Wallingford Selectboard Minutes

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January 7, 2008

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

Visitors:  Tom Phillips, Ann Tiplady, Eric Davenport , Bastian Fagginger-Auer, Jim Finger, Paul Kulig, Bonnie Gainer and Russ Lattuca  

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

Minutes.  The December 17th minutes were approved on a motion made by G. Gilman, and seconded by C. Angel.  Motion carried (5-0). 

Selectboard Orders.   F. Bruce made a motion to approve the Pay Order in the amount of $129,538.27, which was seconded by C. Angel.  Motion carried (5-0).  

Wallingford Rescue Donation Request.  Bastian Auer , Eric Davenport , James Finger, Chief Executive Administrator of Regional Ambulance Service, and Paul Kulig, President of RAS, were invited to discuss the request as too many  questions have arisen while trying to obtain financing for the $150,000 capital contribution by the Town. Bastian Auer announced that they would like to delay the request until the November election to allow time to determine what is best for all parties.   

Mr. Finger explained that Regional Ambulance Service serves two-thirds of the county, and they employ many of the volunteers on the Wallingford Rescue Squad.  He reviewed the costs per capita statewide and the problems with recruitment and retention of volunteers.  Member towns are charged $3 per capita and must have a First Response.  First Response allows towns to respond to medical emergencies and treat patients, while waiting for the responding ambulance.  Mr. Finger stated that in order for Wallingford to join RAS, voter approval would be needed as well as approval from the Board of Directors at RAS.  He added that Wallingford would be charged a higher fee because the other towns are long-standing members.   

B. Lohsen asked if Regional would consider opening a southern branch; Mr. Finger replied no because 100 calls annually would not justify it. C. Angel inquired whether leasing a building in town had been considered and the answer was yes.  G. Gilman asked if they reverted to just a First Response team, could they remain at the Fire Department.  Bastian replied that they are struggling now as the conditions are not good.  F. Bruce asked if they could cut back the size of the building, and Bastian replied that they had pared down the building as much as possible.  It was asked if the town built the building, could it be leased to WRS.  Mr. Finger explained that owning their own building helps recruit volunteers as it shows community support and requires less fundraising, which causes burn out.  As requested, B. Lohsen made a motion to remove the Wallingford Rescue Squad article from the town warning.  F. Bruce seconded the motion.  Motion carried (5-0).  

Tom Phillips asked if businesses in town could donate their time to help with this building effort.  C. Davenport reported that Mount Holly writes to every East Wallingford household asking them to donate each year. Tinmouth should be asked for a capital contribution also.   

Charitable Request.  On behalf of the Gilbert Hart Library, Russ Lattuca and Bonnie Gainer discussed the $3,000 increase in the upcoming budget year, noting the monies will be used towards increased utilities and fuel costs as well as the salary of a part-time Children and Young Adults Coordinator.  There was discussion about how other towns are able to use our library without paying a fee.  Bonnie said that the Rutland Free Library charges non residents a user fee of $33, and she’s all for implementing a policy for charging non residents annually.  She also advised that Joyce had informed her about the Tinmouth Community Fund that awards grants to various organizations in their town and may be the library could tap into those funds.   

Julie reminded everyone that according to the library’s bylaws, one member of their board should be appointed by the Selectboard.  Kelly DiIonno was appointed by the Selectboard in October 2004; however, the Selectboard was not notified of her replacement, Adrian Eisler , in October 2007.  The Selectboard thanked Russ and Bonnie for coming to the meeting.  

Public Comments.  Tom Phillips reported that a merits hearing will be held on 2/14 on the request for reconsideration of the Act 250 permit denial.  He had some questions regarding the interim zoning regulation and the status of the pedestrian bridge.  

Fire Truck Vote.  The Selectboard has not received an answer to their question to the Prudential Committee on whether or not the fire truck vote was binding.  However, according to their 12/12 minutes, they would like to renegotiate the contract with the Town and are looking into a possible charter change so that District #3 would be able to have a vote on the fire protection fund budget. 

Route 140W Bridge Completion Certificate.  B. Lohsen moved to sign the “substantial completion certificate”; F. Bruce seconded the motion.  Motion carried (5-0).  The Town received its $150,000 grant funds yesterday.  

Dept. of Taxes Equalization Study.  The Department of Taxes equalization study report showed the Town’s equalized education property values at $217,398,000, a coefficient of dispersion of 13.74%, and a common level of appraisal of 107.61% as of 1/1/08 .  Last year’s figures were $185,061,000, 22.79% and 67.50% respectively.    

Vermont Coalition of Municipalities Resolution.  The Selectboard discussed a proposed resolution, drafted by the Vermont Coalition of Municipalities that calls for changing the state’s education finance system.  The Selectboard was unsure if one or the other of the alternative funding mechanisms proposed had to be selected.  B. Lohsen moved to approve adding this to the town warning, which was seconded by F. Bruce.  Motion carried (5-0).  Following more discussion, they also were undecided on whether to adopt the non-binding resolution or put it before voters at town meeting in March.  It was questioned whether the School Board has seen this resolution.  B. Lohsen moved to withdraw his motion, which was seconded by F. Bruce.  Motion carried (5-0).  The resolution was tabled until the next meeting.  

