Select Board
February 1, 2012
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Hank Pelkey, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Joseph Gagnon, Allen Hitchcock, Thomas “Hank” Pelkey and Linda Weeden. Absent: Thomas Hooker. Also present: Helen McKinlay, Denise Mahoney, Linda Drummond, William Drummond, Fred Duplessis, John Haverstock, and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
MINUTES
The minutes from the January 18, 2012 meeting were signed, with no corrections. The minutes from the Special Select Board meeting of January 25, 2012 were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The Orders in the amount of $33,956.33 and payroll in the amount of $13,487.28 were signed, with the following comments:
A. Hitchcock inquired about the following:
The expense for the lights and siren for the new police cruiser. J. Haverstock indicated that this expense was included within the original budget amount of $4,000 for the “police package.”
The expense to KAM Service. J. Haverstock indicated that this was for transporting the backhoe back from Springfield where there was service performed.
The expense to Otter Creek Engineering for water system upgrade. J. Haverstock indicated that this amount was for the services across Route 7 and was included in the original grant amount.
J. Gagnon inquired about the following:
The expense for the lights and siren was discussed, and whether the equipment from the old cruiser was usable? J. Haverstock explained that the expense was included in the original budget of $4,000 for equipment. Some of the old equipment was usable and some will be sold.
The expense for insurance for the police cruiser. J. Haverstock explained that this is an annual premium for the new vehicle. There was discussion as to the storage of the vehicle. J. Haverstock explained that there was enough room in the garage for all of the vehicles.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT:
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- The anticipated FEMA grant regarding to Tropical Storm Irene will be approximately 85-100% of the $75,000 in damages sustained. Information received indicates that $5,000 is currently on its way to the Town as a part of the payment.
- The insurance claim concerning the Swift Trucking accident on the corner of Route 7 and Arch Street has been paid in full.
- The claim for damages related to the failed meter ball valves has been paid in full and there has been an extension on the warranty.
- The new police vehicle is in operation.
- The steering committee for the proposed Park & Ride has met and will be presenting an update at the March 7 Select Board meeting, which will be held at the Lothrop School Library.
- Proctor has accepted the Town Meeting food collection challenge. Residents are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or money to Town Meeting on Monday evening or the Town Offices during voting on Tuesday.
- The Police Department has begun meeting on a quarterly basis and recently had its second meeting.
- Three contractors have reviewed the attic/heat loss project. One contractor has submitted a proposal and the other two are expected for review at the February 15 meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None stated at this time.
OLD BUSINESS:
Tax Sale Recap:
J. Haverstock reported that most of the properties involved in the proposed tax sale had settled their accounts prior to the January 24, 2012 advertised tax sale. There were three remaining parcels that were involved in the tax sale. The Town was the sole bidder on one property and Mr. Jonathan Blake was the bidder on the two remaining properties. The property owners have one year to resolve the issues before the bidders are owners of the property. The procedure for reclamation was discussed.
Other Old Business:
J. Gagnon inquired about the status of the highway truck bids. J. Haverstock reported that the bids are due no later than February 10, 2012 and will be sought for both single and tandem axle, with and without a trade-in for the truck being replaced.
NEW BUSINESS:
Presentation of FY 2010 – 2011 Audit Report:
Fred Duplessis from Sullivan, Powers & Co. was present to discuss the recent town audit. Some highlights included:
- The Government Auditing Standards – which includes a letter of compliance and controls.
- Full Conformance – discussion of the new standard of fund balance naming. (The Dennison Fund; The Cemetary Development Fund; and the First Response Vehicle Fund)
- Management Analysis and Discussions
- Budget Actuals Statement
- Highway Fund Budget
- Enterprise Funds
- Accounting Schedule Details
- Capital Projects
- Letter of Federal Compliance – no noticeable issues; non-compliance and deficiencies outlined.
- Transfer Station Updates
- Recommendation of monitoring the General Ledger.
J. Haverstock indicated that the proposed tax rates will be reviewed by Sullivan, Powers & Co. in the future to avoid any errors.
Fred Duplessis, Linda Drummond, Bill Drummond and Denise Mahoney exited at 7:07 PM.
Re-Appointment Members of the Water & Sewer Commission:
J. Haverstock reported that the initial appointments lapsed in November 2011. T. Pelkey read the resolution to re-appoint Allen Hitchcock, John Lapre, Helen McKinlay and Bob Harnish to the Water & Sewer Commission until March, 2015.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by L. Weeden to re-appoint the members of the Water & Sewer Commission until March, 2015. Motion passed unanimously 3– 0–1 (Hitchcock – recused).
J. Gagnon inquired if the members involved had been contacted. J. Haverstock reported that he had communicated with the members and they all agreed to the re-appointment.
OTHER BUSINESS:
The Select Board recessed at 7:17 PM to convene as the Liquor Board.
The Select Board reconvened at 7:19 PM.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
J. Haverstock reported that there are Personnel Issues and Contractual Issues, thus recommending Executive Session.
A. Hitchcock made a motion and seconded by T. Hooker to go into Executive Session for Personnel Issues and Contractual Issues, where premature knowledge would be damaging to the Town that may be jeopardized by public disclosure at 7:20 PM. The motion was unanimously passed.
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 Personnel Issue and Contractual Issue discussions at 7:20 PM. J. Haverstock was invited to remain for Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:54 PM, with no action taken.
The meeting adjourned at 7:54 PM.
The next regular meeting will be held on February 15, 2012.
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
_______ABSENT_______________
Thomas Hooker, Selectman
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Linda Weeden, Selectman