MINUTES OF THE NEWFANE SELECTBOARD
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 20, 2007
TOWN OFFICES
NEWFANE, VERMONT
PRESENT
Selectboard members: Dan Dewalt, Joe Mandell, Peter Rysz, Guy Wachtel
Also Present: Shannon Meckle, Administrative Assistant; Patrick Crowley,
Brattleboro Reformer; Spencer Crispe; Gunther Garbe, Planning Commission;
Ed Druke; David Dunn, Rescue, Inc.; Robert Holden, Newfane Representative
to Rescue, Inc.; Archie Clark, Rescue, Inc. Board; Patty Amirault,
New Brook Fire & Rescue; David Berrie; Frank Suponski; Marc Pickering;
Piet van Loon
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
MINUTES
The minutes of August 30, 2007 were reviewed. Dan Dewalt made a
motion to approve the minutes of August 30, 2007 as written. Peter
Rysz seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.
The minutes of September 6, 2007 were reviewed. Dan Dewalt made a
motion to approve the minutes of September 6, 2007 as written. Guy
Wachtel seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.
ROAD BUSINESS
Road Foreman’s Report: Please see attached report.
Regarding Stratton Hill Road repairs, Todd recommended a “box-culvert”
be installed to protect the Road. The Board was in agreement. Todd
will speak to VTrans about having this installed.
Covered Bridge Discussion: Todd reported that Michael Renaud of Renaud
Brothers would like to speak with the Selectboard regarding options
for the Covered Bridge. The Selectboard was interested in having this
meeting very soon. Other people present for this meeting would be
John Alexander from VTrans, Christopher Williams as Road Commissioner,
and Todd Lawley as Road Foreman. Shannon will invite the abutting
land owners to attend this site visit as well. Discussion ensued regarding
the detour route and the bridge on that route, which is also in need
of repair.
If the Covered Bridge is removed and placed elsewhere to be repaired,
the temporary bridge can be placed on the same foundation and will
remain in the town right-of-way and not interfere with abutting land
owners’ property. Also, there will be no need for traffic lights,
as it will be just a one lane bridge there as it is now.
Joe Mandell will write a letter to the Secretary of Transportation,
Neale Lunderville and let him know the town’s predicament.
Todd mentioned that he spoke to VTrans about the possibility of the
rubber mats to protect the deck of the covered bridge, but the concern
was that the mats hold the moisture against the deck of the bridge
and would promote even more rot. The state recommends the original
plan of aluminum diamond plate, which is lighter and textured for
better traction.
In the Road Foreman’s report, Todd mentioned that the logging
access on Bud Bergmann’s property, off of Dover Road is causing
water runoff problems. Shannon will draft a letter for the board to
discuss this issue, as well as a reminder regarding overloaded trucks
driving across the green bridge in South Newfane. Guy Wachtel made
a motion to authorize Shannon to write a letter regarding this issue.
Peter Rysz seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Discussion ensued regarding enforcement of trucks violating weight
restrictions on the green bridge. The current weight limit is 60,000
pounds. Shannon will look up current permits to find out what the
general weight of these trucks is listed at. Guy Wachtel made a motion
to authorize Joe Mandell to write a letter to the Sheriff’s
Department regarding the Selectboard’s
PAY WARRANTS:
Guy Wachtel made a motion to adjourn at 10:05 p.m. Peter Rysz seconded
the motion. The 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)
