Newfane, Vermont - Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes

Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes

Any and all corrections to the following minutes will be made at the 03/16/00 Board of Selectmenąs Meeting and are considered unapproved until then. Corrections will be noted in the minutes of that meeting.

MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MARCH 2nd, 2000
NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE

PRESENT:
Selectmen: Michael Rohan, Jesse Anderson, Lynn Bedell, Richard Dowley and Carter Van Iderstine.
Also Present: Jonathan Julian, Ed Druke, Gunther Garbe, Rick Cefalo, Newfane Postmaster, Chris Madden, USPS Real Estate Specialist, Wayne Woodbury, USPS, Bea MacFarland, James O. Gray, Road Foreman, and Doris A. Knechtel, Administrative Assistant.

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman M. Rohan called the Regular Meeting of the Board to order at 7:01 p.m. 2. SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC A. OPENING OF BIDS - OLD FURNACE & GARAGE DOORS (1) Furnace Bids - Only one bid was received for the furnace at the old town garage. The bid received was from James Rogers Trucking & Exc., Inc. For the amount of $250.00 for the furnace and accessories. The Board will wait until J. Gray arrives at the meeting to discuss the bid received.
(2) Garage Doors - No bids were received. There was some discussion with J. Gray about the bid received from Jim Rogers for the old furnace at the old town garage. Motion was made by J. Anderson and seconded by R. Dowley to sell the "old furnace" at the former town garage to James Rogers for $250 including duct work, thermostat and stack. Unanimous.

B. USPS - CHRIS MADDEN - NEWFANE POST OFFICE

Chris Madden, Real Estate Specialist with the USPS in Windsor, CT and Wayne Woodbury, Facility Specialist with the USPS in Springfield, MA were present to discuss future postal needs for Newfane.
C. Madden has spoken with the current owner of the leased property. They need to have 3,100 square feet of interior space. They will first consider expanding the present postal facility, which is 936 square feet on a small lot.
The second consideration would be to relocate to an existing building that could be retrofitted to the required needs.
The third option would be to construct a new building on approximately one acre. They would prefer to keep the postal facility within the "downtown" business area.
The postal service leases the facility for a twenty year period.
C. Madden indicated that he will be sending a letter to the town in 15 days to indicate the status of the process. They will be advertising for a location within the village. Once proposals are submitted there will be a 30- day comment period on the short list of sites under consideration, will be provided for all interested citizens. The final proposal would be subject to the zoning regulations with a site plan review by the Planning Commission.
The question was raised about what the amount of square footage is based on. W. Woodbury responded that it is based on deliveries, the number of post office boxes and the amount of business volume projected over a 20-year period.
The breakdown for this proposal would be on one floor with 2,500 square feet of work area, 500 square feet of loading area with 100 square feet for vestibule with exterior requirements for handicap accessibility.
Bea MacFarland asked about Historic sites and the "historic" boxes now in use. W. Woodbury indicated that the boxes in question will be replaced as they are obsolete and repair parts are difficult to find. Perhaps the boxes could be donated to the Historic Society or there could be some other plan proposed.
C. Madden asked that if the Board has any questions to please contact him. He will be in contact with the town in a few weeks.
3. UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC Jonathan Julian, said to be representing the Williamsville Hall Committee, has obtained an estimate from James Kelly of The Pipeworks for the installation of a kitchen sink in the area of the kitchen at the Williamsville Hall. The price of $970 include the installation in a fashion so it can be easily drained and shut down between use. It does not include the sink, sink faucets or drain in sink.
Motion was made by L. Bedell and seconded by J. Anderson to vote on allotting the expenditure of the funds for this project.
4. ROAD BUSINESS A. ROAD COMMISSIONER'S REPORT - (See attached report)
The Board reviewed the report. No action was required on any of the items listed. It was also noted that the RC did well on the evaluation report of the Road Foreman.

