Category Archives: Minutes

Williamsville Hall Meeting Minutes, 5/8/2023

Attendees:
Steve Levine, Jonathon Julian, Dale Stevens, Penny Tuerk, Maggie Kemp, and Kate Conway

The meeting was officially called to order @ 7:30 pm

Treasurer’s Report

Capital Fund: $27, 590.73
As of July 1st, $20,000 will be added
               Hall Fund: $3,056.01  

Old & On-going Business

Movie Night: Friday Night Movies

-this Friday, May 12th @ 7:30, 3,000 Years of Longing
We discussed future times/dates for movie night. Dale is not available on the third Friday of the month.

 The garden area outside the front door:
                               Maggie will take care of the maintenance

Breakfast:
First breakfast is to be Thursday, June 22nd, 2023 @ 8:00-10:30
Maggie will contact Jim and Pam about a poster and advertising.
Jonathon asked about getting pancakes going for breakfast.

Hall cleaning:
Ask Adam to clean the Hall before the RRP production at the end of the month.
Kate will do this.

Repairs:
Steve reviewed Daniel’s quote for ameliorating the mold. It had initially seemed high, yet after re-reading it as well as Dylan’s report, what Daniel proposes to do meets the needs of taking care of professionally dealing with the mold. We need to get another quote before proceeding. Then the board needs to approve it.

Work to be completed. Randy Clark needs to finish up work on the stairway outside the
kitchen. Maggie contacted him.

Cellar-
we still need to find someone to work on the posts in the basement. Jonathon suggested Weston. He will check in with him about doing

New computer?
Dale found a reasonably priced, basic laptop to be used only for Hall events. It was unanimously agreed upon to make the purchase. (Steve has bought it).

Meeting adjourned @ 8:30 pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Board of Liquor Control Monday, April 17th, 2023

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97227911757#success
(copy and paste the link into your web browser)
https//zoom. Us/join            Meeting ID:  972 2791 1757 Passcode:  352680

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Angela Sanborn, Ann Golob, and Jeffrey Chevalier.
Absent: Michael Fitzpatrick and Katy Johnson- Aplin

OTHERS PRESENT:
Austin Rice (B.C.T.V), Wannetta Powling.

CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm by Selectboard Chair Angela Sanborn.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF LIQUOR LICENSES:

  1. Green Mountain Wine Shop
    • 2nd Class License

Jeffrey Chevalier made a motion, seconded by Ann Golob, to approve the renewal of the Liquor Application for Green Mountain Wine Shop.
Motion passed 3/0

  1. C. Creamery LLC (Fat Crow)
    • 1st Class Restaurant License
    • Outside Consumption Permit

Ann Golob made a motion, seconded by Jeffrey Chevalier, to approve the renewal of the Liquor Application for N.C. Creamery LLC (Fat Crow)
Motion passed 3/0

ADJOURN:
Ann Golob made a motion to adjourn at 7:03 pm.
The motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,
Administrative Assistant
Wannetta Powling

 

 

Selectboard Regular Meeting Agenda April 17th, 2023,

Please Note: Newfane will now require Zoom participants to remain muted. If they wish to be recognized, they will need to raise their hand, and the Chair will recognize them before being un-muted.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97227911757#success
(copy and paste the link into your web browser)

www.zoom.us/joinameeting       ID: 972 2791 1757           Passcode: 352680

  • CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  • CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED
  • ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
  • APPROVAL OF MINUTES
    March 20, 2023, Regular Meeting (Tabled)
    May 3, 2023, Regular Meeting
  • ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT
  • ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT                                                                                                 Personal Policy for Selectboard to re-adopt
    Follow-up Appointment Windham Regional Commission
    Moover Letter
  • COMMITTEE REPORT                                                                                                                              1. Traffic Calming Committee updates (Johnson-Aplin).
  • SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
  • UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
  • OLD BUSINESS / FOLLOW-UP ITEMS (10 Minutes per topic
    1. Cannabis Updates: (Johnson-Aplin)
    2. Town Beautification suggestions (Chevalier)
    3. Discuss ideas for a 250-year celebration of Newfane’s founding. (Johnson-Aplin).
    4. FEMA buyout of South Newfane General Store (Golob)
    5. ARPA Funds Updates (Golob)
    6. Should Social Appropriation Articles (Discussion)
    7. Cleanup of Property at 521 VT Route 30, Newfane
  • NEW BUSINESS
  • CORRESPONDENCE
  • PAY ORDERS
  • ADJOURN

 

Board of Liquor Control to follow the Selectboard Meeting

Board of Liquor Control Minutes Monday, April 3rd, 2023, Draft

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:  Angela Sanborn, Ann Golob (phone), Jeffrey Chevalier, and Katy Johnson- Aplin. Absent: Michael Fitzpatrick

OTHERS PRESENT: Austin Rice (B.C.T.V), Wannetta Powling.

CALL TO ORDER:   The meeting was called to order at 8:28 pm by Selectboard Chair Angela Sanborn.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF LIQUOR LICENSES:

  1. N.C. Creamery LLC (Fat Crow)

Katy Johnson- Aplin made a motion, seconded by Jeffrey Chevalier to approve the renewal of the Liquor Application for N.C. Creamery LLC (Fat Crow)
Motion passed 4/0

ADJOURN:
Katy Johnson- Aplin made a motion to adjourn at 8:29 pm.
The motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,
Administrative Assistant Wannetta Powling

Board of Liquor Control Agenda Monday, April 3rd, 2023

Please Note: Newfane will now require Zoom participants to remain muted. If they wish to be recognized, they will need to raise their hand, and the Chair will recognize them before being un-muted.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97227911757#success
(Copy and paste the link into your web browser)

www.zoom.us/joinameeting       ID: 972 2791 1757  Passcode: 352680

The Board of Liquor Control will follow the closing of the Selectboard Regular Meeting 

  • CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  • CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED
  • REVIEW APPLICATION
  1. C. Creamery LLC ( Fat Crow)– Renewal Application
  • ADJOURN

Selectboard Regular Meeting Agenda April 3rd, 2023, 6:00

Please Note: Newfane will now require Zoom participants to remain muted. If they wish to be recognized, they will need to raise their hand, and the Chair will recognize them before being un-muted.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97227911757#success
(copy and paste the link into your web browser)
www.zoom.us/joinameeting       ID: 972 2791 1757            Passcode: 352680

  • CALL MEETING TO ORDER                                                                                                                   
  • CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED   
  • ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
  • APPROVAL OF MINUTES
    March 20, 2023, Regular Meeting
  •  ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT
  • ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT                                                                                                      Personal Policy for Selectboard to re-adopt
    Follow-up Appointment Windham Regional Commission
  • COMMITTEE REPORT                                                                                                                                      Traffic Calming Committee updates (Johnson-Aplin).
  • SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
           Tiana Smith from Green Mountain Power –March 2023 Snow Storm
  • UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
  • OLD BUSINESS / FOLLOW-UP ITEMS (10 Minutes per topic)
    1.  Cannabis Updates: (Johnson-Aplin)
    2. Town Beautification suggestions (Chevalier)
    3. Discuss ideas for a 250-year celebration of Newfane’s founding. (Johnson-Aplin).
    4. FEMA buyout of South Newfane General Store (Golob)
    5. ARPA Funds Updates (Golob)
  • NEW BUSINESS (follow up from Town Meeting
    1. Should Social Appropriation Articles be grouped together?
    2. Write to the Moover to ask them to make a bigger effort to provide service along Route 30.
    3. Request to add a cover sheet about each organization asking for a social appropriation.
    4. The debris on the corner of Route 30 from the home that recently burned.
    5. Opioids Settlement Action Required
  • CORRESPONDENCE
    1. Scotty Tabachnick Principal-NewBrook Elementary -Thank you for NewBrook PTO support
    2. Nancy Rysz letter to the Selectboard
  • EXECUTIVE SESSION
    Executive Session to discuss a disciplinary or dismissal action against a public officer or employee under the provisions of Title 1, Section 313, Subsection (1)(4) of the Vermont Statutes.
  • PAY ORDERS
  • ADJOURN

March 20, 2023, Selectboard Minutes

Approved as Amended on 5.1.2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97227911757#success (copy and paste the link into your web browser)
https//zoom. Us/join            Meeting ID:  972 2791 1757 Passcode:  352680

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:  Ann Golob, Katy Johnson-Aplin, Jeffrey Chevalier, and Mike Fitzpatrick (Phone) Absent: Angela Sanborn

OTHERS PRESENT:   Marion Dowling, Jane Douglas (Planning Commission), Kate Gehring (Planning Commission),  Cina Friend, Carol Hesselbach (Town Clerk), Chris Druke, Meredith White, Christine White, Deborah Luskin (Town Moderator), Hendrik van Loon, Katie Powling, Mark Powling, Sarah Walker,  Sarah Taylor, Jon Julian, Steve Levine (Williamsville Hall Committee Chair), Deidre Scherer, Bruce Rosow,  Kate Conway (Williamsville Hall Secretary), Timothy Shafer, Austin Rice (BCTV), and Wannetta Powling (Administrative Assistant.)
Zoom:  Jay Wilson (Road Foreman), Juliette Carr, Beckley Gaudette (Lister), Priscilla Cotton (Chair-Board of Civil Authority), Walter Dadik (Development Review Board)

CALL TO ORDER: 
The meeting was called to order at 6:03 pm by Selectboard Vice-Chair Ann Golob.

CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED:
Powling confirmed the meeting had been properly warned.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:  
Johnson-Aplin requested that the minutes from the March 6th, Regular Meeting and the March 13th Board of Liquor Control be added to the approval of minutes.

Johnson-Aplin requested adding the Planning Commission to the Committee Reports.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

  1. March 13, 2023, organizational meeting minutes.

Powling requested that the minutes from the March 13th Organizational meeting be amended to add the appointment of Walter Dadik for a three-year term to the Development Review Board.

Fitzpatrick made a motion to approve the March 13th organizational minutes as amended. Johnson-Aplin seconded the motion. Motion passed 3/0/1. Chevalier abstained.

  1. March 6th, regular meeting minutes.

Fitzpatrick made a motion to approve the March 6th regular minutes. Chevalier seconded the motion. Motion passed 4/0

  1. March 13th Board of Liquor Control

Johnson-Aplin made a motion to approve the March 13th Board of Liquor Control minutes. Fitzpatrick seconded the motion. Motion passed 3/0/1. Chevalier abstained.

With many people in attendance, the Board agreed to move Unscheduled Members up on the agenda.

A gathering of over twenty concerned citizens was in attendance and on zoom to offer support and share their thoughts and disapproval of the Selectboard’s recent treatment, including the intent of disciplinary or dismissive action against Administrative Assistant Wannetta Powling.

Prepared statements were read to the Selectboard from Marion Dowling (former Selectboard Chair) read a prepared statement that she had, along with a letter from Sydney Johnson. Letters submitted from Ken Estey (former Planning Commission Chair) and Erica Walch (Development Review Board) were read by Deborah Luskin (Town Moderator), who then requested additional time to speak on her own behalf.
Additionally, Chris White, Bruce Rosow, Steve Levin, Sarah Taylor, Carol Hesselbach, Chris Druke (former Selectboard member), Juliette Carr, Kate Conway, Kate Gehring (Planning Commission), and Mike Fitzpatrick, all voiced that Powling while working under a tremendous amount of stress is still committed to her duties and responsibilities as the Administrative Assistant and to the Town of Newfane.

