NEWFANE SELECTBOARD
MINUTES
DECEMBER 4, 2008
NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE
PRESENT:
Selectboard: Gary Katz, Jeff Gouger, Joe Mandell, Piet van Loon
Also Present: Virginia Grabowski, Ed Druke, Gunther Garbe, Chris Petrak,
Keith Clark, Josh O’Neill, Robert Lakin, Deborah Luskin, David
Moore, Dan Kinoy
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Gary Katz, Chair.
2. MINUTES
Joe Mandell made a motion to approve the minutes of November 20, 2008.
The motion was seconded by Jeff Gouger. Piet van Loon noted that on
Page 4, where it says, “two candidates were interviewed,”
the words “By the Selectboard” would keep it clear, as more
than two candidates were interviewed by the Planning Commission. The
minutes were approved as amended, unanimously.
3. ROAD BUSINESS
Road Foreman/Road Commissioner’s Report: See attached report.
Discussion ensued regarding the paving problem on Depot Road that was
done by Whitcombs, and the letter that was received earlier in the evening.
After discussion of Whitcomb’s proposal, a motion was made by
Piet van Loon to send a letter back to Whitcomb stating that the board
received the letter and is currently discussing their proposal. The
motion was seconded by Joe Mandell. The vote was unanimous.
Sander Bid: After discussion, a motion was made by
Joe Mandell to approve the bid from Lucky’s Trailer Sales, as
recommended by Todd Lawley, Road Foreman, for a cost of $4,258.00. The
motion was seconded by Jeff Gouger. The vote was unanimous.
4. SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
1. Keith Clark of the Windham County Sheriff’s Department spoke
to the board regarding services provided, specifically the junk issue
at Wildwood Acres. He stated he’d spoke with the homeowner, gave
him a copy of the ordinance, and noted that step 1 is a letter from
the Selectboard. Keith will stop by to see what may have changed before
the board sends a letter. Keith noted that there were signs that say,
“No Parking by Temporary Order of the Sheriff’s Department”
but were very old. The Selectboard will check with the Road Foreman,
and to see if there is a reason for them.
Discussion ensued with the Sheriff regarding the human waste container
that was left at the recycling bins. It was the consensus of the board
to empower Shannon to report these things to the Sheriff’s Department
without authorization from the Board, as it happens, to ensure that
the Department can deal with it in a timely manner.
The board and the Sheriff also spoke about over-length and over-weight
vehicles, animal control, and the rates for the upcoming year.
2. Chris Petrak, Town Moderator and Deb Luskin, School Moderator were
present to discuss issues related to Town Meeting and the warning for
the next Town Meeting. Chris will work with the Selectboard to assist
in developing the Warning.
3. Josh O’Neill from Windham Regional Commission and David Moore,
Emergency Management Coordinator were present to speak to the board
about approving the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan for the town, allowing
them to be eligible for funding. The board will review it and make a
decision at the next meeting.
5. OLD BUSINESS
The board discussed the Zoning Administrator’s proposed changes
to the Zoning Permit Application. The Selectboard will forward the proposed
changes to the Planning Commission for their review before making any
decision.
The board also discussed the Zoning Administrator’s proposed
hours. A motion was made by Piet van Loon to give the go ahead with
the proposed hours, with the understanding that they could be amended
if there are complaints. Joe Mandell seconded the motion. The motion
passed unanimously.
7. OLD BUSINESS
Williamsville Hall Safety Violations: Dan Kinoy reported
that Guy, Piet and Dan met on Sunday to discuss these issues. Dan submitted
a report outlining the prioritizing and organizing of the improvements
to be made. Discussion ensued regarding budgetary constraints, and what
projects need to be done this budget year as opposed to future budget
years. It was noted that a letter should be sent to Brian Johnson letting
him know that they’ve been broken down into priorities, and get
his reaction to that. Discussion ensued as to whether there were any
reason why some things can’t be done right now. As to volunteer
work: Joe Mandell made a motion to give the Williamsville Hall Committee
the authority to do the five volunteer items. The motion was seconded
by Jeff Gouger. Discussion ensued regarding the knee wall that was suggested
for building near the stove in the kitchen. The vote was unanimous.
The consensus of the board was to lock the balcony with a sign noting
as such on the door to the balcony.
Tax Sales: Gary noted that the first tax sale had
a bidder and the property was sold. On the second one, the town had
to bid. The property was unimproved land. Should the town become the
owner, the abutting land owners may be interested in purchasing the
land.
Recycling Bins: A motion was made by Joe Mandell to
hire Fred Jutras to clean up the Recycling Bins at a rate of $50.00
per month, to come out of the highway budget. The motion was seconded
by Jeff Gouger. The vote was unanimous.
South Wardsboro Road Junk Ordinance Violation: Shannon
directed the board that they have completed the requirements for removing
the trailer from the property. Shannon will contact Fred Jutras to see
if he’d be willing to remove the trailer, and also to send another
letter to the homeowners, letting them know that the trailer will be
removed at a date certain.
Rescue, Inc. Increase in Service Fees: Shannon continues
to work with Rescue, Inc. to schedule a discussion at a future meeting.
Council on Aging: Heating Assistance. A motion was
made by Joe Mandell to accept Council on Aging, Inc’s offer for
heating assistance, and to request $150.00. The motion was seconded
by Jeff Gouger. Vote was unanimous.
Rescue, Inc. Representative: Priscilla Cotton has
stated that she’d be willing to take on the position. Piet van
Loon made a motion to appoint Priscilla Cotton. Jeff Gouger seconded
the motion. The vote was unanimous. Shannon will do a letter to Priscilla.
Judicial Bureau Reports: Shannon brought to the board
a Judicial Bureau Report that shows three unpaid fines that the town
has not chosen to file contempt charges on. Discussion ensued regarding
the costs versus the benefits. Shannon will look into it for more details
and get back to the board.
9. CORRESPONDENCE: No Correspondence.
LEPC: Letter received regarding heating shelter needs. The board chose
to forward the information to fire chiefs and the Emergency Management
Coordinator for their information and input.
Rock River Preservation: A letter was received from Marie Levesque-Caduto
requesting funding in the next fiscal year. The board’s consensus
was to look at it during budget time, but to not take any position before
town meeting.
Discussion ensued regarding the manner in which employees are paid.
10. PAY ORDERS: – Jeff Gouger made a motion
to approve the pay orders as follows. Piet van Loon seconded the motion.
Motion passed unanimously.
Pay Orders: 12/05/08 - $14,866.94
Payroll: 11/26/08 - $3,122.08
12/03/08 - $3,096.17
12/05/08 - $2,157.81
IRS Electronic Payment:
12/3/08 - $1,116.22
12/10/08 – $1,105.18
12/10/08 – $368.77
15. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Jeff Gouger and seconded by Piet van Loon to adjourn
the meeting at 9:46 p.m. The vote was unanimous.
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)
