TOWN OF CORINTH VERMONT
SELECTBOARD MINUTES
TOWN OF CORINTH
Minutes of Selectboard Meeting
October 13, 2008
Unapproved
Present: Russ Pazdro, Lee Porter, Laurie Sheridan, Selectmen; Joyce McKeeman, board clerk; Frank Roderick, Road Commissioner; Hal Drury, Ken Hazlett, Jack Learmonth.
Chair Russ Pazdro called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1. Approval of September minutes
Lee moved, Laurie seconded to approve the September minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
2. No Public Concerns
3. Hazlett Road concerns
Ken Hazlett requested that the Town take-over the last section of Hazlett Road. He presented a map showing the town turn-around and other distances. There was discussion about the history of the road in question and whether the section he wants taken over constitutes an existing or new road. Russ suggested that more research needs to be done and explained the procedure for petitioning the Selectboard to put in a new road.
Mr. Hazlett also expressed concern about private citizens piling snow on town roads. The selectboard discussed procedures to take when this happens.
4. Dick Kelly, Corinth School Board
Jim Bulger and Dick Kelly discussed the problems with the WRVS building. They invited the board to a meeting at the school on Thursday, Nov. 6th at 7:00 p.m. to discuss options. Architects will be present and share a general condition report on the building. There will be a public meeting at a later date.
5. Lister’s Concerns
No listers were present.
6. Town Clerk’s Concerns
Town Clerk was not present
7. Road Commissioner’s Report
All work on washouts is complete, the sand pile is up and the new fuel tank is in and working. Town garage was painted.
8. Energy Concerns
Russ spoke with another solar goods dealer about coming out to help give Russ some ideas.
9. Park and Ride
Nothing further.
10. Police Coverage
Russ presented some information about changes to the coverage the State Police provides for lesser crimes, with an eye toward perhaps having to increase coverage from the county sheriff’s office. Russ suggested contacting the Orange County Sheriff and asking him to attend the next meeting to discuss the issue.
11. Committees
Hal Drury reported for the building committee about efforts to address electrical concerns at the Town Hall. There was an old bid to bring the kitchen and building wiring up to code for approximately $6700 from Bob Terrell. The committee went ahead and asked Bob to do the work. The work will begin after election day. Three other maintenance priorities were addressed. The committee arranged for a handyman to keep up with some assigned chores. The last issue the committee took action on was the septic system. As far as they can determine the septic system is not broken. The committee will have a septic design created to have on file for the time when the septic may need to be replaced.
The Solid Waste plan has been approved and plans to implement it are moving forward.
Conservation Commission has approval from Dartmouth to use some of their property on Maplewood to lay out a walking trail and put in some improvements.
12. Correspondence was reviewed including:
Lee presented a proposal that offered to let the town purchase a piece of property in East Corinth for appraised value ($30,000) for use as a town park. The selectboard declined to pursue this offer.
A letter from the Upper Valley Ambulance Service stated that since they have not raised fees for 9 years they intend to increase per capita fees by $5 to $20 for fiscal year 2009.
13. Warrants, Bills and Treasurer’s Concerns
Treasurer was not present so the Warrants and Bills were not presented, reviewed or signed.
14. Financial Report
No financial report was presented.
16. Emergency Lighting was tested and Fire Extinguishers inspected.
Meeting adjourned at 8:55
Town of Corinth
Board of Selectmen
Minutes of Regular Meeting
September 8, 2008
Unapproved
Present: Russ Pazdro, Lee Porter, Laurie Sheridan for the Selectboard;
Joyce McKeeman, Selectboard Clerk; Allen Locke, Listers;
Frank Roderick, Road Commissioner; Joe Blodgett, Road Foreman;
Chair Russ Pazdro called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
1. August minutes
Russ moved, Lee seconded to accept the minutes of the August 11th meeting as written. The motion passed unanimously.
2. Public Concerns
No public concerns.
3. Listers’ Concerns
Listers have no concerns.
4. Town Clerk’s Concerns
No Town Clerk Concerns
5. Road Commissioner’s Report
State and Federal officials will be in town next week to inspect damage and repairs on the Chelsea Road that was damaged in the August 7th flood. Joe has a total for repairs on Tullar Rd. which is $67,000. The town’s 25% match will be approx $16,000 minus what has already been spent. the estimates are still coming in for work on South America Rd.. Joe reports that the 1996 International truck is deteriorating and he has concerns about it making it through the winter. The truck is worth $5,000 now as is.
He has been looking around at used trucks in the area and has found two that would work.. The price is about $34,000 for one and $45,000 for the other including switching the plowing equipment from the existing town truck to the new truck. Frank agreed with Joe’s assessment about the need to replace the ’96 if possible. There was discussion about where to get financing if possible. Lee will do some research about financing. Joe is going to inspect the used Mac to determine if it will work as well for town needs as he thinks it will.
6. Energy Concerns
Russ and the consultant about solar technology took a look around the town hall. The consultant raised some issues having to do with energy conservation. Russ also shared some other interesting information he’s gathered about possible ways to use solar to help with energy usage at the hall. The Board agreed that looking at improving the insulation in the hall is probably the best first step to take. Laurie got a “second opinion” on a possible solar installation. The business she talked to charges $100 to come take a look at the building and no one thinks we’re ready for that yet.
7. Park and Ride
Russ spoke with John Pierson about using the ski area and John didn’t think it was feasible. Frank has spoken with Two-Rivers and someone would be glad to come up and look at the spot near the East Corinth store to see if that site might be feasible. Frank will follow-up on this issue.
8. Corinth history books
Nothing new to report.
9. Committees
Building committee has not met. Russ will try to prod the committee to hold a meeting relatively soon.
Russ confirmed that the Ancient Roads committee has $1000 budgeted and available for hired services.
There will be a Solid Waste collection on Sept 20th at the Bradford Town garage. Laurie is posting notices around town. There is no fee for Corinth residents to participate in the collection. Lee expressed some concerns about the per pound fee for electronic waste at the transfer station. There was some discussion about options available to try to find out how to lower the cost to town residents.
Other Business
Russ made a motion to add “other business” to the agenda, Laurie seconded. Passed unanimously
Laurie reported on a request from someone who wants to buy the old dump site on Brook Road on which they want to erect a car body shop. There was discussion about permissible uses for a closed dump. The Board, in general, was not in favor of selling the property at this time. There was some discussion of the beaver activity along Brook Rd between Richardson Rd. and Pike Hill Rd.
