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Stratford Select Board reviews tax-deeded properties, infrastructure updates and hazard-mitigation schedule
Summary
At the July 13 meeting the Select Board directed staff to obtain owner statements before processing abatements for tax-deeded trailer sites, reviewed water and sewer project updates including Stevens Terrace work, set Hazard Mitigation Plan meeting dates for September, and agreed to revisit a property complaint at 44 Pleasant Valley Road in two weeks.
The Stratford Select Board reviewed several routine but consequential town-administration and infrastructure items at its July 13 meeting.
Maryanne Lister asked the Board to require written statements from owners confirming that abandoned or demolished mobile homes have been removed or are uninhabitable before processing tax-abatement requests. The Board directed staff to secure those statements to avoid unnecessary expenses for tax searches and certified mailings where structures no longer exist.
Brian (identified in the meeting attendance as Brian Hays) updated the Board on water and sewer operations. He said recent water and sewer line installations have been completed, that photographs and project documentation were retained for town records, and that separate sewer upgrades — including work in the Stevens Terrace area — are ongoing. Board members discussed the need for improved communication and consistent project reporting from the Road Agent.
Charlie Goulet raised continuing concerns about delays and incompleteness in project reports and work logs from the Road Agent; the Board agreed to reinforce expectations for timely, accurate documentation.
Ron Scott Jr. reported that a local painter had asked about repainting a signal pole near the library; the Board agreed to repaint the pole before installation of an incoming railroad-crossing sign and asked Scott to contact the painter for a cost estimate.
Suzanne Goulet reviewed the Hazard Mitigation Plan meeting schedule (Sept. 2, 9, 23 and 30, each at 5:00 p.m.), stressing completion is required to maintain eligibility for certain state and federal emergency-management and grant programs. The Board also agreed to seek a qualified contractor to repair the Veterans Monument’s masonry and concrete.
On a separate matter, Suzanne noted a complaint regarding possible unauthorized structures and other activities at 44 Pleasant Valley Road. She said the property owner, KMH, has contacted the resident and is working directly to address the concerns; the Select Board agreed to allow time for resolution and to revisit the property in about two weeks.
The Board also approved an application for Rollin Baldwin (motion passed 3-0), approved manifests for periods including June 26 and July 6, and recorded several documents signed between meetings (an Intent to Cut, an ATV grant change of scope for Bog Road, a planning-board oath for R. Scott, tree-trimming notices, and an event permit for a butterfly release). The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
