Annual Town Meeting Minutes
Monday, March 6, 2006
Shaftsbury Elementary School
150 Buck Hill Road, Shaftsbury, Vermont
Select Board Present:
Chairman Wynn Metcalfe, Vice-Chairman John Fagerholm, Jim Mead, Karen
Mellinger, and Cinda Morse
Moderator:
Thomas Dailey
Others Present:
Town Administrator Aaron Chrostowsky, Town Clerk Judy Stratton, Meeting
Recording Secretary Susan Swasta, and approximately 130 Shaftsbury residents
Moderator Dailey called the meeting to order
at 7:31 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Those present observed a
moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and servicewomen all over the
world.
Moderator Dailey introduced Select Board
members, Town Administrator Aaron Chrostowsky, Town Clerk Judy Stratton, and
Meeting Recording Secretary Susan Swasta.
Moderator Dailey gave the floor to Select
Board Chairman Wynn Metcalfe, who thanked all of the residents who had
participated in the pre-meeting pot luck. Chairman Metcalfe introduced Art
Whitman of the Economic Development Committee, who presented certificates of
appreciation to representatives of new Shaftsbury businesses: Bernstein
Display, Peckham Industries, Shaftsbury Country Store, Green Mountain Log
Homes, Happy Dog Flower Farm, and Katie M’s Kitchen.
Chairman Metcalfe recognized the following
Shaftsbury volunteers for their services: Florence Beebe for her RSVP and
genealogy efforts, June White for her work in the town office, Ernie Harwood
and Ed Corey for mowing town property, Barbara Buxbaum for office support
work, and Gerry Mattison for his tremendous contributions as town emergency
management director.
Chairman Metcalfe presented a mug and check to
Assistant Road Foreman Tim Greene for 25 years of service. He also recognized
retiring Select Board Vice-Chairman Skip Fagerholm’s three years of service on
the board and presented him with a mug.
Chairman Metcalfe announced that a hometown
welcome will be held for Olympics cross-country skier Andy Newell in April. He
called on Vermont Rep. Alice Miller to read the House Concurrent Resolution
she had drafted congratulating Mr. Newell.
Rep. Miller also noted Shaftsbury athletes
Steven Vargo, state cross-country ski champion; Christopher Haynes, state
track and field champion; Mt. Anthony wrestling coach Scott Legacy with his
18th consecutive state championship; and state champion wrestlers Mike Becker,
Scott Legacy II and Seth Coulter.
Chairman Metcalfe introduced Fire Chief Joe
Vadakin to make a presentation. Chief Vadakin recounted his work with Aaron
Chrostowsky on a Homeland Security grant, and read a letter of appreciation to
Mr. Chrostowsky from the fire department for his hard work and professionalism
in winning the $50,000 grant. Fireman Ian Taylor modeled some of the equipment
acquired with the grant.
Moderator Dailey announced that the United
Methodist women’s group would hold their traditional lunch and bake sale at
the fire house tomorrow. He then presented Rep. Alice Miller to deliver her
legislative report.
Rep. Alice Miller reminded residents to fill
out the Doyle survey, and to file their Homestead forms by April 15.
Rep. Miller reported that Shaftsbury has won
major funding this year. This includes a $249,000 sidewalks grant, for which
she lauded the work of Ed Armstrong and Karen Mellinger. A $50,000 Homeland
Security grant was due in large measure to Mr. Chrostowsky’s work. The
legislature awarded the town $110,000 for landfill closure; Bill Pennebaker
contributed much research for this effort. There is a possibility for an
additional $40,000 in landfill funds for 2007. Shaftsbury received over
$200,000 in emergency funds for road repair last year.
Rep. Miller summarized other funding she has
sponsored that awaits legislative approval in areas of education, child care,
family support, and mental health treatment for returning National Guard
veterans. She noted the challenges that Medicare Part D has presented to the
state, and asked residents to read her Legislative update for details on these
topics and others which she did not have time to touch upon.
Chairman Metcalfe came forward to make the
Select Board presentation. Using Powerpoint slides to illustrate major points,
he began with a “state of the town” overview for 2005-2006, with fiscal
highlights and Select Board report. The latter focused on activities of the
Highway and Fire Departments, Policies and Procedures Committee, Economic
Development Committee, and Solid Waste Committee. He particularly noted the
work on culverts accomplished by the Highway Department.
