December 16, 2002

Members present: Franklin Hooper, Brad Reed, Eric Osgood, Blaine Delisle, Howard Romero, Selectmen; P. Stephen Smith, Road Foreman; Duncan Hastings, Administrator; Mike Patch, Mark Nielsen, Representative Floyd Nease, Senator Susan Bartlett, Douglas Molde, Greg Stefanski, Rosemary Audibert, Clerk.

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

Howard moved to accept meeting minutes from December 2, 2002 and November 2, 2002, Brad seconded, so voted.

Steve stated that have plowed 19 times and sanded 26 times in December.

Steve stated that 4300 truck is a valuable asset to the Town of Johnson. Truck is using less salt with the side dump. Can plow the village streets with one pass, freeing up the other trucks to plow.

Steve stated that road crew attended classes for chain saws and confined spaces.

Steve stated that Raymond Gilcris started today for the highway crew.

Steve stated that some work has been done on the class four road that goes past the Hughes residence on River Road. Used town gravel, they did there own trucking of the gravel. There is logging operation going on out there. Road is .03 mile of class 4, at one time road went to Morristown.

Brad stated that the road crew is doing a fine job. Plowing later at night.

Town buildings went though a voluntary environmental municipal compliance inspection. State to send report letter. Salt shed will need to be covered within the next few years per federal law. There will be workshops regarding this in the near future. Salt is close to the Lamoille River. There are many other towns in the same situation. In the year 2004 salt sheds to have a cement floor and three walls, need to keep rain off the salt. Also, need to do something with the fuel storage tank, need to place within another tank or build a liner underneath the tank that holds a full tank. To check with fuel suppliers. Eric asked does this have to be budgeted for next year. Duncan stated that 252 towns in Vermont are in the same situation, State may make money available for this. Mike asked about the existing building that has a cement slab, where the crusher was. Board stated that is an option if the building could be retrofitted.

Board reviewed the draft capital budget culvert inventory. IVIS would like Johnson to be a beta test site for inventory software. There would be a 10% match instead of a 20% match for class II paving and bridge and culvert grants. Software includes inventories, maps and data that will be needed for highways, bridges and culverts and sign inventory. If Johnson decides to purchase the software would be able to purchase at 50% of the cost of $3,000.00 for a total of $1500.00. Software is also designed to work with parcel mapping software program that they can offer to the listers and the listers are interested in using it. Used this software in Georgia and liked it very much. Would be able to generate maps with parcels and roads, culverts, etc. Software is the most user friendly that Duncan has seen. Steve would be able to keep it up. Howard stated that beta tests are full of bugs. This would be the first site, have been working the Vt Local Roads Program on this. GASB is requiring in 2005 that all capital assets be assigned a value and that includes roads, bridges and culverts and the assets have to be deprecated. This is not a federal or state law but if have to go out for bonding you need to have a clean audit and in order to have one you need to follow the GASB standards. Listers are interested in the tax mapping parcels. Now have paper maps. Maps would be on the computer and could print them from the computer. Records would have to be updated each years, which we are paying for now. Board agreed that this is something that should be looked at.

Duncan stated that have received a letter from Emergency Management regarding hazard mitigation grant money available a total of $342,000.00 statewide. Blaine stated that Codding Hollow should be replaced. May have an issue with that being on a class 4 road. Fox lot should have a bigger culvert. Wilson road also needs to have some work done on it down by the bridge.

Duncan handed out draft copies of the ambulance contract from Newport, and minutes from the December 9, 2002 contract negotiating committee. Close to an agreement on principals. For the first year need to make a lump sum payment on July 15, 2003, all other years would make quarterly payments. Need to buy an ambulance, need to find a building, have expenses to get up and running. May have to borrow money, depending on cash flow. Payment would be about $75,000.00, Towns can borrow money at reduced rates. Newport believes that they will get the Copley transfers by July 1, 2003. Newport Ambulance thinks that after five years will be able to cut the cost down to $75,000.00 for all five towns. Rocky moved to appoint Brad Reed to the local oversight board for Newport Ambulance, Blaine seconded, so voted. Board gave Brad authority to sign contract after Board approves of the contract. Mike asked about the process for the bids. Board explained the bid process. Newport will have open books, Lamoille Ambulance prices are to go up, and Newport is looking at reducing the costs. The five towns voted to go with Newport. Newport Ambulance current price is $3.00 per head in Newport. Currently the price is $22.00 to $23.00 per head with 200 transports, hoping that the price will go down in the future to $10.00 per head. Ambulance service will be based in Johnson; will have one new ambulance and one older one. If it doesn’t work out with Newport the 5 towns will own an ambulance.

