TOWN OF NEWFANE
SELECTBOARD MEETING
APRIL 19, 2012 – Video
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Priscilla Cotton, Gloria Cristelli, Todd Lawley, Jon Mack, Chris Druke
OTHERS PRESENT: Dan Hull, Gunther Garbe, Michael Cersosimo, George Friend, Shannon Meckle, Administrative Assistant
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Jon Mack, Chair.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Gloria Cristelli and seconded by Todd Lawley to approve the minutes of April 5, 2012.
Discussion: Gloria asked for clarification on the discussion with the Planning Commission. The word “more” was removed from the sentence and a period placed.
Gloria Cristelli’s name was inserted as the person making the motion to accept the Road Foreman’s Report.
Gloria asked for clarification on the Deer Hill Road discussion, as she recalled Todd stating that he’d contact Fitzpatrick. No changes were made.
The minutes were approved unanimously, with corrections.
A motion was made by Gloria Cristelli and seconded by Priscilla Cotton to approve the minutes of April 12, 2012. The motion carried unanimously.
ROAD BUSINESS
Todd Lawley gave his Road Foreman’s Report.
A motion was made by Priscilla Cotton to accept the Road Foreman’s Report. The motion was seconded by Chris Druke.
Discussion: Gloria asked for clarification regarding the bid process and the different makes of trucks.
Regarding the request by a tax payer for reimbursement for tires, the consensus of the board was to submit the claim to VLCT.
The motion to accept the Road Foreman’s Report carried unanimously.
A motion was made to authorize Shannon Meckle to approve Excess Weight Permits up to 99,000 pounds, consulting with the Road Foreman as necessary for any permits raising concern, with Shannon’s actions on permits reported at each meeting.
Excess Weight Permits:
A motion was made by Gloria Cristelli and seconded by Priscilla Cotton to approve Excess Weight Permits for Fitzpatrick Excavating and Bristol Enterprises for a maximum weight of 99,000 pounds. The motion carried unanimously.
TRUCK BIDS:
Todd Lawley gave an overview of the Truck Bids, what the town asked for, and a general idea of the process.
The bids were opened and read into the record as follows:
Patriot Freightliner:
2013 Freightliner: Cab & Chassis: $85,000 + Body: $61,480 = $146,628 – $17,000 Trade-in= $129,628
2013 Western Star: Cab & Chassis: $89,500 + Body: $61,480 = $150,988 – $17,000 Trade-in= $133,988
New Hampshire Peterbilt:
2013 Peterbilt 348: Cab & Chassis + Body: $ 150,361 – $ 12,500 Trade-in = $137,861 (HP Fairfield Body)
2013 Peterbilt 348: Cab & Chassis + Body: 141,835 – 12,500 Trade-in=$129,335 (Tenco Body)
McDevitt Mack:
2013 Mack: Cab & Chassis: $106,000 or $107,000 + Body: $61,480 – $17,000 Trade–in: $151,000
A motion was made by Priscilla Cotton and seconded by Chris Druke to authorize Todd Lawley to consult with the Road Crew and the Road Commissioner and come back to the board with a recommendation. The motion carried unanimously.
Lynch Bridge: A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the possibility of an Alternate Project. The process was explained to the board, and options were discussed. Jon Mack will work with Shannon on obtaining information.
UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
Animal Control Discussion – George Friend was present to discuss equipment he needs for Animal Control. The budget was reviewed and the board authorized George to get a purchase order from Shannon.
Cersosimo Industries: Michael Cersosimo was present to discuss the request for support for continuing operation of the rock quarry on Adams Hill Road. Discussion ensued.
A motion was made by Priscilla Cotton to express the board’s support for Cersosimo moving forward with the Act 250 process and/or the extension of the emergency operation. The motion was seconded by Todd Lawley.
Discussion: Jon Mack noted that he’d like to know the definition of “surrounding towns” and how long the operation would continue if permitted.
Chris Druke asked whether there was an agreement to clean up the mess after the emergency operation was completed. Todd agreed that it was inferred, and that it was a nice piece of property before the blasting.
