MINUTES OF THE NEWFANE SELECTBOARD
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 7, 2008
TOWN OFFICES
NEWFANE, VERMONT
PRESENT
Selectboard members: Joe Mandell, Dan Dewalt, Peter Rysz, Guy Wachtel,
Also Present: Shannon Meckle, Administrative Assistant; Todd Lawley,
Road Foreman; Gunther Garbe, Gary Katz, Ed Druke, Chris Petrak, Robert
Holden, Jo Ellen Falk
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Selectboard Chair, Joe
Mandell.
MINUTES
January 17, 2008: Dan Dewalt made a motion to approve the minutes as
written. Peter Rysz seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously.
January 22, 2008 Budget Meeting: Dan Dewalt made a motion to approve
the minutes as written. Peter Rysz seconded. The minutes were approved
with 4 in favor and Ellen Darrow abstaining.
ROAD BUSINESS:
Road Foreman’s Report: See Attached Report.
The board reviewed a draft letter regarding the pavement on Grimes Hill
Road and suggested some revisions.
Discussion ensued regarding speeding on the Covered Bridge and overweight
trucks using the Green Iron Bridge.
An excess weight permit application was received by DH Hardwick &
Sons. After discussion, Dan Dewalt made a motion to approve the permit
for 69,000 pounds, rather than the 99,000 pounds that was applied for.
Peter Rysz seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
An application for a permit for laying pipes & wires under the road
was received for South Wardsboro Road by Verizon. Todd will look into
this and make a recommendation.
UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Gunther Garbe approached the board to announce that the Zoning Bylaw
update is almost complete. The Cell Tower Ordinance is currently administered
by the Selectboard, as is the Subdivision Bylaw. Gunther asked the board
to think about and decide whether these bylaws should remain separate,
or if they should be integrated with the Zoning Bylaw. Gunther’s
recommendation was to leave them as they are, because once a part of
the Zoning Bylaw, the process for amending them becomes more cumbersome.
The board’s consensus was to leave the documents separate. Gunther
also mentioned that John Feifel and Gunter are willing to accept another
appointment; however they will be resigning after the Zoning Bylaws
are adopted.
Gary Katz reported that the DRB has not had a Zoning Permit to review
in quite some time, and wondered whether, as the Zoning Administrator’s
supervisor, the Selectboard looks at the Zoning Permits that are being
granted. Discussion ensued regarding the Zoning Permit Application process,
as well as the town structure with regards to how supervision of the
Zoning Administrator takes place.
Gunther volunteered to look into the issue of who supervises the Zoning
Administrator, and will report back to the board with his findings.
Gary Katz questioned whether at Town Meeting, the townspeople can vote
to instruct the Selectboard and Treasurer to have a monthly or quarterly
meeting. It could be brought up under other business, but decisions
made wouldn’t be binding.
SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Robert Holden, Rescue, Inc.: Robert reported that he is back on the
finance committee. It’s been very confusing and is a work in progress.
There will be some changes to the way billing is done in order to ease
financial burdens. There are bills in legislation which call for more
funding from the state. The board thanked Robert for his representation.
Joellen Falk, Newfane Elementary School: Joellen approached the board
regarding a letter of support for this phase of the Playground grant.
She gave an overview of improvements that will be made to the playground
with this round of funding. The board asked Joellen if she had any suggested
language for the letter. Joellen will draft a letter for the board to
review and sign. The board applauded her efforts and look forward to
signing a letter of support.
Chris Petrak, Moderator: Approached the board regarding seating arrangements
for Town Meeting. The decision was to keep the arrangement as it has
been in the past. The board wished Chris luck at Town Meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Anti-Idling signs: Dan Dewalt requested 4 signs to say:
The board agreed to have the signs ordered. Shannon will order them.
Reappointing Lister Position: Peter Rysz made a motion to reappoint
Doris Knechtel as Lister. Dan Dewalt seconded the motion. The motion
passed unanimously.
Dan Dewalt made a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss the employment
and evaluation of a public officer or employee. Peter Rysz seconded
the motion. The motion passed unanimously, and the board entered Executive
Session at 8:20 p.m.
PAY WARRANTS:
Guy Wachtel made a motion to approve the pay warrants as presented.
Dan Dewalt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Payroll:
01/23/08 $4,557.96
01/30/08 $3,614.43
02/06/08 $ 344.71
02/08/08 $1,928.44
TOTAL : $14,805.79
IRS Electronic Payment:
01/30/08: $1,393.76
02/06/08: $1,242.43
02/13/08 $1,878.19
02/13/08 $ 391.20
TOTAL : $ 4,905.58
Peter Rysz made a motion to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. Guy Wachtel seconded
the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Shannon Meckle, Administrative Assistant
Posted At: Town Clerk's Office, Newfane Store, Williamsville/South
Newfane Post Office, and South Newfane General Store & Deli. www.newfanevt.com
(after approval)
