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MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING - BOARD OF SELECTMEN
DECEMBER 7th, 2000
NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE
Any and all corrections to the following minutes will be made at the 12/19/00 Board of Selectmen's Meeting and are considered unapproved until then. Corrections will be noted in the minutes of that meeting.
PRESENT:
Selectmen: Michael Rohan, Jesse Anderson, Lynn Bedell, and Richard Dowley
Absent: Carter Van Iderstine.
Also Present: Eileen Greber, James O. Gray, Road Foreman and Doris Knechtel, Administrative Assistant.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman M. Rohan called the Regular Meeting of the Board to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. EILEEN GREBER - BANK STABILIZATION GRANT
Eileen Greber was present to discuss the cutting of trees to help stabilize the bank in the area of the old Williamsville Dam on property owned by the town. Bonneyvale Environmental has received a grant to take care of a few areas along the Rock River, and E. Houston is acting as a consultant. She would like permission to hire professional forester with the necessary insurance coverage to cut two trees on the town's property. The cost is to be covered through the grant. The cutting will help to keep the bank from sliding. In the spring willow trees will be planted to further stabilize the bank. The question was raised about the change in impact of the water with the loss of the dam. There could be a factor in the erosion problem. Motion was made by R. Dowley and seconded by L. Bedell to approve of the hiring of a professional forester by Bonneyvale Environmental to cut two trees on the Williamsville Dam property. Unanimous.
4. ROAD BUSINESS
A. ROAD COMMISSIONER'S REPORT - (See attached report)
(1) Item #1 - It was suggested that a letter be written to Joe Benedetto acknowledging the towns appreciation for cleaning his debris out of the town highway right of way and off of H. Bailey's property allowing the town to provide proper highway maintenance. Chairman M. Rohan will sign the letter.
B. ROAD FOREMAN'S REPORT - (See attached report)
(1) Item #6. B. - Representatives from Vermont Municipal and Viking-Chives will be back on Wednesday, December 13th to discuss the Snow-King plow for the Ford 550 which is still not working properly.
(2) Item #5 - J. Gray will contact Terry Redfield, Line Clearance for CVPS again about the need to have dangerous trees removed. There is also a tree on Grimes Hill Road (TH#5) that needs to be added to the list.
C. EXCESS WEIGHT PERMITS
No Excess Weight Permits were presented for action.
D. ACCESS/RIGHT OF WAY PERMITS
J. Gray indicated that M. Powling is logging on New Road (TH#30) and he is damaging the road surface by using a skidder on the road. He does not have permission to stockpile the logs within the right of way. For a turnaround he has been backing into Jones Hill Road (TH#52) with a log truck with a trailer behind it, blocking traffic. Motion was made by L. Bedell and seconded by R. Dowley to have a letter written to M. Powling and signed by Chairman Michael Rohan to indicate that a temporary Right of Way Permit must be approved by the Selectmen to allow for the stockpiling of logs within the town highway right of way and that any damage done to the town highway could result in a fine. (19 V.S.A. S 1108) Unanimous.
F. COVERED BRIDGE (CB#17) DECK PROPOSAL
Daniels Construction has submitted a proposal to re-fasten the entire deck on the covered bridge with 4" pan head fasteners, 2 per plank in 8 lines plus trouble spots. The proposal includes re-planking west end and shimming up large steel plate about one inch at wood edge. The cost is $9,220. The boards are loose and noisy. The question was raised regarding the possibility of other alternatives for fixing the problem, as it seems like a substantial amount of money to be spent when the bridge will be replaced in four years. The suggestion was made of having two wheel tracks placed on top of the existing deck. Wm. Noyes will be contacted this matter and the Wiswall Hill Road (TH#11) bridge (BR#43).
G. BROOKLINE/NEWFANE BRIDGE (BR#19) COST ESTIMATE
Structural repairs are being done by Daniels Construction on the Brookline/Newfane bridge (BR#19) at the cost of $19,380 of which the state pays 95% and Brookline and Newfane split the 5% cost. Motion was made by M. Rohan and seconded by L. Bedell to approve Newfane's share of the expenditure of $484.50 for the repairs to Bridge #19 by Daniels Construction. Unanimous.
5. B. OTHER OLD BUSINESS
(1) M. Rohan spoke with Attorney Jane Krockmalney and she has filed a brief with the Vermont Supreme Court in response to the brief filed by the attorney for Donald and Linda Miller regarding the appeal of their real estate appraisal. It is not known as yet if there will be the need to present an oral argument before the VT Supreme Court.
(2) The Board discussed the regular meeting scheduled for December 21st. Two Board members will be away that evening. It was decided to reschedule the meeting for Tuesday, December 19th at 7:00 p.m. During January there may be an extra meeting scheduled for January 11th to work on the budget process and town report information.
5. B. OTHER OLD BUSINESS -
J. Anderson inquired about the Hazard Mitigation process and the Don and Pat Williams. A. Magara of VEM has not responded as yet to the letter from the town. The town is in the discovery process and has not committed to anything as yet.
