Selectboard Meeting
July 6, 2009
Attending the meeting; Jon Trefry, Andrea Morgante, Ken Brown, Randy Volk, Howard Russell, Jeanne Wilson, Alex Weinhagen, Jean Isham, Dan Opton, Debra Cramton.
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Dan Opton was present to find out if there was any updated information regarding Chief Morrell’s administrative leave. Jon stated there are on going negotiations with the Chief and his lawyer through the Town’s lawyer. Dan said he felt there should have been an announcement of the action taken made to the Town. Perhaps on the Town web site, the front porch forum or a bulk mailing.
Jon said the Selelctboard’s intention was to give the Chief an opportunity to resign without a big public display.
Debra Cramton said she is also concerned about the situation and how the Town treats its employees. Jon replied the Town is concerned for all its employees. As a Selectboard they are responsible to all employees and it was their concern that all employees were not being treated the way they deserved to be treated.
Howard added these are valid concerns and the Selectboard is considering these issues as it continues to address the situation.
Director of Planning & Zoning Alex Weinhagen
Discussion of Changes to Wastewater Capacity Allocation Ordinance & Wastewater Service Area : Special Reserve Allocations; increased to 10,000 gpd set aside / Jeanne will check with CVU on the 2,000 gpd being saved for future expansion / agreed on the 10,000 gpd reserve for the Saputo Site Redevelopment.
Discussed the Village Core being specifically for infill development.
37,000 gpd reserve will be divided among Village Core / Residential / and Commercial.
Map: Randy asked about the area near Ballards (Pleasant View St). Jeanne will check if these homes are actually hooked onto the system as believed. Alex said building density is maxed out in that area and that is why he did not include it. The Selectboard felt if they are connected they should be included in the service area and have the map show all areas currently connected.
Discussion of Proposed Revisions to Zoning & Subdivision Regulations / Farm Worker Housing, Wireless Telecom, Cemeteries & Crematories, Noise Performance Standards, Review of Leases: Farm Worker Housing; item 4 under Purpose include verbiage for the need to meet State Health and Safety Regulations.
Wireless Telecom; under criteria for approval item 10 change aesthetic impact to read aesthetic and environmental impact.
Waiver of Fee for Revision of Subdivision Approval / Thistle Hill Development: Based on input from the staff (Highway, Buildings & Facility, Planning & Zoning) Howard moved that the Board vote to waive the $300 fee for a minor revision to the Thistle Hill Subdivision approval as it relates to the timing of installation of the crosswalks on Mechanicsville Road and Commerce Street. Second by Randy and approved. This minor change to the subdivision will not require publication notice expense and will require little or no review time/cost for the Planning & Zoning Department.
Other Business
Approve Warrants: Andrea 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.
Trial Balances for Water & Wastewater and General Fund Accounts for Period Ending 6/30/09: Andrea moved that the Board vote to acknowledge receipt of the trial balances for water & wastewater and general fund accounts for the period ending 6/30/09. Second by Ken and approved.
Minutes of June 15, 2009: Howard moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of June 15, 2009, second by Andrea and approved with Ken abstaining.
Request for Extension of Expiring Wastewater Capacity Allocation / K.B. Real Estate for Property at 10004 Route 116: Ken moved that the Board vote to grant an extension to June 30, 2010 for a wastewater capacity allocation of 420 gpd to K.B. Real Estate for two single-family units at 10004 Route 116. Second by Randy and approved.
Set Water Rates for Un-metered Properties: Ken moved that the Board vote to set the water rate for un-metered property effective 07/01/09 at $122.50/unit/quarter. Second by Howard. Howard asked about the 8,000 cu ft/yr used to calculate the rate when the average usage has been shown to actually be less.
The motion failed and the Board agreed to keep the rates at the current amount.
VT/EPA Revolving Loan Approval of Loan Amendment No. 2 for Wastewater Upgrade Project: This amendment (No. 2) increases the loan amount for the Wastewater Upgrade Project from $49,360 to $129,460 to cover the final design and permitting work that has been completed. Howard moved that the Board vote to authorize the Chair to sign the VT/EPA Revolving Loan Approval of Loan Amendment No. 2 for Project RF1-110 (Wastewater Upgrade Project). Second by Andrea and approved.
Application for Revolving Loan Funds / Construction Loan for Wastewater Upgrade Project: This application for Revolving Loan Fund for Construction is an application to the Municipal Bond Bank for the entire project cost for the Wastewater Upgrade Project. It allows the Town to borrow up to $2.1 million for the project (which includes the $129,460 noted in the last agenda item). It does not obligate the Town to borrow the money, but just positions the Town to be prepared to move forward should funds become available. Ken moved that the Board vote to sign the application for Revolving Loan Funds to borrow up to $2.1 million for the Wastewater Upgrade Project. Second by Howard and approved.
Update on Impact Fee Ordinance Project – Copies of the ordinance along with notes from Alex Weinhagen were distributed to the Board for review.
Other Board Member Items – There is a Regional Public Safety Fire and Police meeting in Shelburne on Tues., July 7th.
Ken moved the Board go into executive session with Jeanne Wilson for discussion of legal and personnel issues, second by Howard and approved.
Ken moved the Board come out of executive session and adjourn, second by Howard and approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Spadaccini, secretary