SelectBoard Minutes - January 6, 2009



Selectboard Meeting
January 6, 2009

Present: Vern Stone, John LaPierre, Dana Baltz
Guests: Bob Hodge, Debra Kingsbury

Wellspring's use of the Town Center for their silent auction was discussed. No decision was made at this time about charging it rent.

Upper Valley Ambulance sent the Selectboard a letter dated 12/4/2008 adjusting their per capita rate increase from 5% down to 2.5% over the next two years. The cost for 2009 will be $10,990.

John moved that Marc McKee represent Vershire at the Mangala Shri Bhuti meeting on 1/16/09. Vern seconded and all were in favor.

The Joint Fiscal Committee has suspended all highway aid for the first quarter of 2009. There was a discussion about how much aid will be decreased in the future.

Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) sent a certificate of Highway mileage to Vershire to fill out. Bob reported there are about 50 miles of road in town including class 4 roads. The form is required every year and Bob can get the information from last year's form. He will talk with Naomi about this 1/7/09.

Bob said the back hoe was broken. Vershire is using Thetford's at this time. In return, Vershire road crew staff can help Thetford if needed. Corinth and Chelsea have both expressed interest in renting Vershire's new boom mower. The cost of renting a boom mower just went up to $2,400/week. Vershire needs to come up with a rental price. It will need to develop a contract. The amount of $1,500 was mentioned for weekly rental. The contract will state if a renter breaks the equipment while using it, the renter will have to pay to repair it. Someone with a tractor rents his services out for $2,000/wk. It will be important to mow in the spring to decrease the invasive weeds.

Bob has requested prices on new back hoes. Debra asked if the town could buy a used back hoe, but Bob stated this wasn't a good idea. John pointed out that Manchester, (NH?) buys military surplus equipment.

The post cards which were sent out warning the 2 special budget meetings had the wrong date for the 2nd meeting. Dana will send out another post card with the correct date, Tuesday, Jan 13, 2009.

The mail was reviewed.

Debra asked Vern to sign a letter she is sending to the Department of Taxes, Property Valuation and Review asking them to review the equalization study before determining our Common Level of Approval (CLA).

Vershire has received the FEMA money requested after this summer's storms. The State and Federal money totaled $12,000.

Vern asked who coordinated Green Up Day. It was thought that Vershare did. Vern said he would call them to ask if they would do it again this year.

Vern asked Bob how well the sand supply was holding up. Bob said it was good and the road crew was doing well.

Vern moved to approve the minutes and orders. John seconded and all were in favor.

Vern moved to adjourn. John seconded. All were in favor.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 pm.