Selectboard Meeting

October 16, 2006

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Attending the meeting; Rob Bast, Andrea Morgante, Jon Trefry, Randy Volk, Howard Russell, Jeanne Wilson, Jeremy Steele, Mac Rood, Bruce Cunningham, Jan Bedard, George Dameron, Dona Walker, Arlene O’Neil, John Niles, Bob Hedden, Colin McNaull, Ashley Matthews, Robert Milliken, Scott Shumway, Sheri Hanlon, Ann Thomas, Anne DeHaven, Kristin Needham, Stewart Pierson.

Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Interview for Highway Maintainer Position / Jeremy Steele: Jeremy has had 5 ½ years truck driving experience which was mostly tractor trailer. He is looking forward to be trained on all the equipment used by the Highway Dept. The Board also recommended he look at other opportunities for additional training with tech school or Vermont Roads program. Howard moved that the Board vote to offer the position of Highway Maintainer II to Jeremy Steele, as outlined in the employment letter dated October 16, 2006. Second by Jon and approved.

Boutin Road South Clearing / Public Meeting: Rob opened the public meeting with the following statement. At the August 21 meeting, the Selectboard received a letter with 44 signatures asking that the Selectboard consider clearing the south end of Boutin Road to allow access to non-vehicular users such as bikes, pedestrians and horse traffic. The purpose of this meeting is to accept public comment on this proposal.

Bob Hedden, one of 4 property owners with a residence that abuts the road in question and has access to his house from the road spoke in support of the idea. He did speak of his concerns.

How to implement – this is now a class four road and legally the Town can not stop vehicles from using a class 4 road. Abutting property owners should be able to use a vehicle to access their property. The Town could throw the road up and open the trail with an easement.

Cost – design engineer, clearing, and drainage.

Benefits – this is a pristine nature trail and extremely good area for bird watching.

Risks – increased traffic at a dangerous intersection if motorized vehicles use it, also it needs a design suitable for horse traffic if horse riders use it, general liability of users to the Town.

John Niles, nephew of Arlene O’Neil spoke on her behalf. Arlene does not want it closed to vehicles. She has property that could be subdivided and needs to have access. She is not opposed to use as a nature trail as long as she retains access.

Colin McNaull said he went to look at the area and could not get a clear picture of where the trail begins. He agrees it should not prohibit vehicles. If Boutin Rd is opened this creates a great trail for horses.

Anne DeHaven - director of Taproot riding facility. The boarders at the barn are community members who want to contribute to the effort to make and maintain any trails. She would discourage crossing from Taproot to Boutin Rd by way of Shelburne Falls Rd due to the high danger factor. She does think this is a good idea and wants to be a part of it and wants also to be respectful of the neighbors on the path.

Kristin Needham questioned if people in turn will have access to where the trail continues on to the Taproot property for pedestrian activity. Anne replied she would have to check with the Ross family as they own the property. Kristin also questioned parking. She would not like to see parking by their house.

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Sheri Hanlon, resident of Leavensworth Rd said she has a small horse farm and a lot of people are

now using Leavensworth Rd for recreation activities and park on the side of the road.

Robert Millikin of Leavensworth Rd sees this as great way to achieve a step in the connection of Town through trails.

Scott Shumway of Leavensworth Rd pointed out the Town Plan Goals refers to the idea of connectivity. The Trails Comm is working toward this goal and looks at the issues of access, parking, proper use, and effect to adjacent landowners.

Kristin asked if this would connect to Charlotte trails in the area?

Howard said the Trails Comm has been asked by the Conservation Commission to identify possible connections and future possible trails and hope to eventually connect to trails that exist in Charlotte.

Village Steering Committee / Presentation of Recommendations: VSC Chairman, George Dameron, presented committee recommendations and project status at the completion of the committee’s first year of work.

Focus has been on connectivity of sidewalks by creating crosswalks and developing new sidewalks as a condition of development projects in the Village, as well as traffic controls.

Donna asked why the Town is not using the electronic speed indicators at several locations in the Village. Jeanne will look into this.

