Wallingford Selectboard Minutes

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April 20, 2009

The official copy of these minutes can be obtained at Wallingford Town Hall.

Present:  Bill Brooks, Joan Crowley, Frank Bruce, Joshua Gilman, Charlie Angel, and Julie Sharon  

Visitors:  Joyce Barbieri, Christine Bannerman, Dennis Smith, Sandi Switzer, Ralph Nimtz, Anne Miller, Lisa Marchinkoski, Ben Morgan, Keith Shelvey, Amy Shelvey, Cheryl Maniery, Don Green, Peter Upton, Kathy Upton, John Sease, Ann Tiplady, Rodney Ward, Vicki Ward, Jay Eddy, Chris Dinnan, Carol Macleod, Lee Perry, and Leo Preedom  

The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair F. Bruce at 6:30 p.m.  

Minutes.  J. Crowley moved to approve the meeting minutes of April 6th.  J. Gilman asked for one amendment – changing “Preferential treatment will be given to Wallingford residents to Wallingford residents are encouraged to apply” in the second to last paragraph.  J. Gilman seconded the motion. Motion carried (3-0).  C. Angel abstained. 

Selectboard Orders.  Pay orders totaling $31,905.16 were approved on a motion made by C. Angel and seconded by J. Crowley.  Motion carried (4-0).  

Heating Bid Recommendation.  R. Nimtz reviewed Lane Associates’ answers to questions posed at the last meeting.   He stated that the added $9,620 for air conditioning was an incredible deal for the Town, which was echoed by C. Dinnan.  A large portion of the cost will be paid for by the Wallingford Historical Society with the balance offset by the cell tower income.  WHS President C. Bannerman recalls that their $40,000 donation was based on a total cost of $60,000, which included A/C.  She plans to recommend to her Board next week that they scale back their donation if just heating is approved.  C. Angel thought the cell tower income was for the upkeep of the building, not for historical restoration.  R. Nimtz replied that all repairs have been done to keep the building historically intact.  J. Gilman was not in favor of A/C because it is not necessary in Vermont, and the second floor is not insulated nor is the system expandable.  F. Bruce and C. Angel were in favor of HVAC and J. Gilman and J. Crowley only supported the heating.  J. Gilman made a motion to table the vote until B. Brooks was present; motion seconded by J. Crowley.  Motion carried (4-0).  

The Pit.  Conservation Commission members R. Nimtz, P. Upton and C. Macleod spoke on the Committee’s desire to clear brush and sticks, clear exotic plants that are invading, and put signs or markings on the trees along some trails on the south end of the “pit”.   R. Nimtz displayed the “Wallingford Walks” brochure that’s available in print or online that includes five nice walks for locals and tourists around Wallingford.  C. Angel made a motion to grant approval; motion seconded by J. Crowley.  Motion carried (4-0).

Recreation Committee Appointment.   At the Recreation Committee’s recommendation, Paul DiIonno was appointed to serve on the Recreation Committee, on a motion made by F. Bruce and seconded by C. Angel.  Motion carried (4-0).  

Summer Recreation Program.   Rec Committee members L. Marchinkoski and K. Shelvey recommend rehiring three of the employees from last year’s program.  There are 22 families interested so far, and the Selectboard was urged to make a decision now so parents can make summer plans for their children.  L. Marchinkoski referred to the January minutes of previous Rec meetings, citing that no concerns were brought to them about the rec program prior to last month.  J. Gilman thanked the Rec Committee for offering such a great program but firmly believes it the Selectboard’s responsibility to hire employees and set the salaries. The Rec Committee should devote their time to overseeing recreational opportunities and facilities.  

There was discussion concerning the condition of the ball fields and the lack of volunteers to maintain the fields.  The little league program has always obtained the clay for the fields but can not afford two loads this year.  [B. Brooks arrived at 7:08 p.m. ]  The cracks on the tennis courts and basketball court were discussed.  Only one quote was obtained as they had difficulty finding another company.  D. Smith recommended contacting Wilk Sealing.  Julie reported there is approximately $2,600 in the Rec CD; however, R. Ward said that $1,100 is the G.E. money earmarked for dugouts.  J. Gilman made a motion to approve funding up to $1,273, pending receipt of a second quote, for the crack filling.  J. Gilman amended his motion to also include approval to purchase a load of clay not to exceed a cost of $500.  Motion seconded by F. Bruce.  Motion carried (4-0).  C. Angel abstained.  