10. Correspondence
Correspondence was shared with the Board
Town of Corinth
Board of Selectmen
Minutes of August 11, 2008
Present: Russ Pazdro, Lee Porter, Laurie Sheridan for the Selectboard;
Joyce McKeeman, Selectboard Clerk; Susan Fortunati, Town
Treasurer; Allen Locke, Jen Brooks-Wooding, Listers; Frank Roderick, Road Commissioner;
Bob Sandberg, Susan Fuller
Chair Russ Pazdro called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
1. Minutes of July meeting
Laurie found a small typo in item two that was corrected. The first word of the second
sentence should read “No” not “Do”.
Russ moved to accept the July minutes as corrected, Laurie seconded and motion passed
unanimously.
2. Public Concerns
No public concerns
3. Solid Waste Implementation Plan
This was the second and final hearing about the proposed solid waste plan. There was continued discussion about using Casella as opposed to joining the Central Vermont Solid Waste district. Laurie expressed satisfaction with Casella’s efforts to aid in recycling in our town. Bob Sandberg expressed his unease with the idea that Casella wrote our SWIP and that could pose a possible conflict of interest since they are our waste hauler as well. There was some additional discussion about using identification at the transfer station to prohibit non-resident use. The Board felt that the rate increase helps to minimize out-of-town use.
There were no other specific concerns or objections to the contents of the plan.
Laurie moved to adopt the SWIP ; Lee seconded, the motion passed unanimously. The Board signed a copy of the plan to register their official acceptance. Laurie will contact Casella to let them know that we passed the plan.
4. Lister’s Concerns
Allen presented three proposed changes to the grand list. He explained each proposal in depth and that the Board has the authority to make these changes. None of the changes involved changes to the properties’ valuation. In the first case Allen explained that the pertinent law is somewhat murky and suggested that the Board take their time in considering the law. After consideration, the Board agreed with the Listers to apply the Veteran’s Exemption to the property. The other two cases were for non-statutory reasons. The Board agreed with the Listers to make the changes in the other cases as well. Laurie moved, Lee seconded to make changes as proposed by listers. Motion passed unanimously.
5. Town Clerk’s Concerns
No concerns
6. Road Commissioner’s Report
Frank reported on the results of the disastrous cloudburst last Thursday. Tullar Road is gone. Chelsea Road is damaged and Dearborn Road has some damage. South America Road is also damaged. The Valient Road (class IV) off of Thurston Hollow is damaged. The state engineer and FEMA reps have inspected the damage and the town road crew is documenting and photographing the damage. The FEMA representative has outlined what we need to do. All roads are patched and open for vehicles at this time. The Town will be getting some FEMA funds. Susan had some questions about road standards, which Frank believes are all up to date.
Susan passed along to Frank two bids for paving in the area where the box culvert was installed on Goose Green Rd. Frank recommended going with the lower bid of Blaktop Paving Company. Russ moved to sign the contract with Blaktop, Laurie seconded; motion passed unanimously.
7. Energy concerns
Russ is having Brad Vetje from the Solar Store in Groton come to generate some ideas about about the feasibility of a solar hot water system at the Town Hall. Joyce reported about the information she had gleaned from the Renewable Energy Resource Center website about monetary incentives for alternative energy installations. There is funding available for municipalities. There is general Board consensus to continue looking at this possibility.
The Board discussed the options for pre-buying fuel oil, propane and diesel for the winter. Lee presented information he gathered about state bid prices. There was discussion about different options for trying to find and lock-in the best prices. Lee moved that the Town apply to buy through the state bid process, Laurie seconded, motion passed unanimously.
8. Park and Ride
Frank looked at the site adjacent to Rt 25 that Russ had been thinking about for a possible town Park and Ride location, but he doesn’t think there is enough room to there with the existing tractor-trailers currently parked on the site. Russ suggested that Frank talk to Two-Rivers about that parcel since it does go with the town plan to create a park and ride. Russ will also call John Pierson about whether it might be possible to use the Northeast Slopes for the same purpose.
9. Corinth Town History Books
Lois Jackson and Mr. Gibby are waiting for a dry day to check in his barn for the Volume II press plates. There was some discussion about how many of the Volume II books to reprint. Any action is postponed pending discovery of the plates.
10. Committees
Ancient Roads: Russ reported on his efforts to add digitized data to the tax maps. Russ hopes to have some hearings within the next few months and then make decisions about how to proceed with the Ancient Road designations.
The Waste Reduction Committee needs to get off the ground. Laurie and Joyce will try to schedule a meeting for early September.
The Conservation Commission has laid out a hiking trail out on the Dartmouth land on Maplewood Road.
11. Correspondence
Correspondence was reviewed. A letter from VLCT solicited nominations for a Town Citizenship Award and Municipal Person of the Year as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award. Joyce will let Lois Sherwood and Louise Sandberg know about this so they can publicize it in their columns.
Lee presented an estimate from Bill Ricker on installing better drainage behind the Town Hall. The Board discussed the proposal. Russ moved to accept Ricker’s Excavation bid to do the drainage work requested; Laurie seconded, the motion passed unanimously.
12. Warrants and Bills were presented, reviewed and signed
Treasurer Concerns: Susan is trying to find someone to come here to find out why the Town Clerk’s computer is not working correctly.
13. The Financial Report was reviewed and signed.
14. The Emergency Lighting was tested and Fire Extinguishers checked.
Chair Russ Pazdro adjourned the meeting at 10:05.
Town of Corinth
Board of Selectmen
Minutes of August 11, 2008
Present: Russ Pazdro, Lee Porter, Laurie Sheridan for the Selectboard;
Joyce McKeeman, Selectboard Clerk; Susan Fortunati, Town
Treasurer; Allen Locke, Jen Brooks-Wooding, Listers; Frank Roderick, Road Commissioner;
Bob Sandberg, Susan Fuller
Chair Russ Pazdro called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
1. Minutes of July meeting
Laurie found a small typo in item two that was corrected. The first word of the second
sentence should read “No” not “Do”.
Russ moved to accept the July minutes as corrected, Laurie seconded and motion passed
unanimously.
2. Public Concerns
No public concerns
3. Solid Waste Implementation Plan
This was the second and final hearing about the proposed solid waste plan. There was continued discussion about using Casella as opposed to joining the Central Vermont Solid Waste district. Laurie expressed satisfaction with Casella’s efforts to aid in recycling in our town. Bob Sandberg expressed his unease with the idea that Casella wrote our SWIP and that could pose a possible conflict of interest since they are our waste hauler as well. There was some additional discussion about using identification at the transfer station to prohibit non-resident use. The Board felt that the rate increase helps to minimize out-of-town use.
There were no other specific concerns or objections to the contents of the plan.
