Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Monday, December 16th, 2024, Newfane Selectboard Regular Minutes

 DRAFT 

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https//zoom. Us/join            Meeting ID:  972 2791 1757 Passcode:  352680

BOARD MEMBERS: Angela Litchfield, Katy Johnson-Aplin, Ann Golob (Zoom), and Jeffrey Chevalier.
ABSENT: Mike Fitzpatrick

OTHERS PRESENT: Kate Gehring (Planning Commission),  James Bressor (Planning Commission),  Richard Marek, Bob Crego,  Austin Rice (BCTV), and Wannetta Powling (Administrative Assistant).

ZOOM:  Jay Wilson (Road Foreman), Katelyn Sherman, Elisha Underwood, Heather Roberson.

 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Selectboard Chair Angela Litchfield.

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

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA:
Johnson-Aplin asked to add the New England Municipal Consultants to meet the assessor.
This was added to Old Business.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

  1. December 2nd, Regular Meeting Minutes

Johnson-Aplin made a motion to accept the regular minutes of December 2nd. Golob seconded.
Chevalier abstained. The motion passed.

 ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:

  1. We have an access permit on Vic Benjamin Road.
  2. Ann and I have reviewed the information from MSK on the gravel pit, and they are supposed to be getting the application for the permits ready to submit.
  3. The South Newfane Store demo is complete, and I have the two signs at the garage.
  4. We have the complete design for the Rock Riverbank repair near the Green Iron Bridge. The letter was sent asking for an extension to do the work next summer.

    Johnson-Aplin made a motion to approve the access permit, and Chevalier seconded.
    The motion passed.

 Chevalier made a motion to accept the Road Foreman’s report, and Johnson-Aplin seconded.
Discussion:

  1. Access Permit – has been reviewed, and the owner knows that water/ditch containment is needed.
  2. Feelings of frustration were expressed during the ACT 250 lengthy process.
  3. South Newfane Store signs were removed before demolition; questions of what should be done with a 10-foot sign and a smaller 6-foot vintage sign (imprinted on the back “1892 Norwich VT.”)
  • Golob said it would be nice to consider keeping the signs locally and displaying them at the Historical Society or the Town Office.
  • Other thoughts: people interested could submit a written request to the Selectboard by the January 21st SB Meeting.

Litchfield called for the vote to approve the Road Foreman’s report. The motion passed.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT:

  1. I have heard from Mary at Repro regarding the schedule for submitting our Report. I need the report ready to submit the first draft by January 21st. The draft for the new Town Report articles has been edited. Budget figures must be added before the first draft goes to the printers. We have two budget meetings left to complete things.
  2. I have an appointment with Aly from the Townshend Selectboard on Monday, December 23rd, at 10 a.m. to discuss the shared service for Law Enforcement. Londonderry and Jamaica have not responded to an invitation to meet. Do you have any information /concerns that you would like me to share, or would you like to join us?
  3. Last week, Katie Murtaugh visited each department to gather information for the revised Town website design.
  4. Tuesday, January 7th, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., is a Town Meeting Prep day for reviewing the basic legal requirements and deadlines related to the Town Meeting. Will any of you be available to attend this training?

Golob made a motion to accept the Administrative Assistant’s report, and Johnson-Aplin seconded.

Discussion ensued:

Litchfield asked how the Town Report was coming and what Organizations or Commissions had not submitted their reports. Powling mentioned that she would send an email reminder requesting the reports to be sent in ASAP.
Powling was asked to share the VLCT “Town Meeting Prep” training with Kim Friedman, the new Town Moderator.

Powling will follow up on the search for photo submissions for the Town Report and send the draft of the Articles to Board members.

Golob asked the Board Members for permission to have Bahman Madhavi review IT needs and share information before the December 30th budget meeting. Permission was given.

 Litchfield called for the vote to approve the Administrative Assistant’s report.
The motion passed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Planning Commission
Kate Gehring and James Bressor were present to share a revised two-page draft of the Short-Term Rental Ordinance Registry form.

