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Minutes of 8/2/2017

August 11th, 2017

Carroll Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
August 2, 2017


“These minutes of the Town of Carroll Select board have been recorded by its Secretary. Though believed to be accurate and correct they are subject to additions, deletions and corrections by the Select Board at its next meeting when the Board votes its final approval of the minutes. They are being made available at this time to conform to the requirements of New Hampshire RSA 91-A:2.”

Minutes recorded by Maryclare H. Quigley, Secretary

Board members present: Paul Bussiere, David Scalley

Employees present: Kelly Trammell, Jeremy Oleson

Members of the public present: Evan Karpf

The meeting was called to order at 9:15 a. m. by Acting Chairman Bussiere

Pledge of Allegiance

Selectman Scalley recused himself from the Board to act as Building Inspector.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Building Permits and fees. Dave said the Selectmen have the authority to assign fees so he is in hopes of working out a solution at least for the time being.

Dave suggested using the International Building Code table or formula plus a square-foot price. Discussion ensued regarding fees from various years of the IBC and it was stated they can change whatever they need to in order to make it fair for the town. An example was a new deck; i.e. if higher end materials are being used, we would go with the higher square-footage fee, and so on. In comparing ourselves with surrounding towns, it was discovered in many areas our fees as they are currently are substantially lower.

Having one chart for new building and a separate chart for renovations, or something less than new construction, was also given considerable discourse. It was noted that when applications are filled out, the value of the construction versus the value put on the form are not always the same.

Selectman Bussiere brought up the 1979 vote on the Ordinance and subsequent recount which appear to not have been legal. Other than noting it in minutes, there is no other record, including with the State that this was done correctly. He said Legal Counsel recommends a new vote in March so we can establish which Ordinance we are using. This segued into a discussion about the Building Inspector position and fees for the same. It was stated that number of hours and fees should be increased due to the amount of work involved in all aspects of the position. It was reiterated about voting for the new Ordinance in March, 2018, and the question was asked what we would be working with if it should fail. It was noted that much work needs to be done in all of the various regulations as well as the Ordinance. The Planning Board is working with North Country Council on Sub-Division Regulations as well as Site Plan Review and expect the process to be completed in late Fall. The Boards had tried to work together on these as well as the Ordinance a year or so ago. It proved to be a much more difficult and time consuming effort than a group of volunteers should try to undertake.

Discussion returned to fees, particularly for maintenance-type items; i.e. replacing boards on a deck or stairs, a window for a window, etc. Also noted was clarifying these items, when does a maintenance or minor repair become a project and what needs a permit and what does not. It was stated the Town’s Ordinance regarding what does not require a permit is more stringent than the IBC. It was suggested that all changes being made should be to go into effect in March, and for now, we refer to the current IBC and Fire Code. Commercial rates being higher than residential was brought up and questioned. It was noted a higher grade of materials was usually required as well as different codes and inspections. Also, these are for different purposes such as work spaces, public use, multiple rental areas, places that are not being used only as residences by the owner. Various ideas for charging/pricing were mentioned, as well as having various categories for work, including electrical by itself or the same for just plumbing, rather than as part of a larger project.

Also brought up was when the Permit ends, if it is after a period of time such as a year, or when a Certificate of Occupancy is issued. These as well as tables and fees are items which need answers. In turn was the topic of a temporary certificate of occupancy; if these should be considered and the reasons for such; if there should be a time limit, if it’s for life safety issues to be met, and if these do become reality, if additional fees should be charged because of additional inspections. Discussion took place about documentation to back up if steps have to be taken after time has expired and the temporary CO is not cured. It was stated if it’s because of fire code issues, eviction can take place. Possibility of fines was also noted. A suggestion was made to issue a different form for a temporary CO so the bank or insurance company will know they should also follow up. Another suggestion was to issue a colored placard to be placed in a window to identify as having a temporary CO.

Dave will work on fee schedules and various permit requirements based on today’s discussions and hopes to have something ready before the end of August.

There being no further discussion, Acting Chair and Selectman Bussiere made a Motion to adjourn the meeting. Selectman Scalley seconded and the Motion passed. Acting Chair Bussiere declared the meeting ended at 11:21 a.m.