Members Present – Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Alicia Malay, David Mills, Thomas Hooker and W. Joseph Gagnon. Others Present: Chad Eugair, Joe Massores, Ed Barnard, Abby Dery (via Zoom), David Carpenter, Ralph Meima, Matt Hart, Travis Rossi (via Zoom), Justin Grassano (via Zoom), Liz Soulia, Town Manager John Haverstock, Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM Chair Alicia Malay.
J. Haverstock stated that there was no need to enter into Executive Session.
J. Haverstock stated that there was a need to amend the agenda to add the review/approval of the Dog Warrant. Motion by D. Mills and seconded by T. Hooker to accept the agenda, as amended. Motion passed 5 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes of the April 21, 2021 regular meeting were signed, with the following correction from D. Mills: to clarify that the Hazard Mitigation Plan should include no regulatory requirement regarding river corridors.
Orders:
The orders in the amount of $56,671.78 and Payroll in the amount of $12,376.24 were signed, with the following discussion:
D. Mills inquired about the three charges from Green Mountain Solar. J. Haverstock stated that he spoke with Pat Johnson and she indicated that the company had not sent the prior two invoices. D. Mills also inquired about the expense for a PPV on the new ladder truck for the Fire Department. T. Hooker stated that this piece had been “recycled” from an old truck.
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense to Otter Creek Engineering for the Depot Hill pump station project. J. Haverstock stated this was for their oversight of the project and the final bills should be arriving soon for this portion of the overall project, which has been completed.
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for the salt/sand shed. J. Haverstock stated that this expense was for the resident engineering firm for monitoring the construction project. A full accounting will be presented when all bills and grant funds are received.
Town Manager’s Report:
J. Haverstock reported the following:
- Pittsford Day is scheduled for September 4, 2021. Satin & Steel has been reserved; the tent subcontractor has been contacted. There is a planning meeting on May 6, 2021.
- Jennifer Popp will be joining the Recreation Department on May 10, 2021 as the Recreation Director as Nelson Brown steps down from this position.
- Jason Davis has proposed coin drop dates for the Adaptive Martial Arts program on June 26 or July 10 from 9:00 AM – Noon. The Select Board members would like to encourage the July 10 date to have avoid conflict with the Townwide
Tag Sale. - The Kendall Hill bridge repair project will begin in June 1.
Select Board Comments:
T. Pelkey would like the Town Manager to research the COVID 19 regulations with regard to mask wearing at the meetings. J. Haverstock stated that he is receiving guidance from the State regularly and will provide the members with the current CDC and State guidelines.
Public Comment:
Joe Massores, a resident of Oxbow Road was present to discuss a “bowl” that he has on his property and is looking for fill to fill it in. He would like leaves, grass clippings, small brush, etc. that would compost. Mr. Massores stated that he would like to open this to the Town to be able to dump their similar items, considering that the Transfer Station is limited in space. Mr. Massores stated that he will not be open to having garbage or large stumps in the area and he will be building an area specifically for leaves. J. Haverstock stated that liability is a concern and also inquired about the zoning regulations on fill. D. Mills stated that there would be no zoning concern as long as there is no impact on the water flow in the area. J. Haverstock stated that he would contact VLCT for advice on the liability concerns. Chad Eugair stated that the Highway Department has dumped ditching material in this area and at other locations when they are working close by and agrees that the Transfer Station has less space now that the salt/sand shed has been built. T. Hooker inquired if there could be signs “Dump at your own risk” posted. D. Mills stated that this is a public meeting and residents viewing the broadcast would likely notify people of this option.
OLD BUSINESS
Update on Purchase of Land for Relocated Florence Fire Substation:
J. Haverstock stated that Atty. Kupferer will be completing the title work hopefully in the next week and the closing can occur soon after the title work is completed.
Consider Application for Renewed Salvage Yard Operations:
Justin Grassano from GHR was present via Zoom to discuss the Salvage Yard’s application for a license renewal. Mr. Grassano began by stating that the building would be painted, they are continuing to work on cleaning up the area, are moving forward with the environmental testing. J. Haverstock stated that the last time the Select Board reviewed the location, they gave a 3-year permit, however, by statute, the Board can issue renewals anywhere from 1 – 5 years. permits. J. Haverstock stated that he has consulted with Zoning Administrator, Jeff Biasuzzi who stated that there are no issues. D. Mills inquired if they plan to dismantle the vehicles inside. Mr. Grassano stated that the building is now heated by burning used motor oil and the floors are sealed, therefore the vehicles could be dismantled inside. J. Haverstock inquired if they were accepting used motor oil. Mr. Grassano stated that it needs to be “clean” (free of water/antifreeze), however, he currently has no way to pump it out of a barrel. Mr. Grassano stated that he could drop barrels at the Transfer Station for the collection of the oil. D. Mills inquired if they would be interested in the scrap metal that comes into the Transfer Station. Mr. Grassano stated that he currently only has 20 yd dumpsters and is willing to place something at the Transfer Station. D. Mills stated that he would like to see the Town benefit from the money. J. Haverstock stated that he has spoken with Wayne Giard about the traffic pattern at the Transfer Station and they will continue this discussion as to the possible placement of a container. T. Hooker expressed concern over the height of the pile that was visible. Mr. Grassano stated that this was raised due to the environmental drilling but it is being knocked down. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by D. Mills to issue a 5-year permit to GHR Enterprises. Motion passed 5 – 0 and the permit was signed.
