The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chair. T. Pelkey explained to the Selectboard that Bruce Paynter would be taping the meetings for PEG TV – Channel 15.
Select board members present: Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Joseph Gagnon, Allen Hitchcock, Thomas Hooker, and David Markowski. Also present: Bruce Paynter, Helen McKinlay, Shannon Murray, Fred Duplessis (Sullivan & Powers), Tom Carrara, Denise Mahoney, Linda Drummond, Lee Kahrs (6:41 PM), John Haverstock and Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the December 17, 2008 meeting were reviewed and signed with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders of January 7, 2009 in the amounts of $86,229.26 and $643.56 were signed by 3 board members due to the postponement of the meeting due to weather. J. Haverstock reported that there was an additional set of orders for signature dated January 14, 2009.
J. Gagnon inquired if the bills to Ray Beane were for inspections. J. Haverstock believed that these were for inspections.
J. Haverstock commented on bills payable to McDuff Electric. It appears that these statements were for August through December projects for the Fire House project as well as some other minor projects.
J. Gagnon mentioned that the total paid for “Clearlane” stands at $15,000.
The orders in the amount of $16,569.47 were approved with no further comments.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- The Town Report is in the works and Linda Drummond and Janet Mondlak are currently working on this project.
- Information for the upcoming Newsletter is due to Linda Drummond by Friday, January 16, 2009.
- Fred Duplessis from Sullivan & Powers is present and will provide information regarding the annual audit.
- The litigation regarding Rasmussen vs. Rasmussen generated a court ruling that the Town properly granted a permit to Mary White for the mobile home.
- A check for the amount of $165,856 was received on January 2, 2009. This was for matching grant funds from the State’s AOT for the Kendall Hill Road Bridge Project.
- A reimbursement check was received from Melissa Hoffman for the brush hogging.
- A memo was received from Mel Adams stating that the transportation enhancement grant program including as the Town’s proposed sidewalk extension project, has been frozen due to budget reductions in Montpelier.
- The website contains a link to the Secretary of State’s article explaining Town Meeting procedures. A. Hitchcock requested that Matt Harvey receive a copy of this article that is included on the website.
PUBLIC COMMENT
T. Carrara inquired the status of various items, including the health insurance increases for Town employees, tractor repair prices, construction status at the Firehouse, purchasing of the Killington grader, road repairs requiring asphalt, Chittenden Back Roads Grants, roof replacement at the Municipal Building, and the proposed joint meeting of the School and Town at Town Meeting. There was discussion regarding each of these topics and J. Haverstock stated that he would also be available to meet with Mr. Carrara regarding any further questions or information that Mr. Carrara may want.
OLD BUSINESS
Annual Audit Report: Fred Duplessis was present from Sullivan & Powers to explain the annual audit. Mr. Duplessis explained various sections of the report in detail. J. Haverstock reported that Helen McKinlay has been in communication with Chad from Sullivan & Powers to address the issues that were raised. One of the items discussed was timely reconciliation of monthly bank statements. There was discussion regarding retirement, various replacement funds, as well as road repairs. T. Pelkey explained that the State aid for highways has been frozen. J. Haverstock reported that the payment that has been frozen is roughly $30,000 per quarter.
Fred Duplessis and Denise Mahoney exited at 7:06 PM.
Town Budget:
J. Haverstock reviewed the budget and the following areas were discussed:
Fuel budget showing a 20% increase;
$20,000 cash match for transportation programs;
Raised bridge funding $25,000 to $50,000 for bridge repairs;
VLCT proposing State highway aid expectations should be reduced by 10%;
Mosquito abatement.
A. Hitchcock inquired the anticipated increase in the budget. J. Haverstock reported the goal was 3%. There was discussion regarding the budget and it was felt that 3% was not unreasonable despite the relatively “flat” Grand List in recent years. T. Pelkey reported that there has been budget level funding for 2 years.
Revised Warning for Town Meeting:
There was discussion regarding the Town Meeting Warning. The discussion concerned the petition that was received regarding mosquito control. The warning was tabled until the next meeting. The deadline for any requests is January 28, 2009 at 5:00 PM. Linda Drummond reported that the Town Report goes to the printer on January 29, 2009.
NEW BUSINESS
Budget Status FY ’09:
J. Haverstock reported on the status of the current budget. Currently, the revenue is up and the expenses are at approximately 57%. The highway revenue is at 140% and the expenses are at 109%. These highway numbers reflect issues of timing on various projects.
Town Highway 11 in Chittenden:
J. Haverstock reported that Pittsford participated in a road closure with Pittsfield in Chittenden. A resident was not happy with the situation has filed suit against all towns involved. VLCT has been contacted. Jim Carroll will likely be hired to represent all Towns at VLCT’s expense. J. Haverstock will report back as more information is available.
Eric Hansen – Town Forester:
J. Haverstock reported he has met with Mr. Hansen and they agreed that they should meet with the Parkers regarding the sugarbush agreement. There was discussion regarding the tubing for the next season. J. Haverstock reported that he will follow-up and report back to the Board.
Act 250 Questionnaire:
J. Haverstock reported that the Town has received a questionnaire for a project that is pending at the Vermont State Fire Academy for the addition of classrooms. There was discussion regarding the project and J. Haverstock reported that the project would have no adverse impact on the water system. A. Hitchcock inquired about the status of the Academy’s intention of hooking into the Town’s sewer system. J. Haverstock reported that the current system remains sufficient for the current needs.
Bandstand:
J. Haverstock included in the packets an e-mail from Baird Morgan regarding a bandstand that is “free” and located in the town of Norwich. The general feeling was for other groups to investigate. There was discussion regarding this bandstand and that it would be costly to move.
OTHER BUSINESS
T. Carrara inquired about the status of Jack Rodgers’ workload as a Lister. J. Haverstock reported that there was no request for further assistance.
Thomas “Hank” Pelkey made a motion to go into Executive Session for Legal, Contractual, and Personnel at 7:27PM. T. Hooker seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously passed.
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 Legal, Contractual and Personnel at 7:27 PM.
The Select Board came out of executive session at 7:58PM.
No action was taken.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:58PM.
The next meeting will be held on January 21, 2009.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chair
Allen Hitchcock, Vice-Chair
W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
David Markowski, Selectman
Thomas Hooker, Selectman