Town of Johnson
Select board Meeting
Monday, June 15, 2009
Upstairs, Johnson Municipal Building
APPROVED
Select board Members present: Eric Osgood- chair, Howard Romero, Rocky Hooper.
Others present: Duncan Hastings; Administrator, Rosemary Audibert; Town Clerk, Steve Smith; Road Foreman, Jim Tomlinson from Public Access television, Jessica Flores; AR Clerk, Lea Kilyadova, Greg Stefanski, Jeremy Corkin, Amy Jones, Albert Arsenault, Dorcas Jones, Steve Roberts, and Dave Steinbreck.
Eric called the meeting to order at 7:03pm.
Treasurer’s Report:Rosemary handed out a budget status report. With a couple weeks left in the fiscal year the Town is at 87% of the budget. The recreation program budgeted $2250 but actually spent $4700. on the ski program but some large year end adjustments still need to be made. Eric stated that if that’s what the rec. program will use in the future they ought to budget for that. Delinquent taxes are down to $200,000. The Town had a tax sale on June 4th. 4 properties were sold. All the unlanded mobile homes did not sell. Discussion ensued about taking the residents who had not paid to small claims court. Eric asked Rosemary to come back to the Board with an analysis of the costs to do so. Eric asked if the delinquent taxes were reported to the credit agencies, and if not, then they should be. Rosemary stated that the grievance hearings for change in appraisals will be held on June 18th and 19th. It looks like the first tax installment will be due August 10th. On the 23rd of June the office will be closed, as all office staff will be going to a Government Accounting Seminar in Montpelier. The Town has purchased a new firewall, which will allow our IT tech and Duncan to work off-site.
Road Foreman’s Report:
Since last meeting there has been 3.5 inches of rain. Three loads of chloride have been sprayed. The Highway Department has completed all painting. GW Tatro has finished stripping the pit for this year and there is enough gravel uncovered for the winter sand and screened gravel stockpiles. The road signs that were destroyed have all been replaced at a cost to the Town of $402.46. The last report from the Sheriff’s Department is that they know who was involved. The dump body on the single axel truck is in very poor condition as Steve mentioned last year. There are numerous holes in the sides and floor. The Highway Department patched it and painted it, but it doesn’t look like it’ll make it through this winter. Steve has requested prices from dealers, which range from $8300 to $12,300. the lowest price coming from H.P. Fairfield. Duncan mentioned that this would be a legitimate use of the capital reserve fund. Eric asked the Board what they thought regarding the bad shape of the truck’s body. Both Howard and Rocky agreed something needed to be done at the lowest cost possible.
Howard made a motion to authorize Duncan and Steve to purchase a new truck body for no more than $8500. Rocky seconded. All in favor. Motion passed.
Eric mentioned that at the collaborative select board meeting the Managers from Stowe and Morristown stated that they get a better deal on paving when they order in early spring. Duncan and Steve will work on paving list with costs for the July meeting. Steve stated it was about $80/90 a ton for asphalt now.
The minutes of the work session on May 11th and the meeting on May 18th were Reviewed. Duncan advised the Board of Andre de St. Phalle’s concern of inaccuracy in the minutes. Eric stated that the minutes are not intended to be a transcript of everything that was said, but rather a general outline of the discussion and a record of actions taken by the Board. The members had read Andre’s concern but could not be certain of specific language that was used.
Rocky made a motion to approve the minutes of May 11th and May 18th. Howard seconded. All in favor. Motion passed. Howard mentioned that the clock tower on top of the Masonic Temple needs painting. Duncan stated that Tim Percy and Dana McKnight have looked at the Municipal Office roof. Dana is turning in an estimate ASAP. The Board directed Duncan to put the painting of the clock tower out for bids.
The re-opening of the Long Trail Tavern Restaurant was discussed.
Howard made a motion to approve the liquor license application for the Long Trail Tavern Restaurant. Rocky seconded. All in favor. Motion passed.
Administrator’s report:
Duncan went over the old business on his report.
#4 Duncan received a draft contract from LRSWMD. Duncan will forward the draft to the Board.
#6 Duncan has the traffic counts for Gould Hill and now needs to file the request to reclassify.
Candidates for the Conservation Committee were discussed.
