The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by John Haverstock, Town Manager.
Select Board members present: Joseph Gagnon, Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Allen Hitchcock, David Markowski, and Thomas Hooker.
Also present: Bruce Paynter, Tom Carrara, David Rowe, Mike Warfle, John Haverstock and Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
REORGANIZATION:
J. Haverstock asked for nominations for the position of Chairman. D. Markowski nominated T. Pelkey as Chairman. Seconded by T. Hooker. Passed unanimously.
T. Pelkey asked for nominations for the position of Vice Chairman. D. Markowski nominated A. Hitchcock as Vice Chairman. Seconded by T. Hooker. Passed unanimously.
T. Pelkey asked for nominations for the position of Recording Clerk. D. Markowski nominated Linda Drummond as Recording Clerk. Seconded by T. Hooker. Passed unanimously.
T. Pelkey asked for nominations for the Official Newspaper. Motion by A. Hitchcock and to nominate the Brandon/Pittsford Reporter as the official newspaper. Seconded by T. Hooker. Passed unanimously.
Motion by D. Markowski and seconded by T. Hooker to accept the proposed meeting schedule for the coming year. Passed unanimously.
Motion by A. Hitchcock and seconded by T. Hooker to appoint the following individuals to the following positions:
- Animal Control Officers (3): J. Michael Warfle; Lema Carter; Elmer “Doc” Potter
- Delinquent Tax Collector: John Haverstock
- Emergency Management Coordinator: Odell A. D. Johnston, Sr.
- Enhanced 9-1-1: Gordon DeLong (Coordinator); Rodney Drown
- Ethics Committee: Fred Hellmuth; Hope Rantanen; Helen McKinlay; Ronald Smith; Glenn Spaulding; David Thompson. Alternates: Robert Harnish; Peter Bloodworth
- Fence Viewers (3): Frank Bovey, Sr.; W. Joseph Gagnon; John C. Fox
- Fuel Coordinator: John Haverstock
- Pound Keepers (2): Edward Fox; Frank Bovey, Sr.
- Town Service Officer: John Haverstock
- Recreation Committee – 3 year terms (2012): Robert Ketcham; Kathryn Brown
- Regional Ambulance Service, Inc. – 3 year term (2012) – Betsy Morgan
- Rutland County Solid Waste Representatives: John Weeden. (Alternate – vacant position)
- Rutland Regional Planning Commission – Eric Reibsane
- Rutland Regional Transportation Council – Margaret “Peg” Flory; Alternate: John Haverstock
- Special Police Officers – Lema Carter
- Surveyor of Wood – Linwood Bovey
- Town Constable – J. Michael Warfle
- Tree Warden – Shawn Erickson
- Tree Warden Assistant – Randy Adams
- Zoning Board – 3 year terms (2012) – Jack Orvis; John Shedd
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the February 18, 2009 meeting were reviewed and minor changes recorded. The minutes from the March 2, 2009 meeting were signed with no changes.
ORDERS
The orders of March 4, 2009 in the amount of $76,357.99 and $8,687.35 and $46.17 were approved and signed following discussion as stated below:
A. Hitchcock inquired about the purchase at Kamuda’s Market in the amount of $53.71 for Office Maintenance and Meeting. J. Haverstock will research and advise.
A. Hitchcock inquired the purchases for “Fire House”. T. Hooker explained that this was for the projects that have been on-going at the station.
J. Gagnon inquired the expense for the fire horn lease. T. Hooker explained that the horn is a leased item and is not available for purchase.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- J. Haverstock presented a recap of Town Meeting. The General and Highway Fund budgets passed. However, the Mosquito article failed. The Brandon district has been contacted and informed that the issue will continue to be discussed and researched.
- Bruce Babcock has met with Eric Hansen (County Forester) with regard to the Nickwackett Block. The Management Plan has been amended and all 290 acres shall be enrolled in “current use.” Further information was included in the packets.
- The Safety and Wellness Committee has met and Randy Adams will serve as Chair and Jean Parker will serve as Vice Chair. The next meeting will be March 26, 2009.
- Representatives from the Rutland Regional Transportation Council and the Agency of Transportation have provided positive feedback with regard to the possible reconstruction of the southernmost end of West Creek Road. The current condition of the road is rated as being “very poor”. Shawn Erickson rode the road with Tom Roberts from the State.
- The firehouse project (the garage door/bathroom project) is now complete and payment has been made to all contractors.
- Information about the State Legislature with regard to its operations is included in the packets.
- MaryAnn Goulette, the West Rutland Town Manager, has had e-mail communication with Pittsford with regard to equipment needs. Shawn Erickson also has this information for review of potential barter exchanges.
- There is a Seminar on April 4, 2009 entitled “Selectboard Institute”, sponsored by the VLCT and members were invited to attend.
- A Job Fair will be held on April 17, 2009, sponsored by the Rutland Economic Development Council.
- A “Thank you” card was received from the families of the Town Report dedication honorees.
PUBLIC COMMENT
David Rowe inquired the possibility of a sand shed to be constructed. J. Gagnon indicated that this project may be pursued in the event of available funding. There was discussion regarding the possible location and there were concerns that the location of the current sand pile was formerly the town landfill and there may be some “garbage” in the event that there was digging done in the area.
Tom Carrara stated that he would like to see the Oath of Office be delivered to the new or re-elected Selectboard members, as an ethical policy. J. Haverstock, A. Hitchcock, and T. Hooker indicated that the oath was administered this afternoon by Helen McKinlay, Town Clerk. T. Carrara expressed that this should be done during the Public Comment section of the meeting. Bruce Paynter indicated that there is a certificate of oath on file in the Town Clerk’s Office. T. Carrara inquired about an expense in the Town Report of $25 for Green Mountain Pass. T. Pelkey advised Mr. Carrara that he is welcome to inquire at the Town Office for an explanation of this and other items. T. Carrara expressed concern about the River Road to Chittenden as being in poor shape and inquired if it could be evaluated, as was the West Creek Road southernmost end.
OLD BUSINESS
None presented at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
New Appointments:
Margaret “Peg” Flory did not receive enough votes for Grand Juror. Motion by D. Markowski and seconded by T. Hooker to appoint Ms. Flory to the position of Grand Juror. Passed unanimously.
All appointments were signed by the members of the Select Board.
The Board of Selectmen recessed to the Liquor Board at 6:55 PM.
The Board of Selectmen reconvened at 7:03 PM.
OTHER BUSINESS
A. Hitchcock inquired the timing of the listing of Water & Sewer delinquencies that were received by the Select Board. J. Haverstock explained the dates and timing. J. Haverstock indicated that he would review the aging listing. There was discussion involving that there is a possibility of the listing being only 1 payment cycle delinquent. J. Haverstock will refer this matter to the Water and Sewer Commission. T. Pelkey indicated that the billing cycle was July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008.
A. Hitchcock reviewed the Bridge Inspection listing that was received. J. Haverstock will review the list with Shawn Erickson and Shawn will be present to discuss the survey at the next meeting.
T. Pelkey made a motion to go into Executive Session for Legal, Contractual, and Personnel at 7:49PM. 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 the purpose of Legal, Contractual, and Personnel at 7:24 PM.
The Select Board came out of executive session at 7:50 PM.
No action was taken.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM.
The next meeting will be held on March 18, 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