Members Present: Blaine Delisle, Eric Osgood, Howard Romero, Brad Reed, Franklin Hooper, Selectmen; Duncan Hasting, Administrator, Walter Pomroy, Richard Lemay, David Crossman, Barbara Farr, Laurie Wells, Grace Adams, Mary Ellen Foley, Rosemary Audibert, Clerk.
Eric called meeting to order.
Board viewed and signed orders.
Brad moved to accept minutes from March 18, 2002, Blaine seconded. Blaine asked about the merger between the town and village. Howard stated that he and George Pearlman would work on getting the information. Will do a cost benefit analysis and will look at the political ramifications. Will have ready for the town and village residents to review before town meeting. Rocky stated that the legislature is working on this and both boards have to agree. Duncan stated that are required to have a committee from the town and village. Board approved minutes.
Eric stated that have a bill from Blow and Cote for about $46,000.00 no explanation of what work has been done so far. Blaine stated that they are working at the shop and at the site. Roof is being built at the shop. Board would like a description of the work completed. Howard moved to pay bill after a full explanation of the work completed to date, Rocky seconded, so voted.
Blaine stated that the road crew is working on the roads. The Chevrolet truck had to be serviced had a major oil leak.
Blaine stated that the truck he is looking into buying is bigger than a 550 Ford. Truck is an International with a heavy frame. When the roads are icy will have to put chains on. Would like to purchase a small wing. Should be able to plow and salt the village streets in half the time. Now takes two passes with the new truck should be able to do in one. If had a break down with one of the larger trucks, this truck would be able to plow the highways. Cost is $47,840.00 would like to see money come out the of the capital equipment fund and to be replaced by overrun and fine monies. Cambridge has a truck like this and they like it. They do not make four wheel drive in this truck. Duncan stated that he knows of 6 to 8 towns that have this truck and they like it. Rocky moved to purchase the international truck with equipment, Brad seconded, so voted.
Barbara Farr stated that she has a grant amendment to moved money around in categories. Engineering costs are more than what was budgeted. If there is a change for more than 10% need to do a grant amendment. Contractor should begin working on the sewer line around April 22, 2002. Would like to transfer $14,000.00 from the debris category to engineering. Rocky moved to transfer $14,000.00 from the debris category to engineering, Brad seconded, so voted.
Barbara stated that the engineering firm would like $7500.00 in contract amendments. Have talked to the trustees about this.
1. Boundary right of way issues $1,000.00
2. Bid Package revisions $1,500.00
3. Construction Estimates $1,500.00
4. Construction stake out, where the work is to be done. And the final record survey. (as built drawings) $2,500.00
Barb stated that she feels #1 and #2 are in the original contract; bid document was much more work than first thought. Barb feels additional amount of $5,500.00 would be appropriate. Howard moved to approve a contract amendment in the amount of $5,500.00, Brad seconded, so voted.
Meeting recessed to hold a dog hearing at 7:30 p.m.
Meeting resumed at 8:10 p.m.
Laurie Wells stated that the recreation budget for summer recreation is $6000.00 for a half day program. Would like to work with the JASP program to offer a full day. Would like to spend $2000.00 for JASP. And would also use money for scholarships. With the JASP program don t have to search for a director. Board gave OK for the recreation committee to work with JASP.
Brad stated that the ball fields are great. Mike Patch would like to use the town grader a night this week for the parking lot and basketball court.
David Crossman from the JSC student association along with several JSC students and Advisor David Burke presented the Board with a check for $500.00 for the Emergency Management Fund. Eric stated that JSC is a great neighbor. College is one of the emergency shelter areas. Board thanked the students for the contribution.
Walter Pomroy here regarding the Power House Bridge. Walter is the chair of Johnson Works. Would like to make the day a celebration a daylong festival. Need to have money, would like to have the Town and Village contribute $3,000.00 each. Need money for advertising, entertainment, activities for the day, ribbon cutting, street fair, sidewalk fair make it a community event, helping to promote Johnson.
Eric stated that the Town is losing $5,000.00 is highway funds this year, budget for fire calls $22,000.00 actual cost $43,500.00, need to come up with 10% of the cost for the Bridge $14,000.00 that was not budgeted. Have no money in the budget for dedicated for the power house bridge.
