Brandon Select Board
Meeting
January 19, 2009
NOTE: These are unapproved minutes, subject to amendment and/or approval at the
subsequent board meeting.
In
Attendance:
Richard Baker, Bill Hatch, Kellie Patten, Bruce Brown, Mitch Pearl
Also in
Attendance: Keith Arlund, Tom Schmelzenbach, Ken Rausenberger, Phyllis Reed,
Anna Scheck, Chris Brickell, Joe Acinapura, Lee Kahrs, Van Schwiebert, Ethan
Swift, Bob Bathalon, Cheryl Bathalon, Nancy Leary, Francis Martin, Drew Whitney,
John Dilts, Lynn Saunders, Christy Gahagan, Jeff LaBerge, Kelly Coolidge, Sheri
Sullivan, Keith Hic, Jim Hill, Greg Elnicki, Samantha Stone, Linda Stewart, Sue
Danforth, Douglas Whitney, Larry Bayle, Stacy Ducette, Tina Wiles, Jim Leary,
Devon Fuller, Bob Kilpeck
The
pledge of allegiance was recited by all present.
1.
Call to order
The
meeting was called to order at 7:10PM by Chair - Bill Hatch.
a) Agenda Adoption
- Motion by Richard Baker/Bruce Brown to adopt the agenda with the change
noted below. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero.
Richard
Baker suggested including an agenda item after Item 3 for a dialogue with our
local legislator, Joe Acinapura.
2.
Consent Agenda
a) Approval of Minutes - December 22, 2008 - Select Board Meeting
Motion
by Bruce Brown/Richard Baker to approve the minutes of the December 22, 2008
meeting. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero.
b) Approval of Minutes - January 5, 2009 - Special Select Board Meeting
Motion
by Kellie Patten/Bruce Brown to approve the minutes of the January 5, 2009
meeting. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero.
c) Consider/Sign Highway
Mileage Certificate
Motion
by Richard Baker/Bruce Brown to authorize the Board Chair to sign the highway
mileage certificate on behalf of the Select Board.
Motion
by Richard Baker/Bruce Brown
to table this item to the Select Board meeting of February 9, to allow Mr. Baker
the opportunity to discuss this item with Mr. Schmelzenbach. The motion
passed unanimously - 4 to zero.
3.
Fiscal
a) Warrant - January 19,
2009 - $43,824.59
Motion by Richard
Baker/Bruce Brown to approve the warrant in the amount of $43,824.59. The
motion passed unanimously - 4 to zero.
4.
Legislative Discussion - Joe Acinapura
Joe
Acinapura stated there are a lot of cuts being done in Appropriations, as there
is still a shortage of $53 million, after the rescissions that have already been
made. There are going to be cuts of $7 million to the General Fund budget, with
the hopes the President's Stimulus Package will happen, however, it is unsure
what the details of this plan will be. There are legislators and administrators
in constant communication with the Washington representatives. On the
Transportation side, after doing $17 million in rescissions there was an
adjustment made, however, it is still necessary to find $10 million. The state's
Transportation budget is about $400 million a year for maintenance of bridges
and roads and there is less than $200 million available. Even with the Stimulus
Package, there is still going to be a shortage of money. At the last Select
Board meeting, there was a question about the transportation aid to the towns.
Mr. Acinapura stated there is going to be a cut, but a joint resolution, JRS-7,
which passed the Senate and the House, will release the money to the towns for
the January payment. He stated it does not get into percentages at this point,
but $925,000.00 will be reduced. The final payments for FY2009 will be adjusted
with further legislative action and appropriation changes. Each town will lose
$7,000.00 according to the Transportation Director. Richard Baker stated Brandon
is not an average town and the joint resolution has already reduced its aid by
$6,000.00. Mr. Baker encouraged Mr. Acinapura to push back on the cost-shifting
to the municipalities, as it is going to require the town to either take
something away from the local taxpayers or raise taxes next year. Mr. Acinapura
stated there needs to be an additional $10 million in cuts made; there are also
additional cuts that will be required in town highways and transportation. He
noted the 2% Purchase and Use Tax used to go into transportation, but it now
goes into the education fund. He stated they are going to raise the
transportation fees to assist in making up the $10 million, but there is going
to be $2 million in taxes that they want to raise. Bill Hatch questioned if
there are going to be any further rescissions and he questioned if this will
balance the state budget. Joe Acinapura stated the state will not balance the
budget with the transportation and general funds without the stimulus package.