Chairman Metcalfe stated that the Development
Review Board will begin April 1, and that it will be a positive change for
applicants to only have to deal with one board. He reported that the Select
Board has been working diligently to close the landfill, and that the process
has been “a nightmare,” but things are looking more hopeful. The Solid Waste
Committee worked very hard in researching and deliberating to reach its
recommendation for a pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) system, which has been voted in
by the Select Board. There are as yet no details to report, but a special
public meeting will be held as soon as more specifics have been determined.
In his discussion of the upcoming year’s
budget, Chairman Metcalfe described the work of the budget committee, which
included citizen representatives, and stated that these representatives had
provided a different point of view that led to useful exchanges. He detailed
the effect of the budget on the taxpayer, listed new expenditures and
revenues, and presented goals for 2006-2007. Chairman Metcalfe discussed
reserve funds, stating that in the past these funds were have not been funded,
and that it is important to now do so. There will be no contributions to the
sidewalk fund this year because there is enough set aside for the village
project. He noted that $72,500 in revenues are projected from PAYT, to begin
in April. Chairman Metcalfe encouraged residents to come out and vote
tomorrow.
Ed Colvin asked for the floor, and reported on
efforts to establish a Stanley Tools Museum. Two years ago the new Stanley
owner had agreed to donate the stone square shop for a museum, but had said
that this would have to be delayed for a year in order to get a tax write-off.
During this time the museum group had the property surveyed and went through
the subdivision process. When the owner was asked to sign subdivision papers
he stated that he had sold the business. Mr. Colvin will meet with Anthony
Tripoli of Bernstein Displays, the new property owners, to discuss the museum.
$250,000 in artifacts and a $100,000 painting were given by Stanley for the
museum, and Mr. Colvin and his group are “still on the trail” to establish a
museum.
Rep. Miller stated that she had forgotten two
people in her comments on athletes’ accomplishments: Corey Greene, New England
wrestling champion and John Andrews, state wrestling champion.
Moderator Dailey went over the rules for town
meeting.
Mr. Colvin made motion to dispense with the
reading of the Warning. Alan Watson seconded, and motion passed by voice vote.
Article 1. To hear the reports of the Town
Officers and take action thereon.
Arthur Faris moved and Ruth Levin seconded
to accept the reports as published. Motion carried by voice vote.
Article II. To Determine:
A. What salary shall be paid to the Select
Board?
Mr. Colvin moved and Dr. Faris seconded to
pay the Select Board $800, last year's amount.
Tyler Resch stated that the job of the Select
Board is one of increasing complexity and that their salary should be raised
to $1,000 as a token thank-you for all their hard work and time. Bill Hurley
agreed.
Mr. Resch moved to amend the motion to
raise the amount to $1,000 and Dave Mattison seconded. Motion carried by
voice vote.
B. What salary shall be paid to the Town
Treasurer?
Moderator Dailey noted that a $1,000 raise has
been proposed, to $15,000, and described the Treasurer’s duties.
Noel Cardiff moved and Kathy Cardiff
seconded to pay the Town Treasurer last year’s amount of $14,000.
Lew Levin stated that Treasurer Henrietta
Billow does a lot of work and deserves a $1000 raise. Ms. Cardiff asked for
more details on the Treasurer’s duties and compensation, which Chairman
Metcalfe provided.
Dr. Faris called the question and Lon
McClintock seconded. Motion to call the question carried by voice vote. Motion
to pay the Town Treasurer $14,000 was defeated by voice and standing vote.
Mr. Hurley moved and it was duly seconded
to pay the Town Treasurer $15,000. Motion carried by voice vote.
C. What salary shall be paid to the Town
Clerk?
Mr. Watson moved and it was duly seconded
to pay the Town Clerk last year’s amount of $8000. Motion carried by voice
vote.
D. What hourly rate shall be paid to Board
of Listers?
Dr. Faris moved and it was duly seconded to
pay the Board of Listers the current minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Motion
carried by voice
vote.
E. What hourly rate shall be paid to Board
of Auditors?
Dr. Faris moved and it was duly seconded to
pay the Board of Auditors the current minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Motion
carried by voice vote.
F. What hourly rate shall be paid to the
Ballot Clerks?
Rodney Hall moved and Rick Stratton
seconded to pay the Ballot Clerks the current minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Motion carried by voice
vote.
G. What compensation, if any, shall be paid
to all other elected Town Officers?