B. ROAD FOREMAN'S REPORT - (See attached report)
The Board reviewed the report.

(1) Item #2 - Some of the roads have been posted for "mud season", Sunset Lake Road (TH#42), South Wardsboro Road (TH#1) and Adams Hill Road (TH#27). More roads may need to be posted as needed, depending on the weather.
L. Bedell commented about the driveways along Depot Road (TH#2) that are washing into the road. C. EXCESS WEIGHT PERMITS No Excess Weight Permits were presented that required action by the Board. D. ACCESS/RIGHT OF WAY PERMITS No Access/Right of Way permits were presented to the Board that required any action. E. CONSIDERATION OF BRIDGE #49 - GREEN IRON BRIDGE
VT HISTORIC BRIDGE PROGRAM AGREEMENT J. Gray commented that he has not yet reviewed the agreement. The Board will take the matter up at their meeting of 03/16/00. 5. OLD BUSINESS A. APPOINTMENT - CONSERVATION COMMISSION - (2003) - No action taken.

B. APPOINTMENT - ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT - (2002) - No action taken.

C. OTHER OLD BUSINESS

(1) A letter has been received from William Guenther, Newfane Tree Warden, to indicate that he has spoken to Ray Withington of Bell Atlantic, and his company is NOT able to authorize any funds for the removal of the "large pines" at Cross and West Streets. He also would like an update as to where the selectmen are with regards to the public hearing on the issue. He will be contacted by Chairman M. Rohan that according to the statutues, it is the responsibility of the Tree Warden to set the date and time for the hearing. The negotiations for the costs will take place with the parties involved after the decisions as a result of the hearing are known.
(2) Bea MacFarland asked about the status of the plans for the drainage proposal for the Newfane Village being prepared by Stevens & Associates. DAK will contact the firm. The proposal needs to be completed so that the project can be put out to bid for project completion by June 30th.
(3) M. Rohan has discussed the zoning administrator position with John Spicer. To date the Planning Commission has not received any applications, which are due on March 6th according to the advertisement. Kevin Moore, the current ZA, has resigned as of March 8th. There was some discussion of combining the position of Zoning Administrator and Sewage Control Officer. No decision was made on that matter. The Board also discussed increasing the hourly rate for the ZA from $8.50 to $9.00 which may make a difference for some applicants. Motion was made by M. Rohan and seconded by R. Dowley to increase the hourly rate of the Newfane Zoning Administrator from $8.50 to $9.00, the same hourly rate as the Listers. Unanimous.

D. OTHER OLD BUSINESS (1) Williamsville Hall Sink - J. Gray has reviewed the letter and recommendations received from Brooks Mitchell regarding the operation of the heating system at the Williamsville Hall. Some of the items and suggestions are not correct, for instance, the system is not connected to the domestic water system. J. Gray has discussed some of the information with Tim Jeffers. J. Gray feels that the town should get a second opinion of the repairs needed. Motion was made by R. Dowley and seconded by C. Van Iderstine to obtain a second opinion on the needs for the Williamsville Hall heating system improvements. Unanimous.
J. Gray also indicated that Jeffers takes care of the plumbing needs at the Town Office, the Town Garage and the Williamsville Hall when needed and responds in a timely manner. He will contact Jeffers for the "second opinion" information. J. Anderson suggested that the hot water pipes be insulated. The heat has been on for several hours for this meeting and the temperature is barely up to 60%. The temperature outside is only 10%. Heat is lost from doors being left open and from the poor condition of the windows. There is no insulation in the walls of the building. 6. NEW BUSINESS A. REVIEW OF TOWN MEETING INFORMATION
A packet of information regarding the articles for the warning with background information was prepared for the Board members to review. Most of the discussion centered around the articles for the replacement (Article #18) or rehabilitation (Article #19) of the covered bridge. It is hoped that the voters will recommend one of the choices. To do nothing would mean that the bridge would be removed from the state bridge program at this time and added at a later date. The work for the options being proposed at the town meeting will not begin until 2005.

(1) During the budget proposals for Fiscal Year 2001, the Selectmen proposed a 3% increase for the members of the Highway Department employees and the Administrative Assistant. The 3% increase is effective from July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2001. Motion was made by L. Bedell and seconded by C. Van Iderstine to approve the 3% increase for the Highway Employees and the Administrative Assistant, as presented for FY 2001. Unanimous.

7. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT'S REPORT - (See attached report) (1) Item #4 - Henry Turner was in to ask about purchasing a road sign through the town and putting it up by his driveway, which serves two lots. There other lots in the vicinity that he owns, but at this time they do not have dwellings on them. The two dwelling lots have 911 numbers on Dover Road (TH#2) but he has not yet posted them. The Board discussed the matter and advised against putting up a "Turner Lane" sign as it may confuse those who may be responding to an emergency situation on the property. The language on the Street/Road Naming Ordinance was reviewed but there did not seem to be any provisions for addressing this issue. A response will be written to Mr. Turner as well as the recent letters received regarding Bettlestone Hill Road (TH#47) and Jail Road (TH#56) concerning the E-911 System.
8. MINUTES The minutes of the Regular Meeting of 03/02/00 were reviewed by the Board. Motion was made by J. Anderson and seconded by L. Bedell to approve the minutes of the Regular meeting of 02/17/00, as written. Unanimous.
9. PAY ORDERS A. Motion was made by M. Rohan and seconded by J. Anderson to approve the Newfane Payroll and Accounts Payable Warrants, as signed, for the following amounts: 02/19/00 Payroll $ 4,238.16
02/26/00 Payroll $ 3,010.57
03/02/00 Payroll $ 838.69
02/23/00 Acct's Payable #18 $ 461.65
03/03/00 Acct's Payable #19 $ 17,386.85
Unanimous

B. IRS Electronic Federal Payroll Tax Payments
02/23/00 $ 1,189.10
03/01/00 $ 1,768.83

10. CORRESPONDENCE B. A copy of the Historic Bridge Preservation Easement Agreement between the State of Vermont Agency of Transportation (VAOT) and Town of Newfane had been received for Bridge #49 (Green Iron Bridge) on town highway #26. The original copy for signature was not available at this time. The matter will be discussed at the March 2nd meeting.

C. A letter has been received from seven property owners or residents of Jail Street (TH#56) to request that the name be changed to Village Green. If the Board is to consider this change, there would have to be a hearing. No action was taken.

D. A letter has been received from JoEllen Tarallo-Falk and Jay Falk to request that Beetlestone Hill Road (TH#47) be shortened to Stone Hill Road. As with item 10. C., if the Board is to consider this change, a hearing would need to be held. No action was taken.

E. A copy of a letter has been received that was written to Jonathan Julian from Brooks Mitchell regarding the heating system at the Williamsville Hall. This matter was discussed under 5.B. (1) earlier during the meeting.

F. A Public Notice has been received to indicate that the Zoning Board of Adjustment will be having a hearing on March 8th beginning at 8:00 p.m. to consider a conditional use permit for WW Building Supply. The town office property abuts the property, owned by Phyllis Kent, to be used for the storage of lumber.

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION No matters requiring an Executive Session came before the Board at this time.
12. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by J. Anderson and seconded by R. Dowley to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Newfane Board of Selectmen at 9:50 p.m. Unanimous.
Doris A. Knechtel
Administrative Assistant
Newfane Board of Selectmen

Posted: Town Clerk's Office, Newfane Store, Patsy's County Seat Market, Lessing's Family General Store and South Newfane General Store & Deli and www.webwerk.com/newfane

ROAD COMMISSIONER'S REPORT 03/02/00 1. Emma Brown called about the water crossing Browns Road (TH#45). Where it is coming off the hill it is beginning to wash across the road.

2. Sharon Howard called about a bad mud hole by the farm on Parish Hill Road (TH#26). I told Jim and he said he would see that some gravel would be put there.

Dick Dowley

ROAD FOREMAN'S REPORT 3/02/00
TOWN OF NEWFANE HIGHWAY 1. Snow storm on 02/18 & 19/00 was the heaviest of the winter season. 16" of snow fell on the roads in the higher elevations.

2. Sunset Lake Road (TH#42), South Wardsboro Road (TH#1), and Adams Hill Road (TH#27) have been posted for mud season. Other roads to be posted if needed.

3. Gravel roads will be graded and raked as soon as weather conditions warrant. All town roads have had the snow winged back to help with drainage and mud season.

4. Frozen culverts are now being thawed to provide drainage. Some culverts that were thawed froze again.

5. Equipment: A. The F-550 Snowking snowplow and frame are being worked on at Vermont Municipal in Williamstown. B. The L-9000 had new brake shoes put on at the town garage on the left rear of vehicle.

Respectfully submitted,

James O. Gray

Town Offices:
Route 30, P.O. Box 36, Newfane VT 05345, Tel. (802) 365-7772

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