Sanchez Will Leave Interim
Zoning Position in Braintree

The Braintree selectboard met May 1 with board members George Gray and Walt Palmer present along with Delinquent Tax Collector Cora Benoir, Treasurer Janice Thresher, interim zoning administrator Mardee Sanchez and road foreman Mark Chase.

Citizen Brian Jones said the work on the river done by the state five years ago to shore up the river bank on his Route 12A property is failing. Trees are down and a dam has formed that catches debris.

Palmer replied that the road crew will take a look at the trees and move them. He also asked about getting the group who did the work to come back and review the project.

Cora Benoir reported that delinquent taxes are just about average for this time of year, at about $71,434 left to be collected. Some of the uncollected taxes are on trailers in the mobile home park that were sold but whose previous owners still are responsible for the taxes, she said.

Mardee Sanchez proposed that the fee schedule for various zoning permits should be adjusted.

Permits for construction of small accessory buildings or for certificates of occupancy would cost $30.

A permit requiring a public hearing would cost $100, and all other permits would be $50.

The new fees were approved.

Sanchez also noted she had originally been hired for 6-8 weeks, and she had thought she could work through the summer if she was needed, but she is finding herself too busy and will leave at the end of May.

Sharon Liebert was appointed to both the Development Review Board and the Planning Commission and Nancy Gray to the Planning Commission.

Selectman Gray questioned wither he should second the motion and vote, because Ms. Gray is his mother and it may be viewed as a conflict of interest. Discussion ensued and it was decided that board members are really needed on both the boards, and the Selectboard would appoint virtually anyone who is interested; therefore there is no conflict of interest.

After an executive session, it was decided to offer the road crew position to Henry Lefebvre.