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MINUTES - SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
APRIL 11th, 2001
NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE
Any and all corrections to the following minutes will be made at the 04/19/01 Board of Selectmen's Meeting and are considered unapproved until then. Corrections will be noted in the minutes of that meeting.
PRESENT:
Selectmen: Mike Rohan, Jesse Anderson, Fred Bacon, Lynn Bedell, and Richard Marek.
Also Present: William A. Noyes, District #2 Technician, Floyd Roberts, District #2 Administrator, Erin George of Brattleboro Reformer, James Gray, Road Foreman and Doris Knechtel, Administrative Assistant.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Special Meeting was called to order at 11:04 a.m. by Chairman Mike Rohan.
2. ANNUAL MEETING - DISTRICT #2 TECHNICIAN
The preliminary figures for the Annual Highway Financial Plan for Newfane Fiscal Year 2002 were prepared by D. Knechtel according to 19 VSA S 306(e). The figures were compiled from the highway budget passed at the recent Town Meeting and the Capital Budget and plan. Wm. Noyes explained to the new Board members, F. Bacon and R. Marek, that the information is used to determine funds to be allocated for the various highway programs. Wm. Noyes indicated that the current five (5) town highway programs are being revamped down to two; Bridge and Culvert with a 90/10 split and an Enhancement program, which includes retreatment, which is available every three years. The amount of funds available to the towns may be increased.
The amount to be received from the state for the Newfane Class 2 and Class 3 roads is expected to be $130,462.26, about $10,000 more than originally anticipated. The amount to be raised in taxes for the town highways is $280.037.74, plus $28,000 from the Capital budget for a total amount of highways expenditures for Fiscal Year 2002 of $438,500, excluding the capital amount. Motion was made by J. Anderson and seconded by R. Marek to have the Board members present sign the Annual Financial Plan for Newfane Town Highways. Unanimous.
3. OTHER ROAD BUSINESS
A. Wm. Noyes indicated that there should be an up-to-date culvert inventory, including the length, size and location of all culverts within the town of Newfane. An inventory should of bridges should also be done. The information will be useful for capital planning. Vermont Local Roads may be able to provide assistance.
B. Codes and Standards - Wm. Noyes provided the Board with a proposed new set of Town Road and Bridge Standards as well as a proposed amendment (Item #7) to the current Town of Newfane Policy for Transportation Construction and Improvements as adopted by the Board on June 17, 1999. FEMA does not agree with the wording of Item #7 on the current policy dealing with reasons for modifications. Wm. Noyes recommends the new Town Road and Bridge Standards rather than the current policy. A copy will be given to the Board members and the Road Foreman to review and discuss at a future meeting.
C. Bridge and Culvert Projects - J. Gray has suggested that the bridges on Adams Hill Road (BR#26) and Vic Benjamin Road (BR#51) should be considered for the Bridge/Culvert project for this year. Wm. Noyes has the hydraulic studies for each bridge.
J. Anderson also mentioned the letters received from the state regarding the Wiswall Hill Road bridge (BR#43) and the Arch Bridge (BR#12) on Depot Road (TH#2). Board members feel that Gurney Brothers should be responsible for the repair of the wingwall on BR#43 as the standard for depth was not met when the wingwall was repaired in 1998. Wm. Noyes will first talk with Gurney about BR#43 before putting together specifications and plans for BR#43 and the bridge on Bruce Brook Road (BR#32 - FEMA repair) to be let together in a single contract.
M. Rohan suggested that the Arch Bridge (BR#12) be put on the state bridge list for renovation or replacement. The Brookline/Newfane bridge (BR#19), the Covered Bridge (CB#17), and Bridge #14 by the South Newfane store are on the list. Roger Whitcomb, VTrans Project Structures Engineer, will be at the meeting of 04/19/01 to discuss the Covered Bridge proposed plans, and the Board will talk to him about it then. In the meantime, the town can take care of the guardrail needed at the southwest corner of the bridge for safety reasons. Wm. Noyes will have someone look at the repair of the deteriorating facial concrete to get a price for the needed repairs. If there is a larger problem than anticipated, the town can go back to the state. It was also suggested that the state legislators be contacted.
After further discussion on the Adams Hill bridge (BR#26) and Vic Benjamin Road bridge (BR#51) it was decided by the Board to repair BR#51 this year under the Bridge and Culvert Program as it is more deficient than BR#26. Wm. Noyes will put together a design build quote for bridge #51. J. Gray also suggested a membrane be put on the deck of BR#64 on Loop Road (TH#78) by WW Building. The estimated cost would be $10,000 to $12,000.
D. Radway Hill (TH#4)/River Road (TH#15) Intersection - Wm. Noyes has seen the plan for the intersection as prepared by Matt Beck, P.E. and believes that it is a good plan. The road has been moved southerly and has a good T- intersection. However, in order to obtain the required site distance, the hemlock trees on the Hersch property opposite the intersection, which are used for screening, will need to be removed. The town will try to obtain a copy of the plans fore review. Before the Act 250 hearing on the road commences, the town, the Hersch's, Mercede and other interested parties will meet to discuss and review the proposal.
4. OTHER BUSINESS
A. The Newfane Garden Club would like to put in a walkway from the front cement walkway to the parking lot where many people have already created a path. They also would like to put in a bench to be made from the large stone that was found on the property. Motion was made by L. Bedell and seconded by F. Bacon to approve of the stone walkway and the stone bench in front of the Town Office. Unanimous. A diagram of the proposed walkway will be supplied.
B. A letter has been received from Angela Magara, VT Hazard Mitigation Officer, with a revised copy of the Hazard Mitigation Grant program for the Williams property on Steep Way (TH#21). The changes in the numbers represent the last appraisal this property received before the disaster and an additional $10,000 for demolition and clearing of the site as well as funds to pay for the title search, asbestos inspection, etcetera. Motion was made by J. Anderson and seconded by L. Bedell to have Chairman Michael N. Rohan sign the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Project Application on behalf of the subgrantee, the Town of Newfane. Unanimous.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by J. Anderson and seconded by L. Bedell to adjourn the Special Meeting at 12:35 p.m. Unanimous.
Doris A. Knechtel
Administrative Assistant
Newfane Board of Selectmen
Posted: Town Clerk's Office, Newfane Store,
Lessing's Family General Store and South Newfane General Store & Deli.
www.newfanevt.com
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