TOWN OF FAIRLEE, VERMONT
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
2008
Approved 11/10/08 SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
7:00 p.m. Meeting called to Order
Present: Selectboard Members-Jay Barrett, Tim Cramer and Ken Gulick; Others-Deborah Chambers, John Larrabee, Sarah Larrabee, Kevin Cummings, Cicely Richardson; Staff-Debbie Messer.
Minutes from October 27, 2008 approved as corrected.
Correspondence.
Peter Mallary resigned from the Library Board of Trustees. Heather Tilghman appointed to fill vacancy until Town Meeting Day.
Ernest Sargent has resigned as Town Agent and from the Water Advisory Board.
Lisa Avery came in to see Debbie Messer regarding Knox Road. She asked Messer to inform the board of major drainage problems caused by logging trucks. Messer asked Malcolm Godfrey to assess the road. Godfrey reported that the waterbars need to be redone after logging traffic ceases.
Kevin Cummings asked the board about a permanent electronics drop-off at the Transfer Station. Messer to research. Tim Cramer will research remanufactured asphalt for that location.
John Larrabee reported back to the board of interest by the Tuck School to help with Fairlee needs consultation.
Town Plan Public hearing scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Public Comment.
Bald Top Road. Sarah Larrabee came before the board to discuss the proposed plan for the road. Plowing and upgrade are both concerns for her.
Follow-Up Items.
John Larrabee to purchase chain and lock for Lake Morey Road gravel pit. Messer to ask Leon C. Marsh, Jr. about the portable toilet there.
Russ and Therese Collins gave the board a 2008 Flea Market wrap-up. Successes and ideas for improvement were discussed. The board asked Messer to find an arborist or other knowledgeable party to look at the Railroad Station property.
Personnel, Computer, and Town Equipment Use Policies were approved by the board effective November 3, 2008.
Conflict of Interest policy. The board reviewed the VLCT Conflict of Interest policy and version drawn by Messer for the board. They also reviewed Fairlee’s DRB version. Ken Gulick gave the board his proposed version which the board approved 3-0 effective November 3, 2008.
Paving Bids. Paving bids from Blaktop and Bigelow Paving for hand work on Lake Morey Road were opened by the board. Blaktop’s bid was $225.00 per ton and Bigelow Paving bid $144.00 per ton. The board voted 2-0, Cramer recused himself from the discussion, to accept the bid from Bigelow Paving. Messer to notify and schedule work to be completed by November 30.
The selectboard rejected the Park & Ride grant award of $3,035.00.
The board reviewed the budget calendar.
New Business.
Orders signed.
9:20 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Next meeting: Town Plan Public Hearing, Thursday, November 6, 2008
Selectboard Meeting, Monday, November 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Attest: ___________________
Debbie Messer
Administrative Assistant to the Selectboard
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES October 21, 2008
7:00 p.m. Meeting called to Order
Present: Selectboard Members-Jay Barrett, Tim Cramer and Ken Gulick; Others-John Larrabee, Bob Maddock, Cami Buster, Tom Jaffarian, Scott Sargent, Paul Sargent, Dan Ludwig, Phil Bean, Skip Brown, Jane Bayley Brown, Hazel & George Pratt, Butch Colby, Chris Gulick, Alex Nuti deBiasi; Staff-Noel Walker and Debbie Messer.
Minutes from October 6, 2008 approved.
Correspondence.
Park & Ride grant agreement. Fairlee’s commitment to the $3,035.00 grant is that it will be used to install signs, fencing and some landscaping. The town agrees that: the Park & Ride will be made available for year-round use; provide 10 or more spaces; and we will maintain the property. Stagecoach asked if we would be willing to install a bike rack. They are anxious to begin using the site and will be joining us at our next meeting to discuss.
Overdue water accounts from Treasurer for review.
The board voted 3-0 to sign the VLCT resolution opposing proposed cuts in highway funding for local highway aid program. Not only will we see a cut of nearly $3,000 in appropriations but also could lose Class 2 and Structures grant monies. Of which we were awarded $150,000 this year alone and have placed the Brushwood Bridge project on the slate for a structures grant.
Gail Keiling, Rivendell School District Head of Schools, regarding possible collaborative grant writing and fundraising between the Rivendell School District and the Town of Fairlee. The board asked Messer to invite Keiling to a future meeting to discuss further.
