Selectboard Meeting

December 6, 2004

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Attending the meeting; Lynn Gardner, Andrea Morgante, Jon Trefry, Rob Bast, Jeanne Wilson, Mike Anthony, Rocky Martin, Al Barber, Howard Russell, Carl Bohlen, Steve Bouton, Chris Morrell, Steve Gutierrez, Stewart Pierson.

 

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

 

Budget Planning Session

 

Highway Department – Andrea asked that the budget show real numbers for salary, she feels the hourly wage does not accurately reflect that take home pay due to overtime structure.  All Board members felt it would be good to look at how the Town can better advertise for hiring highway dept employees in their search for a 5th employee.

Increase in pavement striping to include funds to begin the 4yr fog line painting schedule.

New capital budget item $10,000 for culvert thawer. Also $25,500 for replacing 91 dump truck in July 05.

Mike advised the Board that as a result of work being done at Triple L Trailer Park water is being directed into a roadside ditch and then in the Town’s culvert.  The Board asked Rocky to look into this.

In discussion of work on the hill roads the Board discussed the need to redirect water that is flowing into the Town ditch from Chickadee La.  Andrea suggested checking the Act 250 permit to see if there was a plan to handle run off.

Pond Brook Rd.  It is planned to replace the culvert this FY.  Andrea suggested having a clear vision of what the road will end up being so it can be properly funded in road reconstruction.

Blacktop will be done on Silver St., North Rd., and Richmond Rd.

Reconstruction on O’Neil Rd.

Texas Hill Rd. – Rocky reviewed with the Board a maintenance cost comparison in regards to paving or remain as is with gravel.

Andrea questioned when there are conditions in which the Town gravel is not the best choice what is used.  Mike stated they do purchase gravel when appropriate.

 

Wastewater Treatment and Water Department - Steve advised he sees a need to hire additional help.  He will have a better idea of requirements and cost figures after redistribution.  He will have the meter checked as there appears to be no savings from efficiencies done.

Jon questioned revenues and expenses and the fact that the revenues do not seem to be meeting the expenses.  Rocky pointed out that there is a line for depreciation that increases the expenses which is not actually money spent.

Steve reported that repair and maintenance will run over this year and he is increasing that line some for next year due to water main breaks.  He has seen a reduction in the average daily demand resulting from work done to repair the breaks.

 

Police Department – increased uniforms for the new officer; postage; repair and maintenance (discussed including all Town computers in one contract for possible savings).

In the capital budget included a line for site work and garage planning in the amount of $10,000.  $15,000 for a new cruiser.

CUSI – increase is what the Town had agreed to pay. Jeanne stated CUSI has made an effort to get funding from other participating towns and have received a small amount.  They report 11 cases from Hinesburg last year.  The Police Department has been kept updated on their activity as agreed.  Jeanne will contact them regarding the issue of reporting.

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New line for CAD in the amount of $2,500 for maintenance costs with the State.

 

Andrea questioned the finances of the K9 program.   Chris reported that the 1st dog was purchased with block grant money and donation and his personal funds.  The 2nd dog was purchased as a pup by Barb Brisson.  The 3rd dog was purchased completely with grant money.  The handlers pick up the day to day expenses such as vet bills.  Food is contributed by Petsmart.  Training is paid for by the handlers but the time for training for the officer is covered under salary.  The department does see some revenue from recoveries made by the dog.

Pay scale – discussed hourly wage of a full time officer and part time.  Chris recommends equalizing the pay; he feels eventually the department will be phasing out part time.  Jon suggested they have a pay scale for part time and full time.  The Board asked Jeanne to get some models of pay rates and look at how they would apply to Hinesburg in regards to this issue.

 

E-9-1-1 – level funded

 

Fire Department – Al added a new line item for foam in the amount of $2,000.  Capital budget $5,000 for landscaping / driveway work.  Request bond vote for new tanker $145,000.

 

First Response – level funded

 

Fire Warden – Steve reduced reimbursable and increased supplies. Steve advised the Board that according to State Statute the Town reimburses the Fire Warden for each burn permit (.15 per permit).  He is not looking to be reimbursed but was just informing the Board.

                                   

Other Business

 

Approve Minutes of November 15, 2004:  Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of November 1, 2004 as corrected, second by Andrea and approved.

 

 Memo from Penrose Jackson / Future CCRPC Priorities:  The Selectboard has received a correspondence from CCRPC Chair Penrose Jackson, requesting input on a strategic planning process for the commission.  Specifically, the CCRPC is requesting prioritization input on the statutory powers and duties of regional planning commissions.  The Board’s input should be provided to Penrose prior to the January CCRPC meeting. 

Andrea will contact Penrose to discuss the RPC’s role in the Long Range Transportation Plan.

 

Discussion of Independent Contractor Requirements – The Board agreed all independent contractors must provide a certificate of insurance.

 

Additions to the Agenda 

 

Listers Request for Changes to the Lodged Grand List:  The Selectboard has received a request from the Board of Listers for a change to the Lodged Grant List.  This change is the result of a late filing to the State of form HS-131, and will not result in a change to the value of the Municipal Grand List, but will impact the amount of taxes collected from the property owner.  Rob moved that the Board vote to approve the request by the Board of Listers for a change to the Lodged Grand List, as outlined in the letter dated December 6, 2004. Second by Jon and approved.

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Update on Nextel Communications Facility:  The zoning office has determined that the Nextel facility cannot be constructed through a license agreement and will need to go through the subdivision process as a PUD.  Nextel has completed a DRB application, which will need to be signed jointly by the Town, as landowner. Rocky is writing a lease based on the information in the license between the town of Georgia and Nextel. Rob moved to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the DRB application to begin the subdivision process and send accompanying letter to the DRB explaining the current status of negotiation on the lease agreement with Nextel, second by Jon and approved.

 

Update on Sidewalk & Multi-Use Path Project:  The committee met with consultant Greg Bakos and Dan Peterson and Bill Preis from VTrans last Thursday.  Jon reported the draft plan was submitted to the State and comments received.  Jon confirmed with the State that the Selectboard is committed to continuing with this project. Traffic control at CVU Rd / Rt 116 will likely have a right turn lane.  Wetlands was an issue – the path on CVU road will be designed to allow water to run over the path and onto the fields.  Mechanicsville Rd – wetlands at Quinn’s property is an issue for locating the path and needs to be looked at.

 

 

Other News

 

The Board will be meeting with Dominic Cloud of VLCT next Monday (12/13) at 6:00 PM to hear his report of the organizational restructuring process.

 

DRB meeting tomorrow (12/7) will be Mike Munson’s presentation on his report regarding the development review process and staffing.  Dominic and Jeanne will be attending this meeting.

 

Earl Dionne, Huntington Animal Control Officer, will be attending the December 20 meeting to discuss his potential service to the Town of Hinesburg.

 

Letters to Eagle Scouts for December 20 meeting.

 

Andrea moved the Board vote to adjourn at 10:45 p.m., second by Rob and approved.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Valerie Spadaccini, secretary