Any and all corrections to the following minutes will be made
at the next regular Board of Selectmen's meeting and are considered
unapproved until then. Corrections will be noted in the minutes of
that meeting.
MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING - BOARD OF SELECTMEN
OCTOBER 5th, 2006
NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE
PRESENT:
Selectmen: Daniel DeWalt, Patricia Halloran, Joseph Mandell, Christopher
Williams and Hendrik APiet@ van Loon.
Also Present: Edward Druke, Sr., Gary Katz, Gunther Garbe for Planning
Commission, Todd Lawley as Road Foreman and Doris Knechtel as Administrative
Assistant.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting was called to order by Chairman P. van Loon at
6:30 p.m.
2. ROAD BUSINESS
A. ROAD COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
(1) The Road Crew likes the new grader.
(2) C. Williams reviewed ditching and road work that the road crew
has been doing. They are doing a Aheck of a good job@.
(3) C. Williams is concerned about the safety of the Arch Bridge (BE#12)
in Williamsville.
2. B. ROAD FOREMAN'S REPORT - (See attached report)
(1) Item #3 - Lane Construction did a great job on the paving this
year.
(2) Item #5 - It was recommended that Chris Lowe be scheduled for
next year to do the roadside mowing.
(3) Item #7 - T. Lawley is waiting to hear about the possibility of
putting in a temporary bridge on Stratton Hill Road, upstream from
the current bridge.
(4) T. Lawley said that the crew is "doing a great job".
(5) All other items listed were reviewed and discussed.
2. F. OTHER ROAD BUSINESS
(1) G. Garbe asked about digging out the silt at the inlet side of
a culvert in the area of his residence on Newfane Hill Road (TH#20).
Not recommended as it may undermine the culvert.
(2) T. Lawley will be working with E. Druke on the installation of
the Old Newfane Common culvert which will allow better access to the
property.
2. C. EXCESS WEIGHT LIMIT PERMIT
Motion was made by C. Williams and seconded by D. DeWalt to approve
the excess weight permit for Lawrence Bills for 3 axle truck at 60,000#
and a 5 axle truck at 80,000#. Discussion: J. Mandell requested that
historic bridge #49 (Green Iron Bridge) be highlighted on the bridge
list. This had not been done on the other 19 permits issued. The Brookline
Bridge (Be#19) and the covered bridge (Be#17) are also historic. Vote
on the motion. In favor: D. DeWalt, P. Halloran, C. Williams and P.
van Loon. Opposed: J. Mandell. Motion passes.
2. E. CULHANE CORNER UPDATE
A response has been received by Richard Perra, attorney for the town,
from Thomas Costello, attorney for the Culhane's regarding the proposed
Settlement Agreement. The correspondence was reviewed by the Board.
The document suggests that if the septic system fails within two years
as a result of the construction that the town will repair or replace
the system. Board members asked why
2. E. CULHANE CORNER UPDATE - (cont.)
that should be part of the deal. If it is considered, 30 days should
be adequate. It was also suggested that the Culhanes mark the location
of the septic system. There are plans on file for the system. Board
members did not feel that Item #8 is necessary. It was suggested that
reconstruction photos be taken as well as final inspection. The project
is within the town highway right-of-way. Motion was made by J. Mandell
and seconded by C. Williams to have Chairman van Loon relay to Attorney
Richard Perra the response of the Selectboard pertaining to the proposed
Settlement Agreement between the town and the Culhanes. Unanimous.
2. F. OTHER ROAD BUSINESS
(1) A problem with a septic smell in Williamsville Village was noted.
It was suggested that J. Feifel test the systems by putting in dye
to determine where the problem is coming from.
(2) Discussion about Grist Mill Road (TH#68): It is a Class 3 town
road, and is a public way with restricted parking. The fire department
does have access to the water supply, if needed, from the Rock River.
