Selectboard Meeting *
June 7, 1999page 1 of 4
Attending the meeting: Lynn Gardner, Andrea Morgante, Jon Trefry, John Guttler, Randy Volk, Kathleen Ramsay, George Munson, Barb Brisson, Gina, Daniel and Chrystal Gilbert, Marlene Hart, Debbie Harris, Mike Anthony, Rocky Martin, Spencer Harris, Gary Champy, Faith Ingulsrud, Chirs Morrell, Al Barber, Ernie Giroux. Deanna Utter, Lorie Hennesey, Steve Aube.
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Vicious Dog Hearing: "Chance" owned by Marlene & Terry Hart
Barb Brisson gave information regarding problems with the dog that led to this hearing. The dog is currently being held at O’Neils Kennel. The Harts will be responsible for vet services and kenneling costs to this point.
Marlene Hart states they have now located the fencing discussed with Barb Brisson and it is installed. Barb said she would want to check the fencing to be sure there was no way the dog could dig out.
Gina Gilbert stated her son Daniel has been attacked by the dog on several occasions and feels chaining or locking up the dog will only make it more vicious.
Debbie Harris who’s son was also threatened by the dog feels action needs to be taken.
Lynn stated he feels as several chances have been given with the problem continuing there is a concern of the dog attacking children and is in favor of having the dog destroyed.
Andrea stated the reports on the dog indicate such action need to be taken, though she would also like to have Barb inspect the fencing to see if that might work.
Jon feels with the neighbors at risk he must support destroying the dog.
Randy agrees the evidence shows need to destroy the dog.
John would like to have Barb check the facilities and if acceptable try to contain the dog with the understanding that if the dog is found loose it will then be removed.
Jon moved the Board vote to remove the dog and order it be destroyed, second by Randy. Lynn, Jon and Randy in favor. Andrea and John opposed. Motion passes.
Spencer Harris, Site Technician re: Camp Conversion Septic Policy
- 1,000 gallon tank requirement; tank material (i.e. substitutions for concrete); 20 year cut-off requiring new systems
Faith stated tank size and material has been addressed in language of requirements which allows for latitude for each situation.
The Board reviewed with Faith and Spencer the analysis and changed over 20 yr old to read replace/review as it may be functioning properly. Also changed cesspool/drywell to replace/review as it may be appropriate to allow in certain situations.
Faith stated there is still some question concerning the grandfathering issue as there may be a loop hole in the recent decision on the Bianchi issue.
Debbie Dameron re: Fluoridation of Water Supply - Debbie had information from the Dept of Health regarding fluoridation and the Dept would be willing to speak with the Board on costs and process. Rocky stated he is aware of this and it is an easy thing to add to the system. The Board will include an article in the Record to poll residents on their wishes.
JUNE 7, 1999 page 2 of 4
Water Rates - Gary Champy from the Department of Environmental Conservation will attend the meeting. He helped with the calculation of the rates and can explain the proposed rate structure.
Several residents were present to complain of the drastic increase and felt the vote to improve the system should have been opened to the users as they bear the cost and not the entire Town.
The Board explained that was legally how the vote needed to happen and that the users will have benefits with the new system.
Randy moved that the Board vote to adopt the following rate structure, based on Equivalent Residential Units (ERUS):
Minimum Fee: $60/quarter/ERU (includes first 500 cubic feet of water used)
Plus $.031/cubic foot thereafter.
The new rates will be effective starting with the July 1, 1999 billing quarter.
Second by John and approved.
Al Barber - will be submitting a new Town Plan on Rapid Response to the Board for review and approval in a few weeks.
Discussed hardwiring the Town Hall Building for auxiliary power for emergencies.
Advised the Board of Operation Autumn Thunder which will take place on Sept 22. This is a county wide emergency drill.
Fire Dept is requesting dry hydrants on Silver St, Baldwin Rd., and Billings Farm Pond Rd. They are applying for a grant from Vt Rural Fire Protection Task Force for this with a 25% local match required which can be in service.
ISO/Hydrant rating project- will effect insurance rating.
Addition to the Fire Station - The Board stated they are in agreement with the ideas to date. There is the possibility of purchasing extra land needed. Suggested a Location Firm be hired to locate the pipes by the pump station.
Iroquois First Response Update - daytime response is still shallow but all calls are being handled. They will be having a fund raiser in future months.
Other Business:
Approve Warrants/ Randy moved that the Board approve the warrants for bills payable as presented by the Town Treasurer. Second by Andrea and approved.
Approve Minutes/Meeting of May 17, 1999/ Andrea moved that the Board vote to approve its meeting minutes of May 17, 1999 as corrected. Second by Jon and approved with Randy abstaining.
