WARRANT

for the

MARCH 31, 2003

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING

w/Explanation Report

ARTICLE  1:  UNPAID BILLS.   To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the payment of certain unpaid bills for previous years, or take any other action thereon.

The Finance Committee recommended no action.

Voted Unanimously

§         This article is on the Warrant in the event that previous years’ bills are identified.  As of this date, no action is required. 

ARTICLE  2:  FY 2003 BUDGET AMENDMENTS.  To see if the Town will vote to amend the vote taken under Article 2 of the May 20, 2002 Annual Town Meeting and Article 2 of the November 25, 2002 Special Town Meeting by increasing certain appropriations, or by reducing certain appropriations, by transfer among accounts, by transfer from prior appropriations under Articles, or from available funds, or take any other action thereon. 

The Finance Committee recommended no action.

Voted Unanimously

§         This Article is on the Warrant in the event that amendments are required in the operating budgets for Town departments in the current fiscal year.  No such amendments are required at this time.

ARTICLE  3:   PINE & MAPLE STREETS HIGHWAY & SIDEWALK EASEMENTS.  To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire, accept as a gift, take by eminent domain, Highway and Sidewalk Easements at the intersection of Pine and Maple Streets as shown on a plan entitled “Easement Plan of Land, Danvers, Massachusetts, Dated November 13, 2002” a copy of which is on file with the Town Clerk, or take any other action thereon. 

The Finance Committee recommend that the Town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire, accept as a gift, take by eminent domain, Highway and Sidewalk Easements at the intersection of Pine and Maple Streets, as shown on a plan entitled “Easement Plan of Land, Danvers, Massachusetts,” a copy of which is on file with the Town Clerk.

Voted unanimously

§         For the past 2½ years, Massachusetts Highway and its contractor, Charles Contracting Company, Inc., have been reconstructing Pine Street, including a new water main, curbing, sidewalks, drainage, and new roadway surface.

 

Over the past several months, the Town and its design consultant, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., have been working to address concerns with minimizing the impacts to two driveways at #3 Pine Street and meeting ADA and AAB sidewalk requirements at the intersection of Pine and Maple Streets.

 

The final resolution to address the requirements with respect to the driveway aprons and ADA and AAB regulations is to acquire a 25 square foot Highway Easement and a 90 square foot Sidewalk Easement from the property owners at 260 Maple Street.  This revised design that requires the easements includes a traffic island in the intersection along with a greater travel sight distance with respect to the crosswalks at the intersection.

 

Engineering has met with the property owners who have agreed in concept to the Highway and Sidewalk Easement and Town Meeting authorization is required to accept, acquire or take by eminent domain these easements as shown on a plan proposed by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. [Appendix A].

ARTICLE 4:   HOLTEN-RICHMOND MIDDLE SCHOOL.  To see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate for the design, engineering, bidding specifications, construction, renovation, demolition, furnishing and equipping of the Holten-Richmond Middle School facility, and that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow said sum under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or Chapter 70B of the General Laws or any other enabling authority; and that the Town Manager is authorized to take any other action necessary to carry out this project; provided, however, that no debt may be incurred under this vote until the State Department of Education has included the Town’s application for a state school facilities grant on its list of completed project applications, showing the priority assigned; and provided, further, that this vote shall not take effect until the Town votes to exempt from the limitation on total taxes imposed by G.L. Chapter 59, §21C (Proposition 2½) amounts required to pay the principal of and interest on the borrowing authorized by this vote, or take any other action thereon.

Amendment submitted by John Webb: 

We recommend that the Town appropriate $25,785,000 for the design, engineering, bidding specifications, construction, renovation, furnishing and equipping of the Holten-Richmond Middle School facility, including related demolition of existing structures; that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow $25,785,000 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or Chapter 70B of the General Laws or any other enabling authority; and that the Town Manager is authorized to take any other action necessary to carry out this project; provided, however,  

The Webb amendment amending the Finance Committee recommendation was voted by a roll call vote.

 §         This Article is a request for an appropriation to move to the construction phase of implementing the School Committee’s plan for a new Middle School in the former Holten-Richmond school.  Last May, the Town Meeting voted to appropriate funding to hire the architect to begin the final design, engineering, and bid specifications for this important project.