Even with the stimulus package, it will take over two years in this state and it
is not likely that it will balance the state budget. Mr. Acinapura does agree
with what Richard Baker said, as he does advocate not hurting the towns, but it
is going to come out of our pockets somehow. Bill Hatch stated the cuts are
going to throw all of the towns into deficits and he asked if anyone has thought
about the state going into a larger deficit, rather than pushing back to the
towns. Joe Acinapura stated that a revenue bond was suggested, but the money
will be required to be raised from the taxpayers to pay for the bond. People are
concerned with borrowing money at this point, as a bond was done last year and
the state is bonded a little more than anticipated. He stated they do not want
to borrow too much, as it is going to affect the young people in the state. Joe
Acinapura stated they are proposing to raise fees 8.2%, but if the fees are not
raised, there will need to be further cuts made. Mr. Acinapura stated there will
be an interactive public hearing on February 9 with members of the Senate, which
will allow people the opportunity to address these issues. Kellie Patten asked
where Route 7 falls in the mix. Joe Acinapura stated where there is money in the
budget, he thinks those projects are going to proceed, however, he is uncertain.
He stated the Transportation Committee and the House will start the process and
then it goes to the Senate. Bill Hatch stated we are going to be in an arbitrage
position, based on the money that is owed by the state. Joe Acinapura stated
Hull Maynard, the Senator from Rutland sits on the Transportation Committee and
he noted if anyone would like to talk to the Committee, he would make
arrangements for them to speak to the Committee. Richard Baker stated he is
disappointed in the answer to Kellie's question and he had hoped to hear that
Mr. Acinapura will do his best to channel funds into Route 7. Mr. Acinapura
stated he does not know if the money is going to be there, but he will fight for
it, however, he cannot guarantee it. He stated there is also a reduction for
Amtrak and he is fighting to keep that, but he is unsure where that will stand.
Kellie Patten asked about the dispatch situation. Joe Acinapura stated he has
had discussions with Chris Brickell and Keith Arlund concerning this issue. He
supports the Select Board; however, there is no money in the budget. He has
pushed this issue to the Governor and the Chief of Staff twice, and a letter was
sent to the Commissioner. He noted he is on top of the situation, but he is
unsure of the outcome at this point. Mitch Pearl stated the dispatch and the
transportation funds share a common theme, as it seems the current
administration attempts to balance the state budget on the backs of the towns.
If the state does not pay for local transportation or police dispatch needs, the
town has to pay for it. These are essential functions that cannot be cut out of
the budget, but the state could conceivably raise funds by other means to pay
for it. There is no question the state has a revenue shortfall, but the state
has a lot of options to raise money that the towns do not have. The towns only
have one choice and that is to raise property taxes and the Governor is forcing
the towns to raise taxes. Joe Acinapura stated through the property taxes, there
is the income sensitivity option. He noted that Vermont is in the top 5 of the
50 states for taxes and to raise taxes, people are not going to come into the
state or stay in the state. Mr. Acinapura stated he has fought for many items,
but he cannot commit that the money is going to be here for the transportation
programs. Mitch Pearl stated there are certain government services that are
essential, which include road maintenance and police services and it seems
unfair for the state to say they are going to balance the state budget, knowing
full well that someone is going to have to pay for those services.
5.
Town Manager's Report
Keith
Arlund stated he had no specific report. He has been working on budget
iterations for the last week.
Richard
Baker stated the waiting period for the 22 Middle Road property has expired and
he questioned if the title will be transferred to the successful bidder. Keith
Arlund noted there have been discussions on this item and it will be done soon.
6.
Education Update
Jim
Leary stated Neshobe School adopted their budget at the last meeting, which has
an increase of $35,000.00 that is due to the land purchase. Principal John Dilts
will be retiring at the end of the year and Judi Pulsifer has accepted the
position as new Principal.
Richard
Baker stated there will be a change in the procedure for tallying the votes for
the OV budget this year in using an optical scanner. Brandon voters will feed
their ballots into the machine, while other towns will have their ballots
transported to Neshobe School to be co-mingled and tabulated with Brandon's
ballots. Mr. Baker stated the Board wished to thank Neshobe School for hosting
the election. He noted it gives people the opportunity to see the school, as
well as providing the students the opportunity to view the process.
