RAYMOND BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES 01-21-03 Approved 02-03-03
The meeting was called to order at 6:45 p.m. by Chairman Harold Wood. Members present: Norm Weldy, Wayne Welch, Paul Brown and Jonathan Wood. Also present: Town Manager Richard Bates.

Chairman Harold Wood led a salute to the flag and moment of silence for departed citizen Ronald Shurtner.

Elderly Exemptions - Town Manager Bates stated that the dates for public hearing were not correct. If the Board decides to move forward with this amendment, it could be challenged by anyone.

Selectman Weldy stated that is why we hire attorneys. We should go forward because we did this in good faith and on the advise of DRA.

Selectman Welch stated that this bothered him and while he agrees with the exemptions, because of the error in dates, he is not willing to go forward with this.

Selectman J. Wood agreed with Selectman Welch that this came as a rush and if we are not hitting our dates as we are supposed to, then we should not do it. This will give us more time to present it to the public.

Selectman Weldy stated that we went by the dates DRA gave us. Several Towns are increasing these exemptions including disability. We are not the ones that made the mistake.

Chairman Harold Wood stated that even though DRA will not challenge it, someone else may. If it's challenged the result could be a court battle.

Selectman Welch stated that they are talking about one million dollars and we should make sure that we are following the law to the letter. He added that it is the Selectmen's responsibility to do this right.

MOTION: Selectman J. Wood made a motion not to include the elderly exemption article in the warrant. Selectman Welch seconded. DISCUSSION: Selectman Welch stated that he is not against the amendment, just the timing of it) Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

MOTION: Selectman J. Wood made a motion to place elderly exemptions on the agenda for the first Board of Selectmen meeting in April. Selectman Welch seconded. Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Public Hearing - Bond Issue for Water System Improvements
Chairman Harold Wood opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m.

Selectman Weldy stated that this does not impact the tax rate.

Chairman Harold Wood closed the public hearing at 7:08 p.m.

MOTION: Selectman Weldy made a motion to place this on the ballot. Selectman J. Wood seconded. Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Other Business
Selectman J. Wood announced that sign up for municipal and school district elections has begun. He urged citizens to get involved in local government.

Adjournment
MOTION: Selectman J. Wood made a motion to adjourn. Selectman Weldy seconded. Voted unanimously in the affirmative. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:09 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Bette Patterson
Selectmen's Secretary