SelectBoard Minutes - February 17, 2009



Vershire Selectboard Minutes (Unapproved)
February 17, 2009

Board - Chairman Vern Stone, Marc McKee, John LaPierre, Gene Craft, Administrative Assistant (temporary)

Guests - Debra Kingsbury, John Zimmer, Neil Hochstedler, Rita French, Lorraine Cadwell, Jean MacDonald, Steve Boyd, Joe Cullinan (left before meeting called to order)

Chairman Stone called the meeting to order at 7:05pm.

Gene Craft temporarily appointed to Administrative Assistant position to fill gap until new assistant found.

Last Selectboard Meeting minutes approved - no changes.

Discussion regarding last several meetings minutes to be sent to the Journal Opinion and Vershire Listserve, Gene volunteered to take care of this.

Steve Boyd asked about the warned Article #10 (regarding town vote to "authorize a covered footbridge to be build across the river from Route 113 to the Town Center parking lot."). Boyd asked if the board had taken a position? Marc McKee read the Article to those present and then the Board response was that they had taken no position, it had been petitioned to be on the ballot at Town Meeting and it was open for discussion. A general discussion ensued regarding the future expenditures for upkeep, insurance, and need for future stream bank restoration (needed regardless of bridge construction) adjacent to the Town Center parking lot, and property ownership on the town office side of river (VerShare - DK).

Marc McKee asked for opinions on the building of the footbridge which brought on another round of discussion regarding it. Some thought it would enhance the downtown and Steve Boyd offered that building such and unnecessary structure during the current economic strife would cause hard feelings in town, especially since so many people are worried about paying bills and buying groceries and whether they will have work, the bridge seems "frivolous." He suggested the town look instead to building a food shelf or similar charitable program and Jean MacDonald agreed that the idea of a food shelf is a good one. John LaPierre offered that the can/bottle drive to fund food baskets had raised over $400 so far.

Discussion moved to the town bid on the "pink house" on 113 and the Selectboard informed that the town had had the winning bid but that this could not be placed on the warning for town meeting (instead of the Ricker property, which sold to another party) but that it could be discussed in relation to the warned article regarding the Ricker parcel (Article 7). It was mentioned that a separate warned meeting and vote would have to occur before the board could actually buy the property on 113. A general discussion ensued regarding the pink house property covering Act 250 process (Debra suggested someone should contact VLC&T), drainage requirements, lay of the land, septic, water source, potential floodplain issues, etc. Mark McKee to contact town attorney and any information will be made available in near future.

Update on the Town Center Building - Committee members John Zimmer & Neil Hochstedler. New door in the main hall installed (to be painted in warmer weather), restoration of windows complete and came in under bid by ~$200. Storms have been installed (12/25 through 1/1/09), two sashes were damaged in transit but repaired and a credit of $68 made to the town. There were some issues with installation orientation (five were installed upside down) but will be corrected. Last three windows do not have screens yet, landing outside new door not completed, warmer weather needed to complete (landing needs raised to match new threshold and meet handicapped regulation) and railings removed will be reinstalled soon. Discussion regarding need for building 'supervision' or supervisor to take of maintenance of building (committee recommendation), many have noticed thermostats not being set back and building not being cleaned or locked or unlocked, etc. It was suggested that a laminated checklist placard be placed in a high traffic area to remind renters or users of the building of things to be done upon arrival and departure from the building. Discussion moved on to need for Administrative Assistant and process/system for addressing these concerns. Selectboard to draft job description and seek a body to fill it. Gary Goodrich will be asked for input and as a possible person to fill the position.
It was mentioned that lately when organizations have arrived to use the building as prearranged, it was not unlocked. There have also been complaints regarding the cleanliness and condition of the building upon arrival for use. It was suggested that maybe the Town Clerk should maintain the book and key for Town Center rentals and check in/check out. Selectboard agreed to look into these issues.

New Town Clerk Orientation - Selectboard discussed the need to talk to current Town Clerk about help with new clerk orientation. Board will come together and have the discussion soon (they agreed to all meet on February 24 to discuss it with her).

Mileage Form - John signed and Debra mailed

The board received a letter from Joe Cullinan regarding property issues on Durgin Hill Road. The board agreed to take the letter under advisement.

Selectboard orders signed and received bills/orders including the audited financial statements for the year ended, December 31, 2008.

Cody Chevrolet and Ford Truck Trade-in - The Selectboard has received a guaranteed trade-in value of $7,000 for the Ford truck that will be replaced this spring (could have sold the truck straight out for $7,500 last year had the new truck been ready).

Meeting adjourned - 8:50pm.