December 2, 2002

Members present: Franklin Hooper, Brad Reed, Eric Osgood, Blaine Delisle, Howard Romero, Selectman, P. Stephen Smith, Road Foreman, Rosemary Audibert, Clerk.

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

Board viewed and signed orders.

Board reviewed applications for the highway position from Raymond Gilcris, Sanford Tanner, Mark French, Chad Guyette and Ronald Wescom, Sr. Eric stated that have interviewed some the applicants before. Have interviewed Raymond Gilcris; have not interviewed Sanford Tanner, Mark French, Chad Guyette and Ronald Wescom, Sr., Ronald does not have a CDL which is a requirement for the job. Board discussed holding interview for the other candies.

Steve Smith arrived at 7:10 p.m. Steve recommendation is to hire Raymond Gilcris. Was impressed with him at the last interview.

Howard moved to hire Raymond Gilcris for the highway position with a six month probation period. Brad seconded, so voted. Blaine abstained from voting. Howard moved a rate of pay $1.00 less than other highway crew rate of pay, Brad, seconded, and so voted.

Steve stated that people are pushing snow across the road and not cleaning it up, most of the problem is on Collins Hill. Brad asked is off street parking a problem. Board agreed that Duncan should put an ad in the paper about both issues.

Steve stated that on Saturday morning he hit Mike French truck with the plow. Truck was parked along side the road.

Blaine moved to pay Larry Rogers estate for sick time not taken, Rocky seconded, so voted.

Brad stated that School Street is being kept in much better condition. Steve stated that the new truck is working well. Village streets are in better condition, now only have to do two passes instead of four.

Brad moved to accept Cindy Nease as a Library Trustee, Blaine seconded, so voted.

Board reviewed the 2002 Better Back Roads Grant close out for the culvert replacement program. Grant was explained to Rocky. Board to adopt at next meeting.

Board reviewed the budget formant changes that Duncan has been working on. Have been working with Steve and Rosemary on this. Rosemary stated that his changes would give the Board more detail information about the budget.

Letter from LRSWMD stated that Richard Lemay has missed three meetings for the Solid Waste District Supervisors. Board agreed to post in the paper.

Eric stated that there will be a Sheriff’s Advisory Committee meeting on December 5, 2002 and a County Budget meeting on December 17, 2002.

Johnson has been awarded a Municipal Planning Grant in the amount of $12,000.00 to prepare a capital budget and plan, which is $3,000.00, less than requested. Duncan to send a letter indicating acceptance and revise the work plan to reflect the reduced grant award.

Board reviewed ambulance bids from Lamoille Ambulance and Newport Ambulance. Both bided on the two different proposals. Johnson’s share is 40% of the total bill.

Lamoille Ambulance

One ambulance $125,000.00

Two ambulance $165,000.00 if allow to change chaise and keep box. $175,000.00 all new.

Lamoille uses paramedics on the ambulance.

Newport Ambulance

One ambulance $222,399.00 for emergency only no transports.

Two ambulance $189,451.00

Newport uses EMT’s on the ambulance.

Brad stated that members from the ambulance committee did a field trip to both companies.

Newport is a non-profit organization; numbers are based upon if they receive state and federal grants. They would also do local fund raising. There are a lot of ifs in their proposal. If they don’t meet a certain amount of calls the contract can be renegotiated and if they have more calls than expected the price could go down. We would get one or two members on the Board of Directors. Would have open books.

Lamoille is a set price of $165,000.00 forever with a cost of living increase only. This would end the $25.00 subscriptions.

Board decided not to make any decision until Ambulance meeting on December 3, 2002.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by

Rosemary Audibert, Clerk