Mr. Grassano exited at 7:01 PM.
Review Highway Access/ROW Permit Application:
Abey Dery from Trudell Consulting was present to discuss the curb cut onto Plains Road for the Dollar General project. D. Mills inquired if this was the original curb cut that was proposed. Ms. Dery stated
that this was the original cut. Chad Eugair has inspected the area and has approved the application request with no conditions. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to approve the request as presented. Motion passed 5 – 0.
Ms. Dery exited at 7:06 PM.
NEW BUSINESS
Review Paving Bids:
J. Haverstock stated that 3 bids were received for the paving. Chad Eugair stated that the roads paved with a 15% recycled asphalt product (RAP) have held up well and he has no concern with using the RAP. Motion by D. Mills and seconded by J. Gagnon to award the paving bid to Wilk for the 15% RAP mixture at $60.45 per ton. J. Haverstock explained that this expenditure is low enough to allow for approximately $40,000 to be spent on chip sealing on Oxbow Road. C. Eugair explained that Allstate Asphalt will be doing that project, with dates to be determined. Motion passed 5 – 0.
Mr. Rossi exited at 7:10 PM.
Consider Proposed Solar Project on Corn Hill Road:
Edward Barnard and Ralph Meima were present to discuss the proposed solar project on Corn Hill Road. Mr. Barnard explained that he contacted Mr. Meima when he originally heard about the project on his neighbor’s property because he was trying to sell his parcel and was concerned about the possible obstruction of the view of Pico. Mr. Meima stated that this project was within the regulations scope and has been identified as good solar by the Rutland Regional Planning Commission. Mr. Meima stated that this project would need to go through the same permitting process as the Colburn process that the Planning Commission approved 2 weeks ago and they are attending this Select Board meeting to request a Preferred Site Letter. There was discussion concerning the trees and vegetation in the area, which Mr. Meima stated would remain. D. Mills inquired about the soil type. Mr. Meima stated that this was similar to the Colburn soil. Mr. Meima stated that this land is “wetter” land, however, is not considered a wetland. Mr. Meima indicated that Green Lantern would be purchasing the land from the Barnard’s and they would decide whether to upgrade the panels or decommission the project when the 25 year life expectancy is reached. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by D. Mills to sign the requested letter in favor of the project. Motion passed 5 – 0 and the letter was signed.
Mr. Meima and Mr. Barnard exited at 7:23 PM.
Consider Proposed Solar Project on VT Route 3:
David Carpenter and Matt Hart were present to discuss the proposed solar project on the Hart property on Route 3. Mr. Carpenter stated that Green Lantern would be purchasing the land from Mr. Hart. Mr. Carpenter stated that the decommissioning plan would be submitted to the Public Service Board. Mr. Carpenter stated that the site plan would include aesthetic appeal from Route 3. Mr. Carpenter stated that this is a 500 kW project and that Green Mountain Power has completed their study. Mr. Carpenter explained that the Planning Commission approved the project on April 22 and this project would be before the Rutland Regional Planning Commission on May 18, 2021. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by T. Pelkey to sign the requested letter in favor of the project. Motion passed 5 – 0 and the letter was signed.
Consider Coin Drop Request for Library:
Liz Soulia was present representing the Library. The Library would like to conduct a Coin Drop on August 28, 2021 from 10 AM – 1 PM. Motion by D. Mills and seconded by T. Hooker to approve this request. J.
Haverstock will work with the Library to complete the necessary permit requests. Motion passed 5 – 0.
Review Highway Access/ROW Permit Application:
J. Haverstock stated that an application was received from Steven Wernhoff at 177 Woodland Drive for an access right of way permit. Chad Eugair has visited the property and has approved with the condition that the driveway is sloped in a manner that the water does not run into the road. A. Malay inquired if the existing driveway was being changed. C. Eugair stated that they are installing a garage and had originally wanted a horseshoe shape drive, however, DigSafe changed that and now the proposed drive will be running along the current drive. Motion by J. Gagnon and seconded by A. Malay to approve the application as presented. Motion passed 5 – 0.
Review Dog Warrant:
J. Haverstock explained that this is an annual review of the list of dogs that have been registered in the town. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to sign the Dog Warrant as presented. Motion passed 5 – 0.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None presented at this time.
The Select Board adjourned at 7:35 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on May 19, 2021.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard
Recording Secretary
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Alicia Malay, Chair
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David Mills, Vice Chair
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Thomas Hooker, Selectman
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W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
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Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Selectman