July 17, 2000

Members Present: Eric Osgood, Bradley Reed, Rocky Hooper, Selectman, Richard Lemay, Ken Brier, Mark Woodward, Mike Patch, Paul Langevin, Jean Ashline, Rebecca Machia, Dick Simays, Barry Simays, Victoria Jones, Morris Jones, Paul Mclure, Casey Romero, Howard Romero, Paul Sauve, Authur Hooper, Rosemary Audibert, Clerk.

Eric called meeting to order.

Board viewed and signed orders.

Brad moved to accept last month meeting minutes dated June 19, 2000, Rocky seconded so voted.

Road Foreman not present for meeting. Eric stated that have put down a couple loads of chloride.

Mark stated that on the crosswalk by the Union Bank got no where with Brian Seales. Eric stated that have a letter of rejection.

Board read letters of complaints regarding dogs. Dick wanted to bring the parties together to discuss.

Victoria Jones stated that this all started over Rodney Mason with the incident that happen last winter. Would not drop the charges against him. Have two dogs a 1 1/2 year old Great Pyrenese and 15 year old Missy shepherd/chow who has arthritis. Have a no trespassing and a restraining order and they have broken both orders. Have no other problems with Alice Kirk, other than dogs. Have talked to both Ken and Dick about this. One day the kids were waiting for the bus and Alice let out her dog, and the dog was all over the kids. Asked Alice to call the dog off and she would not. Called Ken about this. Alice’s dog eats Victoria dog food. There is another dog in the area that looks just like Victoria dog, she thinks this one is causing some of the problems. Alice has called the dog catcher when the Jones were gone and the dogs were not around. Victoria stated that her dogs are not leased when the kids are outside playing, Dick stated that per ordinance dogs are under control by voice command. Missy is in the house all the time except when someone is outside. Eric stated that the Town has no jurisdiction over restraining orders. Dog has broken the chain and Alice has called a dog catcher. She calls very time the dog is loose. Now have a heavy chain for the big dog. Dogs are under control with a voice command. Dog catchers won’t answer calls now. Rocky stated that he has gotten calls on this. People need to be reasonable, personal problems are a civil matter. Victor stated that the dog catchers are sick of all the calls. Eric stated that can hold a dog on her property until a dog catcher can get there. Victoria received a copy of the dog ordinance. Victoria stated that she was concerned that people where telling he she had to get rid of the dogs. Eric explained the whole process that a dog would have to be declared vicious.

Paul Langevin from Maple Hill stated that he carries a baseball bat when he goes for a walk. Joan Garrity has three rottttweilers. Ken stated that he has been up there several times and have issued several tickets in the amount of about $500.00 to $700.00. Paul stated that Ken has done a excellent job. He comes very time. Ken stated that the last ticket was on that the dogs were not licensed. One of the problems is that there is no parental supervision, the kids live there. Other neighbors have had the same problem. with the dogs. Board stated that if the dogs come onto your property can hold the dogs there until a dog catcher can get there. Board stated that would like to have a written complaint as to the date and times of the incidents and of what happened.

Ken stated that he is getting calls about cats and rabbits. Board stated that have no ordinances for any other animals.

Ken stated that had a call regarding a barking dog on St. Johns Street at 1:00 in the morning, could not get hold of the sheriff’s department by radio for help. Dog wanted to bite him. Dog was on a lease.

Casey & Howard Romeo, Mike Patch, Paul Sauve, Mark Woodward here regarding river recreation, skateboard park. Casey stated that would like approval/partnership with the Town to look into a nature path from Route 15 to the ball fields. Mark stated that the Merchants Bank in now currently arresting kids who skateboard on their property. Kids have been using the school during the summer. Mark stated that there is grant money available though drug prevention. Brad stated that he has seen kids at the school parking lot at 2:00 in the morning skating by head lights. Casey stated that have talked to Doug Molde and this does go along with the Town Plan. Mike stated that behind the fire station parking lot would be a good location. Good for the kids see role models like the fireman and the Town Clerk’s office and there are no near by neighbors. Would need no lighting there is enough from the buildings. Howard stated that in St. Albans the skateboard park is working good now. Kids take care of the park. Hyde Park is in the process of doing a survey. Have had a fair response. Looking at the Common Ground area. Would not use any of the existing parking area. Meeting with the wets land people next week. Barry stated that had to close the skateboard park in Burlington because of noise and discipline problems. Rebecca asked about liability, Casey stated that either municipal insurance or though the national association of skateboarders. Casey stated that had a problem last year with the kids had to post the parking lot. Kids left trash all over the place and they did not pick up there jumps and vandalism. Have not had the same problems yet this summer. Board gave approval for them to continue looking into a skateboard park.

Paul McLure here regarding ditching and cleaning out culverts. He stated that he spoke to Willie last fall about this, they haven’t done anything yet about this. Needs to be fixed by Bidwell’s, cannot cut hay. Need a culvert by the shed, no where for the water to go, makes a mud hole. Eric to talk to Willie.

Mark stated that the State is looking into a non motor boat access on the Lamoille River by Willow Crossing. The State has money in the budget for purchase or easements. Would like to build a parking area and steps down to the river. Mark has told them that area floods.

Eric stated that the State is concerned with the crosswalk by the Union Bank because it goes no where after crossing except to a parking lot.

Dick and Barry Simays here regarding the fence at Whiting Hill Cemetery. Barry stated that the fence was donated material and labor by the Boy Scouts. Barry stated that the fence was his eagle scout project in 1991. Should replace what is broken instead of a new fence. Fence is not in that bad of shape, broken end post by the Entertainer and 4 broken rails. Total fence is 280 feet. Dick stated that he feels that local taxes should not pay for a new fence when this one can be fixed. Rocky moved the leave the fence at Whiting Hill Cemetery and to fix the broken posts and rails and the Town will pay for the materials and allow the Boy Scout or Barry Simays to fix, Brad seconded, so voted.

Board stated that will replace the fence at Evergreen Ledge Cemetery with the white rail fence.

Dick stated that would like to see the eagle scout project done by Daryl West by the Pearl Street Bridge replaced when the bridge is done construction. Vermont Studio Center students use the seating.

Arthur Hooper here regarding the rules for new mobile home park. Board told Arthur to talk to Ken Havery. Town doesn't own the park.

Mark stated that the committee is making progress on the parade.

Brad moved to pay back retirement for the office employees for the last seven years, Rocky seconded so voted.

Board reviewed correspondence.

Brad moved to adjourn, Rocky seconded, so voted.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by

Rosemary Audibert