Any and all corrections to the following
minutes will be made at the 04/07/05 Board of Selectmen's meeting and
are considered unapproved until then. Corrections will be noted in the
minutes of that meeting.
MINUTES - ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING - BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MARCH 2nd, 2005
NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE
PRESENT:
Selectmen: Patricia Halloran, Gary Katz, and Hendrik W. Piet van Loon.
Absent: Priscilla Cotton and Dan DeWalt.
Also Present: Gunther Garbe, Representative Richard Marek, David Clarkson,
Gianna Scherer Robinson, Kenneth A. Robinson, Edward Druke, Sr., Emily
Long, John Feifel, Jim Spencer and Doris A. Knechtel, Administrative Assistant.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The organizational meeting was called to order by Piet van Loon 6:34 p.m.
Members of the Board were recently elected to serve the following terms:
Patricia Halloran (2006), Piet van Loon (2006) and Dan DeWalt (2009).
P. van Loon indicated that there will not be a quorum for the meeting
until 7:00 p.m. The quorum of the Board will decide on a date and time
certain to recess the Organizational Meeting with the full Board present.
P. Cotton and D. DeWalt were unable to be present at this evening's meeting.
4. UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
A. Representative R. Marek spoke of a new bill that has been introduced
that relates to dog attack situations. Towns will be able to act on a
dog attack situation without the requirement that the person attacked
require medical attention, which is now the case.
B. D. Clarkson indicated that Tom Bedell, a candidate for one of the Planning
Commission openings, will not be available on Monday or Tuesday of this
next week , if indeed that is when the Selectboard will be making appointments.
P van Loon that they may be further interviews of the five potential candidates
for the PC before any appointments are made.
C. J. Spencer, a member of the Planning Commission, suggested that the
PC membership be increased from 7 to 9 in order to take advantage of the
five candidates' diversity and skills. He believes that the group could
work well together. P. van Loon indicated that while working on the Town
Plan and the Zoning Bylaw it is important that the PC reach out for public
input at their regular meetings rather than waiting until the document
is at the hearing stage.
1. CALL TO ORDER - (cont.)
Newly elected member, Patricia Halloran arrived at the meeting at 7:02
p.m. She was given the oath of office and welcomed to the Board. After
a brief discussion, a quorum of the Selectboard agreed to make a motion
at the end to the meeting to recess the Organizational Meeting until Tuesday,
March 8th beginning at 6:30 p.m.
4. UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC - (cont.)
D. Rep. R. Marek agreed to answer questions of those present regarding
legislative issues. The subject of Education Funding was discussed. The
current system being used to calculate the Common Level of Appraisal is
requiring towns to reappraise more frequently at the
4. UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC - (cont.)
cost of between $60 to $120 per parcel. Newfane most recent CLA is at
87.32%. If it goes below 80% the town will need to reappraise, maybe as
soon as 2006. Currently the town receives $7.00 per parcel from the Education
Fund to be used toward reappraisal. There is about $43,000 in the town's
reappraisal fund as of 06/30/04.
Other questions were raised about state aid for bridges and highways,
Health Care reform and Medicaid, and the consolidation of VTrans Highway
District #1 (Bennington) and #2 (Dummerston) into District #1 in Bennington.
That idea has been blocked so far.
Representative R. Marek is serving as one of 11 members of the Judicial
Nominating Board that screen potential candidates to serve as Trial Judges,
on the Supreme Court and on the Public Service Board. The Governor makes
the final appointments.
13. PAYORDERS
Motion was made by P. Halloran and seconded by G. Katz to approve the
Newfane Payroll and Accounts Payable Warrants for the following amounts:
02/23/05 Payroll $ 3,099.48
03/02/05 Payroll $ 4,288.13
03/04/05 Payroll $ 1,986.64
02/17/05 Acct's Payable #16A $ 575.73
03/04/05 Acct's Payable #17 $29,972.79
IRS Electronic Federal Payroll Tax Payments
02/23/05 $ 1,063.02
03/02/05 $ 979.68
11. OTHER BUSINESS
A. EXECUTIVE SESSION - Motion was made by G. Katz and seconded by P. Halloran
to enter into Executive Session at 7:32 p.m. to discuss a matter of litigation.
