Work Session
April 19, 2010
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Remillard, Danderson, McCue, Evans, Rozek; Councilors Poulin, Cayer and Landry were absent.
Others present: Blandine Shallow, Debbie Patrick, students, media and public
Tax Deeded Properties
Ms. Shallow distributed a list of tax deeded properties which are properties that have not paid taxes since 2007. The property owner will be given the opportunity to repurchase; letters will be sent out next week explaining that the law allows for the property owner to have 30 days to give the city notification that they intend to repurchase and then they have fifteen days to come up with the money. Andre Caron and Angela Martin Giroux go to each tenancy to explain the eviction process. Properties bought back have to be brought current on taxes and sewer and there is a penalty of 15% of the property value added to the amount due.
Mayor Grenier noted that many of these are problem properties and we have to temper with the expectation that the city will incur some cost in dealing with them. He asked if buildings deeded by the city and repurchased by the former owner have to be brought to code. Ms. Shallow indicated that eminent problems are taken care of. Mayor Grenier asked that Mr. Caron come to the next meeting to discuss a path forward on the properties.
Councilor Danderson acknowledged that there is $113,849 of lost tax revenue on these properties; however the cost to the city is likely more than that in services. He was adamant that the city apply the law all the same for everyone. Councilor Remillard confirmed that once a property is sold by the city, any taxes remaining over the purchase price would be a write off. Councilor McCue stated that any proceeds over and above the city’s taxes, interest, fees and costs goes to the former owner. Ms. Shallow commented that she cannot put a lien on the delinquent taxpayer’s other properties.
Robin Hood Road Rally Agreement
Councilor McCue was asked about the contract between the Road Rally and the City and he questioned the parties mentioned in the agreement; on page 1 it is Aftokinito Rally Inc and on page 5 it is Autosports International. It appears that they are two different companies.
In Exhibit B, Councilor McCue was not clear on the amounts. Section 3.6 of the contract has a covenant not to sue that the city will not sue the state but the contract is between the company and city.
Section 4.6 has a clause that closes the door to going to court; however mediation would be used to resolve problems which is the first step in NH courts. Compensation, how much will we be paid for this, is not clear in the contract.
He questioned the absence of a clause that says money to cover the city’s costs will be kept in escrow to be paid to the city assuring that there will be no cost to the city. Councilor Remillard stated that if the clause is not there, it should be because that is what they promised.
Councilor Danderson moved to accept the contract subject to final approval by the city attorney and that the names in the contract are reconciled and authorizing the city manager to sign; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried.
Legislative Policies
Mayor Grenier indicated that the City Manager put these policies on the agenda for review. He asked if Council members want to take a position. Councilor Evans moved to authorize the City Manager to sign in support of the legislative policies presented; Councilor Danderson seconded and the motion carried.
Other
There was no business under other.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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