MINUTES OF THE NEWFANE SELECTBOARD
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 6, 2007
TOWN OFFICES
NEWFANE, VERMONT
PRESENT
Selectboard members: Joe Mandell, Dan Dewalt, Peter Rysz, Guy Wachtel
Also Present: Shannon Meckle, Administrative Assistant; Todd Lawley,
Road Foreman; Piet van Loon; Gunther Garbe, Planning Commission; Judy
Egan, Overweight Permit Sub-committee; Ed Druke; Robert Hughes, Williamsville
Hall Committee; Fred Lawrence, Overweight Permit Sub-committee
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Joe Mandell
MINUTES
The minutes of November 15, 2007 were reviewed, and the following
changes were made: It should be noted that the money to pay the temporary
employee with the budgeted funds for the employee that is out on Workers’
Comp. Dan Dewalt made a motion to approve the minutes as amended.
Peter Rysz seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The minutes of the December 4, 2007 Budget Meeting were reviewed.
Peter Rysz made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Guy Wachtel
seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.
ROAD BUSINESS
Road Foreman’s Report: See Attached Report.
International 7400: As mentioned in the Road Foreman’s report,
there is a problem with the truck’s rims breaking around the
center of the rim. Todd contacted the Dept. of Highway Safety and
was directed to another organization. Todd will write up a brief history
of what’s happened thus far with rims. Dan Dewalt made a motion
to authorize Shannon to draft a letter to the proper authorities and
to contact other towns as well to inquire as to whether they are having
this problem, and what steps they’ve taken. Peter Rysz seconded
the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Overweight Permit Sub-committee: Judy Egan requested that a “No
Through Trucks” sign be placed on Grimes Hill Road. Judy presented
information and pictures to the board. Joe stated that the town needs
to research this thoroughly before making a decision, and suggested
to her that she contact Matt Mann at Windham Regional Commission.
Guy Wachtel stated that he did not agree with the proposal. Judy stated
that it wasn’t necessarily a recommendation or a request, but
just a question of whether it was a possibility.
Guy Wachtel made a motion to turn down the request. Dan Dewalt seconded
the motion.
Discussion ensued regarding the purpose of the sub-committee/task
force, and that it is primarily to gain information and to present
to the board a researched, prioritized list of needs. Guy Wachtel
withdrew his motion. The board urged the sub-committee to come back
to the board with specifics that are well researched, rather than
ideas as they come up.
UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Gunther noted that Ken Robinson is willing to stay on the Planning
Commission. Gunther and John Feifel will run for another term in March,
and will see the Zoning Bylaw through its completion, but will resign
after it’s finished.
Todd noted that private contractors generally do the right thing
and follow the rules with regards to Overweight Permits and such,
and that if you look, the oil companies and gas companies do not have
permits filed with the town. Shannon will draft letters to these companies
for the Selectboard, urging them to apply for permits. Todd pointed
out that this would be good for uniformity and also gives the companies
an accurate list of safe and unsafe bridges.
The board asked Judy about her plans to use the Williamsville Hall
for the Overweight Permit Sub-Committee meetings. The meetings will
be the first Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. It was noted that the
key for these meetings should be obtained from Shannon before each
meeting.
SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
There were no scheduled members of the public.
NEW BUSINESS
Ancient Roads: Shannon received in the mail, a survey from the state,
regarding the town’s status in the Ancient Roads issue. Laura
Bacon may be of assistance in filling out the survey.
OLD BUSINESS
Insulation: The board looked at the proposals and since this was
not bid according to the bid policy of the town, the board will put
the project out to bid using the specs of the insulation company that
quoted $2,000. The bids will be opened at the next meeting.
Anti-Idling: Dan Dewalt reported that he had looked at other towns’
anti-idling resolutions and used them to create on specific to Newfane.
He read it out loud to the board. At the next meeting, the town will
vote to adopt the resolution. This is a non-enforceable resolution.
It will be a voluntary, but encouraged practice.
W.W. Building Supply Lease: Peter Rysz noted that in addition to
Mr. Druke’s changes, there should be a thirty-day notice clause
in there if either party needs to get out of the lease, and that if
a fence is erected, there should be a pathway left for the town office
employees to walk over to purchase items.
Junk Ordinance Violations: The board inquired as to whether a fourth
ticket has been issued for the junk trailer on South Wardsboro Road.
Shannon has contacted the Sheriff’s Department, but hasn’t
received confirmation as of yet.
Williamsville Hall Asbestos Concerns: Robert Hughes, Williamsville
Hall Committee Member, presented the board with concerns regarding
some areas of the Williamsville Hall that may be asbestos. Discussion
ensued regarding possible options to deal with this issue. The cost
of testing was discussed as well.
Dan Dewalt made a motion to authorize Robert Hughes to research the
cost of these tests, and to contact Shannon with information for the
next meeting, in order for the board to vote on it at the next meeting.
Guy Wachtel seconded the motion. The vote passed with three in favor,
with Peter Rysz abstaining recusing himself. {change requested for
approval}
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT:
Shannon presented the board with a letter regarding the town’s
bond that was sold to another firm, and a bill for $150.00 for the
paperwork done in connection with this sale. The board decided to
have Shannon contact the law firm again, and find out why the town
was charged for a transaction that was beyond their control. If the
answer is satisfactory at the next meeting, they will authorize payment
then.
CORRESPONDENCE:
A letter was received by Kevin Behan, Constable regarding the cost
of funding dogs that Wayne Hoague has agreed to give up. He requested
that the Town fund this, as the Windham County Humane Society is not
able to fund the confiscation of these animals at this time. The board
authorized Shannon to contact Kevin Behan and inquire as to whether
the town’s contract with the Humane Society should cover this,
and if there is a round figure of what the town would be spending.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Gunther Garbe asked the board if there had been any further discussion
regarding the purchase of the Nu-Tique Building. It was noted that
W.W. Building Supply has right of first refusal. Guy will speak to
them to get a sense of whether they have any plans to purchase the
building.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Dan Dewalt made a motion to enter executive session for consideration
of documents excepted from the access to public records provision.
Peter Rysz seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Gunther
Garbe and Piet van Loon were invited to attend.
Dan Dewalt made a motion to come out of Executive Session. Peter
Rysz seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Dan Dewalt made a motion to hire Elana Baron to represent the town
to start proceedings to get rid of the junk trailer, beginning with
a letter to the landowner. Guy Wachtel seconded the motion. The motion
passed with three in favor and Peter Rysz abstained.
PAY WARRANTS:
Peter Rysz made a motion to approve the pay warrants as presented.
Dan Dewalt seconded the motion.
Pay Orders: 12/7/07 $265,760.17
Payroll: 11/28/07 $3,065.59
12/5/07 $3,313.69
12/5/07 $3,719.79
12/5/07 $4,039.31
IRS Electronic Payment: 11/20/07 – 11/28/07: $1,066.66
11/26/07 – 12/5/07: $1,062.79
12/4/07 - 12/07/07: $1,229.92
The motion passed unanimously.
Dan Dewalt made a motion to adjourn at 8:35 p.m. Peter Rysz seconded
the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
