Selectboard Meeting

June 5, 2006

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Attending the meeting; Andrea Morgante, Jon Trefry, Randy Volk, Howard Russell, Jeanne Wilson, Rocky Martin, Steve Button, Clint Emmons, Joe Donegan, Howard Riggs, Jack Millbank, Lance Smith, Bruce Cunningham, Jan Bedard, Stewart Pierson.

 

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

 

Joseph Donegan / Use of Town Water for Irrigation – Howard recused himself on this item.

Joe said he is only speaking to the issue of what water he will be using this summer and how he would use it.  He is not addressing the bigger issue of the Russell’s family right to water noted in deeds.

See attached memo from Rocky Martin on this.

Joe stated he has installed a backflow valve.

The Board discussed installation of a meter – would this be temporary or permanent and where would it be located.

Steve said his major concern is the type of piping being used, the length and surface placement all which leave the system open to possible contamination.

Howard said he does not see this situation as being different from the water run along by surface pipe previously at the Eddy farm.  As it is not known at this time if this will be permanent, an agreement could be written for a stated period of time and if the system is still needed it could be looked at again when the agreement expires.

The garden area is being hand watered by bucket and this is not an irrigation system.

Joe said the line is not placed where the animals would walk on it and also is mostly in shaded areas so sun deterioration of the line should not be a problem.

Joe said if the concern is human negligence of the water being left on and running after the tank is filled – the water could accidentally be left on at the source by the barn now.  Steve made the point that with such a long line it would be hard to know if that was the source of a leak, but with a hydrant being left to run it is easily found.

Andrea moved an agreement be made that the Town inspect and approve the backflow prevention, a meter be installed and pipeline leaks be repaired immediately.  The agreement will be reviewed in one year to see how it is working.  Second by Jon and approved.

 

Wastewater Capacity Allocation Holders / Requests to Extend Allocation: In June, 2003, the Selectboard issued new wastewater capacity allocation permits to several parties who held permits that had expired.  The permits were issued for a three-year period, with the understanding that further extensions would not be granted unless the holder could demonstrate that they had been working diligently to implement the project.  In January, 2006, the Selectboard issued a letter, reminding the permit holders that the permits would be expiring in six months.  Submission of plans to the Planning/Zoning Office qualifies as diligent work to implement a project.  The following two permit holders have not submitted plans to the Planning/Zoning Office, but wish to review with the Selectboard the work they have done on their projects for consideration of a permit extension:

(a).  Lance Smith / Commercial Lot on Route 116 – Lance advised the Board of his plans to relocate his business to Hinesburg and further plans for this parcel of land.  He shared drawings of the building he would like to put on the lot.   He would not need the entire 4000 gpd of commercial allocation but is not sure what he would need.  The Board asked Lance to come back with information on the usage for his business which is currently located in Colchester at which time they will review for an appropriate allocation in Hinesburg.

           

 

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(b).  Howard Riggs / 6 Single Family Residential Units on CVU Road – Jack Millbank is working with Howard on a possible project for this parcel.  They are not ready to submit an application for a specific number of gpd at this time.  They are working on a 7 unit PRD and have met with Alex and need to also meet with David Blittersdorf regarding the proposed building he has planned for the remainder of his parcel.  The Board discussed with Jack and Howard the fact that as long as the Board is aware that they are working on a project at this time the allocation can be extended and not to feel they need to rush into a project but to look at all alternatives.

Jon moved the Board vote to approve renewal to Howard Riggs for his current sewer allocation for 6 single family unit residential on CVU road for 1 year.  Second by Howard and approved.

The Board discussed the allocation for Howard’s house.  Howard is still hoping the line will come close enough for him to hook on.  Andrea moved the Board vote to grant an extension for the allocation of 420 gpd for Howard Riggs current house on Rt 116 for one year.  Second by Randy and approved.

 

Allocation for Victor Giroux – he is waiting for allocation needs from Rob Frost.  Jeanne will contact Vic and let him know the Board needs to act on this at the next meeting.

 

Jeanne informed the Board a letter was received from Marie Aube-Smith regarding her allocation to property on Pond Rd.  The Board discussed this allocation and the effect of no allocation on developing the lot.  Jon moved the Board vote to renew the allocation for a single unit 210 gpd residential for 1 year not 3 and notify the reason for a 1 year extension.  If there is not evidence of progress on development of the lot within the year she will stand a chance of loosing the allocation.  Second by Howard and approved.

 

Salary Discussion / Delinquent Tax Collection:  Following individual discussions with Bruce Cunningham prior to Town Meeting, Board members agreed to revisit the Delinquent Tax Collector salary, prior to setting employee salaries for FY 06 – 07.

Howard addressed the point of elected vs non elected officials, if the salary was approved by the voters he feels it is best not to change it in the current year budget unless the job description has changed accordingly.

The Board agreed it would be good to look at comparable work skills in other Town elected employees and what that salary is.

If the Board does decide to change the salary for the next budget year they should let the delinquent tax collector know so a decision if they want to continue in that position can be made.

The Board discussed the option of eliminating the position.  This would require a Town wide vote.

Bruce said he is disappointed no change will be made this year.  He did not speak up at Town meeting because he felt something would be done this year.

The Board is in agreement that the delinquent tax collector budget and salary will remain as voted and approved at Town meeting for FY 06-07.