Unanimous.
Motion was made by P. Halloran and seconded by G. Katz to come out of
Executive Session at 7:47 p.m. Unanimous.
Motion was made by P. Halloran and seconded by G. Katz to have Hendrik
APiet@ van Loon contact the attorney being used in this matter and to
let him know that the town does not agree with the proposed stipulation
to be submitted to the Environmental Court on the appeal of Joseph Wright.
Unanimous.
B. P. van Loon and G. Katz reviewed upcoming materials with new member
P. Halloran regarding the appointment process. Other upcoming projects
were also discussed.
15. RECESS MEETING
Motion was made by P. Halloran and seconded by G. Katz to recess this
meeting at 8:07 p.m. and to reconvene on Tuesday, March 8th, 2005 beginning
at 6:30 p.m. Unanimous.
MINUTES - RECESSED ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
OF MARCH 2nd, 2005
MARCH 8th, 2005
NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE PRESENT:
Selectboard: Piet van Loon, Priscilla Cotton, Dan DeWalt, Pat Halloran
and Gary Katz.
Also Present: David Clarkson, Ed Druke, Gunther Garbe of the Planning
Commission, James Spencer of the Planning Commission, and Doris Knechtel,
Administrative Assistant.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Piet van Loon called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. He welcomed the
new members, Patricia Halloran and Dan DeWalt, to the Board. He asked
each Board member to say a few words about their backgrounds.
2. ELECT: CHAIRMAN, VICE-CHAIRMAN AND CLERK
CHAIRMAN - P. Cotton nominated Hendrik W. 'Piet' van Loon as the Chairman
of the Newfane Selectboard. Nominations were closed. In favor of Hendrik
W. 'Piet' van Loon as Chairman of the Newfane Selectboard: P. Cotton,
D. DeWalt, P. Halloran, and G. Katz. P. van Loon abstained.
VICE-CHAIRMAN - P. Cotton nominated Gary Katz as the Vice-Chairman of
the Newfane Selectboard. Nominations were closed. Chairman P. Van Loon
asked that the clerk cast one ballot in favor of Gary M. Katz to serve
as the Vice-Chairman of the Newfane Selectboard. G. Katz abstained.
CLERK - P. Cotton nominated Administrative Assistant Doris A. Knechtel,
as Clerk of the Newfane Board of Selectmen. Nominations were closed. Chairman
P. Van Loon asked that the clerk cast one ballot in favor of Doris A.
Knechtel to serve as Clerk of the Newfane Selectboard. Unanimous.
Hendrik 'Piet' W. van Loon elected as Chairman of the Newfane Selectboard.
Gary M. Katz elected as Vice-Chairman of the Newfane Selectboard.
Doris A. Knechtel elected as the Clerk of the Newfane Selectboard.
3. MEETING SCHEDULE
Motion was made by P. Halloran and seconded by G. Katz to have the regular
meetings of the Newfane Selectboard on the first and third Thursday of
each month beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Newfane Town Office. Unanimous.
Motion was made by G. Katz and seconded by P. Cotton to meet as the Board
of Health and Local Board of Liquor Control Commissioners, as needed on
the first and third Thursday of the month. Unanimous.
4. LOCATION FOR POSTING OF NOTICES & MINUTES
Motion was made by P. Cotton and seconded by G. Katz that the notices
and minutes be posted at the following locations: Town Clerk's Office,
Newfane Store, Williamsville General Store, The South Newfane General
Store & Deli and the website, www.newfanevt.com.
Unanimous. There was some discussion regarding the possible exploration
of e-mailing notices to a group or groups of residents.
5. OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR POSTING OF NOTICES & ADVERTISEMENTS
Motion was made by G. Katz and seconded by P. Cotton to have the Brattleboro
Reformer be the official newspaper for the posting of regular and special
notices, legal notices and advertisements. Unanimous.
6. APPOINTMENTS
A. ROAD COMMISSIONER - Motion was made by P. Cotton and seconded by P.
Halloran to appoint Gary M. Katz to serve as the Road Commissioner for
the Town of Newfane. Unanimous.
B. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE - Motion was made by G. Katz and seconded
by P. Cotton to appoint Edward J. Druke, Sr., Todd Lawley, Steve D. Jones,
Jay Wilson and Greg Record to serve as members of the Emergency Management
Committee. Unanimous.
C. DELEGATES TO WINDHAM REGIONAL COMMISSION - Motion was made by G. Katz
and seconded by P. Cotton to appoint Hendrik W. van Loon and Jodi P. French
to serve as the Delegates to Windham Regional Commission from Newfane.
Unanimous.
D. ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS - Motion was made by G. Katz and seconded by
P. Cotton to appoint the Windham County Sheriff's Department to serve
as the Animal Control Officer for the Town of Newfane. Unanimous. The
Board may add this to the duties of the Constable after one is appointed.
E. POUNDKEEPER - Motion was made by P. Cotton and seconded by G. Katz
to appoint the Windham County Humane Society to serve as the Poundkeeper
for Newfane. Unanimous.
F. FENCE VIEWERS - Motion was made by P. Cotton and seconded by P. Halloran
to appoint Larry C. Robinson, Gregory L. Record and Theodor E. Schreyer
to serve as the Fence Viewers for the Town of Newfane. Unanimous.
G. INSPECTOR OF LUMBER, SHINGLES, & WOOD - Motion was made by P. Halloran
and seconded by D. DeWalt to appoint Carleton Chaffee to serve as the
Inspector of Lumber, Shingles & Wood for the Town of Newfane. Unanimous.
H. WEIGHER OF COAL - Motion was made by D. DeWalt and seconded by P. Halloran
to appoint Carleton Chaffee to serve as the Weigher of Coal for Newfane.
Unanimous.
I. REPRESENTATIVE TO RESCUE, INC. - Motion was made by P. Cotton and seconded
by P. Halloran to appoint Gary M. Katz to serve as the Newfane Representative
to Rescue Inc. Unanimous.
J. TOWN ENERGY COORDINATOR - Motion was made by G. Katz and seconded by
D. DeWalt to appoint Edward J. Druke, Sr. to serve as the Town Energy
Coordinator for Newfane. Unanimous.
K. TOWN SERVICE OFFICER - Motion was made by P. Cotton and seconded by
P. Halloran to appoint Barbara Williams as the Town Service Officer for
Newfane. Unanimous.
L. TREE WARDEN - Motion was made by G. Katz and seconded by P. Cotton
to appoint William C. Guenther as the Tree Warden for Newfane. Unanimous.
M. SEWAGE CONTROL OFFICER - Motion was made by G. Katz and seconded by
D. DeWalt to appoint John J. Feifel, Sr. to serve as the Sewage Control
Officer for the Town of Newfane. Unanimous. There will be a change in
the state rules which may result in the elimination of a local sewage
control officer.
N. COUNCIL ON AGING REPRESENTATIVE - Motion was made by G. Katz and seconded
by P. Cotton to appoint Thanice 'Nissa' Petrak to serve as the representative
from Newfane on the Council on Aging. Unanimous.O.
PLANNING COMMISSION
There are three positions open on the Planning Commission, a one year
position, a two year position, and a four year position. The Board voted
at a previous meeting to increase the membership on the commission from
5 to 7. There are five candidates who are interested in serving on the
commission. Again there was some discussion about increasing the number
on the PC to 9. Motion was made by P. Cotton and seconded by P. Halloran
to have the Newfane Planning Commission consist of 7 members. In favor:
P. Cotton, P. Halloran, G. Katz and P van Loon. Abstaining: D. DeWalt.
Motion passes. The Selectboard agreed to meet for a Special Executive
Session Meeting on Friday, March 11th beginning at 3:30 p.m. to interview
the five candidates interested in serving on the PC. DAK will contact
the individuals to set up the appointments.
P. WINDHAM SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT - Motion was made by P. Cotton
and seconded by G. Katz to appoint Doris Knechtel as the Supervisor and
Paul Van Gelder as the Alternate Supervisor from Newfane on the WSWMD
Board. Unanimous.
Q. VERMONT GREEN-UP - Motion was made by P. Cotton and seconded by G.
Katz to appoint Laura Bacon and Thanice 'Nissa' Petrak to serve as the
Co-Chairmen for Vermont Green-Up for Newfane. Unanimous.
