READSBORO- Two residents of Readsboro want to know if a nearby property owner is running an illegal business and if the town plans to enforce the local zoning regulations.

Deborah Bouchard-Kelly and John Kelly, of Wiley Mountain Road, recently stated to the board that John Nichols, also of Wiley Mountain Road, has been running Green Mountain Outdoor Wood Furnaces out of his home for the past 30 months. Kelly argued that the business was in violation of town zoning regulations and said he would like to see Nichols pay a fine.

Zoning administrator Rodney Salamone said that he contacted Nichols, did a survey of his property, and found no evidence that Nichols was selling wood boilers from his home. Kelley said that Nichols’ tax ID number is still registered with the state and that Wiley Mountain is still listed on the state Web site as his business address. But, according to Salamone, Nichols went out of business on December 31, 2008.

On Tuesday, the issue was revisited. Kelly traded accusations with Salamone for refusing to enforce the zoning bylaws. Deborah Bouchard-Kelly also said that there were several products, including boilers, located on Nichols’ lawn. “He should pay the permit fee just like everyone else had to in Readsboro,” said Bouchard-Kelly.

Salamone insists there was no inventory onsite, that Nichols folded his business last year, and that he was not circumventing the town bylaws. “(I think) you’re trying to persecute somebody you say is running a business when there is no indication at all that he’s running it up there,” responded Salamone.

John Kelly called on Larry Hopkins, the development review board chair, to respond to the dilemma. Hopkins, who was present at Tuesday’s selectboard meeting, said Salamone handled everything appropriately, that the business is closed, and it’s all in the state’s hands to take down Nichols’ tax ID on the state’s Web site. “It’s not our responsibility they don’t update their site,” said Hopkins. That prompted John Kelly to respond.

“So there’s no supervision? Then that means anybody can do whatever the hell they want. Just as long as (Rodney) doesn’t see it,” said Kelly.

Kelly said he brought up the issue because he was led to believe that Nichols would close the business. But Kelly maintains that Nichols did not do due diligence and rescind his tax ID number. According to Kelly, Nichols’ business is still listed on the state Web site and the business is still active. “I’m bringing it up because I’m a taxpayer and he’s a slippery character,” said Kelly. “You want to let it go, we’ll let it go.”

“He’s gone. He’s no longer in business,” said Salamone.

A request for water and sewer rate changes was discussed for a resident who lost his home in a recent fire. Robert Birch requested the selectboard adjust his water and sewer rates until his residence at 6935 Main Street is rebuilt. No decision was made. The selectboard will discuss the issue at the next selectboard meeting. Selectboard chair Raymond Eilers said there have been several requests for water and sewer rate changes and he wants to make it a standard policy that the selectboard sees all the water and sewer requests before granting any exceptions.

The selectboard also discussed whether to replace the town clerk’s fax machine and PC. A request was made to purchase new equipment from Vermont Digital but selectboard chair Charlotte Clark suggested the selectboard shop around before committing to anything. The selectboard agreed to look around for cheaper prices and report back what they found at next week’s meeting.

In other news, the selectboard approved the Readsboro American Legion liquor license and set a date for the water bond hearing. The informational hearing will discuss article 12 on the Town Meeting warrant, which asks voters to approve a $1,430,000 bond for water and sewer capital improvements. The meeting will be held at the Readsboro Central School on Monday, February 23, at 6:30 pm.