Selectboard Meeting – October 6, 2011
NEWFANE SELECTBOARD
MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 6, 2011

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Dennis Wiswall, Gloria Cristelli, Christopher Williams

OTHERS PRESENT: Pete Novick, Andy Harkness, Gunther Garbe, Ginny Grabowski, Jan Knowles, George Knowles, Ed Druke, Shelbajean Hescock, Jen Stanchfield, John Feifel, Brenda Siegel
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Dennis Wiswall, Chair.

ROAD BUSINESS
Dennis read the Road Foreman’s Report, as Todd was not present.
A motion was made by Gloria Cristelli to accept the Road Foreman’s Report. The motion was seconded by Christopher Williams.
Discussion: George Knowles questioned the board regarding Adams Hill Road, noting there is growing concern among the 20 full time residents that live up that hill. He noted that October 31 is the deadline for applying for FEMA, and if homes are uninhabitable during the winter because of the road, that most of the residents will need to apply. Discussion was tabled in order to vote on the Road Foreman’s Report.
The motion to approve the Road Foreman’s Report carried unanimously.
Adams Hill Update: Discussion continued regarding the time frame and engineering study for Adams Hill Road. Shannon will follow up with the residents on Tuesday.
Excess Weight Permit: Cooke Trucking applied for an Excess Weight Permit for 99,000 pounds. A motion was made by Christopher Williams and seconded by Gloria Cristelli to approve the permit. The motion carried unanimously.
Access Permits:
An access permit application was received for Vic Benjamin Road. A motion was made by Gloria Cristelli and seconded by Christopher Williams to approve the permit on Vic Benjamin Road. The motion carried unanimously.
An access permit application was received for Duke Road. Christopher noted he’d not seen this site and would like to review it. A motion was made by Gloria Cristelli to approve the application, pending approval by Christopher. Christopher Williams seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Deer Hill Road: Andy Harkness was present to discuss work that was done at his property on Deer Hill Road. He gave a brief history, noting that the work the town paid for was not completed as stated. The town will follow up with the contractor.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
B. Siegel was present to discuss a health issue at her apartment. John Feifel was present as Deputy Health Officer to discuss the situation as well. After a brief discussion, John Feifel, Gloria Cristelli, and B. Siegel will have a site visit.

OLD BUSINESS
Law Enforcement: Dennis reported that he’d spoken with Keith Clark regarding increasing enforcement on the Dover Road. Keith Clark indicated that he’d give the town what he has for time, but is short handed at this time.
USDA Streambank Restoration: Discussion ensued regarding State sponsorship of the USDA program. Dennis noted that he’d received word that the State of Vermont has chosen NOT to sponsor the program, leaving towns to pick up the sponsorship.

NEW BUSINESS
Cell Tower Petition: A petition was received by more than 5% of the voters of the Town of Newfane requesting cell phone service. Discussion ensued regarding the Telecommunication Ordinance currently in effect at the Town of Newfane. A motion was made by Gloria Cristelli to proceed with pursuing cell coverage for all of Newfane. The motion was seconded by Christopher Williams. The motion carried unanimously. The Ordinance will be on the agenda for the next meeting.
Town Office Mold Issue: Gloria Cristelli updated the board, and noted that basically in order to abate the mold, the root of the problem has to be dealt with. She suggested inviting West Dummerston Builders to come in and present, as they had planned before the storm.
Regarding the heating situation in the building, Dennis asked Shannon to try to reach the plumber to see when he can come in and repair the system, as well as replace the sump pump.

CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was received from Olin Stephens regarding the paving solution done at his property, stating his dissatisfaction with how the project was completed. No action was taken.
A letter was received from the Town of Dummerston, along with a check for $200.00 as a donation towards flood work, as they had minimal damage. The board asked Shannon to send them a letter of thanks for both the donation and the assistance hauling material.
Williamsville Hall: A request was received from the Williamsville Hall Committee to install lighting in the kitchen, funds to come out of the Hall Donation Fund. A motion was made by Gloria Cristelli and seconded by Christopher Williams to approve the request. The motion carried unanimously.
A request was also received to set a closing date of November 19, 2011. Discussion ensued about usage, as well as the increase in utility costs, as the hall has been used during disaster recovery. Dennis and Christopher noted that they felt that it was time to wind down the recovery efforts in the hall. A motion was made by Christopher Williams and seconded by Gloria Cristelli to close the hall on November 19, 2011. The motion carried unanimously.

PAY ORDERS
A motion to approve pay orders, with the exception of the Windham Solid Waste Management bills, was made by Christopher Williams and seconded by Gloria Cristelli. The motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURN
A motion was made by Christopher Williams and seconded by Gloria Cristelli to adjourn at 9:20 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,
Shannon Meckle