Members Present – Thomas Hooker, Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, David Mills, Alicia Malay and W. Joseph Gagnon. Others Present: Charles “Butch” Shaw (via teleconference), Town Manager John Haverstock, Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Chairman Pelkey.
J. Haverstock stated that there was no need to enter into Executive Session.
J. Haverstock stated that there was no need to amend the agenda. Motion by D. Mills and seconded by T. Hooker to accept the agenda as presented. Motion passed 5 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes of the May 6, 2020 Regular Select Board meeting were signed, with no changes.
Orders:
The orders in the amount of $415,528.72 and Payroll in the amount of $11,939.40 were signed, with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for a Sawzall battery replacement for the Fire Department. J. Haverstock will follow up with Chief Hemple and report back.
Town Manager’s Report:
J. Haverstock reported the following:
- Bruce Babcock is retiring on May 29, 2020. Rich Bowman will be serving as the Town Health Officer. Mr. Bowman met with Bruce Babcock and the Town Manager to discuss the position.
- The Town has gotten the go ahead to move forward with the Salt/Sand Shed project, as well as the Curb/Sidewalk project.
- There will be an abbreviated electronic version of the Spring Newsletter, which will be available on the website.
- There was a virtual staff meeting on May 14.
- The next Select Board agenda will include the review of the truck body bids, fuel bids, as well as the paving bids.
- The Municipal Offices and related services will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2020 in observance of Memorial Day. The flags will be displayed on the utility poles in time for the holiday.
D. Mills expressed concern that the sidewalk permit specifies concrete, while, the Town has specified asphalt. J. Haverstock will check into this and report back.
T. Hooker inquired about the mosquito spraying for this season. J. Haverstock explained that this will occur this year, as it is the third year of a 4 year buy in and the spraying will occur depending on weather and mosquito conditions.
Select Board Comments:
Selectman Mills stated that the VTEL tower in Florence is now in service.
Public Comment:
Rep. Shaw stated that the House of Representatives passed 5 bills recently. The bills include the COVID-19 effect on towns that may need to borrow funds to pay their education funding. The bill provides relief regarding borrowing fees and interest. Other bills allow meetings electronically for quasi-judicial boards. There is a bill clarifying the Tree Warden jurisdiction and duties. There is a bill proposing changes to the way education taxes are collected. The Legislature may get $400 million to expand broadband availability. Rep. Shaw also announced that he will be filing his paperwork for reelection.
OLD BUSINESS
Discussion of COVID 19 Coronavirus Response:
J. Haverstock reminded everyone to take care of themselves and others; the staff has increased their presence in the Office to approximately 40 – 50% with the remaining time working from home and the office does remain closed to the public. There continues to be additional cleaning of the commonly touched areas; more gloves and masks have been ordered, as well as thermometers to screen the employees prior to working; Recreation events continue to be canceled as necessary; the Town wide Yard Sale has been postponed; the Recreation Area is open, however, the swim area and playground remain closed, the Rec Area Open House has been cancelled. There will be many restrictions on Day Camp for this year, which are being reviewed; Green Up Day will be held on May 30 with bags being available at the Municipal Office from Randy Adams. The Day Camp is currently in search of a base area and rain site for this season as the RNESU is not allowing the use of Lothrop School.
Continued Discussion of Anticipated Repercussions for Municipal Finances Related to COVID 19 Economic Impact:
J, Haverstock stated that an email was sent to the Select Board members outlining the VLCT updated guidance. Expenses are largely paid with the collection of property taxes, which are due on August 13, September 17 and November 11. The Legislature has “relaxed” the due dates that are currently set and the individual municipalities have the options to possibly extend the deadlines, avoid annual tax sale, consider budget cuts, payment plans, among other options. The State law forbids water shut-offs due to utility bill delinquencies at this time.
Consider Extension of Dog License Deadline:
Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, Town Clerk/Treasurer Helen McKinlay is requesting the extension from May 15 (which was originally extended from April 1, 2020) to July 15, 2020. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by D. Mills to extend the Dog Licensure deadline to July 15, 2020. Motion passed 5 – 0.
NEW BUSINESS
None presented at this time
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None necessary at this time.
The Select Board meeting was adjourned at 6:58 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on June 3, 2020.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard
Recording Secretary
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Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman
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Alicia Malay, Vice Chairman
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Thomas Hooker, Selectman
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W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
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David Mills, Selectman