Selectboard Meeting

June 21, 2004

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Attending executive session; Lynn Gardner, Andrea Morgante, Jon Trefry, Randy Volk, Rob Bast, Jeanne Wilson.

Andrea moved the Board call to order in executive session for personnel discussion, second by Jon and approved.

Andrea moved the Board come out of executive session and open the public meeting, second by Jon and approved.

 

Attending the public meeting;  Lynn Gardner, Andrea Morgante, Jon Trefry, Randy Volk, Rob Bast, Jeanne Wilson, Bill Marks, Ted White, Chuck Reiss, John Mace, Nancy Plunkett, Richard Watts, Sylvia Geiger, Sally Reiss, Johanna White, Jim Collins, Jean Isham, Lexie Reiss, Evan Reiss, Kritsy McLeod, Phil Pouch, Missy Ross, Holly Russell, George Dameron,

 

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

 

George Dameron wanted to let the Board know he used the crosswalk 2 times in the past ½ hour and was glad to see the newly painted markings.

 

Those in attendance expressed their concerns in regards to the possibility of Town employees resigning their positions.

George Dameron wanted to let the Board know that as a taxpayer and resident he is very impressed with the Town’s employees.  He realizes the Town is faced with a difficult situation and urged the Board to find a resolution to these issues.  Suggestions to do so involved use of job descriptions; set of expectations; timetable for evaluation; and the hiring of management consultants.

Lynn reported that the Board has come to a decision to hire a mediator and all involved individuals have agreed to participate.

Rob added that job descriptions have been revamped and updated and Town employees will review these as it pertains to their position.

VLCT will send a mediator to meet with the Board and then further meeting with the mediator and employees will be set up.

John Mace said he feels conflicts were allowed to go on too long and the Board needs to deal with these types of issues quickly.

Ted White spoke in regards to the fair evaluation system.  He believes if done properly it is the best protection an employee can have and also makes the employer’s job easier.

Phil Pouch spoke to the value of the Town employees and urged the Board to implement procedures for employee issues.

 Bill Marks suggested using the VLCT for job descriptions.

Richard Watts complemented the Board for the placement of the orange barrels at the crosswalk and standing up to the State for the needs of the Town. 

He further stated he does not want to see the valuable Town employees leave their positions and wants to see this worked out for the good of all involved.

 

Andrea advised the Board will be meeting with a facilitator from VLCT to help the Board better learn to deal with personnel issues.

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Other Business

 

Ted White invited all on 7/10 from 9 till 1 to attend the State Conservation Commissions meeting which Hinesburg will be hosting.

 

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 Randy and approved.

 

Trial Balance for Water & Wastewater and General Fund Accounts for Period Ending 5/31/04:  Andrea moved that the Board vote to accept the Trial Balance for water & wastewater and general fund account for period ending 5/31/04. Second by Jon and approved.

 

Road Cut Permit / O’Brien on North Road:  Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the Road Cut Permit Application of Everett and Patricia O’Brien for a road cut on the west side of North Road (Grand List Lot # 09-02-34.00) as outlined in the permit dated 6/10/04, 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 Rob and approved.

 

Road Cut Permit / Cardinal on Observatory Road:  Andrea moved that the Board vote to approve the Road Cut Permit Application of Judy Cardinal for a road cut on Observatory Road (Grand List Lot # 09-01-69.20) as outlined in the permit dated 6/9/04, 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.

 

Caterer’s Request to Serve Alcohol at a Private Wedding Reception / Dog Team Tavern on 7/10/04:  Andrea moved that the Board vote to convene as the Board of Liquor Control, second by Rob and approved.  Andrea moved that the Board vote to approve the request by Mush Team LLC (d/b/a Dog Team Tavern) to cater a wedding reception on July 10, 2004 at Hidden Gardens on Lewis Creek Road with malt and vinous beverages and spirituous liquors.  Second by Jon and approved.

 

Caterer’s Request to Serve Alcohol at a Private Wedding Reception / Village Station Restaurant on 6/26/04:  Andrea moved that the Board vote to approve the request by Pernell, Inc. (d/b/a Village Station Restaurant) to cater a wedding reception on June 26, 2004 at the Duffy residence at 1070 Silver Street with malt and vinous beverages and spirituous liquors.  Second by Jon and approved.  Andrea moved that the Board vote to adjourn as the Board of Liquor Control, second by Rob and approved.

 

Discussion of Repairs to Vestry Building:  A letter has been received from Pastor Bill Neil of the United Church regarding repairs and maintenance of the Vestry Building.  Items listed include replacement of broken window panes, scraping and painting of exterior and roof and removal of the pantry addition.  The letter indicates that the United Church would contribute some funds and volunteers toward the project, as well as suggesting that the Boy Scout Troop assist in the effort.

Jeanne will respond that the Town will obtain an estimate for the repairs.