 

 BACKGROUND

 

The School Committee’s decision to recommend this plan followed an extensive review and public input process to determine the feasibility of renovating the Holten-Richmond for use as a Middle School.  This plan addresses the middle school facility space and program deficiencies as identified by the School Committee.  This process included the appointment of a special Building Advisory Committee (BAC), hiring of an architect to perform a feasibility study, televising dozens of meetings where the general public was provided with an opportunity to participate, and disseminating informational literature to update residents on the committee’s work.   The B.A.C.’s efforts culminated in a series of well-attended public forums where the overall review process was described, their recommendations presented and questions answered.  Their findings were that the Holten-Richmond was a suitable location for a middle school, a concept with which the School Committee agreed  and went on to recommend to the Selectmen.

 

The Board of Selectmen concurred with the School Committee’s recommendation and subsequently placed and supported an article on the 2002 Annual Town Meeting Warrant to hire the architect for the Phase I-Holten-Richmond Renovations and Addition project.

 

 PROJECT DESIGN AND SCHEDULE

 

The vote by Town Meeting authorized the hiring of an architect who began the planning and architectural design process last fall.   A Holten-Richmond Design/Construction Advisory Committee was appointed with representatives from Town Meeting, Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Building Advisory Committee, Finance Committee, neighborhood, and School and Town staff to provide input throughout the design and construction process.  During the late fall, the architect developed a series of preliminary design concepts which were reviewed and discussed.   In January, a design was selected which provides for the renovation of the three-story Holten-Richmond building and the construction of an addition to the rear of the Richmond building (closest to Lane Parkway).  The building’s exterior design can be seen in Appendix B.  The work will include renovation of 58,770 sq. ft. of existing building space and the construction of a 90,340 sq. ft. addition, for a total of approximately 149,110 sq. ft.

 

The recommended design has a number of key features, including the restoration of the architecturally significant Conant Street façade of the buildings, incorporation of an “environmentally friendly” green building design with its enhanced energy efficiency and cost savings, construction of 36 regular and 9 science classrooms, required music, art, special ed, tech ed, gymnasium, and library space, as well as an appropriately sized cafeteria and multi-purpose room.  Appendix C shows the anticipated layout of a typical classroom.  Appendix D shows the anticipated layout for all three floors.  Computer technology will be incorporated into all academic areas.  Upon completion, the building will fully meet State educational program  standards for a middle school.  It will also be fully accessible for the disabled.  Overall, the building is being designed to accommodate enrollment of up to 1,000 middle school students (grades 6-8) for a 50-year useful life.    Current student enrollment (as of October 1, 2002) is 922.

 

The building design provides for two distinct facades.  The Conant Street facade reflects an effort to restore and enhance the original façade and appearance.  Although access to the buildings will be available on this side, the primary entrance will be to the rear of the buildings.  The Plains Park facade is a modern design which will serve as the functional entranceway to the facility.   Its southern exposure provides the opportunity to utilize solar energy as a means of increasing energy efficiency, as well as to maximize the use of natural lighting for the building’s interior.  The use of solar energy concepts will benefit the Town by increasing its eligibility for State reimbursement by two percentage points (approximately $550k).

 

The design also facilitates the year round use and access to the building’s community space, including the gym and multi-purpose room.  This has been accomplished in a manner which maximizes building security considerations by directing community activities away from the academic areas of the building.

 

Traffic flow for student drop-off and busing will be to the rear of the building.  A traffic consultant is working with the Town, the neighbors and the architect to develop a safe and effective access and egress plan which minimizes the adverse impact on the neighborhood.  Parking for the facility will be located in the existing lot to the rear of the building adjacent to the Twi-field.

 

The schedule provides for completion of design plans and bidding documents in late fall of this year so the project can be advertised for bids by the end of the calendar year.  The bid award and mobilization by the general contractor for the start of construction is expected during the first quarter of CY 2004.   It is anticipated that the building will be completed in time for the start of classes in September, 2005.

