Mount Holly SELECT BOARD APRIL 12, 2016

SELECT BOARD 

APRIL 12, 2016 

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 several additions to the Agenda. Under Planning Commission, a resignation letter, and under Other, an alarm system at Fire/Rescue and a request from the Odd Fellows. 2. Minutes:  The minutes of the regular meeting of March 08 were sent out before the meeting for review. Ted asked that the following sentence be added as part of the Hazard Mitigation discussion: “Ted noted that the work of the Hazard Mitigation Committee was complete and thanked all of the committee members for their contributions to this project.” Upon motion made and seconded it was VOTED: To approve the March 08 minutes as amended. (3-0) 3. Highways  Grants update: Jeff provided some additional photos for the Better Roads grants, as requested. At this point we wait to hear if we receive any grant  Mower: Jeff presented several options on replacing the 2006 Woods mower, which needs about $2500 in repairs to try and get another season out of it. Options ranged from $5000 for a rental (limited time frame) to purchasing new, which would allow work to be done over the entire season. Purchase options range from $9400 to $11000 for a PTS driven mower to $15640 to $18540 for a flail mower. Jeff also noted that the town could look at purchasing a tractor with a backhoe attachment as well, which could run to $50,000 or more. The Board deferred a decision until next meeting, to get more information. Don Patch suggested looking at a lease-to-buy option rather than outright purchase.  GMP Pole locations along Russellville Road: The Board reviewed a request from GMP to install poles and wires within the town highway right of way along Russellville Road. This is part of a pole relocation project that has been under discussion for about two years. Upon motion made and seconded it was VOTED: To approve the GMP request to install poles and wires in the town highway right of way along Russellville Road as proposed. (3-0) 4. Report of Treasurer  David Johnson presented an income and expense statement dated March 31, 2016 showing cash balances of $1,796,733. Highlights: Delinquent taxes: An updated report just after April 1 shows delinquent taxes down to $85,500. New bills have been sent requesting the setup of payment plans or the tax sale process will begin. A prior year’s delinquencies have been clear up, either by payment or tax sale. Income and Expenses: Solid Waste label sales are running $900 ahead of last year and meet the budgeted amount, while expenses are more than budgeted, mainly due to the increased recycling costs. The recently completed workers comp audit showed the premium was based on VLCT’s (too low) estimate rather than the town’s estimates, and will likely result in additional premium expense. Highway equipment repairs remain under budget; winter labor and materials are slightly under budget. New sand screen expenses, including a metal cutting saw, were not in the budget, but overall the finances are in good shape. 5. Transfer Station –Nothing to report this month. 6. Planning Commission  Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC): Don Richardson reported that the RRPC continues to work on the review of completed town plans. He also noted that there continues to be submissions for review of several large (150kW and larger) solar projects around the county. Also, the energy legislation that passed the Senate has gone to the House, which will likely make changes and send it back to the Senate.  Rutland Regional Transportation Advisory Council (TAC): TAC continues to monitor the State’s infrastructure priorities, which so far keep Route 140 and Route 155 as 1 and 2 respectively but no actual work is likely until 2017 . Mount Holly also has a bridge on the State project list (#17, over the Mill River), but that priority is 39th out of 46. David (Hoeh) and Don also keep prominent the issue of increasing tractor trailer traffic on Route 103, which affects Mount Holly (demonstrated by the recent accident near Mac’s Store in East Wallingford).  Resignation: The Town received a letter of resignation from the Administrative Officer, Nicole Griffin. March 31 is her last day.  Notice of Vacancy for Planning Commission Clerk: Ted reported that the PC requested that the town seek candidates for a Planning Commission Clerk. Tim Martin noted that may not be correct, and the Board postponed this item pending clarification after the next PC meeting, scheduled for April 18.  LEOP Update: The Local Emergency Operations Plan (LEOP) has been updated with new names and contact information, such as the new fire chief. Otherwise, the plan is the same. Upon motion made and seconded it was VOTED: To approve the LEOP as updated. (3-0) Ted will clarify where the LEOP needs to be signed, and then forward it on as required. 7. Other Business  Hedgehog Hill Wind Farm: The town had received 5 notices regarding this project: a) 03/23/16 notice of Motion to Intervene by Ruth Dickey and Pam Myers; b) 03/28/16 Comments and a Request for Hearing by Ron Unterman (thru attorney); c) 03/28/16 Motion to Intervene by Greg Durgin; d) 03/29/16 Comments and Request for Hearing by Ruth Dickey and Pam Myers; e) 04/04/16 notice of Motion to Intervene and Comments by Carol and Griffin Ballou.  US Census Bureau: The town received the 2016 Governments Units Survey. Rhonda will complete online before the April 29 deadline.  Countryside Lock and Alarm sent the town a letter regarding new legislation on required fire alarm systems for all EMS buildings. This will be forwarded to Fire and Rescue.  Odd Fellows requests: The Odd Fellows is requesting that the town provided assistance with the cost of mowing. The bid went up $50-100 (the dam reconstruction has created larger area to be mowed?). Also, the group would like assistance with the installation of a motion light ($500 estimate). David Johnson was asked to get clarification from C. Devereux and Odd Fellows regarding the mowing, and also the light.  Village Center Designation Renewal for Belmont: David Hoeh noted that the designation has been reaffirmed, which is valid for 5 years (to 2021). He provided a new map that RRPC had prepared for the town. 8. The Board reviewed and signed the March orders for payment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by motion made, seconded and approved, at 8:07 pm. Respectfully submitted, Rhonda Rivers Minutes are DRAFT until approved at a Select Board meeting. Approved on: ___________