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Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes

Any and all corrections to the following minutes will be made at the 08/02/01 Board of Selectmen's Meeting and are considered unapproved until then. Corrections will be noted in the minutes of that meeting.

MINUTES - SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN JULY 26th, 2001
NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE

PRESENT:
Selectmen: Mike Rohan, Jesse Anderson, Fred Bacon, Lynn Bedell and Richard Marek.
Also Present: William J. Krajeski of Patriot Properties, Inc., Terry Knight of VT Property Valuation and Review, Ted Schreyer and Gary Katz as Newfane Listers, David Clarkson, Greg Andrews, and Doris Knechtel, Administrative Assistant.

1. CALL TO ORDER
The Special Meeting was called to order at 1:35 p.m. by Chairman Mike Rohan.

2. REAPPRAISAL PROPOSAL - PATRIOT PROPERTIES - WILLIAM KRAJESKI
William Krajeski of Patriot Properties was invited to meet with the Selectmen, the Listers and Terry Knight, a representative from Property Valuation and Review to have him demonstrate the program that his company uses for reappraisal, AssessPro 4.3. He has had experience as an assessor for twenty years. If the town contracts with Patriot Properties, he is the person who will be taking care of the listing tasks.

New computer hardware will be required with a high powered workstation with network capabilities should the town decide to network in the future. The program will be password protected.

W. Krajeski demonstrated the various aspects and capabilities of the AssessPro system, such as, database lookup, database filters, batch processing, sketching, analysis and GIS capabilities. Samples of record cards were provided.

In determining area values, he will look at recent sales and sales three years back, contact local contractors regarding costs and check with abutting towns. The goal of valuation will be for fair market value with an emphasis on equity. There will always be unusual and unique circumstances. Photos of properties will be digital and taken during the late fall when the leaves are off of the trees.

When asked about visiting and being able get inside of each dwelling, he will attempt to do all of them. In urban area, there are usually 30% that are not accessible. The RFP asked that there be two attempts made to appraise the inside of a dwelling. He plans on doing some of the appraisal work on Saturdays, because of working households and second homeowners. W. Krajeski indicated that he finds that appointments are difficult sometimes in that messages are left, people don't call back, or they or the appraiser is not there when they are supposed to be. An initial mailer and newspaper article will alert homeowners of the upcoming appraisal.

W. Krajeski was informed of some of the particular requirements for the State Of Vermont, including Homestead and Land Use Value, with other requirements upcoming. He indicated that these particular situations can be taken care of. Each state that Patriot Properties has contracted all have their particular requirements. Any state modification requirements, Patriot Properties are obliged to be made free of charge.

When asked about arriving at an assessment for old and new dwellings, he indicated that the initial rate has to do with building style, depreciation and/or renovation; based on condition not age. W. Krajeski demonstrated how to create a separate "what if" analysis date base, how to find comparables if needed for an appeal, how to sketch dwellings.

Patriot Properties will be responsible for sending out the notices for changes in appraisal and the grievance notice meeting. Upgrades of the program, a manual and training are included in the contract price. He will work closely with the Listers during the entire process.

The question about the yearly licensing agreement the provides upgrades and telephone support on an 800 line, after the reappraisal is completed, was discussed. For some the fee of $3,500 is too high. W. Krajeski will review the licensing agreement and get back to the Board.

If Patriot Properties is awarded the contract, W. Krajeski plans to take photos during October and November and do most of the measuring. He anticipates 70 days for listing and review to be ready for April 1, 2002. He will need to know the schedule for state filings and deadlines.

Those present thanked W. Krajeski for coming to demonstrate the AssessPro program and answering questions. He and T. Knight of PV&R spent some time on their own discussing the states requirements.

3. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Greg Andrews indicated that there are problems with the door at the outside landing for the lift at the Williamsville Hall. He can make it work but it appears that the problem stems from the chalking that was put in to stop the leaks coming in around the outside door. The lift operation needs to be looked at.

B. Greg Andrews also spoke of the hot water tank at the Williamsville Hall not supplying enough hot water for the amount of dishes for the Senior Meals (64 today). They have been heating water in pots on the stove. It may be that both elements are not working. Richard Foye has offered a larger water heater. Jeffers Plumbing will be contacted.

C. Mr. Andrews also mentioned the 35 mph speed sign from the covered bridge toward the village. M. Rohan indicated that the Board is re-evaluating all signs and will make any changes necessary at one time.

D. It has been noted that J. Feifel has issued a septic permit for the Roger Sparks property on Auger Hole Road (TH#3). A Zoning Permit has not yet been issued for an additional trailer on the property. M. Rohan indicated that a Zoning Permit cannot be issued until all other permits are in place.

4. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by M. Rohan and seconded by R. Marek to adjourn the Special Meeting at 4:08 p.m. Unanimous.

Doris A. Knechtel
Administrative Assistant
Newfane Board of Selectmen

Posted: Town Clerk's Office, Newfane Store, Lessing's Family General Store and South Newfane General Store & Deli. www.newfanevt.com

 


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