Selectboard Meeting
May 22, 2006
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Attending the meeting: Rob Bast, Andrea Morgante, Jon
Trefry, Howard Russell, Jeanne Wilson, Mike Anthony, Len Duffy, Joe Fallon,
Veronica and Dave Estey, Robert Millikin, Al Barber, Chris Morrell, Rocky
Martin, Carl Bohlen, Stewart Pierson, and several residents interested in the
Estey road cut permit.
Meeting called to order at 7:02 p.m.
Len Duffy was present concerning the sidewalk project along
Rt 116 in the village. He said changes he asked for and were discussed at
previous meetings- such as on street parking and width of the green strip -
were not made to the plan from information he received last week.
Rob noted that discussion mentioned was early in the process
and the Board will review what is currently proposed. Jon said as Rocky will be
at tonight’s meeting they can discuss any changes with him.
Len stated he is concerned not just with the area in front
of his building but the entire concept of the project for the village.
The Board later asked Rocky about the plan. Rocky said on street parking is not in the
plan as when cars are not parked it will make the road wider and could
encourage speeding. Rocky provided the
most recent plans for the Board to review at the end of the meeting.
Road
Cut Permit / Estey on Leavensworth Road:
This request for a road cut permit is being made by David
& Veronica Estey to access a 32.2 acre lot on Leavensworth Road for a
single family home. The lot is
accessible by a 30’ wide strip of land, which extends to Leavensworth
Road. Zoning Administrator Peter Erb
has determined that, based on the recommendation of the Town Attorney, he will
issue a building permit for a single family home on this lot, even though the
ROW width does not meet the 50’ width requirement outlined in the zoning
regulations.
Rob pointed out the Selectboard’s responsibility on this
request is only for the purpose of reviewing the road cut and no other issues
associated with the project.
Robert Millikin, adjoining land owner supports the road cut
and wants to be sure no additional ditching will be done on his property and
that the old culvert is removed and seeding and mulching done.
The lot is currently accessed by a drive, which crosses onto
the Millikin property, located to the east on Leavensworth Road, at the point
where the driveway meets the Town road ROW.
This permit will correct that alignment, and relocate the driveway
completely within the 30’ wide strip.
Andrea suggested adding to the permit the condition of
seeding and mulching.
Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the Road Cut Permit
Application of David & Veronica Estey for a road cut on Leavensworth Road
(Grand List Lot # 08-01-14.00) for a single family home, as outlined in the
permit dated 4/28/06, 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. And that
seeding and mulching will be done as well as removal of the old culvert. Second by Howard and approved.
Highway
Foreman Michael Anthony – Mike reported from the recent
rains and the river rising on Lewis Creek Rd the bank has eroded and the road
base sunk down. Andrea said there are
funds the Town can apply for to help with necessary work to repair this.
Mike also informed the Board that the department is
currently using a loader they are trying out for possible lease agreement.
MAY 22, 2006
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Review
of 2006 Ditching & Shoulder Work Plan – Mike reviewed
his plan (attached to these minutes). Rob also noted that on the west side of Pond
Rd, in the vicinity of Place Road West there is an erosion problem. Mike is aware and plans to do work on that
road next year.
Discussion
of Summer Paving Projects – Jeanne reported the
possibility of additional funds from the State, Mike would use some of that for
crack filling on Richmond Rd. Damage on
Pond and CVU roads from hauling fill is to be repaired by Munson, Mike will
follow up on this. Also planned for
paving are parts of Hollow and North Rd.
Discussion
of Tree Cutting on Pond Brook Road – These are the two big
maple trees by the co-op sub station – also discussed if a ditch is needed in
that area. Mike feels a ditch is
necessary. The tree across from Jeff
White’s house also needs to be cut.
The Board discussed the report of the tree warden stating
the maples are significant trees. Board
members have looked at the trees and some feel they are not in good health and
should be removed. Jeanne will contact
the tree warden and explain the Boards view on this. There was further discussion on whether a public hearing will be
needed if the Tree Warden continues to maintain that the trees are significant
and should not be removed.
Discussion
of Use of Crushing Funds to Purchase Riprap – the
Board felt it is an appropriate use of the funds available to allow the
purchase of riprap now.
Other
Items- discussed work by the Dunkling dam- Mike is getting a price
for the box culvert.
Canal
Dam – The Town has approval from Chris Brunnelle, State Stream
Aleration Expert, to make temporary repairs to the dam. Al Barber spoke with Gary Clark who
estimates 8 hours work needed and 2 layers of block to get the level where it
needs to be. The Board discussed making
a proposal to NESTEC stating what the Town may contribute to the project but
will first obtain a price for the work to be done. Andrea noted that the Town needs to notify the neighbors of the
work that is being done.
Andrea also addressed the idea of Russ Barone possibly using
the storm water run off from his project to fill the canal.
Mike thanked Al and Chris for help from their respective
departments this past weekend with flooding problems.
Town
Forest Committee / Logging in Town Forest – Mike does not
feel the highway dept will have time to do this work and also stated he does
not believe the highway dept should be
in the forest building roads but the loggers should have this done. The Board explained they still have
questions for Steve regarding this.
Director
of Buildings & Facilities Rocky Martin / Request for Extension of
Wastewater System for Russell / Reiss Project on Buck Hill Road West: Howard
recused himself on this item. No action
on the request pending amending the agreement language per the discussion. The Board discussed the allocation fee for existing
house which will be held as the backup – how will this be held to be available
in the future.
