Board of Selectmen
Site Walk Minutes
May 14, 2005
The purpose of this site walk is determine if any progress is being made at the (4) four residences deemed junkyards by the Board of Selectmen which had been last inspected on January 15, 2005. In attendance were Chairman Norman P. Harding, John P. Ulcickas, and Gary F. Nelson. The minutes were transcribed and typed by Selectman Gary Nelson, and digital pictures were taken when possible.
10:15AM at 43 North Main Street
Arrived at the residence of Mr. Louis Whitty of 43 North Main Street. Mr. Whitty was in the driveway working on an older boat when the Selectmen approached him and asked if they could look around to see if any progress had been made. Mr Whitty agreed and then became belligerent and asked why the Selectmen were picking on him. He repeatedly mentioned Chase Rd and stated “why don’t you (expletive) guys harass that guy. Take a ride by on one of your (expletive) drives and see all the expletive)(expletive) he has in his yard. This is harassment!” Chairman Harding explained to him that we were unaware of the residence. Selectman Nelson urged Mr. Whitty to please file a complaint. He (Nelson) also stated that the Selectmen would “drive by and inspect the property and take action if deemed it
too was indeed a junkyard”. Mr. Nelson also reminded Mr. Whitty AGAIN that he was on a main road and that is probably why his property was “targeted” by complaints by passersby.
After much discussion about what was considered “junk” “to some”, it was agreed that a letter would be forwarded back to Mr. Whitty for his review and a time setup again to inspect and come into compliance. It was noted that there were several boats on and off trailers. There was much discussion about the recent EEE findings, West Nile Virus and how the boats could pool water and create mosquito breeding grounds. Chairman
Harding explained the Mosquito Control Program that the town has in place.
It was agreed that a letter would be sent to Health Inspectors Office for his review.
Selectman Nelson reiterated the fact that this was not a game and that everyone was sure to be “doing other things than inspecting alleged junk yards”. He stated to Mr. Whitty that he had to leave his 10 year old sons’ baseball game this morning and would “rather be there than at Mr. Whittys’ residence.” Overall, Mr. Whitty has NOT been cooperative and has done nothing to come into compliance. Legal action will most likely be taken. It was agreed that a letter would be sent to him asking him to remove the items in question with a date to be determined at the next Selectmen meeting.
10:45AM Wallace St. at 14 Wallace Street
No significant cleanup has been done since the last site walk. It was noted that Mr. Dolak had a dumpster after last summers inspection. It appears that junk removed had been replaced with new junk. It was noted that there are vehicles, metal piles, etc, right on or in the wetland areas. A large rust colored puddle was accumulating on the easement access road. Selectman Nelson stated that it appeared to be caused by the metal, as it was leeching down from several metal piles in the yard. Mr. Dolak claimed it was from the ledge in the yard. There was much discussion about what people should be able to do with their own property. Chairman Harding stated that was true, within reason. Selectman Ulcickas agreed. Mr. Dolak stated that he was in the process of “moving some more stuff
around” but that he was waiting for the ground to dry up a little. Selectman Nelson quipped that “it appears that is ALL you are doing!” Selectman Ulcickas noted two plow frames IN the wetland area that were sticking up, quite possibly a health issue as they are right on the side of the road and they are very blunt. A large pool of rust colored water was noted on the Towns’ access easement that appears to be runoff from the metal in Mr. Dolaks’ yard. Selectman Ulcickas thought we should get the state environmental authorities to inspect the property, especially around the wetland areas. It is Selectman Nelsons’ opinion that this residence IS a junk yard and that he WILL NEVER clean it up unless the board takes legal action to enforce the zoning.
10:50AM at 5 Crane Crossing Road
Mr. Hart was not at home so access to the property was not available. A new appointment will be made to inspect the property.
11:17AM at 58 Peaslee Crossing
Mr. Riccio was waiting out front as the Selectmen arrived. Chairman Harding introduced the board and Mr. Riccio stated “you are parked on my land”. He then pointed out a rod and stated that it was the boundary marker. Chairman Harding stated that the Town owns 15 feet from the centerline of the road and we were not on Mr. Riccios’ property. Selectman Nelson asked if we could inspect the property and Mr. Riccio stated “no comment”. Mr. Nelson reminded him that we would just have to get an Administrative Warrant and inspect it that way. Mr Riccio stated “do what you have to do”. Mr. Riccio stated to the board that he felt he was being harassed and he can do what he wants with his land. Chairman Harding stated that there are zoning rules that will be enforced. Mr. Nelson
asked again to inspect the many vehicles for registrations and inspection stickers. Mr. Riccio refused access again and stated “they are farm vehicles, they don’t need to be inspected”. Chairman Harding responded “yes, but they MUST be registered.” Mr. Riccio stated that he felt Road Agent Gibbs was “operating illegally, why aren’t we going after him”? Chairman Harding explained that we were unaware of this. Mr. Nelson asked him to lodge a complaint, and Mr. Riccio stated “I mind my own business, but I will do what I have to do.” There was much discussion about the zoning regulations and Mr. Riccio requested he be given until mid September to come into compliance. Mr. Nelson and Chairman Harding agreed that this was acceptable, but that Mr. Riccio stated this before in a phone conversation with Selectman Harding and Chairman Cushing back in January 2005 after that site walk.
Mr. Riccio inquired about accessory buildings and Mr. Nelson reminded him of the new zoning regulations for accessory structures and he would have to apply with the Planning Board for a building over 1200 SF and state it’s use. It was agreed to give Mr. Riccio until September 2005 to come into compliance or that legal action would be taken then. It was noted that a letter would be sent out to the owners of the Chase road residence that the Selectmen drove by today at the request of Mr. Whitty and Whittier Street where there are several old rusted vehicles for sale in an empty lot located there.
The Selectmen returned to Town Hall at approximately 12:00 P.M. and ended the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Gary Nelson
Selectman
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