NEWFANE SELECTBOARD
MINUTES
AUGUST 21, 2008
NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE

PRESENT:
Selectboard: Gary Katz, Jeff Gouger, Joe Mandell, Guy Wachtel
Also Present: Gunther Garbe, John Feifel, Chauncey Berdan, Tom Bedell, Ed Druke, Judy Egan, Ginny Grabowski, Piet van Loon, Kenneth Robinson, David Berrie, Richard Hickey, Ellen Williams, Fred Lawrence, Bryan Donovan, Todd Lawley, Doris Knechtel, Christopher Williams

1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Gary Katz, Chair. Gary asked that everyone join the board in a moment of silence for their colleague Peter Rysz.

2. MINUTES

The board reviewed the minutes of August 7, 2008 and the following amendments were made:
Under the review of the minutes of July 17, 2008, relating to the agreement reached on Old County Trail, the following is added for clarification:

The vote taken at the Old County Trail site visit, being a 4-0 vote, was the following, “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 the logs into firewood lengths so that a needy family in the area can use it for firewood; and to remove the bottom most culvert. The town will clean up the water bar and dig out the outflow area of the remaining culvert. Once it is determined by the Drop In Center which local family will receive the wood, they can contact Frank and he may be able to deliver it, and if not, the length will allow an easier time of picking it up.

3. ROAD BUSINESS

Road Foreman/Road Commissioner’s Report: See attached report.

Discussion ensued regarding the problems with the paving job that was done last year. The board authorized Shannon to write a letter to Whitcomb’s with concerns that we haven’t heard back from them about getting it repaired.

Excess Weight Permits:
While no applications were received, the board discussed the prior meeting’s agreement to send letters to the four trucking companies that do not have permits. Gary will check on the status of these letters with Shannon.

Radway/River Road: Letter received from Nick Mercede was discussed. Gary noted that Mike Fitzpatrick had also said that they would do the drainage too. The consensus of the board was to send the letter and enclosures to the attorney representing the town, and get her advice.

Ancient Roads: The Ancient Roads Committee reviewed the paperwork received from the state and recommended a mass discontinuance hearing. Gary will ask Shannon to work with Ed Druke on setting a date for such hearing.

4. SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

5. UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

6. NEW BUSINESS

Selectboard Vacancy: Discussion ensued as to whether the appointment of a Selectboard member should be until Town Meeting in March, or until a special town meeting. The board will hold a meeting on August 28, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. to review letters of interest and appoint a Selectboard member. Vote was unanimous.
A question was raised in the meantime about what would happen in the event of a tie vote. Gary will ask Shannon to find out from Deb Markowitz.

Zoning Bylaw Review: The board went over the Proposed Zoning Bylaws and asked questions of the Planning Commission. It was noted that all questions and discussions should be reiterated at the Public Hearing on the fourth of September.

Finance Committee Report: Doris Knechtel was present to give an overview of the Finance Committee’s final report. This was followed by a question and answer period. The consensus of the board was that the Deficit Reduction Loan, over a period of five years was the most viable option. The board thanked the Committee for all their work, particularly Doris for coming to the meeting to present.

7. OLD BUSINESS

South Wardsboro Junk Ordinance Violation: There being no update available, discussion ensued, and the board authorized Joe Mandell to contact the attorney to see if there is something the board should be doing currently.

It was noted that the Williamsville Hall Change of Use Application to the DRB should be listed on every agenda until the project is complete.

8. CORRESPONDENCE:

Letter received from David Ryder regarding the purchase of the International 4900 truck. There was no action taken.

Letter received from Sebastian Vonbulow regarding his interest in purchasing town owned property on either side of the church on Dover Road in Williamsville. The board was not inclined to sell any property at this time. Gary will ask Shannon to contact Mr. Vonbulow.

9. PAY ORDERS: –

Pay Orders: 08/22/08 - $152,831.92

IRS Electronic Payment: 08/20/08 - $1,025.81
08/27/08 - $1,008.34

10. ADJOURNMENT

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)