R. CONSERVATION COMMISSION - Motion was made by P. Cotton and seconded
by G. Katz to appoint Bruce Hesselbach and Gregory Record to the Newfane
Conservation Commission to each serve four year term until the year 2009.
Unanimous.
S. VILLAGE ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE - Motion was made by P. Halloran and
seconded by P. Cotton to appoint Charles A. Bergmann, Edward J. Druke,
Sr., Chris Petrak, Thanice Petrak, John T. Spicer and Margaret Spicer
to serve as members of the Village Enhancement Committee until March 2005.
Unanimous. It was noted that the purpose of the committee is to plant
trees and not become involved in traffic calming issues.
T. TRAFFIC CALMING COMMITTEE
The Board discussed the previous charge of the committee and what has
been accomplished. It was suggested that D. DeWalt and P. Halloran get
together and offer a fresh perspective on the framework and charge of
the committee before any members are appointed. Steve Ovenden of WRC will
be at the March 17th meeting to discuss traffic calming measures for VT
Route 30.
Each of the people appointed to the above positions will be sent a letter
asking if they accept their individual appointments.
U. ASSISTANT TOWN CLERK - Town Clerk, Janice Litchfield, will appoint
her Assistant Town Clerk(s).
V. ASSISTANT TREASURER - Town Treasurer, Maureen Albert-Piascik, will
appoint her Assistant Treasurer(s).
W. ELECTED OFFICIAL POSITIONS OPEN
(1) FIRST CONSTABLE
Kevin Behan has expressed and interest in continuing to serve the town
in this position. The Board will review what responsibilities that they
would like the Constable to perform for the town, such as, Animal Control
Officer, Traffic Control and the like.
(2) LELAND & GRAY REPRESENTATIVE
No one has come forward to express an interest in this position. If anyone
knows someone who may be interested, a letter of interest should be written
to the Selectboard.
8. UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
A. D. Clarkson asked about having additional reflective strips added to
specific speed limit signs along South Wardsboro Road (TH#1). The original
premise of the Board was to put the white reflective strips coming into
town and the yellow reflective strips at the beginning of the 25 mph speed
limit areas. No new locations will be considered until more experience
is gained.
12. MINUTES
Minutes of Special Meeting of 01/27/05 - Item 2, page #1 - & 1, 4th
sentence - ...for a total width of 24 feet. 5th sentence - ...Board member(s)...
>> 2 to read: Members of the public offered the following concerns:
Road built to town specifications would change the character of the
village;
Aesthetic implications;
Wider road would encourage speeding;
The developer has proposed areas to widen the road for turn outs as
well as a cul-de-sac at the end;
The development road should be put in at an angle and not go straight
up the hill;
The Board should be thinking the Anow@ and not the 'future' and 'what
ifs'. Issues can be dealt with in the future if they come up.
4 to read: ...development road should be built ...
Motion was made by P. Halloran and seconded by D. DeWalt to approve the
minutes of the special meeting of 01/27/05, as corrected. Unanimous.
8. UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC - (cont.)
B. D. Clarkson expressed his concerns involving the content of the letter
written to Act 250 by the Selectboard regarding the Charles Bergmann development
road.
Board members indicated that:
there has been a tremendous amount of time spent on this project be
the Board;
the town has highway standards as to how roads, including development
roads, are to be built;
advice from VTrans, VT Local Roads and VLCT recommend having newly
built roads, public and private, meet highway standards; exceptions to
the rules should not be considered;
Safety for the inhabitants of the development for emergency services
is of prime importance.
9. ROAD BUSINESS
A. ROAD COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
(1) The road in Newfane are in good shape after the recent winter storms.
G. Katz had occasion to travel through other communities and made the
observation about the very good condition of Newfane's roads.
9. D. OTHER ROAD BUSINESS
(1) A letter was received from H. Pinckney suggesting that the town look
into using a liquid salt to treat the roads during the winter. The question
was raised about the environmental consequences. A quick note will be
written to thank him for his suggestion.
