviewed the CIP and the CIP is very clear; however, there is nothing indicated on Parks and Recreation Department for future purchases.

VOTE:  Majority in favor.  Article 5 was adopted as read.

ARTICLE 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $131,000 to be added to the following existing RSA 31:19-a maintenance expendable trust funds previously established:

(Recommended by the Selectboard) (Majority vote required).

DOCKS                                                                  $   3,000

TOWN OFFICE EQUIPMENT                            $ 15,000

TOWN BUILDINGS                                            $ 50,000

MILFOIL CONTROL                                           $   5,000

FD PERSONAL PROTECTION                            $ 12,000

PAVING AND GRAVEL                                      $ 46,000

Selectperson Wheeler made a motion to adopt Article 6 as read.  Selectperson Thorson seconded the motion.  Discussion followed.

Selectperson Lord explained the purpose of the maintenance expendable trust funds. 

David Blohm asked for an explanation of how the accounting is performed for these items.

Mr. Pavlicek explained that the NH Department of Revenue has rules on transactions; and because these are considered special warrant articles, they must be voted on separately.

Scott Warde asked why Paving and Gravel is not in the Highway Department budge line item.

Mr. Pavlicek explained that this line was set up approximately seven years ago and is to be used for emergency situations such as floods, washouts and any other unplanned event. 

Dan Wolf explained these expendable trust funds are designed to be established and grow year to year.  They do not have to be spent in the coming year like the budget line items in Article 4.

VOTE:  Majority in favor.  Article 6 was adopted as read.

ARTICLE 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000 to be placed in the Cemetery Maintenance Trust Fund and authorize the transfer of $2,000 from the December 31, 2022 undesignated fund balance for this purpose. Said sum represents the sale of cemetery lots in the prior fiscal year. (Recommended by the Selectboard) (Majority vote required). 

Selectperson Lord made a motion to adopt Article 7 as read.  Selectperson Wheeler seconded the motion.  Discussion followed.

Mr. Pavlicek explained this is a housekeeping article that needs to be voted on each year.  It transfers the funds collected from sales of cemetery plots to the Cemetery Trust fund to offset the cost of maintenance. 

VOTE:  All in favor.  Article 7 was adopted as read.

ARTICLE 8:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $243,408 for the purchase of a new six-wheel dump truck with plows and sander for the Highway Department. The Town furthermore authorizes the withdrawal of up to $228,408 from the Highway Equipment Capital Reserve Fund and authorizes the trade-in or sale of the 2009 six-wheel with plow and sander, the estimated amount on the trade-in/sale is expected to be $15,000. The amount to be expended out of the capital reserve will be the difference between the trade/sale amount and the total cost of the vehicle. (Recommended by the Selectboard) (Majority vote required).

Selectperson Thorson made a motion to adopt Article 8 as read.  Selectperson Lord seconded the motion.  Discussion followed.

Calvin Prussman made a motion to amend Article 8 to raise and appropriate the sum of $256,512 to purchase a new six-wheel dump truck with plows and sander for the Highway Department.  The Town furthermore authorizes the withdrawal of up to $241,512 from the Highway Equipment Capital Reserve Fund and authorizes the trade-in or sale of the 2009 six-wheel with plow and sander, the estimated amount on the trade-in/sale is expected to be $15,000. 

Motion was seconded.  Discussion followed.

Calvin Prussman, Highway Administrator, explained there has been a 5% increase since November when the truck was first sought out.  If the funds are approved tonight, the price will be guaranteed even though the Freightliner will not be built until December 2023. 

VOTE on motion to amend Article 8:  All in favor.   Article 8 was amended. 

Moderator Christie announced the close of the polls for voting on Article 3 at 8:38 pm.   

Discussion on Article 8 as amended continued. 

Reed Gelzer asked for clarification of the total cost.

Mr. Prussman explained the total cost will be $256,512.  There is an expected trade-in/sale of the old truck in the amount of $15,000, so the amount being requested to be withdrawn from the capital reserve fund is $241,512.00

Wayne Seaholm asked if and why the Town has changed from Mack trucks to Freightliners.

Mr. Prussman explained that Mack has priced themselves too high, and the town has had good luck with the Freightliner. 

VOTE:  All in favor.  Article 8 was adopted as amended. 

