Selectboard Meeting
November 19, 2007
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Attending the meeting; Rob Bast, Andrea Morgante, Jon Trefry, Randy Volk, Howard Russell, Jeanne Wilson, and attached list.
Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m.
FY 08 – 09 Budget Planning Sessions
Fuel was increased to $38,000.
Crushing increased by $9,000 to purchase rip-rap.
Increase in Dust Control to $27,000 covers the cost of applying chloride one time on all gravel roads.
Blacktop reduced – shimming on Shelburne Falls and Hollow Roads plus cold patching as needed.
Summer reconstruction reduced – culverts on Leavensworth Rd.
Capital Budget – Road reconstruction, reclaiming one mile of Pond Rd. The Board reviewed options presented by Mike and agreed to a 26ft total width including shoulder and ditch and 21 foot to be paved.
Deferred first appropriation for construction funding for garage. Changed amount for pick up truck to $17,500.
Added line in the capital budget for Texas Hill Rd $28,200. Discussed the option to pave a section. Mike had some figures on cost savings if the road is paved. Howard asked Mike to get the Board solid numbers showing the difference in maintenance costs just to that specific section of the road.
General Administration (Part 1)
Planning Commission / Village Growth Rezoning Proposal. Alex stated the objectives of the proposal.
Vision for the Town to have larger and more vibrant growth center than currently exists.
New and revised zoning districts.
Density bonus / incentives for public good more refined and innovative.
Affordable housing and inclusionary zoning (not currently in our regs)
Stream setback revisions.
Improved design standards.
New energy and green building standards.
Consolidation of innovative Planned Residential Development and Planned Unit Development.
Jon asked without expansion of the sewer plant what good it does to adopt the changes. Alex replied we do what can be done now – adopt village changes now and save the others for when the Town figures a way to get the expansion done.
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Andrea inquired about the natural resources inventory and analysis. Alex said it is not much further along from when the growth center vision began.
Bittersweet Hill Storm water Issue / George Bedard – Jeanne advised the neighbors came to the Board regarding storm water pond not working properly. There is now a proposal to take storm water through an 8” pipe and bring into the westerly flowing road side ditch under CVU road.
Michael Hennessey said fill was brought in and water that used to flow toward the road now can’t due to the build up.
Jon was concerned that adding more water to the ditch could cause a problem as in the past Andy Riggs driveway washed out as the culvert could not handle additional water from CVU development.
Michael Hennessey said if some of the water is not taken to the road he feels the ditch in his yard will become extremely large. The DRB did not require an engineered plan and he feels this was wrong.
Deanna Utter feels if the detention pond water is not sent into the road problems will continue on their property.
The Selectboard said they need to look at what will happen down stream. Randy suggested the Town hire an engineer to look at this. The Board feels the concept is good and wants to pursue with engineer checks.
Residents of Creekside Development / Ownership of Development Roads – Frank Koss addressed the Board stating the residents are looking for a commitment from the Selectboard that the Town will take over the roads. They would like them to be accepted on a conditional basis now so they can get snow removal for the .4 miles of road.
Jon stated he always believed the Town will take over the roads but is reluctant to take over now even conditionally till the developer fixes the current problems.
Brett Grabowski (developer) said the road was approved by the DRB and built to spec. Such flat roads drain very slowly. There are three areas where the water pools for a short period of time before draining. He feels he has met what is needed to be done for the roads to be taken over.
Greg, resident of Creekside, says there are puddles by his house.
The Board explained there are two phases in the escrow agreement. The Town just received the request to begin the warranty period today as phase 1 is now completed.
Alyssa Lasher asked what exactly the top coat of paving is. Brett explained it is the 1” finer grade of paving. Alyssa asked if the patching is acceptable. Brett said the patching was done after the top coat was applied.
Mike Fay asked regarding the end of the warranty period and the road being accepted if there are written specifications as to what is acceptable.
Rodman Cory said the residents are disappointed in what the development looks like because of the roads and how they are patched and is concerned with how this may affect how long the roads may last.
Mike Loner asked if the soccer field had gone in would the Town have taken over the roads immediately. The Board explained they would not. Mike also asked about the liability as people walk around the community and the homeowners are liable. The Board said that is no different from other developments in Town where people go walking. Bobbi Jo Marjlaris said as a former resident of Lyman Meadow they did not see near the amount of pedestrian traffic as Creekside.
Rodman Cory asked if lot 31 is owned by the Town. The Board said yes. Rodman asked if it is developable in the future. Brett said he did till and seed it. The Town has access to it but no plans for development at this time.
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The Board asked Jeanne to draft a motion that will address conditions of the Town taking over the road.
Rodman Cory asked if the Board would consider taking over after the 1 yr period and not waiting the two years.
Dawn Perreault asked about street lights. She was told they are the Associations lights and the association’s responsibility. When the homes were assessed were they assessed at the private road rate which is higher? The Board does not know but assumes as the road is not a Town road they would have the private road assessment.
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. Second by Jon and approved.
Minutes of November 5, 2007: Jon moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of November 5, 2007 as corrected, second by Howard and approved with Jon abstaining.
Appointment of Town Auditor: The Town currently does not have any elected Town Auditors. Joe Cioffi and Robert Dimke have filled two of the three positions in the past. Joe is not interested in continuing as an auditor, however Bob has agreed to serving for another year. An article asking for volunteers will appear in the next issue of the Hinesburg Record. Christina Mead has agreed to continue as the Auditor Assistant. Howard moved that the Board vote to appoint Robert Dimke to the position of Town Auditor to fill a vacancy with a term which will expire on Town Meeting Day 2008. Second by Andrea and approved.
Request for Approval of Private Road Name / Jinny’s Way on Magee Hill Road: A request has been received for approval of a private road name for the road which will access the Giannelli subdivision on the east side of Magee Hill Road. The proposed road name of “Jinny’s Way” has been reviewed by the E-9-1-1 Coordinator, Fire Chief and Police Chief and no conflicts have been noted. Andrea moved that the Board vote to approve the road name of “Jinny’s Way” for a private road on the east side of Magee Hill Road which will access the Giannelli subdivision. Second by Howard and approved.
Appointment of Health Officer: Rocky Martin’s term as Health Officer will expire on November 30, 2007. Howard moved that the Board vote to recommend to the Vermont Department of Health the appointment of Rocky Martin as Health Officer for a three year term, which will expire on November 30, 2010. Second by Jon and approved.
Road Cut Permit / Mark Giroux on Texas Hill Road: This request is for a road cut to access a single lot off Texas Hill Road (a request for a subdivision of this parcel was denied by the DRB). Andrea moved that the Board vote to approve the road cut permit application of Mark Giroux for a road cut to access a single lot on Texas Hill Road (parcel # 05-01-15.20) as outlined in the permit dated 10/24/07, 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.
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Request to Serve Alcohol at the Fire Station for a Private Party: Howard moved that the Board vote to approve a request for permission to serve alcohol at the fire station for a private party on June 21, 2008, 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
§ 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 Jon and approved.
Howard move the Board go into executive session for personnel discussion / union contract negations /and legal discussion. Second by Jon and approved.
Howard moved the Board come out of executive session and adjourn, second by Jon and approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Spadaccini, secretary