Selectboard Meeting

February 8, 2006

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Attending the meeting; Rob Bast, Andrea Morgante, Jon Trefry, Randy Volk, Howard Russell, Jeanne Wilson, Rocky Martin, Al Barber, Chris Morrell, Mike Wharton, Brad Wainer, Rich Armstrong, Eric Spivak, Mike Anthony, Steve Gutierrez, Kathy Gutierrez, Jess Barber, Jonathan Wainer.

Rob called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

Rob advised that the topic for the meeting was planning for future fire and police facilities, and the current efforts underway within the fire and police departments. Rob stated that he would not wish to see expectations raised without knowing that the planning was supported by all parties, or that alternatives had not been considered.

Al Barber presented a written report outlining what had transpired to date (attached).

Rob noted that consideration had to be given on whether it was appropriate to have Brett Grabowski involved in this planning effort. Al stated that Brett realizes a zoning change will be necessary for further development on the Lyman property, and that he will need the support of fire, EMS and police to move the zoning change forward.

Rob advised that there were two aspects of the discussion. The first being the Grabowski proposal to exchange land (the Town parcels where the current police facility is located and a portion of Lot 1) for the construction cost of an addition to the current fire station; the second being the planning for expansion of police and fire facilities.

Andrea noted that the Town is currently going through a village planning process, and this proposal should be viewed as part of the big picture for the village. Jon agreed that the potential for this project should be incorporated into the village planning process.

Howard stated he was concerned that the discussion about the expansion of the police and fire facility was occurring before thought had been given to the need for growth of the departments. Brett is investing time and money in developing plans. He was concerned that implied commitments were being made both to Brett and the department members without the process including thought about proper growth options.

Al stated that there had not been formal discussions about future growth of the fire department. He advised that the fire department has been working on strategic planning. The fire department is doing this in order to avoid finding the Town in a situation similar to Williston, where planning was inadequate, and Williston needed to bond for millions of dollars worth of equipment and facility costs.

Andrea noted that the DRB needs input from the fire department on how development will impact equipment needs.

Al stated that fire department equipment needs to keep pace with development in order to maintain the insurance rating. However, they have been planning internally, without consulting others in town government. The plan was to have the strategic plan completed and delivered to the Selectboard by January 16, 2006 so planning could be considered in the budgeting process. The Town is on the threshold of some major needs which are going to require collective thinking about how to fund them. Al suggested that a ½% charge on the sale of all property be set aside in a reserve fund for fire

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equipment.

Rob noted that the fire department strategic plan, and a similar one from the police department would be a good place to start on the planning process.

Andrea noted that it would be helpful to know the assumptions that were made during the strategic planning process. The assumptions will need to be evaluated and public feedback on the assumptions will be needed.

Andrea noted that the current location of the fire and police facilities is a prime piece of real estate. Thought should be given on whether this is the best site for the fire and police to expand, or should the Town consider another location. She also noted that the Town would want to look at other buyers for the corner lot.

Al advised that the fire insurance rating increases outside of a five mile radius. The current fire station location allows them to meet the five-mile radius requirement. The station needs to be located in the center of the village.

Kathy Gutierrez asked whether the Selectboard had made other plans for the fire station parcel. Rob said no other plans had been made, but these were the types of questions that had to be asked when looking at investing in a facility.

Andrea repeated that it was important to look at the big picture and evaluate other municipal needs. The property where the current police facility is located should be appraised to assess the value. Andrea stated that she was not comfortable with “horse trading”.

Kathy commented that they were simply attempting to think of ways to finance the building. Rob stated that he appreciated the fact that the fire department members were thinking about dollars as part of this planning. Jon stated that he appreciated the fact that the fire department is doing strategic planning, and that he hoped the plan would be shared with the Selectboard.

Howard noted that strategic planning is critical, and that money for a consultant may be helpful. The benefit of a consultant is that they know what questions to ask.

Brad Wainer asked for examples of when hiring a consultant had been a benefit to the Town. His impression was that consultants are usually hired in order to stall a project that isn’t wanted, and lead to spending money needlessly.

The Board listed several examples of when using a consultant had resulted in a either a successful outcome and/or a cost savings to the Town. Examples cited included the renovations to the Town Hall, the Walton evaluation of the police department, the help with staff reorganization, and the Yellow Wood report on wastewater facility upgrade.

Rob noted that if a project is well thought out, a better product is achieved. Al indicated that there was a concern about being able to find a good consultant. Andrea suggested that first having the Selectboard review the strategic plan was a good place to start.

Rob stated that he was aware of the incredible resource that the Town has in the fire department, and

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he appreciates the work the department does.

Al stated that the fire department was attempting to work in some direction. The Grabowski deal was not part of the strategic plan, but it was a good thing for them to think about.

Kathy stated that she was told the Selectboard had questions about the facility planning. She asked what those questions were. Randy stated that the Board did not have questions. Instead it was felt there was a need to discuss the process for the planning. He was concerned about the fire department members going too far down a path, and then being pulled back. Howard said there was concern that expectations were getting built on both sides. Rob said the Board wants to make sure that people do not get upset because things aren’t going the way they thought.

Howard stated that the Planning Commission should be involved in the planning process to ensure that all parties are working under the same assumptions.

Rob summarized that the next step in the process should be a review of the strategic plan and an evaluation of how it fits with facility planning. It can then be determined whether professional assistance would be useful (i.e. a consultant), and what funds might be available for professional services.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeanne Kundell Wilson, Town Administrator