Walter stated that some revenue would be made. Advertising cost are $365.00 for a full per page. Would like to see a day like the millennium parade. The business community would like a full day of activities. Business pay about $16,000.00 a year in business tax. Merchants do benefit the community. Rocky stated that the voters would be happy that tax dollars are going for something like this. Rocky moved to spend up to $3,000.00 on the Grand Opening for the Power House Bridge, Brad seconded, so voted.
Duncan stated that have two people interested in the library trustee position. Joann Benford and Elizabeth Taylor. Jean Engel and Sandy Bender recommendation is to go with Joann Benford. Joann was a trustee and would like to see the building project completed. Blaine moved to appoint Joann Benford as library trustee, Howard seconded, so voted. Duncan to write letters.
Board reviewed the sewer capacity agreement between the Town and Village. Applicants would go to the town first on an approved application forms. Rocky stated that emergency situations should have priority over new construction. Town could convey the East Johnson sewer line to the Village after the bond is paid off. Agreement makes a commit for Highland Heights project. Total allocation is 25,000 gallons. If allocation approved was 600 gallons and only use 450 gallons than 150 goes back to allocation available. Sewer flow meters don t always work. Will have to have a water meter or will be billed an equivalent user charge. Brad moved to approve sewer capacity agreement between the town and village pending attorney review and to allow chairman to sign contract, Rocky seconded, so voted.
Sewer priority list 1. Fail systems
Need to make sure that the entire east Johnson sewer connections are within the town sewer service area.
Duncan stated that have received letters for the Town s insurance carries that they will not be renewing the insurance. Village has gone with the Vt League of Cities and Towns insurance program. They offer voluntary risk management program, safety training and loss prevention. Town is lacking in some areas of training. The league is great to work with. The reed screen is subject to the mine safety regulations. Hyde Park has called to see if Johnson would be interested in joint training sessions. Board gave approval to purchase basic safety equipment. Would like the whole department to attend safety meetings.
Brad moved to approved $2400.00 from Dufrene Henry for landfill water testing, Rocky seconded so voted.
Legion Insurance coverage for auto, general liability and error and omission is in voluntary receivership. No claims are going to be paid at least until July 1, 2002. Pennsylvania has declared then insolvent. State will only guarantee a maximum of $300,00.00, which is less coverage than you have now. The town has two outstanding claims one on a dog issue and an auto accident. A lot of carriers are going out of the municipal business after September 11. Policies end on July 1, 2002. Terri O Hear is working on finding another carrier for Stowe insurance. Duncan stated that the League would like to make a presentation to the Board.
Eric stated that he has received figures on getting the town employees a life insurance policy for $50,000.00 based on current salary and age for a total cost of $362.00 per month. Cost would be $200.00 per month if drop to annual salary. Does the town want to offer this as a benefit? Duncan to get information for disability and life insurance from the league.
Duncan stated that the Town could apply for a Better Back Road grant for $5,000.00. Need to develop a capital budget, inventory, GPS mapping. To use money to improve the water quality. There is a 34% match. Brad moved to apply for the grant and to have Blaine the sign paperwork, Rocky seconded, so voted.
Duncan stated that the listers are very interested in a computerized mapping program. This program would be very helpful in the reappraisal, would generator maps of parcel, wetlands, flood plain areas. Cost would be $3000.00 to convert to digital maps. Software is between $950.00 and 975.00. Board stated that should be looked into more.
Duncan stated that Ken Harvey has addressed the landscaping issues the neighbors had for the Highland Heights project.
Board stated that should send a letter to Senator Bartlett asking that the senate restore the highway funds.
Brad moved to approve Johnson State College catering application, Howard seconded, so voted.
Brad moved to approve Duncan Hasting employment contract, Howard seconded, so voted. Board signed contract.
Board signed Lamoille County Sheriff contract for patrol and communication for the next fiscal year. Blaine did not sign contracts.
Board signed bridge inspection report stating that they received documents.
Board moved to approved liquor license for Rastas (James Tomlinson), Rocky seconded, so voted. Blaine abstained from voting. Board signed application.
Brad moved to approve grant agreement for the Health Care Feasibility study and to contract the Lamoille County Planning Commission for services, Howard seconded, so voted. Board signed agreement.
Duncan stated that he checked with liquor control regarding C.H. Stearns only had violations in 1997 and this year. Blaine stated that stores should not sell liquor after 10:00 p.m. Duncan to look into this, may have to have an ordinance. Bradley s DJ s and Tomlinson are closed by 10:00 p.m. only one opened is C.H. Stearns.
