Selectboard Meeting Minutes – April 5, 2012

  TOWN OF NEWFANE
SELECTBOARD MEETING
APRIL 5, 2012

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Priscilla Cotton, Gloria Cristelli, Chris Druke, Todd Lawley, Jon Mack

OTHERS PRESENT: Gunther Garbe, Dan Hull, Rich Melanson, Cor Trowbridge, Carol Ross, Ed Druke, Sr., Shannon Meckle

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Jon Mack, Chair.

A motion was made by Priscilla Cotton and seconded by Gloria Cristelli to enter into Executive Session at 6:00 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.

A motion was made by Todd Lawley and seconded by Chris Druke to come out of Executive Session at 6:29 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.

A motion was made by Chris Druke to authorize Jon Mack to work with Shannon in drafting a letter to Maureen with regard to the easement, offering either a monthly rate or flat fee, as discussed. A draft will be presented at the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Gloria Cristelli. The motion carried unanimously.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Priscilla Cotton and seconded by Chris Druke to approve the minutes of March 15, 2012 with the following corrections:

Priscilla offered to speak to Piet van loon about previous work on Dover Road. Virginia Grabowski was present (but wasn’t listed on the sign in sheet.)

The minutes were approved unanimously, with corrections.

ROAD BUSINESS

Todd Lawley gave the Road Foreman’s Report.

Discussion ensued regarding general bridge funding and the possibility of State grants.

Discussion ensued regarding further emergency work to be done on South Wardsboro Road, and whether it will be covered by FEMA. Dan will call FEMA first thing Friday morning and inform them of mitigation work to be done and inquire as to whether we can be reimbursed at this point.

A motion was made by Priscilla Cotton and seconded by Chris Druke to accept the Road Foreman’s Report.

Discussion: Gloria reported that she’d heard from a Deer Hill Road resident about previous work remaining, as well as current concerns.

Discussion ensued regarding the old York rake, the board recommended advertising it for sale.

The Road Foreman’s Report was accepted unanimously.

A motion was made to allow Dan Hull to stay through April into mid-May, as long as he’s able to stay. The motion was seconded by Priscilla Cotton. The board thanked Dan for his help. The motion carried unanimously.

Excess Weight Permits

A motion was made by Todd Lawley and seconded by Gloria Cristelli to approve the Excess Weight Permit requests received at a 99,000 maximum weight, and payment of all fees. The motion carried unanimously.

Permit for Laying Pipes and Wires: A request was received from A.S. Clark requesting permission to attach a pipe to the Crispe Bridge. Todd gave an overview of the project. He recommended putting a stipulation in the permit noting that it is the landowner responsibility for maintenance and removing and replacement should the bridge be repaired or replaced.

A motion was made by Todd Lawley to approve the Permit on South Wardsboro Road, with the stipulation that the property owner is responsible for all maintenance and repairs, and that should the bridge be repaired or replaced, it is the landowners’ responsibility to remove and replace the pipe. This needs to be recorded in the Land Records. The motion was seconded by Priscilla Cotton. The motion carried unanimously.

Revised Road and Bridge Standards: A motion was made by Gloria Cristelli and seconded by Priscilla Cotton to approve the amended Road and Bridge Standards to allow for a 6” gravel base. Gloria asked whether they should be recorded in the Town Records in the vault. The consensus of the board was that they are sufficient being filed in the Administrative Assistant’s records. The motion carried unanimously.

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

Tristam Johnson & Ed Druke, Planning Commission: Tristam thanked the board for inviting the Planning Commission.

Discussion ensued regarding adoption of the Town Plan. The Commission feels that this process can take place fairly rapidly. The Town Plan does need updating, however, it’s more critical to get the Plan in place, in order to take advantage of available grants.

Gunther stated that in general Windham Regional Commission will not approve any Town Plan that has no change. At the very least, statistical changes need to be added.

Cersosimo Industries: Michael Cersosimo was present to speak to the board about the board’s feelings about the Adams Hill Quarry operation. He questioned what restrictions the town might put on the quarry, so that Cersosimo knows how to deal with the Act 250 application.

He also noted that there is material on the ground, work is complete for Newfane, and they’ve had inquiries from other towns regarding the material that is available.

Dan Hull was present to answer questions. He noted that Cersosimo is no longer sole supplier and would be in competition with other suppliers when the town puts work out to bid.

Chris Druke asked what the process is for the Act 250 application and how long it normally takes. Michael Cersosimo noted that the application process varies depending on how much adverse reaction the applicant faces.

Discussion ensued regarding whether the temporary permit extension was still in effect. The town was willing to write a letter stating that they’re willing to allow it to continue until the rock on the ground is cleaned up.