Golob thanked everyone that came to show their support for Powling. The Selectboard was unable to respond to any of the comments due to employee confidentiality.

Golob asked for a three-minute break.

ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:

  1. I have sent over the TA-60 and Certificate of Compliance from VTRANS for the board to sign.
  2. The storm this past week and the large number of trees and power lines down made for a tough week. The equipment made it through with just some fairly minor repairs.
  3. The box culvert on Depot Rd. is out to bid. The bids must be by April 10.

The States will take the bids first to review, and bidders will need to be on the States approved list to bid.

  1. There is nothing new to report on the sand/salt shed.
    Fitzpatrick made a motion to accept the Road Foreman’s report. Johnson-Aplin seconded the motion.

Discussion:

Golob asked questions regarding Green Mountain Power’s handling of the recent storm. Wilson said that it was a significant amount of damage on every road. Green Mountain Power had to get information on the damage and organize the work crews.

Hesselbach said that Emily Long has plans to meet with Green Mount Power to discuss the handling.

Johnson-Aplin wanted to thank all the regular snowplow drivers for helping clear the town roads that the road crew could not reach due to the down trees and power lines. The Selectboard agreed with the statement.
The vote was called:
Motion passed 4/0

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT: 

  1. The Planning Commission (PC) Public Hearing on the Floodplain and River Corridor Bylaw revision is scheduled for Thursday, March 23, at 6 pm here at the Town Office. They are requesting that the Selectboard will be able to attend this hearing; the Selectboard will need to follow up with its own public hearing at a date to be determined.
  2. I have started writing letters for re-appointment to the various committees and organizations.
  3. Doris Knetchtel is willing to accept the one-year appointment as a Lister.
  4. I have not been able to connect with Shelly Huber on the re-appointment to the Windham Regional Commission.
  5. The Policies are available tonight for readopting and the Selectboard signatures.

Fitzpatrick made a motion to accept the Administrative Assistant’s report.  Chevalier seconded the motion.

Discussion:

  1. Fitzpatrick made a motion to appoint Doris Knetchtel to a one-year term as a Lister. Johnson-Aplin seconded the motion. Motion passed 4/0
  2. Shelly Huber confirmed that she would be willing to accept if no one else was interested in the WRC. Golob mentioned that she would check with the PC or the DRB to see if there was anyone that would like to serve.
  3. March 23rd PC Hearing; Jane Douglas said that this would be rescheduled (TBD) for a later date in April.
  4. Golob made a recommendation to table the Personnel Policy until VLCT could review the current policy to see if laws had changed and to allow time to make recommendations.

Fitzpatrick made a motion to re-adopt the Bidding Policy. Chevalier seconded the motion. Motion passed 4/0
Fitzpatrick made a motion to re-adopt the Financial Policy. Chevalier seconded the motion. Motion passed 4/0
Johnson-Aplin made a motion to re-adopt the Purchasing Policy. Fitzpatrick seconded the motion. Motion passed 4/0
Fitzpatrick made a motion to re-adopt the Conflict of Interest. Johnson-Aplin seconded the motion. Motion passed 4/0
Chevalier made a motion to re-adopt the Rules of Procedure. Fitzpatrick seconded the motion. Motion passed 4/0
The vote was called.
Motion passed 4/0

**Recommendation from the Selectboard was to have procedures and Emergency information placed on the Town Website, such as the warming station at NewBrook Fire Department. You can also get water, use the bathroom facilities, charge your cell phones, and cook your own food in the kitchen.

 

COMMITTEE REPORT

Traffic Calming Committee (TCC) updates (Johnson-Aplin) the next meeting of the TCC has not been set.
Golob mentioned that the Windham Regional Commission (WRC) had sent information from the VT Department of Health asking if there was an interest in being involved with a pilot project, Walk-ability in communities with pedestrian improvements. This information should be shared with the Newfane Calming Committee, and it was recommended that Johnson-Aplin contact Max at the WRC. This information will be shared at the next TCC meeting.

Planning Commission (PC) Jane Douglas mentioned that the PC is having an organizational meeting on Thursday, March 23. The PC asked if they could have permission to use the Town Office Zoom account for their Thursday night meetings. The Selectboard gave permission, and Powling offered to set up the calendar for them, like the Selectboard highbred meetings. The Board agreed.

The Planning Commission has a new vacancy and is looking for a few people who would like to join them.
Kate Gehring shared that they were going to be reviewing the information on the Flood Plain and River Corridor and would be ready to start looking at the By-Law Modernization Grant information, currently working with WRC.

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Chris Druke wanted to discuss a few things that became obvious during the recent storm. Was the Board aware of the level of work needed to assist the Road Forman and Road Crew to pull resources, including lead guys and the tree cutters, in removing the down trees to allow the road crew access to open these roads? It is not about restoring power, which is secondary to the safety of limited residents.

A calling chain is important for checking on our vulnerable neighbors and residents.

It also helps us to find who is available or what resources are available. Having a lead guy, with tree cutters to help the Road crew function and access other parts of the Town. I would like to know if the Emergency Management level is properly coordinated.  Jay Wilson has dual roles as Road Foreman, Emergency Management Coordinator, and First Responder. The Selectboard needs to be aware of its responsibility.

Golob asked if Jay needed more support or if it was an issue of responsibilities.

Discussion ensued:
Provide posting.

  • Get help at the NBFD Warming Center, Charge cell phones, get water, and use the restrooms.
  • Contact information referral sheet.
  • Remind people ahead of the storm’s need for preparedness.
  • Phone Tree – get to know your neighbors in good times before the bad/unexpected happens.

