Wallingford Fire District No. 1

 MINUTES OF THE PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE MEETING
 April 11, 2007

The official copy of these minutes can be obtained at Wallingford Fire District #1 Office.

Called to Order:  Chris Rabtoy called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm .  Also present were Chris McPhee and Stephanie Biagini.

Visitors:  Warren Allen, Charlie Baker, Tim Biagini, Frank Bruce, Betty Gagnon, John West and Kevin J. Mulholland  

Frank Bruce came to the meeting to reiterate the agreement between the Town and the Fire District regarding the collection of Fire Protection Tax.   

Mr. Bruce went to say that when the Fire District votes on money, that the 3 members that sit on the budget committee for the district, also have a vote.  Mr. Rabtoy wanted to know what Mr. Bruce’s point was.  He wanted to make sure that the committee was aware about collecting the Fire Protection Tax.  Mr. Rabtoy said that they are aware of that.   

Mr. Rabtoy said that according to VLCT we need to put the vote for the new fire truck or anything that is going to be financed for longer than 5 years, has to be put out on Australian ballot presented to the voters of in the fire district, if it passes it passes if it doesn’t it doesn’t. 

Mr. Bruce mentioned that 10% of voters have to be in favor before a vote could be done.  Mr. Rabtoy said that he would check into that and we did the resolution of necessity at the last meeting that needs to be passed.   

The Fire Department is in the process of gathering the information on the fire truck.  Mr. Rabtoy said that discussion on whether a new or used fire truck should be purchased or any questions and or concerns should be discussed with the Fire Department at one of their meetings.  

Mr. Bruce questioned where the figures came from that were initially put on the meeting notice.  Mr. Rabtoy asked Mr. Allen, was it in town hall where you when you were gathering figures?  Mr. Allen said yes, that’s were he got his figures from?  It was explained at a previous meeting that the figures were not correct.   

Mr. McPhee asked Mr. Bruce what it would take to incorporate the outlining districts into the fire district.  Mr. Bruce said that they had talked about that through the select board.  Mr. Rabtoy said if both entities merge, then everyone would have a vote.  

Mr. Allen said that there may be a chance to get a grant to pay for some of the truck.  Mr. McPhee said that he’s heard around town that most people are in favor of the truck, they just want to know the bottom figure they would need to pay for it.  

Mr. West came to the board to offer information on the process of the districts solid waste certification.  He is working with the technician and the State to have all documents completed.  

He also presented an Emergency Response Plan for Sewer Overflows.  Copies were handed out to the committee.  Mr. Rabtoy made the motion that we make this our established emergency response procedure for sewer overflow as presented. Mr. McPhee seconded the motion.  Motion so carried.  (Yes 2, No 0).  The clerk is putting together a policy and procedure manual and will add the new policy to it.  

Mr. Rabtoy asked what if a sump pumps are running into a sewer, what could be done about it.  Mr. West said you get a quick cease and desist order.  Mr. West explained how the procedure is done to identify that such action is currently taking place.  What it comes down to is that it’s not as simple as a fine or anything else it’s a theft of services.  Fines and imprisonment, it’s not taken likely.   

Mr. Rabtoy said the new part time employee had been out sick for a few days.  Mr. West said with phenomena.  He also said that Mr. Breznick thinks Mr. Squier is working out well and that he likes it.  Mr. West said he’s been working on the weekends, trying to give Mr. Breznick a break he really appreciates having the time off.   

Mr. Rabtoy requested Mr. West stop by Mill Street sometime on a weekend and go over the stuff in storage with him.   He knows what’s in code and what isn’t.  No time or date was set at this time.   

Discussion ensued about the water going over the bridge on 140 West to Highland Beach Association.  Mr. Rabtoy has requested Mr. MacLeod be notified to attend the next meeting to discuss.  Mr. West made the recommendation to the town not to install meters at the individual residents, but they decided to install them against his recommendation and charge them for the water bond.  We’re talking about 30 residents.  The clerk had presented a letter from 2003 regarding billing the Highland Beach Association and billing the difference between of water that was going over the bridge versus what was being billed out from the resident’s water readings.  Mr. Rabtoy made the motion to charge from the meter pit, presenting one bill the association.  Mr. McPhee seconded the motion with the understanding that the association be notified and they have a chance to come to a meeting to discuss.  No further discussion.  Motion so carried.  (Yes 2, No 1).  

