Selectboard Meeting

September 17, 2007

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Attending the meeting; Rob Bast, Andrea Morgante, Jon Trefry, Howard Russell, Jeanne Wilson, Alex Weinghagen, Al Barber

 

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

 

Discussion of Capital Budget & Program and Impact Fee Analysis & Ordinance – The Board reviewed the proposed capital budget with Alex.

Jon questioned if the $92,000 for recreation field behind the Fire and Police stations is adequate.

There is another line for recreation fields and it is not know exactly what is being planned with the $92,000.

Howard asked if in adopting a capital budget it obligates the Town to use all funds as proposed.  Alex explained if any funds are not spent they need to be returned.  If a developer pays impact fees and there is a surplus of appropriated funds they would need to request a refund.

Andrea asked how the budget would be amended as firm numbers are obtained.  Jeanne replied this would be from a yearly re-approval of the capital budget.  The Board would work on the capital budget first then use that information when working on the Town budget.

Recreation pick up truck proposed for 2012 – what is the purpose of this inclusion.

Rob asked why the planning money for a multi generation facility is not included as impact fee eligible.  Alex did not know but felt it would qualify.

Andrea asked to include new street trees.

Alex noted and the Board agreed that under Highway a line for intersection improvements should be added.  Alex said the bank locating at Commerce Park has approached him for help to pay to install the traffic signal at the corner of Commerce and Rt 116.  They asked if the Town could impose a fee to other developments within a certain limit of distance that would also benefit from the signal and refund that fee to the bank.  Andrea stated if the Town were to get involved in the intersection work we would want to have input on the intersection design. Alex said if the Town is involved this intersection could be added to the capital budget for impact fee eligibility.

Jon asked to also add under Highway a line for increasing road width to allow for pedestrian use.

Andrea questioned if the Police and Fire shared station should be included in buildings and facilities, not necessarily with the Town buildings but have a person to oversee the building.

Howard brought up the example of over site of all facilities included together for bulk purchasing like fuel oil.

Andrea asked why under Fire Dept the ambulance is not included as impact fee eligible.  Alex is not sure and will check on this.

Andrea asked if the use of solar or wind energy has been looked at and suggested that the Board consider solar and wind energy as infrastructure improvements as part of the capital plan. Howard asked if an additional 5% should be added onto the building cost for this purpose.

Andrea asked Alex if the Planning Commission has discussed the idea of relocating the Fire and Police as they do not require pedestrian accessibility – if it were moved that area could be used to get better density that would be geared toward pedestrian traffic.

Al noted that the new building will include a large meeting room that can be utilized.

 

Also noted to be impact fee eligible were the Land Preservation Fund and Trails Acquisition.

 

 

                                                          SEPTEMBER 17, 2007                                         page 2 of 4

 

Some dollar amounts need checking and some items added tonight need a cost – Jeanne is planning for review for adoption at the Oct 1st meeting.  Alex will check into adoption requirements for a time line.

 

 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 Andrea and approved.

 

Minutes of September 10, 2007:  Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of September 10, 2007 as corrected, second by Howard and approved.

 

Discussion of Legal Fees for LaPlatte Headwaters Initiative – Andrea recused herself from the vote on this. The Town received a bill for legal fees from the Town Attorney of which $423 were related to the LaPlatte Headwaters Initiative on the Bissonette Farm.  The Board discussed if this charge should be paid by the Trust for Public Land or the Town.  Howard moved the Board vote to authorize payment of legal fees for the Town Attorney associated with the Town’s acquisition of approx 300 acres from the Town’s general fund.  Second by Jon and approved. 

 

Re-Appointment of Zoning Administrator Peter Erb:  At their September 12 meeting, the Planning Commission voted to nominate Peter Erb as Zoning Administrator for a three-year term.  Howard moved that the Board vote to re-appoint Peter Erb as Zoning Administrator for a three-year term which will expire on August 31, 2010.  Second by Andrea and approved.

 

Approval of Reserve Funds from Fiscal Year 2006 – 2007:  Howard moved that the Board vote to approve the following FY 06-07 Reserve Funds:

 

                        Sidewalks                                                      $21,913.62

                        Streetscape Project                                      $15,034.69

                        Recreation Path Project                               $67,147.07

                        Land Preservation                                        $14,931.00

                        Record Restoration                                      $19,784.44

                        Records / Print, Bind & Microfilm                $ 5,928.25

                        Police Station Upgrade                                $11,226.36

                        Recreation                                                     $12,299.04

                        Reappraisal                                                   $17,147.50

                        Highway / Garage                                         $39,010.82

                        Highway / Ditching & Shoulders                  $55,547.18

                        Fire Department / Landscaping                  $19,700.00

                        Tree Planting                                                 $ 1,647.33

                        July 4th Fund                                                  $ 1,563.59

                        Conservation Commission                          $ 6,820.53

                        Town Hall Flooring & Carpeting                  $10,388.31

 

                                                Total Reserves                   $320,089.73

           

Second by Jon and approved.

                                            SEPTEMBER 17, 2007                                                        page 3 of 4

           

 

LaPlatte Headwaters Initiative / Department of Fish and Wildlife Notice of Grant Agreement:  Documents and agreement language are being reviewed by the Town Attorney.

 

Caterer’s Request to Serve Alcohol at O’Brien’s Meadow for a Wedding Reception on 10/13/07:  Jon moved that the Board vote to convene as the Board of Liquor Control, second by Andrea and approved.  Andrea moved that the Board vote to approve the request by Balane Team, Inc. (d/b/a Shanty On The Shore) to cater a wedding reception on October 13, 2007 at O’Brien’s Meadows (off Route 116 just south of the North Road