Selectboard Meeting
April 20, 2009
Attending the meeting; Jon Trefry, Andrea Morgante, Ken Brown, Randy Volk, Howard Russell, Rocky Martin, Tom Moreau. (see attached attendee sheet)
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Representatives from CCTA, NRG Systems and Hinesburg Rides / Discussion of Public Transportation Options for Hinesburg – Karla Munson said it has been three years since the first meeting of Hinesburg Rides, NRG has been an integral part of their success and CCTA was involved in the kick off for Hinesburg Rides.
Chris Cole of CCTA reviewed their proposal for public transportation bus service for Hinesburg. They have spent a year assessing the needs of residents of Town. To date lack of State funding has hindered implementation of service. He stressed the importance of Hinesburg becoming a member of CCTA.
Jan Blittersdorf said NRG has the capacity for 150 employees. They encourage car pooling, telecommuting and other means of reducing energy use by employees; they see mass transit as a critical piece to help make that happen.
Nadine Barmicle of ACTR said they would be bringing in riders from Bristol, Vergennes and Middlebury.
Howard asked about the timing of becoming a member town. If the Town chose to include this on the Nov ballot and is approved, can membership be effective in July 2010 as there are no funds allotted in the current budget.
Chris said this can be done at a special public meeting by voice vote; it does not require Australian ballot and therefore can be done at any point in the year.
Howard asked if there is a financial obligation simply by becoming a member - does the Town need the local share of $25,000?
Chris replied that a letter from NRG stating they are willing to commit the needed local match funds if the grant funds become available would suffice.
Chris again stated the importance of becoming part of the cue.
NRG has committed to $10,000 in support the first year.
Jon asked about time constraints. Chris said a community vote of approval by mid June for CCTA under scenario #1 of proposal would allow time for completion of paperwork by CCTA.
Director of Buildings & Facilities Rocky Martin / Discussion of Escrow Agreement for Vermont Gas Project – Rocky reviewed with the Board – the Board agreed to reduce the dollar amount from $15,000 back the original $10,000 proposed and forward to Vermont Gas.
Bast & Rood Architects / Review of Site Plan for Police/Fire Station – Rob reviewed the site plan with the Board. He stated the Police and Fire Departments are happy with the design at this point. The Board asked Rob to include energy efficiencies and renewables where appropriate. Jon asked if there are any improvements to the existing structure planned. Rob said the intention is to leave intact but they could remove the siding and improve on the insulation. Al said the inside of the exterior walls are where additional insulation would be most helpful. Andrea asked if the entire building is heated. Al replied it is, the truck bays are separated and kept above freezing. Andrea said she is not confident another community space is necessary. Al responded that the community space is a Fire Department need, it is a plus if it is used as a community room. The Board gave Rob the go ahead to get cost estimates on the plan.
CSWD General Manager Tom Moreau / CSWD FY 2010 Proposed Budget: Tom said the budget is down 0.8% overall. Tom pointed out that the compost program will now run for 12 months (previously was 9 months) and the budget includes funds for design, permitting and initial lease for the next interim facility. Ken moved that the Board vote to approve the CSWD FY 2010 budget as presented. Second by Andrea and approved.
Discussion of Village Growth Area Rezoning Proposal and Official Map / Review of Feedback from April 6 Public Hearing and Next Steps
The Board reviewed the summary of specific suggestions as noted by Alex. (see attachment).
Alex said the Planning Commissions intention was to keep development density at a determined maximum. Jon asked if the PC discussed concerns from the public hearing on the question. Fred said base densities in the plan reflect lowered numbers from original discussions. When thinking of affordable housing the PC envisioned multiple housing type units not single family homes.
Jean said the PC discussed the question. This is to apply to the building itself not the uses in the building. Brett said there is an existing State energy building code for commercial buildings. Discussed the suggestion of BTU’s per sq ft idea. Randy said there needs to be a clear definition for renewable energy technologies. Ken said he suggests leaving with current wording with the knowledge that the PC will work further on this. Randy said as an incentive this is good but when you make it a rule it gets shaky.
3) By increasing densities as in the proposed changes it should naturally fill in the Village Core.
Village NE
8) The Board agreed to include the Stirewalt parcel in the Village NE district due to the natural boundaries of the property.
Add as conditional use educational facilities.
Residential 2
10) Agreement was to maintain the line at the proposed location.
Other Business
Approve Warrants: Randy 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.
Minutes of April 6, 2009: Randy moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of April 6, 2009 as corrected, second by Ken and approved.
Minutes of April 14, 2009: Ken moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of April 14, 2009. Second by Randy and approved.
Ancient Roads Project / Letters to Property Owners for Site Inspections: Letters were signed by the Board to eight property owners, advising that the Ancient Roads Committee will be conducting a site visit to look for any on-the-ground evidence of an old road on their property. State law specifically allows towns to do this on-the-ground research for information-gathering purposes associated with the Ancient Roads identification process. Howard said he contacted 6 of the 8 property owners by phone.
Discussion of Bissonette Town Forest / USDA Farm Service Agency Program / Andrea Morgante - the management committee wants to discuss this program further and make a recommendation to the Selectboard.
Addition to the Agenda
Appointments to Hinesburg Town Forest Management Plan Committee: Ken Brown has solicited volunteers to serve on a committee that will develop a management plan for the Hinesburg Town Forest. Four individuals have expressed interest in working on this project. There may be additional committee members in the future. The four that have currently expressed interest are Jason Reed from the Trails Committee, Ashley Orgain from the Planning Commission, County Forester Mike Snyder and Steve Russell from the standing Town Forest Committee. Ken moved that the Board vote to appoint Jason Reed, Ashley Orgain, Mike Snyder and Steve Russell to the Hinesburg Town Forest Management Plan Committee for two-year terms, which will expire on May 1, 2011. Second by Howard and approved.
Howard moved the Board go into executive session for Discussion of Legal & Personnel Issues, second by Randy and approved.
Howard moved that the Board come out of executive session, seconded by Randy and approved.
Jon moved that the Board vote to place Police Chief Chris Morrell on paid administrative leave while an investigation be conducted into department management issues. Seconded by Randy and approved.
Howard moved that the Board vote to adjourn, seconded by Randy and approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Spadaccini, secretary