SELECT BOARD
JULY 14, 2015
The meeting was called to order at 7:30pm by Ted Crawford, chair. Ray Tarbell and Tim Martin were
present. All stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: There were three additions to the Agenda, one under Treasurer’s
Report (request from U39) Transfer Station (personnel review) and an update on the Rutland
Dispatch (PSAP) changes.
Ted immediately gave the update on the PSAPs. Fire and the constable are leaning toward continuing
with the State Dispatch, which is moving to Rockingham. Rescue will be talking to the Sheriff’s
Dept., which is considering setting up its own program with costs paid by the entities using it, before
deciding to go there or Rockingham. Don Patch noted that the legislators are considering charging
for the State Dispatch services (which have been essentially free up to now). He suggested that the
Town start planning for this, and prepare to add money to the budget to cover it.
2. Minutes:
The minutes of the regular meeting of June 09 were sent out before the meeting for review. Upon
motions made and seconded it was
VOTED: To approve the June 09 minutes. (3-0)
3. Highways
The Town’s entry in the Federal SAM (System for Award Management) system has been
updated, and is now valid thru July 06, 2016. (A valid active entry is required to receive federal
government money such as FEMA grants.)
Maple Hill Road closure during Cider Days: Morgan Skiathitis from MHCA asked to Board to
agree to the closure, which would be the same as last year (from the green to the split with
Straight Rd). She noted that the closure worked well last year and that the constable and road
foreman were okay with it. Upon motion made and seconded, it was
VOTED: To allow the closure of Maple Hill Rd during Cider Days. (3-0)
The Town received notice from VT ANR of the Vermont Clean Water Act requirements, which
went in to effect on July 01, 2015. This legislation eliminated municipal exemptions for a
number of permits/fees. Those that may affect the Town include Lake Encroachment permits,
Stormwater permits, Stream Alteration permits, and Wetlands Fees.
4. Report of Treasurer
David Johnson presented an income and expense statement dated June 30, 2015 showing cash
balances of $630,466. Property taxes still outstanding are about $2,851 for 2 properties. Six (6)
properties were sold at tax sales; 2 cannot be acted upon this year due to bankruptcy and/or prior
years unredeemed. On the balance sheet, David noted that he will contact the auditor for how he
would like the garage bond payment accounting done. Several income items came in slightly
over budget (interest on delinquent taxes, forestry receipts). Solid Waste revenue (label sales) is
about $1700 below budget for the year. SW expenses will be about $2600 over budget, after the
transfer of some equipment (purchase) funds. Overall employee benefits are under budget.
Highway expenses are over budget, even though some of the winter materials and hauling done in
June could be considered as pre-paid expenses for next year. The Packer Rd upgrade budgeted
amount will be carried forward into this year.
Financial Management Checklist – Per Vermont statutes, David provided the Checklist, which
was sent out previously to the Selectboard for review. The Board signed a form to indicate they
had received and reviewed the checklist, also required by VT statutes.
Request from U39 – The Town usually makes an advance to U39 to cover summer expenses until
taxes come in; this year’s request is a little earlier than usual. The Board agreed and directed
David to make the advance.
Tax Rate – David reviewed the education tax rates set by the State and the calculation for the
municipal and local agreement (exemptions such as veterans and the Odd Fellows Hall). Upon
motion made and seconded it was
VOTED: To approve the residential tax rate at 1.9263 per hundred of valuation and the
non-residential tax rate at 1.7117 per hundred of valuation. (3-0)
David noted that NEMRC will be here on 7/23 to program the computers. Tax bills are expected
to be mailed 7/27, and the discount date will be 8/27.
5. Star Lake Dam Reconstruction Project – Ron Unterman
Permits: 1) The Army Corps permit has been received.
2) The Dam Safety permit is on track.
3) Two Lake Encroachment permits (one for moving the boat launch and the other for the beach
dredging) seem to be on track.