 

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Buried Utility Permit / Adelphia Communications on North Road, Gilman Road and Tyler Bridge Road:  Andrea moved that the Board vote to approve the buried utility permit request of Adelphia Communications for the purpose of burying cable in the Town’s ROW on North Road, Gilman Road and Tyler Bridge Road as outlined in the permit and plan dated 6/14/04, subject to the terms and conditions placed on the permit by the Highway Foreman. Second by Jon and approved.

 

Discussion of Policy for Acceptance of Private Roads – Jeanne looked for examples from VLCT.  She found that most are specs as to construction.  One town required a recommendation from the Planning Commission.  The Selectboard agreed they would consider the opinion of the Planning Commission.

 

Appointment of CCRPC Representative and Alternate Representative:  Both Penrose Jackson and David Hirth have expressed an interest in continuing in their respective appointments.  Rob moved that the Board vote to re-appoint Penrose Jackson as Hinesburg’s representative to the CCRPC and re-appoint David Hirth as Hinesburg’s alternate representative to the CCRPC, each for a two-year term which will expire on July 31, 2006. Second by Andrea and approved

 

July Meeting Schedule:  The Board will meet on the 12th and 19th of the month.

 

Annual Designation of Uncommitted Reserve Wastewater Capacity:  As outlined in the Wastewater Capacity Allocation Ordinance, adopted 4/19/04 (Section 4.B), “During the month of June each year, the Board shall determine the Uncommitted Reserve Capacity in the Plant, including previously allocated but reverted capacity.  The Board shall designate such Uncommitted Reserve Capacity to be available for the next fiscal year.  This shall be referred to as the “Annual Capacity Allocation”.” 

The Board discussed designating the amount of 18,797 gallons per day (Residential = 2,580 gpd, Enterprise = 11,437 gpd and Institutional = 4,780 gpd) as the Annual Capacity Allocation for the period July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005.  Jeanne will check the above amounts with the requirements of the ordinance, with a decision made at a later date.

 

Request for Use of Employee Compensatory Time:  According to the Town of Hinesburg Personnel Policy, the Selectboard must review and approve an employee’s request to utilize more than eight consecutive hours of compensatory time.  Peter Erb has requested use of 40 hours of compensatory time.  Adequate compensatory time exists for this request.  Jon moved that the Board vote to approve Peter Erb’s request to utilize 40 hours of compensatory time. Second by Andrea and approved.

 

Employee Salary Plan for FY 04-05 – Missy Ross spoke with the Board regarding her previous request for a salary increase.

 

 

 

 

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Additions to the Agenda

 

Correspondence from Town Attorney Bud Allen on Nextel Communications Facility at Geprag’s Park:  A correspondence from Bud Allen has been forwarded to the Board, which outlines the Attorney General’s preliminary conclusion regarding their support of a declaratory judgment action.  A copy of the correspondence has been forwarded to the Conservation Commission.

Ted White feels the income and benefits to the Conservation Commission are leading him to accept the proposal.  Ted said there were no responses from residents as requested in the paper.

Bill Marks does not believe this is a good thing for the Town.

Ted reported back to the Board after the Conservation Commission discussed further at their meeting tonight.

Bill Marks will write up new language for the proposal and forward to Jeanne.

 

VTrans Municipal Park-and-Ride Grant Program:  VTrans is soliciting proposals from communities for park-and-ride facilities.  The grant would fund engineering and construction activities.  Facilities must be located on municipal or state owned land, near a state designed route, and will be owned and maintained by the municipality.  Hinesburg has been designated in the CCMPO’s FY 05 Unified Work Program to receive planning funds for a park-and-ride facility. 

Jeanne will check if the Town qualifies as a study is being done through the MPO.

 

Resignation of Town Auditor Christina Mead:  The Board has received a resignation letter from Christina Mead, who will be moving to Williston and no longer able to serve as an elected Town Auditor.  Rob moved that the Board vote to accept the resignation of Christina Mead as Hinesburg Town Auditor. Second by Jon and approved.

 

CCMPO Agreement to Provide Local Match for Silver Street Scoping Study:  Jon moved that the Board vote to authorize the Chairman to sign the CCMPO agreement to provide the 20% local match for the Silver Street Scoping Study, with an amount not to exceed $15,000. Second by Rob and approved. The CCMPO will utilize Federal Highway Administration Planning Funds for 80% of the estimated project cost of $74,999.

 

Jon advised the Board he sent Mike Anthony an e-mail regarding the issue with a culvert at Henry Carse’s property.  Lynn said he spoke with Mike and said he and others would go with Mike to discuss a possible re-location of the culvert with Henry or solution to control where water will run into the field.

 

Andrea asked about roadside mowing as Howard Riggs is no longer interested in doing this.  Jeanne will contact Mike and ask what the plan is for mowing.

 

A letter was received from Amy Gamble regarding removal of the cones at the crosswalk.  Jeanne will draft a letter of response for the Board to review.

 

Rob reported he has been named to the transportation committee for the VLCT.

 

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Outgoing Correspondence

 

The Board reviewed and signed the letter responding to David & Yvonne Epstein Regarding Drainage Issues on Lincoln Hill Road

 

Jon moved the Board go into executive session for discussion of personnel and legal issues, 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