Final inspection of the State of Vermont Sidewalk project this Thursday, October 23 from 10-11:30 at the project site. Messer to attend.
Gulick asked about the Candidates Forum on Wednesday, October 29th 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Not a Selectboard sanctioned event. Messer will re-post.
Barrett gave a brief explanation of VLCT AA/ZA position proposal board hand-out. Messer to contact other municipalities for shared job descriptions.
Public Comment.
Jane Bayley Brown asked for board support to reduce the speed on Route 244. Board voted 3-0 to support.
Town Plan Hearing.
After lengthy discussion, the board proposed extending commercial area on Route 5 north to Bradford Town line. Public hearing scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Messer to contact TRORC for map change.
Follow-Up Items.
ER Services Building. To next meeting.
Bald Top Road. Barrett to contact Ken LeClair for continued right-of-way and topographical work.
Bragg Hill Road. Re-install old culvert at the Kennedy property.
New Business.
Orders signed.
9:25 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Next meeting: Monday, October 27, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Town Plan hearing.
Attest: ___________________
Debbie Messer
Administrative Assistant to the Selectboard
Minutes approved with corrections October 27, 2008
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES October 6, 2008
7:00 p.m. Meeting called to Order
Present: Selectboard Members-Jay Barrett, Tim Cramer and Ken Gulick; Others- Malcolm Godfrey, Don Weaver, Greg McGrath, Dashiell Rae, Kathleen Monroe, Will Dickinson, Lynne Fitzhugh; Staff-Leon C. Marsh, Jr., Debbie Messer.
Minutes from September 29, 2008 approved.
Correspondence.
Memo from Melissa Gahagan, Town Treasurer, verifying Act 144 figures.
Upper Valley ambulance has notified the selectboard of a requested per capita increase of $5 to $20. An increase of $4,835.00.
Letter from L. Dennis Farmer regarding the recently completed State of Vermont’s Sidewalk Project.
Rec. Council received a grant of $4,568.00 for playground equipment.
I spoke with Wayne Davis of AOT on Friday regarding the Park & Ride grant of $3,035. The municipality is only responsible for the continued property maintenance currently in place, plowing/sanding/mowing, and follow-through of the grant application proposal, fencing/signage/grounds. There is no financial burden to Fairlee as a result of grant acceptance.
Board of Civil Authority Grievance hearings on October 15th and 16th, 2008.
The selectboard approved $318.00 from the training/education budget for Georgette Wolf-Ludwig to attend the Annual Cities & Town Clerks Conference in Portsmouth, NH.
Public Comment.
Leon C. Marsh, Jr. asked about the reported concern about continued dumping at the gravel pit across from the boat access. He stated that he “has seen no evidence of dumping” and he “disagrees with the board decision to close the pit at dark.”
Follow-Up Items.
Bald Top Road. Kathleen Monroe spoke to the board about plowing this Class 4 and upgrades. Rae, Wilkinson and Fitzhugh also commented. The board discussed next steps with the road and will keep it on the agenda.
The board reviewed all current and proposed highway projects with Malcolm Godfrey. Godfrey to meet with Messer to begin budget process.
Town Plan .
Brief discussion regarding the Cramer revisions and map changes. Pubic hearing set for Tuesday, October 21st at 7:00 p.m.
New Business.
Orders signed.
9:13 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Next meeting: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Town Plan hearing.
Attest: ___________________
Debbie Messer
Administrative Assistant to the Selectboard
Approved October 21, 2008
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES September 29, 2008
7:00 p.m. Meeting called to Order
Present: Selectboard Members-Jay Barrett, Tim Cramer and Ken Gulick; Others- Larry Gatto, Don Weaver, Greg McGrath, John Larrabee, Debirah Chambers, Roxanne & Dave Matthews, Paul Sargent, Cicely Richardson; Staff-Noel Walker, Debbie Messer.
Minutes from September 22 approved.
Correspondence.
Rec. Council requesting the board appoints Catherine Haehnel to replace vacancy due to resignations of both Tina Bearce and Joanna McCool for remainder of the year. To be elected at Town Meeting. Board approved 3-0.
Public Comment.
Weaver asked for permission to move forward with 2009 Milfoil permit. Board approved 3-0.