BCTV:  Cor Trowbridge and Rich Melanson were present to discuss the local television programming provided by Southern Vermont Cable. They have been officially designated, and carry local general channel (8) and also governmental and educational channel (10). They noted that they’d like to begin integrating Southern Vermont Cable towns. One camera person would be present during the meeting. It would begin when the meeting starts, and end when the meeting ends. There would be no editing, but wouldn’t be live.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

Dover Road: Carol Ross, representing residents of Dover Road from David Moore’s house to the Green Iron Bridge was present to discuss the loss of vegetation. They requested permission to plant greenery, vegetation behind the guardrails.  Gloria noted that she may have a source for free top soil.  Residents were willing to volunteer to plant.

Todd noted that it should be marked during roadside mowing, so that they didn’t get mowed down. He also cautioned for loss of visibility coming off the Green Iron Bridge.

Discussion ensued about teaming up with the Village Enhancement (Trees) Committee.

Discussion ensued regarding funding for the project. Todd recommended that the Williamsville Hall Committee may be able to hold a fundraiser.

The consensus of the board was that there was no need for a formal motion.

Emergency Watershed Protection: Tony Fratino was present to find out when the Emergency Watershed Protection work might begin on his property. Gloria brought the board up to speed on the process.  She updated the board on progress made in the program. There was no definite time frame for Mr. Fratino’s property.

NEW BUSINESS:

Animal Nuisance Ordinance: Jon recommended tabling the discussion, pending review of the Ordinance. Todd also suggested having George Friend at the meeting to discuss the ordinance.

Priscilla noted that in the past, sections of the ordinance would be looked at each meeting, rather than the whole ordinance, and also forming a sub-committee to work on the ordinance and bring it back to the board.

The board will review it and bring questions to the next meeting. Shannon will invite George Friend to the next meeting.

Rescheduling Special Meeting: The meeting was cancelled and would need to be rescheduled.  Discussion ensued. The board scheduled the meeting for April 12, at 6:00 p.m. The board will review the audit, and formulate specific questions for the Treasurer.

A motion was made by Gloria Cristelli to hold a special meeting April 12, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose to update and answer questions for the new members of the Selectboard and to review the audit. The motion was seconded by Priscilla Cotton. The motion carried unanimously.

Open Meeting Law: Jon reiterated the Open Meeting Law. VLCT is clear on it. He has not seen any situations where the board has been out of line. Email is the trickiest form of communication.  Discussion ensued.

Coordination of Tasks: Members of the board do not lose their freedom of speech just because they become Selectboard members. They are free to state their opinions, however, they may not represent the board or speak on behalf of the Selectboard. He noted that he specifically stated at the hearing last Friday that he was not representing the Selectboard.

Discussion ensued.

Chris Druke reported that she got a call from Win Clark, he stated that Rescue, Inc. is looking to structure their whole board. She presented information to the board.  Discussion ensued regarding funding and representation.

Shannon will invite Win Clark to the next meeting. Discussion will continue at the next regular meeting.

Gloria reported that George Friend inquired about getting equipment, particularly a lasso and a “Havahart” trap.

Jon Mack reported on the hearing he attended. He also reported that he’d received a call regarding a meeting at 9:00 Friday, April 6. Jon is planning to attend.

OLD BUSINESS:

Education Tax Legislation: Jon noted that with differing opinions, the board should probably not try to draft a letter. Gloria noted that it has gone through the Senate and is now in the House. It’s a complex and complicated issue to try to draft one letter. No action was taken.

Town Office Improvements: Water table is down, the drains are too high for a regular gravity fed drainage system. Recommended putting in good quality sump pump and tie it into one of the storm drains. The board would need to request permission from the State.

Dan Hull suggested an excavation company, and a plumber. Priscilla recommended A.S. Clark.

Discussion ensued. The consensus of the board was to have Dan contact A.S. Clark and Joe Wright for cost estimates.

Town Meeting Phone: Gloria reported that the bill for the telephone at the elections had gone to the Fire Department, and she contacted Fairpoint and asked them to change the billing.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Rock River Shack: There were no updates. However, the Board updated the new board members on the history of the shack. Shannon will move the item to Old Business.

CORRESPONDENCE:

Planning & Zoning Forum – Upcoming Workshop

Selectboard Institute – Upcoming Workshop

PAY ORDERS:

A motion was made by Priscilla Cotton to approve Pay Orders. The motion was seconded by Chris Druke. The motion carried unanimously.

(Marc Gray bill for Town Meeting and Union Hall Rental to be moved to: Town Office Grounds Maintenance 1-01-14-0-32.05)

ADJOURN:

A motion was made by Priscilla Cotton and seconded by Todd Lawley to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,

Shannon Meckle