Selectboard Minutes - February 2, 2010



Vershire Selectboard Minutes
February 2, 2010 (approved)



Attendance: Vernal Stone (Chair), Marc McKee, Rita French, Gene Craft, Debra Kingsbury, Alan Lyford Guests: Jon Beebe, Chas Cook, Alison Towle, Candace Burnett, Mike Parshley, Steve Ward, Bill Baylis, Dottie Konitshek, Cyndi Veysey, Gary Rhodes, Lorraine Cadwell, Diann Ward, Neal Hochstedler, Gene Sobeck, Malcolm Ward

Vernal Stone called the meeting to order at 7pm.

Neal Hochstedler discussed Dave Mascoveta's estimate for the completion of the taping and sheetrock work in the boiler room at the Town Center building, thus bringing the building into compliance with fire codes. The funds can come from the previously voter approved line item, as approximately $5,400 remains from the money allocated for improvements in the past year. Craft asked if this task completes the project. Hochstedler stated that the item of insulating window quilts still remains. French and McKee discussed options for suppliers and pricing. French has some samples previously provided from a company in Essex that she will bring in and research the cost and R-value. Stone asked if the window treatments might cause the windows to sweat. Hochstedler replied that it depended how tightly the curtains were sealed to the windows. French suggested that it may be less of a problem since the building is not used the same way as a home. Hochstedler has researched treatments with magnetic strips, placing magnets in the quilt sides to adhere. McKee asked how many windows needed coverings. Hochstedler estimated 8 large windows upstairs and 4 in the dining area. McKee will bring in a sample from JCPenney. The board asked Hochstedler if he wanted to handle the window treatment project. He preferred not to at this time. McKee made a motion to accept the bid of $565 from Dave Mascoveta to do the drywall work in the boiler room. French seconded. All were in favor. Lyford, Road Foreman, asked the board if they should hire a part-time driver for road maintenance as a sub-contractor or as a temporary part time employee of the town. Lyford added that Jon Beebe was the possible employee.

McKee asked Beebe if he had a preference as to his status. There was some uncertainty regarding proper procedure. The board then asked Craft to contact VLCT (which he had done earlier that day but the advisors were unavailable) to verify the proper way to add Mr. Beebe as a temporary highway crew driver. French asked when Lyford would require Beebe’s services and why he had called him in last week. Lyford responded that he had Beebe come in to learn the route, become familiar with the equipment, in the event that Beebe get the call for driving town equipment and road maintenance.

Lyford reported that Truck #3 is in need of 4 rear tires at $150 each including a trade-in of used tires as cores for recasing. The tire supplier can provide them as soon as Friday. Stone agreed that was a fair price and asked the board to approve. All were in favor.

Craft and Baylis have contacted TRORC about updating the Flood Hazard Ordinance. TRORC recommended the board hold a public meeting for review as some wording has been changed. The Selectboard will post and have a public meeting to review the final draft of the Flood Hazard Ordinance at the Feb.16th meeting.

Steve Ward has contacted Patrick Ross at the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) about some trees, approximately 50, that have fallen into the Ompompanoosuc River, and could interfere with the flow, especially during the spring thaw. Stone asked if we needed to get permission from ANR to cut up and remove the trees before it became a problem. Craft asked if there was any funding provided by the State, similar to culvert clearing expenses, to clear the river. Ward will pursue with the ANR, as he and VF&R don’t look forward to dealing with a flooding situation, should it occur.

Painting bids were discussed. French asked that this item be tabled. McKee agreed that it could wait until spring giving the board time to confer with Gary Goodrich, the building maintenance coordinator, so that all contractors could be asked to quote with the same specifications. All were in favor.

McKee reported the good news that Route 113 is scheduled to be paved, starting from Chelsea, this summer by Pike Industries. Noting this info, McKee contacted the company and met with Richard Covey of Pike Industries last week, to view the Town Center parking area for a quote. Stone asked if Pike would consider patching the area. McKee replied that Pike prefers to do the job in its entirety as it becomes a scheduling and quality issue. Pike will provide a quote soon

An access permit for W. Parker was discussed. Lyford said that the new access area seemed preferable and he and Stone will review and reply to Parker.