Kellie
Patten advised the next PTO meeting will be the annual morning meeting and will
be held on February 2nd in the school library.
Kellie
Patten stated because of the two snow days and numerous late starts, OV will
delay exams for a week. The exams are scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday,
with OV starting at 10:00AM. There will be two rounds of buses for those days.
7.
Citizen's Public Forum
Richard
Baker stated today is Martin Luther King Day and tomorrow we have a momentous
occasion, with an incredible degree of participation. Mr. Baker noted that which
unites us is greater than that which divides us, and we will be great for the
future.
8.
Finalize FY2010 General Fund Budget
Keith
Arlund stated he did get the draft audit report and provided a copy to the board
members. Mr. Arlund stated he has posed the question about the fees for the
annual compliance letter and inspections; however, he has not received an answer
yet. Mr. Arlund provided a couple of scenarios based on the last conversations.
Mitch Pearl requested an explanation of the fund balance calculation. Keith
Arlund stated there is a positive balance of $264,329.00 that is added to the
$657,403.00, which provides a net value of $921,732.00. Richard Baker suggested
taking the general fund budget of $2,770,832.00, without appropriations, and
include two of Mr. Arlund's "what if" scenarios. He stated he took $85,000.00
out of the budget and added $29,000.00 of other line items, with a net decrease
of $53,252.00 in expenditures and he has increased the revenue by $49,900.00,
with $1,949,260.00 to be raised by taxes. Mr. Baker stated he proposes
transferring $60,000.00 of free reserves to FY2010, with allocating $20,000.00
to equipment infrastructure reserve and $40,000.00 into the budget. Mr. Baker
stated he believes the Board can challenge the Police Department to collect an
additional $3,000.00. Mr. Baker noted it is too much to assume that the town is
going to get the funds from the state and he recommends making a $14,000.00
allowance and if the funds are received from the state, it will be rolled into
the next year. Richard Baker provided the Board with a line-by-line change in
the budget items discussed.
Motion by Richard
Baker/Bruce Brown to adopt an FY 2010 budget in the amount of $2,770,832.00,
with $1,949,260.00 to be raised by taxes against the grand list. It was noted
this is a revenue increase of $821,572.00.
Keith
Arlund stated the town has done their best to meet the bottom line. Richard
Baker stated if one took the two-page document and removed $40,000.00, it is
very close to the bottom line suggested. Mr. Baker stated his recommendation
does not include the change in management and he noted it is premature to remove
the rental code position. Mr. Baker stated this recommendation has the affect of
dropping the tax rate by one cent from the current fiscal year.
Richard
Baker stated the other item that Montpelier has not indicated is the CLA, which
can go both directions and he does not believe there will be any growth in the
grand list. If it does grow, Mr. Baker stated the town will be able to drop the
tax rate even more, but that is not likely. He stated there has not been a lot
of activity to grow the grand list over the last year.
Tom
Schmelzenbach stated he has worked with Keith Arlund on this budget and he will
do what is necessary to hit the number. Mr. Schmelzenbach will discuss the
ramifications of the budget changes with Mr. Arlund. He noted the department
tries to become more efficient and has started doing activities in-house, such
as sweeping. He noted they may also start doing roadside mowing. He stated the
citizens and the board have supported Public Works well and the department
realizes this. Richard Baker stated that Tom's department is reaping
Montpelier's doom and gloom. If the town receives the $14,000.00 from
Montpelier, his department will be back to square one.
Chris
Brickell stated there are not a lot of areas to increase the revenues in the
Police Department, outside of traffic complaints and fees for completing
requests such as accident reports. Mr. Brickell stated the department writes
offenses that are seen and considered reasonable, trying to take into account
people's offenses. He noted increased traffic violations would affect local
people. Chief Brickell stated the offenses will be written on local roads and if
what the Board wants is more enforcement, that can be done, but the department
is trying to be sensitive to the local people's needs. Bruce Brown stated the
Board does not want speed traps set up, but certain places where there is a
problem, perhaps there could be a crackdown on those areas. Richard Baker
stated in the past, the department has benefited from donations for the police
dog and perhaps there could be support solicited. Kellie Patten asked if the
correct amount has been coming back for fees and Chris Brickell stated the
correct fees have been received, however, there may be some issues with the
police officers writing the tickets incorrectly. Mr. Brickell stated he did
increase the rates for completing accident reports.
