Newfane Selectboard Minutes December 3, 2009 PDF Print E-mail

NEWFANE SELECTBOARD MINUTES

DECEMBER 3, 2009

NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE 

PRESENT:    Selectboard:   Gary Katz, Jeff Gouger, Christopher Williams, Dennis Wiswall

Also Present:  Marc Gray, Ed Druke, Sara Henry, Blake Prescott, Gunther Garbe, Gina Sherman, Teri Brooks, Virginia Grabowski, Joe Mandell, Richard King, Richard Hickey, Jack Bell, Rod Lampe, Bill Guenther, Marshall Glickman  

1.        CALL TO ORDER Gary Katz, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:27 p.m. 

2.         EXECUTIVE SESSION A motion was made by Dennis Wiswall to enter Executive Session 6:27 p.m. The motion was seconded by Jeff Gouger. The motion carried unanimously. The board came out of Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. A motion was made by Dennis Wiswall to remove Condition 1 of the Development Review Board decision in relation to the Van Gelder appeal. The motion was seconded by Jeff Gouger. The motion carried unanimously. 

3.         MINUTES The minutes of November 5, 2009 were reviewed. A motion was made by Dennis Wiswall and seconded by Christopher Williams to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously. The minutes of the November 5, 2009 Board of Liquor Control meeting were reviewed. A motion was made by Dennis Wiswall and seconded by Jeff Gouger to approve the minutes as written. The motion carried with three in favor and Christopher Williams abstaining, as he was not present at the meeting.

4.         ROAD BUSINESS Road Foreman’s Report:  See attached report. 

Upper River Road: Discussion ensued regarding the possible closure of Upper River Road. The board felt that nothing could be done this year due to winter approaching. The landowners gave their thoughts on having the road closed to through traffic year round, rather than only in the winter.  The consensus of the board was to have Todd draw up his recommendation for discussion at the second meeting in December. The board will then have a public hearing on the same date as the first regular meeting in January. In addition, the board asked Shannon to look up the laws regarding road closures. 

Excess Weight Permits: The board and members of the public discussed Newfane’s weight limits in general, and as it relates to the appeal that was recently received for a logging operation. The board considered whether to allow the applicant to have the variance previously applied for. Dennis made a motion in this specific case to allow the variance to 99,000 pounds. The motion was seconded by Christopher Williams. Discussion: Jeff noted that he’d like to see a condition for a specific period of time. Christopher noted that during the covered bridge closure it would be good not to truck on that day.  The board agreed with this proposal, as well as having the permit being contingent on the trucking company being responsible for any damage. The permit variance will expire at the end of January. The motion carried with three in favor and one opposed. The consensus of the board was to keep the policy on overweight permits the same. With variances being granted on an individual basis, to be considered by the board. 

South Wardsboro Road: Blake Prescott was present to discuss safety issues on South Wardsboro Road. He suggested installing warning signs. He also mentioned a ditch near Old Stage Road and suggested reflector tape in the areas of concern.  The board thought it was a good idea. After discussion, Dennis agreed to meet with Blake Prescott to target the areas of concern, and will follow up with Todd. 

Dover Road: Joe Mandell asked the board about putting up “Covered Bridge Ahead” signs closer to Route 30. The board asked Shannon to ask Todd about the possibility. 

5.        SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC Marshall Glickman, Collector of Delinquent Taxes was present to discuss upcoming tax sales and to ask the town to be buyer of last resort for the properties up for sale. The sale will be held December 18 at 1:00 p.m.  

6.         UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC  Mark Gray was present to present his bid for winter snow removal and to inquire as to whether snow removal will be done at the Williamsville Hall. It was the consensus of the board to leave the Hall unshoveled, and to allow the Highway Crew to remove snow should it become necessary for someone to enter the building. A motion to that effect was made by Dennis Wiswall and seconded by Christopher Williams. The motion carried unanimously. 

7.         NEW BUSINESS Gary read a letter from the attorney that will be representing the board in the matter of Chandler v. Town of Newfane. The letter was informing the town that they need to keep all correspondence related to the matter. 

8.       CORRESPONDENCE:   A letter was received by Gloria Cristelli asking for approval for the purchase of software.  A motion was made by Jeff Gouger, seconded by Dennis Wiswall to approve the $125.00 expenditure for software, with the understanding that if something is needed beyond what can be afforded in the Town Office Computer line item, moneys will have to be transferred from Town Clerk Records.  

9.              PAY ORDERSA motion was made by Dennis Wiswall to approve pay orders as follows. Jeff Gouger seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Pay Orders:         $ 35,896.17Payroll:                 $ 1,811.39                              $3,604.94                              $3,652.76 EFTPS:                12/09/09 – 300.62                              12/09/09 – 1070.14                              12/02/09 – 1053.99 

10.       ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Dennis Wiswall and seconded by Jeff Gouger to adjourn at 9:34. 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)