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Town of Littleton

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2010 Meeting Minutes and Agendas

Board of Selectmen

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Approved Board of Assessors Minutes Jun 21, 2010

TOWN OF LITTLETON
BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010
10:00 AM
TOWN OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM

Present: Chairman Ron Bolt, Vice Chairman Ed Boynton, Selectman Marghie Seymour, Executive Secretary Ceil Stubbings, Assessing Clerk Amy Hatfield

Others Present: Richard Dorsett (MRI)

Chairman Bolt called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM.

The Board of Assessors met to review, approve or deny the following water/sewer and tax abatements submitted by Amy Hatfield as follows:

Fred Haggett Jr., 1002 Brook Road, Map/Lot 86-87, Year 2009-2010 (1st Issue)– Amount $609.60.
Marghie Seymour moved to approve the sewer adjustment abatement for the running water program as above.
Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Fred Haggett Jr., 1002 Brook Road, Map/Lot 86-87, Year 2010 (2nd Issue) – Amount $99.74.
Marghie Seymour moved to approve the sewer adjustment abatement for the running water program as above.
Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Veronica Francis, 15 Hillside Ave., Map/Lot 78-37, Year 2010 (1st Issue) – Amount $684.64.
Marghie Seymour moved to approve the sewer adjustment abatement for the running water program as above.
Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Lori-Jo Gardner, 423 Union Street, Map/Kit 80-45, Year 2010 (2nd Issue) – Amount $112.71.
Marghie Seymour moved to approve the sewer adjustment abatement for the running water program as above.
Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Lori-Jo Gardner, 423 Union Street, Map/Kit 80-45, Year 2010 (1st Issue) – Amount $286.35.
Marghie Seymour moved to approve the sewer adjustment abatement for the running water program as above.
Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Russell Angel, 3 Towles Mobile Home Park, Tax Map 91 Lot 16 – Tax Yr. 2005-2009 – Amount $1956.59.
This abatement is classified as hardship abatement. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

TransCanada Hydro Northeast Inc., 2700 St. Johnsbury Rd., Map 30 Lot 2 – Tax Yr 2010 – Amount $575,391.22.
This is an administrative abatement. By abating this amount it will bring the 2010 first issue property tax to the correct billing amount. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above administrative abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Dimitrios Sourgiadakis, 83-87 Main Street, Map 89 Lot 263 – Amount $41.19.
This is an administrative correction for the above referenced property. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above administrative correction as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Sheila Ann Keach, 11 Hilltop Manor Mobile Home, Map 80 Lot 85 – Amount $38.41.
This is an administrative correction for the above property. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above administrative abatement as listed. Ed Boynton stepped down due to a conflict of interest. Ron Bolt seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0.

Joseph Olszowy, 1242 North Littleton Rd., Map 22 Lot 4 – Amount $700.26.
This is an administrative correction due to a computer error regarding current use. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above administrative abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.



Joseph Olszowy, North Littleton Rd., Map 22 Lot 5 – Amount $829.77.
This is an administrative correction due to a computer error regarding current use. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above administrative abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

John & Merlene Hagan, Hilltop Manor Mobile Home Park, Map 80 Lot 88 – Amount $619.17.
This is an administrative correction due to a data entry error. There is no mobile home on the lot. Marghie Seymour approved the above administrative abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

The board then reviewed the following tax abatements with Richard Dorsett from MRI as follows:
Note: The comments shown under each abatement request are those of Richard Dorsett.

Renaissance Mills of Littleton, 16 & 18 Mill St., Tax Map 78-280, Tax Year 2009, Amount $1,941.73.
The subject property is two commercial buildings located along the Ammonoosuc River. The reason for the request was the owners concern with the assessment based on their opinion of value of $274,940. The applicant provided some income data; the methodology used to estimate the opinion of value was unsupported and incomplete. My associate inspected the subject and noted corrections to the physical data and sketch. The correction to the sketch decreased the gross living area. These changes resulted in the assessment being reduced by $92,200 from $784,500 to $692,300. Therefore, it is recommended that abatement in the amount of $1941.73 be granted. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.


Renaissance Mills of Littleton, Island in River, Tax Map 84-12, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $0.00.
The subject property is a 1-acre parcel in the Ammonoosuc River. The covered footbridge passes over the island by an easement. The island is currently assessed at $11,300. It is obvious that it cannot be used for any type of building and has little use, however this is currently accounted for with a condition factor of .10. It is recommended that the abatement request be denied. Marghie Seymour moved to deny the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion to deny passed 3-0.