ARTICLE 9: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $97,406 for the purchase of a new one-ton dump truck with plow and sander for the Highway Department. The Town furthermore authorizes the withdrawal of up to $89,406 from the Highway Equipment Capital Reserve Fund and authorizes the trade-in or sale of the 2015 one-ton pickup with plow and sander, the estimated amount on the trade-in/sale is expected to be $8,000. The amount to be expended out of the capital reserve will be the difference between the trade/sale amount and the total cost of the vehicle. (Recommended by the Selectboard) (Majority vote required).

Selectperson Wheeler made a motion to adopt Article 9.  Selectperson Thorson seconded the motion.  Discussion followed.

Mr. Prussman explained that this vehicle would replace the 2015 one-ton that has 140,000 miles and lots of rust.  McMulkin dealer has a 2023 Cab and Chassis for $54,978, which will increase to $58,000 if not purchased now.  The truck will include a plow and sander and a stainless-steel body, which will be a little more expensive but will last longer against rust.  The anticipated trade-in for the old one-tone is $8,000. 

VOTE:  All in favor.  Article 9 was adopted as read.

ARTICLE 10: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $835,000 for the purchase and equipping of a fire truck pumper with $825,000 to come from the Fire Equipment Capital Reserve Fund and to authorize the Selectboard to dispose of the 1988 fire truck, the expected amount is $10,000. The amount to be expended out of the Capital Reserve will be the difference between the sale amount and the total cost of the vehicle. (Recommended by the Selectboard) (Majority vote required).

Selectperson Lord made a motion to adopt Article 10.  Selectperson Wheeler seconded the motion.  Discussion followed.

Henry Thomas, Fire Chief, explained this vehicle will replace the one purchased in 1987.  There are three bidders who say they can be within the $825,000 for a fully-equipped fire truck pumper.  He listed the specifications. 

Steve Boulanger asked how much money is in the Fire Equipment Capital Reserve Fund and if there will be any other major outlays in the near future. 

Chief Thomas explained the next outlay is a pumper, which according to plan, won’t be for another 10 years.  He stated the tanker has another good 15 more years and the boat will only need refurbishing.

VOTE:  Majority in favor.  Article 10 was adopted as read.

VOTE results for ARTILCE 3:  Ballots issued:  303.  Ballots Cast:  Yes- 222.  No- 80.   Article 3 was adopted as read.

ARTICLE 11:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $40,000 for the purchase of a used backhoe/ tractor. The used backhoe/tractor will be used at the Transfer Station to assist in recycling efforts at the Transfer Station. (Majority vote required).

Selectperson Thorson made a motion to adopt Article 11.  Selectperson Lord seconded the motion.  Discussion followed.

Selectperson Wheeler explained that this piece of equipment will be useful to compact metals and construction materials which means more will be able to be hauled out at one time which will result in more revenue for the Town. 

Mr. Wright commented that according to data from NRAA and his calculation, it will take 66 years for the Town to make its money back in savings for the cost of this backhoe.  Additionally, there is no place at the transfer station to store the equipment; and if needed, the transfer station could use the backhoe from the Highway Department. 

Mr. Seaholm commented that it is risky to purchase used equipment because we have no idea of the track record.  He stated it would be a better idea to give the Highway Department’s existing backhoe to the Transfer Station and purchase a new backhoe for the Highway Department. 

George Kalipolitis commented that the EPA is now making grant funds available for smaller transfer stations that do not qualify for the larger $250,000 grants.  He recommended that the Town wait on this purchase to see if it can get an EPA grant. 

VOTE:  Majority not in favor.  Article 11 was NOT adopted as read. 

ARTICLE 12:  To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $96,390 for the construction of a twenty-by-twenty building to be used as the lab at the Blodgett Landing Treatment Facility. The Town furthermore authorizes the use of $96,390 from the Blodgett Landing Sewer System Undesignated fund balance of December 31, 2022, for this purpose. The old building will be demolished, and this will replace it. (Recommended by the Selectboard) (Majority vote required).

Selectperson Lord made a motion to adopt Article 12.  Selectperson Wheeler seconded the motion.  Discussion followed. 

Selectperson Thorson explained that the existing building was originally a garage, which is now rotting. 

Kristen Schultz asked if the Sewer Department Superintendent, Tim Mulder, is in the building full time.

Selectperson Thorson explained that Tim is not IN the building full time because a good majority of his job requires him to be performing outside work such as monitoring meters, mowing grass, water sampling, water quality testing and other miscellaneous sewer plant maintenance.  It is a full-time position. 

Liz Tentarelli asked if the Sewer Department expenses come from the town budget or if it is self-sustaining.    

Selectperson Thorson stated it is a self-sustaining fund. 

