Members present: Brad Reed, Eric Osgood, Howard Romero, Selectman, P. Stephen Smith, Road Foreman; Duncan Hastings, Administrator; Norma Reed, Jonas Vaillancourt, JSC Representative; Steve Reber, School Board Chairman; Ben Hogwood, Floyd Nease, Dick Lemay, Laurie Wells, Ken Brier, Lucretia Keough, Joe Salerno, Bob Selby, Grace Adams, Doug Molde, Cathy Killman, Tim Percy, Jim MacDowell, Chip Boutin, Chris Duchaine, Rosemary Audibert.

Eric called meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Board viewed meeting minutes from September 15, 2003 and October 14, 2003. Brad moved to accept meeting minutes, Howard, seconded, and so voted.

Board viewed and signed orders. Duncan stated that Jensen Associates submitted a bill today; contract was for a lump sum. Did some additional work that was not in the contract 1. Set up a wall mount in the utility room charge an additional two hours and materials. 2. The old computer server was very unstable at the end, crash 3 times before finalizing the data transfer charge an additional 5 hours. Duncan stated that his bill is reasonable. Board agreed to pay it.

Steve stated that have had 5.8 inches of rain since the last meeting. Replaced a 15 inch culvert on the Codding Hollow Road and built a turn around by camp. Replaced a 15 inch culvert on the Hoag Road and did some work to improve the turn around. On Cemetery Road put down a second layer of gravel from Daryl West up. Replace a culvert on Patch road and also put down 20 loads of gravel. The salt shed could not be moved without destroy it. Duncan called the State and receive and extension until next year. On October 15 had very high winds, had many trees down, Mary Jean Smith did the dispatching. Highway department is unable to communicate with the Sheriff Department using the radios. Highway crews went to a mine safety class in Hyde Park and are certified for another year.

Eric stated that there was an article in the Burlington Free Press about a new resident that may be coming to live in Johnson on Stearns Street. Norma Reed stated that the Johnson Group home as a low level of security there, she is very concerned about this person coming to live in Johnson. He has been accused of killing his wife and burning down his house. She is afraid for the community, has a daughter that lives about ¼ mile from the group home, doesn't want this person in Johnson. Norma stated that he can receive an education in the prison system, doesn't have to go to Johnson State College. Would like to start a petition, stating that Johnson doesn't want him to come. There is a group home in the area that he lives and there is a community college there. Eric stated that he has spoken with Susan Bartlett who stated that don't have a lot of choices. Could set up a meeting with the Commissioner of Corrections and the Director of the Mental Health home. Sheriff Marcoux left a message for Eric stating that he has not been notified that this person was coming to Johnson. Norma stated that the public has a lot of questions about this person coming to Johnson, who is going to protect the community when the sheriff is out of town. Duncan stated that he spoke with the Dept. of Corrections and he is not under the Dept. of Corrections supervision, he is under the mental health department. There is a motion in front of Judge Coppersmith to allow this person to be released to the group home in Johnson, waiting for the judge to make his decision. The selectboard has no authority on this; there is not public notice since he has not been convict. Duncan stated that he would do research with VLCT to see what can be done and if we can get in front of the judge. Howard stated that the should at least write an letter to Judge Coppersmith and set up a meeting with Department of Correction and the State Hospital and the Sheriff Department. Duncan to contact VLCT to see what options the town has and write a letter to Judge Coopersmith and will call the States Attorney office.

Floyd Nease stated that he meet with Butch Alexander who is the Director of Lamoille County Mental Health and this person is not coming to Johnson. The judge ruled that he is to stay in the State hospital until he goes to court. Floyd stated that Butch Alexander would like to come and meet with the Selectboard.

Brad handed out a list of dogs that would not be accept on homeowner's insurance policy. Brad handed out a list of ambulance calls for the first quarter done by NEMS.

Dick Lemay stated that he went to a dog call at Fletcher Adams place on Spitzer road, but the dogs came from two house up on the road, so Dick went to that house and the dogs came out and jump on the whole side of his truck. Received two estimates lowest one from Jack's Auto Body of $925.00, Richard was $1040.00. If this goes on his policy his insurance cost will go up by 15% to 20%, have a two hundred dollar deductible. Eric stated that have a similar situation with the listers using there own cars. Need to have a policy that goes by mileage or by a stipend. Dick stated that the house was in Hyde Park. Eric stated that the board needs to decide what if anything to pay and to draw up a policy. Duncan stated that most communities pay a set mileage rate only that is to cover, gas, maintenance, damages, etc. Some communities pay mileage plus a portion of a deductible. Howard stated that need a full board to make a decision on this.