Laurie moved to adopt the SWIP ; Lee seconded, the motion passed unanimously. The Board signed a copy of the plan to register their official acceptance. Laurie will contact Casella to let them know that we passed the plan.
4. Lister’s Concerns
Allen presented three proposed changes to the grand list. He explained each proposal in depth and that the Board has the authority to make these changes. None of the changes involved changes to the properties’ valuation. In the first case Allen explained that the pertinent law is somewhat murky and suggested that the Board take their time in considering the law. After consideration, the Board agreed with the Listers to apply the Veteran’s Exemption to the property. The other two cases were for non-statutory reasons. The Board agreed with the Listers to make the changes in the other cases as well. Laurie moved, Lee seconded to make changes as proposed by listers. Motion passed unanimously.
5. Town Clerk’s Concerns
No concerns
6. Road Commissioner’s Report
Frank reported on the results of the disastrous cloudburst last Thursday. Tullar Road is gone. Chelsea Road is damaged and Dearborn Road has some damage. South America Road is also damaged. The Valient Road (class IV) off of Thurston Hollow is damaged. The state engineer and FEMA reps have inspected the damage and the town road crew is documenting and photographing the damage. The FEMA representative has outlined what we need to do. All roads are patched and open for vehicles at this time. The Town will be getting some FEMA funds. Susan had some questions about road standards, which Frank believes are all up to date.
Susan passed along to Frank two bids for paving in the area where the box culvert was installed on Goose Green Rd. Frank recommended going with the lower bid of Blaktop Paving Company. Russ moved to sign the contract with Blaktop, Laurie seconded; motion passed unanimously.
7. Energy concerns
Russ is having Brad Vetje from the Solar Store in Groton come to generate some ideas about about the feasibility of a solar hot water system at the Town Hall. Joyce reported about the information she had gleaned from the Renewable Energy Resource Center website about monetary incentives for alternative energy installations. There is funding available for municipalities. There is general Board consensus to continue looking at this possibility.
The Board discussed the options for pre-buying fuel oil, propane and diesel for the winter. Lee presented information he gathered about state bid prices. There was discussion about different options for trying to find and lock-in the best prices. Lee moved that the Town apply to buy through the state bid process, Laurie seconded, motion passed unanimously.
8. Park and Ride
Frank looked at the site adjacent to Rt 25 that Russ had been thinking about for a possible town Park and Ride location, but he doesn’t think there is enough room to there with the existing tractor-trailers currently parked on the site. Russ suggested that Frank talk to Two-Rivers about that parcel since it does go with the town plan to create a park and ride. Russ will also call John Pierson about whether it might be possible to use the Northeast Slopes for the same purpose.
9. Corinth Town History Books
Lois Jackson and Mr. Gibby are waiting for a dry day to check in his barn for the Volume II press plates. There was some discussion about how many of the Volume II books to reprint. Any action is postponed pending discovery of the plates.
10. Committees
Ancient Roads: Russ reported on his efforts to add digitized data to the tax maps. Russ hopes to have some hearings within the next few months and then make decisions about how to proceed with the Ancient Road designations.
The Waste Reduction Committee needs to get off the ground. Laurie and Joyce will try to schedule a meeting for early September.
The Conservation Commission has laid out a hiking trail out on the Dartmouth land on Maplewood Road.
11. Correspondence
Correspondence was reviewed. A letter from VLCT solicited nominations for a Town Citizenship Award and Municipal Person of the Year as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award. Joyce will let Lois Sherwood and Louise Sandberg know about this so they can publicize it in their columns.
Lee presented an estimate from Bill Ricker on installing better drainage behind the Town Hall. The Board discussed the proposal. Russ moved to accept Ricker’s Excavation bid to do the drainage work requested; Laurie seconded, the motion passed unanimously.
12. Warrants and Bills were presented, reviewed and signed
Treasurer Concerns: Susan is trying to find someone to come here to find out why the Town Clerk’s computer is not working correctly.
13. The Financial Report was reviewed and signed.
14. The Emergency Lighting was tested and Fire Extinguishers checked.
Chair Russ Pazdro adjourned the meeting at 10:05.
Corinth Select Board Meeting
July 14, 2008
Unapproved Minutes
Attending: Selectmen Russ Pazdro, Lee Porter & Laurie Sheridan; Joyce McKeeman, board clerk; Nancy Ertle, Town Clerk; Frank Roderick, Road Commissioner; Allen Locke, Lister; Susan Fortunati, Town Treasurer.
Members of the public: Ryan Dodge, Jodi Meyette, Bruce Durkee, Earl Adams, Patty Duffy; Ginny Barlow, Planning Commission; Steve Long, Conservation Commission
Russ called the meeting to order at 6:40. Laurie moved, Russ seconded to go into executive session to discuss a Town Hall maintenance personnel matter. The board went into executive session at 6:41 and left executive decision at 7:10 p.m.
1. The June minutes were reviewed Laurie moved to accept as presented, Lee seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Town hall maintenance employee concerns were addressed in executive session. Do decisions requiring Board action were made.
3. Public Concerns
Patty Duffy on Bear Notch Road has concerns about beaver activity and culverts on her road. She would like the town to consider non-lethal methods of beaver control. She gave the Board a copy of a Northern Woodlands magazine article which discusses current best practices for beaver control around roads and culverts. The Board thanked her for the article and said they would look into the matter.
4. Pre-disaster Mitigation Plan
Two Rivers-Ottaqheechee Regional Planning Commission has written a pre-disaster mitigation plan and a representative from them presented the plan and discussed it with the Board. The plan needs to go through state and federal review before the Board needs to approve the plan.
5. Solid Waste Implementation Plan
This meeting served as the first public hearing for the currently proposed town Solid Waste Implementation Plan. Much of the responsibilities for various activities will be done by the Solid Waste Committee that will need to become re-activated. There were no public questions or comments about the plan.
6. Town ATV ordinance
Ryan Dodge appeared to speak about the ATV ordinance on behalf of a local ATV club. They would like a revision to the current ordinance allowing legal travel on a portion of Turkey Hill that connects up to legal trails in other abutting towns. There were some public questions and concerns raised. Russ suggested making a survey of all land owners along the portion of the town road suggested by the ATV club before the Board would reconsider changing the ordinance. Ryan stressed that his club is interested in town citizen input into what the residents of the town might like to see the ATV club do in terms of trail maintenance or other projects so as to promote a positive opinion of the club and it’s members.
7. Lister's concerns
The 2008 Grand List has been lodged with the Town Clerk.
8. Town Clerk Concerns
Nancy had a question about the paperwork for a particular wastewater system for a town resident. Since there is no Town sewage office, the Board needed to sign a Certificate of Occupancy. Russ moved, Lee second to sign the C.O. Motion passed unanimously.