Mr. Pavlicek commented that Tim also does ph level testing, but the more sophisticated testing is sent out to a State lab. 

Todd Mailly commented that the attendant should have a clean, dry space to do his work.  Mr. Mailly stated he is in favor of passing this warrant article. 

VOTE:  All in favor.  Article 12 was adopted as read. 

ARTICLE 13:  Shall the Town re-adopt the Optional Veteran’s Tax Credit in accordance with RSA 72:28, II, for an annual tax credit on residential property of $750. (Majority vote required).

Selectperson Wheeler made a motion to adopt article 13 as read.  Selectperson Thorson seconded the motion.  Discussion followed. 

Mr. Pavlicek explained the legislature changed the statute which led to the DRA requiring re-adoption of the veteran’s tax credit.  Everything remains the same as it has been, the wording of the warrant article is as the DRA directed. 

VOTE:  All in favor.  Article 13 was adopted as read.

ARTICLE 14:  Shall the Town readopt the All-Veteran’s Tax Credit in accordance with RSA 72:28-b, for an annual tax credit on residential property which shall be equal to the same amount as the standard or optional veteran’s tax credit voted by the town under RSA 72:28. (Majority vote required).

Selectperson Lord made a motion to adopt Article 14 as read.  Selectperson Wheeler seconded the motion.  Discussion followed.

Mr. Pavlicek commented that this article is also recommended by the DRA for the same reasons discussed in Article 13.

Mr. Gelzer asked if the Town is able to increase the dollar amount of the credit.

Mr. Pavlicek advised that $750.00 is the maximum allowed amount.

VOTE:  All in favor.  Article 14 was adopted as read.

ARTICLE 15:  Shall the Town vote to authorize the Selectboard to take all necessary steps to convey easements to 9 Sleepy Street, identified as Town of Newbury Tax Map/Lot 0043-0438-00262-00000, regarding the well and structure at the subject property. (By Petition).

Selectperson Thorson made a motion to adopt Article 15 as read.  Selectperson Lord seconded the motion.  Discussion followed.

Russell Perkins, owner of 9 Sleepy Street, explained that the house was built in the 1800’s.  The footprint of the house has not changed.  Circa 1960, Route 103 was re-routed, Andrew Brook was also re-routed to accommodate the road layout.  As a result, the original well went dry, and the State was required to drill a new well for the residence.  These alterations resulted in the well and septic for the residence to be located on what is now Town property.  This warrant article seeks the Town to give a formal easement for the well and septic so the property can be sold.  There is no cost to the Town.

Mr. Gelzer added that because of the above-mentioned historic anomaly, the potential buyer of the property was not able to obtain bank financing.  This article is in the best interest of the town to support workforce housing. 

Mr. Seaholm asked how much land is needed.

Selectperson Thorson stated only a couple of feet onto Town property. 

Mr. Perkins stated the septic needs to be replaced and the State will not approve it as it exists.  Attorneys on both sides were involved in drawing up the language of the easement, so there is no liability or expense to the Town. 

VOTE:  All in favor.  Article 15 was adopted as read.

ARTICLE 16:  To see if the Town will vote to rescind the authorization from the 2008 Town meeting to sell the old highway garage on Sutton Road and, furthermore, if the Town agrees not to sell, vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $60,000 to make repairs to the Old Highway Garage. (Majority vote required).

Selectperson Wheeler made a motion to withdraw Article 16.  Selectperson Thorson seconded the motion.  Discussion followed. 

Henry Thomas suggested this article be modified to indicate that if the potential sale of this property does not go through, then then property will not be sold. 

Selectperson Wheeler explained that the Warrant was prepared prior to the purchase and sales being signed.  At the time of the purchase and sales signing for $125,000, the Selectboard was still under the direction of the 2008 Town Meeting to sell the property. 

Steve Schultz commented that $125,000 seems like a small amount of money considering the Town is losing a building and storage space it should keep. 

Cindy Peterson commented that the Beautification Committee also uses that building for storage, and the Town should not sell it.

Craig Sergeant asked what the Fire Chief recommends since there is a lot of fire department equipment being stored in the building.

Chief Thomas commented that if the sale does not go through, then the Town should take the property off the market, put some effort in make structural repairs and keep it for Town use. 

Cindy Peterson clarified Selectperson Wheeler’s motion on the floor to withdraw Article 16:  If the voters vote Yes to the motion to withdraw, then there is nothing left to amend and the 2008 direction to sell stands.  If the voters vote No to the motion to withdraw, then the original Article 16 can be amended to take the building off the market if the sale does not go through. 