Dick stated that at the bottom of Collins Hill there is no stop sign. Steve stated that is the State's responsibility.

Dick stated that would like to go to a seminar on investigating animal cruelty cost is $30.00. Board gave permission to go.

Duncan's report.

Nothing new on the stop sign ordinance.

Working on a survey for the landowners to see how many of them would agree to have further on site investigation on their properties. Floyd stated that could look into clearing up the titles by legislative action. Also could look at legislative action to further study the issues. Should work with Housing and Community Affairs, they don't think this qualifies as not Native American graves. Board agreed that Dave Barra to work with Housing and Community Affairs.

Hoag is in the process constructing a sewer system. Will not pull the court order until the process in finished. Hatala has hired a consultant to develop a new plan and file an application. Hess has started construction of a sewer system.

Have met with the consultant who is working on the Capital Budget, working on the inventory now. To work on a draft of purchase needs, Board will have to make decision like how long to keep a truck, etc.

Paper work has been submitted for the Town Highway Emergency Fund for last year's storms and are waiting for reimbursement.

We selected Larry Jensen and Associates as the low bidder on the computer server. He will have saved us several thousand dollars. In the process of switching over to the new computer server. So far so good. Working on a laptop that the Emergency Management Grant paid for that will be able to take the essential files in case of an emergency.

Handed out a list of items that where purchased with the Emergency Management Grant, for the emergency tool kits all the paperwork is done and has been filed.

Working on a personal vehicle policy.

Eric stated that Lamoille County Planning Commission is requesting information on the recreation needs are for the town.

Doug stated that the State is doing recreation planning, and Lamoille County Planning Commission is in the process of revising their plan. Have called Michelle Boomhower about recreation, Johnson doesn't know what asset we have, and what the priorities are. They look at the Town plan and that is what they put into LCPC plan. Town doesn't know what we want. Need to have information gathering, need to have all parties involved. Joe Salero stated that need to have a master plan, need to have all the recreation areas connected, need to look at parking issues, neighbor issues. First phase was the main street project, seconded phase is the pathways project and the third phase is recreation. Have applied for a municipal planning grant and there are no matching funds in the amount of $10,000.00. Should know is about 2 weeks if well will receive the grant.

Lori Wells stated that the recreation committee is working towards getting the basketball court complete by the baseball fields. Need volunteers. Now only serve k-6 grade. Would like to do something for the older kids. Grace Adams stated that kids don't have much to do at that age level during the summer months. A teen center would be an option. Barely keeping the programs running now. Programs now include, summer recreation, basketball, baseball, soccer, swimming, skiing. The summer program for the last couple of years has been done by JASP. Going to be looking at this program, because not hitting enough kids, program is expensive; some may not be able to afford it. Recreation only pays for activities in the afternoon, pays no payroll that is paid for by JASP.

Casey stated that there is a need for administration for the skatepark, recreation, etc. Did apply for a grant that was rejected. Programs need to be managed and have to have manpower. Supervision is a problem at the skate park. Skatepark is not only Johnson Residents, come from all over to use the park. Could look into getting help from a program like Vista for administrative help. Did get a $6,200.00 grant for materials to make physical improvements to the park.

Ken Brier stated that there is a need for transportation, where is no public transportation in Johnson. No longer have RCT. RCT was stopped because of lack of riders. There is not enough population in this area to support one. The time schedule was at odd hours was not adequate for the needs of the community.

Howard asked in there a need for a full time person to do this job like a coordinator. Lori asked what are the costs, who pays? Howard stated that could look for grant for the first year. Duncan stated that grants do not usually pay for staffing. Need to find an organization that funds these kinds of projects ongoing bases.

Doug stated that need to think about the whole community, there are people of all ages that have recreation needs.

Bruce stated that need to think of the future expenses and know is this going to be paid for.

Casey stated that a Vista contract is for $5,000.00 would be a full time position, and the person is not allowed to take a second job. Contract can be renewed for three years. Ken stated that there are programs though the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps. they do different projects in the communities.

Eric stated that need to look at the outdoor recreation needs. Doug stated that need to look at what happens at the elementary school, college, Laraway School, and college summer camps.

Casey stated that sent out a survey in 2000 for the river park, received a good response rate. Should look at these for more information as to what the needs are.

