July 14, 2010
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Joseph Gagnon, Thomas Hooker, Linda Weeden, and Allen Hitchcock. Also present: Linda Drummond, Helen McKinlay, John Weeden, Jack Rogers, John Haverstock, and Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None presented at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
The purpose of this meeting was the setting of the tax rate.
J. Haverstock gave a history of the rate. The proposal includes the $353,550 that was agreed to be paid back to the taxpayers.
T. Pelkey inquired about the carry-over amount that was proposed. There should only be roughly $180,000 left in the General Fund balance, according to the auditors due to the calculations based on State formulas.
There was much discussion concerning the setting of the tax rate. H. McKinlay noted that any year-end General Fund balance was not yet audited. H. McKinlay indicated that all the invoices that have been received through her office have been processed. L. Drummond indicated that there is roughly $90,000 in bills to be paid with regard to the Fiscal Year 2010.
There was much discussion concerning the amount to be returned to the Taxpayers for this current year. The members agreed to table this matter until the July 21, 2010 meeting so all folks involved could research the information necessary to make this decision.
Jack Rogers reported that the Grand List is slightly lower than in the past year due to the decrease value in the personal property that is taxed.
OTHER BUSINESS:
The Findings of Fact in regard to the Smart Dog Hearing were signed with no corrections.
The Water & Sewer packets will be distributed on Thursday, July 14, 2010 and the Select Board packets will be distributed on Monday, July 19, 2010.
Bruce Paynter has submitted a proposal for the purchase of used sound equipment. The proposal is roughly $589.90 for 7 microphones, stands and a mixing board. This equipment will be used by all Boards/Commissions and will be permanently located in the Conference Room. The members agreed unanimously to purchase this equipment.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
J. Haverstock reported that there are contractual issues (Union negotiations) thus recommending Executive Session.
T. Pelkey made a motion and seconded by T. Hooker to go into Executive Session for contractual issues that may be jeopardized by public disclosure at 6:26 PM. The motion was unanimously passed. J. Haverstock was invited to remain 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 Contracts at 6:26 PM.
The Select Board came out of executive session at 6:30 PM with no action taken.
The next regular meeting will be held on July 21, 2010.
The Special meeting adjourned at 6:27 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman
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Allen Hitchcock, Vice Chairman
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W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
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Thomas Hooker, Selectman
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Linda Weeden, Selectman