Paul Becker moved and it was duly seconded
to pay all other elected Town Officers the current minimum wage of $7.25 per
hour. Motion carried by voice vote.
Dr. Faris pointed out that some elected town
officials are not paid anything, and he added the clarification that anyone
who was not paid last year will not be paid this year.
H. What stipend shall be paid to members of
the Planning Commission and Development Review Board?
Mr. Watson moved and Dixie Zens seconded to
pay members of the Planning Commission and Development Review Board $100, as
last year. Motion carried by voice vote.
Article 3. To adopt the Town Budget.
Dr. Faris moved and Mr. Zens seconded to
approve the budget as adopted by the Board.
Lon McClintock expressed concern about the
$72,500 tipping fees revenue in the budget. He believes PAYT will increase
trash dumped on roads and hurt those on fixed incomes. He does not want to see
the system implemented until details are known.
Mr. McClintock moved and it was duly
seconded to amend the motion to approve the budget to remove the $72,500 line
item for tipping fees revenue.
Chairman Metcalfe stated that if the $72,500
revenue is removed there will need to be a tax increase. Mr. McClintock stated
that taxpayers will pay for it either way.
Mr. Levin stated that current tax fees for
waste disposal are lower than PAYT rates and that PAYT will hurt people with
families. Mr. Cardiff agreed with Mr. McClintock that PAYT will increase
illegal dumping and stated that he thinks the current trash disposal service
should be continued.
Dr. Faris stated that almost every other
Vermont community has PAYT, and that he has not seen an increase in trash on
roadsides. He believes we have gone far too long with an archaic system of
paying for trash disposal with taxes.
Barth Vander Els agreed that it is fair to
handle trash as a fee for service utility, and take care of people who can’t
afford to pay as a separate issue. He stated that “we should each pay for our
dirt.”
Mr. Resch agreed that PAYT has not increased
dumping, but shares Mr. McClintock’s concern with predicting revenues when we
don’t know the ground rules. Chairman Metcalfe replied that the Board had set
the tipping fee based on solid waste figures from last year’s budget. Bill
Pennebaker stated that the fee is revenue neutral and only covers tipping
charges.
Michael Algus asked if residents will receive
a $72,500 reduction in taxes. He asked where this sum went in the budget. Ms.
Mellinger replied that it had gone to fund various reserve funds. Dr. Algus
asked if that meant taxes had been raised by $72,500, and she replied that one
could look at it that way.
Mr. Cardiff stated that the property tax is
already income sensitive; why add another layer of complexity that PAYT will
bring? Ms. Mellinger stated that the chief reason for PAYT is not financial,
but to increase recycling and it has been proven to do so.
Bob Holmes asked how senior citizens who
cannot handle heavy bags will be accommodated, and Ms. Mellinger said that
these details are being worked out.
Mr. Pennebaker pointed out that the proposed
tipping fee is much less than that charged by other towns. In response to Mr.
McClintock’s view that the projected revenue is speculation, he replied that
charges were calculated to generate $72,500.
Dave Mattison commented that he did not look
forward to spending half a weekend day sitting in line at the dump.
Mr. Hall said that he assumes $72,500 is a
good faith estimate and that PAYT is a work in progress that can be adjusted.
Mr. Becker asked if this amount includes added
personnel and Chairman Metcalfe replied that it does not. He also stated that
he does not want to give the impression that taxes will go down by this
amount. The money has been budgeted for reserve funds this year.
Ms. Cardiff asked if this represented all
waste disposal costs, and Chairman Metcalfe answered that it covered only
garbage tonnage; management costs are $30,000.
Sally Sugarman stated that while PAYT may be
good in concept, she needs more details. Moderator Dailey stated that this is
not an informational meeting on PAYT.
David O’Brien asked what the impact would be
of removing the $72,500 from the budget and not funding the reserve funds.
Chairman Metcalfe replied that this would mean a tax increase of 10% instead
of 3%. Mr. O’Brien suggested that Mr. McClintock add a second amendment to
his amended motion, specifying that the $72,500 be removed from the budget
temporarily, from reserve funds, until PAYT is approved and up and running.
There was a discussion concerning the need for
reserve funds, and Phyllis Porio stated that it should be understood the
suggested amendment would just delay the funding of the reserves, not refuse
to fund them.
