Wallingford Selectboard Minutes

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

January 18, 2010

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

Visitors: Dave Ballou, Joyce Barbieri, Lisa Marchinkoski, Chris Dinnan, Tom Phillips, Keith Shelvey, Missy Whitmore, Jay Kenlan, and Sandi Switzer  

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

Minutes.  J. Gilman asked that the conversation be mentioned regarding the previously approved $5,000 by the voters in 2004 for use at “the pit” in lieu of the $10,000 article discussed.  F. Bruce made a motion to approve the minutes dated January 4th, with one addition.  The motion was seconded by J. Gilman.  Motion carried (4-0).  J. Crowley abstained.  

Selectboard Orders.  Pay orders totaling $18,189.69 were approved on a motion made by F. Bruce, and seconded by C. Angel.  Motion carried (5-0).     

Property Tax Prebate.  The letter from Commission of Taxes Westman to Mr. Marquis’ accountant, M. McCormack, was reviewed, which confirmed that changes to the 2008 grand list had to have been made by December 30, 2008.  B. Brooks stated that there is nothing the Town can do to correct the 2008 property values.  Lister Dave Ballou informed the Selectboard that the Marquis’ would have also received a change of notice from the State, and it is their responsibility to review their tax bill.  He added that the Marquis’ have requested that the property value now be listed at 100% homestead on the upcoming grand list.  

Building Committee Recommendations.  Chair Chris Dinnan requested approval to add R-60 insulation into the attic, re-enforcing the rafters, air sealing, install a dam to keep insulation out of soffits, insulate the roof hatch, weather-strip the attic, seal the existing ventilation, etc. for a maximum cost of $8,100.  The renovations will be paid for by the cell tower income.  Chris also discussed future renovations discussed by the Building Committee.  The Selectboard gave approval to obtain quotes for their review.  

Summer Recreation Program.  L. Marchinkoski, T. Phillips and K. Shelvey distributed one packet of documents that were requested by the Selectboard, discussed the summer rec program and reviewed the estimated cost breakdown.  The Recreation Committee plans to work on the proposed coverage for Elfin Lake at their next meeting.  There was a lengthy discussion on plans to hire a recreation director this year to run the program and the lake operations.  The Recreation Committee would like to rehire the same people for the summer rec program.  It was agreed that the Recreation Committee would bring candidate names to the Selectboard for their approval.  It was pointed out that the proposed job descriptions have not been approved yet by the Selectboard.   

The Pit.  Tom Phillips discussed his plans for his property on Waldo Lane. The Selectboard reviewed his letter and a letter from Ralph Michael PE dated 8/13/07.  Mr. Philips reported that he can’t work on his property without going on to the Town’s property.  He’d like to drop overburden on to the Town’s property.  Several ideas were discussed on what could be done and how to best proceed.  M. Whitmore pointed out that this may be premature because the settlement agreement states that Mr. Phillips must obtain site plan approval before any further development take places.  B. Brooks would like to ask Bill Burke if the concept makes sense before a plan is created.  It was agreed to possibly hire an engineer to explore all options of dealing with the slope.  B. Brooks made a motion to send out an invitation to bid; motion seconded by J. Gilman.  Motion carried (4-0).  C. Angel abstained.  

Town Warning Approval.  The Board reviewed a draft of the articles with Jay Kenlan.   

FY11 Town Budget Approval.  Julie reported that the Town’s 10-year old copier is starting to show its age.  A quick quote for a new copier would cost approximately $2,900.  At her request, $3,000 was added to #5114 Office Expense budget.   

The Selectboard reviewed GHL President Connie Johnson’s letter that mentioned ways in which the Library Board will be reducing expenses and increasing income in order to decrease the deficit by $9,600.  In addition, the Library will be exempt from water and sewer charges, which results in additional savings of $700.  B. Brooks proposed level funding their contribution request at $32,000, which would bring their projected deficit to ($8,517).  When asked about the status of having an audit performed, B. Brooks reported he spoke to D. Klock who believes the type of audit needed is a management style vs. dollars and cents.  J. Barbieri requested that her comments be entered into the record as follows:  She is dismayed that the Library Board did not address the 13% increase in salaries, which have increased 33% over the last four years.  Joyce also noted that the library pays for water coolers, which she feels is an unnecessary expense.  B. Brooks will bring these issues to the attention of the Board and added that he couldn’t get a clear answer if the Library Director has a signed employment contract.  

#5325 Paving was increased $5,000 to $25,000 in case the town is awarded a paving grant.  Other changes included:  4517-Recording Fees increased $3,000 to $15,000; 4518-Copier Service increased $1,000 to $3,000; and 4540-P-Passports decreased $500 to $2,000 at Joyce’s recommendation.  4527-Fernfield Farms Income $5,792.20 and 4528-Ralph Stafford Scholarship $4,259.51—supplied by Dave Ballou.  5024-Vt. Mun. Empl. Retirement increased $500 to $8,500 per Joyce; 5125–VLCT Dues – increased $300 to $2,900 as bill received for next year; 5155-Rutland County Tax – reduced $900 to $16,100 as their rate was lowered; 5202-Ralph Stafford Scholarship +$4,259.51 to correspond with 4528 above; 5222-Irving Smith Scholarship included $1,000.00; and 5408-Animal Control Officer decreased $200 per Joyce.  $40,000 necessary for the Route 140 Bridge-Phase II will be spread over three payments; therefore, $15,200 was budgeted for 5710.  $28,080 necessary for the Pedestrian Bridge match was spread over two payments; therefore, $15,200 was budgeted for 5711.  

F. Bruce made a motion to warn a total budget of $820,654.11 and to raise an amount not to exceed $520,032.40 in property taxes for its general operations for fiscal year 2011; motion seconded by C. Angel.  Motion carried (5-0).   

B. Brooks made a motion to approve the town warning, which was seconded by C. Angel.  Motion carried (5-0).  

Town Report Dedication.  At the request of Suzanne Dafni, the Selectboard agreed to dedicate the town report to the members of the military who are deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, etc.   

Quarterly Financials.  Second quarter financials were reviewed briefly with no significant variances.  

Correspondence.  Pike Quarterly Report; Vermont Municipal Assessor Quarterly Report; Report of Fines collected in December; December reports from Sheriff & Constable; 1/5 Energy Committee minutes; and letter from Cindy Wade and Delinquent Tax Collector’s response to Cindy Wade.  

Julie announced that Bob Soule has agreed to be the moderator for the February 1st public hearing.  

B. Brooks moved to enter executive session at 8:45 p.m. with J. Barbieri and J. Sharon present, to discuss personnel.  C. Angel seconded the motion.  Motion carried (5-0).  The Selectboard returned from executive session at 9:03 p.m. with no action taken.  

The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.

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