9. Road Commissioners Report
The box culvert project is underway and the road should be open again by the weekend. Frank presented the bids for winter sand. The low bid was for $39,400. There is a VLCT impetus for a group purchase plan for winter road salt. As part of that we have to pay $100 to join the consortium and sign a contract to purchase 80% of our salt from the group. Frank thinks it is a good idea to go along with the consortium. Russ moved, Laurie second to join consortium. Motion passed unanimously.
10. Energy Concerns
Since the new fiscal year has begun the Board would like to proceed with the purchase of the new fuel tank for the town garage. Russ moved to purchase the 1000-gallon double-wall diesel fuel tank from JW Kennedy Company. Laurie seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Susan presented some information about pre-buy programs for fuel oil from Bradford Oil. Russ would like to wait until Perry’s has decided on the details of their pre-buy program.
Russ attended an informational meeting about solar hot water systems and he is pondering the ways in which it might be feasible for the Town Hall to use some kind of solar system. There was discussion about this possibility and Joyce will investigate whether there are any rebate programs for municipalities.
11. Upper Valley Land Trust
Steve Long and Ginny Barlow were present to speak in favor of the letter of support for the Upper Valley Land Trust that was put off from the June meeting. Steve took some time to explain the history and philosophy of the UVLT. He is currently works with them on a large project and has had positive experiences working with both the UVLT and the VLT. The Conservation Commission wrote a letter in support of one of the two projects that the Selectboard has been asked to support. Ginny Barlow expanded on the specific benefit from signing a letter of support. There was discussion about the specific approval that the Board would be giving, the wording of such and the necessity of such approval.
Russ Moved, Laurie seconded, to sign the letters going to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. The motion passed unanimously.
12. Park and Ride
Russ reported on a discussion he has had about maybe constructing a town park and ride for which we would need to acquire some land. The board discussed the feasibility of pursuing this idea. No action was taken at this time.
13. Corinth history books
Laurie talked with Mr. Gibby, who published the original book, who might have some of the old printing flats out in his barn. Lois Jackson might be interested in helping him look. These flats could be used to reprint the book if they are found. Laurie will keep working with Lois to see if she can help Mr. Gibby find these flats.
14. Committees
Laurie, on behalf of the Town Report committee asked the Board for approval for the Town Report cover photo and the general theme of historical barns. Russ moved to approve town report Lee second, unanimous.
15. Correspondence
Correspondence was shared and discussed.
16. Treasurer Concerns
Since the grand list has been lodged Susan worked up the numbers for the tax rate. She presented all the documentation to the Board and explained how she arrived at the figures. Options for setting the tax rate were discussed.
Russ moved to set the general fund tax rate at .1716, the highway fund rate at .3528 and the local agreement rate at .0042 resulting in a total residential tax rate of 1.7333 and the non-residential tax rate at 1.8448 and furthermore to use $50,000 from the 2008 general fund surplus to offset the amount that needs to be raised in taxes for the 2009 fiscal year. Lee seconded Motion passed unanimously.
17. The Financial Report was reviewed and signed.
18. Warrants and bills were presented and signed.
19. Emergency Lighting was tested and Fire Extinguishers inspected.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Corinth Select Board Meeting
June 9, 2008
Approved Minutes
Attending: Selectmen Russ Pazdro and Lee Porter & Laurie Sheridan; Joyce McKeeman, board clerk; Frank Roderick, road commissioner; Allen Locke, lister; Susan Fortunati, treasurer.
Meeting called to order by chair, Russ Pazdro at 7:05 p.m.
1. The May minutes were reviewed. Lee moved to accept as presented, Russ seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Public Concerns
A citizen on Hazlett Drive would like to make sure that the saplings along the road are mowed back this year.
3. No Lister concerns.
4. No Town Clerk’s Concerns
5. Road Commissioners Report
Frank presented the emergency grant agreement from the state to fix the sunken portion of Chelsea Rod. The grant amount is up to and including $270,000 of which town is responsible for 10%. The plan is to bore some holes and use various instruments to find out what is going on and then make a decision as to how to repair the road. The form required the Board signature. Russ signed for the Board.
The box culvert will be replaced on Goose Green Rd between South Rd. and Rt. 25. Beginning the week of July 14. That portion of Goose Green Rd will be closed for about 2 weeks. Joyce will put an ad about the road closing in the Journal Opinion.
Lee presented quotes for fuel tank. Action will wait until after start of new fiscal year in July.
6. Committees
Frank brought an issue from the Conservation Commission regarding a little triangle of town-owned land at junction South Rd, Goose Green Rd. and Camp Munn Rd. There is an idea to use that for a town park. The Board expressed interest and urged the Conservaton Commission to go ahead and develop this idea.
Russ passed along to the Planning Commission a document on “A model of low impact storm water management” for their consideration.
There has been a one-year extension for the pertinent dates for Ancient Roads Committee work.
Town Report Committee to have meeting June 24. Selectboard has historically decided what to put on cover of report, and will consider recommendations from the committee.
7. Upper Valley Land Trust
The UVLT would like letters of support from the town regarding the sale of conservation rights on two parcels in town.
Russ moved to sign letters of support in regard to the UVLT and their efforts on the parcels in question. Laurie seconded. Laurie aye, Russ, aye, Lee abstaining. Motion passed.
After some discussion Laurie moved to reconsider previous motion, Russ seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Russ moved to table action on the letter until an unspecified future date. Laurie second. Motion passed
8. Town History book
The Board discussed the viability of a new printing of the Vol. II of the Town History. There is $6,880 in the book fund available to help with this. Laurie will check with George Gibby in West Topsham who was the original printer of the volume.
9. Energy Concerns
There was discussion of whether there might be a pre-buy offered for heating oil and also making sure that all town tanks are filled up before last year’s agreement runs out.
Laurie presented the energy self-audit checklist which was passed on to the Town Hall Committee to use in considering improvemetns..
10. Orange Cty Sheriff’s Dept. Contract
Russ presented the contract. There are very few changes since last year. The Board completed and signed the form.
11. Correspondence
The Board reviewed the correspondence.
Laurie presented a letter from the State notifying the town that our Solid Waste Implementation Plan (SWIP) has been pre-approved. Now the Town must begin the adoption process, including public input on the SWIP at the July and August meetings.
Other correspondence was reviewed.
12. Treasurer Concerns
Susan presented the contract from Control Power Systems for the generator service plan for Board signature. Lee moved, Laurie seconded to sign contract for another year. Motion passed unanimously.