Ronald & Carolyn Murro, Riverglen Lane, Tax Map 84-11, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $802.39.
The subject property is a cold storage warehouse on an 8-acre parcel. The reason for the request was the owners concern with assessment due to site issues. I reviewed all information provided. I inspected the subject and found an adjustment is appropriate to reflect the site issues: Des restrictions, easements, wetlands, right of way and that approximately half the site is located in the flood zone. After adjustments the assessment is reduced $38,100 to $156,800 and it is recommended that an abatement of $803.39 plus applicable interest be granted. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.


Renaissance Mills of Littleton, 26 Mill St., Tax Map 84-22, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $0.00.
The subject is an old warehouse located on 0.28-acre parcel along the Ammonoosuc River. The reason for the request was the owners concern with the assessment in relation to the condition of the property. All information provided was reviewed. My associate inspected the subject. No documentation was provided with the application to support the owner’s value. It is our opinion the building on the lot holds tremendous value, due to the fact that a new building can be built in its place within a five-year time frame from date of removal. It is our recommendation that the abatement request be denied. Marghie Seymour moved to deny the abatement request. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Renaissance Mills of Littleton, 22 Mill St., Tax Map 78-281, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $0.00.
This subject property is an old warehouse located on 0.18-acre parcel along the Ammonoosuc River.
The reason for the request was the owners concern with the assessment in relation to the condition of the property. All information provided was reviewed. My associate inspected the subject. No documentation was provided with the application to support the owner’s value. It is our opinion the building on the lot holds tremendous value, due to the fact that a new building can be built in its place within a five-year time frame from date of removal. It is our recommendation that the abatement request be denied. Marghie Seymour moved to deny the abatement request. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Murphy Littleton, LLC, 580 Meadow St., Tax Map 76-2, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $1,573.18.
The subject property is the Hampton Inn on a 4.43-acre parcel. The reason for the request was the owner’s concern with the assessment in relation to their opinion of value of $4,100,000 based on a pro-forma income approach. All information provided was reviewed. I do not agree with the capitalization rate utilized in the applicant’s income approach, nor do I agree with the reduction due to Contributory Value personality, as it is not supported by documentation. My associate inspected the subject and corrections to the sketch were noted that reduced the gross living area. After corrections the assessment is reduced $74,700 from $5,140,700 to $5,066,000 and it is recommended that an abatement of $1,573.18 plus applicable interest be granted. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Wells Fargo Bank NA, 36 Skyline Court, Tax Map 68-22, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $1,324.67.
The subject property is a raised ranch style home on a 0.64-acre parcel. The reason for the abatement request was the owner’s concern with assessment as compared to a market analysis as of April 27, 2009 with a suggested market value of $135,000. I inspected the property and found the grade and condition overstated; the basement finish is inferior, the interior is outdated and in rough condition. Also noted are minor corrections to the sketch. I have reviewed all of the information provided and completed an analysis. After corrections the assessment is reduced by $62,900 from $205,700 to $152,800 and it is recommended that abatement in the amount of $1324.67 plus applicable interest be granted. Note: The property was foreclosed on 10/29/2008 and listed for sale 3/2/2009 for $149,900 and is currently on the market for $129,900. This property will be added to the annual review list for possible future renovations. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Dimpal, LLC, 335 Cottage Street, Tax Map 93-41, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $5,971.50.
The subject property is a Motel on a 3.54-acre parcel. The reason for the request was the owner’s concern with the assessment due to a listing error after a subdivision of the property. My associate inspected the subject and found the swimming pool and lower building (with motel units) did indeed belong to Eames Property Investment, referencing book 3583 page 109 and recorded at the Grafton County Registry of deeds. After corrections the assessment is reduced $275,000 from $1,369,100 to $1,121,100 and it is recommended that abatement in the amount of $5,971.50 plus applicable interest be granted. Note: The improvements removed from the above were added to tax map 93-3.
Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Deirdre Brousseau, 160 South Street, Tax Map 84-32, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $400.14.
The subject property is a cape style home on a .73-acre parcel. The reason for the request was the owner’s concern that the assessment does not take into account the current condition of the property. I inspected the subject and noted that corrections to the conditions, sketch and outbuildings ere required. After Corrections the assessment is reduced $19,000 from $142,200 to $130,200 and it is recommended that an abatement of $400.14 plus applicable interest be granted.
Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Home Depot USA, Inc., 895 Meadow Street, Tax Map 91-25, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $0.00.
The subject property is a commercial home improvement store on 32.14-acre site. The reason for the request is the owner’s belief that the property is assessed at greater than fair market value. My associate inspected the subject and no discrepancies were noted. No documentation was provided or referenced to support the owner’s opinion of value. It is recommended that the abatement request be denied. . Marghie Seymour moved to deny the abatement request. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Andrew Fischer, 1404 Broomstick Hill Rd., Tax Map 23-7, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $895.05.
The subject property is a modular ranch style on a 5.35-acre parcel. The reason for the request was the owner’s concern that the assessment does not take into account the poor condition of the improvements I inspected the subject and found the grade to be slightly overstated. The roof has active leaks in multiple areas and the foundation has settlement issues. After adjustment the assessment is reduced $42,500 from $197,900 to $163,200 and it is recommended that an abatement of $895.05 plus applicable interest be granted. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Donald & Jennifer Bourassa, 1229 St. Johnsbury Rd., Tax Map 74-13, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $1,326.78.
The subject property is a modular ranch style home on a 6.77-acre parcel. The reason for the request was the owner’s concern with the assessment in relation to the purchase price of $75,000 on 8/24/2009 and an appraisal dated 7/17/2009 for an estimated value of $78,000 with an indicated value range of %67,000 to $87,000. I reviewed all information provided. I inspected the subject and found the subject to be in very poor condition, and the majority of the interior missing or incomplete. The missing items may have been a result of a foreclosure on 9/18/2008. Also noted, the access to the property is via right of way and there is a large electrical easement on the property. After corrections and adjustments it is reduced %63,000 from $145,300 to $82,300 and it is recommended that an abatement of $1,326.78 plus applicable interest be granted. Note: I reviewed all information provided, and although I don’t fully agree with the appraisal submitted with the application, its indicted value range of $67,000 to $87,000 does lend support the adjusted assessment. The subject will be added to the annual review list for future renovations. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.



