MINUTES OF THE SHAFTSBURY SELECT BOARD
MAY 12, 2008
COLE HALL
SHAFTSBURY, VERMONT
Board Present: Lon McClintock, Karen Mellinger, Cinda Morse, Bill Pennebaker, Wynn Metcalfe
Others Present: Ken Moriarty, Barth VanderEls, Jim Meskun, Mark Boudreau, Mike Gleason (Bennington Banner), Aaron Chrostowsky (Town Administrator), Gary Peterson (Recording Secretary)
1. Call Meeting to Order:
Chairman Lon McClintock called the meeting to order at 6:58 PM.
2. Conflict of Interest Statement:
Chairman McClintock asked if any board member has a conflict of interest with any topic on tonight's agenda. None did.
3. Announcements:
Chairman McClintock announced that the Shaftsbury Water Department will be replacing a fire hydrant on Vermont Route 7A near the Cross residence located next door to the Thompson’s Garage on Tuesday May 13, 2008 between 8:00 AM to 12 Noon.
Chairman McClintock announced that the Veterans Committee was organizing a Memorial Day celebration for May 22nd and that a parade would be held on May 26th.
Chairman McClintock noted the Transfer Station/ Recycling Center will be closed Saturday May 24th, the Town Offices will be closed Monday May 26th, and that the Select Board will not be meeting Monday May 26, 2008.
4. Public Comments:
Ken Moriarty noted that the four-way stop at Coulter Road, Cross Hill, Tinkham Road and Myers Road had been reconsidered at the May 5th meeting. He indicated that his interest in this issue is well known, expressed frustration that he had not been aware that the issue was on the agenda for that meeting, and wanted assurance that he would know when the board next addressed this issue.
Mr. Moriarty noted that the stop signs had been approved by the board in October, 2007 and stated that he had been assured that the stop signs would be in place when the winter weather had abated. He expressed surprise that the issue was being re-addressed.
Chairman McClintock stated that the issue would be discussed at the May 19th meeting, and how to appropriately address speed control would be determined.
The board indicated that the Select Board agenda should be posted on the town website so that residents could more reliably be informed about matters which would be discussed at meetings.
Barth VanderEls, the town health officer, stated that he had received complaints about a pile of garbage at a house located at 1613 RT 67E. He noted that the house was empty and understood that it had been the subject of a foreclosure action. Chairman McClintock stated that he would help Mr. VanderEls contact the lawyer who participated in the foreclosure and get the garbage hauled away.
5. Meeting Minutes:
May 5, 2008 Select Board minutes
Cinda Morse made motion to approve May 5, 2008 minutes. Karen Mellinger seconded.
The following correction to the May 5th minutes was requested:
In the last paragraph, under item 8 (Treasurer's Report), the word projected should be inserted before deficit.
Motion to approve May 5, 2008 minutes as amended carried 5-0-0.
6. Warrants:
The following warrants were presented for approval:
General Warrant AP#46: $ 6,166.83
Ms. Morse made motion to pay warrant. Bill Pennebaker seconded. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Payroll Warrant AP#47: $ 12,886.51
Ms. Morse made motion to pay warrant. Mr. Pennebaker seconded. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Payroll Warrant AP#45: $ 5,613.87
Ms. Morse made motion to pay warrant. Ms. Mellinger seconded. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Trans. Warrant $ 12,606.47
Ms. Morse made motion to pay warrant. Ms. Mellinger seconded. Motion carried 5-0-0.
7. Howard Park Equipment Storage Shed:
The board noted that the park trust fund does not generate enough money to cover the park's operating costs, and that capital improvements have been deferred and are past due. It was suggested that the recreation committee and park trustees determine a feasible amount of money that could be raised in a fundraising campaign, and that a capital campaign committee be formed to raise the funds. It was also noted that the recreation committee was in the process of completing a fee study which would determine possible charges for users of the park.
Mark Boudreau reported that local youth soccer organizations currently use part of the maintenance shed to store equipment and these organizations are ready to provide the labor and materials to complete a separate structure to serve as a storage shed. He stated that they were willing to build whatever kind of structure fits into the overall plans for the park. Mr. Boudreau noted that a 15 x 15 foot area had been staked out which is away from the parking lot in order to deter vandalism, yet close enough to the ball fields. He envisioned electricity for the building coming underground from the building housing the restrooms.