Susan explained a vision service plant that VLCT is offering. Individuals can also pay the premium themselves. The board thought that the voluntary plan should be made available to the personnel in town who get health insurance.
Susan presented a bill for fixing the damage to the corner of the town hall. This particular bill was not in the warrants.
Lee is going to contact Bill Ricker about fixing a perimeter drainage problem in the town hall parking lot.
14. The Financial Report was reviewed and signed.
15. Warrants and bills were presented and signed.
16. Emergency Lighting was tested and Fire Extinguishers inspected.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Select Board Meeting
May 12, 2008
Approved Minutes
Attending: Selectmen Russ Pazdro and Lee Porter; Joyce McKeeman, board clerk; Frank Roderick, road commissioner; Allen Locke, lister; Susan Fortunati, treasurer.
Meeting called to order by chair, Russ Pazdro at 7:05 p.m.
1. Lee moved to accept the April minutes as presented, Russ seconded... Motion passed unanimously.
2. There were no public concerns
3. There were no listers’ concerns.
4. There were no Town Clerk’s Concerns
5. Road Commissioner’s Report
Frank presented the state bridge inspection report. The board signed a receipt stipulating that they received and reviewed the report. Lee just attended some truck shows and reports that our town road crew is quite well respected around the state and deserves a pat on the back for having one of the best working road crews in the state. Lee presented a proposal for the new diesel tank at the town garage for $3,482.77. Russ suggested getting an additional bid which Lee agreed was a good idea. Lee is going to pursue that.
6. Emergency Mitigation Plan
Russ has been contacted by Two Rivers-Ottauquechee regarding a pre-emergency mitigation plan. They have drafted a plan and a representative would like to come to the June meeting to discuss the draft plan.
7. Committees
The Building Committee is going to be meeting on the first Monday of each month.
Frank reports that the Conservation Commission has a full-year’s worth of activities on tap.
8. Dept. of Transportation, Annual Financial Plan
The state Transportation Dept. reviewed the Town’s planned highway spending and the board signed off on their report.
9. Energy Concerns
The board will wait until next month to take this up so that Laurie can participate.
10. Russ moved to adopt the Regional Rapid Response Plan as provided by Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission. Lee seconded, motion passed unanimously. The board signed.
11. Metal Collection
All Metals Recycling will pay the town $60/ton for metal collected at the transfer station. Russ moved to accept this offer, Lee seconded, motion passed unanimously.
12. Correspondence was reviewed.
13. Treasurer’s Concerns
Susan is thinking of having a tax sale in early winter 2009. Russ moved, Lee seconded to use Rick Cawley as the attorney for the sale. Motion passed unanimously.
14. The Financial Report was reviewed and signed.
15. Warrants and bills were presented and signed.
16. Emergency Lighting was tested and Fire Extinguishers inspected.
Meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
Town of Corinth
Selectboard Meeting - April 14, 2008
Unapproved Minutes
Attending: Russ Pazdro, Lee Porter, Laurie Sheridan -Selectmen
Joyce McKeeman, board clerk
Todd Deuso, Casella Waste Mgt. representative
Susan Fortunati, Town Treasurer; Nancy Ertle, Town Clerk; Frank Roderick, Road Commissioner, Joe Blodgett, Road Foreman, Brenda Carter.
Meeting called to order by chair Russ Pazdro at 7:05 p.m.
1. Meeting Minutes of 3/10/08
Russ Pazdro moved to accept the minutes as written, Laurie Sheridan seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Special meeting of 3/20/08
The name of the party involved was changed from "the Forrests" to "Forrest Henry."
Russ Pazdro moved to accept the minutes as corrected, Laurie Sheridan seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Public Concerns
Brenda Carter noticed that the flag hasn't been lit because snow was covering the light and now that the snow is gone the light isn't on for some reason. The flag should be lit or taken down at night. Susan will ask Bob Terrill to come out and look at the fixture to determine what the problem is.
Todd Deuso of Casella brought up the issue of metal collection. He mentioned that the board ought to call the metal collection company to put back in the container at the transfer station as soon as possible because with metal prices being what they are the town might be able to make a little money on the collection. Russ will call the collection company to bring the container in.
3. Appointments
The board signed the letter of appointment to the State designating Jen Brooks-Wooding to serve as the town's Service Officer for another year. Jen was appointed to this position at the March meeting, but the letter could not be signed and sent until she accepted the position
Russ Pazdro moved to appoint Joe Loschiavo as Emergency Management Coordinator. Laurie Sheridan seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Casella contract negotiation
Russ Pazdro moved to go into executive session to negotiate contract, as confidential figures might be presented. Lee Porter seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Board went into executive session at 7:20; returned at 7:42.
Russ Pazdro moved to approve a contract with Casella to raise the per bag fee for trash at the transfer station from $1.50 to $2.00 for a 30-gallon bag and reduce the town payment to Casella by $10,000 per year. Further, Casella will provide a container for collection of electronic waste recycling with a fee charged to the disposer. All of this to begin July 1, 2008. Laurie Sheridan seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
5. Town Clerk's concerns
Nancy presented the unlicensed dog list. Russ moved for Nancy to give unlicensed dog list to Diana Perry to follow up on. Laurie Sheridan seconded. The motion passed unanimously
Nancy asked for authorization to spend more funds to pay Chris Minery as an assistant clerk for 7 hours a week for an additional 11 weeks. Nancy would like her help on several important matters including checklist management. The amount would be close to $1000. Laurie Sheridan moved to authorize an expenditure of up to $1000 for assistant town clerk hours beyond the currently budgeted amount for the period up to July 1, 2008. Russ Pazdro seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Russ mentioned that a state trooper contacted him regarding being provided with certified copies of ordinances so that they can present them to the judges when the trooper has stopped someone for a violation. It was explained that the town would get more money from the courts for fines if there were a certified copy available. The town charges $10 per copy for this and Russ thinks that since this is in the town's interest that the town ought to provide these without the fee. Lee will contact Orange County sheriff to see if they require this also. The Board asked Nancy to provide these.
6. Road Commissioner's Report
Frank reports that mud season is upon us. Russ presented a letter from a party in town regarding access to their camp off of Limlaw Road. There is an issue with maintaining the road up to a camp. Joe will contact the property owners about access to their camp. There is no record that the end of the road in question has ever been changed from a class 3 to a class 4 or a trail. Frank will look into this. Either this was never done back in the 70's or it was never recorded.
Frank presented the contract from Pike Industries for this years paving in the amount of approximately $91,877. Laurie Sheridan moved to approve the contracts with Pike Industries as presented by the Road Commissioner. Russ Pazdro seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Joe presented a proposal from Chelsea Town to split the $35,000 cost of a boom mower. There was a consensus that the timing is not right to move on this.