Police
Chief Chris Morrell / Discussion of Police Department –
Chris said that for several years he has discussed with the
Board salary step increases for department employees and now they find this
will not be happening. He said he
believes this is demoralizing for the employees to hear this was being
discussed and now have it dismissed. He
feels discussion on this should have been kept within the Board and not shared
with the department to avoid bad feelings.
Grabowski proposal – if the Board is not in favor of
considering this project Chris feels they should let Brett know so it ends
now. He noted that the Police and Fire
Departments did not pursue this but
MAY 22, 2006 page 3 of 4
Grabowski came to them with the offer. Al reported that
Grabowski now has a proposal and Al told Brett as the proposal is written with
the current cost he could not support it and feels the Selectboard would not
support it either. Brett has not come
to the Selectboard with this to date. Howard
said the Board has no information from the PD or FD as to what their plans for
future needs are.
Chris reported that Northern New England Tradeswomen
organization approached him looking for funding. The Board asked Chris to have them contact the Board as other
agencies do for funding requests.
Chris reported that there was an incident of a car break in
at Village Heights after patrol hours.
The State Police did not respond – Chris will follow up with the State Police to find out if they
were aware of the incident.
Chris noted there is a surplus in the budget for station
repair as he has not made repairs in light of possible changes resulting in
moving to a new building. The Board
suggested Chris contact Rocky about the repairs.
Next cruiser to be purchased – Chris is looking more toward
a police fleet vehicle such as Explorer or Tahoe.
Chris asked the Board how the new position of the Deputy
Chief will fit into the department. The
Board stated it will be the same as any other officer in allocation of duties
but also needs to learn the management end of the department.
Chris sent out a survey to Board members on strategic
planning and has not had any response.
Andrea said she could not answer a simple yes or no to some of the
questions. All agreed it is better for
Chris to come meet with the Board and talk things through.
Staff Appreciation – Jon addressed the question of salary
advance and promotion within the department and future growth in the
department. Discussion by the Board and
Chris on the issues of strategic planning.
Howard expressed appreciation to Chris for his efforts in
doing what needs to be done through these challenging times with limited staff.
Other Business
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 Howard and approved.
Approve
Minutes of May 8, 2006:
Howard moved
that the Board vote to approve the minutes of May 8, 2006. Second by Jon and
approved.
Discussion
of Future Meeting Schedule – it was agreed to meet
July 10 and 24, and August 7, 14 and 21.
Update
on Skateboard Park Public Comment –Jeanne reports 7 or 8
responses to date – June 30 is the deadline for comments.
Serving
Alcohol At Fire Station / Open House for George Palmer: The Fire Department
will be having an open house on Sunday, June 4th to celebrate George
Palmer’s 50 years of service to the department. Although plans are not final yet, they may decide to serve
alcohol at this event, so are requesting approval. Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the request by the Hinesburg
Fire Department for permission to serve alcohol at the fire station for a
retirement open house for George Palmer on Sunday, June 4, 2006, subject to the
following conditions:
·
A responsible person over 21 years of
age will be designated to be “in charge” of the
event and to monitor alcohol use at the event to ensure that there is no underage drinking and that
intoxicated persons do not drive; and
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·
A “Don’t Drink and Drive” poster shall
be posted at the entrance to the event, naming
the responsible person and offering the services of the responsible person to arrange safe trips home.
Second by
Howard and approved.
Outgoing
Correspondence
Letter
of Appreciation to Phil Pouech, Green Up Coordinator-
Andrea moved the Board vote to recognize his contribution and publicly thank
Phil as Hinesburg’s Green Up coordinator, second by Howard and approved.
Letter
of Appreciation to George Palmer for 50 Years of Service to Fire Department –
Andrea moved the Board vote to publicly thank George for his service, second by
Jon and approved.
Letters
to Wastewater Allocation Holders with allocations which expire in June 2006 – reviewed
and signed. Also discussed attaching a
cover memo to those allocation holders who had expressed and interest in
retaining the allocations.
Carl Bohlen suggested updating the Town web site when the
Selectboard changes its meeting schedule and also to recognize citizen efforts
and service.
Jeanne said she got a call from Norma Place asking the Board
to address the property damage from the January flooding as noted in her letter
to the Board. Jeanne advised they may
want to contact their homeowners insurance.
Jeanne suggested in light of Holly and Marie putting in so
much time getting the appraisal work ready the Town send flowers as a thank
you. The Board authorized Jeanne to
send the flowers with a note of appreciation.
Jeanne noted that in speaking with State employee Amy Gamble
it appears that the intersection improvement at Silver St will not happen this
year. Also the Charlotte Rd / Rt 116
intersection is likely not to happen this year.
Alex advised Jeanne that Karla Munson and Tracy Applin were
approved on the Village Designation request.
Upcoming
Meeting Items
June 5 meeting
Meet with Wastewater Capacity
Allocation holders that wish to retain allocations
Discussion of Delinquent Tax
Collector salary
Meet with Brett Grabowski / RE:
Creekside
Meet with Joe Donegan / RE: Use of
town water for irrigation
June 19 meeting
Annual Wastewater Capacity Reserve
determination
Howard
moved the Board vote to adjourn at 10:55 p.m. second by Jon and approved.
Respectfully
submitted,
Valerie
Spadaccini, secretary