Selectboard Meeting
March 15, 2004
Page 1 of 7
Attending the meeting; Lynn Gardner, Andrea Morgante, Jon
Trefry, Randy Volk, Rob Bast, Jeanne Wilson, Richard Hildebrand, Bruce
Cunningham, Ted White, George and Debbie Dameron, John Lyman, Dona and David
Walker, Pat Mainer, Ted Bloomhardt, Kim Hazelrigg, Penny Reed, Ellen Dooley,
Pam Piper, Chris and Tracy Applin, Tom Hacket, Chris Morrell, Daniel Greller,
Jessica Barber, Tom Nostrand, Susan Mead, Anne Frost, Frank Twarog, Stewart
Pierson.
Meeting called to
order at 7:00 p.m.
Richard Hildebrand of
the Patriot Masonic Lodge thanked the Board for their help and updated them on
the Learning Center at the Osborne Parish House. 6 children are currently being tutored and more tutors are being
trained. They will have 10 students
using the services next year.
Bruce Cunningham gave
copies of a risk assessment he prepared on the subject of delinquent taxes in
regards to reducing the penalty, and a comparison of delinquent tax collector
salary to penalties collected.
Annual Organizational Meeting of the Board
·
Suzanne Kneller, Pam
Durda and Susan Johnson as Fence Viewers
·
Norman Smith as
Inspector of Lumber, Shingles and Wood
·
Stephen Russell as
Weigher of Coal
·
Paul Wieczoreck as
Tree Warden
·
Stephen Gutierrez as
Constable
·
O’Neil’s Kennel in
Shelburne as Pound Keeper and the officers of the Hinesburg Community Police as Animal
Control
Second by Jon and
approved.
MARCH 15, 2004 page 2 of 7
George Dameron & Concerned Residents / Pedestrian
Facilities and Safety in the Village Area
George Dameron said
he believes to make the village safe and walkable the Town needs to complete
the sidewalks, add more pedestrian crossings, slow traffic and allow more
parking. As a
short term solution
he would like to see addition of at lease one more crosswalk, have the Police
Dept periodically park a cruiser along side the crosswalk and issue summons to
vehicles that pass on the right.
George stated he will
be attending the meetings for writing the new Town Plan to address this issue.
Penny Reed, owner of
the flower shop, stated as a mother of children walking in the village –
something has to be done soon. There is
no awareness by drivers that a crosswalk exists and when the snow is plowed on
the sidewalk there is no access to the crosswalk.
Chris Applin, owner
of Good Times Café, agrees with Penny’s statement and would like to see on
street parking for safety and it would also improve his business.
Tracy Applin said the
Café has permission from the school to use their parking lot and confirmed that
she sees drivers not stopping at the crosswalk.
Dona Walker, owner of
corner house by crosswalk, would like to see barrels with speed limit posted on
top. A trailer to show speed cars are
traveling parked by the crosswalk to prevent passing of vehicles on the right
and brought up the idea of possibly constructing some sort of birm to prevent
passing on the right.
Jeanne Wilson
reported the Board has inquired about placement of cones and are waiting to
hear back from the State.
Pam Piper, resident
of Charlotte Rd., is glad to see the bright pedestrian crossing signs that have
been erected, she points out the crosswalk is in need of painting and moving it
to the south some may improve the situation.
Lynn Gardner pointed
out the Town has made improvements to the intersection by purchasing the corner
property and changing the access to Town Hall.
Andrea Morgante
advised that the State wants crosswalks located near intersections but thinks
the idea of a birm could help slow traffic.
Pat Mainer, resident
of Fletcher Farm Rd., applauds the Board for its long term vision but feels an
urgency to act now due to children soon accessing new playing fields.
Ellen Dooley,
resident of Lyman Meadows, said she has discussed this with AOT and they
responded enforcement was the best solution in regards to the speed issue and
cars passing on the right. She feels
speeding is the major cause of the problem.
Rob Bast stated that
issuing tickets on a State road sends the majority of the fine to the State. Therefore, AOT can easily say that giving tickets is an appropriate strategy.
George stated that
addressing speed can send a message.
John Lyman, village
resident on Rt 116, feels more
crosswalks will heighten awareness.
Tom Hackett asked if
the Town can lower the speed limit through the village, have on street parking
and curbs installed to narrow the road.
Andrea reported that
in the corridor study engineers have suggested narrowing the road and
installing curbs as permanent improvements.