Frank received the biennial bridge report from the state. Six bridges are in good shape. The Town is already working with the State for funding to upgrade the Jordan Bridge and the Chicken Farm Bridge.
7. Highway Personnel Health Insurance Policy
Board signed the recently passed policy for the Town Clerk's records.
8. Committees
Russ reported on the progress made by the Ancient Roads committee.
The Conservation commission is sponsoring tree planting in conjunction with Northern Woodlands and they will be planting some crab apple trees in East Corinth village.
9. Energy Concerns
There was discussion about the best strategy for purchasing various fuels for town buildings. Lee is going to get a re-quote on a new fuel tank at the town garage and bring the issue back to the board. There was also some discussion about ways for the town to become more energy efficient and whether there would be interest in having a town Energy Committee. The Board encourages any citizens who might like to be on such a committee to contact a selectboard member. Laurie is going to check for information about an energy audit.
11. Rapid Response Plan
Changes and updates were made to the rapid response plan and returned to Two Rivers-Ottauquechee for their database.
13. Town Hall Clean Up Concerns
There was discussion about the fact that the kitchen and hall is not always left as clean as it should after events be and how to best deal with this situation.
Joyce will create a clean-up checklist that will be posted in the kitchen. Joyce will also try to follow-up on a VLCT sponsored insurance program for individual rentals.
14. Spay/Neuter Clinic
Diana Perry has lined up a vet who will come on-site to perform low-cost spaying and neutering and would like to know if the town would consider let the town hall be used for this purpose. Laurie will contact Diana and get some more specifics about insurance liability and other concerns.
15. Conservation Commission Terms
Laurie Sheridan moved to establish staggered 3 year terms for members of the conservation commission with terms to be distributed as follows: Steve Long and Elaine White to serve from 2008 to 2011; Frank Roderick, Bob Fortunati and Earle Adams terms' to end 2009; Anne Margolis and Penny Andrew terms to end 2010. Russ Pazdro seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
17. Washington Electric Right of Way Agreement
Frank reviewed a WEC right of way proposal and the Board signed the agreement.
18. Correspondence was reviewed and dealt with accordingly.
19. Treasurer's Concerns
Susan thinks we ought have some more copies of the of the History of Corinth, Vol II reprinted. The problem is that the original publisher is out of business and there is a question about how to go about getting more copies. Russ will investigate.
Warrants and Bills were presented and signed.
20. Financial Report was reviewed and signed.
21. Emergency lighting was tested and fire extinguishers were checked.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:00
Minutes of Board of Selectman
Regular Meeting 3-10-08
Approved
Present: Russ Pazdro, Lee Porter, Laurie Sheridan for the Selectboard;
Joyce McKeeman, Selectboard Clerk; Nancy Ertle, Town Clerk; Susan Fortunati, Town
Treasurer; Allen Locke, Lister; Frank Roderick, Road Commissioner; Kevin Kinerson,
Planning Commission; Peter Keene, Lister; Robert Fortunati, Brenda Carter
Laurie Sheridan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Laurie Sheridan moved, Lee Porter seconded to make Russ Pazdro the chair of the
Selectboard. Motion passed unanimously.
1. Minutes of 2-11-08
There were several small corrections made including the correct amount of $3,443.19 as
the monthly fee for the Casella contract, a typo in the highway report, and an item under
Treasurer Concerns regarding the new amount of the defined benefits contribution to the
state retirement plan.
Lee Porter moved and Laurie Sheridan seconded to approve the minutes as corrected.
Motion passed unanimously.
2. Public concerns
Peter Keene shared notes he made from a statewide meeting he attended on "Closing the Digital Divide." Peter has a packet of information on this matter and the board would like Peter to be a contact and information resource on the issue.
Robert Fortunati inquired about the February minutes not getting into the Journal Opinion. It was explained that an unfortunate computer crash accounted for the delayed submission of minutes. There should be no problem in the future.
3. Appointments
Animal control Office - Laurie Sheridan moved, Russ Pazdro seconded, to appoint Diana Perry. Passed unanimously.
Budget Committee- Russ Pazdro moved, Laurie Sheridan seconded to approve Irene Mann, Frank Roderick, John Pierson, Hal Drury as the slate of candidates as presented as Town Meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Conservation Commission - nothing to do on this one
E-911 Coordinator - Laurie Sheridan moved, Lee Porter seconded to appoint Jack Learmonth. Passed unanimously.
Emergency Management Director - tabled to next month
Energy Coordinator - Laurie Sheridan moved and, Lee Porter seconded to appoint Frank Roderick. Passed unanimously.
Fence viewers - Russ Pazdro moved, Laurie Sheridan seconded to appoint Peter Keene, Bob Fortunati, Steve Long. Passed unanimously.
Health Officer - Believed to be 3 year term. Glynn Pellagrino still has 1 year left on the term.
Planning Commission - Russ Pazdro moved, Laurie Sheridan seconded to appoint Virginia Barlow for 1 year, Allen Locke 3 years. Motion passed unanimously.
Revolving Loan Committee - Russ Pazdro moved, Lee Porter seconded to reappoint John Farrow for a term to expire 2010, and Brenda Carter to a term to expire in 2011. Passed unanimously.
Road Commissioner - Laurie Sheridan moved, Lee Porter seconded to appoint Frank Roderick for a 1 year term. Motion passed unanimously.
Laurie Sheridan moved to combine both the position of Selectboard Clerk and the Administrative Assisstant to the Selectboard into one position. Lee Porter seconded. Passed unanimously.
Service Officer - Russ Pazdro moved, Lee Porter seconded to appoint Jen Brooks-Wooding. Motion passed unanimously.
Surveyor of Wood -Russ Pazdro moved, Lee Porter seconded to appoint Virginia Barlow. Motion passed unanimously.
Tree Warden - Russ Pazdro moved, Lee Porter seconded to appoint Virginia Barlow. Motion passed unanimously
Upper Valley Ambulance Service Rep - Laurie Sheridan moved, Lee Porter seconded to appoint Joe Truss. Motion passed unanimously
Zoning Administrator - Lee Porter moved, Russ Pazdro seconded to appoint Bill Tobin. Motion passed unanimously.
Zoning Board of Adjustment - Laurie Sheridan moved Lee Porter seconded to appoint Carroll Porter, Forbes Morrell and Louise Sandberg. Kevin advises to keep these as 1 year appointment. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Listers' Concerns
No concerns
5. Town Clerk Concerns
Nancy presented two liquor licenses for approval: the Crossroads Store and East Corinth General Store.
