Members present: Brad Reed, Eric Osgood, Franklin Hooper, Selectmen; Steve Smith, Road Foreman; Duncan Hasting, Administrator; Johnson Cub Scouts Troop, Ben Hogwood, Peter Moynihan, Rosemary Audibert, Clerk,

Eric called meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Board viewed and signed orders

Correction to February 24, 2003 meeting minutes on the second paragraph change Lamoille to Newport. Brad moved to accept meeting minutes from February 24, 2003 as corrected and March 17, 2003 and March 22, 2003, Rocky seconded so voted.

Steve stated that have had 17 inches of snow since the last meeting, plowed 3 times and sanded 7 times.

Steve stated that he and Duncan went to a meeting in Montpelier regarding tort liability to avoid legal actions on highway issues. Need to have stop signs on back roads at all intersections. Would loss a case if there was no stop sign. Need to purchase 30 signs and have an ordinance, also need to purchase stop ahead signs. A 30 X30 sign cost $20.95 and the post are $25.00 anchors are $10.00 each for a total of $65.00 per sign. Total cost for 30 signs would be $1950.00. Brad moved to purchase stop signs and stop ahead signs for each intersection and to spend up to $3,000.00, Rock seconded so voted. Duncan stated that this was a very good workshop. There was a good suggestion that each truck have a disposal camera in case there is an accident. Need to have proper signs for work zones, also need signs for mowing and ditching.

Steve stated that have purchased new tires for the grader.

Steve stated that Chris and Ray are painting trucks. Beavers have started to bother the roads. Have contacted Paul Ainsworth to trap the beavers.

Brad stated that walkers are having a hard time crossing the Power House Bridge. Have to walk on the travel portion of the bridge. Brad stated that would like to see something done so that it is easier to walk on. Rocky stated that have to build to historical standards and need to have permission from the historical society. Need to start with the AOT office.

Duncan stated that Better Back Roads has a small grant program; last year did the culvert inventory. Need to check to see if it is possible to do an inventory of roads. Need to show that this would improve water quality. Grants are about $3500.00. Steve, Duncan and Blaine to work on the application for the Better Back Roads grant.

Duncan asked about the retaining wall at the end of French Hill. Who's responsible? Rocky stated that has been there for years. It is in the Town's right of way. Steve stated that the Town replaced about 10 bricks several years ago. About 30 inches need to be replaced. Board stated that to get prices and to put in budget for next year.

Brad stated that the ambulance service is looking at the co-op building. License has been approved so now they can operate. Copley transports are not what they hope for. Have hired all the paramedics that are needed. Have done preliminary work for the EMT and EMTI.

Eric stated that regarding the cemetery there will be a real estate and title lawsuit filed. Duncan stated that should have this week the UVM preliminary site assessments costs of about $1,000.00 to $1,500.00.

Duncan stated that the Hoag suit has been filed, working on serving the papers.

Duncan stated that personnel committee is making progress. To offer a cafeteria plan, which is an IRS document, that allows deductions for health insurance, dental insurance, dependent care, etc as pre tax to lower taxable income. To offer a second insurance plan the VT Health Partnership plan, which is Blue Cross plan at a lower cost has very similar benefits, to have no employee contribution. Looking at each individual employee at the bottom line.

Duncan stated that need to have a time line extension on the Tatro property. The estate needs to have a state tax lien release which the estate attorney is doing. Duncan asked Board if they want to borrow the full $150,000.00 for 5 or 4 year. Trustees have decided to borrow $100,000 for 5 years but are going to pay off in 4 years. Brad moved to borrow $150,000.00 for a term of 4 years at an interest rate of 3.25 from the Union Bank. Rocky seconded, so voted.

Duncan stated that CH Stearns had a first offense violation issued on March 8, 2003 for selling to a under age person. Duncan stated that violations could be issued by two ways. Compliance check or by an investigation by enforcement action. The State does not combine the two violations. In 2002 the law change and any prior violations were wiped off the books. The CH Stearns March 2003 violation only issued a warning with no fines. Brad stated that would like to warn a hearing for a notice of violation and have Dave Barra write the letter. Eric asked when does the policy start; will not go out to the people until there 2003 liquor license. Board agreed to start policy on May 1, 2003 and to send a copy to the State Police, Lamoille County Sheriff and the State Liquor Board.

Rocky moved to accept the following liquor licenses, Long Trail Tavern, CH Stearns, DJ Corner Store and Deli, Rastas, GU Market and Armark, Brad seconded, so voted. Board signed applications.

Eric asked the Cub Scouts if they had any questions for the Board. Beth asked about the amount of time at takes to be a Selectmen. Eric stated that have one regular monthly meeting that last about two hours and one working meeting that last about two hours each month. Selectboard is also on the BCA Board and the Board of Health. Brad is also on the ambulance board and that takes about 4 to 5 hours per month.

Peter Moynihan here regarding the evening of entertainment has some different ideas. Would like to do this 4 times a year. Would like to call it the Great Johnson Area Sampler. Would like to have 12 acts like a variety show to showcase local talent. Eric encouraged Peter to talk to Sharon Burns and the Main Street Calming Committee. Peter stated that he is ready to do something now. Also looking the Masonic Temple basement, elementary school for a large event. Would be interested in using the meeting room in the municipal building. Aware that the Board doesn't allow to use the space if there is money being charge. Peter stated that would like to charge an admission and to keep the money in the Town Clerk office to buy sound equipment, which the community would have, access to. When you don't charge people will think that the talent is no good. Peter is aware that there is a 49 person limit because of fire codes. Board stated that if would cost a lot of money to put a sprinkler system into the building. If you don't charge can't pay the entertainers at least $10.00 to $15.00. Duncan to check into insurance to see if this would be covered.

Duncan to send board members copies of the skate park bylaws for the Board to review. Warrants need to be sign by the Selectboard if they are using the Town federal ID number.

Duncan stated that Terry Bailey would like to come to the next working meeting regarding Public TV access.

Board opened bids for mowing the municipal office, Whiting Hill Cemetery and Evergreen Ledge Cemetery.

Robert & Sons $2350.00 plus clean up.

Ralph Bowen $1800.00 plus $15.00 per hour for additional work

King $2400.00 includes spring and fall clean up

Rocky asked what do you get for $1800.00 and what is the $15.00 per hour for. Duncan to contact Bowen to see what this covers. Brad moved that if Bowen comes under $2200.00 for all the work to go with Bowen if not to go with King. Rocky seconded, so voted.

Board signed sheriff contacts for patrol and dispatch.

Rocky moved to appoint Gordon Smith as Forest Fire Warden, Brad seconded, so voted.

Eric signed the progress report for the CBG for the Economical Development study.

Rocky moved to sign contract for the capital budget plan for David Spitzer and that Duncan as the authorize representative, Brad seconded, so voted.

Dubios and King as submitted an amendment for time extension until November 30, 2004. Brad moved to have Eric sign amendment, Rocky seconded, so voted.

Rocky moved to accept the policy for budget articles for charitable organization, Brad seconded, so voted.

Board stated to give the draft solid waste plan to the planning commission.

Duncan stated that he has a letter regarding Web pages for on line paying. Eric to remove himself from this as a conflict of interest. Rocky stated that would like more information.

Duncan stated that the State cost for salt sheds are between $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 depending on the size.

Duncan stated that the Agency of Natural Resources is seeking a five year extension from the federal government for the sand and salt sheds.

Duncan stated that have a letter regarding the bomb threat that Mr. FonEisen has been sentenced and has to make restitution to the parties involved.

Brad moved to adjourned, Rocky seconded, so voted.

Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by

Rosemary Audibert