MINUTES OF THE CABOT SELECTBOARD (SB)
The Cabot Board of Selectpersons did meet as warned at the
Caleb called the meeting to order at
1. Agenda Item (AI) 1 – Approval of Minutes.
Ø
AI 1a. Ted
moved to approve the minutes of
2. AI 2 – Public Comment
Ø AI 2a. Andy Luce presented Fire Warden appointments for Andy Luce and Walter Bothfeld, Jr. for SB signatures; SB discussed same. Larry moved to sign appointments; Ted seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Ø AI 2b. The SB was asked whether the Town was working as hard as the school to not raise taxes? Caleb responded that there isn’t an anticipated increase but taxes must meet the needs of the Town, where bonding for a grader or fire truck may add $3-5 cents to the tax rate. Caleb was asked if the SB plans for these large purchases ahead of time? Caleb responded that sinking funds were created long ago for Fire Department purchases, but the Highway Department doesn’t have a large sinking fund for these purchases.
3. AI 3 – Administrative Duties
Ø AI 3a. Fred asked for answers to questions about Willey Building (WB) the parking and why Cookson is still parking on municipal land? Caleb responded that no parking exists for the garage, the Cooksons had been parking on town property for years and had been in negotiations about buying the vacant lot for the Town parking which failed. The SB would like to purchase the vacant lot, but haven’t been discussing that but instead the swapping a strip of land owned by Cookson behind the WB parking, which would be larger than the current lot if developed for parking by excavation and placing gravel. Caleb was asked if the Town would need to purchase extra parking for the WB if the Cooksons parked on their vacant lot or if more money was going to be spent developing parking for the WB when the Cooksons could just develop their own land; Fred would like to direct his questions to Larry and Ted regarding stones in the park, negotiating, the current expense of the parking lot.
Ted responded that Cookson would still need a 20’ right of way to access land he cannot develop easily; regarding the stones, they’re owned by the Town as far as he’s concerned and can move them any time we like and consider it a contribution to the Town. The park isn’t meant for parking. Ted was asked about eminent domain? Ted responded that at that point the Town isn’t being a good neighbor and accumulates legal expense. Shirley stated that blocking the right of way is very challenging when trying to leave the lot. Fred said that he doesn’t understand after being surveyed twice, why we are negotiating for him to take the best part of our land; Shirley asked why it was being surveyed and who would pay the expense? Caleb responded currently the boundary line is just being drawn up so there’s a clear picture of the properties involved, but he believed any formal survey expense would be shared. Caleb was asked whether signs were purchased to prevent his parking on Town land with the intention of getting our parking back? Caleb responded that signs were purchased to clear the right of way and make parking orderly and signs to not block the right of way haven’t been placed. Caleb was asked the cost to develop parking for the WB because our parking is being given away?
Larry responded that he didn’t know how long it would take, but perhaps the Town backhoe and trucks could manage the issues. Larry stated that he did not agree with the Board on this issue and would prefer to put Cookson on his own land and have him negotiate, but felt Cookson wouldn’t negotiate if he’s currently getting the parking he wants. Larry believed the current swap negotiations is a good deal; that the WB will need more room in the future, but doesn’t know of anyone who couldn’t find a place to park in the village. Cookson is negotiating with a vacant lot that he got a bad deal; it’s worthless and can’t be built upon. Cookson made a bad investment on property and wants the Town to pay for it. Larry was asked whether it made sense that if the Town needs property then the taxpayers should win too by putting the vacant lot in the negotiations? Fred responded that it makes sense to move Cookson off Town land and let them negotiate with us; then maybe rethink his point of view on what’s fair. The listed value of the property is $13.5 thousand.
Larry stated that a second survey was conducted to have the pins reestablished and find one in the sidewalk. Afterward a water tub was put into place on the park area Cookson came to the next meeting and demanded that it be moved; the past SB had many of the same issues with this land. Fred stated that he spoke with past SB members and it was an issue with which none of them wanted to contend; he had also spoken with many people who support his point of view but don’t expect results.
Caleb responded that he respected those opinions but Larry proposed this swap and thinks it will benefit the Town. It has not been acknowledged that six proposals have been offered, the SB is receiving cooperation from the Cooksons and things seem on their way for getting resolved with less bloodshed than kicking them off the property and having the vacant lot become a junklot. Caleb was asked why the Cookson’s would not give some gratitude for the continued use of the WB parking and let the Town regularly use that vacant lot? Caleb responded that Cookson will not recognize our survey and told the SB that he would have his vacant lot surveyed. Caleb was told that it appeared that the SB were bending over backward for the Cooksons as it appears they will not address the issue unless it benefits them. Caleb responded that he wanted it to appear that the Town is being cooperative and comprehensively resolve a parking issue for the entire area.
Fred stated that it defied logic that Cookson would dispute everything so the SB has to spend taxpayer dollars to be good neighbors; people in Cabot respect boundaries and Cookson is getting prime real estate for something we have to develop to use and doesn’t understand why. Caleb responded that Fred has had ample opportunities to express his opinion; the reality is that the garage needs parking spaces and the WB has not missed the three or four spaces being used. Shirley stated that things have changed and the Town needs the WB parking. Fred stated that surveys should be respected but negotiations haven’t been fair because they don’t have negotiate. It was suggested that the Cooksons pay a higher price for getting what they’re getting and the empty lot should be part of that negotiation. Caleb agreed but would not discuss negotiations but the ultimate goal was to obtain that vacant lot.
Ø
AI 3b. Gwen
Hallsmith wanted to introduce the SB to the proposed community housing project
on
Larry expressed concern regarding the waiver request for the proximity of housing placed along the driveway; Caleb added that if the cooperative failed the road may become the Town maintained and the houses would be too close for possible increased traffic.
Ø AI 3c. SB discussed the Town Personnel Policy to be made effective January 1, 2011; Tara will continue to draft changes. Town Employees will receive unused sick leave for this year.
Ø AI 3d. SB reviewed and discussed response from Phelps engineering regarding water line extension to lower Cabot. Larry will obtain additional information from Phelps.
Ø AI 3e. Budget discussion was tabled until next meeting. Tara discussed increase in Insurance premiums.
4. AI 4 – Correspondence. No correspondence.
5. AI 5 – Legal. No legal business.
6. AI 6 – Other Business. No other business.
Ø AI 6a. Larry moved to sign a termination of contract letter with United Water; Ted seconded. No discussion; motion passed unanimously and letter was signed by Caleb.
Ø AI 6b. Larry moved to appoint Greg Burtt to the Planning Commission; Ted seconded. No discussion; motion passed unanimously.
Ø AI 6c. Bids for electrical work at the Masonic Hall were reviewed; SB agreed to accept bid from AC Electrical. Tara will reserve 2010 funds for contract.
7. AI 7 – Larry moved to adjourn the meeting; Ted seconded. No discussion, motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:48 pm.
Respectfully submitted: Tara Rogerson, Cabot Town Clerk