Selectboard Minutes - April 29, 2008



Selectboard Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Marc McKee, Vern Stone, Sydney Veysey
Naomi LaBarr
Guests: Debra Kingsbury, Bill Baylis, Sheriff Bill Bohnyak, Carol Flint (Central VT Community Action Council), Ken Stella, Sebastian Lousada, Diann Ward


Sheriff Bill Bohnyak reviewed the services that the Orange County Sheriff's Department provides the Town of Vershire. Questions and topics discussed included funding from the town and DUI/Safe Driver programs, hours of operation, who determines if a deputy responds, follow-up on a call about a problem on the Chamberlain Hill Rd. culvert last year, the report log that the town receives, the number of incidents that were responded to last year, road patrols, scheduling, individuals patrolling in Vershire, reports available, how success is measured, traffic stops, speed limits in town, and 4-wheelers tearing up the roads.

Carol reported that the Central VT Community Action Council dropped the ball and did not get a petition in for funding this year from Vershire. She explained that showing the organizations and people that fund the organization that they have the support of all the towns they serve is critical and asked for a $5 donation this year. Previous levels of funding, office locations and hours, and food shelves were discussed. The Selectboard approved the $5 donation.

Debra asked the Selectboard to approve a disaster recovery system plan from NEMRC that will store the Listers data off-site and restore the data if there is a computer problem. Various types of back-ups and funding were discussed. Debra reported the plan costs $500 per year but will check into how much it would cost for Vershire because the Listers do not use all their programming. Marc suggested also asking other tech-savvy people what they would recommend.

Sebastian and Ken requested the Selectboard match the gravel for Reed Rd. that was put down last fall by John Hemenway. The matching gravel program for Class 4 roads was reviewed, maintenance of Class 4 roads, and the conditions on Reed Rd. were discussed. The Selectboard will match two 6-wheeler loads of gravel later in the year when the roads dry out and funds are available.

Diann reported that Mrs. Cilley from Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home was upset to find the Town Center locked when they arrived for Joe Miner's funeral and she felt the town owed Mrs. Cilley an apology. Naomi explained that she keeps the calendar of events for the Town Center and calls Julie Furno when an event is scheduled. The Selectboard will look into what happened and send an apology to Boardway and Cilley.

Diann thanked the Road Crew immensely, especially Syd, for responding immediately to sand for 2 ambulance calls on days that sleet and freezing rain made conditions difficult. The Selectboard also thanked Syd.

The Town Center cleaning and rental program were discussed. The Selectboard voted to change the rental program, effective immediately, to $100 per day rental plus $100 damage deposit plus the requirement to provide a certificate of insurance. Any reservations made previous to tonight will be honored at the old rate. Naomi reported that the insurance runs from $75 to $150 per event per day.

Bill reported on a program available from Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Planning Commission for timesheets for the Highway Department that has the ability to provide data summarized by task, budget, and road. Bill will see if Chuck Wise (TRORC) can come to Vershire to show this program.

The Selectboard will send a letter of intent to Cody Chevrolet to purchase or lease a 2009 Chevrolet C5500. The town received a deposit for the purchase of the F550 from John Smith.

The Selectboard approved the minutes from Apr. 15, 2008.

Vern will contact individuals that are interested in mowing the town properties and invite them to the next meeting.

Repairs needed on the shed at the Town Center and the town office outside bulletin board were discussed.

Naomi asked the Selectboard for input on "Delinquent Tax Collection and Tax Sale Proceeding Policy" that she revised that will become effective May 1, 2008. The Selectboard thought the policy was OK.

Syd made a motion to sign the orders. Marc seconded the motion. All were in favor.

The Syd reviewed a drawing for a new town garage. Heated/unheated spaces and oil storage was discussed.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.