Brandon Board of Sewer Commissioners

August 11, 2008

NOTE:  These are unapproved minutes, subject to amendment and/or approval at the subsequent board meeting.

In Attendance: Richard Baker, Bruce Brown, Bill Hatch, Kellie Patten, Mitch Pearl

Also in Attendance:  Keith Arlund, Anna Scheck, Tom Schmelzenbach, Lee Kahrs, Gary Kessler, Chris Brickell, Bob Kilpeck, Jim Leary, Linda Stewart, Debbie Wing, Norm Milot, Tim Kingston, Mr. Benoit, John Molton

1.  Call to order

The meeting was called to order at 8:11PM by Chair  Bill Hatch.      

a) Agenda Adoption - Motion by Bruce Brown/Mitch Pearl to adopt the agenda as written. The motion passed unanimously - 4 to zero. 

2.  Consider/Set Sewer Rate for Billing

Motion by Richard Baker/Kellie Patten to establish a provisional rate equal to the current rate. The motion passed unanimously - 4 to zero.

Richard Baker stated we rely heavily upon the input from the Fire District in using their meter readings, however, there appears to be some discrepancies in the readings. Though the current rates may be sufficient, if they are not, an emergency meeting could be called. There are some accounts that have been under read and when the Fire District has revised the data, if it is sufficient to cover the needs, it will not be necessary to reconvene. 

3.  Old/Other Business

It was noted that prior to granting an allocation, there needs to be an application on file. Keith Arlund stated there are several aspects of the connection ordinance that need to be reviewed, in particular the rates. The current regulation that had been explained to Mr. Hawkaday reads once the current applications are approved, they would need to make a 10% deposit and he has spoken to Mr. Hawkaday about this. Mr. Baker stated we want to encourage development, however, the Board is condoning not complying to the ordinance, as they have yet to pay for an allocation.

Tom Schmelzenbach stated he addresses this when a developer comes in. He issues a letter indicating the town has a licensed capacity for a certain amount and Mr. Schmelzenbach notes that the capacity will be reserved once an application and deposit have been received. The ordinance triggers a time line when they submit the Act 250 permit and this is the part where following up is not being done. The Sewer Commissioners provided an allocation so the developer could secure the other permits. Keith Arlund noted the allocation could be revoked. Tom Schmelzenbach suggested the town could go to the Act 250 office and the permit would be revoked. Bill Hatch stated the contractor should be provided a letter indicating this is what is going to be done. Tom Schmelzenbach stated he has a list of properties where the sewer allocations are not correct.  He stated he does not know how much authority is required and he needs to be more aggressive with enforcing this issue. Kellie Patten stated this is a permitting problem and they should not have a conditional use permit when they have not demonstrated that they have sewer or water capacity. Bill Hatch stated it sounds like a communication issue amongst agencies. Mitch Pearl stated when reviewing the zoning ordinances, this may be an issue that should be discussed. Tom Schmelzenbach stated he thinks once a permit is granted, there may also need to be a construction/start permit to be sure that all permits are in place. Keith Arlund stated there is language in the zoning ordinance that states the zoning administrator cannot issue a building permit until all permits ares in hand. 

4. Adjournment

Motion by Richard Baker/Kellie Patten  to adjourn the Board of Sewer Commissioners meeting at 8:22PM to reconvene as the Select Board.  The motion passed unanimously - 4 to zero. 

Respectfully submitted,

Charlene Bryant

Recording Secretary