Selectmen’s Meeting
February 19, 2001
Members Present: Brad Reed, Franklin Hooper, Eric Osgood, Blaine Delisle, Daryl West, Selectmen, Chris Parker, Village Trustee, Mark Woodward, Bruce Butler, David Crossman, Dorothy Molane Rising, Charles Rising, Casey Romero, Steve Reber, Walter Pomroy, Michelle from Dr. Rogers Office, Greg Stefanski, Rosemary Audibert, Clerk.
Eric called meeting to order.
Board viewed and signed orders.
Blaine moved to accept last month meeting minutes for January 15, 2001, Daryl seconded, so voted.
Blaine stated that should look into trading the army truck if there is money left over at the end of the year. Have put a lot of money into maintenance this year. Should look into using the fines money. Daryl stated that need to keep on the equipment cycle for the budget process.
Greg Stefanski stated that he would like to serve on the Planning Commission Board. Greg moved to Johnson about 18 months ago from Chicago at which time he brought Harlan Lumbra’s house. He is the business manager for Laraway School. He has concerns about the main street bridge, traffic calming, and parking and would like to put some input in on this. Blaine moved to accept Greg Stefanski to the Planning Commission Board, Daryl seconded, so voted.
Bruce stated that Eddie Gale doesn’t want to be reappointed, Mike Miller is a resident of Belivdere now. Have a total of seven members now, will be down to 5 in March. 5 to 7 members works the best, can have up to 9 members. Nine is to many and four is not enough. Have three members from the Town and 2 members from the Village. Rocky stated that need to get more local people involved. Bruce that is it very difficult to get anybody for volunteer his or her time. Working on the Village Plan now, main street corridor study, than village zoning bylaws, planning commission also is the flood plain board, and have party status to all 250 applications.
Rocky moved to accept 2001 liquor license from DJ’s Store, and CH Stearns, and 2000 liquor license to the new owner of Grand Union, GU of Vermont, Brad seconded, so voted.
Eric stated that he has received a letter from Sonia Peters regarding the Pearl Street Bridge stating that the State would allow sidewalks on both sides of the bridge, would need to move a utility pole for the temporary bridge. Rocky stated that there would be no public parking at the Waterman Lodge Building. There will be a Village expense to move the utility pole for the second sidewalk. Chris stated that the Trustees have no strong opinion one way or another on the second sidewalk on the bridge. Rocky stated that at least three cars have hit the bridge this winter. The second sidewalk is a safety concern.
Board adjourned Selectmen’s Meeting at 7:30 p.m. to have a public hearing on the grant application for the proposed health clinic facility.
Board resumed Selectmen’s Meeting at 7:50 p.m.
Chris stated that the wastewater treatment facility is at 2/3 capacity and would like to connect more customers to lower the rates. Allocation is spread over the live of the plant. Have not had a whole lot of new customers. Looking to go outside the Village limits. Have done this by granting exemptions for the good of public health, like Gerald Tatro on Railroad Street. Ordinance states that no connections outside of Village limits, if part of the property is in the Village limits but building was out could connect. Village attorney has stated that this is not the best route to go. Growth seems to be happening on the west side of the Village. Attorney stated that need to set up an ordinance to allow connections in the Town and the Town would also have to have an ordinance, similar to the East Johnson Sewer Ordinance. The Village would set aside a potion of the sewer allocation for development in the Town. Town would need to give their permission to connect. Example if the yearly allocation is 10,000 gallons, Village would be 5,000 gallons, Town 5,000 gallons, Town would have no operation costs, no liability. Town would receive applications and if the application looks reasonable and there is allocation available, Town would be approve, than the Village would have approve to receive the waste. This opens up for some industrial growth in the Town. Chris to take back to the Trustees Board that the Selectboard has a positive response to a town ordinance for sewer capacity
Eric stated that Matt Nadeau would like to expand this business in the next couple of years and wants to stay in Johnson if possible. Wanted to know what the Town could do to help him find a place. Board suggested a possible tax stabilization program. Board would like to meet with Matt and discuss this after Town Meeting.
Casey stated that the have a preliminary report on the survey’s regarding the park. Had a good response. 30% of high school, 89% elementary school, 10% of citizens. Would like to do other survey at town meeting for the citizens. Results are strong for recreation, bike path, skateboard park and walking paths.
Steve stated that working on a 21 Century grant, for a learning center grant. Grant asked for a commented partner for starting programs, to offer students activities that are beneficial, like after school programs, anti drugs, senior mentoring, pro activate partnership with the community. Eden applied last year and did not get the grant, they are going to reapply this year. Working with the recreation committee, Laraway School has pledge $1,000.00. Looking at activities after school at JSC, elementary school, Laraway School, or the yellow house for enhancement recreation. Grant is for three years in the amount of $100,000.00 to $150,000.00 per year to pay for a coordinator, coaches for recreation. Board asked what happens when the grant ends. Steve stated that could be paid for by user fees, medicare if within the poverty level would be entitle for money for food, etc which is a ongoing federal program. Daryl asked is this different than what is all ready out there for kids. Casey stated that this would create better support. Board stated that need to figure out what to do after the program grant ends? Are the programs sustainable? Board stated that this is worth looking into.
Eric stated that Daryl and himself went to local government day in Montpelier
Board reviewed correspondence.
Brad moved to adjourn, Daryl seconded, so voted.
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Rosemary Audibert
PUBLIC HEARING
Eric called public hearing opened.
Eric stated that this hearing is to see if the public would like to apply for a grant from the State VCDP for a feasible study on a health care facility in Johnson for the Towns of Johnson, Waterville, Belivdere and Eden. Grant is for $17,000.00. The local contribution would be in kind work, like attending meetings, etc. Lamoille County Planning Commission will be writing the grant application. Study would include a survey of residents, professionals, and organizations, discovery of priority health services, identification and evaluation of potential sites, analyses and publication of results; development of organizational models for operating a health care facility. There is a formal committee, which the college is a part of. If the grant is awarded, will have a kick off meeting to get people interested in the project. Grant application is due in March, and should be awarded in early May. Study would be done over the summer. Then would apply for another grant to get the facility built, would be publicly owned like the one in Cambridge.
Dorothy stated that she and her husband owns the Johnson Health Clinic now, purchased the former Walt Shattuck property, which they have renovated. Details would have to work out regarding the property if a public health facility were built. Mark stated that need to have a different providers, like dentist, etc.
Brad moved to adjourn public hearing at 7:50 p.m., Daryl seconded, so voted