 

     STATE REIMBURSEMENT GRANT

 

The schedule also anticipates the submission of an application from the Town by June 30 of this year to the Massachusetts School Building Assistance program (SBA), a prerequisite to the Town’s gaining eligibility for State reimbursement.  Based on current criteria, the Town expects to be reimbursed at a rate between 58-62%, including interest on the bonds.  An assumption that the Town will be reimbursed at a rate of 60% has been used for financial planning purposes.

 

The SBA has been the subject of recent statewide debate in view of its cost and implications on the states budget problems.   The program has been assisting communities since 1948 in the financing of school construction projects.  Danvers has been receiving reimbursements for the past several years for SBA grants related to the construction of the Highlands, Riverside and Great Oak School projects.   Reimbursements are paid in equal payments over a twenty-year period.

 

The most recent SBA debate focused on a decision by the Commissioner of Education in February to place a moratorium on the submission of new applications this June--a move that would have adversely affected Danvers and a dozen or more other communities.  Quick action by the Town’s legislative delegation led to the approval by the legislature and Governor of a provision which effectively “grandfathers” Danvers and the other communities who have been working toward the June 30 submission date.  At the same time, the Governor made it clear that the moratorium on new submissions will now become effective as of July 1.   He also stated that program changes, including possible decreases in the rate of reimbursement, may be implemented for applications submitted after July 1. 

 

 The wording of this warrant article prohibits the Town from moving forward to actual construction unless the SBA has voted to accept and place the Town’s application on the approved list for State reimbursement.    It would appear, then, that the Town is well positioned at this time to take advantage of a narrow window of opportunity in order to maximize its State reimbursement for the Holten-Richmond Middle School.

 

 PROJECT COSTS

 

The total project cost is estimated at $29,720,500, which includes $1,535,500 in architectural and design fees approved by the May, 2002 Annual Town Meeting.  The appropriation requested under this article is $28,185,000.  The actual final construction cost is subject to State required public bidding.  The potential exists that the current adverse economic condition of the State’s construction industry may have a favorable impact on the bid price of this project.   The project budget breaks out as follows:

Holten-Richmond Middle School Project Cost:

      General construction                          $22,323,000

      Architectural & Design                                     2,125,500

      Testing, Inspection, Borings

        & Surveys                                                             388,000

      Reimbursables                                                      200,000

      Project Manager & Clerk  of Works                    375,000

      Furnishings & Equipment                                  1,000,000

      Computer Technology                                       1,400,000

      Bonding & Administrative Costs                         110,000

      Moving Costs                                                          50,000

Contingency                                                        1,749,000

Total  Estimated Project Cost                     $29,720,500

Less May 20, 2002 Town

   Meeting Appropriation                                 -1,535,500 

Net Appropriation Requested                   $28,185,000

 

As indicated earlier in this report, State reimbursement at an estimated rate of 60% is expected to apply to the maximum reimbursable project cost of $27,500,000.   Overall, then, the net cost to the Town should be about $13,220,500, exclusive of additional reimbursement for bond interest.

 

  PROJECT FINANCING

 

The cost of this project would be financed through the issuance of tax-exempt general obligation bonds over a 25-year period.   The Board of Selectmen has recommended that the annual principal and interest costs attributable to this project be excluded from the Town’s property tax limitation through means of a debt exclusion.  The Board voted in December to make this recommendation after a series of public forums on financing options which were held over a four-month period.  This process was followed by several lengthy, public Board discussions on the potential advantages and disadvantages of various approaches. 

 

The Board is recommending a debt exclusion because it is seen as the most fiscally prudent option to finance a capital project of this magnitude.   The Town’s flexibility in the future to absorb this new debt service within the operating budget is expected to be minimal, now that the community has reached its property tax ceiling (as of FY 2003).   In fact, the Board expects that, in FY 2004 and for each subsequent year, the process of constructing and balancing the operating budget in a way that maintains desired service levels will be very difficult even without the assumption of new debt costs for the Holten-Richmond.

 

 In the peak year (FY 2011) of the bond repayment schedule, the net debt service cost to the Town for this project is estimated at nearly $1.8 million, while the average annual net cost over the 25 years of the bond is estimated at $964,000.   By way of comparison, the total Town tax-rate-supported debt service appropriation in the current year is just over $2.7 million.  The Town’s overall capital plan provides for the ongoing issuance of new debt at modest appropriation levels as old bonds are paid off.   This insures the Town’s ability to properly maintain and address its capital infrastructure needs on an even-keeled and planned basis.  In the building area alone, the Town of Danvers has approximately one million square feet of total space with an estimated replacement value in excess of $150 million.

