Members Present – Thomas Hooker, Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Alicia Malay and W. Joseph Gagnon.
ABSENT: David Trombley.
Others Present: John Blankenbaker, Baird Morgan, Chad Eugair, John Haverstock – Town Manager, Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Chairman Hooker.
J. Haverstock reported that there was a need for Executive Session to discuss the Highway Department (personnel) and a The Burditt Fund (Legal). Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by A. Malay to enter into Executive Session. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
J. Haverstock reported that there was a need to amend the agenda to add Review of Access/Right of Way Permit. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by A. Malay to adopt the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes of the September 19, 2018 regular Select Board meeting were signed, with no changes.
Orders:
The orders in the amount of $85,251.84 and Payroll in the amount of $14,714.55 were signed, with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense to Blankenbaker for tax credits. J. Haverstock explained that this was a timing issue between the property owner’s tax payment to the Town and the State’s income sensitivity payment.
Town Manger’s Report:
J. Haverstock reported the following:
- Class 3 paved road line striping will be occurring in the very near future.
- The stump grinding should be happening later this month at the Transfer Station.
- Otter Creek Engineering engineer will be present at the October 17 meeting to discuss the progress made on the Salt/Sand Shed project.
- The Annual Haunted House fundraising event will be held on October 19, 20, 26 and 27.
- The Annual Staff Appreciation Picnic was held on September 28.
- There will be a meeting of the OMYA Community Issues Committee on October 11. Any Selectman with concerns is invited to contact the Town Manager.
- Selectmen and residents are being asked for input for the next Town Report dedication honorees.
- The Town Clerk’s Office will be closed on October 4 so the staff can attend the VLCT Town Fair and training.
- The Municipal Offices and related service will be closed on October 8 in observance of Columbus Day.
Public Comment:
Baird Morgan was present to discuss a recent VT Council of Rural Development leadership conference that he attended. One of the highlights was a discussion about the need to get younger and more diversified residents involved in municipal leadership.
OLD BUSINESS
Continued Discussion of Proposed Highway Winter Maintenance Policy Regarding Extended Storm Events:
T. Pelkey stated that he agrees with the proposed policy in principle. J. Haverstock has incorporated the policy into the Winter Maintenance Policy and has given a copy of this proposed policy to Chad Eugair, the new Highway Foreman for review. J. Gagnon stated that Chad is welcome to contact any member of the Select Board for any input or support in his new role. This topic will be discussed further at a future meeting.
Discuss Plans to Address Vacancy in Highway Crew:
J. Haverstock explained that this discussion was to determine whether it would be beneficial to remain at a 4 person crew. Chad Eugair presented a memorandum on the matter, which was included in the packets, as to why a 4 person crew is preferable. The consensus was to remain as is with a 4 person crew as safety is a big concern and a 4 person crew would allow the crew to work in teams of 2.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion of Access/Right of Way Permit Application:
Derek Stewart has submitted a permit request for a Right of Way Access at 74 Windy Hill. Chad Eugair has assessed the property and approved the application with a condition. Motion by J. Gagnon and seconded by A. Malay to approve the application as presented. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
T. Pelkey made the motion and seconded by A. Malay to go into Executive Session for personnel and legal where premature knowledge would be damaging to the Town and may be jeopardized by public disclosure.
In accordance with 1 VSA 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 and legal at 7:10 PM. Town Manager Haverstock was invited to remain for Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:20 PM, with no action taken.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on October 17, 2018.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard
Recording Secretary
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Thomas Hooker, Chairman
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Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Vice Chairman
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Alicia Malay, Selectman
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W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
__________________ABSENT_________________
David Trombley, Selectman