4) The Wetlands permit for the beach dredging will not be
available until late August. Ron noted that work can proceed up to that for which the permits are
needed. He also noted that FOSL had contacted our state legislators, ANR, DEC asking for help
in expediting the permits and particularly noted a very nice letter or support from McCormack.
Canoes: Deadline is tomorrow. MHCT will take away all the canoes and store them. Ron asked
the Board’s permission to sell them to raise additional funds for the dam project. Don Patch
noted that abandoned property must go thru the Secretary of State’s office, and sale would require
public notice. Ron will contact the SOS office and determine what is necessary.
MHCT would like to have a plaque in memory of Patricia Nye embedded in the concrete of the
new dam. It was Pat’s generous donation that has allowed the dam project to happen. The Board
agreed unanimously.
6. Transfer Station –
Leaf and Yard Debris –Jeff noted that the compartments are set up, nothing has come in yet.
Don Patch suggested that if the prescription drug collection that was at the HHW collection be
better advertised, and encouraged everyone to use the program rather than keep unused/leftover
drugs around the house. This year, no one knew that the drug collection would be at the HHW
collection. It was also noted that Ludlow Police Dept. maintains a collection drop box that is
always available.
This Board deferred the personnel review until Executive Session at the end.
7. Emergency Management Coordinator
The SB discussed the need for “new blood” serving on various town committees and
positions and wants younger people to get involved. In discussing the Emergency
Management Coordinator position the SB decided to follow up with the Rescue Squad
and Fire Department in hopes of finding a qualified candidate who is not currently
serving in any capacity for the Town.
8. Planning Commission
RR Planning Commission – David Hoeh reported that the last meeting was primarily on the
accelerated bridge program that the State will be using when possible. The RRPC has also
drafted solar siting guidelines for communities to use. These guidelines would apply to
commercial sites (above 15 KW) not residential sites.
RR Transportation Council report – Also covered the accelerated bridge program. The Killington
Bridge project, previously discussed and expected to be done in 2017, will use this. This will
result in traffic being diverted to Route 103 for a few weeks.
Municipal Planning Grants: The Town received notice that the grants are available , with
applications due by September 30, 2015. The information has been forwarded on to the Planning
Commission.
9. Cell Phone and Internet Access
Ted Crawford asked that the Board consider rescinding the Town’s Telecommunications
Ordinance, adopted in October 2001, as it has no relevance to today’s permitting process. Upon
motion made and seconded, it was
VOTED: To repeal the 2001 Telecommunications Ordinance. (3-0)
This starts a process similar to the adoption process, with public notice required within 14 days,
as outlined in Vermont statutes.
Ted also provided information that an independent carrier may be planning a cell tower in town,
but had been asked by the property owner to not identify where at this time. Don Patch suggested
that the town ask to have space left on the town for possible future fire/rescue usage for
dispatching.
10. Other Business
Municipal Park and Ride grants are available for 2016; however the Town has no property that it
owns that would meet the requirements.
The Town received Guidance on Property Tax Calculation regarding the New England Clean
Power Link Project (electric transmission line under Route 103). This has been passed on to the
Listers.
Odd Fellows have requested that the Town prune trees/limbs that are getting near the building
again (town-owned land). Ron noted that at least two of them will come down as part of the dam
project, so the Board agreed to wait until then to work on the request.
Town Office paining proposal – The Town received a proposal for painting the Town Office, for
$3800. It was not clear why this proposal had come in to the town. The Board took no action on
the proposal.
11. Executive Session
At 8:34pm, upon motion made and seconded, it was
VOTED: To enter Executive Session for the purpose of wage review of transfer station
employees. Jeff Teter was invited to join the session.
At 8:39 pm the Board returned from Executive Session and upon motion made and seconded, it was
VOTED: To return to regular session.
The Chair reported that the Board agreed to a $.50 per hour raise for all transfer station personnel.
12. The Board reviewed and signed the June orders for payment.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by motion made, seconded and approved, at
8:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Rhonda Rivers
Minutes are DRAFT until approved at a Select Board meeting. Approved on: __________________