Stone opened up the floor to the guests. Chas Cook asked why the town had terminated Syd Veysey's employ. The Selectboard handed out copies of the official approved minutes, which were taken by Attorney Paul Gillies, Town Counsel, on January 29th, 2010. McKee stated that the approved minutes are the official record of Selectboard meetings, and that the Town of Vershire is an "at will" employer and also has "at will" employees. Employees can leave whenever they so choose, and similarly, the Selectboard also has the right to dismiss an employee if they feel it necessary. McKee stated that it was not an easy decision, and that the Board had to make a choice primarily due to safety concerns in the work place and in the best interest of the town. Konitshek expressed her disbelief that Veysey would have done something wrong intentionally. McKee stated that he understood her concerns. Stone responded that personnel matters have to remain confidential and cannot be spoken about publicly. Konitshek asked if Lyford, Veysey, and Tim Farrar were brought in to the meetings. Craft interjected that the conversations in an Executive Session cannot be discussed publicly. Konitshek asked what happened in the open session, and Stone replied that it was in the minutes that they had just handed out. A. Towle asked about the safety concern. Stone stated how difficult it had been for all. S. Ward stated that guests’ questions were out of line, and that the board had followed required procedure. McKee agreed, and explained why the Board could not go into details. Gene Sobeck stated that he understood that personnel issues in executive session could not be disclosed for protection of the town. Konitshek asked if Lyford was present during the executive session. The Board and Lyford replied that he was not. Cyndi Veysey asked that her statement be included in the minutes, as she wished to make her statement in a public forum. She said that her husband had enjoyed his job, and did a great job while he was working for the town. "I'm here in support of my husband," she said. She expressed her sorrow for the manner in which it happened, and stated that they would be fine. McKee complimented Cyndi on her writing skills, and suggested that if she'd like to write a letter in support of her husband, it would be included in the permanent record.

Konitshek asked if he was fired based on the "dismissed accusation" noted in the minutes. McKee & Stone again responded that Vershire is an employer "at will," and it was a most difficult situation for all. Gary Rhodes asked if decisions get decided by only two Selectboard members. French responded that majority rules and that they were all present during the meetings. Konitshek asked if the locks at the town garage were changed prior to Veysey's dismissal. Stone responded that as much as he would like to clear up any rumors, the board cannot respond to these questions. Craft suggested that if the guests wished to make comments they could do so.

Cook stated that Veysey worked by himself all summer, and Konitshek stated that he was a dedicated employee. Cook stated that he felt that the board didn’t have a reason to let him go. McKee disagreed, but stated that the comments were duly noted. Konitshek feels that Vershire has lost a valuable employee. McKee restated that it was a painfully hard decision to make. After awhile, the majority of the guests left.

Gene Sobeck asked if the highway crew can knock back the opening at the intersection of Taylor Valley and Tenney Hill roads when plowing. Lyford stated that they will oblige.

Stone moved to accept and sign the orders. All were in favor.

Discussion ensued about paying J. Beebe for his driving of town equipment. Craft will talk with VLCT for insurance implications and then the board can make a decision and set the rate at the next meeting. McKee made a motion to hire J. Beebe as a temporary driver on the highway dept. All were in favor.

Discussion followed about the open highway crew position and when they might post same. The Board will make that determination in the coming meetings.

McKee moved to accept amended minutes for Jan 26th. French seconded. All were in favor. McKee opened and reviewed the recent town bank statement. Craft asked that the board pay $125 to J. LaPierre for his time served on the Selectboard in the first quarter of 2009. The board approved and it will be noted in the general ledger.

McKee hoped to work on the recycle ramps on Friday. French discussed the proposed signage and what should be noted on them. Clean plastic containers having #1 & #2, glass, & tin cans are acceptable in one container and clean, unwaxed, flattened cardboard and tear able paper in the other.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30.