Selectboard Meeting

November 17, 2003

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Attending the meeting:  Lynn Gardner, Jon Trefry, Rob Bast, Jeanne Wilson, Chris Morrell, Holly Russell, Ted White, Peter Mead, Allen and Nancy Norris, Stewart Pierson.

 

Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

Lynn opened the Public Hearing on Local Law Enforcement Block Grant –  Proposed Expenditure of Funds.  There were no comments received.

Jon moved to close the public hearing, second by Rob and approved.

Rob moved the Board vote to support the recommendation of the advisory board for expenditure of funds for the Block Grant.  Second by Jon and approved.

 

Chris requested that the Board remove the duties of Animal Control from the police department.  Chris and the Board reviewed hours and personnel duties for the police department.   The Board agreed to have Chris look for another full time officer.

 

Budget Planning Sessions

 

Land Use

Listers  - Holly reviewed the listers budget which is submitted at $90,600.  Holly reported that it appears the Act 60 money will cover the appraisal costs.

 

Planning Commission – reviewed by the Board, no changes made.

 

Zoning / Development Review Board – reviewed by the Board and stipend of $200 per member was not included, a line for profession services in the amount of $500 was added.

 

Conservation Commission – Ted reviewed with the Board – requested amount is same as last year.  Ted advised the Conservation Commission recommends the Planning Commission in writing the new Town Plan regard set backs as they relate to conservation issues.  The Commission is looking for support from the Board on increasing the allotment  for land acquisition (Land Preservation Fund) from $5,000 to $10,000 a year.  The Board will look at the request when the full Board membership is present.

 

General Administration

Selectboard – reviewed – discussed adopting a capital improvement plan which would allow impact fees.  A consultant would charge an estimated $12,000 to set up such a plan.  Jeanne advised most towns fund such a change with a planning grant but Hinesburg will not be getting a planning grant at this point.

Looking at less costly steps the Board can begin to implement at this time without such an expense.

 

Town Agent  - reviewed with no changes made

 

Town Administrator – reviewed with Jeanne – put back a line for assistant allowing for 4 hours a week .

 

Auditors – reviewed and no changes made

 

 

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Computers / Copiers –reviewed – combine support contract and other NEMRC expenses under NEMRC line, and utilize repair and maintenance line for non-NEMRC expenses.

 

Public Health –reviewed with no changes made

 

Other Business

Approve Warrants:  Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the warrants (including payroll warrants) for bills payable as presented by the Town Treasurer.  Second by Rob and approved.

 

Approve Minutes of October 20, 2003:  Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of October 20, 2003 as corrected, second by Rob and approved with Rob abstaining.

 

Approve Minutes of November 3, 2003:  Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of November 3, 2003.  Second by Rob and approved.

 

Wastewater Allocation / Peter & Christina Mead on Richmond Road:  (This project has received sketch plan approval from the DRB)  Jon moved that the Board vote to grant a wastewater capacity allocation of 420 gpd to Peter & Christina Mead for a 3-lot subdivision of their property located on Richmond Road (Grand List Lot # 17-20-57.32) .  This subdivision will consist of the existing house (already connected) and two new single family homes (@ 210 gpd each).  This allocation is subject to the quarterly holding fee, and if not yet connected, will expire in three years.

The allocation will become effective on receipt of the wastewater allocation fee.  Second by Rob and approved.

Peter asked, if the fee is paid and the DRB does not approve the plan will the fee be returned to the applicant?

Lynn suggested not making the payment of the fee until final plat approval is made by the DRB.

 

Revised State Road Standards / Implications on Town Road Cut Permits:    Board has received a memo regarding changes.

In 1999 the Board adopted a Policy for Transportation Construction and Improvements based on State Road standards to be eligible for FEMA funding.  This included a federal standard for sight distance for road cuts which the Town has not applied but continued to use the Town standards.  It was the consensus of the Board that a public hearing be held prior to enforcing the state road cut standards.

 

Road Cut Permit / Peter & Christina Mead on Richmond Road:  This project has not received final plat approval, so the Board will not be acting on the permit at this time.  However, Peter Mead is requesting input from the Board for his DRB approval process.  In sketch plan approval for this subdivision, the DRB conditioned the approval on the subdivision utilizing the existing road cut to the Mead property (shared with Carrie & Scott Stirewalt).  Peter would like to go to final plat, proposing a separate road cut, located approximately 200’ east of the current road cut.  Michael has reviewed this request, and measured the sight distance to be 300’ and 500’.  The Board discussed this with Peter and discussed as the revised state road standards apply.  The Board urged Peter to work out a plan to use the current driveway and not require a second road cut.

