Council discusses certificate-of-occupancy timing, trailer on Center Street and possible enforcement

Meadow — Council members raised concerns about a property on Center Street where a trailer and two trucks were present and a nearby barn is being used to hook up utilities, prompting questions about whether someone was living there in violation of town ordinances.

A councilmember asked whether the home belonging to someone named Samson was close to receiving a certificate of occupancy. Staff (Speaker 2) replied that the inspections were in progress and that no certificate of occupancy had yet been issued. The staff member said the town previously told the property owner that another unit would need to be disconnected from water and power within a set timeframe after issuance of a certificate of occupancy; the staff member believed that period was 30 days though they said they would confirm the exact window.

Separately, councilmembers reported seeing a trailer, two trucks and dogs at the old milk barn on Center Street and questioned whether the occupant was living there. Speaker 2 said the property owner told staff the person was "just here for the weekend" and that staff had not caught them staying overnight during sporadic checks. "What he reported to me was he's not living there. That he was in for the weekend and then gone," Speaker 2 said. The staff member noted utilities and garbage accounts had been transferred to the current occupant.

Councilmembers expressed concern about potential sewage and well contamination risks if someone were living in a trailer too close to a well. Staff said they would follow up, perform additional checks, and, if necessary, issue a notice requiring the occupant to vacate the trailer if staff concluded the person was living there in violation of ordinances.

Ending: Staff committed to increased monitoring of the property, confirm the certificate-of-occupancy timing for Samson's unit, and return to council with findings or an enforcement letter if warranted.