Doug Molde stated that the he went to the Rail Trail meeting in Montpelier at the AOT building. There were about 40 to 50 people there and 17 people were from AOT. There is a bill 8764 for Lamoille Valley Railroad in the Legislature. There are about 96 miles of rail track, but from Morrisville west would like to see the track left in place. Design work has been done from Swanton to St. Johnsbury. Reconstruction projects are being redesigned to fit a rail/trail. Looking at a year round trail. Would like to do RPF on both leaving the tracks in and removing them. Doug believes that Brad Worthton is giving up on his project. Brad stated that Doug is a good spokesperson for this. Brad moved to appoint Douglas Molde to represent Johnson regarding the Rail/Trail. Howard seconded, so voted.

Eric congratulated Susan Bartlett and Floyd Nease on winning their elections. Eric stated the pilot money is a priority for Johnson. Town received over $90,000.00 this year, which makes a difference of about 10 cents on the grand list. Board is also concerned about the bridges being pushed back. Rail Road Street bridge now at least 2004 and Pearl Street Bridge 2005. Board asked what can be done to see that bridges are not pushed back any further. Susan stated that need to work with LCPC. Duncan stated that have been working with LCPC and they are on there top of the list. Federal government has cut billions in highway funds. Susan stated that the Circumventional highway has not been funded. Federal government is also cutting money from education. On some funds to get $1.00 have to spend $3.00 to get the money. Susan stated that she is willing to talk with AOT to see if they will do a road trip. Susan asked what bridge is in the worst condition. Board stated Pearl Street, bridge is a safety hazard.

Brad stated that he has talked with the College president about money for the ambulance service. College has about 100 calls per year. They have no money in their budget for this. Susan stated that colleges are in bad financial condition. This is what pilot payments are made for. Vt. State College has one of the highest tuition rates in the county and one of the lowest funding rates in the county. Local sales tax is going to fund the pilot program, working towards fully funding pilot. A hand full of communities receives a majority of the money.

Duncan stated that UVM is preparing a proposal for a couple of thousand dollars for a study of the old cemetery. There is a heavy penalty for disturbing a gravesite; also could have a cloud on titles, if people want to sell their house. Blaine asked why goes the Town have to spend the money. Floyd stated that the Town has the liability for the past actions of the town. Eric stated that it is in the best interest of the Town to work with the landowners. Duncan stated that $1,000.00 wouldn’t go very far in a lawsuit over a clouded title. Need to locate any bodies so that can remove the cloud from the titles. The old cemetery association may have money available for this.

Floyd stated that he has asked to be placed in one of the following committees, Commerce, Education or Natural Resources. Commerce and Natural Resources committees will be looking into the reform of the permit process.

Greg Stefanski gave an update of the Main Street project. Welcome signs should be installed this spring. Consultants are about finished with the main street project. The next step is construction. Should have good information to get the project done. Looking at seeing the small projects get done in the spring.

Greg stated that the planning commission is working on Village zoning and pathways project. Study should be done this spring. Working on the downtown area to other areas that are used by the community. The last few years the planning commission has been working on planning. Greg asked what do you see the planning commission role after the planning is done is the planning commission done with that project. Have a concern that all the money spent on planning and nothing gets done. Need to make sure the projects are followed though. There is grant money available for a pathways projects, application deadline is in February. Mike Patch stated that he thought that the walkway that was built by Draper at the recreation fields could be use as matching funds. Eric asked what does the action committees what to do. Greg stated that depends on what the Selectboard and Trustees want them to do. Main street committee is ready to jump into projects. Greg has some concerns about workload and who will be the zoning administrator. Doug stated that he would like to see the planning commission stay with just planning. Need to keep the lines of communication open. Should look into creating a public works department. Need to have a list of priority projects that should be done. A lot of people are on the same committees. Planning commission doesn’t want to be a project manager. Mike Patch stated that have other resources that can pay for this Town and Village crews can build benches on rainy days. Village has forms to build sidewalks. Eric asked is the town at a point to hire a person to head this to see that projects are done. Howard stated that the Town is ready for this; recreation committee would like to have someone maintain the ball fields and skate park.

