NEWFANE SELECTBOARD
MINUTES
JULY 17, 2008
NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE
PRESENT:
Selectboard: Gary Katz, Joe Mandell, Jeff Gouger, Peter Rysz, Guy Wachtel
Also Present: Virginia Grabowski, Fred Lawrence, Richard Hickey, Robert
Holden, Judy Egan, Lewis White, David Thurber, Marie Lavesque Caduto,
Daniel Torrey, Nicole Orne, Norman LaMoria, Leon Chamberlin, Jr., Harvey
Traison, Marcia Melnyk, Michael Gould, Ed Druke, Todd Lawley
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:50 p.m. by Gary Katz, Chair, with
apologies that the site visit at the Old County Trail ran later than
anticipated.
2. MINUTES
The minutes of July 2, 2008 were reviewed. J. Gouger moved to accept
as written. J. Mandell seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously.
The minutes of July 15, 2008 were reviewed. J. Mandell moved to accept
as written. J. Gouger seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously.
3. ROAD BUSINESS
Road Foreman/Road Commissioner’s Report: See attached report.
Road Salt Contract Discussion: The VLCT proposed bulk ordering of salt
was discussed. Todd noted that the town is responsible for paying 80%
of the quantity estimated, regardless of the amount used, so that it
wouldn’t be cost-effective if it’s a mild winter. He also
noted that the town wouldn’t be able to keep what they estimate
if there was an overage, because the salt shed isn’t big enough
for excess storage. The plus side of the program is that you’d
be guaranteed to have the salt you need, instead of running into a shortage
problem.
The board’s consensus was to table this decision until more information
was available. Todd will continue to research the best option. J. Mandell
made a motion to authorize Gary to sign the VLCT bid if it appears to
be the best option, as per Todd’s recommendation. If it is not
advantageous, the board agrees to continue purchasing salt on an as-needed
basis. J. Gouger seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Todd noted that Joe Vaughn gave his one-week notice, and the town will
need to hire another person. Guy questioned if this is wise, given the
budget constraints. Todd replied that it may be okay to be down one
person in the summer, however not in the winter.
J. Mandell noted that they had talked about not buying a new truck
and wondered where that decision stood. There is a legally-binding contract
with L&B Truck, and this is not an option.
Guy reiterated his thoughts on not hiring a new employee.
Todd expressed his frustration regarding the Road Crew and Highways
being blamed for the financial difficulties of the Town. And, noted
that the School had a surplus that could have been borrowed by the town.
Gary added that he’d been asked about work being done on the south
side of the courthouse and near the church. The work is being done by
the Village of Newfane and the Windham County Superior Court, and the
town has had no involvement financially or otherwise.
River Road: There being no updates, Gary will reach Mike Fitzpatrick
and Nicholas Mercede. There has been no communication on this issue
in some time.
A bridge discussion in general ensued, as it relates to the budget.
No actions were taken.
Opening of the Paving Bids:
The board discussed whether it would be sensible to open these bids,
given the current budget issues. Todd’s recommendation was to
open the bids, as the money had been correctly budgeted, and the road
needs to be done. The bids were opened and are as follows:
| Bid Received From: |
Newfane |
Brookline |
TOTAL |
| Lane Construction |
1170 Tons @ $89.06/ton
$104,200.20 |
280 Tons @ $89.06/ton
$24,936.80 |
1,450 Tons @ 89.06/ton
$129,137.00 |
Springfield Paving
|
$450/hour - $80.21/ton
$98,800.00 |
$450/hour - $80.21/ton
$52,733.35 |
$151,533.35 |
Frank W. Whitcomb
|
$383/hour - $89.17/ton
$108,908.79 |
$383/hour - $89.17/ton
$56,691.70 |
$165,600.49 |
Pike Industries
|
$740.96/hour - $81.69/ton
$108,585.73 |
$740.96/hour - $81.69/ton
$55,688.87 |
$164,274.60 |
No actions were taken at this time, pending a recommendation by Todd
and Christopher.
4. SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Marie Caduto, Watershed Coordinator for Agency of Natural Resources,
was present to discuss the Rock River Preservation Study, and gave a
presentation with regards to applying for another grant.
Marie also requested $1,500.00 from the Town of Newfane, and noted
that the Town of Dummerston had also been asked for the same amount
as a match for the grant. The $1.000 requested last year was not paid
by the town because the grant didn’t go through.
Lee Chamberlain, Dummerston Road Foreman, gave his thoughts. Erosion
to the road means erosion to the trails, and who is responsible for
the maintenance of trails and/or any facilities added?
Todd offered his thoughts both as taxpayer and as Fire Chief.
A discussion ensued regarding safety, health, legalities, and the sensibility
of approving something that would encourage more people to access the
river in that spot.