Duncan stated that the Town could do a speed ordinance for state highways. Would need a separate speed ordinance for state highways. Town would receive the money for tickets instead of the state. Tickets would go though the municipal ticket ordinance. Board would like to move forward with this. Duncan to work with Julia from Hyde Park on this.
Duncan stated that there is a company searching for a site for a cell tower. The town owned Gono Lot is a possible site. Would need to go though the Act 250 process. Eric stated that when the county had the communication study done this site was listed as a possible site.
Duncan explained the accident that happened with Willie truck. On March 9 or 10 the sheriff department called out Willie, there was a tree down on the Hogback Road. Use his own vehicle and chainsaw, had all the lights flashing and a car rear-ended his truck, pavement was dry. There were 120 feet of skid marks. Granddaughter of Albert Warner was involved $1500.00 damage to her car and no insurance would like the town to pay for it. Willie run this though his own insurance had to pay a deductible of $200.00. Board stated that should put in the hands of the insurance co. to investigate.
Blaine moved to buy a flag in memory of Nancy Parker, Brad seconded, so voted.
Brad stated that he has talked with to Scott Griswold from Hyde Park regarding the ambulance service. Hoags are disorganized, need three or four more weeks to get the figures together that the sub-committee needs. Would also like to involve the College in the process. Blaine stated that the sub committee needs to start looking into own ambulance service. The sub committee would like the full boards to give direction.
Blaine stated that would like to have a hearing for the next monthly meeting to pave Crab Tree Lane. To place a notice at the town clerk s office and two other places and in the newspaper.
Rocky moved to go into executive session at 9:55 p.m. to discuss the Road Foreman position and to include Duncan and Rosemary, Brad seconded, so voted.
Board came out of executive session at 10:30 p.m.
Howard moved to appoint Mike Patch as Road Foremen, Rockey seconded, Blaine moved to appoint P. Stephen Smith as Road Foreman, Eric seconded. Howard and Rocky voted for Mike Patch. Blaine, Eric and Brad voted for P. Stephen Smith.
Howard moved a rate of pay of $14.50 per hour with the standard benefits package, along with the annual salary review with a six month probation period, Brad seconded, so voted.
To run an ad in the paper for a highway road crew. Application deadline is May 1, 2002.
Meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
TOWN OF JOHNSON DOG HEARING
Members present: Blaine Delisle, Eric Osgood, Howard Romero, Brad Reed, Franklin Hooper, Selectmen; Duncan Hasting, Administrator, Jennifer Burton, Nathan Purich, Paul Whelan, Patricia Whelan, Richard Lemay, Lisa Guyette, Rosemary Audibert, Clerk.
Eric called hearing to order.
Witness Paul, Patricia, Jennifer, Nathan, Dick, Lisa and Rocky were sworn in.
Eric stated that on April 4, 2002 Paul Whelan s chicken were attack for a second time within a year. Board needed to meet to see if there is any action that should be taken.
Paul stated that the first attack 21 chickens were attack. Did not witness the attack, but tracked the dogs to the Purich home by the feathers. Nate was there burning chickens. Nate did pay for the chickens, Dick Lemay handle the situation. The second time Paul drove his wife to work, left the house at 7:00 a.m. and returned at 8:30 a.m. and witness the incident. He took a shot at the dog and missed. Killed 10 chickens and had to put 2 more down since for a total of 12 chickens. Rocky stated that he saw the mess. Howard asked know the amount of compensation was figured. Dick stated that he made phone calls to see what the price for chickens are between $8.50 and $10.00. Paul stated that in the second incident killed a prize rooster, which he paid $25.00 for. Now the dog has a taste for this. Paul knows the dog and can positive id the dog. Blaine asked you know positively that this is the same dog. Paul stated yes trailed the dog and Nate admitted the dog brought home chickens. Brad asked is the dog vicious. Nate stated no only barks. Jennifer stated that have apologias to Paul and have paid him. Have been neighbors for seven years and his dog has in the yard many times. Would like to keep the dog. Will put the dog on a run within an enclosed fence and will keep the dog under control. Would rather give the dog away then to him killed. Will keep the dog in side more. Nate stated that did not burn any chickens, did put one chicken in a tree. Did have a burn pile going, was working on the house, a friend put the chicken in the tree. Did not know that Whelan had chickens. Dog goes to the bathroom in the woods. Dog is 10 years old and grew up with livestock