 

 

 

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Road Cut Permit / Alan & Nancy Norris on Silver Street:  (Former Rod & Zira Carpenter parcel)

This project has not yet been reviewed by the DRB, so the Board will not be acting on the permit at this time.  However, Alan & Nancy Norris are requesting input from the Board for their DRB

approval process.  The project involves site plan review for the proposed construction of nine apartment units on the parcel.  The plan also proposes relocating the driveway from its current location approximately 50’ to the south (and further away from the Silver Street / Route 116 intersection).  Michael has reviewed this request, and measured the sight distance to be 325’ and 1000’.  The required site distance under the State guidelines for a 35 mph zone would be 385’. 

As this is a current driveway, and sight distance would be improved by moving the road cut further down the hill the Board sees the request as an improvement.

Rob suggested the Norris’s look at a drive that would connect  to the Devoid property that runs behind their property and share a road cut when that is developed.

Conceptually the Board agrees with the proposed driveway change.

 

Road Cut Permit / Tim Hultgren on Hayden Hill Road East:  This project has received final plat approval from the DRB, so the Board will be able to act on this request.  This road cut is on the Class IV portion of Hayden Hill Road East.  Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the Road Cut Permit Application of Tim Hultgren for a road cut on Hayden Hill Road East (Grand List Lot #06-01-65.00 ) as outlined in the permit dated 8/12/03, subject to the terms and conditions placed on the permit by the Highway Foreman and all state and local permits governing the development of this parcel.  Second by Rob.  After discussion it was agreed to table a vote on this pending further information from the DRB regarding requirements for this project.

 

VTrans Cone Permit:  The Board agreed to pursue submitting a permit for cones at the Route 116 crosswalk at Lantman’s and to request pedestrian signs as soon as they are approved.

 

Request to Serve Alcohol at the Fire Station / George Palmer for Private Party on 11/23/03:  This request is for a 25th anniversary party for George Palmer’s son and daughter-in-law on Sunday, November 23, 2003 from 1:30 – 4:00 pm.  Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the request by George Palmer for permission to serve alcohol at an anniversary party at the Hinesburg Fire Station on November 23, 2003 from 1:30 – 4:00 pm, subject to the following conditions:

 

§         A responsible person over 21 years of age will be designated to be “in charge” of the event and to monitor alcohol use at the event to ensure that there is no underage drinking and that intoxicated persons do not drive; and

 

§         A “Don’t Drink and Drive” poster shall be posted at the entrance to the event, naming the responsible person and offering the services of the responsible person to arrange safe trips home.

Second by Rob and approved.

 

Additions to the Agenda

 

Request for $1,000 for playground equipment at Lake Iroquois- the Board requested a letter requesting this amount with all information on the issue.

 

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Road Cut Permit / Sean O’Brien on Shelburne Falls Road:  This is a request to move the driveway from its current location.  Michael has reviewed this request, and measured the sight

distance at 650’ and 465’.  Michael feels that moving this driveway will improve the sight distance from what currently exists.  The required sight distance according to State guidelines for 45 mph is 495’  Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the road cut permit application of Sean O’Brien for a road cut on Shelburne Falls Road (Grand List Lot #03-01-01.3 ) as outlined in the permit dated 11/3/03 subject to the terms and conditions placed on the permit by the Highway Foreman and all state and local permits governing the development of this parcel.  Second by Rob and approved.

 

Sale of 1995 Ford Ranger:  Jon moved that the Board vote to authorize Public Works Director Rocky Martin to advertise the sale of the 1995 Ford Ranger, and accept any reasonable purchase offer of $500 or more.   The vehicle will be sold in “as is” condition.  Second by Rob and approved.

 

Joint Meeting with Planning Commission / Wastewater Service Area Discussion:  Tuesday, December 9th at 7:00.

 

Act 68 Education Funding Update:  November 11th public forum at HCS. Jeanne reported a comparison was given of this years current funding and if Act 68 had been in place.

 

Payment Request from Shelburne Dispatch for Police Dispatch Services:  Letter prepared for discussion and signature.

 

CUSI Policy Board Meeting:  On the Town’s recommendation that a representative from a small town serve on the CUSI Policy Board, the Policy Board asked Jeanne Wilson to be that representative.  Jeanne has attended her first meeting.  She will keep the Board informed on meeting results.

 

 Fortin Complaint / Use of Police Service Dogs – Jeanne will draft a letter for the Board to review and send regarding this.

 

Jon moved the Board vote to adjourn at 9:45 p.m., second by Rob and approved.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Valerie Spadaccini, secretary