Kellie
Patten asked about the public transportation number for this year and Keith
Arlund stated the town supports the commuter bus and the Elderly and Disabled
Program and he would like to have some money available. There has been
increasing activity on the commuter runs and this program has been supported in
the past. Mr. Arlund stated the Elderly and Disabled Program has matching funds
and it provides people transportation for items such as medical appointments.
Richard Baker stated the commuter bus has been very helpful to our citizens and
the town will find a way to pay for it.
Mitch
Pearl asked with regard to the Recreation Department, how the figured was
determined. Richard Baker stated the general theme is the realization that in
these economic times, it may not be appropriate to fund a full-time Recreation
Director in a town of 4000 people. He noted the Board is asked by the tax payers
to balance whether the benefit is commensurate with the tax being paid. Mr.
Baker stated we are encouraged to have a recreation program and there is an
active Recreation Advisory Committee and he is sure there will be some
programming the board will want to accommodate. Kellie Patten stated the Board
needs to have further discussions on this issue, and as long as the Board is
voting on a bottom line number, changes can be made within the budget. Mitch
Pearl stated he does agree with Richard Baker, as he feels there needs to be a
reduction in this department, but he feels it is a critical part of the town
budget. Mr. Pearl questioned if this is the right amount, though he does not
necessarily oppose the amount, he feels the board should think carefully about
providing youth recreation. Bruce Brown stated if the other two departments'
budgets are cut, then this department should be cut the $15,000.00, like the
other two budgets and see what happens. It was noted there are other discussions
that tie into the entire process and if the department is under budgeted, it
will be difficult to find funding later. Mitch Pearl stated he agrees with Bruce
Brown, but he does not want to underfund this area, as it is important. Kellie
Patten stated the bottom line budget in the motion is something that can be
worked with and the board can do shifting in the line items prior to sending the
budget to the printer.
Bill
Hatch called for a vote on the motion. The motion passed unanimously - 4 to
zero.
9.
Presentation by Boys and Girls Club Steering Committee
Van
Schwiebert thanked the Select Board for the opportunity to speak on behalf of
the Boys and Girls Club Steering Committee. The Steering Committee consists of
several individuals who are very experienced in their fields. Those individuals
are John Dilts - Principal of Neshobe School, Deb Bratton - SOAR Program
Director, Drew Whitney - Neshobe School Board member, Christy Gahagan - OV
School Board member, Samantha Stone - who was a Grant Writer and Administrator
of a Parks and Recreation Department, Sheri Sullivan - Owner of Plan-It-Sheri
Catering, Stacy Ducette - Owner of the Brandon Motor Lodge and former Director
of the Barre Teen Center, Larry Bayle - Rutland County Boys and Girls Club
Director and Nancy Leary - Owner of Nancy Leary Design. Mr. Schwiebert stated
the Committee has been approached to consider adding a recreation component to
the program. He noted this Club is going to initially be a satellite of the
Rutland County Boys and Girls Club. This would bring administration,
programming expertise and allow operation under their 5013C. After three years,
the Club may choose to continue in this manner or stand alone as its own
entity. Mr. Schwiebert advised they have been fundraising only within the last
several months, and they have come a long way. They have raised in excess of
$100,000.00 and have a $50,000.00 matching grant from the National Boys and
Girls Club. The Club is planning to open the facility this summer and is
continuing to fund raise, with the hopes of initially operating the Teen Center
for three days and the Junior Program for two days each week. There is an
additional Challenge Grant that has been applied for, which would enable the
Club to run both programs five days per week. The Steering Committee was
approached to give thought to coordinating and operating a recreation program as
an adjunct. He noted the Committee does not want to conflict or duplicate other
programs in the community. They are looking to have a vehicle to help coordinate
those activities to be able to leverage the staffing and resources to facilitate
a broad scale of programs for the youth. The Committee was present this evening
to answer some of the questions posed by the Board and they hope to continue
discussions over the coming weeks.
Mr.
