Wallingford Selectboard Minutes

Selectboard Minutes Index
Home

August 1, 2011

Present:  Bill Brooks, Nelson Tift, Frank Bruce, Rose Regula, and Josh Gilman  

Others Present:  Julie Sharon, Charlie Angel, Jay White, Ken Welch, and Sandy Switzer  

Chair B. Brooks called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  

Minutes.  The minutes of July 18th were approved on a motion made by F. Bruce and seconded by N. Tift.  Motion carried (4-0).  J. Gilman abstained.  

Selectboard Orders.  $516.34 for Mason’s Property for mowing was added to the pay order. F. Bruce made a motion to approve the pay orders, with the one addition, totaling $6,128.76, which was seconded by N. Tift.  Motion carried (5-0).  

Town Energy Plan.  Energy Committee Co-chairs Ken Welch and Jay White requested permission to be appointed as Energy Coordinators in order to develop an energy plan that will be independent of the Town Plan.  They already met with the Planning Commission who gave them their blessing.  Ken explained the accomplishments of the Energy Committee to date.  Following some discussion, J. Gilman made a motion to appoint Ken Welch and Jay White as Co-Energy Coordinators for a one-year term.  Motion seconded by F. Bruce.  Motion carried (5-0).  

Proposed Pooper Scooper Ordinance.  Charlie Angel reviewed his proposal to amend the Town’s dog ordinance to include warnings and fines for not removing dog waste on public or private property.  He recommended a warning the first time, a $50 for the second offense, $100 for the third offense and transfer of the dog by the constable to the Humane Society for four or more offenses.  Julie was asked to see if other towns have these regulations.  

B. Brooks moved to enter executive session at 6:47 p.m. with J. Sharon and P. Hathaway present, to discuss a salary issue.  F. Bruce seconded the motion.  Motion carried (5-0).  The Selectboard returned from executive session at 6:56 p.m.  At the request of Peter Hathaway, he will be paid a base salary instead of an hourly rate. Peter will have posted office hours at least one night per week; however, he can be contacted at any time through his personal email and cell phone.  This information will be posted on the town’s website.  Peter feels that this new arrangement will allow him more flexibility to provide better service when not in the office.  His performance will be reviewed towards the end of this year to see how it is working out.  B. Brooks made a motion to make a change to the Zoning Administrator’s salary so that he will receive his remaining salary budget in even weekly paychecks over the course of the year starting with the next pay period.  Motion seconded by J. Gilman.  Motion carried (5-0).  

Town Hall Use Request.  On a motion made by J. Gilman, and seconded by F. Bruce, permission was given to the Gilbert Hart Library to use the upstairs for a theatre performance on Saturday afternoon, August 6th.  Motion carried (5-0).  

Development Review Board Appointment.  Carol Ann Martin wrote to the Selectboard that she’s interested in serving on the Development Review Board.  B. Brooks would like to appoint her to the Planning Commission, which has a greater need for members.  However, J. Gilman recommended appointing her to the DRB and to inquire if she wants to serve on the Planning Commission, which was made as a motion by F. Bruce and seconded by J. Gilman.  Motion carried (3-2).  R. Regula and N. Tift voted no.  

Appointment of Special Officer.  As a follow up to the last meeting regarding this topic, N. Tift reported that Jerry Tift passed the course last week and is awaiting the agreement from the Vermont State Police.  Therefore, no appointment of a special officer was necessary. 

Penalties for Late Filed Homestead Declarations.  Since the Legislature eliminated the requirement of annual filing of homestead declarations, it increased the penalty for filing a declaration for a property that is not a homestead or failing to declare for a property that is a homestead.  The Town has the discretion to assess the penalties for late filings.  Late filing causes additional computer and paperwork for Town personnel.  On a motion made by J. Gilman and seconded by B. Brooks, the Selectboard voted to assess the penalties for late declarations.  Motion carried (5-0).  

Historic Preservation Grant.  Julie asked if the Town should apply for a 50/50 matching grant through the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation for painting the clock tower and for the possible purchase of energy efficient shades.  The application deadline is October 3rd.  Following some discussion, she was directed to present a grant application to the Selectboard with the figures.  The matching funds could be budgeted in the next fiscal budget.  

Creek Road Bridge.  The Selectboard reviewed the revised project phases and tasks from DuBois & King to evaluate the existing conditions of the bridge and prepare an engineering study that focuses on rehabilitation or replacement options.  J. Gilman now feels that considering a bridge replacement would be cost prohibitive to the Town. D&K is a reputable firm and the Town has had a great working relationship with them.  Following further discussion, the Selectboard re-evaluated the needs of the town and decided to rehab the existing structure.   Therefore, D&K will be asked to provide the cost to provide a scope of services to describe what rehab needs to happen, and the cost to produce the bid documents.  

Other Business.  F. Bruce recommended that the Town seek three bids before purchasing new tires for the grader, and that they should be steel-belted tires.  $7,500 is budgeted for six tires.  He suggested seeking quotes from at least Ray Beane, Adirondack and Pete’s Tire Barn.  

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.

Home     Hours & Meetings     Town Officers     Selectboard     Town Clerk   Town Officer Directory 
Transfer Station     Recreation    Roads     Planning & Zoning     Conservation Commission    
Gilbert Hart Library 
Ordinances
    Town Info.     Community         FAQs      Links     Site Map    Web
Site Policy Park & Ride Facility
       Wallingford Elementary School    Mill River Union High School
     Wallingford Historical Society    Wallingford Rotary Club
  Recreation Development Committee      Wallingford Fire District No. 1          Wallingford Senior Activities       
    Energy Committee   Little Red Schoolhouse     Town Hall Auditorium Rental   Wallingford Boy's Camp (The Lodge)

Questions and/or Comments about this Web Site:  Webmaster
Town of Wallingford
75 School Street
Wallingford, VT  05773
(802) 446-2872

 © Copyright 2012 Town of Wallingford, Vermont