(2) D. DeWalt asked about having the town look into the use of biodiesel
for the truck fuel. The amount of gallons currently being used will be
calculated as well as finding out the availability and cost of biodiesel
fuel. WSWMD has been using biodiesel in their vehicles.
9. B. EXCESS WEIGHT PERMITS
The process of the submission and approval of the Excess Weight Limit
permits was explained to the new Board members.
Motion was made by P. Cotton and seconded by G. Katz to approve the following
Excess Weight Limit permits as amended:
Contractor
|
Vehicle Weights
|
Certificate
of Insurance |
Carroll Concrete
|
3 axle @ 60,000#
Okay |
Yes |
|
4 axle @ 69,000#
Reduced to 60M# |
|
S.T. Griswold
& Company, Inc. |
3 axle @ 60,000#
Okay |
Yes |
|
4 axle @ 69,000#
Reduced to 60M# |
|
|
5 axle @ 80,000#
Denied |
|
|
6 axle @ 90,000#
Denied |
|
Valley Crane
Services, Inc. |
5 axle @ 132,000#
Denied |
Yes |
|
4 axle @ 97,000#
Denied |
|
|
6 axle @ 108,000#
Denied |
|
|
4 axle @ 100,200#
Denied |
|
Lynde Well
Drilling, Inc. |
3 axle @ 55,000#
Okay |
Yes |
|
3 axle @ 61,700#
Reduced to 60M# |
|
|
4 axle @ 74,000#
Denied |
|
|
5 axle @ 69,000#
Reduced to 60M# |
|
Gurney Brothers
Const. |
2 axle @ 60,000#
Okay |
Yes |
|
3 axle @ 60,000#
Okay |
|
|
4 axle @ 69,000#
Reduced to 60M# |
|
|
5 axle @ 108,000#
Denied |
|
Unanimous
Valley Crane Service calls ahead for special permission for specific
and limited projects. There are required to indicate the route taken,
date and estimated times of arrival and departure, and they are to provide
an escort.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT'S REPORT
A. Marshall Glickman submitted a letter to the Selectboard outlining
various questions he has regarding the Delinquent Tax Collector duties
and procedures.
(1) The payment receipt books, in triplicate, will be ordered.
(2) The professional auditor, John Mudgett, will be contacted about
the need for an audit of the delinquent tax records when a new person
is elected.
(3) The town will provide stamped envelopes for use by the Delinquent
Tax Collector as they have in the past.
11. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Chairman van Loon spoke about the status of the of the appeal of
Joseph Wright to the Environmental Court.
B. The Development Review Board will be holding a site visit and hearing
on March 17th for the proposed change of use of a dwelling on VT Route
30 to a veterinary clinic.
C. The town has received a copy of the new VLCT model Wireless Telecommunication
ordinance. It will be compared with the current Newfane Telecommunication
Bylaw.
11. OTHER BUSINESS - (cont.)
D. There will be a meeting in Dummerston on Thursday, March 10th at
1:00 p.m. with representatives from the towns of Putney, Townshend,
Westminster, Dummerston and Newfane to discuss common concerns and problems,
in particular, Law Enforcement and the Windham County Sheriff's Department.
E. The proposal for the expansion of the existing Newfane Post Office
is being explored by Wayne White. The USPS has an obligation to consider
the expansion of an existing facility first. The property north of the
existing PO has been purchased by W. White.
13. CORRESPONDENCE
A. Correspondence has been received from Floyd Roberts, VTrans District
#2 Administrator, regarding the annual Highway Financial Plan meeting
that is usually held in the spring. He will be contacted to determine
a date that will be agreeable for him. The meeting is usually held during
the daytime hours.
B. Correspondence has been received from the District #2 Environmental
Commission Act 250 matter of Eagle River Mining. The previous reclamation
proposal is preferred by the D#2EC to the most recent reclamation plan
submitted.
15. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by G. Katz and seconded by P. Cotton to adjourn the
Organizational Meeting of the Board at 10:40 p.m. Unanimous.
Doris A. Knechtel
Administrative Assistant
Newfane Board of Selectmen
Posted: Town Clerk's Office, Newfane Store, Williamsville General Store
and the South Newfane General Store & Deli.
www.newfanevt.com
|