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Selectboard confronts complaints that resident Norman Brulotte visited homeowners about building certificates
Summary
The Stratford Selectboard discussed complaints that resident Norman Brulotte visited multiple properties and told owners they lacked required building certificates; Brulotte said he visited only one property and the board clarified it issues certificates for assessment only and will not change procedures now.
At its June 15 meeting the Stratford Selectboard addressed complaints that resident Norman Brulotte had visited private properties and confronted owners over building-certificate requirements. The board heard from a member who said multiple citizens called with concerns that Brulotte was telling them he was acting on the town’s behalf.
According to the board’s account, Brulotte told the Selectboard he "did not advise this" and said he had been to one property and had been asked to leave after a confrontation; later in the discussion he acknowledged visits to other properties. The Selectboard stressed that Brulotte is not a town official and that town staff did not authorize him to approach property owners about building compliance.
The board clarified the town’s role in the context of state law. Under RSA 155-A, the State Building Code applies; the Selectboard said enforcement responsibilities vary and the town does not employ a Code Enforcement Officer. The board noted that the town issues building certificates for assessment purposes only and does not issue building permits, and directed residents and contractors to the State for code-enforcement questions when appropriate.
Board members said they would take Brulotte’s suggestions under advisement but would make no changes to the town’s building-certificate application process at this time. The board emphasized that responsibility for compliance with applicable building codes rests with property owners and contractors.
The board did not vote on any enforcement action at the meeting. Members said they would continue to clarify permitting and certificate procedures publicly and direct code-related inquiries to the appropriate state authorities.
