Selectboard Meeting

October 17, 2005

Page 1 of 5

Site Inspection on Hayden Hill Road West (adjacent to property located at 550 Hayden Hill Road West): Attending the site inspection were Jon Trefry, Rob Bast, Andrea Morgante, Howard Russell, Mike Anthony, Jeanne Wilson, Bud Allen, Dick Francis, Paul Dunkling and Joseph Obuchowski The purpose of this site inspection was to view a drainage ditch to an existing watercourse which needs to be cleaned out for proper maintenance of the Town road.

Rob called the meeting to order at 5:34 PM. Rob clarified the purpose for the meeting, and stated the Town is responsible for protecting the Town roads, and State law allows the Town to maintain an existing water course if necessary for the protection of Town roads. Jon noted that there is a history of washouts on Hayden Hill Road West, and over the years gravel has been deposited on the Dunkling and Francis properties by these washouts. The Town would like to move the gravel out so that the watercourse can continue toward the poplar tree, which Paul Dunkling indicated was the historic watercourse location. Paul Dunkling noted that he was not opposed to the Town working on his property with conditions, but further noted that the road has washed out and gravel has been deposited by the water on his property for the past twenty years. Rob advised that the Town has taken recent efforts to correct the gravel erosion issues further upstream, and Mike confirmed that there is far less gravel washing down as a result of efforts taken upstream. Rob noted that Paul’s conditions involved an old, unrelated issue, and that the Town is responsible for maintaining the roads.

Joe Obuchowski asked whether there was a written plan which outlined the work planned. A written plan does not currently exist, but Mike advised that the gravel needs to be removed from the watercourse for a distance of approximately 200’ (100’ – 140’ past the poplar tree. Mike further noted that there is a 12” drop in grade over that 200’ distance. Joe noted that, in fairness to the landowner, a written plan should be prepared.

Joe asked who had diverted the water along the roadway, and Mike advised that the highway department had done the ditching along the roadway.

Joe indicated that he felt the statute referred to emergency road repair. Bud stated that the statute referred to emergency only in that the routine maintenance would avoid an emergency situation. Bud further noted that it was not unreasonable for Paul to request information on the dimensions of the project. Joe asked that an anticipated time line for the work also be included in the written plan.

Jon asked whether Paul would allow Mike on his property for the purpose of developing the plan, and Paul acknowledged that he would allow it. Rob asked whether Paul would object to Mike staking the watercourse, and Paul acknowledged that he had no objections to staking.

Dick Francis noted that the original watercourse also crossed further to the west at the smaller culvert. There was discussion about which watercourse should be cleared and maintained. Andrea noted that grades are needed to see which course is best, and thought needs to be given to which course will be easiest to maintain. Bud confirmed with Paul that he did not object to Mike exploring the other watercourse as well in the development of a plan. Paul confirmed that he had

October 17, 2005

Page 2 of 5

no objections to Mike exploring the other watercourse.

Paul clarified that his original offer was to provide the Town with a right-of-way, which would allow the Town to enter on the property whenever it was necessary for maintenance. Joe confirmed that Paul was willing to sell the Town an easement. Rob acknowledged that the offer was understood, and the Town would consider such an offer if it was determined to be necessary or appropriate. However, if the Town was within its rights to clear the watercourse without an easement, the Town would not purchase something unnecessarily.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:06 PM, to reconvene at the Town Hall at 7:00 PM.

Attending the meeting at the Town Hall were Rob Bast, Andrea Morgante, Jon Trefry, Howard Russell, Randy Volk, Jeanne Wilson, Rocky Martin, Stewart Pierson, Tony St. Hilaire, Tim Fluck, Garrett Mott, Penrose Jackson, Alan Norris, Mary Clark, Melissa Levy, Shannon Ratner, John Hoover and Scott Johnston.

Rob reconvened the meeting at 7:03 PM.

Tony St. Hilaire of Pond Road / Zoning Issue: Tony had prepared a written statement, which was distributed to the Board. In the statement, Tony advised the he was nearing completion on a home located on Lot #2 at 811 Pond Road. One of the conditions of his approval from the DRB is that the house be sided in “darker earth-tone color”. Tony had purchase slate gray siding for the house. Zoning Administrator Peter Erb had indicated that he did not feel the siding was a dark enough color. In reviewing the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations and the Town Plan, Tony stated he could not find anything that indicates the DRB has the right to dictate house color.

At the meeting, Tony again asked what legal right the DRB has to tell him what color to use. He stated that he had not gone back to the DRB because he did not want to pay the $50 application fee and does not wish to reopen his permit. Rob acknowledged that the DRB had made a decision, but offered limited guidance. Howard indicated that on Page 25 of the Zoning Regulations, exterior appearances are addressed.

