Wallingford Selectboard Minutes

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

Selectboard Minutes Index
Home

January 2, 2007

Present:  Bill Lohsen, Charlie Angel, Gene Gilman, Christine Davenport, Frank Bruce and Julie Sharon

Visitors:  Joyce Barbieri, Greg Macleod, Melissa Whitmore, David Whitmore, Greg Janney, Deborah Scranton, and Tom Phillips

B. Lohsen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Minutes.  The December 18^th minutes were approved on a motion made by C. Angel, and seconded by F. Bruce.  Motion carried (5-0). 

Selectboard Orders.  Pay orders were approved for $6,520.24 on a motion made by F. Bruce, and seconded by C. Angel.  Motion carried (5-0).  

Letter to Highland Association & Prudential Committee.  Greg Macleod spoke to the Selectboard on behalf of Highland Water Supply Association, Inc.  Mr. Macleod gave a history on how water has been supplied to the 30 properties by a water line that crosses the Route 140 Bridge.  The vulnerability of this pipe was brought up at the recent Act 250 hearing for the gravel pit in regards to the proposed truck traffic.  Mr. Macleod asked for guidance on what should be done and by whom, with alternatives being discussed.  B. Lohsen stated that Highland Water is responsible for relocating the line and should consider hiring an engineer.  There was discussion on whether Highland is bound to any agreement with the fire district concerning the water bond.  

Conservation Commission Budget Request.  Chair Deb Scranton reviewed the past activities of the Conservation Commission and plans for 2007.  She requested a budget of $500 to cover the costs of workshops, annual membership to the Vermont Conservation Commission, signage for trails and other miscellaneous items.  The Selectboard agreed that the $500 could be taken out of the $5,000 that was approved by the voters in 2004 for recreational development of the pit as these funds would be used for the same purpose.  Receipts will be required for all expenses.  B. Lohsen made a motion that the Conservation Commission could use up to $500 per fiscal year of the monies authorized by the voters in 2004; motion seconded by F. Bruce.  Motion carried (5-0).  

Zoning Issues.  The Selectboard reviewed a letter from the Agency of Natural Resources that confirmed that review by their office is not required for strictly a subdivision of Ira Frederick’s land, which is located within the special flood hazard area.  However, if any development is proposed on this parcel in the future, the land owner will be required to apply for a zoning permit, which will then need to be reviewed by the Agency.  B. Lohsen recommended that this information be shared with Mr. Fredericks in order to protect the town’s participation in the federal flood insurance program.  

The Selectboard reviewed the Planning Commission’s minutes that granted authority for the Zoning Administrator to approve 1-4 lot subdivisions as provided in the regs and to require a recordable plot plan for the land use records.  However, they still question whether there is a distinction between residential and commercial.  

The Zoning Administrator’s response that an appeal halts all deadlines on pending zoning permits was reviewed.  

The public hearing for the amended zoning regulations is scheduled for January 8^th starting at 7 p.m. at WES.  

Tax Stabilization Request.  The Selectboard reviewed a request from Chipman Lodge 52 F&AM (Masonic Lodge) asking for tax stabilization renewal for five years.  B. Lohsen made a motion to add an article to the town warning asking voters to stabilize the real estate taxes of the Masonic Lodge as long as the lodge still owns the building.  Motion seconded by F. Bruce.  Motion carried (5-0).  

Dept. of Taxes Equalization Study.  The Vermont Department of Taxes’ equalization study reported the Town’s equalized education property value at $185,061,000, coefficient of dispersion of 22.79%, and common level of appraisal of 67.50%.  

Act 250 Hearing Recess Order #1R0797-2.  B. Lohsen reviewed who was responsible for producing the information requested by the District Environmental Commission by January 30^th.  The Conservation Commission will need to provide information as well.  

Other. Planning Commission member Missy Whitmore volunteered to meet with Rutland Economic Development to discuss the development of a database of potential locations for new businesses.  B. Lohsen volunteered as well, and Charlie McClafferty will be asked to join as a rep for the merchants association.  

There was discussion concerning the trees along Waldo Lane and Route 140.  An update on the pedestrian bridge was also given.   