The Town can take
initiative with immediate temporary changes that are in line with suggested
permanent improvements.
Debbie Dameron asked
to have the Police Dept be a presence at the crosswalk.
Kim Hazelrig stated
she feels as the Town is allowing the problem to exist it is the Towns
responsibility to do something.
George stated twilight
and early darkness in the evenings are especially dangerous times and
MARCH 15,
2004
page 3 of 7
would be a good time
to have the Police Dept there.
Andrea pointed out
that changes happen when a group of people address a problem and a core group
of people are willing to follow up. She
believes there is a need for concerned citizens to be sure to push this through
to completion and recommended appointment of a task force.
Lynn advised the
Board will discuss with Chief Morrell at tonight’s meeting.
George wants the
Board to send a definite message to Chris Morrell that they want traffic
control to start now.
Jon Trefry addressed
the times of day to target with enforcement and the possibility of working with
the school to place a crossing guard at school times for the school children
crossing.
Andrea pointed out
that a change in peoples behavior can be made by doing many things.
Rob agrees with
Andrea and referred to the traffic study of Rt 116 and visual cues to obtain
the “village” feel. He points out the
only reason he raised the information regarding ticket fines was as a point of
information and not an argument against issuing tickets.
Ellen asked if it was
possible to extend the times the light is blinking by the school to help slow
traffic. She was advised to speak to
the school as they control the time for the light.
Daniel Greller / Interview for Alternate to DRB Vacancy –Daniel is a landscape architect by trade and has lived in
Town since 2002. He is looking to be
involved in doing something for the Town.
He has spoken to DRB members and finds the work interesting. He has read the Town Plan, zoning
regulations and subdivision regulations.
Jessica Barber / Interview for Alternate to DRB Vacancy – Jessica grew up in Hinesburg and recently bought a home here
and wants to be involved in the Town.
She has studied environmental science and biology.
Tom Nostrand / Interview for Representative to CSWD Vacancy
– Tom has been a
resident of Hinesburg for 8 years and is an electrical engineer by trade. Tom assured the Board he cares about
recycling and would work to keep the CSWD facility in Town.
Susan Mead / Interview for Conservation Commission Vacancy –
Susan is now retired from the
business world and is interested in getting involved within the Town and is
very interested in conservation. She
has talked with Ted White to find out what the Conservation Commission is
currently involved in.
Anne Frost / Interview for Recreation Commission Vacancy – Anne is a 10 year resident of Hinesburg and is currently
involved in the running of two businesses in Town. She has a back round in education, coaching and summer camp
programs. She has attended Recreation
Commission meetings.
Frank Twarog / Interview for Recreation Commission Vacancy –
Frank has lived in Town since
2001 and is interested in seeing programs for children and adults in the Town
continue to grow. He has attended a
Recreation Commission meeting.
Police Chief Chris Morrell / Update of Community Police
Department Activity and
Discussion of Field Training Officer Services – Chris gave the Board members information on the status of
the grants the Police Dept has received and plans for ones being applied for (
see attachment ). He updated the Board
on the search for a new office, information regarding availability of vehicle
types for the new cruiser, and his concerns with the deteriorating condition of
the Police Department building.
Chris asked the Board
if they felt a need to change the voting location in Nov due to possible
traffic
MARCH 15,
2004 page 4 of 7
problems. The Board feels strongly about keeping
voting at Town Hall and using signs regarding traffic as in past elections.
Village traffic issue
– the Board requested police presence to enforce the speed limit and violations
of passing on the right by the crosswalk.
Chris stated he feels the problem is that the crosswalk is invisible –
he suggested getting crosswalks that are made of rubber to heighten
visibility. The Board asked Chris to
put out barrels and cones at the crosswalk this week. Jeanne will send a letter to AOT advising the placement of
barrels and request a 3 way stop at the intersection as well as installation of
the rubber crosswalk.
Jon moved the Board
go into executive session for discussion of personnel issues with Chief
Morrell, second by Rob and approved.
Jon moved the Board
come out of executive session, second by Rob and approved.
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 Andrea and approved.
Approve Minutes of February 16, 2004: Randy
moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of February 16, 2004 as
amended. Second by Andrea and approved
with Lynn abstaining.