Approval for Minutes:

The committee hadn’t read all of the minutes for February 20, 2007 and March 28, 2007 .  Mr. McPhee made the motion to table the acceptance of the minutes until the next scheduled meeting since they hadn’t had time to read them.  Chris Rabtoy seconded the motion.  Motion so carried. (Yes 2, NO 0).  

Prudential Committee Pay Order:

Mr. Rabtoy made a motion to accept the pay orders. Mr. McPhee seconded the motion.  No discussion.  Motion so carried (Yes 2, NO 0).  

Old Business:

TA Loan:  Approval presented to pay $25,000 in advance from the Water Fund to Citizens Bank for the TA Loan.  Mr. Rabtoy made the motion to pay the $25,000 to the TA Loan.  Mr. McPhee seconded the motion, based on the facts presented.  No further discussion.  Motion so carried.  (YES 2, NO 0).  

Water Meters are being read by Mark Breznick, due to an employee out sick.  Some letters will need to be sent to a few residents that due not have touch pad on their property.  It should be noted that when a house is built, painted or siding has been put on, that the property owner reinstall the touch pad.  The rate will be set at the next meeting.  

Mr. Ziegler had called regarding an issue with his new water heater.  Mr. Breznick went out and read the water pressure from the outside.  Pressure hasn’t changed since 1999, double check valves where put in each home in conjunction with the water meters.  The question is whether or not he has an expansion tank.  Since the system has been in place for over 9 years, how long is the Fire District responsible funding the installation of expansion tanks?  If the property has not needed an expansion tank until now are we liable for putting one in?  Mr. Rabtoy suggested that a call be made to VLCT to find out.  

The clerk has been trying to schedule a Board of Abatement for 5 N. Main , due to participant’s conflicting schedules; it’s been a challenging process.  We are looking at May 9th at 6:45 p.m.   The clerk will keep the committee informed of her progress.  

We have a constituent that offers parking to renters of the lodge.  Mr. Bowen will be speaking to him to try to come to a resolution of how much to charge the renters and the cost that was already negotiated on the renter’s contract.   No checks at this time have been written at this time.  

The clerk has put together a fact sheet for the lodge that outlines the fees and amenities for renters.  Mr. Bowen has been in and paid his utility bills and worked with the clerk to streamline the 2007 and 2008 calendars.   

The Water Quality Brochure was reviewed.  Mr. Rabtoy made the motion to accept the Water Quality Brochure as presented.  Mr. McPhee seconded the motion.  No further discussion.  Motion so carried.  (YES 2, NO 0).  

A letter will be sent to the residents that participate in water blow offs to shut them off by April 25th.  Their meters will need to be read to reflect the additional water use.  

Mr. McPhee suggested that a letter be sent to the Rutland Herald that it was not a bonus it was overtime paid.  The clerk didn’t come into the middle of an audit, the clerk instituted the audit, it wasn’t’ an oversight in the minutes, it was that we where gathering the proper information for the interpretation of an executive session and what information could and should be expressed in the minutes.   Mr. McPhee made a motion that there needs to be clarification for the facts of events leading up to the employees receiving compensation for hours worked.  Mr. Rabtoy seconded the motion.  No further discussion.  Motion so carried.  (YES 2, NO)

The clerk requested 3 days off - May 16-17th.  Mr. Rabtoy made the motion to accept the clerks’ request and the office would be closed during such time request.  Mr. McPhee seconded the motion.  No further discussion.  Motion so carried.  (YES 2, NO 0).  

New Business:

Should there be a cost affiliated with the use of lodge for class picnics?  Mr. Rabtoy made a motion that when the elementary school wants to use the lodge it would be at no cost.  Mr. McPhee seconded the motion.  As far as Mill River , they will be charged $75.00 for the cleaning fee.  No Further discussion.  Motion so carried.  (YES 2, NO 0.)  

After the last meeting was adjourned Mr. Shaw handed in his resignation.  Mr. Rabtoy made the motion at this meeting to except Mr. Shaw’s resignation.  Mr. McPhee seconded the motion.  No further discussion.  Motion so carried.  (YES 2, NO 0).  Mr. Rabtoy will request to be put on the Select Boards next meeting agenda.  The committee is recommending Charlie Baker to be appointed for the remainder of the year.  

Public Comments:

No comments.  

Other Business/Announcements:

None  

Executive Session:

None  

Next Meeting:

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Prudential Committee will be held at 7:00 p.m. on April 25, 2007 – Town Hall.

Adjournment:

Chris Rabtoy made the motion that the meeting be adjourned.  Chris McPhee seconded the motion.  Motion so carried. (YES 2, NO 0).  Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Stephanie P. Biagini - Clerk/Treasurer

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