Selectboard Meeting

March 7, 2005

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Attending the meeting; Rob Bast, Andrea Morgante, Jon Trefry, Randy Volk, Howard Russell, Jeanne Wilson, Rocky Martin, Bruce Cunningham.

 

Meeting called to order by Rob as acting chair at 7:00 p.m.

 

Bruce Cunningham was present regarding the position of Delinquent Tax Collector and pay structure.  He distributed to Board members a history from 1988 of collector’s salaries and fees collected by the Town.   He asked the Board to again look at the work load and suggested that the salary could be reduced.

Andrea replied the Board would look at the issue in June when setting salaries.

 

Annual Organizational Meeting of the Board

 

Election of Chairperson of the Board:  Andrea discussed what the Board should expect from the chair.  She wants to be sure that a clear conclusion is reached on issues where a motion is not made but further information is requested or direction given on the issue. She also checked with VLCT on regulations of running a Selectboard meeting.   Randy felt that it was up to all Board members to be sure they were comfortable with closing discussion on an issue.

Andrea nominated Rob Bast to serve as Chair of the Selectboard, second by Randy and approved.

Rob thanked the members for the vote of confidence and added he thought it was a good idea to have a Vice Chair who would chair meetings in the absence of the Chair and would also take over the Chair position the following year.

Howard nominated Andrea Morgante to serve as Vice Chair, second by Jon and approved.

 

Appointments:  Jon moved that the Board vote to appoint the following individuals to the following positions, for a one-year term.

§         Suzanne Kneller, Pam Durda & Susan Johnson as Fence Viewers

§         Norman Smith as Inspector of Lumber, Shingles & 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 Animal Control Officer Earl Dionne to temporarily hold animals as necessary

Second by Randy and approved.

 

Bond for Elected Officials:  Randy moved that the Board recognize the blanket bond of $500,000 per occurrence provided through the Town’s membership in the Vermont League of Cities and Towns Property and Casualty Insurance Fund as the bonding instrument for Town Officials as required under the provisions of 24 VSA § 832.  A blanket bond through the school’s property and casualty insurance program covers the school directors and other school officials. Second by Andrea and approved.

 

Designation of Newspaper for Warning Town Meeting:  Pursuant to the provisions of 17 VSA  § 2641(b), Jon moved that the Board designate The Burlington Free Press as the newspaper in which warnings of Town Meetings shall be published, if necessary. Second by Randy. 

Andrea suggested the Addison Eagle or Seven Days.  Jeanne advised this is used only for warning Town Meetings and so cost is not really a factor – the last time needed was several years ago to

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warn a special Town Meeting.  The annual Town Meeting is warned by the report sent to residents.

Howard asked about the Hinesburg Record.  Jeanne said that the timing necessary for a warning does not always work with the publication date.

Andrea moved to amend the motion to read and use the Hinesburg Record when applicable with approval of Jon and Randy.  Motion as amended voted and approved.

 

 Rocky Martin / Update on Nextel Communication Facility & Discussion of NRG Waterline Extension- Rocky reviewed the site plan with the Board.  He stated he would like to work with the consultants to get a better idea of appropriate rental fees.

Randy moved to authorize Rocky to spend up to $300.00 to hire a consultant to advise the Town on the Nextel Communication Facility.  Second by Howard and approved.

Jon stated the contract needs to have an agreement with the understanding that a blinking strobe light will never be installed on top of the tower.

 

 

Other Business

 

Approve Minutes of February 7, 2005:  Randy moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of February 7, 2005. Second by Jon and approved with Howard abstaining.

 

Andrea wanted to add that the Board also will be inviting the group Smart Growth to attend the Circumfrential Highway Public Meeting.

 

Appointment of Town Service Officer:  Jon 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, 2006. Second by Andrea and approved.

 

Renewal of Liquor Licenses:

 

Andrea moved that the Board vote to convene as the Board of Liquor Control, second by Randy and approved.

 

Randy moved that the Board vote to approve the renewal applications of R & A Frost, Inc. (d/b/a Hinesburg General Store), Jolley Associates (d/b/a Short Stop #143), Coco Mart, Inc. (d/b/a Jiffy Mart), K.B Enterprises, Inc. (d/b/a Lantman’s IGA) for second class liquor licenses with licenses to sell tobacco.  Second by Andrea and approved.

 

Randy moved that the Board vote to approve the renewal application of Two Buffoons, Inc. (d/b/a Christo’s Good Times Café), Travia’s Inc. (d/b/a Travia’s Restaurant), Two Z’s Inc. (d/b/a Pappa Nick’s Pizza & Restaurant), and Ayer Golf, Inc. (d/b/a Cedar Knoll Country Club) for first class liquor licenses.  Second by Andrea and approved.