The Board said they need information on options, comparable skill set wages / hourly salary and information from the Town Clerk on how or if this work could be absorbed in the clerks office.

Andrea thanked Bruce for the research he has done on the subject.

The Board asked Jan if she had anything to add and she responded that as she has stated in the past this is not a 9 to 5 position and if made to be one would change the tone of working through this problem with the residents.

 

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.

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Approve Minutes of April 10, 2006:  Howard moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of April 10, 2006 as corrected, second by Jon and approved.

 

Approve Minutes of May 22, 2006:  Andrea moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of May 22, 2006 as corrected, second by Jon and approved with Randy abstaining.

 

Trial Balances for Water & Wastewater and General Fund Accounts for Period Ending 5/31/06:  Jon moved that the Board vote to acknowledge receipt of the trial balances for the Water & Wastewater and General Fund accounts for the period ending 5/31/06. Second by Howard and approved.

In the highway budget there was 62,000 in reconstruction – 6700 has been expended to date.  There is 40,000 ditching and shoulder work to be done.  The Board suggested the possibility of starting the ditching before July as there is funding available in this years budget.

 

Road Name Approval / O’Brien Meadows:  This is a private drive on the west side of Route 116, just south of the Route 116 / North Road intersection, which serves the Marilyn Crimmins subdivision.  This road name has been reviewed and approved by the E-9-1-1 Coordinator.  Andrea moved that the Board vote to approve the name O’Brien Meadows for a private road on the west side of Route 116, just south of the Route 116 / North Road intersection.  Second by Jon and approved.

 

Correspondence from Conservation Commission / Request for Dispersal of Land Preservation Funds: Andrea recused herself on this subject. At the recommendation and request of the Hinesburg Conservation Commission, Jon moved that the Board vote to approve expenditure from the Land Preservation Fund (440-9500-00.00) to assist the Hinesburg Land Trust to pay down the debt on the Copp-Welch project ($17,500), second by Howard.

Randy discussed the fact that in regards to the Copp-Welsh project the request  is not for “seed” money to start a project and he was under the impression this fund was presented to voters to be start up money.  Jon and Andrea noted this is a new piece of land now included in the project.  Andrea also noted that on the Isham project and on the land on Lincoln Hill the funding was to finish off the projects.  Howard stated this is consistent with how this money has been used on past projects.  Motion voted and approved.

 

Wastewater System Extension Permit / South Farm Homes Subdivision: Howard recused himself on this subject.  Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the Wastewater System Extension Permit, as prepared by the Wastewater Department and dated June 5, 2006, subject to the terms and conditions placed on the permit by the Wastewater Department and all state and local permits governing the development of this parcel. Second by Andrea and approved.

 

Update on Deputy Police Chief Search: Four candidates interviewed by a selection committee comprised of Rob Bast, Randy Volk, Chris Morrell, Jeanne Wilson, Wade Johnson, Rich Armstrong and Kristy McLeod.  The selection committee’s preferred candidate is Frederick Silber of Miami, Florida.  The next step in the process would be a background investigation.  A tentative job offer needs to be extended in order to conduct a background investigation.  The selection committee recommends that an employment offer be extended to Frederick Silber of Miami, Florida contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.  Jon moved that the Board, based on the recommendation of the selection committee, offer the position of Deputy Police Chief as outlined in the employment offer letter dated June 5, 2006, to Frederick Silber, contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation. Second by Howard and approved.

 

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Additions to the Agenda

 

Update on Water/Wastewater Operator Search: An interview committee, comprised of Rocky Martin, Steve Button and Jeanne Wilson, interviewed Daniel Desranleau on May 26, 2006, for the position of Water & Wastewater Operator.  The interview committee recommends that an employment offer be extended to Daniel Desranleau.  Howard moved that the Board, based on the recommendation of the interview committee, offer the position of Water & Wastewater Operator as outlined in the employment letter dated June 5, 2006, to Daniel Desranleau. Second by Andrea and approved.

 

Discussion of Request by Henry Benis to Mow Walking Path at Landfill Site – Andrea moved the Board vote to grant permission to Henry Benis to mow a path at the Landfill.  Second by Howard and approved.

 

Request for Waiver of Road Standards / Paul MacCluskey, Hinesburg Auto Sales on Route 116- Jon moved the Board vote to grant an extension to Paul MacClusky not to exceed three years to complete drive improvements pending the proposed sidewalk project.  Second by Andrea and approved.

 

Andrea said she received a letter from Henry Carse regarding 8 steel rails he has that were part of an historical Hinesburg railroad track.  He no longer has use for them and wanted to know if the Town has any interest in the rails.

 

Jeanne reported that Brett Grabowski is not moving ahead with plans on the soccer field at this time.  The Town staff is proceeding with necessary steps on permitting the land for the field. 

Grabowski is speaking with the Guilmett’s about seeding fields to keep them in farming at this time.

 

 

 

Upcoming Meeting Items

 

June 19 meeting

            Annual Wastewater Capacity Reserve determination

            Discussion of Housing Task Force Scope

            Steve Russell, Town Forest Committee / Logging in Town Forest

            Approval of Alcohol at Fire Station for July 4th

            Tom Moreau, CSWD General Manager / CSWD Budget Discussion

            Daniel Desranleau, potential Water & Wastewater Operator

 

Andrea moved the Board vote to adjourn at 10:25 p.m., second by Jon and approved.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Valerie Spadaccini, secretary