(3) Arch Bridge (Be#12) - D. DeWalt requested that the Board revisit
the issue of the condition of the Arch Bridge and restricting the
weight limit to 24,000#. Vehicles that are over that weight could
use Grimes Hill Road (TH#5). Motion was made by D. DeWalt and seconded
by J. Mandell to notify the state to put together a sign package that
will divert loads above 24,000# from use of the Williamsville/Depot
Road (TH#2) to Grimes Hill Road (TH#5). Discussion: The town has been
waiting to hear from the state regarding their assessment of the bridge
after their inspection in the spring. J. Alexander, AOT District #2
Technician, does not have the same concerns as the town about the
condition of the bridge. As a result of the discussion the motion
as stated was withdrawn. Motion was made by D. DeWalt and seconded
by J. Mandell to enforce the 24,000# weight limit on the Arch Bridge
(BE#12). Unanimous. The town may ask the state about a sign on VT
Route 30 to divert excess weight vehicles (above 24,000#) to use Grimes
Hill Road (TH#5).
3. SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
A. OPENING OF SAND BIDS
The following bid was received from Cersosimo Industries for Winter
Sand.
Cersosimo Industries, Inc.
9/16" Winter Sand @$11.00 CY Delivered to town garage
(2,500 CY +/- @ $6.00 CY FOB
Sand is from the River Road Pit in Chesterfield, NH.
Motion was made by P. Halloran and seconded by C. Williams to purchase
the Winter Sand, as specified, from Cersosimo Industries, Inc. for
the amount of $11.00 CY delivered to the town garage. Unanimous. It
was suggested that the town start earlier in the season to get the
winter sand.
5. OLD BUSINESS
B. DECISION ON TOWN OFFICE PAINT BIDS
After discussion of the five bids received for the painting of the
exterior of the Town Office, motion was made by P. Halloran and seconded
by D. DeWalt to award the bid to Pam Goulet for the amount of $5,600
after Chairman van Loon checks the references. Unanimous. The lowest
bid did not include a Certificate of Insurance or a list of references
as required in the bid specifications.
5. C. DISCUSSION OF HEATING FUEL BIDS
Board members discussed the closing of the Williamsville Hall from
the first of November until the end of February. This will make a
difference in the amount of heating fuel that will be needed by the
town. The water will need to be drained. The cost of a new filter
system will also be looked into. Motion was made by P. Halloran and
seconded by C. Williams to close the Williamsville during the months
of November through the end of February. Unanimous.
5. D. OTHER OLD BUSINESS
(1) Windham Regional Commission has made the recent corrections to
the town highway map, which is also included within the Town Plan.
(2) There was a recent incident in which Rescue Inc. had some confusion
responding to a 911 call on Pikes Road. It seems that their highway
map still has Wheeler Hill Road, which has been changed to Parish
Hill Road.
(3) Piet will be meeting with a WCSD Deputy tomorrow or Monday at
the latest regarding the LaFlamme trailer on South Wardsboro Road
(TH#1). A letter will be drafted to go with a ticket to be issued
from the WCSD.
6. NEW BUSINESS
A. APPOINTMENTS - No action was taken.
6. B. DRAFT APPRAISAL RAP
A draft RAP has been prepared for a town-wide reappraisal update using
the Access-Pro program. D. Knechtel explained the RAP and the reason
for the two phase process. The state PV&R wants a sales analysis
and other reports done first, before the state approves of the second
update phase. Board members reviewed the document and agreed that
it should be sent out as prepared.
6. C. AUGUST FINANCIAL REPORTS
The August financial reports were reviewed by the Board. There was
a questions about the source of the $50,000 in miscellaneous revenue.
The status of the cash flow was also discussed. The second quarter
tax payment due is due on October 15th. It was suggested that if any
Board members have questions, they should ask Maureen directly. Adjustments
for FY 2006 have not yet been made. The professional audit should
be starting soon. Board members also scheduled special budget meetings
for FY 2008 on November 14 and on November 21 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
6. D. OTHER NEW BUSINESS
(1) Information has been received from Dopp & Dopp of Hudson,
NH regarding bridge construction. Chairman van Loon will call about
the cost for a potential bridge to replace the Stratton Hill Road
bridge (Be#42). Renaud has also looked at the bridge and has a recommendation
for a temporary bridge and repair of the existing bridge.