 

Andrea moved that the Board vote to adjourn as the Board of Liquor Control, second by Jon and approved.

 

Discussion of Animal Control Ordinance:  Update on conversation with ACO Earl Dionne. Jeanne reported she contacted the ACO regarding the Boards decision on the proposed ordinance and changes made. The ACO responded regarding his feelings on the changes.  Jeanne will call the ACO to see if he wishes to meet and talk with the Board regarding the issue.

 

 

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Mud Season Road Posting:  Randy moved that the Board vote to authorize the Highway Foreman to post roads in order to prevent abuse of Town highways, pursuant to Title 19, VSA  § 1109 – 1110.  Second by Andrea and approved.

 

Discussion of Town Meeting and Town Report Format – Jeanne had town reports from several neighboring towns for ideas on how Hinesburg can make the format of the report easier to understand. 

Discussed the fund balance, reserved and unreserved funds.

Town meeting advisory motion to change Commerce St to Giroux St.  – Jeanne has heard from several business owners who are not in favor as well as Vic Giroux who stated the family was not pursing any change. Jeanne said it was suggested to her to include the Giroux name in the Commerce Park sign.

 

Personnel Discussion

 

§        Employee Request to Convert Extended Sick Bank hours to Combined Time Off hours / Jesse Orvis:  As outlined in section 9.14 of the agreement with AFSCME Local 1343, signed 12/30/04, “Employees with ESB hours may convert up to 40 hours of ESB to CTO during each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) upon written request to the Selectboard.  If adequate ESB hours exist for the conversion and the employee has not exceeded the 40 hours annual limit, Selectboard approval will be granted.”  Jesse Orvis has submitted a written request to convert 40 hours of ESB hours to CTO.  Adequate hours exist for this conversion and he has not requested any other conversion of hours during this fiscal year.  Jon moved that the Board vote to approve Jesse Orvis’s request to convert 40 hours of ESB hours to CTO hours effective immediately, as outlined in Section 9.14 of the agreement with AFSCME Local 1343, signed 12/30/04.  Second by Andrea and approved.

 

§        Resignation of Jesse Orvis:  Jesse has advised that he will be terminating his employment with the Town of Hinesburg effective 3/31/05.  The Board will accept the resignation at the March 21 meeting.

 

§        Final Draft of Job Description:  Final drafts have been received from Dominic and forwarded to the Board, which incorporate changes discussed at the January 24 meeting. The Board discussed changes needed to Rocky and Steve’s job descriptions.

 

 

Additions to the Agenda

 

VTrans 2005 Class II Resurfacing Grant Application and Annual Financial Plan:  This application is due by March 18, 2005.  The Highway Foreman plans to request funds for a paving overlay on two more sections of Silver Street.  Randy moved that the Board vote to authorize Town Administrator Jeanne Wilson to sign the VTrans 2005 Class II Resurfacing Grant Application and Annual Financial Plan as prepared by the Highway Foreman.  Second by Jon and approved.

 

Invoice from Lefavour P.C. / 1999 Enhancement Grant – Jeanne will have the Town Agent review the Town’s contract regarding termination of services.

 

 

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Correspondence from Connie Abbey / Property Lines on Tax Map – The Board was in agreement that the responsibility for the property lines lies with the developer.  Jeanne will draft a response letter for Board members to review and on approval will send letter to Connie Abbey on behalf of the Board.

 

Resignation from Planning Commission / Daniel Greller:  Jon moved that the Board accept the resignation of Daniel Greller from the Planning Commission effective immediately. Second by Howard and approved.

 

Update on Buck Hill Road Tree Cutting – Mike met with Greg LeRoy and they came to an agreement.  Greg will meet with the neighbors to review agreement.

 

Correspondence to Highway Foreman from George Bedard / RE: Survey Work on Pond Brook Road – the Board approved proceeding with the survey.

 

Pond Brook Road / Richmond Road Intersection Safety Concern – Jeanne will speak with Chris and get information regarding accidents at that intersection.

 

Andrea requested a cover letter be sent with the Iran / Iraq resolution from Town Meeting.  Jeanne advised the Town Clerk has already mailed the resolution with a note that it was voted and approved at Town Meeting.

 

Andrea moved the Board go into executive session for discussion of personnel issues

Candidate for Highway Vacancy

Exit Interviews

Second by Randy and approved.

 

Andrea moved the Board come out of executive session, second by Randy and approved.

 

Jon moved that an employment offer be made to Brian White for the position of Highway Trainee, subject to the terms and conditions of the employment agreement and contingent upon a satisfactory pre-employment physical.  Second by Randy and approved.

 

Andrea moved the Board vote to adjourn, second by Randy and approved.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Valerie Spadaccini, secretary