Follow-Up Items.
Park & Ride Grant approved. Details to follow.
The board discussed the calendar of the more immediate pending projects for now through year-end. AA/ZA position. VLCT is working on job description . Personnel Policy, Equipment & Computer Use Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy, ER Services building needs, roads
Town Plan Hearing.
The board reviewed in detail the town plan proposal. Gulick stated that he was in favor of the changes made and would stand behind them. Specific changes were questioned by Gatto, Larrabee, and R. & D. Matthews. McGrath and Walker also questioned changes to the PC’s proposed plan. All asked about putting forth a plan that wasn’t in agreement with TRORC and the State of Vermont and it’s impact. Weaver commented on the grant aspect, stating that it would be easier to get the Town Hall renovation project done if we had grant opportunities and the entire financial burden was not the taxpayers.
Barrett made a motion to accept the PC’s proposed town plan version for vote by Australian ballot on Nov. 4, 2008. Defeated 2-1.
The board then agreed 2-1 to take the PC’s version with Cramer’s few changes previously agreed to at prior hearing to the voters on Nov.4, 2008.
Messer to make plan corrections and prepare for vote. To call Secretary of State’s Office for procedural verification of staying with the current timetable.
New Business.
Orders signed.
9:46 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Next meeting: Monday, October 20, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Attest: ___________________
Debbie Messer
Administrative Assistant to the Selectboard
Approved 10/6/2008
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES September 22, 2008
7:00 p.m. Meeting called to Order
Present: Selectboard Members-Jay Barrett, Tim Cramer and Ken Gulick; Others- Don Weaver, Greg McGrath, John Larrabee, Bill Scott, Dashiell Rae, Kathleen Monroe, Cicely Richardson; Staff-Tracy Thurston, Debbie Messer.
Minutes from September 8 and September 15 approved.
Correspondence.
Vt. Local Roads September Newsletter. Emergency Preparedness Conference at Lake Morey Inn on Thursday, November 6.
Vt. Coalition of Municipalities – 12th Annual Meeting at the Holiday Inn in Rutland on Wednesday, October 8 from 1-3pm to discuss escalating education property taxes. Board agreed to renew membership as budgeted.
Follow-Up Items.
Don Weaver of the Lake Morey Commission reviewed this past summer’s milfoil treatment of Lake Morey as well as a brief outline of next year. Greg McGrath overviewed the financials. Weaver asked to address the board on a personal note; he is very disturbed by the Budget Committee’s agenda that tends to have a “divisive effect on the community” and hopes that the board recognizes this and remembers their “advisory” role.
Scott & Sharon Wright driveway access permit approved.
Public Comment.
Kathleen Monroe, of Bald Top Road, came before the board to ask once again that the town plow this Class 4 road. After lengthy discussion, the board agreed to research reclassifying Bald Top from a Class 4 to Class 3. With a survey done by Ken LeClair in 2003, the town has to address the issue of just how much the road has crept over the years out of the right-of-way. This issue is complicated by needing to fix this and will get budget figures and come up with a plan to remedy to put before voters.
New Business.
Debbie Messer gave the board the current Budget Status Report for review.
The Selectboard discussed pending projects to address before year-end and will come up with a calendar to address identified items.
Jay announced that the Selectboard is discussing doing away with the Zoning Administrator and Administrative Assistant positions and to make it one encompassing position.
Orders signed.
Entered Executive Session at 9:13 p.m.
Exited Executive Session at 9:35 p.m.
9:46 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Next meeting: Town Plan Hearing on September 29, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Attest: ___________________
Debbie Messer
Administrative Assistant to the Selectboard
Approved 9/29/08
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES September 15, 2008
7:00 p.m. Meeting called to Order
Present: Selectboard Members-Jay Barrett (Absent), Tim Cramer and Ken Gulick; Others- Don Weaver, John Larrabee, Peg & Joe Coutermarsh; Staff-Debbie Messer.
Correspondence.
E-mail from Kathleen Monroe regarding maintenance of Class 4 Bald Top and the S. Larrabee property. Tim Cramer asked to review survey.
Dale Wentz requested road name change of Preston Lane to Quinibeck Point. Abutter approval. The board approved the change 2-0. Debbie Messer to order signage.
Upcoming VLCT workshop materials were reviewed.
Follow-Up Items.