After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to recommend that Tony request an informal discussion with the DRB for clarification on the siding color. The $50 application fee should not be applicable for an informal discussion.

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. / Initial Draft Research on Alternative Approaches to Wastewater System Expansion: Melissa Levy, Shannon Ratner and John Hoover of Yellow Wood Associates, and Scott Johnstone and Mary Clark of Stone Environmental presented the report on Alternative Approaches to Wastewater System Expansion. This project was completed through a partnership between the Town and Yellow Wood Associates under the Green Technologies program, which seeks to provide a bridge between rural communities and technology. Recommendations included segregating the Saputo wastewater stream from the Town’s wastewater stream, upgrading the centralized treatment system (through an upgrade of the aeration system, integration of an anaerobic cell in the lagoon, and use of a constructed wetland), reducing inflow and infiltration, mandating water conserving appliances for new

October 17, 2005

Page 3 of 5

construction and exploring options for wastewater reuse. It was noted that a UV system for disinfection was a cost effective alternative to the chlorination/de-chlorination system.

Tim Fluck, Deputy Director of CCRPC and Garrett Mott, Vice-Chair of CCRPC / Draft 2006 Regional Plan: Garrett noted that numerous comments have been received on the initial draft of the 2006 Regional Plan. The intermediate draft is scheduled to be distributed in January of 2006, the public hearing draft in June of 2006 with final adoption in September of 2006.

Garrett noted that the new plan has been changed to a policy plan. There has also been a change to planning areas. The State works with growth centers, but this approach does not address “areas”, only “points”. For this reason, the new draft plan refers to planning areas. A metropolitan 2 planning area has been created, which is defined as areas that are not yet considered metropolitan areas, but may become so in the next 10 – 15 years. Also created is an enterprise planning area, which is where municipalities would like to encourage, plan for and protect business development. The draft plan also attempts to address renewable energy, cell phone and broadband coverage areas.

Tim Fluck noted that this is a planning process, meant to focus community dialog which will be incorporated into future drafts.

Andrea expressed a wish that the plan address issues on a regional basis. Such regional issues, which extend beyond municipalities, include transportation, solid waste, drinking water and connectivity of open space. Garrett noted that comments are being solicited from regional organizations (such as CSWD), however there is a need to balance the desires of various member municipalities. Some municipalities are very much into local control vs. regionalism.

Director of Buildings & Facilities Rocky Martin / Wind Turbine Grant Update: Rocky noted that the search for a site for the wind turbine grant program is ongoing. A previous identified site at Geprag’s Park is not working out, due to the inability to secure an easement across private land. David Blittersdorf has begun a new venture and would like to use this program as a test project for the new wind turbines. He is willing to cover all material costs, with the Town’s contribution being the excavation to bury the conduit. David would like to explore a site at the old landfill, which would tie into the highway garage. It was the consensus of the Board that the Town should proceed with this project. Rocky noted that the next step would be for David to visit the landfill and see if there is an appropriate site. Once the site is selected, and the distance to run conduit to the garage is determined, the Board will determine whether to have the highway crew do the excavation or whether to sub the work out. Upcoming steps include application to the Public Service Board for a Certificate of Public Good. This process will require the notification of adjoining landowners. It was suggested that Rocky and/or Jeanne write an article for the next issue of the Record, indicating the benefits of the project (education & research) and that the Board has agreed that it is a project worthy of pursuing. The article should further outline the project and process, and encourage feedback and comments from residents.

October 17, 2005

Page 4 of 5

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

Approve Minutes of October 3, 2005: Andrea moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of October 3, 2005 as corrected. Seconded by Jon and approved.

Trial Balances for Water & Wastewater and General Fund Accounts for Period Ending 9/30/05: Jon moved that the Board vote to acknowledge receipt of the trial balances for Water & Wastewater and General Fund Accounts for the period ending 9/30/05. Seconded by Randy and approved.

Selection of Consultant / Village Streetscape Improvements Project: In response to the RFP, three proposals for engineering design were received for this Enhancement Grant project which consists of 700’ of sidewalk to connect the Town Hall parcel to the sidewalk at Saputo Foods, as well as improvements in front of the Town Hall. Proposals were received from Engineered Solutions, Inc. (ESI), Lamoureux & Dickinson Consulting Engineers, Inc. and Erik Sandblom, PC (ESPC). The selection committee, comprised of Rocky Martin, Jeanne Wilson and Howard Russell, reviewed the proposals and met on 10/12/05 to formulate a recommendation for the Selectboard. It was the unanimous consensus of the committee to recommend awarding the contract to ESPC.