Schwiebert stated as far as the total budget for all parts of the recreation
program, they anticipate it to be $55,000.00, realizing that the individual line
items that are discussed tonight are lower. Richard Baker stated it may be
premature to have this conversation, as the town is more interested in the
overall program, as opposed to just the Club as it relates to the recreation
program. Bill Hatch stated the discussion on the recreation portion might best
be held at a later date. Mr. Schwiebert stated relative to a detailed business
plan, the Club does not have a plan including a recreation program, however,
they could provide a vision for the recreation program. They are contemplating
adjuncts related to the recreation program. He noted their total annual funding
commitment would be $150,000.00 for the three day Teen Program and the two day
Junior Program. He noted if they were able to raise $210,000.00, they would be
able to run the programs five days per week. They envision their funding to come
from individual donors, grants, the National Organization and fund raising
events. The program can open without funding from the town and it is
anticipated to be open beginning this summer. Some of the funding, such as the
grant from the Boys and Girls Club is a matching grant, therefore, that is
contingent funding. There is $1.4 million that comes to the State of Vermont for
the Boys and Girls Clubs and it is hoped this Club will be availed to some of
this funding. In terms of offering to open the Club to children in other towns,
the Club would organize and have some kind of a fee for those children in other
towns. There have been no commitments from other towns; however, the Club has
not solicited any. The annual fee is projected to be set at $15.00. It is the
intent to not turn anyone away; therefore, there will be a scholarship fund set
up for those children who cannot afford the fee. This would a per person charge
and is the same cost as the Rutland fee. With regard to liability insurance,
the Club intends to maintain a liability insurance policy and if there becomes a
contractual agreement to run the recreation program, the town would be named as
an insured under that policy. He noted the Brandon Recreation Committee has not
been brought into the loop and the Steering Committee would be happy to do that.
He noted there have been collaborative efforts done in other towns and it is
their intent to manage the resources for the children in the community to
provide the most services for the money they have to work with. The Club
envisions having six staff members with the recreation department and as far as
the Club itself; they will have one unit director and two teen center staff. It
is also hoped there would be commingling of personnel between the Recreation
Department and the Boys and Girls Club. With regard to budgeting for required
maintenance, the Club envisions the day to day maintenance to be included in the
budget, however, long -term replacement of equipment has not been determined
yet. With regard to the relationship between the Boys and Girls Club and the
landowner, the Club would be considered a tenant. The construction of the Club
is slated to start soon. Larry Bayle stated with regard to staffing, the
recreation position would be a part-time position of 20 hours per week
throughout the year. Bill Hatch questioned how the Club would handle the
maintenance of the sports equipment, as the town attempts to turn over the
equipment every three years, depending on the sport and based on safety
recommendations. Richard Baker stated the town recoups the costs through a fee
structure and he questioned if in addition to the membership fee if the Club
would also charge additional fees for participation in activities such as
football, etc. Larry Bayle stated fees would be charged, but there would be room
for scholarship programs as well. Mitch Pearl questioned if the current fee
structure had been reviewed and Mr. Bayle indicated he had not reviewed it, but
the fees would likely be kept the same. Richard Baker stated we are going in the
right direction and a collaborative effort is the way to go. He stated he
supports the endeavor, but they may be overlooking a Brandon resource in its
senior citizens, as the town has a large number of senior citizens who may be
willing to act as mentors. Van Schwiebert stated in terms of the Steering
Committee, there are people who have had specific involvement in Adult and
Senior Recreation as well. In addition to this, he has talked to a number of
people who are willing to assist in the programs to mentor or teach. Mr.
Schwiebert stated he has been in Brandon for 35 years and he feels that a
service like this for the community, including mentors, would provide a
tremendous service to that population.