(2) The Selectboard has received a letter from a group of representatives
who are trying to get a movement going for the next legislative session
to "Revolt and Repeal" the current education funding system
that is causing skyrocketing property taxes, forcing people out of
their homes. Although the Board members agree that Act 60/Act 68 is
a problem, they would like to have further information about an alternative
solution.
(3) The Traffic Calming Committee met recently and came up with a
AVery Preliminary Traffic Speed Enforcement Plan "to be reviewed
and approved in principle by the Selectboard. The first step would
be to review the signage relating to "Reduced Speed Ahead"
and the speed zones. If speed zones need to be adjusted, there would
need to be a traffic study and the Traffic Ordinance would need to
be amended. Three to five areas would be identified, one would be
chosen to begin the enforcement procedure, by first using a moveable
sign "Newfane Enforces Speed Limits" and a Smart Cart to
show speed of the vehicles. Then enforcement would take place during
a two to four week period at certain hours when traffic is expected
to be the heaviest. The process would then move to each of the problem
areas on a rotating basis. The Sheriff would also be involved in assessing
the plan with reports to the Selectboard. During the discussion by
the Board members, the costs of extra signage and extra enforcement
will be more than the current budget would allow. A smart cart may
be available through the Windham County Sheriff's Department or the
Dover Police Department.
5. OLD BUSINESS
A. DISCUSSION OF STATUS
(1) PERSONNEL POLICY - No action.
(2) WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES BYLAW - No action.
(3) HEALTH ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS - No action.
7. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT'S REPORT - (See attached
report)
The items listed were reviewed. No action was required. Board members
indicated that they were sorry to see Andy Rosen, reporter for the
Reformer, leave the area.
8. MINUTES
Motion was made by P. Halloran and seconded by J. Mandell to approve
the minutes of the Regular Selectboard meeting of September 9, 2006,
as written. Unanimous.
Motion was made by J. Mundell and seconded by P. Halloran to approve
the minutes of the Newfane Town Plan Hearing of September 13, 2006,
as written. Unanimous.
Motion was made by P. Halloran and seconded by J. Mandell to approve
the minutes of the Special Selectboard meeting of September 13, 2006,
as written. Unanimous.
Motion was made by P. Halloran and seconded by C. Williams to approve
the minutes of the Regular Selectboard meeting of September 21, 2006,
as written. Unanimous.
9. CORRESPONDENCE
A. Shelbajean Hescock has been in contact with the Brattleboro Area
Community Land Trust regarding the paperwork for the housing loans,
payments schedules and liens that have been recorded on properties
in Newfane and Dummerston. The town will be designating BACLT as the
organization to take over the loan program.
B. Henry Pickney has written to the Selectboard regarding an incident
that involves the NewBrook Fire Department. The Selectboard has responded
previously to Mr. Pinckney that the town does not have any jurisdiction
over the NBFD. No action will be taken by the Board.
C. Board members were given a copy of the upcoming warning and ballot
for the Leland & Gray bond vote on November 7 th for indebtedness
of $5,370,000. Informational meetings will be held at Leland &
Gray on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 and on Wednesday November 1, 2006
beginning at 7:30 pm.
D. A copy of the progress meeting minutes for the Village Sidewalks
has been received. It was noted that the utility pole is to be relocated.
When the existing pole is removed, the town will set the missing piece
of curbing, which is in Bea's garage.
E. The VLCT Calendar of Training and Events has been received.
F. The Municipal Officers Meetings will be held in Fairlee on October
17th and in Rutland on October 24th. Those interested in attending
may register on-line.
G. A letter to the Board of Health has been received from Timothy
Shafer, M.D., Newfane Health Officer, regarding an inspection of a
trailer after a fire on October 3, 2006. There were two inhabitants
who were rescued. He recommends that the structure be condemned as
unfit for safe human habitation and gross violation of the rental
housing code. Chairman van Loon will develop a letter to be sent to
the owner of the property including concerns expressed by Dr. Shafer.
