March 31, 2010
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Joseph Gagnon, Linda Weeden, and Allen Hitchcock. Absent: Thomas Hooker. Also present: Tom Carrara, Bob Harnish (6:53 PM), Jack Rogers (6:53 PM), Linda Trask (6:53 PM), Dave Chapman (6:53 PM), John Haverstock and Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
MINUTES
The minutes from the March 17, 2010 meeting were reviewed and signed with no corrections.
ORDERS
The Orders of $28,684.77 (General Fund) and $9,168.26 (Payroll) were approved and signed following discussion as stated below:
J. Gagnon inquired about the fuel purchases for the Highway vehicles at Conway’s Mobil. J. Haverstock reported that this purchase was due to the tank being “off-line” at the highway garage.
J. Gagnon inquired if the uniform rentals could be combined on the Orders documents. J. Haverstock reported that they are separated due to the fact that they are received on separate invoices.
J. Haverstock indicated that there is a purchase for pagers for the Fire Department. T. Hooker reported to J. Haverstock that there is a grant to reimburse all but $1,800 of this purchase of $9,200. A. Hitchcock asked if the older pagers will be sold. J. Haverstock indicated that he will research this and advise. The pagers will be discussed at a future meeting due to the fact that T. Hooker is absent and would have any further information.
J. Gagnon inquired if the new voicemail system is working properly. J. Haverstock indicated that the former system was causing coverage issues, and is hopefully being resolved with this new system.
L. Weeden inquired about the payment to Otter Creek Engineering with reference to the Proctor Water Engineer. A. Hitchcock indicated that the Water & Sewer Commission has authorized up to $5,000 for engineering evaluation of the Proctor water abandonment.
L. Weeden inquired about the “double payment refund” that was listed. J. Haverstock explained this procedure.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT:
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- Update on Bruce Babcock with regard to health issues.
- The Water Project will begin again on April 5, 2010 with 7 crews working with Markowski Excavating and their subcontractors. The meters are continuing to be installed, with roughly 6 – 8 installations occurring daily. The next meetings to review payments will occur on April 20, 2010. The entire project is anticipated to be completed in mid-July.
- The Water & Sewer Commission will meet on April 20, 2010 and will continue to review the proposed sewer project. There was correspondence received from an Attorney at the Department of Environmental Conservation with regard to violation of discharge permit. J. Haverstock has been in communication and explained that there is a project in the “works” and will advise of the progress.
- Cans have been placed on display at the Transfer Station with regard to the $2 punch at the Transfer Station.
- The Feinstein Challenge is underway with the Town of Proctor to benefit the Food Shelf. Residents are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the Town Office through the end of April.
- Energy audits are available to the general public. Light bulbs, pipe wraps, etc are available at no cost.
- OMYA has accepted the invitation to meet with the Select Board occasionally. This will begin on April 21, 2010.
- Randy Adams will present the Recreation plans with regard to fees, etc. for the upcoming summer at the April 21, 2010 meeting.
- Representatives from the State of Vermont Agency of Transportation will be present at the April 21, 2010 to discuss the upcoming Route 7 upgrades.
- The Energy Audit is in the packets for review. Dan Adams has furnished this and is still reviewing this document, with regard to the Town Office. There are grants available for energy audits, and these can be applied for retroactively.
- J. Haverstock will be on vacation from April 5 – April 16.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
T. Carrara indicated that there has been a purchase in the past for 5 pagers and 5 uniforms annually. T. Carrara indicated that there was a grant used 3 years ago and inquired if this purchase would be against this grant. There was discussion and it is believed that this is a new grant.
T. Carrara inquired about the expense for Mark Youngstrom and what the work done included. A. Hitchcock indicated that there was a lot of work completed and Mr. Youngstrom has attended a lot of meetings. A. Hitchcock indicated that no decision on the sewer bond has been made at this point and the public will be informed as information is available.
L. Weeden indicated that she and her husband were on a Charter bus from Rutland to Montpelier sponsored by OMYA to see the Legislature at work. The Weedens met with Rep. Shaw and were introduced on the floor of the Legislature.
OLD BUSINESS:
Town Garage Project:
J. Haverstock reported that a pre-bid meeting occurred on March 24, 2010 with roughly 10 contractors attending. The bids will be opened on April 23, 2010 at 2:00 PM. The permit applications will be submitted and reviewed.
Discussion of Tandem Truck Bids:
This item was tabled until the entire Board is present.
NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion with the Listers:
Jack Rogers discussed the various courses that are offered and the courses that have been attended by at least one Lister.
Mr. Rogers would like the Select Board to review the possibility of including an end date for issued permits.
Bob Harnish indicated that it would be nice for there to be more information on the Listers included on the new website. A. Hitchcock inquired if the current technology that is used by the Listers is adequate. The Listers all feel that this system is more than they currently use, however, they are able to look into other aspects as they learn more about the system. Mr. Harnish indicated that this office works well together and takes pride in the work that they do on a daily basis.
Dave Chapman indicated that he feels that the Listers are within budget.
Linda Trask indicated that in the past, the Listers have met with representatives from OMYA with regard to the properties owned by OMYA and this was a way to update and maintain the records with this property owner. There will be a meeting in the future, as there have been many position changes within OMYA.
J. Haverstock commended the Listers for the work that they do. T. Pelkey agreed with this statement and would like to continue to have these meetings with updates to keep in contact with this Department.
Budget Status Report:
J. Haverstock reported that the fiscal year is 75% completed. The revenue and expense are also currently both at 75%. The Highway expense is currently at 63%. Shawn Erickson has expressed interest in completing extra paving this season. J. Haverstock will continue working with this project.
Application for Access/Right of Way Permits:
Lance & Terri Monger have submitted an application for Sugar Hollow Road property. S. Erickson has reviewed this application and determined no additional requirements. Motion by A. Hitchcock and seconded by J. Gagnon to approve the application as presented. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Tanner Romano (on behalf of Naylor & Breen Builders) submitted an application for Mathew & Kelly Markowski (property located on Fire Hill, just north of the shale pit). S. Erickson indicated that a ditch will need to be established, install an 18” culvert, and cut the driveway back enough so water from driveway does not run into the Town Highway. Motion by A. Hitchcock and seconded by L. Weeden to approve the application with the conditions stated. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
The Board recessed as the Select Board and convened as the Liquor Board at 7:39 PM.
The Board reconvened at 7:43 PM.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
J. Haverstock reported that there are legal issues pending litigation updates involving the town contractual issues, Legal issues, and personnel issues thus recommending Executive Session.
J. Gagnon made a motion and seconded by A. Hitchcock to go into Executive Session for legal issues where premature knowledge would be damaging to the town, and contractual issues that may be jeopardized by public disclosure at 7:45 PM. The motion was unanimously passed. J. Haverstock was invited to stay for Executive Session.
In accordance with 1VSA 312 (b), where premature general public knowledge would clearly place the Municipality or person involved at a substantial disadvantage, the Board
unanimously agreed to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of Legal and Contractual at 7:45 PM.
The Select Board came out of executive session at 8:15 PM with no action taken.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.
The next meeting will be held on April 21, 2010.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman
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Allen Hitchcock, Vice Chairman
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W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
____________ABSENT_____________
Thomas Hooker, Selectman
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Linda Weeden, Selectman