Changes to the proposed Town Plan were accepted and the final hearing date was set for September 29th at 7:00 p.m.
Public Comment.
Peg Coutermarsh of Bradford requested that the minutes from August 11 be amended to reflect that she was not appearing before board regarding the on-going highway weight limits issue as “running for Representative”. The board voted 2-0 to approve the amended minutes.
Order signed.
7:35p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Next meeting: September 22, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Attest: ___________________
Debbie Messer
Administrative Assistant to the Selectboard
Approved 9/22/08
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES September 8, 2008
7:00 p.m. Meeting called to Order
Present: Selectboard Members-Jay Barrett, Tim Cramer and Ken Gulick; Others-Meredith & Ward Babbott, Don Weaver, Greg McGrath, John Larrabee, Peg Coutermarsh, Charlie Davenport and Cicely Richardson; Staff-Noel Walker, Georgette Wolf-Ludwig, Tracy Thurston, Melissa Gahagan and Debbie Messer.
Minutes from August 25, 2008 approved as written.
Correspondence.
Meredith Babbott asked the board approve renaming Kelsey Drive to Anna Dodge Lane. The board unanimously approved the request. The Babbotts, along with other residents on the private drive, offered to pay all associated signage costs.
A written request from Dale Wentz of Preston Lane to change that private drive to Quinibeck Point was tabled until the next meeting pending input from abutter.
Follow-Up Items.
Town of Fairlee Policies and Procedures. This has been on the boards housekeeping list for quite some time. The current two-page Benefit Policy has been in place since 1999 and needs to be updated. Jay Barrett stated that “in this day and age we have to have current policies in place.” Debbie Messer was asked to identify which areas of the proposed policy are “boiler plate” and which are “Fairlee specific”, to get staff comments. Georgette Wolf-Ludwig asked the board to look specifically at the reimbursement rate for Holidays etc. Barrett asked that the policy stay on the agenda.
Charlie Davenport ofTopsham Telephone discussed plans for fiber-optic line work in Fairlee later this month.
Town Treasurer, Melissa Gahagan, reviewed tax rate information with the board and a tax rate was set. Tax bills will be mailed September 10 with them due on or before October 10, 2008.
Public Comment.
Peg Coutermarsh of Bradford came before the board to update the board on the on-going highway weight limit issue. VLCT will be sending out a non-binding resolution to all municipalities.
John Larrabee spoke to the board of his concerns with dumping and target shooting at the gravel pit on the Lake. He first brought this to the board attention last April with no action taken after some disagreement how to best handle the problem. With the continuation of dumping at the site the board agreed that it is now necessary to take action. Jay made a motion to close the pit from dusk to dawn by installing a cable and lock and post signage for $250.00 fine for littering. Ken seconded. The motion passed 3-0. Larrabee has volunteered to open and close the site daily.
Don Weaver told the board that the last of the bottom barriers have been removed from Lake Morey. The LMC would like to be on the September 22 agenda to speak to the board about plan for next summer.
Entered Executive Session at 8:45 p.m. Exited Executive Session at 9:15 p.m.
Orders signed.
9:25 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Next meeting: September 15, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Attest: ___________________
Debbie Messer
Administrative Assistant to the Selectboard
Approved 9/22/08
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES August 25, 2008
6:00 p.m. Bacon Property Site Visit. Present: Selectboard Members-Jay Barrett, Tim Cramer and Ken Gulick; Others: Diane Colgan (AOT), Donna & Scott Hood, Mary & Don Davenport, John Larrabee, Deborah Chambers, Christy & John Durgin, Greg McGrath, Leon C. Marsh, Jr., Larry Farnham, Lance Colby, Charlie Bacon, Cicely Richardson, Staff-Debbie Messer.
Jay Barrett introduced Charlie Bacon to the group and outlined the purpose of the site visit. Barrett asked for only questions pertaining to the details of the property owned and the land requested and that all opinions relating to any further action be held until the 7:00 p.m. meeting.
Bacon walked his lot boundary and outlined the land needed to make his a buildable lot. Several questions were asked about the existing drainage easements, septic, issues with town highway maintenance, etc. Colgan reviewed that State’s position once again. The meeting was recessed at 6:25 to reconvene at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall.