JUNE 7, 1999 page 3 of 4
Appointment to Technical Advisory Committee of the Chittenden County MPO/ Andrea moved that the Board vote to appoint Rocky Martin as Hinesburg’s Representative and Kathleen Ramsay as Hinesburg’s Alternate Representative to the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Technical Advisory Committee for a two year term, July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2001. Second by Jon and approved.
Appointment of Fire Chief/ Jon moved that the Board vote to appoint Alton Barber as Fire Chief for a three year term starting July 1, 1999 and ending on June 30, 2002. Second by Randy and approved.
Town Hall Site Plan/ Rocky had a drawing showing the current grades and what would be needed to reduce the grade. The Board discussed that there is also a problem with the Charlotte Rd./Rt116 intersection . They plan to include this in the Rt116 scoping project.
Town Hall Acoustics Revisited/At John Guttler’s request, Rocky looked into the cost of carpeting for the Main Hall. Given that carpeting can range from $15-$40/yard, Rocky used $25/yard as a middle of the road guess for calculating that 190 yards of carpeting would cost $4,750. Kathleen had information on drapes which could cost up to $16,000.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Policy for Transportation Construction Improvements/ John moved that the Board vote to adopt the proposed "Town of Hinesburg Policy for Transportation Construction and Improvements" as its interim policy to insure eligibility for Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster relief programs while Hinesburg Road Foreman Michael Anthony and Public Works Director Rocky Martin assess the potential impact of the proposed policy on Hinesburg’s road maintenance and improvement program. Second by Randy and approved. The Board will revisit this proposed policy at its meeting on October 18, 1999.
Guidelines for Installation and Maintenance of Driveway Culverts
/ The Board reviewed and included a 20’ min length and need to inform the Road Foreman when installation will take place. The policy has been what Mike has been requiring in past and wanted a written document on this.Follow Up on Correspondence re: Burnett Junkyard/Letter from Joe Iadanza asks Board to address fencing and restrict/clarify possible future use of unimproved storage area. The Board discussed and took no action.
Correspondence from E. Giroux re: Transfer of Wastewater Treatment Allocation/ Ernie was present to request change in allocation location. The Board advised Mr. Giroux they will look at this further.
Lake Iroquois Recreation District/Gravel for Regrading Entrance Road/ Carly Geer called. Will the Town of Hinesburg supply 370 cu yards of gravel (and trucking) to re-grade the entrance to Lake Iroquois Beach? The Town of Williston will supply the grader and labor for grading. Recommended by Carly. OK with Mike, scheduling allowed. The Board asked Mike to look at the road as Andrea stated it seems to be in good condition.
JUNE 7, 1999 page 4 of 4
New Truck Purchase - Mike presented quotes he received on the truck to the Board. Jon moved the Board vote to approve order of truck from Clarks Truck Center for $50,269.96, second by John and approved.
Renewal of Lease to Vermont Astronomical Society/ Andrea moved that the Board vote to authorize its Chairman to sign the renewal of the Agreement with the Vermont Astronomical Society for the lease of a portion of the municipal landfill/gravel pit lot for use as an observatory. The term of the contract is July 1, 1999 - June 30, 2004. Second by John and approved.
Recreation Path - a group of those interested in an alternate route should meet for formulate a game plan soon – the summer is wasting away! Is this going to be an informal group or does the Board want to form a new Rec Path Committee? The Board agreed to take on the project. Andrea has contacted Polly Quinn who would like to see it across the road not on her barn side. Other landowners need to be contacted.
Additions to the Agenda:
Statement on Global Warming - no action taken
Web Site/ pay more money ($35/month) for more exposure with a domain name such as hinesburgvermont.com? The Board agreed as this will make it easier to access.
Water Storage Tank/Natgun Pay Requisition
: Randy moved that the Board vote to authorize the payment of Natgun Pay Requisition #2 for construction of the water storage tank in the amount of $140,242.50, from water system upgrade account #330-5488-83. Second by Jon and approved.Randy moved the Board vote to issue a warrant to destroy all unlicensed dogs, second by Andrea and approved.
John moved the Board vote to approve the 4th of July Committee holding a coin drop the last Sat in June, second by Andrea and approved.
John moved the Board adjourn to executive session including Kathleen and Rocky for personnel issues, second by Randy.
Regular Agenda Items in Executive Session
Personnel/Recruitment of Highway Maintainer II/Ad in Buyers Digest for two weeks starting tomorrow.
Personnel/Negotiation of Agreement with AFSCME Local 1343
Randy moved the Board come out of executive session and adjourn, second by Andrea and approved.
Outgoing Correspondence:
A letter to Jeanne Kundell Wilson thanking her for her service as Y2K coordinator.
A letter to Richard Watts thanking him for his service as a member of the Planning Commission.
A letter to Roger Kohn re: how to obtain permission for utilities buried in the Town right-of-way
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Spadaccini, secretary