Greg stated that the first concern on Main Street is safety and than the looks of the street. Brad asked should there be an article in the warning for a co-coordinator for main street (special projects), recreation etc. Doug stated that the position would only be a few days a week. Town should also look into make the downtown a designated village center. Businesses could receive tax incentive for code improvements to their buildings.

Greg stated that he is stepping down as chair of the planning commission and main street committee, but will be an active member of the committees. New chair will be selected in January.

Mike Patch stated that he would like to change the wording in the town reports. Duncan asked for a clarification. Wording that can be fix off the floor at the town meeting. Eric stated that safety issues would be in the selectman budget. Mike’s article. Will the taxpayers authorize $amount for patrol. No names in it. Duncan stated that capital items that are in the capital budget would be listed in a report. Would know what was spent for an item.

Duncan stated that may be able to do that with year to year contract can leave open, but with longer contracts have a binding commitment that would still have to pay. Mike stated that would like to decide that day who to go with. Duncan stated that with Newport Ambulance would have to be named. Blaine stated that the sheriff department started with a petition. Howard asked Mike to put his changes in writing to the board, so that they could be considered.

Duncan stated that have sent of letter of acceptance and revised work plan to reflect the reduced grant award for the Municipal Planning Grant. Working on a request for proposal. Eric and Duncan authorize to sign forms to request funds. Funds will be paid in three installments, 33% up front and than two other installments. Duncan to be the grant administrator.

Duncan stated that have received several calls from Bob Hoag stated that we should be getting something from his Engineer to date haven’t received anything. Board would like the town attorney to send a follow up letter. Who enforces the ordinances? Rocky stated that superior court issues the fines. Duncan stated that the states attorney office would not do anything. Board would like to see the attorney file an injunction with the court to get Bob to comply with the town sewer ordinance. Eric asked is this conflict of interest with Rocky because Bob has placed a complaint against Rocky. Rocky stated that he would have to be involved if this goes to court. Rocky stated that there is no conflict of interest. Attorney to write one last letter asking Bob to comply with the board of health decision. Rocky explained the permit process.

Duncan stated that would like to see $5,000.00 in the budget for driveway culverts. Culverts are going have to be replaced. Policy is that the owner installs and the town maintains the culverts. Board reviewed current budget draft proposals. Board reviewed a spreadsheet regarding increases in Blue Cross insurance. Premiums are going up 17% next year. Duncan stated that would like to set up a committee with two board members from the selectboard and the trustees with, Duncan, Rosemary and other employee to look into benefits and shared employees between the Town and Village. Blaine and Eric volunteered to be on the committee.

Duncan stated that should look into adopting a cafeteria plan for the employees. IRS allows the employee pre tax dollars portions for the heath care benefits. Do not have to pay federal, state taxes or FICA taxes. Town will also save on FICA taxes, which will cover the cost to administrator, the plan. Set up costs is about $300.00 and annual cost of $300.00. Currently the town only offers the Blue Cross JY plan, can offer two different plans. The Vt Health Partnership is the closest on the JY. Vt Health Partnership is a Blue Cross product. If employee decided to stay with JY would have a deductible, if they decide to change to a lower cost plan would have no deductible.

Duncan stated that have received a letter from the Vt. Department of Health regarding Rocky that his term is up on December 31, 2002 and they are waiting for a response to the Hoag complaint. Rocky stated that he and Duncan would work on a letter. State will not make a decision on whether to reappoint until they have a response from Rocky. Eric asked the Board what they wanted to do? Make a recommendation, post or leave open, which the commission appoints the chair of the selectboard. State did not receive a resignation from Matt Collins; his term expires on December 31, 2002. Blaine stated that could recommend Rocky, but the commissioner would not appoint until a response has been received. Blaine moved to appoint Franklin Hooper has health officer, Howard seconded, so voted.

Duncan stated that received a letter from Liquor Control stated that DJ’s store and Grand Union had violations. DJ’s paid a $300.00 fine.

Duncan stated that received a letter from the State regarding the State equalization study and Johnson is below 80% of fair market value.

Duncan stated that have received reports on the town fire calls. Village would like a $35,000.00 contract this year for fires. 10 cents of the grand list to stay the same as last year at $28,000.00.

Blaine moved to go into executive session at 10:35 p.m. to discuss a legal issue, Howard seconded, so voted.

Board came out of executive session at 10:45 p.m. Rocky moved to authorize Eric to change letter as long as it doesn’t change the content, Howard seconded, so voted.

Meeting adjourned at 10:48 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by

Rosemary Audibert, Clerk