Russ Pazdro moved to approve the licenses, Lee Porter seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
There is a rabies clinic Tuesday, March 11 at the East Corinth fire station.
The Board asked the Town Clerk to stay open later than 6:00 p.m. one night a week. She cannot commit to that at this time, but she is willing to be available by appointment.
6. Road Commissioner's Report
Frank asked the board to agree to the mud season load limitation postings on town roads from March 15th to May 15th. The postings are as follows: for a 2-axle truck = 15,000 pounds; a 3-axle truck = 18,000 pounds; tractor-trailer = 20,000 pounds. Lee Porter moved to approve the postings, Russ Pazdro seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The permitted overweight limit is 99,000 pounds and Frank recommends keeping it there even though the roads take a real beating at that limit. Frank has been issuing overweight permits for 99,000 pounds, which is both the state limit and has been the practice for the past few years. The DMV truck enforcement officer is available to the town. Frank would like the board to stand behind enforcement that the officer finds necessary. The Board had no objection to the DMV officer enforcement. Russ Pazdro moved and Lee Porter seconded to approve the permitting plan and to support the DMV enforcement officer. Motion passed unanimously.
One of the snowplow drivers had a head-on collision with a motorist. The plow driver was found not at fault. There were several other plow - car encounters that Frank discussed. Susan has contacted the insurance company on all of these.
Frank presented a "Lessee's Authorizing Resolution" for the Caterpillar grader lease for Board approval and signature. The Board signed and Town Clerk witnessed the execution of the document.
7. Highway Personnel Health Ins. Policy
Russ Pazdro moved and Laurie Sheridan seconded to change the Highway Personnel Health Insurance Policy as follows: For each highway department employee the Town of Corinth will pay 100% of the single person health insurance premium and 80% of a two-person and/or family coverage plan. No payment will be made in lieu of the health insurance premium. The employee will pay any balance of the premium via payroll dedution payable a month in advance. This policy will take effect of July 1, 2008. Motion passed unanimously.
8. Lease renewal - Cookeville Fire Dept.
Susan presented the new 10-year lease renewal agreement. Russ Pazdro moved to approve the lease for the use of the property next to the Town Hall for a fire department garage. Lee Porter seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
9. Casella Waste Management negotiations discussion
The Board discussed the various options available to the town in terms of recycling and trash removal in preparation for contract negotiations with Casella.
10. Other Business and Treasurer Concerns
A request has been made to waive the $2.00 fee for Corinth Historical Society research. The selectboard does not have jurisdiction over this but will ask the Town Clerk if she is willing to entertain this request.
Susan gave the Board a form which would authorize town agents to purchase items from the state Building and General Services surplus. Lee Porter was added to the list of authorized agents. The Board signed.
The Board signed a Customer Service Agreement for the floor mats for the Town Hall.
Bradford Pratt's has an early bird special for furnace cleaning for the town garage. Board asked Susan to arrange for furnace cleaning.
Susan shared information about the Town Officer's Conference to be held April 24th. Bob Fortunati is interested in going as a member of the Ancient Roads committee.
11. Correspondence was reviewed.
12. Warrants and bills were presented, reviewed and signed.
13. Financial report was presented and reviewed.
14. Emergency lighting was tested and fire extinguishers inspected.
Lee moved to adjourn the meeting. Russ seconded. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
TOWN OF CORINTH
SELECTBOARD MEETING
February 11, 2008
Attending: Lee Porter, Russ Pazdro Selectmen; Joyce McKeeman, asst. to Selectboard; Susan Fortunati, Treasurer; Allen Locke, Lister; Frank Roderick, Road Commissioner; John Farrow
The meeting was called to order by acting chair, Russ Pazdro, at 7:10 p.m.
Item 1. Lee moved, Russ seconded to approve the minutes of the January 14, 2008 meeting with the following corrections: on item three, Highway Commissioner's Report replace the words "highway reserve fund" with "highway fund balance." Motion passed unanimously.
There were no public concerns.
There were no Town Clerk concerns.
Item 2. Casella Waste Management negotiations
A representative from Casella was not present as expected. The board discussed what changes, if any, to make in the contract with Casella's which now calls for a monthly $3.443 fee paid by the town for their services in addition to the per bag fee collected at the transfer station. Also discussed were ways to solicit public input regarding changes to the currect situation. No action taken pending direct talks with Casella.
Item 3. Listers' concerns
Allen presented a contract with NEMRC regarding provision of catastrophic recovery services for the CAMA appraisal software at a cost of $500/year. After discussion Allen agreed to consult further with NEMRC regarding the start date for the contract and whether this could be bundled with other town software protection contracts.
Item 4. Road Commissioner's Report
Frank reported that it has snowed a lot lately and as a result the town is low on both salt and sand and using both judiciously. He shared the state's plans for the replacement of the Jordan bridge on Bear Notch Road and left them for the Board's perusal and approval.
Item 5. Highway Personnel Health Insurance Policy
This matter was tabled pending further discussion.
Item 6. Revolving Home Improvement Loan Fund Committee appointment
Russ nominated John Farrow to serve out Sam Porter's unexpired term ending in 2010. Lee seconded. Passed unanimously.
Item 7. Lease renewal - Cookeville Fire Dept. building
A new 10-year lease will be sent to the East Corinth Fire Department for the land on which the Cookeville Fire Department garage sits. Russ will contact fire chief Bryan King about this matter.
Item 8. Budget approval
It was decided that because the Selectboard is part of the larger budget committee and, as such, the Board has already given it's approval to the proposed Town Budget for fiscal year 2009, the Board does not need to take another separate vote.
Item 9 Other business
Susan invited the public to a potluck supper and presentation at the Grange Hall in West Topsham on Friday, Feb 22 at 6:30 . The presenter will be Jim Barlow, senior staff attorney from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and he will talk about the framework for Town Meeting and Robert's Rules of Order.
Item 10 Correspondence was reviewed.
Item 11 Treasurer's concerns
Susan explained her procedure for managing the checkbook as delinquent tax collector. She asked if the selectboard was comfortable with that procedure which they were. Lee pointed out that there was a clear paper trail for all transactions and that her procedures seemed fine. Susan reported that the State has increased the defined retirement contributions for Town employees from 5% to 5.125%.
Item 12 The financial report was presented and reviewed.
Item 13 Warrents were presented and signed.
Item 15 Emergency lighting and fire extinguishers were tested and inspected.
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
(There is a Foodshelf donation box at the Town Hall.)