Charitable Requests.   The Selectboard reviewed the charitable requests.  After much discussion, they could not come to a unified group decision to increase the library’s request from $32,000 to $35,000. Although they wholly support the library, it was clear they are tired of subsidizing non residents using the library for free.  

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 - $2,100; 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; NeighborWorks - $100;  ARC - $200; and Preservation Trust of Vermont - $250.  A request was not received from Rutland Co. Parent/Child Center.    

Fraternal Organizations – Tax Stabilization Requests.  The Selectboard reviewed requests from the Wallingford Memorial Rotary Club, the Maple Valley Grange #318, and the Mt. Moriah Lodge #96 F&AM asking for tax stabilization renewal for five years.  F. Bruce made a motion to add articles to the town warning asking voters to stabilize the real estate taxes of all three organizations.  Motion seconded by C. Davenport.  Motion carried (5-0).  

Town Warning Draft.  The Selectboard reviewed the draft of the town warning.  

A petition containing approximately 100 signatures of legal voters was received petitioning the Selectboard to consider the proposed Wallingford Zoning Regulations that were presented by the Selectboard at a public hearing held on December 10, 2007 and disapproved by the Selectboard at its meeting on December 17, 2007 .  In accordance with 24 V.S.A. §4442(d), Petitioners require that a meeting of the Town of Wallingford be duly warned for the purpose of acting by Australian ballot upon the proposed Wallingford Zoning Regulations.  B. Lohsen moved to add this petition to the town warning, which was seconded by G. Gilman. Motion carried (5-0).  

A discussion ensued on the importance of taxpayers knowing about these zoning changes and how they may or may not affect their properties.  The Selectboard agreed to send a post card to all property owners urging them to come in to review the revisions or read them on the web in preparation for the March 4^th vote.  C. Angel volunteered to help with the mailing.  

Selectboard Report for Town Report.  Julie asked for feedback on the draft copy of the Selectboard report.  

Vt. Environmental Court Appeal.  Dennis Smith is appealing the Karen Lamay permit extension.  B. Lohsen moved to hire John Liccardi to represent the Town; C. Angel seconded the motion.  Motion carried (5-0).  

Correspondence.  Unicel letter; VLCT Legislative Priorities; Elm Street pavement disturbance; Flood Hazard Planning meeting; and House Ways & Means Committee hearing on Education Finance Simplification.  

Road Commissioner’s Report.  Two known taxpayers, whose snowplowing is being done across town roads, will be notified of the state statute.  Tom Roberts from VTrans plans to inspect the road/bridge near True Temper that’s apparently buckling.  B. Lohsen spoke to Tracy Taylor who would like VTrans to remove the curbing along his property (the post office complex) so Mr. Taylor can pave and add markings.  Julie has sent a request to Tammy Ellis at VTrans.  B. Lohsen asked why the road crew doesn’t use the wing plows during storms, especially when they’re already on the truck.  He felt that with gas prices, it would be smarter for us to use these to cut the plowing time in half.  F. Bruce will discuss this with the road crew.  

FY 09 Budget.  The Selectboard reviewed the budget adjustments made since the last meeting, including revenues and administration.  A 4% across-the-board salary increases was noted for budget purposes only.  Question arose pertaining to the Listers’ budget, which did not show the monies received from the State each year to help cover the cost to reappraise.  The Selectboard reviewed a list of the Town’s long-term debt that included the 2006 Sterling truck, the Elm Street Ext. Bridge and Route 140W Bridge .  It was asked if the Asst. Town Clerk budget could be lowered any.  $1,500 was budgeted for the 2003 Sterling truck for maintenance.  The Selectboard discussed replacing the 2001 Ford 550 Truck based on its many problems over the years. The Selectboard agreed to obtain pricing from John C. Stewart, Formula Ford and Ted Green for a plain Ford 550 to be used as a regular work truck with a tailgate sander.  The paving budget may be reduced in order for the budget to support an additional truck payment.  Special Officers was increased by $2,000 to $22,000 and Animal Control Officer remained the same at $250.

Julie is waiting for an estimate to include in the highway budget for work that must be done on the underground storage tank at the garage in order for it to be in compliance with state regulations.  The flexes on the suction lines must be isolated from the soil and a new fill bucket must be installed.  

Other Business/Announcements.  Rutland Co. Solid Waste District is accepting trees at no charge at the Gleason Road Transfer Station in Rutland through 1/19.  The Selectboard received Bastian Auer ’s notice that he does not wish to be reappointed as Health Officer when his term expires on 1/31.  Notices of the vacancy have been posted.  

The meeting adjourned at 10:03 p.m.

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