MINUTES OF THE SHAFTSBURY SELECT BOARD

JANUARY 8, 2007

COLE HALL

SHAFTSBURY, VERMONT

Board Present: Wynn Metcalfe, Chairman, Cinda Morse, Bill Pennebaker, Karen Mellinger, Jim Mead

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

1.         Call Meeting to Order: 

Chairman Wynn Metcalfe called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.

2.         Announcements:

Chairman Metcalfe announced that the Board would take care of routine business and then resume working on the budget.

3.         Warrants:

The following warrant was presented for approval:

PR#27  -                      $         7,106.51           Payroll Warrant

Cinda Morse made motion to pay warrants. Jim Mead seconded. Motion carried 5-0-0.

4.         Minutes:

There were no minutes to approve at this time.

5.         Public Comments:

There were no public comments.

6.         Other Business:

Bill Pennebaker reported on the landfill methane problem, stating that his methane measurements have been “all over the map,” even when taken at brief time intervals. Mr. Pennebaker said that he has no models for how methane levels should be behaving, so cannot explain the variations. He will discuss this with Buzz Surwillo.

Mr. Pennebaker stated that the trial pumping of one well did indicate that pumping one well affects the other wells, which is good news. He also believes that barometric pressure affects methane levels. He expects the methane remediation contractor to come back with a more fleshed-out plan after this initial test.

Mr. Mead reported that the electrician who will install the methane meter at the Eastman property is concerned about liability issues. The town’s insurance agent, Dave Newell, will advise on this, but the assumption is that the liability lies with the town rather than the contractor.

Mr. Pennebaker stated that one of the upper gate hinges at the landfill needs to be replaced. Aaron Chrostowsky said this will be taken care of.

Karen Mellinger asked if Mr. Chrostowsky had discussed the continuity of government plan with former officials who will be included in it, and he replied that he has not, but will do so.

Mr. Chrostowsky reported that one of the constables, Dave Herzfeld has agreed to serve on the Community Advisory Board with the state police. He also announced that the Board has been invited to participate in the “Wild Thing’ maintenance scheduled at the school for Green-Up Day.

Mr. Chrostowsky asked the Board if they want to hold a pot luck supper before Town Meeting again this year, and the consensus was that this is a good idea. He will have an announcement placed in the warning so that residents know about the event.

Ms. Mellinger stated that she thinks it would be a good idea to have a standard sign made to be placed at the transfer station to warn residents ahead of time when the facility will be closed on a Saturday.

Mr. Chrostowsky asked for Board approval to close Airport Road in order for CCS Constructors to unload a CVPS transformer.

Ms. Morse made motion to approve the closing of Airport Road to permit CCS to unload a CVPS transformer. Ms. Mellinger seconded.

Ms. Morse stated that good signage should be put in place to warn drivers when this takes place.

Motion carried 5-0-0.

Mr. Chrostowsky reported that Highway Foreman Ron Daniels had spoken to Steve Washburn about storing sand on the Washburn property. Board members agreed that this is a good idea and will save on trucking expenses. Ms. Morse suggested that Mr. Chrostowsky discuss it first with Town Attorney Rob Woolmington to make sure that there is no conflict of interest situation created for Mr. Washburn. Mr. Chrostowsky agreed to do so.

Ms. Mellinger asked whether it is possible to repair existing guard rails rather than replacing them. Mr. Chrostowsky replied that guard rail standards have changed, and that pieces of telephone pole may no longer be used in cable guard rails. Repairing would be more expensive for the town than replacement. Ms. Mellinger asked if there is a liability to the town if the guard rail on East Road is not replaced, and Mr. Chrostowsky replied that Mr. Daniels strongly believes that it should be replaced for safety reasons.

At 7:40 the Board resumed discussion of the budget.

The meeting adjourned at 11 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Susan M. Swasta