Tina
Wiles of the Recreation Committee stated she was disappointed with the article
in the paper. She stated the Recreation Committee would be happy to speak with
the Steering Committee, as they have a common interest and goal to do a joint
venture. She noted the Committee has done a lot of things since it was started
such as revising, researching and drafting a background check procedure and an
on-line registration program for the Recreation Department. They have also
provided recommendations to the Planning Commission for the Town Plan. They are
also working on a 10-year Master Plan for the Town Plan relating to recreation
that includes activities, facilities, and properties. She noted they have
provided advice to the Recreation Director on programming and special events and
they have reformatted some of the programs for special events, such as the
Easter and Halloween Program. The Committee has also become a member of the
Vermont Recreation and Parks Association and they have received training. They
have also done a survey to determine what direction to go in and where to spend
the money, as there are a lot of improvements that need to be made. In that
regard, they have been working on grant requests and getting support from other
organizations for improvements at Estabrook Park in getting a multi-use trail
completed. They have also done research on scholarship programs. The next
Recreation Committee meeting will be held on February 3rd at the town
office. With regard to the summer camp, the Recreation Committee tried to figure
out where to focus and where to make improvements. Ms. Wiles stated they
discussed camp as a lower priority, as they couldn't staff it. Larry Bayle
apologized for not contacting the Recreation Committee. Van Schwiebert stated it
would be helpful to provide materials to share and look at, as it is going to be
helpful to do this program on a collaborative basis. Jim Hill stated he coaches
football and lacrosse and has been involved in the Football Program through the
Recreation Department. He is concerned about the programs and he is concerned
about the Wrestling and Football programs. He stated that a 20-hour per week
Recreation Director would not work, as the Recreation Director is at every
football game, as well as the lacrosse games to support the coaches. He stated
if the recreation budget is cut and the programs go through the Boys and Girls
Club, where will be Recreation Director position stand and who will be
maintaining the fields. Mr. Hill stated he is concerned, as he has served the
last eight years on these programs and he is worried about the youth programs,
as they are essential to the OV programs. Larry Bayle stated the same programs
would go on and they intend to serve more, with the Recreation Director as part
of the team.
10.
Public Works Report
Tom
Schmelzenbach stated he did not have any further specifics to discuss; however,
he is working with Keith Arlund on the details of operations. Richard Baker
stated he is tired of seeing people walking on Route 7 in downtown, instead of
on the sidewalks. He noted we have senior citizens who walk from Conant Square
and it is disrespectful to make them walk in the road because the sidewalks are
not plowed.
11.
Planning Commission Report - Ethan Swift - Chair
Ethan
Swift provided the draft town plan to the Select Board. He stated following the
meeting in late October, they did rework to refine it and though it will take a
little more work, it is felt that at this point it is a good product. In
December, it was placed on the web site and a public hearing was held on January
5. Mr. Swift noted the commission was disappointed there was not a better
turnout, but it was understandable due to the holidays. Mr. Swift stated there
were a couple of comments made and he did make some minor changes with reference
to Fire District #2. There was also discussion of having increased recreational
access to the town forest and a need for more enhanced accesses. He stated at
this point, he would like to formally provide this to the Select Board, as the
Planning Commission made the motion at the last meeting to provide the draft to
the Select Board. As a side note, he will continue to stay involved with the
Regional Planning Commission for their review and approval of the draft. He
noted they were instrumental in the review of it. He will also increase
publicity and awareness of the upcoming hearings. Mr. Swift noted given the fact
the Select Board has to have two hearings, it is not likely to have the Town
Plan approved and adopted before town meeting, but he will do his best to assure
this item gets more attention and awareness for review. Richard Baker stated it
seems premature to get the regional approval, when the Select Board has not had
the review of it. Mr. Swift stated this is separate from the staff looking at
it, as they are looking for consistency as it relates to the region. Kellie
Patten stated the Regional Commission does not adopt our town plan; as they
adopt a regional town plan, however, they review our plan and approve it
relative to consistency with the regional one. Richard Baker questioned if the
Planning Commission is delivering the land use map as well. Ethan Swift stated
there are five map elements and the draft town plan that has been posted. The
technical appendices should also be posted with the town plan. Richard Baker
stated to be fully compliant; the Planning Commission should be providing the
Select Board with at least one hard copy of the plan, including the information
on how it differs from the last draft. They should also provide a copy of the
minutes of the hearing and the meeting where the plan was adopted, as well as a
copy of the Technical Plan and maps. At that point, the Select Board should
schedule the hearings. Ethan Swift stated he did not read those particulars in
the statue. He will provide the five maps, technical appendices and meeting
notes to the Board. Richard Baker stated these are public records and there is a
requirement to have them available for review in the town office. Ethan Swift
stated most of the people in the town office were aware there is a draft town
plan, but he was not aware of the specific paper requirement. He stated there
has been an offer from Regional Planning to have 30 copies made. Kellie Patten
stated the Board has the draft that was brought to public hearing, but they do
not have the draft with the changes made after the hearing. Ethan Swift stated
it has been posted on the web site for review. Mitch Pearl noted all of the
documents consisting of the final draft town plan that the Planning Commission
has voted to adopt, the maps, minutes and the technical appendices are currently
on the web site. Richard Baker stated there is an obligation to make things
available to the public and a hard copy should be available in the town office.