Bob Selby stated that he is on the Lamoille County Planning Commission board and they are gathering information now. They will be glad to get any information they can. Bruce stated that the regional plan is to update in 2005. What communities think is important part of the plan.

Joe stated that the money for the municipal planning grant should be awarded in December and should be able to find a consultant in the spring; the grant is for 18 months. This would help develop a big picture for the recreation needs. Doug to call LCPC to see what would happen if don't do this now, but wait until the grant is complete. Casey and Howard, planning commission and recreation committee to fill out a questionnaires.

Laurie asked about the town and village having equipment to grade the pathway around the ball fields. Howard stated that the weeds are still there.

Duncan stated that Ken Harvey would like to name the roads in Highland Heights East Highland Drive and West Highland Drive. Duncan stated that should call the post offices to make sure that the name does not conflict with any other towns. Rose called the Johnson post office and said it was ok. In Georgia they called all the adjoining towns. Brad stated that he thinks that there is a West and East Highland Drive in Morrisville. Board has the final say in the roads names, listers to do the background work. Board gave ok if ok with the adjoining post offices, if not to be renamed, will do by email or phone.

Duncan stated that have received a 250 application from Brent Tomlinson for a development consisting of four building with four, 2 bedroom apartment in each building located off Route 15. Duncan to fill out the Municipal Impact Questionnaire. The fire department will need to look at this one, as there is a long development road to access the site.

Duncan stated that Green Mountain Club did receive approval for their bridge over the Lamoille River from Act 250.

Duncan to fill out VLCT insurance renewal package.

Duncan stated that Peter Hatala filed a new sewer application, but used the same 1998 plan, have called the engineer that need a plan as to what was actual built. Have filed the court paper in Superior Court.

Duncan stated that have a request from RSVP for $390.00 for the budget next year.

Duncan stated that have a animal bit form from Hyde Park, 13 days after the event, could not find out if the dog was licensed. Lisa investigated said it wasn't there dog, buying the dog on time, then the dog went back to Wolcott to the owner, who took the dog to Wolcott health officer and said the dog was left off as a stay. Wolcott health officer did do a 10 day quatrain.

Duncan stated that there is a meeting with Dubois and King next week with the property owners adjoining the Pearl Street Bridge.

Duncan stated that have received a $50.00 coupons from Radio North.

Duncan stated that have received a letter from Barbara Farr regarding the grant close out.

Duncan stated that have received an application for a watershed grant.

Duncan stated that have received copies for the Certification of Training for all the Highway crew for attendance at the Mine Safety Health Administration Training.

Duncan stated that have receive a draft budget from Lamoille Regional Solid Waste Management District.

Duncan stated that have receive a copy of a accident report about a truck backing into the town garage will submit to the insurance co, have driver and truck information.

Duncan stated that Eric has emailed the LRSWMD about fees paid to Johnson for use of town land for a stump dump and the increase in tires.

Duncan stated that have notified Jim Fitzgerald of Agency of Transportation regarding construction of a turn around would be place in our/their right of way on Lendway Lane.

Duncan stated that have sent a letter to DEW Construction regarding the library contract job issue on the ramp and handicap bathroom. Bathroom door does not lock when locked, and the rails are rusting, only put on a prime coat and a single coat of flat paint. Library Trustees have tried for several months to solve these problems and have gotten nowhere. They haven't provided a signed copy of the contract, they have not responded. Contact person is Don Wells. Duncan stated that could look into taking them to small claims court, the filing fee is $25.00. Need to have an estimate as to what the cost of repairs would be. Have requested a copy of the sign contract; do have a copy of the draft contract. Duncan to call DEW.

Duncan stated that the Agency of Natural Resources has purchased 150 acres along the Long Trail Corridor (Cushman property),

Duncan stated that PV&R has provided estimated values of state land eligible for pilot payments by state.

Duncan stated that have a notice of Act 250 application from Michael Barry. Built a building, not sure what is going to be used for. Portion of the building will be used for the insurance agency. Have talked with John Klimenok he was unaware of the new structure and the apartment in the house. He will need to get a state water and sewer permit, also need to get a town sewer permit. To send a letter to the Act 250 Board.

Duncan stated that he would like to attend the VLCT workshop on Town Hiring, Firing and Running the Town.

Chris Duchaine stated that they have not started having meetings for the study on Route 15 from Hardwick to Essex.

Brad moved to adjourn, Howard seconded, so voted.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by

Rosemary Audibert, Clerk