Selectboard Meeting
November 16, 2009
Attending the meeting; Jon Trefry, Andrea Morgante, Ken Brown, Randy Volk, Howard Russell, Jeanne Wilson, Bruce Little, Jo White, Melissa Levy, Karla Munson, Raven Davis, Ed Everts, Rocky Martin, Stuart Pierson, Bob Linck
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Jo White said she was at a gathering of Hinesburg residents in support of wildlife and looking to protect the diversity of wildlife in Hinesburg and wanted the Board to be aware of their views.
Introduction of New Highway Department Employee Bruce Little – The Board members introduced themselves to Bruce and welcomed him to the Highway Department. Jeanne said that Bruce has experience plowing snow, sanding and grading and had worked for the Hinesburg Highway Department at one time. Bruce said he was glad to be back with Hinesburg.
Hinesburg Conservation Commission / Support for Raven Ridge Preserve: This is a joint project involving Hinesburg, Charlotte and Monkton as well as Vt Land Trust and Nature Conservancy. Raven Davis explained to the Board why this project is important to her and Ed Everts for preservation of their land. Randy asked what the contributions of Monkton and Charlotte were. Bob Linck said they each gave $15,000. Howard asked Andrea if the Hinesburg Land Trust has expressed an opinion on the request for funds. Andrea said the Hinesburg Land Trust supports the request for funding this project and does not have other projects that would require funds in the immediate future.
At the recommendation and request of the Hinesburg Conservation Commission, Andrea moved that the Board vote to approve expenditure of $20,000 from the Land Preservation Fund (440-9500-00.00) to assist the Nature Conservancy and Vermont Land Trust’s efforts for the preservation of the Raven Ridge Preserve. Second by Howard. Randy moved to amend the motion to revise the expenditure to $15,000, second by Jon. Randy explained he believes there should be equal contributions from each town. It was noted that the Charlotte Land Trust contributed $40,000, though those are not municipal funds. The amendment was voted and failed with Randy in favor and all others opposed. The original motion was voted and approved with Randy opposed.
(The current balance of Land Preservation Funds is: $22,431 in reserve + $7,500 in current budget = $29,931).
Hinesburg Rides / Planning for Request for CCTA Membership and Funding at 2010 Town Meeting – Karla reviewed with the Board Hinesburg Rides request to have two articles for Town Meeting to ask Hinesburg residents to fund mass transit and wanted to know if the Board still is in support of the request. She is asking the Board to co-sign a letter to be sent to legislators to gain their support for transportation funds in the new State Budget. The Board requested Karla get information from CCTA on exactly what the costs are and the Town’s obligation. Karla said she believes it could be up to $33,000 annual cost to the Town if there is no support from NRG. Karla said they have a public meeting planned for Feb 3rd and will have representatives from CCTA present to answer questions. Howard mentioned they might want to add to the list of advantages to the Town the fact that there will be less congestion in the village and less wear and tear on Town roads.
Director of Buildings & Facilities Rocky Martin
Update on Wastewater Upgrade Project – Rocky shared photos of the work that has been going on and said that Kingsbury has been good to work with. Rocky advised the Board of problems associated with emptying the lagoon so the berm across it can be built. The Board questioned additional costs to the Town to remove sludge and lower the lagoon. Rocky will check on this.
Update on Creekside Warranty / Completion of Work – There were 2 phases to the development. Phase 2 warranty period expired 11/15/09. In August Rocky sent a list of items that need to be finished to complete phase 2 to Brett Grabowski. In September a list of invoices for engineering services that need to be paid to the Town of Hinesburg was sent to Brett. Rocky noted there are no funds in escrow covering phase 2. The Board asked Rocky to call Brett directly or go to his office as he has not responded to e-mails sent to him.
Update on Recreation Path Project – Right of way plans were approved and easements drawn up last spring and sent to landowners. Out of 17 needed 4 are left unsecured. Rocky said there are two options for the Town. 1) eminent domain condemnation or 2) it appears that Mechanicsville Road may be a 4 rod wide road right of way which will give the Town all the easements needed. Andrea asked what the time frame would be to prove the road width. Rocky said that is unknown.
Andrea moved that the Board go into executive session with Jeanne Wilson and Rocky Martin, second by Ken and approved.
Ken moved the Board come out of executive session, second by Andrea and approved.
Howard moved to authorize the Chair to sign letters to the 4 remaining landowners the Town has not yet received signed easements for the Mechanicsville Rd Recreation Path Project setting a deadline of November 30, 2009 to receive signed easements or the Town will begin the condemnation process. It is necessary to have all signed easements for the Recreation Path Project to go out to bid this winter. Second by Ken and approved.
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 November 2, 2009: Andrea moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of November 2, 2009 as corrected. Second by Randy and approved.
Trial Balances for Water & Wastewater and General Fund Accounts for Period Ending October 31, 2009: Randy moved that the Board vote to acknowledge receipt of the trial balances for the water & wastewater and general fund accounts for the period ending October 31, 2009. Second by Andrea and approved.
Buried Utility Permit / Willmott on Hayden Hill Road West: This permit is the result of a subdivision, which has received final approval from the DRB. The installation will be across Hayden Hill Road West, at the end of the Class 3 section of the road. We have received written confirmation from Vermont Electric Cooperative that VEC will own the underground service in the Town ROW after installation. Howard moved that the Board vote to approve the buried utility permit application of Milo Willmott to have telephone and electric installed in the Town’s right-of-way on Hayden Hill Road West as outlined in the permit dated 7/7/09, 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. Second by Andrea and approved.
Other Board Member Items
Howard informed the Board that the Ancient Roads Committee has been informed of a Supreme Court decision concerning the need for a Certificate of Opening to include an ancient road on the town and state maps.
Howard believes all the ancient roads Hinesburg is considering are dated prior to needing a Certificate of Opening.
Andrea said she met with VT Fish and Wildlife and looked at several sites around Town where beavers are located. She would like to write up a policy stating under what circumstances it is appropriate to remove the beavers.
Jeanne announced orders are now being taken for the Town 2010 Community Calendars.
Jeanne also announced the Wellness Award Hinesburg received.
Jon read a letter of notice of Andrew Giroux being awarded the rank of Eagle Scout and invitation to his Court of Honor.
Additions to the Agenda
NRCS Application for Payment / Wetland Restoration Project Contract for LaPlatte Headwaters Town Forest: Andrea moved that the Board vote to authorize the Chair to sign the NRCS Application for Payment Form AD-1161 and Drawings & Construction Specifications to be used by NRCS to certify and approve work at the LaPlatte Headwaters Town Forest for reimbursement payment in the amount of $3,814.27. The work completed includes construction of the ditch plugs as part of the Wetland Restoration Project. Second by Randy and approved.
Outgoing Correspondence
Letter of congratulations to Andrew Giroux for earning the rank of Eagle Scout
Howard moved the Board go into executive session including Jeanne Wilson for personnel and legal discussion. Second by Ken and approved.
Howard moved the Board come out of executive session and adjourn, second by Ken and approved.
Respectfully submitted
Valerie Spadaccini, secretary