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MINUTES OF THE SHAFTSBURY SELECT BOARD

NOVEMBER 13, 2006

COLE HALL     

SHAFTSBURY, VERMONT

 

Board Present: Wynn Metcalfe, Chairman, Bill Pennebaker, Karen Mellinger

Board Absent: Cinda Morse, Jim Mead

Others Present: Walter Hyjek, Aaron Chrostowsky, (Town Administrator), Susan Swasta (Recording Secretary)

 

1.         Call Meeting to Order: 

 

Chairman Wynn Metcalfe called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.

 

2.         Conflict of Interest: 

 

Chairman Metcalfe asked if any board member had a conflict of interest with any of the issues on tonight’s agenda.  None did.

 

3.         Announcements:

 

There were no announcements.

 

4.         Public Comments:

 

Shaftsbury resident Walter Hyjek asked where funding for the town Health Committee comes from. Aaron Chrostowsky explained that the money had been donated to the town over the years by different people, originally going to the Shaftsbury Health Association. The Association had used the funds for immunizing children, holding flu clinics for the elderly, and similar activities.

 

When the Association went by the wayside, the Health Committee was formed, largely through the efforts of Charles Yoder. Mr. Yoder had the idea of using the funds to hold public interest workshops on health topics. Only the interest is used for the programs. Mr. Chrostowsky noted that the Health Committee chairman will attend next week’s meeting to give an update.

 

Mr. Hyjek stated that this is something new, and that he had not known about it. Chairman Metcalfe replied that it is new in the sense that it was brought back to life. The Committee understands that their costs are to be covered only by the fund interest. Mr. Chrostowsky pointed out pages 24 and 25 of the town report, which describes the Health Fund and its budget.

 

Mr. Hyjek asked if the Board is working on the budget, and Chairman Metcalfe replied that they are. Mr. Hyjek expressed concern about funding for property reappraisal. He fears that not enough money is being set aside to cover the costs, and wants to know where the town stands, percentage wise. Chairman Metcalfe stated that we are OK at this point, and will still have a year after the point for reappraisal is reached. So it is still two years away.

 

Mr. Hyjek stated his concern that because of the state mandate the town will only have one year to raise the funds, which might amount to $300,000. He would hate to see the Board have to ask for a bond to make up the difference. Chairman Metcalfe replied that he and Town Lister Angie Abbatello have gone over the amount that should be appropriated each year, after calculating funds from the state to be added.

 

Ms. Mellinger stated that $20,000 will be put in this year, and Mr. Hyjek said he does not think that is enough. Chairman Metcalfe stated that Ms. Abbatello will be attending the Board budget meeting in two weeks, and will present to the Board what the listers think they need. The Board will decide how far down the road they need to look. Ms. Mellinger said that the listers will be meeting with the Board at 5:00 PM, November 27, and that Mr. Hyjek is welcome to attend.

 

5.         Community Advisory Board (Lieutenant Nott, State Police):

 

Since Lt. Nott was unable to attend tonight’s meeting this matter was postponed.

 

6.         Other Business:

 

Mr. Pennebaker reported that Grant Street resident Pat Smith is having a problem with her driveway. Mr. Chrostowsky stated that Highway Foreman Ron Daniels is aware of the problem and will speak with her and deal with the problem.

 

Ms. Mellinger asked Mr. Chrostowsky if the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a sidewalk project consultant has gone out yet. He replied that it has.

 

Mr. Pennebaker asked Mr. Chrostowsky about town transfer station recertification. Mr. Chrostowsky replied that he needs to follow up on that, and both Mr. Pennebaker and Ms. Mellinger said this should happen tomorrow because we are running out of time.

 

Ms. Mellinger asked about Sawmill Road guard rails, and Mr. Chrostowsky replied that they are going up. Guard rails are also going up on Bennett Hill Road, and have been put up on Cold Spring Road.

 

Ms. Mellinger stated that she had been asked by Coulter Road residence Don Peters why the road crew graded that road twice. Mr. Chrostowsky will get and answer from Mr. Daniels for Mr. Peters.

 

Mr. Chrostowsky reported that the DuBois and King methane remediation plan had been approved by the state and will go out for construction bid tomorrow.

 

7.         Executive Session:

 

Ms. Mellinger made motion to go into Executive Session. Mr. Pennebaker seconded. Motion carried 3-0-0. The Board went into Executive Session at 7:23 PM.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Susan M. Swasta

 

 

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