Wallingford Selectboard Minutes

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

October 5, 2009

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

Visitors: Joyce Barbieri, Christine Bannerman, Tom Phillips, Tim Chila, Lee Perry and Sandi Switzer  

Chair B. Brooks opened the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. and read the notice dated September 1, 2009 that will allow the Selectboard to vote to discontinue all town highways that are not otherwise clearly observable by physical evidence of their uses a highway or trail and that are not included as such on the sworn certificate of the description and measurement of town highways filed with the town clerk on February 10, 2009.  There was little discussion and no public comment.  The hearing closed at 6:32 p.m.  

Chair B. Brooks called the regular meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.  

Minutes.  B. Brooks made a motion to approve the minutes dated September 21st, which was seconded by J. Crowley.  Motion carried (3-0) with J. Gilman abstaining. 

Selectboard Orders.  The pay orders of $9,167.74 were approved on a motion made by J. Gilman and seconded by J. Crowley.  Motion carried (4-0).   

Wallingford Historical Society.  At the Selectboard’s request, WHS President Christine Bannerman attending the meeting to discuss a long-term agreement with WHS in order to be housed upstairs at Town Hall.  Mrs. Bannerman stated that she had recommended the donation to her Board in order to receive a permanent lease.  However, none of the Selectboard members could recall that a vote was taken on granting them a permanent lease.  Following a lengthy discussion, B. Brooks recommended postponing this issue until another meeting so he could listen to some tapes for the Building Committee and Selectboard meetings.  

Energy Committee Formation.   Conservation Commission Co-Chair Tim Chila approached the Selectboard about setting up an Energy Committee to help residents, businesses and municipalities reduce energy consumption in order to save money and the environment.  This new group started through Rutland Regional Planning Commission, and many towns now have their own committee.  Tim has attended several meetings and workshops on promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy generation and mentioned the various partners, i.e. Efficiency Vermont, BROC, and Neighborhood West.  He stated one of their goals is to make 10% of the buildings in each town 10% more efficient by 2010.   On a motion made by B. Brooks, and seconded by J. Crowley, approval was given to establish an Energy Committee with Tim Chila as Chair with at least four additional members subject to Selectboard approval.  Motion carried (4-0).  

Caterer Permit.  C. Angel made a motion to approve a permit for The Palms for a wedding reception at the Boy’s Camp on 10/31; motion seconded by J. Crowley.  Motion carried (4-0).  

Highway Department Temporary Position.  The Selectboard reviewed and approved the ad for the temp position.  The position will pay $12 per hour and the application deadline is October 19^th.  

Tax Sale Policy.  Delinquent Tax Collector Lee Perry did not prepare a policy because his appointment expires next March, and if he is not re-elected, he said the new DTC can write his/her own policy.  He reported that the Johnston property was sold at tax sale last month, and total outstanding delinquent taxes are now at $55,860.32.  One delinquent account has filed bankruptcy with a second account threatening bankruptcy.  The Town currently has sufficient cash flow because of incoming tax payments; however, Joyce indicated she may have to borrow in the first week of November when the payment has to be made to the school.  Following some discussion, the Selectboard again authorized Mr. Perry to proceed with tax sale against the property owner who has not yet filed for bankruptcy.    

Elfin Lake Wish List.  Rec Committee member Tom Phillips sought approval to purchase the materials for a new metal roof and top soil for Elfin Lake and reviewed the quotes received.  He stated that the sand would be obtained at a later date.  B. Brooks authorized spending up to $2,000 at LaValleys for roofing materials and $900 for 45 cubic yards of top soil from Phil Baker. Motions seconded by J. Gilman.  Motion carried (4-0).  

There was some discussion regarding changes proposed by the Recreation Development Committee for the berm removal at the “pit” along Waldo Lane, since Phil Baker addressed the Selectboard in August.  The RDC now feel that a 12’ opening just south of the pedestrian bridge would be better than taking down the berm from directly across the bridge to the now-existing opening to the pit.  Tom Phillips indicated they have found a concrete wall along the berm.  The boulders at the opening of the pit would be pushed westerly to allow for parking.  B. Brooks made a motion that he would make Bill Burke aware of this new proposal as set forth by the RDC and approval was given to proceed with the first third of the project.  Motion seconded by J. Gilman.  Motion carried (4-0).  

Winter Sand Bids.  The Selectboard reviewed bids for winter sand from Pike Industries, Lawrence White Construction, Abbott Construction, and Big Rock Gravel.  Pike was the lowest bidder.  Hauling rates from Ethier Trucking, Phil Baker and Sons, and Big Rock Gravel for the sand and winter mix from SLC were also reviewed.  Ethier Trucking was the lowest bidder.  B. Brooks made a motion to accept the bid from Pike Industries for sand at $8 per ton and Ethier Trucking to haul the material at $2.60 per ton from SLC and $2.75 per ton from Pike.  C. Angel seconded the motion.  Motion carried (4-0).   

AT&T Lease.  The Selectboard discussed correspondence from AT&T as well as Black Dot Wireless concerning renegotiating the cell site rent.  No action was taken on this matter.  

Mass Discontinuance Action.  Following the public hearing held earlier tonight, a motion was made by B. Brooks and seconded by C. Angel to discontinue all town highways that are not otherwise clearly observable by physical evidence of their use as a highway or trail and that are not included on such sworn certificate of the description and measurement of town highways filed with the Town Clerk on February 10, 2009.  Motion carried (4-0).  

Other Business.  The Selectboard was in receipt of Superior Court Judge Helen Toor’s decision involving the City of Barre’s sex offender residency restrictions.  C. Angel recommended leaving our ordinance suspended until November 2011, at which time the new legislators may have some impact on this issue.  J. Gilman recommended waiting for the ruling on whether any Vermont town has the authority to restrict residency.  No action was taken.  

Quarterly Financial Statements.  J. Barbieri reported there were no significant budget variances for the first quarter.  She pointed out that the summer rec income did not show on the report; however, that income totals just under $12,400 with expenses of $11,765.  Joyce indicated she has not received Clarendon’s donation yet and following further discussion, the Selectboard agreed that a letter should be sent to the Clarendon Selectboard requesting the donation with a copy to their Rec Committee Chairman.  

Other Business.  J. Gilman reviewed his draft job descriptions for recreation positions that include a Recreation Director to oversee the rec program and Elfin Lake, two camp counselors, one with lifeguard certification, and lifeguards.  Kim Maniery has still not generated a summary of one typical day of activities as requested by Mr. Gilman.  There was discussion about merging the two budgets as well.  

Julie read a letter of resignation from Zoning Administrator Amy Loomis who wants to cut back on her work schedule due to her husband’s retirement.  

C. Angel asked Julie to set up a meeting between him and the Recreation Director for the Town of Pittsford so he can learn about their programs.  

Mr. Phillips asked to be put on the next agenda to discuss the Town’s needs with the reclamation plan at the pit.  Several options for the property were discussed.  

Correspondence.  VLCT October News; 9/03 – 9/15 Sheriff Activity Reports; and 8/10 Planning Commission minutes.  

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

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