Selectboard Meeting

December 15, 2003

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Attending the meeting; Lynn Gardner, Jon Trefry, Rob Bast, Jeanne Wilson, Deb Howard, Rob Farley, Steve VanDusen, Art Thompson, Gill Coates, Suzanne DaVivia, Scott Buckingham, Dorothea Wilkinson, Carly Geer, Sue Bardon, Roberta Soll, Stewart Pierson.

 

Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m.

 

Lynn opened the Public Hearing on Road Cut Standards.

 

Debra Howard / Texas Hill Road Survey Results- Deb reviewed with Board members results of the Texas Hill Road survey report. 

There was support for the work recently done on the road.

Rob pointed out the reasons for considering paving are safety and cost of maintenance.

Lynn reviewed that the project as presented at Town Meeting was a 2 year process with prep work done in the first year and road surface; be it paving, using reground asphalt or leave as a dirt road; in the second year. 

Art Thompson stated the high volume of traffic leads to the road deterioration immediately after grading.

Rob Farley said the ditching work done this past summer seems to be working well but there are areas that continue to be a problem.

The Board stated the next step would be to hold a public hearing to discuss options.

Rob Farley was concerned that money is put in the budget before holding a public hearing which implies the work will be done regardless.

Jon liked the idea suggested of a working committee to come up with options.

Rob Farley is against paving as he could no longer train his dogs on the road.

Deb Howard, though personally against paving, is willing to work on whatever the best solution is for all.

 

Budget Planning Sessions

 

Cemeteries – no budget submitted.

 

Lake Iroquois Recreation District – Carly reviewed with the Board, they are requesting an additional $1,000 one time increase to improve the playground facilities.  Board approved at $1600 to be put as warned item at Town Meeting.  A grant will be applied for to get the additional funds needed.  Carly stated if the grant is not awarded, they will continue to request funding.

The possibility of classifying as a quiet lake was brought up – a survey on this was done in the past and could be done again.

 

Hinesburg Land Trust – same as in past.

 

Agencies – Roberta Soll was present for the Resource Center and reviewed with the Board services offered and funding status.  They are requesting an additional $2,000.  Sue Bardon added that the Friends of Families and Literacy work with the library are great programs in Town.

VNA asking for an increase of $124

The Board agreed to level fund all other agencies as in the past.

 

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July 4th Committee – same as last year

 

Library  - Sue Bardon reviewed the proposed budget with the Board.  The Board suggested they get a comparison on insurance prices.

 

Fixed Costs

Debt Service

County Tax – need info

Retirement – need to set salaries first

Group Health Insurance -The Board agreed to increase the deductible from $100 to $200 and add the cafeteria plan option for health insurance.  They will have the JW participants pay the difference in premium from the Freedom Plan.

Unemployment Compensation

Liability Insurance

Recycling, Landfill Closure

           

Other Business

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

 

Approve Minutes of November 17, 2003:  Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of November 17, 2003 as corrected, second by Rob and approved.

 

Approve Minutes of December 1, 2003:  Rob moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of December 1, 2003.  Second by Jon and approved.

 

Trial Balance for Water & Wastewater and General Fund Accounts for Period Ending November 30, 2003:  Jon moved that the Board vote to accept the Trial Balance for the Water & Wastewater and General Fund Accounts for the period ending November 30, 2003. Second by Rob and approved.

 

Correspondence from Partridge Hill Road Residents:  The Selectboard has received a correspondence from Michelle Fischer, representing the Partridge Hill Road / Richmond Road neighborhood.  The correspondence lists several items which need to be completed relating to the road realignment project.  Jeanne has forwarded the request to Mike Anthony.

 

Public Hearing / Road Cut Standards: Lynn closed the Public Hearing.  Jon moved that the Board vote to adopt the Vermont State Standards for Residential and Commercial Drives as the Town’s Standard for road cut approvals. Second by Rob and approved. The Town’s Standard will be automatically revised as the State Standard is revised

 

Additions to the Agenda

 

Munson Project – Lynn requested that a letter be sent by the Selectboard to the Planning Commission asking that the zoning bylaw be changed to extend the village district to Buck Hill Road West.  This change would affect the Munson property on both sides of Route 116.  The Munson’s have offered to donate approximately 20 acres on the west side of Route 116 to the town.  The concept in general is appropriate as this is a benefit to the school.

The Selectboard first needs clarification of the request concerning parcel 3.

 

 

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Approval for the Consumption of Alcohol at the Fire Station:  Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the consumption of alcohol at the Hinesburg Fire Station on Friday, December 19, 2003 for the annual holiday party.  Second by Rob and approved.

 

Donation for Recreation Department:  Paul Eddy wishes to donate approximately $46,000 in stocks to the Town of Hinesburg, to be used for the Hinesburg Recreation Department. This donation is made by the Eddy Family, in memory of Millicent Eddy.   This donation has been discussed with Town Agent Bud Allen and Joe Cioffi.  The Town should open an account at the stock brokerage firm (Smith Barney) for the stock transfer, and can then liquidate.  The funds could be kept in a Smith Barney money market account, or transferred to a bank account, depending on interest rates.  Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the acceptance of a donation of stocks from Paul Eddy to be used for the Hinesburg Recreation Department, and approve the establishment of a brokerage account for the transfer of these stocks at Smith Barney.

Second by Rob and approved.

Discussed possibly setting up an account similar to the Peck Estate.

 

Outgoing Correspondence

Holiday Cards for all employees

 

Jon moved the Board go into executive session, second by Rob and approved. 

Jon moved the Board come out of executive session and adjourn, second by Rob and approved.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Valerie Spadaccini, secretary