 

   DEBT EXCLUSION PROCESS  

 

Approval of a debt exclusion is a three-step process, requiring the following:

 

(1)       A vote of Town Meeting, approving this article by a margin of not less than 2/3;

(2)       A 4/5 vote of the Board of Selectmen to place a question on the ballot as   part of the Town’s May 6 Town Election; and

(3)       A majority vote in the affirmative on the ballot question.

   

Once approved, the annual principal and interest payments for the project would be excluded from the Town’s property tax limitation in conjunction with the tax-rate setting process.  The Massachusetts Department of Revenue would review the calculation each year to certify that the precise amount of the exclusion is correct.  Upon repayment of the bonds (25 years), the debt exclusion would no longer be permitted.

 

   HOMEOWNER COSTS 

The estimated annual impact for the average homeowner (a home currently assessed at $277,000) for the Holten-Richmond Middle School would be just under $86.  Municipal bonds are normally issued on a declining balance basis; thus, the costs for each year will vary.  The highest cost or peak year (FY 2011) is estimated at $169 for the average homeowner.  The lowest cost years (FYs 2027 & 2028) are estimated at $23 &  $14 respectively.

 

These actual costs are expected to be reduced for taxpayers in the highest cost years by the use of funds from the Town Meeting established High School/Middle School Reserve Account which was created for this purpose.   In FY 2011, the Account is expected to have a balance of more than $7 million.    If one-half of this amount were utilized to reduce the debt impact on taxpayers over the course of the highest cost years (FYs 2011-18), it would significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for homeowners.  For example, the peak-year impact could be reduced from $169 to $97, and the overall, average annual homeowner cost from $86 to $72.
 

  SUMMARY

This article is a request for an appropriation through borrowing of $28,185,000, subject to approval of a debt exclusion and acceptance of the Town’s pending grant application under the School Building Assistance program.

 

The March 18 Finance Committee will include an overview presentation by the project architect, the School Committee, Board of Selectmen and School and Town staff.  

 

ARTICLE  5:   BY-LAW AMENDMENT.  To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town Bylaw, Chapter V relative to permit fee schedules as follows,  or take any other action thereon.

CHAPTER V

Inspector of Wires

 

Section 1.  The Town Manager shall appoint an Inspector of Wires who shall perform the duties set forth in General Laws Chapter 166, Section 32, and such other duties as the Town Manager may direct.

Section 2.  No person, firm, or corporation shall install or change any wires, appliances, or apparatus for the transmission or use of electricity for light, heat, or power in any building or on any premises, whether public or private, without first obtaining a permit therefore from the Inspector of Wires.  Said permit shall only apply where the work to be done is by or for the same person, firm, or corporation on the same premises and at the same time.

Section 2A.  The Town Manager shall appoint an Inspector of Gas Piping and Gas Appliances in buildings whose duties shall be to enforce the rules and regulations adopted by the Board established under Section Twelve-H of Chapter 25 of the General Laws. 

Section 3.  The following schedule of fees for permits and inspections made under the provisions of this By-law is hereby established, said fees to be payable at the Office of the Inspector of Wires at the time of the application for such permit or inspection.

1.          One Dollar and Fifty Cents ($1.50) per   One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) or  fraction thereof of valuation of new one and two family residential construction, as shown on the building permit application, with a minimum fee of Twenty-Five  Dollars ($25).  Multifamily and Non-residential, Two Dollars ($2) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) or fraction thereof of valuation of new construction as shown on the building permit application.  Minimum fee shall be Fifty Dollars ($50).

2.          For a blanket permit for all electrical work in a commercial or industrial property, annually:  Seventy-Five Dollars ($75) where the average number of employees during the preceding six (6) months is less than one hundred (100). 

One Hundred Twenty-Five Dollars ($125) where the average number of employees during the preceding six (6) months is between one hundred (100) and three hundred (300).  One Hundred Seventy-Five Dollars ($175) where the average number of employees during the preceding six (6) months is more than three hundred (300). 

