The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chair.
Select Board members present: Joseph Gagnon, Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Allen Hitchcock, and Thomas Hooker. Absent: David Markowski
Also present: Bruce Paynter, John Weeden, Linda Weeden, Tom Carrara (6:39 PM), Anita Paynter (7:01 PM),Thomas Kingsley, Dominic McCullough, Nicholas Moriglioni, Angelo McCullough, Colby McKay, Neiko Desabrais, Brayden Shannon, Tyler Peterson, Nicholas Kratky, Eric Laughlin, Collin Parker, (also, parents and other cub scouts from Den 110) John Haverstock and Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the January 21, 2009 meeting were reviewed and signed with corrections to clarify points made by A. Hitchcock.
ORDERS
The orders of February 4, 2009 in the amount of $28,011.00 and $8,326.33 were approved and signed following discussion as stated below:
A. Hitchcock inquired about the expenses related to the “Bobcat.” J. Haverstock reported that the equipment was out of service with an oil leak and some other issues. There were also some rental fees incurred, as this is equipment that is involved in snow removal.
A. Hitchcock inquired the order for Provin’s Painting and Lawn Care for January and February Mowing. J. Haverstock reported that Provin’s Painting and Lawn Care has requested that payments for seasonal work be spread throughout the year.
J. Gagnon stated that there is an order for Ray Beane and inquired if there is a secondary bid that is obtained in such a situation. J. Haverstock indicated that he would research this and report back.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- Cub Scout Pack 110 was present
- Winter, 2009 Newsletter has been mailed and residents should receive them in a couple of days.
- The Town Report is complete and should be ready for distribution by February 17, 2009.
- The Rutland Regional Transportation Council and the State Agency of Transportation have been updated on the future plans/funding needs of Kendall Hill Road Bridge. Some information has been included in the packets.
- The Safety & Wellness Committee has met and there is some information (minutes and agenda) included in the packets.
- Town Meeting Planning is moving along, involving Matt Harvey, Moderator. Mr. Harvey has been invited to the February 18, 2009 meeting to finalize any plans
- There is some information included in the packets indicating that the State paid 85% of promised State aid to Towns for the third quarter. The amount to be received will be $26,000 and not the $30,000 that was anticipated.
- The Rutland County Solid Waste District has announced CPI changes and communication has been received from Casella Waste Management regarding new tipping fees.
- Rutland Regional Transit Council and the VLCT have been contacted regarding the proposed stimulus package being considered at the Federal level. Shawn Erickson has provided an estimate for reconstruction and paving for the 2 miles of West Creek Road from the underpass to the Proctor town line. This estimate is approximately $653,000. This estimate is included in the packets.
- J. Gagnon inquired if the amount withheld from the State aid will be received at a later date. This was discussed.
PUBLIC COMMENT
T. Carrara inquired the status of the roads being paved. There was discussion regarding the West Creek Road that was reconstructed. T. Carrara inquired if there was an update on Beebe Hill Road. J. Haverstock reported that he has spoken with Shawn Erickson about his philosophy of paving and maintaining Town roads. T. Carrara expressed concerns about the “Switchback” on Oxbow Road that may not be safe in the winter for school buses.
L. Weeden inquired about the status of the Highway budget. J. Haverstock reported that the sand is over budget at 110% and the salt is within budget at 70%. J. Gagnon explained that this status is due to the temperatures. (At times, sand works better than salt and vise versa).
T. Carrara inquired if the budget surplus in the Highway fund would go to the mosquito budget or the Town Office roof. J. Haverstock explained that the mosquito and the roof projects would be considered “General Fund” and the Highway Fund is dedicated only to highway projects. T. Pelkey explained that the surplus for the Highway Fund is used in a “contingency” fund for possible future projects.
The scouts exited at 6:53 PM.
OLD BUSINESS
Nickwackett Block:
J. Haverstock reported that he has met with Eric Hansen (County Forester) and David Parker with regard to the lease of the sugarbush. J. Haverstock reported that E. Hansen proposes o remove 25 acres from the Current Use Enrollment of 290 acres of land involved in order to avoid impact on the Town’s springs. A. Hitchcock expressed that there would be no reason to remove the 25 acres and that the Town wants to realize a tax benefit on all 290 acres. J. Haverstock stated that he would be in contact with Mr. Hansen regarding this matter.
NEW BUSINESS
Budget Status FY ’09:
J. Haverstock reported on the status of the current budget. Currently, the revenue is at 71% and the expenses are at approximately 61%. The highway revenue is at 144% and the expenses are at 113%. These highway numbers reflect issues of timing on various projects.
Certification of Town Highway Mileage:
J. Haverstock stated that a representation of Town road mileage is signed annually. Currently, there are 64.261 miles and no changes from the past years’ report. The members present signed the form.
Town Clerk’s Report on Elections:
Helen McKinlay reports that there are “no competitive” races in the upcoming elections. The Select Board presentations for Town Meeting were discussed. The Town Manager has prepared a memorandum for the Board containing budget spreadsheets, minutes from the meeting at which Shawn Erickson and Randy Adams presented their work plans, and minutes from last years’ Town Meeting. T. Pelkey inquired if there were any candidates for the two vacant Listers’ positions. J. Haverstock reported that there were no candidates, however, he has spoken with other towns regarding their situations with regard to Listers. A. Hitchcock inquired if there is a State requirement of two Listers to lodge the Grand List. J. Haverstock will research. J. Gagnon suggested that there be contact with the VLCT regarding this situation. J. Haverstock reported that he has spoken with a possible candidate, however, was unsuccessful, as the individual has returned to work. There was discussion regarding the qualifications and it was stated that this is an elected position.
Wood Chipper:
J. Gagnon had inquired at a past meeting regarding the possibility of purchasing a wood chipper. J. Haverstock reported that there has been $4,000 spent in the past two years for the rental of a wood chipper. Shawn Erickson reported that in the event of the need of a chipper, it is an urgent need and a chipper is not always available. There was discussion regarding the possibility of “sharing” a chipper with one or more towns. A. Hitchcock indicated that it would be beneficial to review the possibility of a “share,” to include maintenance. T. Hooker suggested that it might be beneficial to wait until the end of the budget year to review the budget status. J. Gagnon would like to review the stump pile at the Transfer Station, once the snow is gone, for the possibility of chipping “non-contaminated” wood and possibly selling to an end user.
Upcoming Selectboard Meeting Schedule:
There was a proposed meeting schedule presented. J. Haverstock inquired if there would be a necessity of having 2 meetings in the month of July and August. A. Hitchcock indicated that the timing is something that would need to be discussed as time progresses. T. Pelkey stated that the schedule was an item that is approved after Town Meeting. Tabled.
Contract Renewal:
J. Haverstock stated that the contract for ReproDigital is up for renewal. This is the company that prints the Town Report. There was discussion that this company provided good service and has a quick turn around time. J. Haverstock reported that he would renew the contract for two years, following discussion.
OTHER BUSINESS
J. Gagnon indicated that the “Bobcat” that is plowing snow has a very dim strobe light. J. Haverstock will review this and replace as necessary.
T. Pelkey made a motion to go into Executive Session for Legal, Contractual, and Personnel at 7:24PM. 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 Personnel at 7:24 PM.
The Select Board came out of executive session at 7:24 PM.
No action was taken.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 PM.
The next meeting will be held on February 18, 2009.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chair
Allen Hitchcock, Vice-Chair
W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
David Markowski, Selectman – ABSENT
Thomas Hooker, Selectman