TOWN OF CORINTH
SELECTBOARD MEETING - Pending approval
January 14, 2008
Attending: Laurie Sheridan, Lee Porter, Russ Pazdro, Susan Fortunati, Joyce McKeeman, Frank Roderick, Allen Locke, Bill Tobin, Jenn Brooks-Wooding, Robert Fortunati, Dina Dubois.
Laurie Sheridan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Lee Porter moved to accept the minutes of 12/10/07 as submitted. Russ seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Public concerns
Dina Dubois is organizing a community dance at the town hall and raised questions about whether an event such as this is a community event as defined on the Town Hall rental policy. Laurie raised the question of who is responsible for damages and injuries when the hall is being used in this way. If the town sponsors the event it would therefore be responsible. The policy needs to be fine tuned and the wording of the town hall rental form changed to reflect that. Laurie suggested taking some time to consider this and thought it wise to first find out what the town's insurance policy does or does not cover in this regard. Joyce will look into the insurance policy and contact VLCT as necessary.. Laurie moved that the dances on January 20th and February 24th be sponsored by the Town, Russ Pazdro second. Motion passed unanimously.
Listers' concerns
Allen reported that the state formally accepted the town reappraisal.
He next explained the difference between statutory and voted tax exempt properties. Statute allows for exempting certain kinds of properties from exemption on which no tax is paid. Voted exemptions can forgive town and highway portions of tax but the rest of the town picks up the portion of education taxes that would have been paid by the exempted property. This issue was last decided five years ago. There are six properties on list including the Valley Health Center that is now exempt by statute. The others are the Masonic Hall, the ball field, the East Corinth fire dept., the ski tow, and the historical society museum in E. Corinth village. Churches and cemeteries are covered by statute. If the town were to exempt all properties, then the amount of exempted school taxes of $5562 would have to be spread among all town property owners to average roughly $5.50 per property owner. Total amount removed from tax base is approximately $335,000. Each property has to be voted in individually at town meeting. The vote for each of these will be added to the warning.
It was agreed to include an article on the warning to see whether voters want to increase the amount of the veteran's exemption. The State allows $10,000 exemption ($10,000 of property value with all taxes forgiven) but a recently passed law allows for towns to increase the exemption up to $40,000. The other taxpayers would share the tax cost instead.
Road Commissioner's Report
Frank has information about the new state procedures for drug and alcohol testing for CDL drivers. VLCT provides a consortium under which they contract with a provider for this service. There will be some changes to the way the testing is done. There are several options that can be written into personnel policy regarding what happens if someone fails a test.
Frank presented the lease order for a new grader in the amount of $162,500 with a trade-in allowance of $75,000 on old one. The Town had a choice of either five or 10 year lease agreement and the option of making a $50,000 down payment. There are sufficient funds in the highway reserve fund to cover the down payment.
Lee Porter moved to contract for a five year municipal lease with $50,000 down; Laurie Sheridan seconded, motion passed unanimously.
The surplus bucket loader / backhoe has arrived from Germany and the crew has tried it out. The repair of bucket will be $200-$400. Purchase amount is in the highway reserve fund. Russ Pazdro moved to purchase the 1988 John Deere 415B loader/backhoe for $8,500; Laurie Sheridan seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
The Certificate of Highway Mileage was signed and sent to state.
Lee presented results of looking into buying a 1,000 gallon diesel fuel tank. There was general agreement to take this issue up before the fall to take advantage of fuel bidding process.
Planning Commission and Planning Grant contract
Laurie moved to appoint Chris Jahoula to fill a vacancy for a three-year term on the Planning Commission, as recommended by the Planning Commission. Russ seconded, motion passed unanimously. Russ Pazdro moved that the selectboard sign an agreement with Two Rivers Ottauqueche Regional Planning Commission to provide planning services to the Town planning commission. Laurie Sheridan second; motion passed unanimously. The cost for Two River's work will be paid by a grant already approved.
Town Hall Committee.
The Board asked the Town Hall committee to be responsible for getting estimates and arranging for repairs to the corner of the roof that was hit by a truck. They agreed to do this. Susan has already contacted the VLCT insurance provider about how to proceed.
Town Hall costs for septic and electric to Warning
Bill Tobin presented two Town Hall maintenance items to put on the warning: the electrical upgrade and the septic system replacement. Committee recommends that electric work is more important than septic and would like to make sure that voters can have choice of approving one without the other. Electric work could be in range of $25,000 and the Septic could be in $10,000 to $20,000 range but that is not firm. It was agreed to add these items to the Town Meeting warning.
Bill had an estimate of $1,336 for putting in a slop sink for janitorial duties into the corner of the men's room. The funds for this are in the maintenance reserve fund. Laurie Sheridan moved to approve installing mop sink in men's room in Lee Porter second. Motion passed unanimously.
7. A decision regarding the Highway personnel health insurance was tabled until the February meeting
8. Solid Waste Implementation Plan revision
The Board discussed the revisions to the Town's Solid Waste Implementation Plan as requested by the Department of Environmental Conservation. The Selectmen agreed on revisions to the four sections noted. Laurie will rewrite the plan to meet the stipulated criteria and submit by January18th.
9. Town Meeting Warning preparation
Laurie shared her preliminary draft for the warning and the Board incorporated some changes to the draft, A Special Selectboard Meeting will be held at 7 pm on Jan. 21st to meet with the Moderator and finalize the Warning as much as possible at this point
10. Greenways $30 to Warning without petition
Russ moved include the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council request for an appropriation of $30 on the Town Meeting warning and Lee seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
12, Other business
Susan raised the issue of purchasing a microphone and amplification system to use for town meeting It seemed to be a good idea considering the number of people who have a hard time hearing at meeting. The various ways to arrange the hall for Town meeting were also discussed. Russ will check around about sound systems including possibly renting a system for a day.
13. Correspondence
The Board received a letter from Becky Loftus resigning her position as Selectboard clerk. It was accepted with regrets. Laurie made and Lee seconded a motion to appoint Joyce McKeeman as Selectboard clerk. Motion passed unanimously.
14. Warrants and bills and Treasurer's concerns
Susan informed the Board that she wrote a policy for all contractors or subcontractors (vendors) regarding having them complete all employment forms and proof of applicable insurance before they will be paid for their work. The Board was satisfied with that.
Susan has investigated having a link on the town website so that taxpayers may pay their taxes via credit or debit card. There would be a 3% fee to the taxpayer. There is a $300 set-up fee to establish this service through the bank. There was some discussion and it was decided to get some more input from the townspeople before considering this action.
15. Financial report was presented and considered.
16. Warrants and bill were reviewed and signed.
17. Emergency lighting and fire extinguishers were tested and inspected.
Meeting adjourned at 11:05