SelectBoard Minutes - October 14, 2008



SELECTBOARD MEETING
OCTOBER 14, 2008


Present: Vern Stone, Marc McKee, John LaPierre, Dana Baltz

Guests: Bob Hodge, John Roy, Gene Sobek, Debra Kingsbury, Bill Baylis

The meeting was called to order at 7:01.

John Roy instructed the Selectboard that they needed to pass the resolution on ECFiber. Marc moved to pass/accept the resolution, John seconded and the board passed. Dana must have Naomi sign in section 3, copy the first pages of section 3 including Naomi's signature, and include these pages in the minutes. John Roy must also get a copy of the minutes including the section 3 pages. This must be done no later that 10/24/08.

Bob reported that FEMA will be assisting with paying for the work that needed to be done on Tullar Rd after one of the storms this summer. All the work has been approved by FEMA.

Other towns have expressed interest in using Vershire's new boom mower. Vershire could rent it out with a Vershire road crew member driving it. McIver Rd was graded today. There is a low spot near the intersection with 113 where the pavement has been broken up and then plowed away. Bob said putting gravel in that area would be difficult to grade because it's so close to the black top road. It would be best to repair the pavement. Vern said the town could try putting gravel in for now.

Gene Sobek said he and Donna Goldberg will take care of their class 4 road. Gene asked Bob if it was OK to make deep water bars in the road and have them run into Gene's yard. Donna will have stone brought in. Gene asked if in return the town could bring gravel in during mud season to put in the wet spots. Gene asked the Selectboard if the town matched what the landowners put in the road. Marc responded that he had heard that some people had this impression, but it was not Vershire's policy to do that. Gene said he will dig out the culvert which is filled. Bob pointed out it's the town's responsibility to keep the culverts clear. Gene said he would do it. Bob suggested putting fabric down and Gene asked about the price and where to get it. Marc said if the landowner improves the road, the Selectboard can decide to up grade the road. Bob can tell Gene about specifications to upgrade the road. Donna Goldberg's and Calvin Houghton's driveway is not in compliance with town requirements. Bob will try to talk with the owner.

The Selectboard visited the Ricker property 10/4/08. It's a 10 acre parcel with 3 acres dry and solid. There is room for a garage and to store sand. It has 300' frontage. There is another area on the property that could be used for storage, but it's wet. Marc asked Bob to go take a look at the property. There is underground power to the house. The house is ramshackle, but could possibly be improved to provide a shower, washer and dryer. The land should perc well. Bob said he would visit the property this weekend.

The recycling bins are full. Dana will call to have them swapped out.

Naomi sent the Selectboard the 2009 insurance renewal application from VLCT PACIF for them to review and update. The Selectboard decided to stay with the $3,000,000 coverage, but had questions about the insurance coverage on each vehicle. Marc will speak with Naomi about this.

The Selectboard went into executive session called by Debra Kingsbury to discuss a real estate transaction.

The Selectboard read a letter from Upper Valley Ambulance stating they would be increasing the amount Vershire must pay them each year. The town paid Upper Valley Ambulance $9,435 in 2007. The Selectboard feels the rate increase is too much. Upper Valley is requesting a $5 per capita increase. The town has 629 residents. Vern noted that John Vose, the president of Upper Valley Ambulance, offered in his letter to attend Selectboard meetings. Dana will call him to schedule a date he can attend a meeting.

Naomi sent the Selectboard a note concerning an inspection done on the Town Center boiler. The inspection revealed 2 suggestions for the boiler room. The Selectboard discussed finding someone who would do the work on the boiler on an ongoing basis. Marc will call David Wurtz and ask him if he would do this.

Marc discussed the letter sent to Vershire from the Orange County Sheriff requesting money. Marc said he will talk with the Sheriff about the coverage of Vershire and the charges billed to the town.

The Selectboard reviewed the mail sent to them.

The Selectboard reviewed the orders and Vern moved to sign the orders. Marc seconded and all were in favor.

Vern moved to approve the minutes from the last Selectboard meeting. Marc seconded and all were in favor.

Vern moved to adjourn at 9:25 p.m. Marc seconded and all were in favor.