OLD BUSINESS:
Cannabis Updates: (Johnson-Aplin) None

Town Beautification (Chevalier) None

Discuss ideas for a 250-year celebration of Newfane’s founding. (Johnson-Aplin)
Jane Douglas Newfane Anew would like to offer help with ideas for the celebration. Jane Douglas was unsure when the celebration was.

Discussion ensued.
Updates on future Newfane Anew meetings will be announced.

FEMA Buy-Out of the South Newfane General Store – (Golob)
No updates from FEMA. 

ARPA: No updates. Golob mentioned that the current information has been updated to the Town website.

NEW BUSINESS
Priscilla Cotton brought up the need to address the trees and who is responsible for the removal prior to bad weather that would take power out.

Golob said GMP hires ASPLIN to do trimming along the power lines. Trees can be reported to GMP, or call and inform the Town of the situation or concerns.

Powling reminded the Selectboard of the information that was provided regarding the Emerald Ash Bore. This would be a perfect time to address removing dangerous trees or cutting back along the Town right of way. People may be more in tune with the trimming with the events of the past few days of not having power or roads being blocked due to trees falling onto the road.

Discussion:

“Rising from the Ashes” is a company in Springfield, MA. that would come to remove these trees; Chevalier mentioned that he would make contact to see if there was still a program that Newfane could work with for this purpose.

Powling was asked to contact Wilson about the trees along the Right of Way. This should be discussed at the next meeting.

CORRESPONDENCE: Chris Druke –Improved procedures for other officials within the Town Government to be able to work together, communicate, and be aware of the needs and resources for response to emergency situations.

Mike Fitzpatrick attended remotely, withdrew, and left the meeting at 7:58 pm.

 

 PAY ORDERS

  1.  Payroll Warrant # 11612                               Amount $       6,156.38
  2. Payroll Warrant # 11613                               Amount $       9,853.00
  3.  Account Payable # 23020                             Amount $       44,834.73
  4. Account Payable # 23021                             Amount $       58,765.62

Johnson-Aplin made a motion to approve Pay Orders. Chevalier seconded the motion.
Motion passed 3/0

ADJOURN:
Johnson-Aplin made a motion to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:12 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Wannetta Powling, Administrative Assistant

March 23, 2023, BOARD OF LISTERS ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING MINUTES

Newfane Board of Listers – Minutes

Present: Doris Knechtel, Beckley Gaudette, Katie Bristol
Absent: None

Beckley Gaudette, having been elected on March 3, 2022, were sworn in by the Newfane Town Clerk. Doris Knechtel was appointed on March 20, 2023, and sworn in by the Newfane Town Clerk on March 21, 2023.

The organizational meeting of the Newfane, Vermont Board of Listers was called to order at the Newfane Town Office, 555 Vermont Route 30, Newfane Vermont, at 10:05 am on March 10, 2022.

Election of the Chairperson of the Board of Listers:
Nominations for Chairperson were opened. Doris Knechtel nominated Beckley Gaudette to be Chairperson. Beckley Gaudette seconded the motion. There were no other nominations; nominations were closed. A voice vote was called; Beckley Gaudette was unanimously elected Chairperson of the Newfane Board of Listers.

Election of the Secretary of the Board of Listers:
Nominations for Secretary were opened. Beckley Gaudette nominated Doris Knechtel to be Secretary. Doris Knechtel seconded the motion. There were no other nominations; nominations were closed. A voice vote was called; Doris Knechtel was unanimously elected Secretary of the Newfane Board of Listers.

Board of Listers Office Hours:
Beckley Gaudette made a motion to have the Listers’ office hours as 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Doris Knechtel seconded the motion. There was discussion on having the office open to the public for those chosen days. A voice vote was called; the motion carried unanimously to keep the Listers’ hours as 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Discussion of Various procedures: no topics to discuss.

Other Business: no topics to discuss.

Beckley Gaudette made a motion to adjourn. Doris Knechtel seconded the motion.  The meeting adjourned at 10:15 am.

 

 

March 13th, 2023 Newfane Board of Liquor Control Minutes

Minutes Approved  on 3.20.2023

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97227911757#success (copy and paste the link into your web browser)
https//zoom. Us/join            Meeting ID:  972 2791 1757 Passcode:  352680

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:  Angela Sanborn, Ann Golob, Michael Fitzpatrick, and Katy Johnson- Aplin. Absent: Jeffrey Chevalier

 OTHERS PRESENT:  Peter Kelieher (B.C.T.V), Wannetta Powling.

CALL TO ORDER:   The meeting was called to order at 6:44 pm by Selectboard Chair Angela Sanborn.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF LIQUOR LICENSES:

  1. Dutton Berry Farm
    Michael Fitzpatrick made a motion, seconded by Ann Golob to approve the renewal of the Liquor Application for Dutton Berry Farm. Motion passed 4/0

ADJOURN:
Katy Johnson- Aplin made a motion to adjourn at 6:45 pm.
The motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,
Administrative Assistant
Wannetta Powling

 

 

Monday, March 20th, 2023, Selectboard Regular Meeting Agenda

Please Note: Newfane will now require Zoom participants to remain muted. If they wish to be recognized, they will need to raise their hand, and the Chair will recognize them before being un-muted.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97227911757#success
(copy and paste the link into your web browser)
www.zoom.us/joinameeting       ID: 972 2791 1757         Passcode: 352680  

  • CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  • CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED
  • ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
  • APPROVAL OF MINUTES
    March 13, 2023, Organizational Meeting
  • ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT
  • ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT                                                                                                   Present the Policies to the Selectboard to re-adopt
    Follow up on Lister Appointments and Windham Regional Commission
  • COMMITTEE REPORT                                                                                                                                   Traffic Calming Committee updates (Johnson-Aplin)
  •  SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC 
  •  UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC   
  • OLD BUSINESS / FOLLOW-UP ITEMS (10 Minutes per topic)                                                                 Cannabis Updates: (Johnson-Aplin)
    Town Beautification suggestions (Chevalier)
    Discuss ideas for a 250-year celebration of Newfane’s founding. (Johnson-Aplin)
    FEMA buyout of South Newfane General Store (Golob)
    ARPA Funds Updates (Golob)
  • NEW BUSINESS
  • CORRESPONDENCE
    Chris Druke – Email regarding storm
  • PAY ORDERS
  • ADJOURN 

Amended March 13, 2023, Newfane Selectboard Organizational Meeting Minutes

Approved as Amended 3.20.203

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97227911757#success
(copy and paste the link into your web browser)
https//zoom. Us/join            Meeting ID:  972 2791 1757 Passcode:  352680

 

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Angela Sanborn, Ann Golob, Katy Johnson–Aplin, and Mike Fitzpatrick (phone),
Absent: Jeffrey Chevalier.

OTHERS PRESENT: Greg Record, Peter Kelieher (B.C.T.V), and Wannetta Powling (Administrative Assistant).

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Administrative Assistant Wannetta Powling.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
None          

ELECT CHAIR, VICE-CHAIR, & CLERK
Greg Record made a comment that in previous years, the Chair abstained from voting. Since there were only three board members at the beginning of the meeting, Mike Fitzpatrick was contacted and asked to join the meeting via phone. He did so, and nominations continued. Later, Golob checked online and confirmed that the Chair is not required to abstain from voting, but it was agreed that the Board preferred to have a larger number of members present for the appointment of roles.

Ann Golob nominated Angela Sanborn as Chair. Mike Fitzpatrick seconded the nomination.
The motion carried, 3/0/1. Sanborn abstained. The motion passed. The nomination was accepted.

Selectboard Chair Angela Sanborn began running the meeting.

Katy Johnson–Aplin nominated Ann Golob as Vice-Chair. The nomination was seconded by Angela Sanborn the motion carried 3/0/1. Golob abstained the motion passed.
The nomination was accepted.

Katy Johnson–Aplin nominated Wannetta Powling as Clerk. The nomination was seconded by Angela Sanborn. The motion carried 4/0; Wannetta Powling was elected as Clerk.

MEETING SCHEDULES:
Date, Location & Time of Regular Selectboard Meetings:  A motion was made by Ann Golob and seconded by Mike Fitzpatrick to hold the regular Selectboard meetings on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Newfane Town Office and via Zoom.  The motion carried. 4/0.

Board of Health & Local Board of Liquor Control: A motion was made by Katy Johnson–Aplin and seconded by Ann Golob to meet as the Board of Health, the Local Board of Liquor Control, and the Cannabis Control Commission as needed.  The motion carried. 4/0.

LOCATION FOR POSTING OF NOTICES & MINUTES
A motion was made by Mike Fitzpatrick and seconded by Ann Golob to set the official locations for posting notices and minutes as the Newfane Town Office, Moore Free Library, Front Porch Forum, W.W. Building Supply, South Newfane/Williamsville Post Office, and the official Town of Newfane website.  The motion carried. 4/0.

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR POSTING OF NOTICES & ADVERTISEMENTS
A motion was made by Katy Johnson–Aplin and seconded by Ann Golob to name Brattleboro Reformer as the official newspaper. The motion was made to use the Brattleboro Reformer as the posting paper for notices. The motion carried. 4/0

ADD NAME OF NEW CHAIR TO PERSONNEL POLICY (Sign new Personnel Policy)
Copies of the personnel policy were unavailable for the Board to review and make changes for consideration. It will be available at the next meeting for adoption and signing.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY; SELECTBOARD RULES OF PROCEDURE; FINANCIAL POLICIESConflict-of-Interest Policy, Rules of Procedure, Financial Policies, and Purchasing Policies for the Board to review will be available at the next meeting for adoption and signing.

APPOINTMENTS:
ROAD COMMISSIONER: A motion was made by Mike Fitzpatrick and seconded by Ann Golob to appoint Christopher Williams as Road Commissioner.   The motion carried 4 /0.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: A motion was made by Mike Fitzpatrick and seconded by Katy Johnson–Aplin to appoint Steve Jones, Todd Lawley, Greg Record, Josh Brookes, and Jay Wilson to the Emergency Management Committee. The motion carried. 4/0.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR: A motion was made by Mike Fitzpatrick and seconded by Ann Golob to appoint Jay Wilson as Emergency Management Coordinator.  The motion carried. 4/0.

DELEGATE TO WINDHAM REGIONAL COMMISSION: A motion was made by Mike Fitzpatrick and seconded by Katy Johnson–Aplin to appoint Ann Golob as a delegate to (WRC) Windham Regional Commission. The motion carried 3/0/1. Golob abstained.

DELEGATE TO WINDHAM REGIONAL COMMISSION:
The motion was tabled until the March 20th meeting in order to allow the Administrative Assistant time to find out if Shelly Huber was interested in continuing as Newfane’s representative to the WRC.

POUND KEEPER:  A motion was made by Mike Fitzpatrick and seconded by Ann Golob to appoint Windham County Humane Society as Pound keeper. The motion carried. 4/0.

FENCE VIEWERS:  A motion was made by Ann Golob and seconded by Katy Johnson–Aplin to appoint Larry Robinson, Greg Record, and George Friend as Fence Viewers.
The motion carried 4/0

REPRESENTATIVE TO RESCUE, INC.: A motion was made by Mike Fitzpatrick and seconded by Katy Johnson–Aplin to appoint Win Clark as Representative to Rescue, Inc.
The motion carried 4/0.