All blanket permits to be applied for and permits issued during the first work week of each year, except that during the remainder of the year after the effective date of this by-law, permits may be granted during any month of the year, deducting 5% of the cost of the permit for each elapsed month.   The total fee shall be not less than 25% of the annual cost.  Blanket permits shall not cover work performed in conjunction with a building permit.

3.        Existing Residential Property:  Twenty-Five Dollars ($25) for repairs, rewiring, replacement,  additional or new wiring where no building permit is required.   Forty Dollars ($40) for the installation of a new service or change of service.

4.          Private Swimming Pools:  A.   Above-Ground Swimming Pools, Twenty-Five Dollars ($25).  B.   In-Ground Swimming Pools, Fifty Dollars ($50).      

5.          Existing Commercial Property:  Fifty Dollars  ($50) for the installation of a new service (400 AMPS or less), and/or rewiring, repair, replacement, additional or new wiring where no building permit is required.  For new services in excess of 400 AMPS, Fifty Dollars ($50) plus Twenty Dollars ($20) per 100 AMPS in excess of 400 AMPS.

6.          Temporary Services:  New Construction and Reconstruction, Twenty-Five Dollars ($25).

7.          For work begun without timely filing of the permit application, pursuant to Section 3L, Chapter 143, Massachusetts General Laws, the fee shall be double the above specified amount.

8.          A re-inspection fee of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25) may be imposed where the work requires additional inspections due to repeat violations and/or incomplete work.  The decision of the Inspector of Wires shall be final regarding re-inspection fees.

9.          No fee or other charge for any permit or inspection shall be charged for work or inspections required on any municipal project or Danvers Housing Authority project situated on real estate owned by the Danvers Housing Authority. 

10.       Low Voltage Wiring:   Fire Alarms, Security Systems, Data and Telecommunications: One and Two Family Dwellings, Twenty-Five Dollars ($25); All others, Two Dollars ($2) per each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) or fraction thereof of estimated cost of the installation with a minimum fee of Fifty Dollars ($50).

11.       Site Work:    In instances where site wiring (exterior lighting, signs, etc.) is performed by a separate contractor, not responsible for the entire project, the fee shall be calculated at a rate of Two Dollars ($2) per each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) or fraction thereof of the estimated cost of the electrical site work.

12.      Refunds:       All fees for electrical permits are non-refundable.   If, for some reason, the electrician to whom the permit is issued does not complete the work for which the permit has been issued, a new permit to allow for continuance of the work, consisting of the same scope as the original project, may be issued to another licensed electrician for a Twenty-Five Dollar ($25) administrative fee plus a Twenty-Five Dollar ($25) inspections fee if un-inspected work remains before the next electrician commences his/her work.  

§         The fees charged for wire permits were last amended in 1990.  The cost of providing Town services related to these permits has risen over time and certain areas of work were not included in the schedule of fees.   Other costs such as re-inspections and deterrents for work without permits need to be addressed. The proposed changes will address the inflationary effects of the past years, the areas not previously covered and deter the need for re-inspections and work without permits.

 

Appendix E compares the current By-law with the proposed changes.

 

Voted by a voice vote.

 

 

ARTICLE  6:   BY-LAW AMENDMENT.  To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town Bylaw, Chapter IX-A relative to permit fee schedules as follows,  or take any other action thereon.

CHAPTER IX-A

BUILDING PERMITS

Section 1.  Before a building permit shall be issued in accordance with provisions of the State Building Code and the Town of Danvers Zoning Bylaw,  a fee based on the following schedule shall be paid to the Town of Danvers as calculated by the Office of the Building Inspector, in the Office of the Town Treasurer, for deposit in the Town Treasury:

A.        Residential One and Two Family Dwellings and Accessory Structures: 

1.   New Construction  One & Two Family Dwellings Seven Dollars ($7) per each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) of the estimated cost of building--or any fraction thereof, rounded up to the next whole thousand.

Minimum cost estimates shall be calculated at a cost of Sixty Dollars ($60) per square foot of habitable floor space and Twenty Dollars ($20) per square foot of unfinished frame construction including but not limited to garages, storage areas or porches.  The minimum fee shall be $25. 