(2) Information was compiled regarding the recent letter sent for possible interest in conducting a reappraisal for the town of Newfane. Of the twenty letters sent, only seven responses were received. Board members will contact the other appraisal firms to see if they may be interested in receiving a request for proposal for a town wide reappraisal to be completed by May 1, 2003.
6. A. FY 2002 BUDGET PROCESS
The Board members were given the November expense reports, and the proposed expense and revenue reports with four years of comparative numbers as well as expenses year to date compared to budgeted amounts. The end of the FY 2000 figures are unaudited. The audit firm will be contacted about the status of the final audit figures. The Board will work on the budget when the audit is received. The various departments have been asked for their budget request. The Capital Budget will be reviewed at the next meeting, in particular, the proposed equipment purchases for the highway department. The cost of living inflation number is anticipated to be approximately 3%.
J. Anderson reported on the meeting that he went to regarding the reclamation of the Haynes gravel pit off of Auger Hole Road (TH#4). The property is in Marlboro and Newfane. The proposal if to build a berm and to do some plantings to help screen the gravel pit area. The anticipated cost is to be $100,000. Some of the neighbors had expressed concern about the steep slopes that will remain. The proposal will be presented to the Act 250 District Environmental Commission for approval.
6. NEW BUSINESS
(1) The Town Clerk has requested the purchase and installation of the dog license computer program from NEMRC for the cost of $395. There are funds available in the Assistant Town Clerk line item and the records expense that are not anticipated to be used during FY 2001. Motion was made by M. Rohan and seconded by J. Anderson to approve the purchase of the dog license computer program for the Town Clerk. Unanimous.
7. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT'S REPORT
A. Item #3 - The two agreements have been signed by all parties for the removal of debris from the Smith Brook by USDA - NRCS. Motion was made by M. Rohan and seconded by J. Anderson to have Chairman Michael Rohan sign the agreements on behalf of the town so that the NRCS may proceed with the debris removal. Unanimous.
B. Item #5 - The original request for partial payment of large project funds was for $158,427 and the state issued a check in the amount of $176,626.
C. Item #7 - Motion was made by M. Rohan and seconded by R. Dowley to have the Board members sign the Incentive Grant Program form for the 2/1 paving in the amount of $50,000. Unanimous.
D. Item #8 - The Board agreed to six (6) days as a minimum amount of time to hold a dog or cat before adoption proceedings may begin. A letter will be written to Cathy Barrows of the Windham County Humane Society to indicate that decision.
E. Item #10 - J. Anderson will contact the Draft Detective, R. Cartelli, about what method to use to repair the leak into the Williamsville Hall lift area.
F. L. Bedell asked about the heat being on in the kitchen dining areas of the Williamsville Hall. DAK indicated that the heat was on because of the painting of the rooms. She also asked if J. Gray could remove the scrap metal from the middle floor of the hall. There was also discussion about the water being drained from the kitchen and/or the possibility of having heat tape on the pipes. G. The Zoning Administrator, Village Enhancement Committee, and a representative from Windham Regional Commission will meet on Tuesday, December 12th at 2:30 p.m. to review the various proposals for traffic calming within the villages of South Newfane and Williamsville.
8. MINUTES
The minutes of the Regular Meetings of 11/02/00 and 11/16/00 and the minutes of the Special Meetings of 11/07/00 and 11/14/00 were reviewed by the Board. Motion was made by J. Anderson and seconded by L. Bedell to approved the minutes of 11/02/00, 11/07/00, 11/14/00 and 11/16/00 as written. Unanimous.
9. PAY ORDERS
A. Motion was made by L. Bedell and seconded by R. Dowley to approve the Newfane Payroll and Accounts Payable Warrants, as signed, for the following:
11/18/00 Payroll $ 2,746.73
11/28/00 Payroll $ 2,893.88
12/02/00 Payroll $ 3,235.15
12/01/00 Payroll $ 1,962.76
12/08/00 Acct's Payable #13 $ 50,325.14 Unanimous
B. IRS Electronic Federal Payroll Tax Payments
11/22/00 $ 928.28
11/29/00 $ 946.45
12/06/00 $ 1,011.09
10. CORRESPONDENCE
A. The town has been notified by Wm. Noyes that Newfane will be eligible for 90/10 Culvert and Bridge Funds in the amount of $31,500. The Road Foreman will consider some culvert and bridge projects repair or replace for the FY 2002 budget.
B. There will be a Preliminary Proposed Budget Meeting for Windham County 2001-2002 County Budget. The meeting will take place at the Windham County Courthouse in Newfane on Wednesday, December 13 at 1:00 p.m.
C. C. Eldred, Staff Assistant for Congressman Bernie Sanders, is still working to obtain a response from the General Services Administration concerning the law or regulation pertaining to the exemption of taxes for United States Postal Property, even if a portion of it is leased.
D. A letter has been received from Richard M. Gale, Attorney for Donald and Patricia Williams thanking the Board for meeting with him regarding the Hazard Mitigation program on behalf of the Williams'. He also included a copy of a letter sent to Angela Margara, State Hazard Mitigation Officer, regarding the matter.
