NEWFANE SELECTBOARD MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2010
NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE
PRESENT: Selectboard: Gary Katz, Todd Lawley, Frank Suponski, Christopher Williams, Dennis Wiswall
Others Present: Cindy Bouchard, VLCT; Wade Masure, VLCT; Christopher Wocell, Arthur J. Gallagher; Jean Kester, Trident; Marc Gray; Ed Druke; Fred Lawrence; Gunther Garbe; Ken Meckle; Jon Julian; David Roberts; Shannon Meckle, Administrative Assistant
1. CALL TO ORDER Gary Katz called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. MINUTES
The minutes of the November 18, 2010 meeting were reviewed. A motion was made by Dennis Wiswall and seconded by Frank Suponski to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried with four in favor and Christopher Williams abstained, as he was not present at the meeting.
3. ROAD BUSINESS
Todd Lawley gave his Road Foreman’s Report. Shannon updated the board on the Radway Hill/River Road agreement. The attorneys continue to work on it. Covered Bridge: Discussion ensued regarding payment received from Alpine. Carolyn Carlson noted that she may be of assistance. Shannon will forward her all information thus far. Sale of Chipper Bids: Due December 16th. The board tabled the discussion until the opening of the bids at the next meeting. Access Right-of-Way Permit: James Rogers, Toby Hill Road, Baum Residence applied for a permit. A motion was made by Todd Lawley and seconded by Christopher Williams to approve the request, with the condition that an 18” culvert be put in. The motion carried unanimously. Petition for Poles & Wires: Revisit from last meeting. Poles in the runoffs, impact on drainage. A motion was made by Todd Lawley to write a letter to Fair Point discussing the concerns. The motion was seconded by Christopher Williams. The motion carried with three in favor, with one abstention and one recusal.
4. SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Cindy Bouchard and Wade Masure from VLCT were present to go over the pooling of VLCT PACIF insurance. Cindy gave an overview of the history of how VLCT PACIF came about and gave more information about the program. Wade Masure, in charge of Loss Prevention at VLCT gave a presentation on loss prevention and his role. Cindy Bouchard presented the quote for the coming year. Renewal Premium, Property/Casualty, Workers Compensation. It’s a savings of 9,739.00 over last year’s rate, due to Loss Control activity credits. She explained the individual amounts for each coverage. Christopher Wocell and Jean Kester were present to speak about Trident Insurance and the benefits of switching insurance companies. Jon Julian was present to discuss the Williamsville Hall and the brown church. He noted first, that Merrill Gas will be installing the black iron pipe necessary for the new stove at the Williamsville Hall. He also asked for help moving the old stove out of the way. He noted that he’d received the letter stating that the board tabled the Access Permit until he decided what the use of the building would be. He noted he’s filled out a zoning permit application for a residence, and would be waiting for it to go to the Development Review Board. He reiterated that the Access Permit doesn’t seem to be related to the Zoning Issue/Development Review Board issue of the building’s use. Discussion ensued. Todd Lawley made a motion to approve the access permit for residential 2-car parking. The motion was seconded by Frank Suponski. The motion failed. Christopher Williams made a motion to approve the Access Permit as requested. Frank Suponski seconded the motion. Discussion: Why the board was so concerned about the need for clarity and use of the building before, and now it doesn’t matter. Discussion ensued. The motion was amended to include the condition that the vehicles parked in the access are completely out of the traveled lane. Todd Lawley called the question. Vote: The motion carried with three in favor.
5. UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
There were no Unscheduled Members of the Public.
6. NEW BUSINESS
Carolyn Carlson, VTrans was present to discuss Bridge #14 Right-of-Way negotiations. After discussion, the board suggested that the landowners and Carolyn use the other room to look at plans and have a discussion. Gary noted that the board will need to write a Selectboard Report and encouraged the board to participate in writing it. Gary asked the board about dedicating the Town Report. The board asked the members of the public if they knew of anyone. The board will make the decision at the next budget meeting.
7. OLD BUSINESS
Zoning Administrator Vacancy, Etc… Gary read a letter from Jim Barlow regarding the Zoning Vacancy. The board chose to wait until after the vote to decide which way to go. Ed Druke asked what the decision of the board was as to whether the Planning Commission should send a letter to all registered voters. The board noted that it may be legal to do, however it may not be a good strategic move. Gary reported that he and Shannon had both spoke to a reporter from the Reformer early in the day, regarding the Zoning Hearing and the subsequent vote. Discussion ensued regarding exposure of the hearing and vote. The board also encouraged Gary to send another letter to the Editor. Town Report Printing Bids: Shannon presented the bids to the board which were tabled during the last meeting. After discussion, a motion was made by Todd Lawley to accept the bid of RC Brayshaw and Company for $2,590. The motion was seconded by Dennis Wiswall. The motion carried unanimously. Christopher Williams noted a new Access on South Wardsboro Road that was installed without a permit. Todd will go and look and contact the owner. Heating: Todd noted that there is a huge problem with the heat in the town office building. Discussion ensued. A motion was made by Todd Lawley and seconded by Dennis Wiswall to call Kearley Fuel and see if a service technician can come in and see what needs to be done to fix it. The motion carried unanimously.
8. CORRESPONDENCE There was no correspondence. 9. PAY ORDERS A motion was made by Todd Lawley and seconded by Christopher Williams to withhold payment to Sullivan & Powers until the draft audit has been received. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by and seconded by to approve the pay orders as follows, with the exception of the bill from Sullivan and Powers. The motion carried with four in favor and Todd Lawley abstaining as to Payroll. Pay Orders: Payroll:
12/03/10 – $70,057.98
11/24/10 – $3,757.70
12/01/10 – $3,975.84
12/03/10 – $2,664.20
EFTPS: 12/01/10 – $1,116.12
12/08/10 – $1,196.37
12/08/10 – $441.53 10.
ADJOURNMENT – A motion was made by Todd Lawley and seconded by Dennis Wiswall to adjourn at p.m. The motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Shannon Meckle