Trial Balance for Water & Wastewater and General Fund
Accounts for Period Ending 1/31/04: Lynn moved that the Board vote to accept the
Trial Balance for Water & Wastewater and General Fund accounts for the
period ending 1/31/04. Second by Andrea
and approved.
Trial Balance for Water & Wastewater and General Fund
Accounts for Period Ending 2/29/04: Andrea moved that the Board vote to accept
the Trial Balance for Water & Wastewater and General Fund accounts for the
period ending 2/29/04. Second by Jon and approved.
Review Town Meeting Minutes – The Board will review and send any changes to Jeanne.
Discussion of Draft Wastewater Capacity Allocation Ordinance: Public
meeting on draft ordinance at April 5 meeting.
Board has been forwarded a copy of the current draft for comments /
corrections in preparation for April 5 public meeting.
Discussed future changes
to be made – what could be made by resolution and what would require a public
hearing. Annual allocation capacity was
discussed.
There will be further
opportunity for discussion at the Public Hearing.
VTrans 2004 Class II Resurfacing and Structures Grant
Applications: VTrans Grant applications were submitted on March 8, 2004
for the following projects: Class II
Resurfacing Grant Application for reclamation of approximately .78 miles of
Charlotte Road (between Ben’s Sandwiches and Lagoon Road) with an estimated
project cost of $101,656; Class II Resurfacing Grant Application for a 2”
overlay of approximately .85 miles of Silver Street (sections between Coyote
Ridge Road and Town line) with an estimated cost of $52,000; Town Highway Structures Grant Application
for installation of box culvert on Pond Brook Road with an estimated cost of
$169,253.
MARCH
15, 2004 page 5
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VTrans 2003 Class II Resurfacing Grant Request for
Reimbursement: Randy moved that the Board vote to approve the request for
the reimbursement of $41,701.39 in grant funds for the VTrans 2003 Class II
Resurfacing Grant program for the 2003 resurfacing of Silver Street. Second by
Jon and approved.
Resignation from the Planning Commission / John Mace: Andrea moved that
the Board vote to accept the resignation of John Mace as a member of the
Planning Commission. Second by Randy
and approved.
Appointment of Town Service Officer: Andrea moved that
the Board vote to re-appoint Gretchen Berger as Hinesburg Town Service Officer
for a one-year term which will expire on April 14, 2005. Second by Randy and
approved.
Capital Equipment Note for 2003 International Truck
Purchase: Rob moved that the Board vote to approve the signing of the
Capital Equipment Note and the Capital Equipment Borrowing Resolution with the
Chittenden Bank, in the amount of $65,632, for the purchase of the 2003
International Truck (Purchase price of truck ($119,207) - $26,250
(appropriation for 02 – 03) - $29,400 (appropriation for 03 – 04)). Second by
Jon and approved.
Renewal of Liquor Licenses:
Rob moved that the
Board vote to convene as the Board of Liquor Control, second by Andrea and
approved.
Rob moved that the
Board vote to approve the renewal applications of Ballard’s Corner Store Corp;
K.B Enterprises, Inc. (d/b/a Lantman’s IGA); Jolley Associates (d/b/a Short
Stop #143); R&A Frost, Inc. (d/b/a Hinesburg General Store) for second class
liquor licenses with licenses to sell tobacco.
Second by Randy and approved.
Jon moved that the
Board vote to approve the renewal applications of Ayer Golf, Inc. (d/b/a Cedar
Knoll Country Club); Two Z’s Inc. (d/b/a Pappa Nick’s Pizza & Restaurant);
Two Buffoons, Inc. (d/b/a Christo’s Good Times Café); Travia’s Inc. for first
class liquor licenses. Second by Randy
and approved.
Andrea moved that the
Board vote to adjourn as the Board of Liquor Control, second by Jon and
approved.
VTrans 2003 Bridge Inspection Reports: Jon
moved that the Board vote to sign the response form, acknowledging receipt and
review of the Year 2003 Bridge Inspection Report from VTrans.
Second by Randy and
approved.
CVU High School Mock Auto Accident / Request to Close CVU
Road on May 5, 2004: Connecting Youth (CY), working with the Hinesburg Fire
Department, Police Department and First Response, would like to again sponsor a
mock auto accident for CVU High School students on Wednesday, May 5, 2004. The purpose of this exercise is to raise
awareness with students about the possible consequences of mixing substance use
with operating a vehicle. They are
requesting permission to close CVU road to through traffic on May 5 from 8:30 –
10:30 am.
