Wallingford Selectboard Minutes

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

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November 5, 2007

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

 

Visitors:  Joan Crowley, Bill Scranton, Jan Landon, Tom Phillips, Dennis Smith, and Sandi Switzer  

Chair B. Lohsen opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.  

Minutes.  F. Bruce moved to approve the minutes of 10/15/07 ; motion seconded by C. Angel.  Motion carried (4-0).  

Selectboard Orders.  Three additions were made:  CVC Paging $275.40, Staples $336.02, and Ethier Trucking $8,347.35.  Pay orders totaling $75,084.61 were approved on a motion made by B. Lohsen, and seconded by F. Bruce.  Motion carried (4-0).

 

Public Comments.  Joan Crowley called attention to the Sheriff’s report for September that showed 50 hours of patrol, yet the town will receive less than $400 from speeding tickets.  The majority of the speeders were stopped on a state highway, which means that most of the fine goes straight to the state.  B. Lohsen responded that unfortunately, most people speed along the state highways.  Ms. Crowley hopes the Town is getting their money’s worth from the Sheriff’s Department.  Mr. Lohsen pointed out that the Town no longer budgets ordinance income, and he is satisfied with their services.

 

Proposed Zoning Regs.  Bill Scranton asked if there were any other candidates being considered for the Planning Commission as it is sometimes difficult for the 9-member board to have a quorum present.  The Selectboard has not received any letters of interest.  Following some discussion, the Selectboard felt that reducing the size would increase the odds of having a quorum to make binding decisions.  F. Bruce made a motion to reduce the size of the Planning Commission from 9 members to 7 members, which was seconded by C. Angel.  Motion carried (4-0). 

 

Mr. Scranton expressed concern that the one-year deadline to take action on the proposed bylaws is approaching.  He recommended that the Planning Commission meet with the Selectboard at their next meeting.  B. Lohsen discussed some of the issues he has with the proposed bylaws. 

 

Public Comments.  Jan Landon expressed gratitude for the fantastic job performed by the road crew on the riverbank on Hartsboro Road last week.  There was discussion concerning some signs installed on Hartsboro Road , and F. Bruce agreed to follow up on these with Charlie.

 

Act 250 Decision.  B. Lohsen expressed his disappointment with the District Environmental Commission’s ruling on the reconsideration of their denial decision on the Act 250 application.  He believes the Commission’s refusal to hear new testimony from a bridge engineer was unfair and passed his concerns on to Governor Douglas.  The condition of the Route 140W Bridge was discussed.  Mr. Phillips outlined possible plans for his property.  There was a lengthy discussion on what alternatives there are for the town’s property and the Town’s responsibility for reclaiming it. 

 

Drainage Study Scope of Work.  The Selectboard reviewed a sample “request for proposal” in order to have an engineering firm address the drainage problem along Meacham Street .  The scope of work could cost between $4K-$5K.  After further discussion, B. Lohsen made a motion not to move ahead with this project as the Town does not have the funds budgeted for this study; motion seconded by F. Bruce.  Motion carried (4-0).  The Meacham Street residents will be notified accordingly.  

Grand List Errors and Omissions. The Selectboard reviewed an Errors and Omission request for Philip Lidstone (parcel ID 7014228 and 7014238).  These parcels are contiguous and should have been billed on one tax bill, not as separate parcels on separate tax bills. B. Lohsen made a motion to approve this request, which was seconded by F. Bruce.  Motion carried (4-0).    

VT State Police Advisory Committee Quarterly Report.  The Selectboard reviewed the quarterly report submitted by R. Flatt.  Wallingford ’s complaints decreased by 25 for the period 7/11/07 to 10/10/07 when compared to the same period a year ago.

 

Zoning 101 – Municipal Education Grant.  Mark Blucher had some questions about offering a Zoning 101 course, which will provide a refresher for the Planning Commission members and train the new members.  B. Lohsen did not understand why the Town had to apply for grant to conduct this training.  The Town’s representative to the Rutland Regional Planning Commission will be asked his opinion.

 

Use of Jake Brakes.  Responding to another request to place signs prohibiting the use of “engine” brakes in the village, the Selectboard reiterated that VAOT has ruled that the Town cannot place signs on private property or along the state highways.  Signs can only be used on Class 1 highways such as Rutland City , Brandon village and Chester village.  No action was taken.

 

Animal Investigation.  The Selectboard reviewed an animal investigation report that occurred in Wallingford that will be followed up by the Sheriff’s Department.

 

Road Commissioner’s Report.  F. Bruce met at the Route 140W Bridge today for the weekly progress meeting.  A complaint regarding a damaged lawn on Hartsboro Road has been resolved.  The Selectboard acknowledged the thank-you email from Robert Minter to the road crew.  Winter sand has been delivered to the garage and some additional road grading is being performed.   

Other Business/ Ann ouncements.  There was more discussion on whether the Fire District #1 residents are legally entitled to vote on the fire truck purchase.  The Selectboard is waiting for a response from the Prudential Committee.  

Correspondence.  Wireless Capital Partners letter; May 29th Conservation Commission minutes; VLCT’s offering of a vision plan; E911 Board letter; September 10th Planning Commission minutes; RCSD Law Incident Summary for September; Bernier Settlement Order; D. Smith Settlement Agreement; and DuBois & King contest.  

The Selectboard agreed to notify the Conservation Commission to halt all activity in the “pit” until further notice.  

There were more issues raised concerning the proposed zoning regulations.  It was clear from the discussion that the Selectboard is uncertain what action to take at this point.  

Dennis Smith has appealed the Board of Adjustment’s decision regarding his zoning permit #07-23 and the alleged denial of the permit by the Planning Commission to the Vermont Environmental Court .  The Selectboard agreed by consensus to hire Attorney John Liccardi to represent the town in this matter.  

The meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.

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