Wallingford Selectboard Minutes

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

August 3, 2009

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

Visitors: Joyce Barbieri, Lee Perry, and Sandy Switzer  

Vice Chair F. Bruce called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  

Minutes.  J. Gilman moved to approve the July 20^th minutes; J. Crowley seconded the motion. Motion carried (4-0).   

Selectboard Orders.  Pay orders totaling $64,147.79, with one addition for Cheryl Maniery in the amount of $71.92, were approved on a motion made by C. Angel and seconded by J. Crowley.  Motion carried (4-0).  

Delinquent Taxes.  Lee Perry explained that his tax collection policy has been that once taxes are past due for two years, he proceeds with a tax sale, adding that it is the Selectboard’s prerogative to change the policy.  However, he wants to remain consistent and treat each delinquent taxpayer fairly.  12 accounts totaling over $47,000 were turned over to the attorney for tax sale; however, he’s received payment on one account and one account plans to file bankruptcy again.  Mr. Perry attempted to explain the different types of bankruptcy that can be filed and how bankruptcy works.  If he begins tax sale proceedings and the taxpayer files bankruptcy, the tax sale stops and the Town would be liable for legal expenses up to that point. Since his report two weeks ago, he’s received about $13,200 in payments, which leaves approximately $33,000 owed, excluding proposed tax sales.

The Selectboard discussed whether tax sales could begin immediately on properties that are land only or seasonal homes.  J. Barbieri mentioned that Wallingford Fire District #1 turned off water to several homes last week so the Town will be competing with them for payments.  A proposal aimed at shortening the collection time was discussed because the Town is experiencing a cash flow shortage.  Subsequently, the Selectboard agreed to change the tax collection policy to 60 days, instead of two years, beginning April 2010, excluding those that currently have an agreed upon payment schedule.  Mr. Perry will present a proposed tax collection policy to the Selectboard at their next meeting.  This issue was tabled until the next meeting, on a motion made by F. Bruce and seconded by J. Crowley.  (Motion carried 4-0).  

Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan.  The Selectboard read a memo from Shannon Pytlik that cited her concerns that the some of the critical facilities and emergency shelters are located within the FEMA 100 year floodplain and offered recommendations to improve emergency planning for the 100 year flood and improve the floodplain regulations.  F. Bruce made a motion to pass this information on to Emergency Management Coordinator Charlie Gauthier; motion seconded by C. Angel.  Motion carried (4-0).  

State of Vermont Letter of Agreement for Computer Appraisal Services.  The Department of Taxes requires a signed agreement for a one-year license.  J. Gilman moved to approve this agreement, which was seconded by J. Crowley.  Motion carried (4-0).    

Tennis/Basketball Court Repair.  In April, the Selectboard granted approval to have the cracks filled in on the tennis and basketball courts, up to $1,273, pending receipt of a second quote by the Recreation Committee.  They have not been able to find another source and asked that the purchasing policy be waived.  It was felt that a second quote could be found, and F. Bruce offered his assistance.  This item was deferred until the next meeting.  

Thelma Perry Day.  Wallingford resident Thelma Perry will turn 100 years old on August 20th.  A birthday celebration is planned for Saturday, August 8th from 1-4 p.m. at the Rotary Building.  Joyce requested that August 20th be proclaimed as “Thelma Perry Day” in Wallingford, which was unanimously approved by the Selectboard.  

Hawkins Road Complaint.  A July 29th email from Diane Turgeon was reviewed and her comments will be passed on to the road crew.  

Year-End Financials.  Fiscal year 2009 ended with a budget deficit of $37,682.54, all due to unpaid property taxes.   

2010 Tax Rates.  Tom Pelham, Commissioner of Taxes, set Wallingford 's Homestead Education Tax Rate at $1.2516 (down .0115¢ from $1.2631 in 2008) and the Non-Residential Tax Rate at $1.3042 (up .0404¢ from $1.2638 in 2008). 

Joyce Barbieri reported a grand list of $2,344,137,000, compared to last year of $2,358,286,000.  The town budget of $522,225.63 equates to a town tax rate of .2228¢, compared to .2452¢ last year.  The Fire District Tax for 1 and 3 will be .0934¢, up from .0506¢ last year.  The Local Agreement Tax Rate dropped from .0043¢ to .0038¢.   

C. Angel made a motion to set the town tax rate at .2228¢ and local agreement tax rate at .0038¢, per $100 of assessed property value, which was seconded by F. Bruce.  Motion carried (4-0).    

New Committee Appointment.  Josh requested approval to create a new Committee for the pit development.  F. Bruce made a motion to authorize Josh to form a Committee, which was seconded by J. Crowley.  Motion carried (4-0).  Josh will present the proposed Committee members for the Selectboard to appoint at the next meeting.  

The Selectboard reviewed the letter dated July 29^th from Bill Burke, who approved removing the berm and grading the parking lot and walkway at the pit.  Mr. Burke would like to inspect the erosion control measures and be informed about the plan during a site visit, prior to commencement of removal of the berm.  

Wallingford Fire District #1 Agreement.  This item was deferred until the next meeting.  

Road Commissioner’s Report.  F. Bruce reported that Belden Construction paved two sections of Prospect Street.  The road crew planned to walk the ditch along the Tuohy residence on Prospect Street to see what could be done to turn the ditch.  

Other Business.  C. Angel discussed the possible removal of the playground equipment at the Little Red Schoolhouse.  He was told to discuss his concerns with the Wallingford School Board.  

J. Barbieri discussed her concerns with dirt bikes being ridden at the “pit”.   

Correspondence.  Rutland County Sheriff’s Department Activity Reports, Pike Industries Quarterly Land Use Permit Report; and Constable Tift’s Activity Report. 

The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.

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