MINUTES OF THE NEWFANE SELECTBOARD
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 15, 2007
TOWN OFFICES
NEWFANE, VERMONT
PRESENT
Selectboard members: Ellen Darrow, Dan Dewalt, Joe Mandell, Peter
Rysz, Guy Wachtel
Also Present: Shannon Meckle, Administrative Assistant; Todd Lawley,
Road Foreman; Gunther Garbe, Planning Commission Chair; Frank Suponski;
Judy Egan; Ed Druke; Dave Berrie; Mike Fitzpatrick; Bryan Donovan;
Fred Lawrence
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Joe Mandell
MINUTES
The minutes of November 1, 2007 were reviewed. Peter Rysz made a
motion to approve the minutes as written. Guy Wachtel seconded the
motion. The minutes were approved with three in favor and two abstentions.
The minutes of the November 13, 2007 Special Meeting were reviewed.
Peter Rysz made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Ellen
Darrow seconded the motion. The minutes were approved with three in
favor and two abstentions.
ROAD BUSINESS
Road Foreman’s Report: See Attached Report.
The issue of temporary employment for an injured Highway Crew member
was discussed. Shannon will write a letter of acceptance to Mike O’Donnell,
stating that pursuant to the Personnel Policy, Section 6(A)3, he has
been hired to fill in until he’s no longer needed, at the rate
of $14.00 per hour; the letter will state a beginning date, and an
end date, and that the Selectboard will revisit his employment if
by that date, Joe hasn’t returned to work yet.
Steam Cleaner: Peter Rysz made a motion to authorize the Highway
Department’s purchase of a new steam cleaner, contingent upon
funds availability. Dan Dewalt seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Overweight Permit Sub-committee: Bryan Donovan reported what had
been done at the organizational meeting, and presented the proposed
Sub-Committee mission statement. Fred Lawrence approached the board
about joining the subcommittee.
Dan Dewalt made a motion to allow Fred Lawrence to join the subcommittee.
Peter Rysz seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Guy Wachtel made a motion to accept the Mission Statement and Goals
of the subcommittee as presented. Peter Rysz seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
Mike Fitzpatrick asked what the purpose of the subcommittee was. The
board stated that it is a fact-finding committee. They will be gathering
information and presenting it to the board. Judy mentioned that William
Allaverta from D.O.T. was willing to come and present information
and educate the board.
Excess Weight Permits: North End Equipment Delivery applied for an
Excess Weight Permit for 67,000 pounds. The applicant indicated that
he was making one trip to Baker Brook Road to pick up an excavator.
Peter Rysz made a motion to approve the permit, with the condition
that we request the truck use Grimes Hill Road rather than Depot Road,
and avoiding the Arch Bridge. Guy Wachtel seconded the motion. The
motion carried unanimously.
UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Frank Suponski approached the board regarding the letter he received
involving improvement to a town trail. A long discussion ensued regarding
improvement of a town trail, tree cutting, ownership of the property,
and the permit process for improving a town trail.
Ed Druke had questions regarding Excess Weight Permits that have
been approved recently. Discussion ensued regarding the Excess Weight
Permit Process, and the Overweight Permit Subcommittee.
SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
There were no scheduled members of the public.
NEW BUSINESS
Shannon reported to the board the VELCO’s filing for the Southern
Loop project had been received. Someone will need to take initiative
to attend any meetings and hearings and report back to the board.
Mark Pickering’s name was mentioned as a possibility. Shannon
will send him a letter inquiring whether he would be interested.
OLD BUSINESS
Anti-Idling Policy Discussion for General Vehicles: Dan reported
that he’d like to create an Anti-Idling Resolution for the board’s
signature. After a short discussion it was decided that Dan will use
Brattleboro’s model and create a resolution specific to Newfane
and present it to the board at a future meeting.
Town Office Insulation Estimates: Two proposals have been received
thus far, however only one was what the Town is looking for. The other
one hadn’t been received yet. It was mentioned that the town
should consider a fire alarm system when setting up the budget for
next year.
Rescue, Inc.: Peter Rysz reported back that he went to the Rescue,
Inc. member towns’ Consortium. It seems that Rescue Inc.’s
Endowment was invested in the stock market; and at the same time the
endowment was used as collateral in a commercial line of credit. The
line of credit ended up having to be paid off with the endowment,
and there isn’t much left. A discussion ensued regarding billing
practices, and budgeting, and Rescue, Inc. in general. No actions
were taken as a result of the discussion.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT: See Attached
Report.
Dan Dewalt made a motion to authorize the purchase of a refrigerator
for the Town Offices, with a price not to exceed $300.00; encouraging
Shannon to pursue a locally owned company and energy efficiency. Peter
Rysz seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE: Shannon presented the board with
a letter from the Williamsville Hall Committee requesting permission
to switch gas companies. They are currently with Suburban. Shannon
will look into any obligation to stay with them, and get back to the
Williamsville Hall Committee.
EXECUTIVE SESSION No Executive Session was needed.
PAY WARRANTS:
Peter Rysz made a motion to approve the pay warrants as presented:
Pay Orders: 11/16 $254,664.16
11/16 $356,635.42
11/16 $668,693.48
Payroll: 11/9 $2,834.11
11/15 $3,104.89
11/15 $ 131.98
IRS Electronic Payment: 11/9 $937.86
The motion passed unanimously.
Guy Wachtel made a motion to adjourn at 9:40 p.m. Peter Rysz seconded
the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
