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NEWFANE SELECTBOARD MINUTES SEPTEMBER 3, 2009 NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE PRESENT: Selectboard: Gary Katz, Jeff Gouger, Todd Lawley, Christopher Williams, Dennis Wiswall Also Present: Gunther Garbe, Bea MacFarland, Sargent Christopher Buckley, Vermont State Police, Lieutenant Kraig Laporte, Vermont State Police, Steve Levine, Ed Druke, Virginia Grabowski, Richard Hickey, Marc Gray, Richard Marek, Robert Litchfield, Phyllis Mandell, Joe Mandell 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Gary Katz, Chair. 2. MINUTES A motion was made by Todd Lawley and seconded by Dennis Wiswall to approve the minutes of August 6, 2009 with the correction to show that Jeff Gouger was not present at the meeting. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Todd Lawley and seconded by Dennis Wiswall to approve the minutes of August 20, 2009 as presented. The motion carried unanimously. 3. ROAD BUSINESS Road Foreman/Road Commissioner’s Report: See attached report. Engine Brake Discussion: Kraig LaPorte, Vermont State Police stated that his position that it would not be enforcing that portion of the ordinance and questioned why it was put in for only one portion of one road. Commercial Vehicle Inspection Certified, Sargent Buckley explained why Engine Brakes are used. They are designed to take the stress off the regular brakes of the truck. The officers reiterated that their stance is Safety First. Commercial vehicles take longer to stop, they are a lot heavier, and it is important for them to be afforded every opportunity they have to be safe. A question and answer period ensued, along with discussion about possible compromises and solutions. A motion was made by Todd Lawley to table the discussion until the town learns from the insurance company whether or not we are liable. The motion was seconded by Dennis Wiswall. The motion carried unanimously. 5. SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC Bea MacFarland was present to represent Adele Graham in discussions regarding Cross Street sidewalks. She read aloud a letter from Adele to the board stating that she cannot be in attendance and has asked Bea to be there for her. Bea also presented a permit application for work in the roadway as well as a check for the permit fee. The board did not accept the application, as the work was not done to acceptable specifications. Richard Marek and Robert Litchfield were present as Village Trustees. Both sides were given opportunity to speak. After a lengthy discussion the town’s position remained consistent. No action was taken. The previous decision was reaffirmed. A motion was made by Christopher Williams that the letter sent by the board stands, and that Ms. Graham needs to remove the granite posts within 30 days of the letter, being September 12. The motion was seconded by Jeff Gouger. Discussion: Bea MacFarland questioned the board on the permit application. It was the view of the board that if the Village chooses to apply for the permit, if it is indeed a village project, they’ll have to present it. The town will wait for a response.The vote was unanimous. The board asked Shannon to put together a second letter to Ms. Graham reiterating that the posts have to come out by September 12, 2009 and further stating that the village needs to apply for the permit. Shannon will send copies to the Village Trustees and the Selectboard. Steve Levine was present, representing the Williamsville Hall Committee. He noted that the Committee would like to have Deb Luskin as the newest member of the Committee, making her the eighth. He presented a list of members. Todd Lawley made a motion to appoint Deb Luskin as the 8th member of the Williamsville Hall Committee. Dennis Wiswall seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Discussion ensued about the Committee’s willingness to take over rentals of the Hall. The consensus of the board was that at this time, it should still go through the Town Office. Shannon will check into the other rental facilities in the area to find out their methods of renting. Gunther gave an overview for his idea of the “Williamsville Hall Preservation Association. Gunther and the Williamsville hall committee will work together to come up with a plan by November 5 for that. A motion was made by Todd Lawley and seconded by Jeff Gouger to approve of the idea, and to ask the Committee to come back on November 5 with a plan, with costs included. The motion carried unanimously. 5. UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC Kindle Farm: Drew Grabinger approached the board requesting a signature of support for a loan through the USDA. He noted that it does not put any responsibility on the town, financially or otherwise. A motion was made by Todd Lawley and seconded by Dennis Wiswall to authorize Gary Katz, as Chair, to sign the support of public body with no financial obligation for Kindle Farms’ USDA Loan application. The motion carried unanimously. 6. NEW BUSINESS The board discussed an invitation to attend meeting of the Development Review Board on September 22, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. Dennis will attend. Shannon will let David Cotton know that Dennis will attend. Gary noted that he’d received a call and it seems that federal stimulus money is being used for full time policing in Putney. It was clarified that it was Putney’s grant. No further action was taken. 7. OLD BUSINESS Planning Commission Appointments: There was no further information available. South Wardsboro Junk Ordinance Violation: The attorney says he can do a foreclosure on the property after adding the price of removing the trailer to the lien. The board asked Shannon to find out what the value of the property is. Jeff suggested sending the owner another letter letting him know that the trailer had been removed and that we’d be speaking with an attorney about a possible foreclosure. Upper River Road: After a short discussion, the board scheduled a site visit at Upper River Road for September 17 at 5:30 p.m. Shannon will notify land owners. 9. CORRESPONDENCE: Letter received from Olin Stephens requesting assistance on a drainage matter. Todd agreed to follow up with him. Rescue Inc. quarterly Report received. Letter received from the Town Clerk requesting approval of expenditures for various stamps. A motion was made by Jeff Gouger and seconded by Dennis Wiswall to approve the purchase. The expenditure was approved unanimously. 10. PAY ORDERS A motion was made by Christopher Williams and seconded by Dennis Wiswall to approve the pay orders. The motion carried unanimously. 11. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Todd Lawley and seconded by Dennis Wiswall to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m. The motion carried unanimously. Respectfully Submitted,Shannon Meckle Posted: Town Clerk's Office, Newfane Store, W.W. Building Supply, Williamsville Hall, S. Newfane/Williamsville Post Office and the South Newfane General Store & Deli. www.newfanevt.com (after approval)
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