Randy
moved that the Board vote to approve Connecting Youth’s request to close CVU
Road to through traffic on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 between 8:30 – 10:30 am for
the purpose of holding an educational mock auto accident exercise for CVU
students.
Second
by Jon and approved.
MARCH 15, 2004 page 6
of 7
CVU Habitat for Humanity Fun Run / April 3, 2004: Informational
item – The CVU Habitat for Humanity group will be holding a fun run fundraiser
on Saturday, April 3, 2004, beginning at 9:00 am. The run will begin on the CVU track. Runners will then follow CVU Road to Pond Road to Place Road
East, and loop back via the same route.
Traffic will not be stopped during the event.
Alliance for Climate Action 10% Challenge Workshop: The
Alliance for Climate Action would like to hold a 10% Challenge workshop in
Hinesburg this summer. They have held
similar workshops in other communities (Richmond, South Burlington, Charlotte,
Underhill and Williston). The goal of
the workshop is to educate citizens and community leaders on ways to increase
efficiency and save money in areas of energy, transportation and solid waste. The workshops are approximately 1 ½ hours
long and invitees usually include town officials, school board, interested
citizens and businesses. Andrea
suggested working with the Conservation and Planning Commissions regarding
this.
Update on Nextel Communication Facility: Correspondence
from Town Agent Bud Allen discussed.
The Board asked Jeanne to contact Nextel regarding prior approval from
the Attorney Generals office and other possible locations.
Discussion of Transportation for Livable Communities Grant –
This is an MPO planning typed
grant. The Town could ask for grant funds for a study of crosswalks in the
village. The Board approved applying
for the grant.
Road Cut Permit / Donley on Silver Street: Rob
moved that the Board vote to approve the Road Cut Permit Application of Kelly
& Lorraine Donley for a road cut on Silver Street (Grand List Lot #11-01-15.00)
as outlined in the permit dated 1/7/04, 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 Randy and approved.
Road Cut Permit / Haulenbeek on Baldwin Road: Jon
moved that the Board vote to approve the Road Cut Permit Application of Fred
Haulenbeek for a road cut on Baldwin Road (a subdivision of Grand List Lot
#11-01-05.00) as outlined in the permit dated 3/4/04, 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 Andrea and approved.
Contract for Cemetery Maintenance / Wahl Landscaping: Rocky
has been working with the Cemetery Commission and Wahl Landscaping on a
two-year maintenance contract for the cemeteries (which now includes the Hines
Cemetery). The contract price for 2004
is $20, 170 and for 2005 is $20,760. At
this time, the contract is still in draft form but should be finalized in the
near future. Randy moved that the Board
vote to authorize the Chairperson to sign the contract between the Town of
Hinesburg and Wahl Landscaping, LLP for Cemetery Lawn and Associated
Maintenance Services for 2004 and 2005, for the amount of $20,170 and $20,760
respectively. Second by Andrea and
approved.
Appointment of Alternate Member of the Development Review
Board: Randy moved that the Board vote to appoint Jessica Barber to
fill the position of Alternate Member of the Development Review Board to fill a
vacancy with a term which expires on January 1, 2007. Second by Jon and approved.
MARCH 15,
2004
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Appointment to the Conservation Commission: Rob
moved that the Board vote to appoint Susan Mead to the Conservation Commission,
to fill a vacancy with a term which expires on September 30, 2005. Second by
Jon and approved.
Appointment of Representative to Chittenden Solid Waste
District: Lynn moved that the Board vote to appoint Thomas Nostrand as
Hinesburg’s Representative to the Chittenden Solid Waste District, to fill a
vacancy with a term which expires on May 31, 2004. Second by Randy and
approved.
Discussion of Selectboard Representative for Union
Negotiations – Jon will
represent the Board.
Additions to the Agenda
Road Cut Permit for Buried Utilities / Waitsfield Champlain
Valley Telecom on Charlotte Road: Andrea moved that the Board vote to approve the Buried
Utility Permit Application of
Waitsfield Champlain Valley Telecom on Charlotte Road for the purpose of
repairing a damaged buried cable as outlined in the permit dated 3/11/04,
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 Jon and approved.
Rob moved the Board
go into executive session for personnel discussion, second by Jon and approved.
Rob moved the Board
come out of executive session and adjourn, second by Jon and approved.
Respectfully
submitted,
Valerie Spadaccini,
secretary