Members Present – Thomas Hooker, Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, David Mills, Alicia Malay and W. Joseph Gagnon. Others Present: Ernie Clerihew (6:32 PM), Town Manager John Haverstock, Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Chairman Hooker.
J. Haverstock stated that there was a need to enter into Executive Session for a Proctor policing discussion (Contracts). Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by D. Mills to enter into Executive Session. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
J. Haverstock stated that there was a need to amend the Liquor Board agenda to add Wesco dba Champlain Farms’ request for a Second-Class Liquor License renewal. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by D. Mills to accept the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes of the February 5, 2020 Regular Select Board meeting were signed, with minor corrections.
Orders:
The orders in the amount of $22,204.17 and Payroll in the amount of $12,411.25 were signed, with the following discussion:
D. Mills inquired about the expense to Browns Auto Salvage for a drive shaft for the police truck. J. Haverstock explained that Officer Goulet bottomed out while entering Logan’s Run. D. Mills inquired about the expense for rims on Truck 3. J. Haverstock explained that Chad Eugair has been in communication with Pat Johnson and it was determined that these were not duplicate charges. D. Mills inquired about the expense for the tax sale charges. J. Haverstock explained that these fees are reimbursed as part of the delinquent taxpayer payments.
A. Malay inquired about the status of the “bus plug”. J. Haverstock stated that it was determined that this service covers other areas, such as the police garage. A. Malay inquired about the expense for the Confined Space training participants. J. Haverstock stated that this training is for the Highway and Water and Sewer Departments, however, it can be opened to other towns as space allows.
J. Gagnon inquired the expense for a sample pump. J. Haverstock stated that this was for a regulator pump at the Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Town Manager’s Report:
J. Haverstock reported the following:
- There is a vacancy on the Planning Commission. Currently, there have been two people expressing interest. This will be discussed at the March 4, 2020 meeting when the remaining appointments will be made following Town Meeting.
- There is a vacancy for the Town Health Officer. There has been one letter of interest submitted thus far.
- The Town’s Proctor Policing Committee met on February 10, 2020. Further discussion was deferred to Executive Session.
- The Town Report Dedication took place on February 19, 2020. Robin Rowe from the Food Shelf and Anne Pelkey from the Historical Society were honored for their service to the community.
- The Environmental Review is complete and it is hoped that the VTrans permit will soon be received and the Village sidewalk project can go to bid.
- Atty Kupferer has been asked to draft a deed for the transfer to the Town of the First Response property on Arch Street.
- The reconstruction project on Segment 1 of Route 7 has begun with the moving of the poles and preliminary work. Reconstruction of the highway will take place from March to November of this year. Anyone with any concerns is asked to contact Natalie Boyle at 802-497-3653 ext. 1037; 802-855-3893; .
- The Fire Cadet Program will be conducting a bottle drive on Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 9:00 AM – Noon.
Select Board Comments:
T. Pelkey read remarks concerning his reasoning regarding his refusal to vote on the Second Amendment resolution adopted by Board members at the last meeting.
Public Comment:
Ernie Clerihew stated his opinion regarding the Second Amendment resolution.
Mr. Clerihew exited at 6:52 PM.
OLD BUSINESS
Update on Preparations for Town Meeting and Town Report:
J. Haverstock reported that Water & Sewer Commission Chairman Greeno will make the Water & Sewer Commission remarks. J. Haverstock stated that he is willing to work with T. Hooker regarding the General Fund discussion and with J. Gagnon regarding the Highway Fund discussion. There will also be discussions scheduled with Moderator Jim Carvey. There will be an OVUU meeting regarding its proposed budget on February 26, 2020. Town Meeting will take place on Monday, March 2 at the Lothrop School Gym at 6:30 pm. There will be a pre-Town Meeting gathering of the Select Board at 6:10 pm in the school cafeteria. Voting for officers and the OVUU budget will take place at the Town Office Conference Room on Tuesday, March 3 from 7am to 7pm.
NEW BUSINESS
Consider Annual Resolution Authorizing the Posting of Town Roads:
J. Haverstock explained that this is an annual exercise that is done in the spring time to help preserve local roads when they soften up. Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Highway Foreman (Chad Eugair) depending on weather and road conditions. The Select Board members signed the resolution with no objections.
Discussion of Railroad Crossing at Fire Hill Road:
T. Hooker stated that he and D. Mills have received complaints about this area. J. Haverstock stated that this has been an issue for years. VT Rail and VTrans have been made aware of the issue and VTrans has stated that this area will see repairs this year. J. Haverstock will instruct that dirt or asphalt do not last due to the weight of the trucks that enter and exit OMYA and the turns they make in that area. J. Haverstock stated that the OMYA Community Concerns Group will be meeting on March 12, 2020 and they will discuss options.
The Select Board recessed at 6:59 PM.
The Select Board reconvened at 7:03 PM.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
T. Pelkey made the motion and seconded by D. Mills to go into Executive Session for contracts 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 contracts at 7:03 PM. Town Manager Haverstock was invited to remain for Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:35 PM, with no action taken.
The Select Board meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on March 4, 2020.
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
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David Mills, Selectman