Discussion ensued:

  • Concerns that were mentioned included: could this make the Town Liable?
  • Who and how can Enforcement be done?
  • Who does the Fire Safety, Standards, and inspections?
  • To whom should the registration forms be submitted, and what are the fees or penalties for late filing?
  • The Town of Newfane Logo should be included in the document.
  • How are other towns dealing with the liability potential?

 Johnson-Aplin will work with Bressor on research and revisions and present them at a future Selectboard meeting.

Zoning By-Law updates:

Golob made a motion to authorize the Planning Commission to work with the Windham Regional Commission on requesting an extension to revise the Zoning By-Law. Chevalier seconded the motion.
The motion passed.

 Litchfield read the letter from Bob Crego requesting an appointment to the Planning Commission.

 Golob made a motion to accept the letter of interest and to appoint Bob Crego to the Planning Commission. Chevalier seconded the motion.
The motion passed.

Powling was asked to send a letter of appointment to Crego to accept the appointment formally.

Gehring mentioned that the Planning Commission will next be working on updating the Town Plan and if Newfane should consider applying for a Grant.

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
The following agencies were present to briefly explain the increase in appropriation this year and answer questions about their services and how they benefit the residents of Newfane. After further review of each application, the Selectboard will let the voters vote on social appropriations as an article at the Town meeting.

Agencies

West River Valley Thrives – Elisha Underwood
Southeast Vermont Transit (The Moover)- Randy Shoemaker
The Gathering Place –Executive Director, Heather Robertson
The Historical Society of Windham County- Richard Marek
Senior Solutions-Gloria Cristelli

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
None

NEW BUSINESS:
None

OLD BUSINESS:

Housing Grant Proposal: (Golob – Gehring)

Golob said she had sent it to the attorney to review the proposal. We are waiting for a response. Litchfield was asked to contact the Town Attorney to inquire about his availability to review the documents.
FEMA buyout of South Newfane General Store (Golob)
Demolition of the buildings is completed.

  • There were positive comments regarding the completed work.
  • Two final things still need to happen: the closeout of the property, the (FEMA) administrator will review the paperwork and budget figures. Then, there is the closing out of the Browns Field remediation.

Personnel Policy changes/ recommendation (Johnson-Aplin/Chevalier)
No updates: Litchfield was asked to contact the Town Attorney about his availability to review these documents.

Town Website Design – (Golob & Johnson-Aplin)
Kate Murtagh has requested an additional $1,100 to finish generating the department pages. This will ensure a consistent and professional look and feel throughout the redesigned website.
Discussion ensued:
Additional funding is needed to complete the website. Brown will be consulted on this determination.

Golob made a motion to approve the $1,100 additional expense, and Chevalier seconded the motion.
The Motion passed.

Meet the Assessor who is doing Town-Wide Reappraisal:
Johnson-Aplin wanted to remind everyone that the town-wide reappraisal has been moved to be completed in 2025-26. If there is an interest in those wishing to meet with the appraiser to understand better the effects, this may have on your property. The date and time have not been determined yet. Powling was asked to check with Ryan on his availability.

CORRESPONDENCE:
Vermont 250th  Anniversary Commission encourages, develops, coordinates, and promotes observances.
Discussion:
Send out a notice of interest to start a committee. This will be discussed at future meetings.

VT Agency of Transportation, for Better Connections Grant Program.

Angela Litchfield submitted a resignation letter to the Selectboard; her last day will be March 4th, 2024.

Golob attended remotely and left the meeting at 7:23 p.m.

PAY ORDERS

  1. Payroll # 11710 $ 7,354.32

Johnson-Aplin made a motion to approve pay orders, which Chevalier seconded.
The motion passed.

ADJOURN:
Johnson-Aplin made a motion to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Wannetta Powling,
Administrative Assistant
AEL