Members present, Blaine Delisle, Eric Osgood, Franklin Hooper, Brad Reed, Selectmen; William Jewett, Road Foreman; Rhonda Fitzgerald, David Grant, Lisa Guyette, David Crossman, Paul Whelan, mark Woodward, Susan Bartlett, Nathan Purich, Jennifer Burton, John Sullivan, Amy Sollengberger, Kevin Elwood, Rosemary Audibert, Clerk.

Eric called meeting to order.

Board viewed and signed orders.

Brad moved to accept last month meeting minutes as written dated March 19, 2001, Blaine seconded, so voted.

Willie stated that the roads have been grading for the first time, have started the second round. Tatro is coming in to strip the gravel pit, which should last for a couple of years. Would like to ask Tatro to make a place for the winter sand pile. Need to move the sand pile off the railroad right of way. Blaine stated that Gerald is asking $250,000.00 for the building.

Blaine stated that have filled out all the grant applications for Highway State Aid. Asking for money to clean up of the Power House Bridge collapse. Total grants request is over $100,000.00. Paving grant is $20,000.00, which is a 2 to 1 match. $92,000.00 in state aid moneys.

Blaine stated that he has investigated the municipal loan fund. Town would have to pay 2% interest on the money. Town would be better off to go with the an Capital Equipment Fund to set aside $55,000.00 each year and received interest on that money. Can charge out some loan payments out to grant projects like Project Impact, which would have to come out of the summer road budget. No advantages to go with the municipal loan fund.

Blaine stated that have ordered a truck from Clarks Truck Center. Spoke with Eric and Daryl before ordering the truck. With all the incentives the cab & chaises cost is about $55,000.00 for a single axle. Total difference between a single axle and a tandem truck was $22,975.00. Trucks should have a 12-year turn around time. If needed to use a tandem truck the Town can rent one. Truck should be in by the end of June. Total cost should come in around $70,00.00; the truck that is being traded in cost $69,000.00 in 1989.

Eric stated that JB McKinley, from the State Agency of Transportation will not be attending the meeting tonight, he will be attending the meeting with Senator Jefford’s Office regarding the Power House Bridge.

Nathan Purich stated that he lives on the class 4 part of the Sinclair road, along with Paul Whelan and Paul Sauve. Willing to upgrade the road to class 3 all on their own. They feel that Paul Sauve doesn’t want the road upgrade and will destroy anything that is upgraded. Paul Whelan and Paul Sauve do all the plowing now and they have paid for plowing when asked to. Eric stated that the Town has a Class 4 Highway Policy, that it is the owner’s responsibility to bring the road to class 3 specs. Road would have to go through a winter and mud season and if everything is in order the Town would take the road over. Class 3 roads are 3-rods, which is 59 feet of right of way and 22 feet of road surface. Blaine stated that he would talk to all parties to see if they could come to some kind of understanding.

Amy Shollenberger here regarding an East Johnson sewer connection, asking for advise and help, knows that this is a Trustee issue. Presently the house has an on site septic system. Moved into Levie’s house last summer. When the house was built the ground perk. The drainage is not good, sewer backs up, can’t use any water, go else where to take a shower. Only house in the neighbor that is not connected to the sewer system. Brad moved to allow the Levie Gray property to be connected to the East Johnson Sewer System, pending Village approval, Blaine seconded, so voted.

Mark Woodward stated that have talked to Paul Nelson regarding the Power House Bridge should be able to complete a bridge for $200,000.00. Should do a design build project working with historic preservation. Have the plans certified by two engineers and the State only looks at them. Susan stated that the federal money could take up to 1 1/2 to 2 years to come. Project should be done this year. There is enough time to start construction for this summer and she would find the funding for the project. Mark suggest that the board get some estimates from Paul Nelson, Lewandowski, Blow & Cote and see if they could do this project this summer. Susan stated that she can about guarantee $200,000.00 for the project if go with a design build and can do this year. Blaine to talk to contractors to get bids. Susan stated that federal funds triggers federal requirements and may take longer and cost more money. There is a nice painted picture of the covered bridge on the Pharmacy window. Board received a petition of at least 800 names asking for the replacement of the Power House Covered Bridge.

John Sullivan stated that he would like to talk to the Board about a chip burning plant. Mike Stafford is working on a power plant presentation. Would need an hour of the Boards time. Board stated that to place this on the agenda for next month. John is also working on the Rock Art Brewery expansion, which is on the fast track now.

