Selectboard Meeting

September 24, 2007

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Attending the meeting; Rob Bast, Andrea Morgante, Jon Trefry, Howard Russell, Randy Volk, Jeanne Wilson, David Kurz, Doug Olufsen, Frank Koss and Fred Silber

 

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

 

Kick-Off Meeting for Police Strategic Planning Process with Consultant David Kurz of Municipal Resources, Inc.: The Board and members of the police department present reviewed the draft community survey that David Kurz had prepared as the first step in gathering community input for the strategic planning process.  A few minor changes were recommended.  David reported that the survey would be available on line the next day.  There was a discussion about making sure the survey was available to a wide sector of the community to ensure the most accurate results. Ideas discussed for widespread distribution included – calling residents to ask them to complete the survey on line and offering to deliver a hard copy if they were unable or reluctant to complete on line, taking copies of the survey to various events, such as the senior dinner, having copies of the survey available in various locations around town, along with a drop box. 

 

David reviewed future steps in the community feedback process, including focus groups and a community forum.  Focus groups will consist of invited participants, which will allow the selection of participants from various sectors of the community.  The planned format for the focus groups is an on-line discussion. 

 

Other Business

 

Approve Warrants:  Howard moved that the Board vote to approve the warrants (including payroll warrants) for bills payable as presented by the Town Treasurer.  Seconded by Randy and approved.

 

Minutes of September 17, 2007:  Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of September 17, 2007 as corrected.  Seconded by Howard and approved with Randy abstaining.

 

Facility Use Request / Use of Town Hall Front Porch on October 31, 2007:  Jeanne advised that she handles all facility use requests, but in this case she is requesting to use the space and felt it would be more appropriate for the Board to act on this request.  Jeanne requested permission for herself and a group of teenagers to utilize and decorate the front porch of Town Hall for the purpose of handing out candy to trick-or-treaters for Halloween.  Randy moved that the Board vote to allow Jeanne Wilson to use and decorate the front porch of Town Hall on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 for the purpose of handing out candy to trick-or-treaters for Halloween.  Seconded by Howard and approved.

 

Planning for October 15 Public Meeting on Noise Ordinance:  In response to a letter from Gary Fenwick, Howard raised the issue of planning for the October 15 public meeting.  He noted that it would be important for residents to have something to react to (i.e. a sample ordinance).  Andrea agreed that sample language would be helpful.  Howard felt that having clear questions at the meeting would be important.  Andrea noted that it is good to have informal public meetings, but that it would not be productive to have people come in to complain.  The Board should be prepared to address what would and would not be allowed for noise with an ordinance.  The Board should give a

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presentation.  Rob felt that it was important to give the community the chance to comment on having an ordinance, but the Board should lend structure to the meeting, with talking points to frame the discussion.  Howard suggested it would be good to research the cost associated with having and not having an ordinance.  The Board decided to revisit this issue at the October 1 meeting.

 

Personnel Discussion:  Howard moved that the Board go into executive session to discuss personnel issues.  Seconded by Andrea and approved.

 

Randy moved that the Board come out of executive session and adjourn at 8:40 pm.  Seconded by Andrea and approved.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Jeanne Kundell Wilson

Hinesburg Town Administrator