Minutes of the Bi-monthly Town Board Meeting held Tuesday, July 25, 2006, at 5:30 PM, at the Keene Town Hall. The following Town Board Members were present: William B. Ferebee, Supervisor, Paul R. Martin, Robert M. Biesemeyer, Marcy A. Neville and Lawrence Jaques, Members of Council. Also present were: Ron Briggs, Town Attorney, Tony Goodwin, Chairman, Board of Assessment Review and Ellen Estes, Town Clerk.

The Chairman, Mr. Ferebee, called the meeting to order at 5:36 PM.

The first issue discussed was the Nature Conservancy Tax Status.
Mr. Goodwin began by explaining that the Board of Assessment Review had deferred determination by leaving the Nature Conservancy on the tax roll giving the Town Board time to review the case.
It was then the decision of the Town Board to leave them on the roll while trying to initiate an agreement for their removal.
Mr. Briggs said he had been contacted by their Attorney today, who was livid that they had not received a determination from the Assessment Review Board.
Discussion was held in regards to the meetings held last year to work out an agreement. Mr. Goodwin said he attended a meeting and said the Nature Conservancy was willing to compensate the Town financially, in order to receive this exemption. Their Attorney told Mr. Briggs that an agreement had been made and not returned by the Town, since this can not be located; Mr. Briggs asked to have a copy sent to him.
Mr. Jaques suggested a meeting of the full Town Board with the Representatives of the Nature Conservancy.
Mr. Martin suggested considering using the business rate in determining what their compensation should be.
After further discussion, everyone seemed in agreement that case law would be on the side of the Nature Conservancy in finding them tax exempt. It was agreed that the Board of Assessment Review will sign off on the determination and notify them of their exemption for this year, while the Town works with them on an equitable agreement.

Mr. Ferebee informed the Board that he had met with Lynn Edmonds regarding the land necessary for the new water tank in Water District #2 and said she may be willing to accept this land sale as eminent domain. He said that Ron Briggs and he will meet with Ms. Edmonds again tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM.
Mr. Ferebee made the suggestion that after restoring the parcel that the existing well is currently on, may be it could be sold back to Ms. Edmonds at the same cost as the new parcel.

Next was a brief discussion regarding a request received from Ed Hood, at the APA, asking to put up fencing near the hiker parking lot on Marcy Field. Mr. Ferebee said the APA already has the materials and would construct the fence at no cost to the Town. Everyone agreed to let them go ahead.

Mr. Jaques asked what ever happened to the offer of the APA to renovate the Airport House.
Mr. Ferebee said he had just met with Ed Hood and Lauren Murphy, he said that there is a $150,000 grant to refurbish the building. He said plans are to roof, paint, and re-establish the back porch, installing 2 bathrooms and a small kitchenette. He said it would be a three season building with nothing being done upstairs.

Resolution No. 162 – 06
Mr. Jaques offered a resolution and moved its adoption. Be it resolved, that the following bills be accepted for payment, including those that were post paid. This resolution was seconded by Mr. Biesemeyer.
Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Ferebee: Yes
Mr. Martin: Yes
Mr. Biesemeyer: Yes
Ms. Neville: Yes
Mr. Jaques: Yes

General Fund bills No. 413 – 438 $15,681.42
Highway Fund bills No. 118 – 131 9,177.35
Library Fund bills No. 66 - 70 1,002.22
Water Dist. #1 bills No. 66 - 70 198.04
Water Dist. #2 bills No. 63 - 67 227.64
CPF – Riverside Park No. 3 45.00

Resolution No. 163 – 06
Mr. Jaques offered a resolution and moved its adoption. Be it resolved, that all business having been transacted, this meeting be adjourned. This resolution was seconded by Mr. Biesemeyer.
Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Ferebee: Yes
Mr. Martin: Yes
Mr. Biesemeyer: Yes
Ms. Neville: Yes
Mr. Jaques: Yes

The meeting was adjourned at 6:14 PM.

Ellen S. Estes, Town Clerk
July 27, 2006

William B. Ferebee, Supervisor
Paul R. Martin, Councilperson
Robert M. Biesemeyer, Councilperson
Marcy A. Neville, Councilperson
Lawrence Jaques, Councilperson