Mr. Swift noted he also has an annual report that he will provide the board.
Richard Baker stated he was disappointed with the hearing, as the Select Board
was involved with a budget workshop in the same building and the hearing closed
prior to the Board members having an opportunity to speak. He noted he would
have appreciated being notified the hearing was going to close. Ethan Swift
stated this was an oversight and he does agree there should be better
publicity. Mr. Baker stated he has many comments due to the fact that much of
the data is 10 years old. Ethan Swift stated the Commission is working with the
census data, which is old data. Richard Baker stated there is more data
available on line, such as demographics and household income and the state has
more current information. Ethan Swift stated it is a little extreme to indicate
the Commission is not doing due diligence, however, the point was made that
there are Select Board members who have comments and the Commission has
requested more input and feedback from the Select Board. Kellie Patten stated
they had indicated Fire District #2 should be in the draft and Mr. Swift stated
this was an oversight. Bruce Brown stated the Regional Planning Commission
should have provided this information and Ethan Swift noted they did provide the
technical appendices. Richard Baker stated if the Board is to accept this draft,
the clock starts running on the hearings and adoption process. A decision was
made to schedule the first hearing for February 23, 2009. Richard Baker noted at
the February 9 meeting, the Board needs to determine when the second hearing
will be scheduled.
Motion by Richard
Baker/Bruce Brown to schedule the first of two hearings for the town plan for
Monday, February 23rd at 6:30PM. The motion passed unanimously -
4 to zero.
12. Committee
Reports/Announcements
Kellie
Patten reported Girl Scout cookies are for sale. Anyone wishing to purchase them
can contact Ms. Patten and she will provide them with a contact. Ms. Patten
stated this weekend, her daughter had an accident while skiing and she wanted to
encourage all children to wear helmets when skiing, as she noted if her daughter
had not been wearing a helmet, the injuries would have been much more severe.
Richard
Baker stated this Thursday; the Rutland Regional Transportation Council will
meet at the Leahy Center at the Rutland Regional Medical Center. The topic of
discussion will be efforts to reduce the carbon footprint, as it relates to
transportation.
Richard
Baker stated the Board of Civil Authority appeals have been completed. There
are three property owners who have chosen to continue their appeal through
Property Valuation.
Bruce
Brown advised there are still low-cost spaying and neutering clinics being
offered. For further information, people can contact the Rutland County Humane
Society.
Keith
Arlund reported he met with Kevin Elnicki and Mr. Elnicki will be reviewing the
rates. Mr. Arlund also reported he attended the budget hearing for the Rutland
County Solid Waste Committee and he noted their budget was approved.
13.
Old/Other Business
Kellie
Patten would like an update on the dispatch situation and noted she will request
this from Chris Brickell.
Richard
Baker stated he would like to see a proposal on either the meeting of February 9th
or 23rd from the Police Department that includes some rough cost
estimates for installing digital video cameras in the cruisers. For a variety of
reasons, it would be prudent to have them and to find a place in this year's
budget to pay for them. This subject did come up in the budget workshop and Mr.
Baker would like to see if this item could be funded.
Richard
Baker stated based on conversations with Joe Acinapura, he would propose the
Board adopt another resolution encouraging everyone to provide as much funding
to the Route 7 project as possible. Mr. Baker will draft a document for the next
meeting.
Richard
Baker questioned if the Union needs to be notified, if the town decides to
disband a department. Keith Arlund stated notification will be required. In the
event the full time position is eliminated, there will be no financial
liabilities after June 30th. Kellie Patten questioned what the
procedures would be for either disbanding a department or altering someone's
hours. Keith Arlund stated there is a full-time position in the union agreement
and it is a different situation if one is closing a department or changing the
position to part-time. Richard Baker stated he wanted to make sure there is no
contingent liability after June 30th.
15. Adjournment
Motion by Richard
Baker/Kellie Patten to adjourn the Select Board meeting at 10:02PM to convene as
the Board of Liquor Commissioners. The motion passed unanimously - 4 to
zero.
Respectfully submitted,
Charlene Bryant
Recording Secretary
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