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Any and all corrections to the following minutes will be made at the
11/21/02 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting and are considered unapproved
until then. Corrections will be noted in the minutes of that meeting.
MINUTES
- SPECIAL MEETING - BOARD OF SELECTMEN
NOVEMBER 14, 2002
NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE
PRESENT:
Selectmen: Richard Marek, Jesse Anderson, Lynn Bedell, Piet van Loon
Also Present: Wendy Johnson, Susan Daigneault, David and Barbara Kearney,
Neil and Carleen Pelsue, Edward Druke, Sr.
1. CALL TO
ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Richard Marek at 7:02 p.m.
2. SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
A. SEARS ROAD CLOSURE PROPOSAL
R. Marek introduced the evening’s main subject which centered on
a proposal to close Sear Road (TH#44). Mr. and Mrs. Kearney spoke of their
concerns relative to traffic volume, speed and safety of the road. Susan
Daigneault agreed with the Kearney’s points and added that the narrowness
and curves of the road add to the problems, noting that she is afraid
a vehicle may leave the road and come into their yard where children are
often playing. She pointed out that there is no speed limit sign on that
road. Wendy Johnson said her family would be affected most by any change
as their drive is the only one that exits directly from Sears Road. She
said she had researched the work that would have to be done to rebuild
and to maintain the road should it become essentially just their drive,
and that they were in favor of the proposed closing.
Carleen Pelsue questioned the need to close the road as it is used by
people coming off Newfane Hill Road (TH#20) and then heading south on
Route 30. Edward Druke said he was opposed to the Town’s giving
up any road.
It was noted by several people that there is a specific process the Town
must follow to discontinue a road, and that a public hearing would be
held as a part of that process.
Piet van Loon provided copies of a chart developed from a traffic counter
that was in place on Sears Road from 5:00 p.m. on October 25th until 2:00
p.m. on November 1st and reviewed the vehicle count and speed information
developed. He cautioned that a count over a period longer than a week
might yield more precise data, but that this one did give a good overall
picture of the situation. A copy of the chart is attached to these minutes.
The discussion ended with a suggestion that the affected landowners prepare
a specific proposal for submission to the Board for its consideration
in the future. The owners present agreed to work on such a plan.
The Board will research the speed limit for Sears Road and post a sign
so appropriate enforcement can take place.
3. CONTRACT - HISTORIC VILLAGES
R. Marek reported that Paula Sagerman had indicated that she believes
she can find people to volunteer to help with the work of the Historic
Village inventory or to raise funds toward the $1,000 difference between
the estimated cost of the project and the grant monies awarded the Town.
She will keep the Board informed so a decision can be made as to whether
any funds may need to be included in next year’s budget.
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FROM TOWN OF ALBURG
A request has been received from The Alburg Revitalization Committee for
permission to use the Newfane Junkyard and Litter ordinances as models
for work they are doing. Motion was made by L. Bedell and seconded by
R. Marek to approve the request. Unanimous.
B. APPOINTMENTS
Motion was made by P. van Loon and seconded by R. Marek to invite Peter
Rysz, who has indicated an interest in serving on the Planning Commission,
to meet with the Board at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2002 (before
the regular Selectmen’s meeting) for an interview session. Vote
on the motion: All in favor.
C. TELEPHONE SYSTEM
P. Van Loon recommended that the Town approach several telephone providers
to solicit non-binding proposals, with cost estimates, for upgrading the
telephone system in the Town Offices. Information gathered would be used
in budgeting if the Board felt it appropriate. R. Marek moved to approve
such an exploration; L. Bedell seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by P. van Loon and seconded by J. Anderson to adjourn
the meeting at 8:48 p.m. Unanimous.
Hendrik W. van Loon
Clerk, pro tem
Posted: Newfane
Town Office, Newfane Store, Williamsville General Store, and South Newfane
General Store & Deli.
www.newfanevt.com
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