J. Gouger spoke to the fact that a majority of people that use the
area are not from the area, and wondered if there has been any poll
taken to see how many residents/tax payers actually use that area. Does
the study really benefit the people who are paying for it?
G. Wachtel made a motion to approve the grant funds, with the stipulation
that the concerns of the rescue personnel be a part of that study, and
that J. Mandell seconded the motion.
Discussion:
Members of the public commented that with the town asking to raise an
additional $300,000 in taxes, it’s not wise to spend money on
a study to see if they should do something that no one wants to do because
they don’t have the money. Gary agreed that there should be no
further spending without contacting the tax payers, but that it would
be something that could be discussed and looked at with the voters.
Concern was expressed that money can be found for beautification and
studies, but not for failing roads and bridges.
Guy offered to withdraw his motion, however without the second being
withdrawn, a vote had to be taken.
Gary reiterated that the motion was that the board could put the request
on the table when we look at the budget, in the context of the other
budget requests, and that we approve of the concept. The vote was two
in favor, three opposed. The motion failed.
G. Wachtel made another motion that they consider the request when we
look over the budget, as it relates to the serious financial difficulties
the town faces. P. Rysz seconded the motion. The motion passed with
four in favor and one opposed.
Old County Trail: Gary reported that the board attended a site visit
at the Old County Trail, at which the board agreed to accept Frank Suponski’s
offer to mulch the north edge ditch from the area of the rock abutments
near the culvert, to the bottom of the road; remove the brush pile,
cut up the logs into firewood lengths so that someone can use it; and
remove the bottom most culvert (right on the Class 3 section of the
road.) The Town will clean up the water bar and will dig out the outflow
area of the culvert that’s remaining. Marcia Melnyk confirmed
that she and Frank Suponski are okay with the agreement that was reached.
UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Judy Egan asked Peter if there was any way he could indicate if the
situation will be pursued further, costing the taxpayers more money.
Peter exercised his right not to comment.
Robert Holden said that he was speaking on behalf of Rescue, Inc. during
Rock River discussions, but is available on behalf of Rescue, Inc. to
discuss the letter that the Selectboard received from Rescue. The discussion
was tabled until the Correspondence portion of the meeting.
Judy Egan asked if the Conflict of Interest policy would be adopted
this meeting. Gary explained that it was tabled to allow for budget
discussions this evening.
NEW BUSINESS
Zoning Bylaw Hearing: The Planning Commission has concluded work on
the Zoning Bylaw. The next step was to present it to the Selectboard
for adoption. The board must now set a hearing on this. After discussion,
the board scheduled discussion and question period with the Planning
Commission for the second meeting in August, and the hearing for September
4, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Deficit Spending: Voters did not approve the addition of $300,000.00
to the formerly approved budget, but indicated they’d like a detailed
report showing the exact numbers, how the deficit occurred, and how
it can be avoided in the future.
Gary’s suggestion was to put together a small committee, with
the charge of determining what caused it, possible cuts, and better
financial planning. The Committee would consist of Harvey Traison, Daniel
Torrey, Shannon, Maureen, Doris, Gary. The consensus of the board was
that this would be a good idea. There would be a target date of mid-August.
Specific Charge: to ask the committee to come back to the board with
report on August 14, 2008. 1. The clearest understanding of what #’s
are of actual deficit and what caused it. 2. Options for how we can
deal with the deficit (any combination of things: budget cutting, retroactive
loans, creative financing) 3. Suggestions for how to strengthen financial
management to avoid these problems in the future.
The board commented that Gary did a great job doing his homework for
the Town Meeting, and they appreciated it. Todd interjected that it
Shannon also deserves recognition for helping with the information.
7. OLD BUSINESS
Junk Ordinance Violation: The Judgments have been filed in the Land
Records, and there is a waiting period. Elana Baron will give the okay
to remove the trailer after looking at the correspondence.
Lighting Issue: Was tabled until the new Zoning Bylaw comes into effect,
and to look at the current Zoning Bylaw. Shannon found no other pertinent
information during her research.
9. CORRESPONDENCE:
Rescue, Inc.: Gary read the letter. There will be a meeting on the
7th or the 14th. No board members were able to attend. There was a discussion
regarding Rescue, Inc. and its organization and funding.
Neal Carter: Wrote a letter resigning his position as chair of the
DRB. The Selectboard asked Shannon to send a letter, accepting his resignation
and thanking him for serving.
15. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Peter Rysz and seconded by J. Mandell to adjourn
at 9:43 p.m. Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Shannon Meckle
Posted: Town Clerk's Office, Newfane Store, W.W. Building Supply,
S. Newfane/Williamsville Post Office and the South Newfane General Store
& Deli. www.newfanevt.com
(after approval)