It was thought prudent to get the town attorney's opinion about potential issues related to a private building in a public park. Mr. Chrostowsky was directed to meet with members of the parks committee and facilities committee to iron out details related to the proposed structure.
Ms. Mellinger made motion to waive any permit fees for the equipment storage shed. Ms. Morse seconded. Motion carried 5-0-0.
8. Long Range Financial Plan Committee:
Chairman McClintock stated that the committee would look five-to-ten years into the future and make recommendations about how relatively large town projects could be addressed. The committee would determine how best to develop capital campaigns. Ms. Morse stated that any suggestions for membership on the committee would be welcomed.
9. New Flagpole at Waite Cemetery:
Jim Meskun stated that the Veterans Committee was prepared to place a flagpole in the Waite Cemetery and that Wynn Metcalfe had agreed to help with its placement. Mr. Meskun noted that all time and materials were donated so that there was no cost to town, and he presented a copy of the program for events related to the flagpole raising and the May 26th parade.
Ms. Morse made motion to grant permission to the Veterans Committee to work with Mr. Metcalfe to place the flagpole in the cemetery. Mr. Pennebaker seconded. Motion carried 5-0-0.
10. Preservation Trust of Vermont Grant:
Aaron Chrostowsky reported that he had met with the regional representative of the Preservation Trust of Vermont, and that the Trust was offering a $250 matching grant to pay for an assessment of the Cole Hall. Mr. Chrostowsky expressed the opinion that the assessment would provide a basis for a historical preservation grant application in the fall.
Mr. Chrostowsky stated that Keefe & Wessner, which filed a detailed report assessing Cole Hall 15 years ago, would do the proposed assessment. Mr. Metcalfe stated that the town followed this report for several years, and he anticipated that the proposed assessment would update that original assessment.
Ms. Morse wondered if the proposed assessment would provide enough detail relative to what specifically needs to be done and what it would cost. Mr. Chrostowsky indicated that the proposed assessment would provide an update of existing information and estimate construction costs.
Mr. Metcalfe stated that the facilities committee should receive a copy of the original Keefe & Wessner report.
The board considered whether the funds for the assessment should come from the George Hawkins Fund or the Cole Hall Reserve Fund.
Ms. Morse made motion to move forward with application and use funds from the Cole Hall Reserve Fund, and directed Mr. Chrostowsky to specify points in the application that the assessment should address. Ms. Mellinger seconded. Motion carried 5-0-0.
11. Town Administrator's Update:
Mr. Chrostowsky asked that he be appointed as the authorized representative to deal with a water project reimbursement.
Ms. Mellinger made motion to authorize Mr. Chrostowsky to represent the town in the water project reimbursement process. Mr. Pennebaker seconded. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Mr. Chrostowsky reported that the cost of eliminating the town wood chip pile had increased from the budgeted $2000 to $8000. He reported that he discovered that it is possible to get a permit from the state and burn the pile. He asked for permission to continue to explore this possibility.
The board expressed concern about the impact on residents near the potential burn site.
12. Other Business:
Mr. Metcalfe asked for clarification about how the tax collections discussion was being handled. He wanted assurances that the entire board was involved, and that the board was making decisions about who should be contacted and requested to provide additional information.
It was decided to ask Mert Snow, the town collector of delinquent taxes, if he was available to come to the May 19th board meeting.
Ms. Mellinger expressed appreciation for the competence of the town water department crew.
Ms. Morse reported that the BCRC is in the process of hiring a solid waste coordinator.
Ms. Morse asked that, beginning with the next meeting, each agenda include a report on the status of the projected town deficit.
Mr. Pennebaker reported that he attended a meeting involving broadband access, and became familiar with groups in the state who are pushing the issue.
Mr. Pennebaker reported on methane remediation, and said that things continue in the right direction.
Chairman McClintock reported that he had received phone calls noting that the road in the cemetery needed attention as did a section of White Creek Road. Mr. Metcalfe indicated that he will work with the road foreman to remedy the cemetery problem. It was stated that Ron Daniels is working on the White Creek Road repair.
Ms. Morse made motion to adjourn. Ms. Mellinger seconded. Motion carried 5-0-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:44 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gary Peterson