Howard noted that ESPC provided the most comprehensive proposal, and addressed issues not mentioned in the RFP or by the other two firms, such as the crosswalk to the United Church, stormwater and the curve radius at the Charlotte Road intersection.

Jon moved that, based on the recommendation of the selection committee, the Board vote to award the contract for the 2005 Hinesburg Village Streetscape Improvements Project to Erik Sandblom, PC (ESPC) as outlined in the Request for Proposals, dated 9/15/05, and the ESPC Technical and Cost Proposals, dated 10/3/05, for a contract price not to exceed $12,975, contingent upon approval of the State Grant Administrator. Seconded by Andrea and approved.

Director of Buildings & Facilities Rocky Martin / Update on Phase 2 of Town Hall Site Plan: Rocky presented a cost summary for Phase 2 of the Town Hall Site Plan Improvements, and noted that the project will be over budget by approximately $4,000. The only item left to complete is the purchase and installation of the handrails for the cement steps on the south side of Town Hall. The Board asked Rocky to reconfirm that a center rail is not necessary.

Jon moved that the Board vote to deficit spend up to $4,000 for the completion of the handrails for Phase 2 of the Town Hall Site Plan Improvement project. Seconded by Howard and approved.

Listers Request for Changes to the Lodged Grand List: The Board of Listers has received notification from the Department of Veterans Affairs the Gregory Kelsey qualifies as a disabled American Veteran. The Hinesburg voters approved reducing the appraised value of property owned by any Veteran that the Department of Veteran Affairs has certified as disabled by $20,000. The Listers are requesting that the Board accept the certification for Mr. Kelsey and the

October 17, 2005

Page 5 of 5

subsequent change to the Lodged Grand List.

Howard moved that the Board vote to approve a change to the Lodged Grand List as outlined in the letter from the Hinesburg Board of Listers dated 10/12/05. Seconded by Jon and approved.

Correspondence from CSSU / Change of Speed Limit on CVU Road: In response to the Board’s request that CSSU install school zone flashing lights on CVU Road, CSSU has submitted a plan for the Board’s review and approval. Howard moved that the Board vote to approve the plan prepared by Lamoureux & Dickinson, titled “Solar Powered School Zone Flasher” and dated 10/3/05, with the stipulation that the purchase, installation, maintenance and operation of the two flashers will be the responsibility of CSSU, and the Town will be responsible for the removal of old signs and the purchase and installation of new signage beyond the flashers. Seconded by Andrea and approved.

Norris Escrow Agreement and Easement Deed: Copies of the Norris Escrow Agreement and Easement Deed for the project on Silver Street were received from Roger Kohn. These two documents have been reviewed and appear to incorporate all the changes recommended from the previous draft. Randy moved that the Board vote to authorize the Town Agent to review and sign the escrow agreement and easement deed for the Norris development on Silver Street, as presented on October 17, 2005. Seconded by Howard and approved.

Fog Line Painting: The Town has received a grant from VTrans to paint white fog lines on Charlotte Road, from the Town line to Baldwin Road. The budget for this fiscal year also includes funds to paint white fog lines from Route 116 to approximately Baldwin Road, resulting in fog lines for the entire road length. Jeanne discussed striping the road for 9’ wide lanes vs. 10’ wide lanes. It was the consensus of the Board to go with 9’ wide lanes, since the narrower lanes might provide more of a traffic calming effect and would delineate more area for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Follow Up Discussion on Site Inspection on Hayden Hill Road West (adjacent to property located at 550 Hayden Hill Road West): As a follow up to the site visit, the Board had a brief discussion to summarize the next steps regarding the drainage issue on Hayden Hill Road West. The Board requested that the Road Foreman draft two plans, one for the watercourse near the poplar tree, and one for the watercourse further west near the lower culvert. The plans should include information on future maintenance needs for each option, and pros and cons for each option. Having the plans reviewed by an impartial party with experience in drainage issues was discussed. Andrea expressed a desire to have the situation reviewed by Mike Klein of the DEC River Management Division. Other Board members were not opposed to having Andrea contact Mike Klein, but did not wish to hold the project up for his feedback.

Outgoing Correspondence: Letter to Wayne & Barbara Bissonette regarding joint board meeting of September 21, 2005.

Howard moved the Board vote to adjourn at 10:00 PM. Seconded by Jon and approved.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jeanne Kundell Wilson

Hinesburg Town Administrator