Julie distributed correspondence from Attorney Liccardi concerning the Environmental Court ’s decision in connection with the Town’s motion for summary judgment against Dennis Smith.  Attorney Liccardi has requested a meeting with Julie and Shari Edmands to discuss the next step.  

Julie reported that the Legislature passed Act 207, which increases the veteran’s exemption from $20,000 to $40,000 of appraisal value upon approval of the voters.   On a motion made by B. Lohsen, and seconded by F. Bruce, the Selectboard agreed to add an article to the town warning asking voters to increase the Veterans Exemption Benefit to $40,000 in accordance with Vermont statute.  Motion carried (5-0).  

B. Lohsen asked whether it was possible to change to a different mix for gravel, as it blows away when it dries on the roads and causes a dust storm.  Shelburne Limestone will be contacted to see if changes have been made to the mix or if there are other options available.  

Julie asked F. Bruce if he had obtained the information concerning Mr. Jenney’s culvert.  She will ask the Fire District for the locations and depth of the water and sewer mains on Deerfield Drive .  

Budget FY 07-08.  Expenditures.  The following amounts were approved: George Aiken RC&D - $100; Rutland Visiting Nurse/Hospice - $2,860; SW Vt. Council on Aging - $1,000; Gilbert Hart Library - $32,000; Rutland Mental Health Services - $1,427; BROC - $500; RSVP - $300; Wallingford Rescue Squad - $7,000; Mt. Holly Rescue Squad - $1,800; Regional Ambulance Service - $1,137; Rutland Co. Women’s Network - $200; VT Center for Independent Living - $280; Vermont Adult Learning - $1,000; VT Assoc. for the Blind - $100; Rutland Economic Development Corporation - $250; Green Up Vermont - $250; Rutland Natural Resources Conservation District - $200; Rutland Co. Parent Child Center - $250; NeighborWorks - $100; and ARC - $200.

There was discussion concerning Gilbert Hart Library’s ratio of income ($54,500) to expenses ($62,750) and their annual deficit on their proposed budget. Equipment expenses will increase 162% for computer purchases, maintenance increases from $1,600 to $5,200 or 225%, for a new oil tank and removal of old tank; and programming increases by $2,000 or 67% to fund the children and adults program coordinator salary.   

Revenues.  J. Barbieri indicated that most of the revenues will remain the same and she will provide the figures at the next meeting.  

Administration.  5000-Auditors increased to $300, or $100 per auditor; 5001- Selectboard increased by $100 per member or $500 to $4,300, 5001-A Lister Salaries increased to $2,500 due to the upcoming work on the reappraisal; 5002-B Lister Expenses increased consequently to $3,000, 5002-C Tax Map Update $1,300; 5002-D Professional Services remains at $10,000.  Zoning Salary will drop $500 to $8,000 and Zoning Expenses will decrease by $1,300 to $200 as a computer purchase was purchased this year.  Town employee salaries will be determined at the next meeting.  5010-Road Commissioner will remain at $1,500, and 5540-P Passport expenses will increase from $1,300 to $2,000, which is offset the revenue side.  

Highway.  F. Bruce reported that the road crew would like to have a blade on hand for the road grader, which costs approximately $4,000.  The grader has two blades, one that is permanent and one that is replaceable and less costly.  A new blade would put off having to change the second blade as often.  No decision was made.  

B. Lohsen recommended the Selectboard review salary scenarios for two part-time employees for the Highway Department – one for the winter months and one for the summer months.  He also suggested that F. Bruce ask the road crew to be mindful of sand usage.  Intersections should be sanded following light storms; however, sanding every road in the village is not necessary.  

F. Bruce reported on the recent repairs that were necessary for the 2006 Sterling , the sander and the bucket loader.  

Home     Hours & Meetings     Town Officers     Selectboard     Town Clerk
Transfer Station     Recreation    Roads     Planning & Zoning     Conservation Commission    Gilbert Hart Library  
Ordinances    Town Info.     Community     Phone & E-Mail     FAQs      Links   
Site Map        Wallingford Elementary School Agenda & Minutes
Mill River Union High School
The Little Red Schoolhouse        Wallingford Fire District No. 1          Web Site Policy  

 © Copyright 2001 Town of Wallingford, Vermont