Howard made a motion to appoint Jacqueline Stanton to the Committee. Rocky seconded. All in favor. Motion passed.
Duncan received a request for amendment from Dubois & King for the Pearl Street Bridge Utilities. The new cost is $8899. with the Town share being 5% of that or $445.Duncan’s recommendation was to grin and bear it. Eric asked to send a letter to them stating that this was NOT pre-approved by the select board and they’re very unhappy.
Howard made a motion to authorize Eric and Duncan to sign the amendment. Rocky seconded. All in favor. Motion passed.
Action items:
#1 Duncan handed out the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Dept. contracts for the Board to sign which were signed.
#2 Electric easement for Doug Molde off Codding Hollow Rd. No pole is needed, it’s just the wires crossing the road, but Vermont Electric Co-op filed a formal request for easement.
Howard made a motion to approve the easement for VEC. Rocky seconded. All in favor. Motion passed.
#3 Skate park request for noise ordinance waiver.
Howard made a motion to approve the waiver application. Rocky seconded. All in favor. Motion passed.
#4 The Hess Contempt order was discussed. The Board agreed in concept to proceed with the contempt order and to allow Duncan and Eric to make the final decision regarding it.
Steve Roberts presented the Food Co-op idea to the Board. He asked the board for advice for the project. Duncan recommended touching base with Johnson Works. Eric recommended using the Town web site for advertising.
Casey Romero and Richard Bowen for the Skate Park:
Casey stated that Laraway Youth and Family Services are looking to take over management of the skate park with the Town retaining ownership. Duncan mentioned the need to address insurance issues as to not be a liability to the Town. The next steps are to work with Laraway to develop a formal agreement .
Rocky made a motion to approve the concept of Laraway Management of the Skate Park and proceed to the next step Howard seconded. All in favor. Motion approved.
#6 Duncan received a Notice to begin project for Gould Hill. Duncan will solicit bids for the ditch work on Gould Hill, if needed. Rocky questioned if we could do the work “in house”.
#8 Jollie Parker has shown interest in being the community member for the Ad Hoc Zoning Committee.
Howard made a motion to appoint Jollie Parker to the Ad Hoc Committee. Rocky seconded. All in favor. Motion passed.
#9 The Board received an invitation to the LCPC’s Annual Meeting.
#10 VLCT long term disability insurance rates will not increase.
#12 Laraway and LHP have submitted Act 250 applications.
#13 Green Thumb Volunteers from Laraway for flowerbed work.
#14 The Town received notification that no ACT 250 approval is not needed for the Rail Trail upgrades.
#15 The VLCT asked the Town if it wants to participate in the State contract for purchase of salt. The Board agreed that the Town should participate and hopefully get better deals on salt.
#16 Municipal Park & Ride Grant application. Duncan asked the Board if they wanted to look at a Park & Ride. The Marvin lot was discussed. Property owned by the Town across from the Skate Park was also dicussed. Not action was taken.
Greg Stefanski on behalf of Laraway Youth and Family Services:
In order for LY&FS to be eligible for a Public Facilities Grant for their transition to the Nichols Property, the Town would have to act as lead applicant for the grant application. Greg made it clear that the Town would still be able to apply for a Community Development Block Planning Grant as well. The process requires a public hearing preceded by an appropriate notice. The Board discussed who would administer the grant. Lea Kikyadova has the time and could administer the grant. Her time would be 100% covered by either the grant or Laraway.
Rocky made a motion to authorize Lea to apply for the grant for LY&FS. Howard seconded. All in favor. Motion passed.
Lea suggested scheduling the public hearing to coincide with the next select board meeting on July 20th. Duncan put the hearing on the agenda for the next select board meeting at 8:00pm.
Lea regarding the Planning Grant for Talc Mill property: Lea stated that the Town would have a 25% match for this grant. It would cost the Town and Village each $1750. The Board discussed whether the Village could cover 50% of match. Lea said Gordy Smith thought the study was worthwhile but did not know if Trustees would spend money on the match. Lea will try to find out for sure. The Village commitment to match is important.
Howard made a motion for Lea to apply for the Planning grant. Rocky seconded. All in favor. Motion passed.
Howard made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Rocky seconded. All in favor. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
Jessica D. Flores