SelectBoard Minutes - March 31, 2009



[Paste minutes here.]
Official Selectboard Minutes
From March 31, 2009
approved

Select board: Present- Vern Stone, Marc Mckee, Rita French
Secretary: Present- Danielle Sweet
Town Clerk/Treasurer: Present- Gene Craft
Road Foreman: Present- Bobby Hodge
Guests: Louie Cadwell, Rob Benson, Bill Baylis, Steve Ward, Julie Furno, Mike Furno, Neil Hochstedler, Phil Yacovella, Doug Shane, Debra Kingsbury, Steve McKinstry

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

Steve McKinstry a representative from Topsham Communications came to discuss broad band service to the town. His proposal from Topsham Communications, is for Vershire to join in on a proposed grant for monies that would go to connecting high speed, fiber optics, broad band service from Fairlee to Chelsea, through Vershire. This would provide “populace areas in town” with the service. Vershire has to make a commitment with Topsham, before the grant process can move forward. The Grant would fund the majority of the project; Vershire would be responsible for coming up with $5000.00 dollars to help with the grant process. If Topsham Communications received the grant, then Vershire would be required to allocate space in town for a “community center” that would be equipped with computers and broad band service, that would be open to the public for a two year time period. After the two years was up, then it would be up to the town to decide on the continuation of the “community center”, and our involvement with Topsham Communications, but we would keep the equipment. Topsham would allocate $25,000. toward equipping the center, as well as funds for updating a present facility in town to be used as the “community center.” Topsham would be responsible for managing the complete grant process. The decision on the grant monies would happen by September 1st of 2009, and if received, a start date to the project could be as early as 2010. Doug Shane asked how this proposal might impact our present commitment with E.C. Fibernet; the legalities of our commitment with them needs to be addressed. Marc suggested that we contact John Roy for further discussion on the matter. Mr. McKinstry asked that Vershire respond as quickly as possible, and he offered a workshop session on the proposed plan with members of the town at a later date.

Bill Baylis addressed the issue of the Veterens Memorial light. He looked at the light and determined that the bulb was very old, and that the switch had been turned off. He replaced the bulb, and stated that the switch needs to remain on.
Bill also presented a stimulus chart for highway work, and monies that will be allocated for said work. Vershire was not on the list to receive funds at this time.
Bill asked Two Rivers to send the board flyers for any future seminars or workshops that they offer for town employees.

Julie Furno let the board know that she purchased cleaning supplies, and compact fluorescent light bulbs for the town center building. She commented that the light bulbs, purchased at Foggs were very expensive. Debra Kingsbury suggested buying them at Aubachon’s in Bradford, because they are much less expensive their. Julie will return the bulbs to Foggs.
Julie asked the board if she still had the cleaning job at the town ctr. building, and they replied that she did at this time. They added that they are creating a new job description for the position with added duties, and when that was completed, they would revisit her appointment. The discussion was tabled.

Steve Ward was at the meeting on behalf of fire and rescue, to ask the board for a letter simply stating that they provide services to the town. He needs this for purchasing supplies for fire and rescue at the government surplus store. He recommended that the board put together a wish list, and he would be happy to give it to the supplier, for possible future purchases.
Steve also wanted to volunteer his services for the town garage search committee.
It was added that Sid Vesey had submitted State regulations for a town garage building, as part of his committee duties. The board recommended getting a list of committee members together and asking for more volunteers in the April newsletter.
Steve reported that fire and rescue received money for the hydrant installation on Taylor Valley Road and that will be done. He said the town should be done with hydrants, with the exception of one pond hydrant.

Doug Shane asked that his position as alternate to the Upper Valley Solid Waste go to the new recycling coordinator, Phil Yacovella. Phil accepted and the board approved the measure.
Doug also wanted to step down as the energy coordinator. Phil Yacovella accepted this position as well.
Doug asked the board to inform the town’s people on the current status of the Buddhist Center.
Doug asked the board about any adjustments in property values in light of the current economic crisis. Debra Kingsbury explained that State of Vermont mandates reevaluation of property when accessed value drops below 80% of the current market value, and she said we hadn’t gotten close to that number yet, therefore we are in good shape with our current property values.

Bobby Hodge reported that he has been working on the grant for the repaving and there will be some available, the town will have to do a 20% match to the $148,000. estimate for Eagle Hollow road paving. The town has to make a $5000. contribution toward the new culvert to be put in when the Ayers road gets straightened. Bobby encouraged the town to take advantage of the free State of Vermont program that provides culvert studies, to help assess what needs replacing or fixing for the future.
Bobby also mentioned that the new truck would be delivered April, 8th. A motion was made by Marc to authorize Gene Craft take $44,000. from the capital equipment fund, $23,000 from the highway surplus, and $2000. from the backhoe maintenance fund for the purchase of the new truck. Vern seconded, and all approved. The motion passed.

Gene Craft reported that he had talked to Unifirst about buying out the remainder of the town’s contract with them. Discussion ensued about how properly to allocate funds for clothing to the road crew employees. Marc made a motion to terminate the contract with Unifirst, and for Gene to pay the balance of said contract. Rita seconded, all were in favor. The motion passed. Rita made a motion to give road crew employees a $600. per year clothing allowance. Marc seconded, all were in favor. The motion passed. Vern made a motion to have road crew employees be reimbursed for work clothing purchased, upon giving Gene a receipt for said clothes, up to $600. per year. Rita seconded, all were in favor. The motion passed.

Phil Yacovella expressed his interest in the energy coordinator position, and asked for the board’s approval to set up an energy committee in town. The board agreed that this would be a great idea.

Neil Hochstedler reported that he had received another quote for the town center boiler repairs from Roger Carpenter. A discussion ensued about the differences in quotes received for the job, and the need for anti-freeze to put into the system in the case of a power outage when temperatures are below freezing. Rita made a motion to accept Roger Carpenter’s bid and higher him for the job. Marc seconded, all were in favor. The motion passed.

Marc received a letter from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department with a contractual proposal. Vern said he will contact the State Police to see if they have contracts with towns. A discussion ensued about the effectiveness of the service that the Sheriff’s department provides. Marc will follow up on the letter, with questions for the Sheriff’s office. The discussion was tabled.

The board signed the letter from Joe Cullinan, and their orders.
Minutes from March 2nds meeting were approved.
Minutes from March 14th meeting were amended, and approved to reflect that Danielle Sweet had been appointed the new Administrative Assistant.
Meeting adjourned at 10:25pm