E. The town has been notified of a Budget Hearing to be held at the Windham Solid Waste Management District on Thursday, December 14th at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office on Old Ferry Road in Brattleboro. The proposed assessment for Newfane has been reduced for FY 2002, to $9,918, down from $12,600 for FY 2001.
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION - An Executive Session was not required.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by R. Dowley and seconded by J. Anderson to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Newfane Board of Selectmen at 9:40 p.m. Unanimous.
Doris A. Knechtel
Administrative Assistant
Newfane Board of Selectmen
Posted: Town Clerk's Office, Newfane Store,
Patsy's County Seat Market, Lessing's Family General Store and South Newfane General Store & Deli.
www.newfanevt.com
ROAD COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
12/07/00
1. Jim and I went to check Benedetto's place and it was a pleasure to see he had cleaned up the material he had in the town right of way and on the Bailey property. The letter we wrote really made a difference.
2. Had a call from Bill Guenther on ruts made on Bensch Road (TH#13). This has been taken care of.
3. The drainage problem on River Road (TH#15) and the paving on the South Wardsboro Road (TH#1) have been completed.
4. The road crew are all waiting for snow.
Dick Dowley
ROAD FOREMAN'S REPORT 12/07/00
TOWN OF NEWFANE HIGHWAY
1. The following roads were worked on since the last B.O.S. regular meeting: Wheeler Hill Road (TH#26), River Road (TH#15), Sears Road (TH#44), South Wardsboro Road (TH#1), Newfane Hill Road (TH#20), Parish Hill Road (TH#26), and Beetlestone Hill Road (TH#47.
2. The hemlock brush on Timson Hill Road (TH#41) was trimmed back to accommodate traffic flow on road way.
3. Winter weather occurred on 11/21, 11/25 & 11/30/00 and on 12/01/00 required salting of blacktop and sanding of other roads.
4. Roads in some places became muddy on 11/28 & 29/00. The grader and rake smoothed out spots before freeze up.
5. Greg Heaton, CVPS forester, was notified of pine trees that threatened utility lines and roads. One tree above Merton Coleman's was hit by lightening 2 years ago. Two pine trees on Dover Road (TH#2) and a hanging limb on Grimes Hill Road (TH#5) need removal. Terry Redfield is in charge of tree removal in this area.
6. Equipment: A. The sanders have been put on al trucks. B. The SnowKing snowplow is being worked on by Jack Luther, Viking Chives Representative and Vermont Municipal. C. The starter on the 926E Cat Loader was replaced.
7. The area around the bridge #42 on Stratton Hill Road (TH#35) has been cleaned up.
8. Penner's stone wall was not completed. A large rock protrudes out from the wall.
9. The culvert at Rutha Drive remains plugged with tons of gravel.
10. South Wardsboro Road (TH#1) construction area was blacktopped and side dressed with gravel. Some stone work remains to be done along with seeding and mulching of disturbed areas. Some flood work has been done on Steep Way (TH#20), Newfane Hill Road (TH#21), and Sawmill Road (TH#77). None has been completed.
11. Bridges: A. Daniels Construction Co. is working on Bridge #19 over the West River leading to Brookline. B. The deck on the Covered Bridge (CB#17) needs work. The bridge is slated for replacement in 2005, four years away.
12. Signs have been vandalized this past month in many locations.
To:
Newfane Board of Selectmen
Memorandum
From:
Doris A. Knechtel
Subject:
Administrative Assistant's Report
Date:
December 7, 2000
1. Harland Van Ness of Jones Hill Road (TH#52) called to indicate that nothing has been done to improve the drainage situation onto his property from the road runoff. J. Gray has been informed.
2. The two agreements between the town and the property owners have been received and sent to Rob Allen of the USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service. The agreement between the town and NRCS, without the addendum, will be signed by NRCS and sent to the town.
3. Drew Adam from USDA in Brattleboro called about additional agreements between the town and property owners for the removal of debris from the Smith Brook by the Dowley/Harrington property. I sent out additional agreements for signature. I have received one back. The other one requires four signatures.
4. Margot Stone of Timson Hill Road (TH#41) called and is upset about the amount of trimming done to the shrubs on her property. She was not notified before the trimming began. Motorists will be going faster and ending up over the bank. More signs may be needed. She also suggested that new shrubs/trees be planted. J. Gray was informed of her displeasure.
5. Andrew Flagg from D. Coburn's office (FEMA) asked for additional information to justify the request for partial funding for the large flood projects. I put together a packet of information of amounts spent to date to contractors.
6. Christine Eldred of Congressman Bernie Sanders's office is still working on the question of USPS tax-exemption status regarding rental property.
7. The VAOT town highway Incentive Grant Program needs to be signed.
8. Cathy Barrows of Windham County Humane Society called and would like to know the minimum amount of time to hold a dog or a cat before adoption proceedings may begin. She said 5 - 7 days is a reasonable amount of time.
9. The painting of the kitchen and dining area at the Williamsville Hall has been completed by Paul Gardner, Hawk & Brush.
10. Dick Cartelli, the Draft Detective, came by with some suggestions about the repair of the leak into the Williamsville Hall in the area of the lift. Would one of the Board members like to meet with him to go over the problems?
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