10. PAY ORDERS
Motion was made by P. Halloran and seconded by J. Mandell to approve
the Newfane Payroll Warrants and the Accounts Payable Warrant for
the following amounts:
09/27/06 Payroll $ 2,994.92
10/04/06 Payroll $ 3,015.98
10/06/06 Payroll $ 1,885.50
Minutes - Newfane Selectboard's Regular Meeting - 10/05/06 Page #5
10. PAY ORDERS - (cont.)
10/06/06 AP Warrant #7 $ 28,644.59 Unanimous.
IRS Electronic Federal Payroll Tax Payments
09/26/06 - 10/04/06 $ 1,019.46
09/26/06 - 09/27/06 $ 1,115.12
10/03/06 - 10/11/06 $ 1,023.77
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION - IF NEEDED
No matters came before the Board that required the need of an Executive
Session.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by P. Halloran and seconded by C. Williams to adjourn
the Regular meeting at 10:25 p.m. Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Posted: Town Clerk's Office, Newfane Store, Williamsville General
Store, and South Newfane General Store & Deli. www.newfanevt.com
ROAD FOREMAN'S REPORT
October 5, 2006
1. Roads: We have been ditching with the backhoe and grader on Stratton
Hill Road (TH#35) and Hunter Brook Road (TH#32). We are currently
on Grout Road (TH#19) ditching with the backhoe and grader. The crew
went out and checked and cleaned all the culverts on Friday before
all the rain. The roads continue to be on good shape at this time.
2. Equipment: I have ordered tires for the backhoe they should be
here soon. The chipper has gone to Chicks Electrical to have a charging
problem fixed and Twin State Truck Repair will look at it for a running
rough problem. We will soon be getting sanders ready for the winter
season.
3. Paving: The paving is done and Lane Construction did a very good
job on both the roads. They still have to come back and do the shoulder
work.
4. Pavement Crack Sealing: NiCom has completed the regular crack sealing
they will send a different crew down to repair the wide crack on Depot
Hill Road (TH#2) and fix the joint on Monroe Bridge (BE#15).
5. Road Side Mowing: Chris Lowe is doing the road side mowing now
and should be done soon. He is interested in setting something up
for next year so we would be on his schedule.
6. Line Striping: VTAOT has started the painting of the center line.
They will be done once the blacktop dries out from all the rain.
7. Stratton Hill Bridge: Piet and I met with Mike Renaud about a solution
for that bridge. He is looking into a temporary bridge that they might
have to see if it would work there. He will get back to the town when
he finds out if it will work there.
8. Arch Bridge: I am still waiting to hear back from John Alexander
to see if someone from the state is going to come down and when. I
have called John several times.
9. Winter Sand Bids are out. Doris sent them out last week.
10. Piet has met with Courtney Nau/Alpine Meadows about the stone
culvert on Timson Hill Road (TH#). Piet has spoken to the land owners
and they have no problem with the project. Courtney has spoken to
Fred Nicholson of ANR and that is all set.
11. Culvert and Road Inventory: Fred Jutras is working with Paul Smith
on the road inventory. They should e done with that soon. That should
be the last phase of the field work. The rest of the project will
be putting all the information on the computer.
12. Old South Newfane Yard: I have talked to Mike Fitzpatrick about
removing the pile of fill on that site. He said he is interested and
will talk to Piet about what needs to be done.
Thank you,
Todd Lawley
Road Foreman
To: Newfane Selectboard MEMORANDUM
From: Doris A. Knechtel
Subject: Administrative Assistant's Report
Date: October 5, 2006
1. Several responses (100+) to the Broadband survey have been sent
for tabulation. There are an additional 10 - 20 that have been sent
since then.
2. The Planning Commission grant request for revising the Zoning
Bylaw has been sent to the Department of Housing and Community Affairs
in a timely fashion.
3. Included within your packet of information is a response regarding
the ASettlement Agreement@ between the town and the Culhanes.
4. Also included within your packet of information is a draft reappraisal
RFP. This needs to be sent out soon. The reason for the two phases
is due to the state requirements.
5. I received a call from Andy Rosen of the Reformer to let me know
that he is moving out of the area. He wants to thank the Board for
the support that he was given in Newfane.
6. Maureen and I are at the VLCT Town Fair in Barre on Thursday.
I'll be back for the meeting.
