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BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Angela Litchfield, Ann Golob (Zoom), and Katy Johnson-Aplin.
Absent: Jeffrey Chevalier and Mike Fitzpatrick.
OTHERS PRESENT: Jay Wilson (Road Foreman), Melissa Brown (Treasurer), and Wannetta Powling (Administrative Assistant).
Zoom: Ryan Silvestri
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Chair Litchfield.
MEETING WARNING: Litchfield asked if the meeting was properly warned. Powling confirmed that it was.
ADDITIONS/ AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:
Golob –I would like to discuss the BCBS; this will follow the appropriations.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Review Contracted Services for New England Municipal Consultants (NEMC)- Ryan Silvestri was present to update the Selectboard on the town-wide reappraisal scheduled for the 2027 Grand list, which has now moved up to the 2026 grand list. The only issue he can see is that the payment comes from the reappraisal fund from the State of Vermont. Doris and I have gone over the figures, and no extra expense is anticipated; if there is, it should be minimal cost. The Common Level of Appraisal (CLA) from the State comes from property selling at more than the current level assessed.
Johnson-Aplin asked what the benefit to the Town of Newfane would be. Silvestri mentioned that it would correct the CLA a year earlier and would make a difference in the education rate. This will not be inflated for an entire year. The state sets a base rate and then makes an adjustment; Newfane pays 15% higher based on the higher market value. The 2025 CLA will drop to 70-75%, stabilizing tax rates a year early.
Golob made a motion to approve the NEMC contract Johnson–Aplin seconded.
The motion passed.
Silvestri mentioned that NEMC will begin gathering data information in February or March 2025. Before the assessment, I found it helpful to hold an open forum, “Coffee with the Assessor,” in mid-January 2025 to allow anyone with questions or concerns to come in and get answers. I recommend you put it in the newspaper or the town website to ensure as much attendance as possible.
Johnson-Aplin made a motion to move the January 20th meeting to Tuesday, January 22nd, 2025, Golob seconded.
The motion passed.
Contracts Services.
Windham County Sheriff rates will be $65 per hour for 2000+ hours or $75 per hour for less than 2000 hours.
Discussion ensued:
The increased budget would allow an increase in patrol hours.
Brown mentioned looking at shared services with other neighboring towns was mentioned.
Invite the Sheriff to a meeting to discuss the options.
Rescue Inc.:
Golob made a motion to approve the $ 50,800.00 service contract, which Johnson-Aplin seconded.
The motion passed.
Sullivan, Powers & Co:
The proposed contract indicates $ 20,100 increased to $ 20,800.
Discussion ensued:
Two-year contract- Melissa will follow up with Jordan to confirm the years mentioned in their proposal.
Brattleboro Community Television (BCTV):
The annual cost coverage for recording Newfane meetings is $2,000.00, the same as last year.
Johnson–Aplin made a motion to accept the contracted services for BCTV, and Golob seconded.
The motion passed.
Windham Regional Commission:
Assessment of $4,549.00
Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT)
Discussion ensued.
$3,442 .00 dues equal the price per capita at $1.39 using the census population of 1665, plus a fee of $1,155.
Windham Solid Waste Management District (WSWMD):
Assessment of $12,237.17
NEW BUSINESS:
Capital Budget: Wilson mentioned that he is waiting until after Thanksgiving for figures from Mike Renaud on bridge projects. This information has been tabled for a future meeting.
Employee Reviews will be completed by the following Selectboard Members and submitted for the December 23rd budget meeting.
Road Foreman – will be done by Litchfield and Fitzpatrick
Zoning Administrator – will be done by Litchfield and Johnson-Aplin
Administrative Assistant – will be done by Johnson-Aplin and Chevalier
Social Appropriations:
Appropriations –The current application received was updated on the spreadsheet for budget purposes.
Employee Health Insurance -Blue Cross Blue Shield:
Discussion ensued:
Golob asked if there was a shared service for pool insurance.
Golob mentioned that it is financially responsible to research what is available.
Wilson commented that Shannon had tried the MVP service, and it did not work well.
Brown was asked to follow up with VLCT and report back to the Selectboard on health insurance coverage.
Articles – Have not started yet; discussion on having an article to remove the Constable and that it needs to be voted on at Town Meeting.
Items tabled for future budget meetings were moved to Old Business.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Capital Budget
- Expenditures
- Open Items
- Articles including Social Appropriation Donations
- Salaries
- Warnings
- Town Report Design
- Dedication
- Revenue
ADJOURN:
Golob made a motion to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Wannetta Powling,
Administrative Assistant