7:03 p.m. Meeting called to Order
Present: Selectboard Members-Jay Barrett, Tim Cramer and Ken Gulick; Others-Donna & Scott Hood, Mary & Don Davenport, Bill Scott, Harold Gardner, Charlie Bacon, Leon C. Marsh, Jr., Don Weaver, Greg McGrath, Lance Colby, John Larrabee, Deborah Chambers, Larry Farnham, Peg Coutermarsh; Staff-Debbie Messer.
Minutes from August 11, 2008 approved.
Correspondence.
Town Fair, October 2 in Killington.
Topsham Telephone project for board approval. More information was requested. Cramer to contact Charlie Davenport. Messer will contact Malcolm Godfrey.
Follow-Up Items.
Bacon Property. Tim Cramer began by saying that he is very concerned with the radius at the Terry Hill Road and Lake Morey Road Intersection. He doesn’t feel that there is enough room for view, snow removal, etc.
Donna Hood asked if the town was prepared to set a precedent. Barrett reviewed the time spent by Messer to date on this. Ken Gulick said that he didn’t feel comfortable moving forward until Bacon made written assurances to cover the Town’s financial burden of this on-going.
Lance Colby addressed his comments to Bacon. “I’m sorry that you’re in this situation and you’re right, you were wronged, but not by the Town of Fairlee. You were wronged by the Smith’s, who according to documentation in the State of Vermont files had full knowledge and understanding of the unbuildable lot they were left with after their sale to the AOT. You were wronged by the person who did your title search. You should have had a survey done before you bought the property, not after the fact. This is not Fairlee’s mess to clean up.” He then suggested that Bacon “approach the Selectboard to discuss tax abatement on the property to get something back or perhaps even sell the lot to the Town of Fairlee.”
Barrett made a motion that the “Selectboard take no further action on this issue and consider the matter closed.” Cramer seconded. Gulick voted against the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 2-1.
Selectboard Conflict of Interest. Relative to the Bacon property issue, Barrett received an e-mail from the Hood’s asking that a conflict of interest exists on the board and suggest it be looked at by the Vermont League of Cities & Towns and the Secretary of States Office. Cramer voiced his concern with “this troubling issue and not having full knowledge of the concern.” Davenport asked Gulick why he took action outside the board after the fact. Gulick admittedly contacted Judy Lewis of the AOT after the board agreed by a vote of 3-0 not to take any further action until contacted by Bacon. Davenport then said to Gulick “you should not be on the board and I think that you should resign.” Several in the audience applauded. Gulick answered by reading from the statute about conflict of interest.
Public Comment.
Don Weaver gave a milfoil update.
Peg Coutermarsh came before the board to speak about highway weight limits and an advisory ballot for Jessica’s Law in November. Messer to follow-up.
Town Plan. Selectboard edits made page by page. Messer to make changes and send to all interested parties for review. Hearing to be scheduled before November 9th vote by Australian ballot.
Entered Executive Session at 9:59 p.m. Exited Executive Session at 10:20 p.m.
Orders signed.
10:28 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Next meeting: September 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Attest: ___________________
Debbie Messer
Administrative Assistant to the Selectboard Minutes Approved September 8, 2008
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES August 11, 2008
5:03 p.m. Meeting called to Order
Present: Selectboard Members-Jay Barrett, Tim Cramer and Ken Gulick; Others-Roxanne Matthews, Bob Maddock, Jr., Kassandra Pike, Scott Hood, Jack Candon, Charlie Bacon, Dan Ludwig, Bob Doyle, Harold Gardner, Don Weaver, Greg & Betsey McGrath, Joan Hylander, Lance Colby, John Larrabee, Deborah Chambers, Russ & Therese Collins, Barry Larson, Larry Farnham, Gerald Colby, Paul Sargent, Larry Gatto, Peg Coutermarsh; Staff-Noel Walker, Tracy Thurston and Debbie Messer.
Minutes from July 28, 2008 approved.
Correspondence.
Orders signed.
Gulick designated 2008 VLCT Town of Fairlee delegate.
Follow-Up Items.