Cameron Weir asked what the buyer plans to do with the property.

Selectperson Thorson advised that the buyer has not been to the Planning Board, so the intent is unknown. 

VOTE on Selectperson Wheeler’s motion to withdraw:  Majority NOT in favor.  Discussion on Article 16 as read continued. 

Mr. Wolf made a motion to amend Article 16 to read ‘Should the existing purchase and sale agreement of 20 Sutton Road not be consummated, to see if the Town will vote to rescind the authorization from the 2008 Town meeting to sell the old highway garage on Sutton Road and, furthermore, if the Town agrees not to sell, vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $60,000 to make repairs to the Old Highway Garage. (Majority vote required). ‘Chief Thomas seconded the motion.  Discussion followed. 

Ms. Mitchell called for a point of order.  She stated that there should be no public discussion involving issues that were discussed in executive session unless the Selectboard votes to unseal those meeting minutes. 

VOTE on Mr. Wolf’s motion to amend Article 16:  All in favor.  Article 16 was amended.  Discussion on Article 16 as amended followed.

Selectperson Thorson advised that the building will need a lot more than $60,000 long-term.  That amount of money will only be enough to stabilize the building.

Larry Briggs commented that it seems there are three town organizations using that building for storage space.  He asked if it would be possible to use part of the old fire station in lieu of the building at 20 Sutton Road.

Selectperson Wheeler advised that 2/3 of the old fire station will be housed by the police department.  There is not enough space remaining to accommodate the space needed. 

Mr. Wolf made a motion to call the question.  Motion was seconded.  Majority in favor. 

VOTE on Article 16 as amended.  Majority in favor.  Article 16 was adopted as amended. 

ARTICLE 17: Shall the town readopt the provisions of RSA 72:61-64 inclusively, which provide for an optional property tax exemption from the property’s assessed value, for property tax purposes, for persons owning real property, which is equipped with solar energy systems intended for use at the immediate site. Such property tax exemption shall be in the amount equal to 100% of the assessed value of qualifying solar energy system equipment under these statutes. (Majority vote required).

Selectperson Wheeler made a motion to adopt Article 17.  Selectperson Thorson seconded the motion.  Discussion followed. 

Mr. Pavlicek advised that Articles 17, 18 and 19 are all the same requirements from the DRA for consistency throughout NH based on a recent court case.  There is no effect or change tax-wise to the town. 

Mr. Seaholm asked what day does the assessment increase.

Mr. Pavlicek stated April 1.

VOTE:  All in favor.  Article 17 was adopted as read. 

ARTICLE 18: Shall the town readopt the provisions of RSA 72:65-68 inclusively, which provide for an optional property tax exemption from the property’s assessed value, for property tax purposes, for persons owning real property, which is equipped with wind powered energy systems intended for use at the immediate site. Such property tax exemption shall be in the amount equal to 100% of the assessed value of qualifying wind-powered energy system equipment under these statutes. (Majority vote required).

Selectperson Lord made a motion to adopt Article 18 as read.  Selectperson Wheeler seconded the motion.   Discussion followed.

Mr. Pavlicek stated that this is the same as Article 17 except for wind, not solar.

VOTE:  All in favor.  Article 18 was adopted as read.

ARTICLE 19: Shall the town readopt the provisions of RSA 72:69-72 inclusively, which provide for an optional property tax exemption from the property’s assessed value, for property tax purposes, for persons owning real property, which is equipped with wood heating energy systems intended for use at the immediate site. Such property tax exemption shall be in the amount equal to 100% of the assessed value of qualifying wood-heating energy system equipment under these statutes. (Majority vote required).

Selectperson Thorson made a motion to adopt Article 19 as read.  Selectperson Lord seconded the motion.  Discussion followed. 

Mr. Pavlicek stated that t his is the same as previous articles except this is for wood heat, not solar or wind.

ARTICLE 20: To transact any other business that may legally come before said meeting.

Todd Mailly commented that it was very difficult to see presentations and hear speakers in this venue. 

Selectperson Wheeler recognized Dennis Pavlicek, Town Administrator, for all his years of service and commitment to the Town.  We wish him well on his retirement. 

Linda Plunkett, Town Clerk, thanked Selectperson Thorson for his years of dedication to the Town as Selectboard member. 

Motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting.  Meeting adjourned at 10:09 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Plunkett

Town Clerk