Tree – 380 North End Drive.  Leo Preedom requested that the Selectboard remove the tree in front of his home because it has an 8’ crack on the north side after being struck by lightening years ago.  F. Bruce inspected the tree, which is within the town’s right-of-way, and feels it is a healthy tree.  Following further discussion, the Selectboard asked Julie to obtain quotes to find out the cost to remove the tree.  [F. Bruce left the meeting at 7:20 p.m. due to another commitment.]  

Dog Complaint.  The Selectboard read an email from Church Street resident Jill Ryan regarding Ben Morgan’s barking dogs.  Mr. Morgan told the Selectboard that he had removed their bark collars because he installed an ultra sonic silencer; however, he found that it doesn't work the best.  In the past two weeks, he sold his loudest "barker" and plans to sell three more dogs.  The Selectboard was satisfied that he's dealing with the problem.  

Heating Bid Recommendation.  J. Gilman made a motion to accept the bid from GSK in the amount of $35,820.  J. Gilman made an amendment to his motion to accept the bid from New England Air in the amount of $35,000.  Motion died for lack of a second.  C. Angel made a motion to accept the bid from GSK in the amount of $45,420, and B. Brooks seconded the motion.  Motion failed (2-2).  [C. Angel left the meeting at 7:30 p.m. ]  

Objectionable Noise & Firearms Ordinance.  B. Brooks reported to Don Green, John Sease and Ann Tiplady that the Sheriff had spoken with the resident who disrupted the peace on Hartsboro Road the evening of March 17th.  The Sheriff reviewed the town’s ordinances and fines and was told that it wouldn’t happen again.  All those at the meeting were made aware of the statute regarding nighttime noise and the civil penalties that can be assessed.  Bon fires and discharging of firearms were discussed.  

2009 Mowing Bids.  Eight mowing bids were received as follows:  

                                                       Rec Field       Town Hall       3 Cemeteries

P. J. Bushing Landscaping             315                  35                   760
Keyes Lawn Care                            160                  25                    n/a
Gary Norton                                      150                  30                    250
FAS Trucking/J. Filskov                  145                  30                    240     
Joe Kravetz                                       145                  25                    245
Yankee Home Management           130                  23                    230
Ridgeline Property Care                 120                  25                    190
Wood & Sons                                   100                  20                    125  

Gary Norton was awarded the contract, on a motion made by J. Crowley, and seconded by J. Gilman.  Motion carried (3-0).  Julie asked the Selectboard why Mr. Norton was chosen as he was not the low bidder.  They replied the decision was based on the Rec Committee’s feedback as to the quality of his work last year.  

Caterer License.  J. Gilman made a motion to approve the Caterer license for Blood’s Catering & Party Rentals Inc. for a wedding reception at the White Rocks Inn on May 24; motion seconded by J. Crowley.  Motion carried (3-0).  

Correspondence.  Judicial Bureau Report for March; March Sheriff Reports; RRPC memo on Transportation Stimulus Update; Quarterly Statement – Fernfield Farms & Ralph Stafford Scholarship Accounts; Notice of 2010 Census; and Vermont Municipal Assessor’s Quarterly Report.  

Summer Rec Program.  A. Shelvey told the Selectboard that her children attended last year’s summer rec and had great interaction with the counselors.  It was pointed out that the existing program goes with the applicants that the Rec Committee is recommending be hired.  If new employees are hired, then they’ll need to design their own summer rec program.  C. Maniery talked about last year’s program and the time constraints involved in getting this year’s program approved.   She added that the applicants have been fingerprinted and had background checks.  40 children are needed each week to cover the salaries.    B. Brooks was willing to make a concession on the salaries as the income should cover the costs.  He felt it is a great program and there’s no time to put another one together.  

J. Crowley made a motion to move into executive session at 8:14 p.m. with J. Barbieri and J. Sharon present to discuss personnel and legal matters; motion seconded by J. Gilman.  (Motion carried 3-0). The Selectboard came out of executive session at 8:44 p.m.  J. Crowley made a motion to rehire the following for the summer recreation program:  Kim Maniery as Rec Director at $17 per hour; Dominick Maniery at $12 per hour; and Stephen Culbertson at $15 per hour.  All money will come through the Town for accountability.  Motion seconded by J. Gilman.  Motion carried (3-0).   

B. Brooks reported that a settlement was agreed upon today at the mediation regarding Whitmore vs. the Town of Wallingford and Thomas and Kimberly Phillips.  Bill Lohsen and Amy Loomis were removed from the lawsuit.  B. Brooks asked for a motion that he be authorized to sign the settlement agreement in which the Whitmore’s will withdraw their claims against the Town in both Environmental and Superior Courts.  J. Gilman made the motion and J. Crowley seconded it.  Motion carried (3-0).   

The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

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