LISBON – Selectmen have agreed to consider withdrawing a decision to demolish Reginald Thiboutot’s condemned property on Village Street if he meets certain conditions.
He must allow an on-site inspection by the Board of Selectmen and the code enforcement officer; provide a written list of building materials needed to complete renovations; provide a signed contract with an electrical contractor; and provide a date for when the work will be completed and the building will be in compliance with town codes.
Selectmen will make a final decision Tuesday, Aug. 16, Chairman Mike Bowie said.
Thiboutot agreed to the conditions, but balked when Bowie suggested Thiboutot should pay for the town’s costs in the long-running dispute.
He maintained that the town never notified him of meetings about the property, which eventually led to condemnation proceedings and a demolition order.
The building was condemned under the town’s Dangerous Buildings Ordinance after many townspeople complained about it. The gutted building had no windows or doors, the sills were rotted and there was a hole in the roof, among other problems, according to town officials.
Town Manager Curtis Lunt said several attempts were made to reach Thiboutot during the condemnation process. The town sent registered mail, but never got a response, he said.
Bowie initially wanted to adjourn this week’s meeting early so selectmen could visit the site, but Thiboutot objected, saying there was no electricity inside the building at 39 Village St., so they probably wouldn’t be able to see it, and he needed time.
About 15 residents, four of whom spoke on his behalf, attended the meeting.
Town attorney Roger Therriault on Tuesday traced the steps the town has taken since last February to resolve the situation. Meetings with Thiboutot on March 1 and March 15 were postponed, and a hearing on the condemnation was held on April 5. Thiboutot did not attend.
Selectmen finally issued a condemnation order, giving the owner 30 days to obtain a building permit to repair the property or get a demolition permit. No permits were obtained.
Selectmen issued an order for the town to pay to have it demolished, which Thiboutot appealed to two different courts and lost, Therriault said.
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