TOWN ENERGY COORDINATOR:  Vacant

TREE WARDEN:  A motion was made by Mike Fitzpatrick and seconded by Ann Golob to Appoint Bill Guenther as Tree Warden. The motion carried 4/0.

SENIOR SOLUTIONS REPRESENTATIVE:  A motion was made by Mike Fitzpatrick and seconded by Ann Golob to appoint Susan Daignault as representative to Senior Solutions.
The motion carried 4/0.

WINDHAM SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT:    A motion was made by Ann Golob and seconded by Angela Sanborn to appoint Doris Knechtel with Mike Fitzpatrick as Alternate Representative(s) to Windham Solid Waste Management District. The motion carried. 3/0/1 Mike Fitzpatrick abstained.

VERMONT GREEN-UP COORDINATORS:  Vacant

PLANNING COMMISSION:  A motion was made by Ann Golob and seconded by Katy Johnson–Aplin to appoint Jane Douglas for a three-year term to the Planning Commission.
The motion carried 4/0.

PLANNING COMMISSION:  A motion was made by Mike Fitzpatrick and seconded by Ann Golob to appoint Kate Gehring for a one-year term to the Planning Commission.
The motion carried 4/0.

PLANNING COMMISSION:  A motion was made by Mike Fitzpatrick and seconded by Ann Golob to appoint Maxwell Vandervliet for a one-year term to the Planning Commission.
The motion carried 4/0.

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD: A motion was made by Ann Golob and seconded by Angela Sanborn to appoint Walter Dadik for a three-year term. The motion carried  4/0

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD:   A motion was made by Ann Golob and seconded by Angela Sanborn to appoint Lynn Forrest for a three-year term.   The motion carried4/0.

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD: A motion was made by Ann Golob and seconded by Katy Johnson–Aplin to appoint Erica Walch for a three-year term, expiring March 2026.
The motion carried. 4/0.

WILLIAMSVILLE HALL COMMITTEE: A motion was made by Ann Golob and seconded by Mike Fitzpatrick to re-appoint all of the current Williamsville Hall Committee, Kevin Borella, Jon Julian, Maggie Kemp, Kate Conway, Kassie Rubico, Steve Levine, Dale Stevens, Francine (“Penny”) Tuerk, and Maureen Strickland. The motion carried. 4/0.

TOWN OFFICE BUILDING COMMITTEE:  A motion was made by Ann Golob and seconded by Katy Johnson–Aplin to re-appoint Mike Fitzpatrick, Melissa Brown, Jay Wilson, and Wannetta Powling to the Town Office building committee. The motion carried. 3/0/1 Mike Fitzpatrick abstained.

DELEGATES TO DV FIBER (DEERFIELD VALLEY COMMUNICATIONS UNION DISTRICT) A motion was made by Ann Golob and seconded by Mike Fitzpatrick to appoint Jane Douglas as the representative and Luke Stafford and Edward Collins as the alternate to the DV FIBER; the motion carried. 4/0.

ELECTED OFFICIAL’S POSITIONS OPEN:

LISTER:  Tabled until March 20th Selectboard Meeting.
Bruce Landenberger has expressed interest in the Lister appointment. If he is not available, Doris Knechtel will be contacted to see if she will accept another appointment.

CONSTABLE:  A motion was made by Mike Fitzpatrick and seconded by Ann Golob to appoint Archer Mayor as Constable. The motion carried 4/0

Missing from the Agenda were the appointments for the following.

DEPUTY HEALTH OFFICER: A motion was made by Mike Fitzpatrick and seconded by Ann Golob to appoint Archer Mayor as Deputy Health Officer. The motion carried. 4/0.

GRAND JUROR: A motion was made by Ann Golob and seconded by Katy Johnson–Aplin to appoint Archer Mayor as Constable. The motion carried. 4/0.

ADJOURNMENT:
Ann Golob made a motion to adjourn at 6:44 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted
Wannetta Powling
ALS/AG

Selectboard Special Meeting Agenda, Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 @6:00 pm

Please Note: Newfane will now require Zoom participants to remain muted. If they wish to be recognized, they will need to raise their hand, and the Chair will recognize them before being un-muted.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97227911757#success
(Copy and paste the link into your web browser)

www.zoom.us/joinameeting       ID: 972 2791 1757   Passcode: 352680  

  • CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  • CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED
  • ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA

  • EXECUTIVE SESSION

Executive Session to discuss a disciplinary or dismissal action against a public officer or employee under the provisions of Title 1, Section 313, Subsection (1) 4 of the Vermont Statues.

  • ADJOURN

 

Approved Special Meeting Minutes Monday, February 13, 2023

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97227911757#success
(copy and paste the link into your web browser)
https//zoom. Us/join     Meeting ID:  972 2791 1757  Passcode:  352680

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Angela Sanborn, Katy Johnson-Aplin (Phone), Jeffrey Chevalier, and Ann Golob (Zoom). Absent: Mike Fitzpatrick
OTHERS PRESENTJay Wilson Road Foreman (Zoom), Wannetta Powling (Administrative Assistant)
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 5:11 pm by Selectboard Chair Angela Sanborn.

CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED:
Powling confirmed the meeting had been properly warned.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:  
None

NEW BUSINESS
Opening sealed bids for the Bank slide repair on South Wardsboro Road. – Sanborn
Three sealed bids were received Monday, February 13th, before the 3 pm deadline.

  1. Bellco Excavating submitted a bid, and it was received at 11:20 am $ 19,000.00
  2. Fitzpatrick Excavating submitted a bid, and it was received at 2:22 pm $ 11,450.00
  3. S. Clark & Son submitted a bid, and it was received at 1:40 pm $ 16,800.00

Sanborn asked Jay Wilson for his comments or recommendations. Wilson confirmed that all three bidders were at the pre-bid meeting. Currently, the brook is running up against the road, and it is paramount to get this work completed before the spring rain. The River Engineer is willing to meet with the successful bidder this week.

