Selectboard Meeting
July 20, 2009
Attending the meeting; Jon Trefry, Andrea Morgante, Ken Brown, Jeanne Wilson, Al Barber, Rocky Martin, Fred Silber, Frank Koss, Warren Palmer, Jean Isham.
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Director of Buildings & Facilities Rocky Martin
Discussion of Converting Municipal Buildings to Natural Gas – The Board reviewed with Rocky what would be involved for conversion. The Library conversion requirements are minimal as it is a change from LP to natural gas. The Police Station fuel oil usage is very low and with the meter charge it does not make sense to convert. The fuel switch at the Fire Station will allow the wastewater pump station to connect replacing the electric heat and fuel generators as well as getting rid of the LP tanks on the side of the pump station.
Rocky recommended the switch to natural gas for the library, fire station and Town Hall. There is no cost to the Town to do the hook up now. Ken moved the Board vote to authorize the switch to VT Natural Gas for the Town Hall and Fire Station and encourage the Library to also make the switch for their fuel source. Also to encourage the Fire Department to make necessary changes to lower the temperature in the garage bays. Second by Andrea and approved.
Update on Wastewater Treatment Upgrade Project and Status of Project Funding - The State reports that, provided we can secure a signed construction contract by the September 1, 2009 deadline, the project is slated for a $2.1 million loan for 20 years at 2%, with a $1 million loan forgiveness through ARRA funds.
System users (both current and future) will need to cover $1.1 million of the cost – impact on rates?
The project has gone out to bid, with the bid notice appearing in today’s Burlington Free Press. There is no obligation on part of the Town to this point; the Town can reject all bids. The bid was to be written so all or parts of the project can be awarded, Rocky will check on this.
Project engineer Wayne Elliott of Forcier Aldrich plans to attend the August 3 Board meeting to review the project and answer any questions.
Forcier Aldrich has provided an agreement for professional services to cover the bidding phase, construction phase and post construction phase, estimated at $187,500 (Resident Project Representative Services during construction paid on an hourly rate, and estimated at $98,000, plus a lump sum amount of $89,500 for all other costs and services). This amount is included in the $2.1 million, and is consistent with previous project estimates. Ken moved that the Board vote to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the Standard Form of Agreement between the Town and Forcier Aldrich & Associates for bidding and construction engineering oversight for an estimated expense of $187,500, as outlined in the agreement document dated July 5, 2009. Second by Andrea. The motion was not voted but tabled till the August 3rd meeting to allow the Board to speak with Wayne Elliott and allow other Board members opportunity for review and bring their questions to the Aug 3rd meeting.
Review of FEMA Proposed Flood Maps and Study – Three areas were suggested as amendments to be submitted to FEMA as not being in the flood area.
Discussion of Proposed Impact Fee Analysis for Fire Department and Impact Fee Ordinance – Suggested change in the introduction to refer to the strategic plan and remove notation of relying on mutual aid.
Discussed if only capital budget items qualify or can we include items such as air packs and bunker gear. Concluded that unless more equipment need to be purchased due to new development it would not qualify.
Building of the new fire station – check if volunteer labor can be included in the construction cost.
The cost to the Town to develop the impact fee should be eligible – where is it noted?
Change the square footage of the new addition to the fire station. Jeanne to check the $ amount.
Change wording regarding need for the aerial truck.
Jeanne to verify the1.9% growth of the grand list over the past five years.
Special credits will need careful oversight.
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 Ken and approved.
Minutes of July 6, 2009: Ken moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of July 6, 2009 as corrected, second by Andrea and approved.
Minutes of July 13, 2009: Andrea moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of July 13, 2009, second by Ken and approved. Jon noted that the minutes reflected the fact that the Board signed an agreement to arbitrate the situation with Chief Morrell. A timeline and status report on this can be found on the Town website. The Board also signed a charge letter at that meeting, which was delivered to the Chief.
Set Tax Rate for FY 09 – 10: Ken moved that the Board vote to set the Property Tax Rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009 at $1.8167 / $100 valuation for the Homestead Tax Rate and $1.8243 / $100 valuation for the Non-Residential Tax Rate (Municipal Tax Rate = $0.4501, State Homestead Education Tax Rate = $1.3655, State Non-Residential Education Tax Rate = $1.3731, Local Agreement Tax Rate = $0.0011). Second by Andrea and approved.
Appointments to Trails Committee: There are currently two vacancies on the Trails Committee. Three letters of interest have been received, from Christopher Duca, Robert Kennett and Cathy Ryan. Ken moved that the Board vote to appoint Cathy Ryan to the Trails Committee to fill a vacancy with a term which will expire on February 1, 2010. second by Andrea and approved. Andrea moved that the Board vote to appoint Robert Kennett to the Trails Committee to fill a vacancy with a term which will expire on February 1, 2010, second by Ken and approved.
It was noted that anyone can attend and participate in meetings not just appointed persons.
Review of Changes to Zoning & Subdivision Regulation Proposal (Farm Worker Housing, Wireless Telecom, Cemeteries & Crematories, Noise Performance Standards and Review of Leases): Andrea asked if it is possible to separate each section and present and vote on them as such. Jeanne will check with the VLCT. Ken moved that the Board vote to warn a public hearing on the Zoning & Subdivision Regulation changes for September 21, 2009. Second by Andrea and approved.
Additions to the Agenda
Road Cut Permit / on Magee Hill Road: This permit is for a road cut for a single family home on a parcel owned by Michael Hains on Magee Hill Road, and is not associated with a subdivision. Because of the steep bank at the selected location for the road cut, and because there is an existing road cut adjacent to the selected location at the property boundary for the Sleepy Hollow Ski Area, Road Foreman Mike Anthony suggests investigating whether Sleepy Hollow would be agreeable to a shared use drive. Builder Warren Palmer will be in attendance to discuss with the Board. Ken moved that the Board vote to approve the road cut permit application for Michael Hains on Magee Hill Road (Tax Map #06-01-04.00) as outlined in the permit dated 7/ 07/09, 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. With additional note from the Selectboard that Mike Anthony has discretion to change the 20’ setback to a little as 0’ if he sees fit with a better design that serves everyone’s interest. Second by Andrea and approved.
Ken moved the Board vote to adjourn at 8:58 p.m., second by Andrea and approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Spadaccini, secretary