Mr. McClintock amended his amended motion
(seconded by Ms. Porio) as restated by Mr. O’Brien, to remove tipping fee
revenues in the budget, that amount to be taken out of reserve funds and put
back in the budget as PAYT is rolled out.
Moderator Dailey clarified that this motion
would reduce the tipping fee line item of $72,500 to 0 and likewise reduce
expense line items by that amount.
Ms. Mellinger made the point that reserve
funds are not line items, but are voted on in the Australian ballot. Moderator
Dailey stated that an amendment having to do with the Australian ballot cannot
be proposed.
Mr. McClintock stated that the tipping fee
line item could be made 0, to be offset in the budget. Chairman Metcalfe said
that he wanted everyone to understand that the $72,500 would then come out of
the overall budget, not reserve funds, and that this would have implications
for town services.
Cinda Morse pointed out that the Select Board
has already adopted PAYT. Residents can petition the Board to have it put to a
vote by the town, but it has been passed, and the goal now is to work out the
details. Removing the $72,500 from the budget is the prerogative of those in
attendance, but it will come out of the operating budget.
Ms. Mellinger stated that many meetings have
been held on PAYT, and there has been extensive newspaper coverage. She
emphasized that the Board and the Solid Waste Committee have done a lot of
research, and that “we’re not flying by the seat of our pants.” She wishes
more people had attended meetings and hopes they will attend in the future.
Magdalena Usategui strongly advised approval
of the Board’s decision on PAYT, noting they have done a lot of work on it.
Ms. Sugarman thanked Ms. Morse for clarifying that the Board has already
approved PAYT and that it is not up for debate. In that light, she felt that
the current motion does not make much sense.
Mr. O’Brien asked if the $72,500 in revenue is
based on projections of fee per bag charges, and Chairman Metcalfe replied
that it is based on those projections. Ms. Morse stated that it is not a
guess, but based on Mr. Pennebaker’s calculations.
Dr. Faris called the question and Mr.
Hurley seconded. Motion carried by a voice vote. Mr. McClintock’s amended
motion to reduce the budget by $72,500 on the revenue side by changing the
tipping fee line item to 0 was defeated in voice and standing vote.
Moderator Dailey returned to the original
motion to pass the budget as presented.
Mr. Mattison called the question and Mr.
Stratton seconded. Motion carried by a voice vote. The original motion by Dr.
Faris and seconded by Mr. Zens to approve the budget as adopted by the Select
Board carried by voice vote from the floor.
Article 4. To Determine: Will the Town vote
to have taxes collected by the Town Treasurer?
Audrey Jones moved and Ms. Sugarman
seconded to have taxes collected by the Town Treasurer. Motion carried.
Article 5. To Determine: Will the Town vote
to set the date for payment of taxes as Friday, November 10, 2006 by 5
o’clock?
Ms. Sugarman moved and Ms. Levin seconded
to set the date for payment of taxes as Friday, November 10, 2006 by five
o'clock. Motion carried.
Article 6. Article 6 (a resolution
concerning the use of state education funds) mistakenly did not appear in the
Town Meeting Warning and so was not taken up.
Article 7. We the voters of the Town of
Shaftsbury vote to approve the resolution to formally recognize the service of
the men and women of the Vermont Air and Army National Guard. We thank them
and their families for their selfless dedication to both the State of Vermont
and the United States of America.
Mr. Resch moved and Mr. Hurley seconded to
approve the Article 7 resolution. Motion carried by voice vote.
8. To transact any other
business found proper when met.
Mr. Hurley, of Southwestern Vermont Health
Care, commented on the proposed legislation on the Catamount Health Plan. He
thinks that the problem must be addressed, but that this solution will only
add to the cost shift and further strain Medicaid. Mr. Hurley would like to
see a true bipartisan effort on health care. He encouraged residents to read
the handout he had brought on this topic.
Mr. Mattison asked why Eleanor B. Smith was
not present, and Moderator Dailey replied that she has been ill, and that
expressions of concern and well wishes will be passed along to her.
Rep. Miller read and explained the education
funds resolution that had to be left out because it had not been warned. She
stated her opposition to using education funds for any other purpose.
Ms. Levin moved, it was duly seconded, and
motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 10:13PM.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________ ________________________
Susan M. Swasta
Selectboard Member
Meeting Recording Secretary
________________________
Selectboard Member
________________________
Selectboard Member
___________________________
________________________
Thomas
Dailey Selectboard
Member
Town
Moderator
________________________
Selectboard Member