Judith White, 377 Old Waterford Rd., Tax Map 44-14, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $174.80.
The subject property is a conventional style home on a 12,29-acre parcel. The reason for the request was the owner’s concern that the outbuildings were being assessed incorrectly. I inspected the subject and found the outbuildings incorrectly listed. After corrections assessment is reduced $8,300 from $016,400 to $98,100 and it is recommended that an abatement of $174.80 plus applicable interest be granted. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

VMO Inc., 26 Jackson St., Tax Map 78-174, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $1,116.18.
The subject is a conventional style home on a .25-acre parcel. The reason for the request was the owner’s concern with the assessment in relation to the purchase price of $49,000 on 7/2/2008; the low purchase price was a result of excessive damage. I reviewed all information provided. I inspected the subject and found it to be in very poor condition, as a result of interior water damage due to pipes bursting. After corrections and adjustments the assessment is reduced $53,000 from $130,400 to $77,400 and it is recommended that an abatement of $1,116.18 plus applicable interest be granted. Note: The owner is in the process of renovating the subject property and will be placed on the annual building permit inspection list. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

VMO Inc, 35 Jackson St., Tax Map 78-168, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $$1,078.27.
The subject property is a three family style home on a .09-acre parcel. The reason for the request was the owner’s concern with the assessment in relation to the purchase price of $63,000 on 12/23/2009; the low purchase price was a result of excessive damage. I reviewed all information provided. I inspected the subject and found it to be in very poor condition. The interior has water damage from pipes freezing and roof leaks. The second floor has unfinished walls, electric, and floors. After corrections and adjustments the assessment is reduced $65,200 from $116,400 to ^65,200 and it is recommended that an abatement of $1,087.27 plus applicable interest be granted. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Richard Woolsey, 101 Maple St., Tax Map 78-51, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $970.87.
The subject property is a conventional style home on a .29-acre parcel. The reason for the request was the owner’s concern with the assessment in relation to the purchase price of $68,000 on 12/22/2009 and the condition of the improvements. I reviewed all information provided. I inspected the subject and found the interior in very poor condition. After adjustments the assessment is reduced $46,100 from $118,400 to $72,300 and it is recommended that an abatement of $970.87 plus applicable interest be granted. Note: After adjustments the assessed value is in line with the purchase price, considering the change in market from 4/12009 and the Town’s equalization ratio. The subject has been placed on our annual review list to track possible future renovations. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Helen Brousseau Rev. Trust of 2005, 184 South Street, Tax Map 84-31, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $1,198.31.
The subject property is a 2-family style home on a .36-acre parcel. The reason for the request was the owner’s concern that the assessment is not reflective of the current condition of the property. I inspected subject and found the home to be in very poor condition with numerous areas of deferred maintenance. Also noted were corrections to the sketch. After corrections and adjustments the assessment is reduced $56,000 from $142,300 to $85,400 and it is recommended that an abatement of $1198.31 plus applicable interest be granted. Note: The property is currently on the market for an advertised price of $65,000. The property has been placed on our annual review list to track possible future renovations.
Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Peter & Linda Mcshane, Lilac Lane, Tax Map 66-45, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $252.72.
The subject property is a vacant .69-acre parcel. The reason for the request was the owner’s concern with the assessment due to investment required to make the site a suitable residential building lot. I reviewed all information provided. I inspected the subject and found the parcel would require and adjustment for topography issues. After adjustments the assessment is reduced $12,000 from $47,800 to $35,800 and it is recommended that an abatement of $252.72 plus applicable interest be granted. Note: The owner’s have recently merged parcel 66-45 to 66-44 (an abutting parcel) for the 2010 tax year. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

DIRECTV, Inc., 1085 & 1089 Mt. Eustis Road, Tax Map 99-18 & 99-42, Tax Year 2009, Amount $0.00.
The subject property is DIRECTV’s backup/diversity site and is used in the case of equipment failure or severe weather conditions at the primary Northeast Uplink Facility located in New Hampton. The Littleton site contains specialized equipment and improvements to support business operations. The reason for the request is the owner’s belief that such specialized equipment and improvements doe not constitute taxable real estate under New Hampshire Law. No evidence as provided to support this claim. The town of Littleton does not assess any of the specialized equipment within the buildings as they are considered personal property. However, the satellite dishes on the site are considered real estate as they are anchored 30+/- feet into the ground and are not temporary in any way. My associate inspected the properties and found an additional satellite that was not listed, as well as some other items of discrepancy that increase the assessment. As this is the case and no evidence was provided to support the claim of the satellite dishes being non-taxable, it is recommended that the abatement request be denied. Marghie Seymour moved to deny the abatement request. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Hampson Estate Ariel, C/O Jean Powers, Broomstick Hill Rd., Tax Map 22-15, Tax Year 2009 – Amount $167.27.
The subject property is a camp on a .40-acre parcel. The reason for the request was the owners concern that the assessment does not reflect the current condition of the property. I inspected subject and noted that the camp is of very low quality (shed like structure). It is currently being assessed utilizing the residential model, which in my opinion is inflating the value. It is my opinion that listing it as an outbuilding is more reflective of its quality level. After corrections assessment is reduced $7,800 from $22,800 to $15,000 and it is recommended that an abatement of $167.27 plus applicable interest be granted. Marghie Seymour moved to approve the above abatement as listed. Ed Boynton seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.

Chairman Bolt asked for a motion to adjourn. Ed Boynton moved to adjourn. Marghie Seymour seconded the motion. Motion to adjourn passed 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 11:37 AM.

Respectfully Submitted
Ceil Stubbings

Littleton has functioned as a Board of Selectmen/Town Manager form of government since 1976.

The Littleton Board of Selectmen meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 4:00 PM at the Littleton Community House - Heald Room.

If you would like to be put on the agenda for an upcoming Selectmen's meeting, please contact Ceil Stubbings. Please be prepared with all information needed for the Selectmen to make a decision no later than the Friday before the Selectmen's meeting

Members

Ronald J. Bolt, Chairman
Edward C. Boynton, Vice Chairman
Marghie M. Seymour, Selectman

Selectmen's Email: selectmen@townoflittleton.org

Executive Secretary for the Board of Selectmen:

Ceil Stubbings
cstubbings@townoflittleton.org
125 Main Street
Suite 200
Littleton, NH 03561
603.444.3996 x15
603.444.1703 (fax)

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