Committee named to explore tax-exempt properties
PUTNEY — PUTNEY - At its May 6 meeting, the Selectboard appointed six members to the Property-Tax-Exempt Properties Impact Committee. The exploratory, non-voting committee is tasked with looking into which properties in town are tax-exempt and reviewing relevant statutes.
Appointees to date are Carl Noe, Susan McMahon, Kathleen O'Reilly-Lawrence, Nancy Olson, Alice Maes, and Steve Bouch.
The board received expressions of interest from eight individuals. Two of them are employed by Putney tax-exempt organizations, and their applications were denied because the board was concerned about potential conflicts of interest, although they are not officially representing their workplaces.
The meetings are open to the public, and anyone may attend. The Selectboard notes it will invite representatives from the tax-exempt organizations to the committee meetings.
Bouch asked the board members for their desired timeline for the committee.
Selectboard Vice-Chair Joshua Laughlin said he hoped the committee would have “something by Town Meeting” in 2016. Although Laughlin suggested that the committee release some information by the fall, he suggested “adding a charge to the committee to determine their timeline.”
The first meeting has not yet been planned. Town Manager Cynthia Stoddard will send a letter with the agenda and the initial meeting date once all committee members have been appointed and they decide when they will meet.
Those interested in filling the three remaining seats on the committee are asked to contact Stoddard at Putney's town offices.
Next Stage needs, gets more water
PUTNEY - The Selectboard received a request from Next Stage Arts to connect to the town's water system and to increase the allocation of water in and wastewater out.
The arts organization plans to add new bathrooms and a bigger kitchen to its building at 15 Kimball Hill. The former church, built in 1841, is owned by the Putney Historical Society.
At the Selectboard's May 6 meeting, the board unanimously approved Next Stage's request.
Animal Control Officer found
PUTNEY - After many weeks of nervous discussion on what to do about managing the town's roving dogs and the people who own them, the town has finally found an Animal Control Officer to handle the beasts.
Town Manager Cynthia Stoddard reported at the May 6 Selectboard meeting that Veterinary Technician Amy Davis is “willing to give it a try.”
“She's worked with the Humane Society and she has tons of experience,” Stoddard said. “She has lived here a long time and feels confident dealing with people,” she added.
The board unanimously approved Stoddard's recommendation.
“We'd like to thank her for her willingness to participate,” Vice-Chair Joshua Laughlin said at the meeting.
Davis will begin training this summer.
Fuel supply set
PUTNEY - After receiving a number of bids from suppliers for municipal propane, diesel and unleaded fuel, and heating oil, the Selectboard chose two purveyors.
The best bids came from Springfield's HB Energy Solutions for propane gas and heating oil, and Brattleboro's Barrows & Fisher Oil for diesel fuel and unleaded gasoline.
At the May 6 Selectboard meeting, Town Manager Cynthia Stoddard said six companies competed for the town's business.
Cell tower modifications made
PUTNEY - T-Mobile recently has notified the town of its intention to modify a few panels on its cell tower located at 452 Holland Hill.