Discussion ensued regarding the value of the material to anyone other than nearby towns on this side of the covered bridge.
The motion carried with four in favor, and Jon Mack abstaining.
NEW BUSINESS:
Animal Nuisance Ordinance Review: The board reviewed the ordinance and did not have any changes. George Friend also noted that he was comfortable with the ordinance as it stands.
Review of Conflict of Interest Policy: The board will review the Conflict of Interest Policy at a later date.
Hunter Brook Bridge RFP: A motion was made by Todd Lawley and seconded by Gloria Cristelli to approve the RFP to be sent out by Dan Hull. The motion carried unanimously.
Lost Pet Link on Website: Discussion ensued regarding pets that are lost in town, during the weekends. Gloria will put a link on the website.
Questions for the Town Treasurer: There were no objections to Jon formulating the questions for the Treasurer as discussed at the last meeting. He will present them to the Treasurer and invite her to a future meeting.
Comparative Salary/Wage Analysis Report: At the budget meetings last year, the board became aware that a study needs to be done on whether wages in Newfane are comparable to other towns in the area. The statement was repeated at Town Meeting. A motion was made by Todd Lawley and seconded by Gloria Cristelli to appoint Chris Druke and Priscilla Cotton to do the research. The board did not feel that a motion was necessary, as Chris and Priscilla were willing to do the project. The motion was withdrawn.
OLD BUSINESS:
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program: Shannon reported that all five projects were approved. They will be funded by priority, if there are any funding short falls. No short falls are anticipated. Shannon also reported that the State of Vermont is working towards obtaining funds for the 25% match.
Town Office Improvements: Dan Hull and Gloria Cristelli updated the board regarding contractors that have come in and reviewed the water issue in the basement. No proposals have been submitted to date.
Planning & Zoning Forum: Jon reported to the board that he’d talked with Windham Regional Commission, and that they were very clear that the Town Plan needs to be dealt with first, before any other items.
Speed Limit on Dover Road: Discussion ensued regarding the request by a local realtor to have the speed limit on Dover Road reduced. Todd will contact VTrans for assistance with speed limit rules and signage concerns.
Rock River Shack: Discussion ensued regarding the shack that is on the trail going down to the Rock River. Shannon will research whether a letter was sent to the property owner before. A letter will be sent to them via Certified mail.
Emergency Watershed Protection: Gloria updated the board on recent developments in the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. Gloria reported that a few more properties were found to be ineligible. Shannon will add this to Old Business on future agendas.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Priscilla Cotton and seconded by Gloria Cristelli to enter into Executive Session at 8:30 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.
The board came out of Executive Session at 9:00 p.m. The following motion was made:
A motion was made by Priscilla Cotton to accept the letter to Maureen with the changes noted. The motion was seconded by Chris Druke. The motion carried unanimously.
The Selectboard meeting was recessed at 9:02 p.m. in order to convene as the Board of Liquor Control.
Please see attached minutes.
The Selectboard meeting was reconvened at 9:07 p.m.
CORRESPONDENCE:
A letter was received from Jake Urato regarding trucks on Parish Hill Road, using the wrong bridge. Todd will talk to Renaud about using the other bridge, and will replace the sign that’s missing.
A copy of a statement from Sullivan Powers was received from the treasurer as a matter of information.
A copy of an invoice from the Windham Solid Waste Management was received from the treasurer. The invoices continue to come in, however the board has stated several times that they are not paying it. Priscilla will follow up with Windham Solid Waste Management District.
A letter was received from John Feifel, Deputy Health Officer regarding the Benedetto property. It notes that Emergency Watershed Protection work can commence.
A second letter regarding the Dover Road speed limit was received from Ed Molitor, reiterating the position of the sellers of the house on Dover Road.
An informational letter was sent from the Snelling Center regarding an upcoming Digital Future Conference.
PAY ORDERS:
A motion to approve the Pay Orders was made by Chris Druke and seconded by Priscilla Cotton. The motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN:
A motion was made by Chris Druke to adjourn at 9:45 p.m. The motion was seconded by Gloria Cristelli. The motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Shannon Meckle