Bacon Property. Barrett gave a brief history and timeline of this issue. He introduced Judy Lewis, Vermont Agency of Transportation-Right-of-Way. Lewis presented an opinion from the Assistant Attorney General regarding the Bacon property. The State of Vermont owns the land in question in fee absolute and the Town of Fairlee has an easement. To make the Bacon lot buildable the Town and the State of Vermont have to go through the Abandonment and Realteration process which includes hearings to alter the Town highway right-of-way. Lewis said the first question that should be asked is, “Is this in the public good?” The lot is also complicated by drainage easements held by the State.
Scott Hood asked “How come after the selectboard voted unanimously to let this sit until Bacon came forward Selectman Ken Gulick called Lewis on his own to ask what options Bacon had? Gulick obviously has his own agenda here and it definitely isn’t what’s best for Fairlee.”
Lance Colby added that there is a document dated 1967 on file that states the Bacon property “is an unbuildable lot” and asked “how come Bacon didn’t check this all out before he bought the land? He’s a developer and he should know better. Fairlee didn’t create this mess and it’s not up to Fairlee to fix it.”
Bacon’s lawyer, Jack Candon, questioned the existence of such a document and if it does exist it was never shown to people.
Colby held up the document for Candon. Lewis added that the document has been in the State file and that “no one has ever asked to see neither the file nor its content.”
Barrett asked if Bacon was willing to pay for any and all expenses incurred by the Town of Fairlee and is willing to sign an agreement to that effect? Bacon said it depended upon for how long and for how much, with additional knowledge he would consider it. Gulick asked for a million-dollar bond from Bacon.
Larry Farnham asked about his concern with reducing our right-of-way. Colby asked about snow removal and maintenance at the intersection.
Barrett made a motion “To say no to the request to reduce the town’s highway right-of-way and no further action on this issue.” Tim seconded. Vote 2-1 against. Ken made a motion “to visit the site for review before the next meeting and make a decision at that time.” Tim seconded. Vote 2-1 in favor.
The selectboard, public and all interested parties are invited to the Bacon property on Monday, August 25th at 6:00 p.m. for a site visit prior to the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Flea Market. Russ Collins asked about moving the Flea Market to the green. There will be discussion at season’s end. Collins asked for a reduction in the monthly Depot rent due to a decrease in business. Jay made a motion to reduce the rent to $250.00 per month for the remainder of the season. Tim seconded. Vote 3-0 in favor.
Barry Larson requested a Water Department position pay increase from $15.00 per hour to $20-25.00 per hour. Board approved pay increase to $20.00 per hour retroactive to August 1, 2008.
Town Plan. Gulick gave Barrett and Cramer copies of the Town Plan draft with his edits. Larry Gatto said he was under the impression that the Selectboard was going to connect with the PC and no one ever did. Gulick answered that he didn’t think that the PC wanted to meet with them. Barrett made a motion to schedule a meeting before September 4th with the PC to make any changes and get the plan ready for voter approval. Gatto and Messer to set up.
Public Comment.
Cramer mentioned that there is firewood in the Town Forest but no way to get to it with access conditions. How would it get taken down or out? Cramer will pursue. Messer to contact VLCT/PACIF regarding red flags/waivers to access forest.
Peg Coutermarsh, of Bradford, came before the board to update them on the issue of Interstate Weight Limits. She will keep the board informed
Tracy Thurston asked the board how work for the Town is bid out. Depends upon the work to be done. Contractors typically approach the Selectboard Office seasonally.
Noel Walker told the board that the warning regarding tax bills reads as taxes due on or before September 1, 2008. That is a holiday. Tax rate most likely not before September 2nd. Grand list is up approximately 40%. Notify taxpayers of adjusted billed and due dates. Messer, Walker and Treasurer will set procedure and get to the board.
8:30 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Next meeting: August 25, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.
Attest: ___________________
Debbie Messer
Administrative Assistant to the Selectboard Minutes Approved August 25, 2008
Minutes Amended September 15, 2008
July 28, 2008.
7:00 p.m. Meeting called to Order
Present: Selectboard Members-Jay Barrett, Tim Cramer and Ken Gulick; Others-Greg McGrath, John Larrabee, Deborah Chambers, Russ & Therese Collins; Staff-Tracy Thurston and Debbie Messer.
Minutes from July 14, 2008 approved.
Correspondence.
ER Services Building needs front entrance lighting fixtures replaced, repair bathroom fan and carpet torn out and disposed of. Cramer Electric to do electrical work. Messer to coordinate carpet removal.