Golob made a motion to accept the lower bid from Fitzpatrick Excavating for $ 11,450.  Chevalier seconded the motion.
Motion passed 4/0

ADJOURN:
Johnson-Aplin made a motion to adjourn.
The meeting adjourned at 5:16 pm

Respectfully Submitted,
Wannetta Powling, Administrative Assistant

 

 

 

 

Selectboard Special Meeting Agenda Tuesday, February 21st, 2023 @6:00 pm

Please Note: Newfane will now require Zoom participants to remain muted. If they wish to be recognized, they will need to raise their hand, and the Chair will recognize them before being un-muted.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97227911757#success
(copy and paste the link into your web browser)

www.zoom.us/joinameeting       ID: 972 2791 1757                  Passcode: 352680  

  • CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  • CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED 
  • ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
  • APPROVAL OF MINUTES
    February 6, 2023, Regular Meeting
    February 13, 2023, Special Meeting
  • ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT
    Evaluate oil purchases for heating out to bid to lock in a lower price.
    Update Town Office Repair
  • ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT
  • COMMITTEE REPORT
  • SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
  • UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
  • OLD BUSINESS / FOLLOW-UP ITEMS
    (10 Minutes per topic)
    Cannabis Updates: (Johnson-Aplin)
    Town Beautification suggestions (Chevalier)
    Discuss ideas for a 250-year celebration of Newfane’s founding. (Johnson-Aplin).
    FEMA buyout of South Newfane General Store (Golob)
    ARPA Funds Updates (Golob)
  • NEW BUSINESS
  • CORRESPONDENCE
  • EXECUTIVE SESSION:
    Executive Session to discuss a disciplinary or dismissal action against a public officer or employee under the provisions of Title 1, Section 313, Subsection (a)(4) of the Vermont Statutes.
  •  PAY ORDERS
  • ADJOURN

February 9th, 2023, NOTICE EMERGENCY WARNING

NOTICE EMERGENCY WARNING

 Members of the Newfane Selectboard will attend A Public Discussion Held at the Vermont EMS Academy 1096 VT -30 Newfane VT Sponsored by the WINDHAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE To discuss providing a regionalized policing service That supports rural towns

Thursday, February 9th, 2023, To join (Zoom) information

Angela Sanborn, Chair Date: February 9th, 2023

 

Selectboard Minutes Special Meeting Tuesday, January 3, 2023

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97227911757#success
(copy and paste the link into your web browser)
https//zoom. Us/join         Meeting ID:  972 2791 1757 Passcode:  352680

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Angela Sanborn, Katy Johnson-Aplin, Jeffrey Chevalier, Ann Golob, and Mike Fitzpatrick (phone).

OTHERS PRESENT:
 Katie Bristol (Lister Data Entry), Austin Rice (Producer BCTV), and Wannetta Powling (Administrative Assistant).

Zoom:
Jay Wilson (Road Foreman), Doris Knechtel (Lister), Beckley Gaudette (Lister), Ryan Silverstri (NEM Appraiser), Merle Tessier (Zoning Administrator), Jane Douglas (Planning Commission), Lynn Forrest (DRB).

CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Selectboard Chair Angela Sanborn.

CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED:
Powling confirmed the meeting had been properly warned.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:
Golob requested to add the FEMA buy-out to old business.
Golob requested to add to the correspondence information from Lynn Forrest.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Contract issue; discussion under Vermont article 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)

Pending or probable civil litigation or a prosecution, to which the public body is or may be a party.

 Golob made a motion to enter Executive Session- Invited to join were Doris Knechtel, Beckley Gaudette, Ryan Silverstri, Katie Bristol, and Wannetta Powling. Chevalier seconded the motion.
Motion passed 5/0

Entered Executive Session at 6:03 P.M.

Golob made a motion to leave Executive Session. Fitzpatrick seconded the motion.
Motion passed 5/0.

Left Executive Session at 6:22 PM
Selectboard made no decision.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

  1. December 19th, 2022, Regular Meeting
    Golob made a motion to approve the December 19th regular minutes. Chevalier seconded the motion.
    Motion passed 4/0; Fitzpatrick abstained.

  2. December 21st, 2022, Budget Minutes
    Golob made a motion to approve the December 21st budget minutes. Chevalier seconded the motion.
    Golob had amendments to the December 21st budget minutes that were previously emailed to the Selectboard.
    Johnson-Aplin made a motion to approve the December 21st budget minutes as amended. Chevalier seconded the motion.
    The motion passed 4/0. Fitzpatrick abstained because he did not see the amendments to the minutes.

ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:

  1. The December 23rd rain caused moderate damage; we have been busy patching up the spots to get us through the winter. I have the letter for Marc Pickering ready for you to sign, requesting a VTrans emergency grant to help cover the repairs.
  2. The sand/salt shed has nothing new to report.
  3. The Depot Rd Box Culvert has nothing new.
  4. This morning, we received a draft plan for the Loop Rd box culvert; I will be meeting with the engineer in the next couple of weeks to go through the plan.
  5. We should have a draft of the Hazzard Mitigation Plan in the next couple of weeks.

Discussion:
Johnson-Aplin asked Wilson to elaborate on the damages from the flooding that occurred on December 23rd.

Wilson said that the damage to Newfane caused four roads to be temporally closed. Three of the four roads were opened again by December 24th, and that a representative from VTrans estimated the damage to be $85,000, making Newfane eligible for an emergency grant. A letter had been prepared for the Selectboard to sign requesting emergency grant assistance to help with the repairs.

Golob made a motion to sign the letter to VTrans requesting emergency assistance. Johnson-Aplin seconded the motion.
Motion passed 5/0.