2.   Additions, alterations or repairs shall be Five Dollars ($5) for one & two family dwellings per each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) of estimated cost or any fraction thereof, rounded up to the next whole thousand.  Minimum fee shall be Twenty-Five Dollars ($25).

3.   Accessory structures (including swimming pools) shall be Five Dollars ($5) per each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) of estimated building cost or any fraction thereof, rounded up to the next whole thousand.  Minimum fee shall be Twenty-Five Dollars ($25).

4.       Solid fuel burning appliances and vents shall be Twenty-Five Dollars ($25)  per appliance.         

B.         Non-Residential, Commercial and Industrial and Residential (other than one and two family) and Multi-family Dwellings:

1.       New construction shall be Eleven Dollars ($11) per each One Thousand Dollars ($l,000) of the estimated cost of building or any fraction thereof, rounded up to the next whole thousand.  The Inspector of Buildings may request substantiation of cost estimates and the judgment of the Inspector shall be final regarding estimates, but must be reasonable based upon reference to Marshall's Valuation Service or other recognized valuation manual.  Minimum fee shall be Fifty Dollars ($50). 

2.       Alterations, repairs, mechanical equipment shall be Nine Dollars ($9) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) of estimated cost of the building or any fraction thereof, rounded up to the next whole thousand.  Minimum fee shall be Fifty Dollars ($50).   

C.        Demolition:

1.    Twenty-Five Dollars ($25) for the first l,000 square feet; Ten Dollars ($10) for each additional  l,000 square feet or fraction thereof, rounded up to the next whole thousand for one & two family dwellings and structures accessory thereto.   For all others structures, the fee shall be One Hundred Dollars ($100) for the first 1,000 square feet; Twenty-Five Dollars ($25) for each additional 1,000 square feet or fraction thereof.

Section 2.  No fee or other charge for any building permit or inspection shall be required for any work or inspection on a municipal project or Danvers Housing Authority project situated on real estate owned by the Danvers Housing Authority. 

Section 3.  A fee of Twenty Dollars ($20) shall be paid for a Certificate of Use and Occupancy for work in conjunction with a building permit.  Where no Building Permit is required, the fee shall be Twenty-Five Dollars ($25). 

Section 4.  A re-inspection fee of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25) may be imposed where work is under the direction of a Licensed Construction Supervisor or performed as Control Construction, both terms as defined in the Massachusetts State Building Code, requiring additional inspections due to repeat violations and/or incomplete work.  The decision of the Inspector of Buildings shall be final regarding re-inspection fees. 

Section 5.  The above itemized fees shall be doubled when work is commenced without first obtaining the requisite building permit for work under the direction of a Licensed Construction Supervisor or performed as Control Construction, both terms as defined in the Massachusetts State Building Code.

Section 6.  Refunds: If a permit application, for which a fee has been paid, is subsequently denied or withdrawn prior to commencement of construction, the applicant is entitled to a refund of the amount paid, less a plan review/administrative fee. The review/administrative fee shall be One Dollar ($1) per each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) of construction cost estimate with a minimum fee of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25) and a maximum fee of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000).  Once construction has commenced, there shall be no refunds.  A permit shall lapse when work authorized is not commenced within six (6) months as regulated by the Massachusetts State Building Code.  There shall be no refunds for lapsed permits; however, a permit may be reissued upon payment of an administrative fee calculated to cover the cost of any additional expenditures by the Town associated with the services required to process the new application such as legal, clerical, technical (plan review, inspections), and administrative activities.  The minimum fee for reissuing a permit shall be Twenty-Five Dollars ($25) for One and Two Family Dwellings and Fifty Dollars ($50) for all others.   

§         The fees charged for building were last amended in 1990.  The cost of providing Town services related to these permits has risen over time and certain areas of work were not included in the schedule of fees.   Other costs such as re-inspections and deterrents for work without permits need to be addressed. The proposed changes will address the inflationary effects of the past years, the areas not previously covered and deter the need for re-inspections and work without permits.

 

Appendix F compares the current By-law with the proposed changes.

  

Voted unanimously.

 

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

 Martha R. Swindell                                                    

Kenneth W. Brown                            

Ellen D. Graham                                                        

Michael W. Powers

Randall S. Sparkas