SelectBoard Minutes - July 7, 2009



Vershire Selectboard minutes form 7/7/09
Unapproved

In Attendance: Rita French, Marc McKee, Vern Stone, Gene Craft, Dani Sweet, Paul Betters, Laura Craft, David Hooke, Debra Kingsbury, and Bill Baylis.

Vern Stone officially called the meeting to order at 7:03pm.

David Hooke and Laura Craft were present to discuss the possible installation of a bread oven on the grounds of the Vershire town center. Laura stated the materials and labor for the project have been donated, and that Timber Frames, LLC were donating labor for a cover to be erected for protection of the oven as well as any firewood. Laura presented pictures of ovens to give the board a basic idea of what the bread oven may look like, upon completion. Jeremy Larson, a mason who has built ovens in the past has drawn up proposed plans for a community bread of oven for the town, but was unable to attend the meeting. Laura will get the plans and bring them to the board at a later date. David suggested the placement of the oven be near the current basketball hoop's location in the town center's parking lot. The board agreed this would be a good location, and Paul agreed the location was desirable for plowing in the winter to provide year round access to the oven. Vern asked for dimensions of the structure, and wanted to know how the structure is built and what exactly that process entails. David explained how the oven itself would be built, and explained that Dale Ricker had donated the timber from an old barn, to used in building the shed structure. David told the board what he estimated the footprint would need to be in order to complete the project, and let them know he was confident the location discussed earlier would be sufficient. The board agreed the oven would make a great addition to the town center, and be a benefit to the community. Laura and David said they would return to a future meeting with concrete plans for a design and layout for the bread oven project.

Paul Betters, the new road foreman, was present to let the board know four rafters are broken on the salt shed, and he will address getting them replaced. Paul also wanted the board to be aware of two roads that are top priority for fixing; one being Brown road, the culvert has become separated and needs to be fixed, as well as another culvert repair on Parker road.

Vern stated Mike Parsley had removed one beaver from the problem area on Beaver Meadow road; however, the beavers have completely plugged the beaver tube. Vern when to explain he felt it was necessary for the safety and security of the road to contact the homeowner to see what can be done to fix the culvert by their drive and to repair the spillway to the original dam. Marc felt this issue was a liability for the town and needed to be resolved quickly. Vern asked Dani to find out the legalities of removing beaver in this type of situation, because Beaver Meadow road is in danger of washing out completely if the pond lets go. Vern stated he knew of another beaver issue on McGyver road that needed attention, as well.

Rita asked Paul to take a look at the wash out on Eastman Crossroad, she felt that it was creating a potentially dangerous situation, and should be marked with cones until it can be repaired.

Marc wanted to officially thank all the hardworking volunteers, which contributed to making this year's Vershire Day a success!

Marc relayed a conversation he had earlier with Jean McDonald, because she was unable to be at the meeting to discuss it with the whole board. Marc said Jean had asked him if the Orange County Democratic Committee could use the Vershire Town Center building for their Democratic caucus, and would the town waive the rental fee. Marc's opinion on this situation was if they waived the fee for this particular group, then they would have to waive the fee for all groups who rented the space, or be accused of favoritism. Marc stated he thought the rental policy should reflect the same charge for all groups who were looking to rent the space. Marc stated that Jean had referenced in their conversation, the fact that in previous years the town had waived rental fees for political parties wanting to use the space. Rita stated Gary was in the process of coming up with a written five year plan for the town center property, and he would be addressing these issues in the plan. Vern suggested tabling the discussion for a future meeting.

Gene wanted the board to know the State had set their tax rate for the year, and he asked the board to set the municipal tax rate for the year, so tax bills could be configured and sent out. Debra stated the residential tax rate is lower this year, than last years rate. Debra also stated the Listers had contested the CLA rate, and the result from that will mean a $20,000 savings to the Vershire taxpayers, as a whole. The board thanked Debra and all the Listers for their efforts. Gene stated to the board he had put all the calculations into a spreadsheet, and generated numbers he felt were accurate. Marc moved to approve Gene's figures, and to set the Vershire municipal tax rate per hundred @ $0.8043, and to set the local exemption tax rate per hundred @ $0.0038. Vern seconded the motion, all were in favor, and the motion passed.

Gene wanted the board to know Unfirst was still trying to collect payment on services that the town had refused. Marc moved to void the check made out to Unifirst and to not pay them, for services we didn't want. Rita seconded, all were in favor and the motion passed.

Gene stated he is currently checking in with Trevor Starr from the Agency of Natural Resources, to find out if we can file for an extension on a grant Vershire received in 2007 for road repairs to Parker road. Gene will let the board know any details as soon as he has any new information.

Vern wanted to let Paul know the board had received a request form Mr. Sinclair, on Kingdom road, to have a spillway relocated. The spillway currently empties into his pasture, and Mr. Sinclair asked if the water be allowed to continue down the ditch to the culvert. The board agreed this was a reasonable request, and Paul said he would look into changing the spillway.
Vern asked Gene look into finding out how much sand was used last year for the roads, so the town could get bids for this years sand purchase. Vern said he would ask Paul to look into the sand purchasing for the coming winter season.

Vern stated the board was continuing with Delta Dental insurance for town employees for another year.

Dani gave her official notice to the board she would not be continuing in her role as secretary and administrative assistant to the board. Dani stated to the board she would continue with the positions until the board could find a replacement. Dani and the board will put the word out to the community the positions are opening up, and any interested parties should contact the board.

Vern moved to accept the minutes from the previous meeting, Marc seconded, all were in favor and the motion passed.

Vern stated that because the Furno's have refused to return the key to the town, he will use his bolt cutters to cut the padlock on the town center shed, so Gary can have access to the lawn mower.

Orders were signed.

Vern officially adjourned the meeting at 8:58pm.