The Selectboard Office has received numerous calls from residents regarding recent articles and newscasts about the sex offenders residing in Fairlee. Selectboard Office has prepared a brief clarification on their role in the decision making process by the Department of Corrections to place a released offender into the community. This is available in both the Town Clerk and Selectboard Office.
Blood’s Catering outdoor consumption application approved 3-0.
Rapid Response Plan approved 3-0.
Work in right-of-way permit application approved for Avery Inns of Vermont 3-0.
Barrett signed annual agreement for Lister’s Office use of State of Vermont property value schedules.
Public Comment.
Follow-Up Items.
Flea Market. Collins invited by Selectboard for Flea Market update. Town still has some property in the building that needs to be taken care of. Messer to coordinate. Some vendors and residents are asking about the Depot Green and think it would be better located there. Messer to research 2007 vote regarding Flea Market. The Selectboard voted 3-0 to give Collins a credit on rent for interruption of business on day of the Prouty Ride.
Town Hall Renovation. Messer will organize Advisory Committee and look at next steps.
Town Plan. The Selectboard discussed the proposed Town Plan. Very few residents attended the recent public hearing and there was little discussion at that hearing. Barrett began by acknowledging the work of the planning commission and feels that the plan is definitely a reflection of the planning commission and not Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission. Tim stated that he feels the majority of the plan will pass a vote and the plan as a whole doesn’t need a lot of work. Barrett agreed. Gulick said, “There is not enough commercial.” Cramer shared that concern. Barrett added, “If we are going to be advocates for commercial it should be defined.” All agreed that “view and ridgeline development” should be looked at as well. Cramer stated that “a lot of people in town who are very powerful, but behind the scenes, are worried about the term “historic” to describe the village and suggested using another term. The word “historic” used to describe anything “only invites regulation.” The board will highlight their suggested edits and asked Messer to come to next meeting with procedure for making changes to the plan.
Gulick told the other members that he called Judy Lewis, Vermont Agency of Transportation, Right-of-Way, asking about options for Charlie Bacon property. He said he would like to have a conversation with her about those options. Barrett suggested, to avoid any impropriety and conflict of interest, perhaps Lewis would attend a Selectboard meeting to discuss in open forum. Messer asked to contact Lewis and invite her to a meeting scheduled earlier than the regular 7:00 p.m. to accommodate all. Notify board members as soon as set.
9:30 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Next meeting: August 11, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
Attest: ___________________
Debbie Messer
Administrative Assistant to the Selectboard
APPROVED.
July 14, 2008. APPROVED.
7:00 p.m. Meeting called to Order
Present: Selectboard Members-Jay Barrett, Tim Cramer and Ken Gulick; Staff-Debbie Messer, Noel Walker, Sonie Farnham and Georgette Wolf-Ludwig; Public attended.
Minutes from June 30, 2008 approved.
Correspondence.
The Fairlee Public Library requested permission to close School Street from 1:15-1:30 pm on Saturday, July 19 for the Annual Pet Parade. Lee Marsh (will attend) and residents notified. Board approved.
Selectboard agreed there is a need for Town Beach clean-up after 4th of July fireworks and will address in 2009-2010 budget.
Public Comment. Gulick voiced concern regarding two known sexual offenders currently living in Fairlee and the recent tragic death of 12-year-old Brooke Bennett. He feels that more information should be made public, especially to schools and residents of communities where sex offenders are living. Barrett noted that when the Selectboard was initially approached last fall by the Department of Corrections it was to let us know that they would most likely be placing an offender in Fairlee. During a meeting, closed at the Department of Corrections request, State and local police made it clear that Fairlee was not the proper placement for the individual in question. Barrett also said that it is now apparent that even though this is a matter that involves the town, evidently the town has no say. He added that there are most likely going to be many discussions in the coming months in both our community and statewide. Information is readily available from the Vermont Sex Offender Registry and people were urged to be more personally responsible and seek out that information. The board agreed to post a generalized “Notice of Concern” on the Town of Fairlee website.
Follow-Up Items. With the assistance of the AOT, Messer was able to get $6,000.00 in reimbursement for a 2006 Structures Grant.
Highway schedule review with Tim Cramer. Marsh/Larrabee culvert-driveway project completed. Brushwood Road next on schedule. Lake Morey Road projects to be done after September 1st.