Rhonda Fitzgerald stated that she would like to be appointed to the Planning Commission. Going to college for environmental science and land planning. Would like to be involved in the community. Have no experience on being on a board. Brad moved to appoint Rhonda Fitzgerald to the Johnson Planning Commission, Blaine seconded, so voted.

David Grant stated that he would like to be appointed to the Lamoille Union High School Board. Has been in education most of his working life. Worked for 10 years at Johnson State College. Thinks he can make a difference. Rocky moved to appoint David Grant to the Lamoille Union High School Board, Brad seconded, so voted.

There are three candidates for the second constable position, Paul Whelan, Lisa Guyette and Kevin Elwood. Eric explained that the voters voted to appoint constable instead of being elected. Constables are under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen and have some State Statue powers. Constables do not have arresting powers, mostly deals with the enforcement of the dog ordinance. May received calls at 2 o’clock in the morning about a barking dog by people who are mad about being awaken. Blaine stated that VLCT offer courses for constables, which the Town would pay for, Town would also pay for rabies shots.

Paul Whelan stated that he is interested in the position because Mr. Brier violated him. Picked up his two dogs, said they were on Pearl Street, dogs were not there. Had to pay a $10.00 after hours fee and a $5.00 kennel fee. Dogs did not go to the kennel, total cost of $85.00. Mr. Brier was not dog constable at the time. He would find out who owns the dog and give them a warning for the first time. Would do a good job, would not violate people.

Lisa stated that she like being around dogs. Called for a dog constable last year and nobody showed up.

Kevin stated that he was a certified law enforcement officer for Pennsylvania for 5 years. Have lived on Ober Hill for the last 2 years and plans on making Johnson his home.

Blaine will check on to see if a certified law enforcement officer would make the insurance rates cheaper.

Board asked how would they deal with irate people. Paul stated that he would deal with them the best that he could and if needed would call the Sheriff’s Department. Lisa stated that if they were very irate she does mace and would call get help. Kevin stated that he would try and calm them down so that he could assess the situation and let the people explain their situation.

Rocky stated that any dog bites the health officer gets involved.

Rocky moved to go into executive session at 8:20 p.m. to discuss the candidates for the second constable position, Brad seconded, so voted.

Board came out of executive session at 8:30 p.m.

Board asked them when they would be available. Paul stated anytime. Kevin stated the he works in Stowe as a chef between 6 am to 1 p.m. Lisa stated that she works at B&B Groceries and her hours vary. Board asked about types of vehicles. Paul and Lisa have pick-up trucks and Kevin has a SVU.

Board stated that have three good candidates. Blaine would check on what the Town would have to do if wanted three constables.

Blaine moved to appoint Lisa Guyette as second constable, Rocky seconded, so voted.

Rocky stated that Dick Lemay is still interested in serving on the LRSWD board. Have no formal request in writing. Have had to reappoint at least 3 times in the past for not attending meetings. Board tabled until next monthly meeting.

Brad moved to reimburse Paul Whelen $85.00 for his dogs being pick up, Rocky seconded. Blaine stated that it was the Boards fault because they did not notify Ken he was no longer constable. Paul stated the dogs had collars with nametags and phone numbers. Board voted to approve reimbursement to Paul Whelen.

Rocky moved to approve liquor licenses for GU Markets, Plum & Main and Rock Art Brewery, Brad seconded, so voted. Board signed licenses.

Tax abatement for Dan Benoit, Board read letter from Anne Trombley. Benoit’s have moved out of town and the building has been destroyed, removed from the property. Building was on the Betty LaRose property. Board stated that would like to talk to the listers and find out why building wasn’t tax to Betty LaRose.

Eric stated that would like to send a resolution to Singapore stated that the SelectBoard extends it’s sincerest appreciation for the courtesy show to our Chair, who was representing the board and the Town of Johnson and extends an invitation for representatives on there council to visit our community with the expectation of equal reciprocation from this Town. Blaine moved to the Board to sign the resolution, Brad seconded, so voted.

Eric stated that have a e-mail from Daryl stated that Roger Davis is the President for baseball and would like the Town to haul sand to rebuild the infields from Wolcott for $4.00 per yard. Blaine stated that Nadeau has the same sand and would give it to them.

Eric stated that the Town needs to police the flood zoning areas better. There has been some building in the flood areas without permits. If this continues the Town would lose FEMA money in the future. LCPC coming to next meeting.

Board signed grant payment request for paving grant.

Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by

Rosemary Audibert, Clerk