Andrea said in looking at a master plan we need to also look at parks and lighting and other areas beyond vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Mac Rood of Green Street LLC / Discussion of Green Street Project off Charlotte Road: Rob removed himself from the Board for this discussion.

Mac advised that he and Rob are proposing to create an extension of the Village with a development of 25 residential and 1 small commercial buildings.

a) A possible irrevocable offer of dedication for water and wastewater lines and pedestrian infrastructure. The Board agreed it made sense to take over the sewer line. Discussed the type of pedestrian walkway (sidewalk) that will be built and how that would work being a public walkway.

b) Time tables for planned municipal infrastructure improvements (ie – traffic light at Route 116 / Charlotte Road intersection, sidewalk along west side of Route 116 from Charlotte Road to HCS.

c) Cost sharing options for the above sidewalk improvement project and for a sidewalk along Charlotte Road from the new development to Route 116.

d) Appropriate form of financial security (e.g. performance bond, escrow agreement, etc) acceptable to Selectboard to secure completion of critical infrastructure improvements (e.g. road, sidewalk, water & wastewater, landscaping, street lights).

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The Board will respond to the DRB on the areas questioned and also note the possibility of a trail along the LaPlatte to follow the south and west property lines.

Discussion of Delinquent Tax Collector Position & Salary - The Board agreed any change in compensation would be effective following the March Town Meeting when the budget is voted on. At this time it looks like collections would take approx 550 hrs with an estimated compensation of $11,000.The Board will be able to look at the number of delinquencies needing work after the November tax due date and can estimate an appropriate salary at that time.

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 Randy and approved.

Approve Minutes of October 2, 2006: Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of October 2, 2006 as corrected. Second by Howard and approved.

Approve Minutes of October 9, 2006: Howard moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of October 9, 2006. Second by Andrea and approved.

Road Cut Permit / Red Wagon Plants on Shelburne Falls Road: Jon moved that the Board vote to approve a Road Cut Application for Julie Robaud (d/b/a Red Wagon Plants) for a road cut on Shelburne Falls Road (Grand List Lot # 4.01.23.00 – property owned by Taproot Morgan Horse Farm, Inc.) as outlined in the permit dated 9/21/06, 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. Second by Howard and approved.

Update on Baldwin Road Drainage Issue: Randy Volk, Jeanne Wilson and engineer Mike Weisel met on site on 10/12/06 to discuss development of project specifications and plans.

Randy reported Mike recommends a new stone lined ditch on the East side with check dams. Also reviewed culvert sizing. He does not recommend a pond at this time, and suggests the Town wait and see if needed and if so can be added later. Jeanne will have Mike write up specs for the job so it can go out to bid. Randy will take sketches of the proposed work to review with the Whitakers as work will need to be done on their property.

Additions To The Agenda

Request from Director of Planning & Zoning Alex Weinhagen to Consider Requesting that VTrans Lower the Speed Limit On Route 116: The Board asked Jeanne to draft a letter to VTrans.

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Correspondence Received / Animal Control Complaint / Canine “Sky” Belonging to Tom

Hackett. The Board asked Jeanne to contact the dog warden and have him take action on the compliant.

Correspondence Received / Septic System Spacing – The Board discussed, no action required by the Board. Jeanne has forwarded a copy to the Planning Commission.

Howard raised the question of easement and trails on the Barone proposed project. A letter will be written to the DRB stating that the Selectboard is committed to asking for an easement for a road connection to Lavigne Hill Rd.

Jon moved the Board vote to go into executive session for update on union contract negotiations, second by Andrea and approved.

Jon moved the Board vote to come out of executive session and adjourn, second by Andrea and approved.

Next Meetings

Monday, November 6^th

Kick off for budget strategic planning process

WWTF Upgrade Public Meeting

Gil Coates / Discussion of Recognition of Peck Estate

Kristi Brown / Discussion of Town Taking Over Ballard Corner Road

Respectfully submitted,

Val Spadaccini, secretary