Selectboard Meeting
December 7, 2009
Attending the meeting; Jon Trefry, Andrea Morgante, Ken Brown, Howard Russell, Jeanne Wilson, see attached public hearing sign in sheet.
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Informational Meeting on Hinesburg Ancient Roads / Discussion of Six Ancient Roads in Hinesburg - The Ancient Roads Committee had three handouts for the public explaining why the need to identify these roads, the timeline and Selectboard options regarding the findings.
The committee surveyed and plotted 225 surveys and discontinuances. Six of those were classified as an Ancient Road. The Trails Committee has expressed interest in four of the six.
There was a presentation of data reviewed and maps of the six identified Ancient Roads.
Some of the landowners present were upset with the lack of time given them to review the location of the road on their property and assess the potential impact to them.
George Bedard said if classified as an unidentified corridor it will give a five year period to allow property owners and the Selectboard to review the maps.
Rob Bast thanked the Ancient Roads Committee for their work; he views this as an opportunity for the Town.
Mark Ames feels since the Selectboard brought the information to the Trails Committee first it speaks to their intent to take the property – he does not want public trails through his land.
Peter Erb said if not done in this manner he would like to see regulations requiring connectivity between developments in Town in the future.
Ken Brown stated the presentation given tonight was just given to the Selectboard three weeks prior and at that meeting the Selectboard decided to invite landowners who have property that a road crosses or abuts to this informal meeting and presentation.
The Ancient Roads Committee brought this to the Trails Committee not the Selectboard. They did so to ask for input. Landowners whose property was walked on in investigating for evidence of a road were notified last spring.
It was asked what the recourse is for appeal. The appeal process is defined in Act 178. Act 178 was passed by the Legislature to remedy disputes over the legal status of ancient roads.
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 Andrea and approved.
Minutes of November 16, 2009: Andrea moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of November 16, 2009 as corrected. Second by Howard and approved.
Trial Balances for Water & Wastewater and General Fund Accounts for Period Ending November 30, 2009: Ken moved that the Board vote to acknowledge receipt of the trial balances for the water & wastewater and general fund accounts for the period ending November 30, 2009. Second by Andrea and approved.
Warrant for Collection of Delinquent Taxes: Andrea moved that the Board vote to sign the warrant for the collection of delinquent taxes, as prepared by Town Treasurer Melissa B. Ross and dated November 20, 2009. Second by Ken and approved.
Adoption of LaPlatte Headwaters Town Forest Management Plan: Andrea moved that the Board vote to adopt the LaPlatte Headwaters Town Forest Management Plan, as prepared by the Management Planning Committee and dated December 2009, and authorizes the Chair to sign the adopted plan. Second by Ken and approved.
Discussion of Communications with VTrans / Route 116 Traffic Congestion – Jeanne referred to an e-mail received from a resident unhappy with traffic patterns. Jeanne corresponded with Josh Schultz the traffic design and safety engineer for VTrans. He reported that the lights at Commerce St and Charlotte Rd intersections are now synchronized. On 11/18 the lights were readjusted to lengthen the green time on Route 116 by 10 seconds. CVU intersection light is being looked at next, will consider turn signal / lane. There is also a broken loop at the intersection that needs addressing. Exit of Lantman’s Store – no turn on red sign – will look at putting an additional sign up at the light to increase visibility. Jon asked about the pedestrian phase changing the pattern. He wanted to know if it can be set to allow a longer green time on Route 116 after pedestrian cycle to allow extra time for traffic to clear through. Jeanne will mention to VTrans.
David Lyman said the left turn arrow on the light at CVU corner coming off Route 116 west onto Shelburne Falls Road does not always work. Jeanne said there are known problems with the signal and will mention to VTrans.
End of Probationary Period / Police Officer Chris Bataille: Officer Chris Bataille has successfully completed his 12-month probationary period. Acting Chief Fred Silber said Chris has done an outstanding job and is recommending an increase in wage. Howard moved that the Board vote to recognize the successful completion of Officer Chris Bataille’s probationary period as a Hinesburg Community Police Officer, and increase his pay rate by $1.00 per hour from $17.73 to $18.73 per hour. Second by Ken and approved.
Andrea moved the Board go into executive session including Jeanne Wilson for Discussion of Personnel and Legal Issues, second by Howard and approved.
Andrea moved the Board come out of executive session, second by Howard and approved.
Ken moved that the Board vote to post an informal letter of update on the Selectboard actions regarding Police Chief Morrell on the Town’s web site. Second by Howard and approved.
Andrea moved the Board vote to adjourn, second by Howard and approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Spadaccini, secretary