Johnson–Aplin asked for an update on the repairs to Eddy Road from the flood.
Wilson said that work started on Friday, and good progress has been made.

Deborah Luskin wanted to notify Wilson that the culvert on Grimes Hill near her residence is undermining the road, possibly due to the end of the culvert being crushed.

Wilson agreed to review the damage.

The vote was called to approve the Road Foreman’s report.
Motion passed 5/0.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT: 

  1. I have made the correction to the DV Fiber template letter to notify the Montpelier Broadband Board of Newfane’s $15,000 pledge. The Deerfield Valley CUD will receive a matching pledge from the Vermont Community Broadband Board. To help with the connection of those that meet the CUD eligibility requirements.
  2. I have been making progress on the Town Report.
  3. A reminder that Committee reports are due for the Town Report by January 6th. Try to keep your reports to a two-page maximum in our effort to keep printing costs to the minimum. I have half of the reports. I need the following.
    Treasurer / Tax Collector

Town Clerk
Planning Commission
Development Review Board
Williamsville Hall
Newfane Conservation Commission
Road Commissioner
Selectboard

Chevalier made a motion to approve the Administrative Assistance report. Fitzpatrick seconded the motion.
Discussion:

Deborah Luskin (Moderator) gave her opinion on how the social appropriations articles on the warning for the Town Meeting are listed – either individually or as a group. Luskin urged that voters need to have the power to choose how their money is spent.

Sanborn stated that it is less confusing to have each social appropriation listed as separate articles.

Fitzpatrick agreed that the articles are better when they are separated.

Johnson-Aplin mentioned that Town Meetings were a day of socializing with your neighbors and that having a lot of articles was a way of keeping voters engaged in discussions and gave meaning with purpose.

Powling offered to contact the agencies asking for appropriations to see if they would provide a representative to address their request for funding at Town Meeting.

Fitzpatrick made a motion to list all the social appropriation as separate articles. Johnson-Aplin seconded the motion.
Motion passed 5/0.

 COMMITTEE REPORT
None

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None

OLD BUSINESS
ARPA
The Newfane Selectboard, at its December 5th, 2022, meeting, approved the following motion:
         

The town of Newfane will commit to providing DVFiber with the amount of $ 15,000 from general funds to assist DVFiber in connecting un-served and underserved locations to fiber optic broadband.

DV Fiber requested that a letter of commitment be submitted to help ensure that funds will be matched from the Vermont Community Broadband Board.

Jane Douglas (Newfane representative to DV Fiber) asked that the letters to Montpelier and the Deerfield Valley CUD be sent to Donna Sebastian’s address. Douglas mentioned that the first customers in the Town of Readsboro are now connected to Fiber.

Golob made a motion to authorize Angela Sanborn to sign both letters for DV Fiber. Chevalier seconded the motion.
Motion passed 5/0.

Cannabis
No update

Town Beautification
No update

Newfane Celebration of 250-Years
No update

FEMA Buy-Out
Golob shared news regarding the FEMA buyout program, including four documents that were completed on behalf of the Town by the Windham Regional Commission for the property at the corner of Dover Road and Auger Hole Road, formerly the South Newfane General Store. The FEMA program has a deadline for submitting applications of February 1st, 2023.

Carol Hesselbach (Town Clerk) asked if the residents would be allowed to have input on the decision due to the effects this would have on the Grand List.

  Golob stated that the current condition of the property is “an Eye Sore,” that there is no current septic, and that the state of the property is a hazard and could cause unknown liability.

Fitzpatrick mentioned that there were other properties that were in the worst condition, that to his knowledge, the General Store had never been affected by a flood, and that it was assumed that that was the purpose for the FEMA buyout.  Fitzpatrick made a recommendation to press the owner to sell the property to someone, make it safe, or unload it.  There is no benefit to the Town to remove this property from the Grand List.

Lynn Forrest asked if the property would be by “Eminent Domain.” The answer is No.

Further Discussion
The Selectboard contacted (Treasurer) Melissa Brown by phone to get added information on how this would affect the taxes. The decision of the Board was to table further discussion until the January 17th, 2023, Selectboard Meeting to allow the Listers and the Treasurer to research the financial impact on the taxpayers.

NEW BUSINESS
No update

CORRESPONDENCE
Lynn Forrest posted that her “catalytic converter” had been stolen from one of their vehicles parked in front of her garage on Dover Road.
Julia Tadlock – Email Looking for the status of the ARPA funds regarding the procedures for businesses applying for funds.
Golob stated that research has not been completed and that this is more complex and harder to address.

Mike Fitzpatrick, who attended remotely, withdrew and left the meeting at 7:18 P.M.
 PAY ORDERS

1.       Payroll Warrant No #11600                         Amount $    7,458.53
2.       Payroll Warrant No #11601                         Amount $    7,850.97
3.       Payroll Warrant No #11602                         Amount $    6,206.99
4.       Account Payable No # 23014                      Amount $   51,548.15

Golob made a motion to approve Pay Orders. Chevalier seconded the motion.
Motion passed 4/0

ADJOURN:
Chevalier made a motion to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,
Wannetta Powling, Administrative Assistant
ALS/ AG

Newfane Selectboard Special Meeting Friday, January 6, 2023, 9:00 AM

Please Note: Newfane will now require Zoom participants to remain muted. If they wish to be recognized, they will need to raise their hand, and the Chair will recognize them before being un-muted.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97227911757#success
(copy and paste the link into your web browser)

www.zoom.us/joinameeting     ID: 972 2791 1757           Passcode: 352680  

  • CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  • CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED
  •  OLD BUSINESS                    

Selectboard to make a decision on whether to keep moving forward on the paperwork to submit the South Newfane Store + residence to FEMA for a buyout, the deadline for submission is Feb. 1.

  • ADJOURN