Members Present: Daryl West, Blaine Delisle, Eric Osgood, Brad Reed, Franklin Hooper, Selectmen; William Jewett, Road Foreman, Levie Gray, Paul Sauve, Michael Patch, David Crossman, Mary Sargent, David Sargent, Andrea Sargent, Sharon Burns, Alan Beard, Floyd Nease Jon Gregg, Louise Von Weise, Howard Romero, Casey Romero, William Jaspersohn, Kimberly Wilson, Amy Shollenberger, Blaine King, Jake Boone, Rene Savoie, Joe Salerno, Greg Stefanski, Paul Warden, Walter Pomroy, Mark Woodard, John Sullivan, Dean Manning, Senator Susan Bartlett, Rosemary Audibert, Clerk.
Eric called meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Board viewed and signed orders.
Board reviewed last month meeting minutes. Blaine moved to accept, Daryl seconded, so voted.
Willie stated that the sand pile is done. Working on the summer projects now.
Willie stated that he has talked to George Cunningham about a former road from the Hoag Road that connected with the Patch Road. Is it a class 4 road or a trail? ATV's would like to use the road. Cunningham's have put up a fence across the road. Blaine stated that cannot block off a class 4 roads. Town only fixes bridges and culverts on class 4 roads. The highway map shows that it is a trail from Kenneth Smith. Blaine stated that he would find out what can be done with a trail. Cunningham's doesn't have a problem in the wintertime with the snowmobiles; in the summer time have cattle on both sides of the road. Mike Patch stated that he has research this and only have a 9-foot right of way. Board decided to table this for now, need more information.
Eric stated that have a letter from AOT regarding the sidewalks on the Pearl Street Bridge. Both sidewalks in the construction area will be covered; Town will have to pay 10%. Eric asked Jon Gregg if the VT Studio Center could pay for Town's share. Jon stated that he would talk to his board, this is worth looking into. Jon stated that he would like to see a partnership with the Town and Village on this. Floyd Nease from the Laraway School stated that they would make a contribution. The Village of Johnson does build their own sidewalks. Jon stated that the VT Studio Center would match what the Town pays. Daryl moved to go forward with a second sidewalk, Brad seconded, so voted. Joe Salerno stated that he would like to see the plans to make sure that they co-ordinate with the main street bridge regarding lighting and the study regarding main street. Eric stated that the bridge plans are at the Town Clerks office.
Blaine stated that Jim Davis has put in his resignation. His last day will be Friday. Board stated to place an ad in the paper. Mike Patch asked is this a money issue. Jim does a good job. Blaine stated that the Town cannot pay what Pike's pays. Cannot pay people different salaries that do the same work.
Blaine stated that Gary Cole would like a bus turn around. Steve doesn't have any problems when he is plowing to turn around. Rocky stated that the turn around would stay the way that it is. Casey Romero stated that she would call the busing company Mathieu Enterprises.
Casey stated that the Skateboard park bylaws are not ready yet. Made about $850.00 dollars with the auction. Many local merchants and people made donations. Casey thanked Willie for mowing. Had a fine day despite the weather. Mike Patch stated that Randy Burns is following up on the paving of the existing pavement, there are a few holes that need to be fix. Kids had a fun day.
Casey stated that the boat launch letter has been sent in. Haven't heard any back yet. LCPC is looking into a used bridge, have not found any that are large enough yet. LCPC is also looking into the Norwich students doing this as a class project.
Eric stated that the money has been transferred to AOT for the covered bridge project. Contractors have been calling the State for more information regarding the RFP's. Questions about designs if the Town wants to take out the steel beam in the future, what is the load weight. Willey stated that the weight load for any wooden bridge is 16,000.00 pounds. Questions also about now much community involvement. State would like to do a revised RFP, which would mean a delay of about six weeks. Construction companies what more information before the design process can start. Blaine stated that he talked to Daniels engineer from New York need to start from the beginning. Some of the beams are for looks, bridge needs to be notified somewhat so the bridge and move a little bit. Will build to look authentic.
Mike Patch stated not redesigning a new bridge; beams are here contractors can take measurements of them. Don't need an engineer. Would like to have a raising in September. Can be built in the road and rolled into place. Can purchase insurance by the day. Alan Beard asked where are the timbers coming from, last time they came from out of state. Eric stated that JD McKinley stated that the townspeople could saw the siding for the roof and the sides. Blaine stated that this would not save the Town any money. AOT will spend the money elsewhere. Will take more time to construct. Contractor will have to how people what to do. Could cut the timber off the Town land and put that money towards the project.
Mary Sargent stated that this is a good way for the community to come together. In the future can tell there grandchildren that they help build the bridge. The community needs to work together to bring back the sprit.
Mike Patch stated that need a general contractor that will work with the community to allow their involvement. Asked about now many companies are interested. Board stated about a dozen. Blaine stated that engineer Phil Pierson recommends no community involvement.
Jon Gregg asked about who will be the clerk of the works, who will organize the Town efforts. Daryl asked the public how much does the community what to be involved. People agreed with one weekend. Blaine stated that if the pieces are all cut could get a lot of work done in a weekend.
Eric stated that would like to set up a committee that would consist of at least 3 board members and some members from the community. Eric stated that need to have a better RFP from the State. State can write up the RFP to the Town in about a week. Better to do the project right than quickly. Jon Gregg stated that should bid out the whole package. Will need to have employees there to show the community what to do, contractor will need to pick up where the community work finishes.
Jon asked about the rails. Board stated that the bids came in at $29,500.00 and they thought that was expensive. Rails needed to meet state standards for liability reasons.
Brad moved that the Board set up a committee to over see the covered bridge construction, Daryl seconded, so voted.
Blaine, Daryl, and Rocky volunteered from the Board. Howard Romero, Walter Pomroy, Mike Patch, David Crossman, Mary Sargent and Sharon Burns to be community members. Daryl West to be chairman of the committee. Board agreed on 2 days of work and a third day for celebrations. Louise von Weise stated that more barriers are needed at the bridge site. There are no signs. Willie stated that signs where put up.
Dean Manning here regarding the use of the road from Patch Road to Cummingham's property for ATV's. Road is not a class 4 road, it is a trail. Can the ATV's use it? Blaine stated that he is going to look into what a trail can be used for. Rocky stated that the trail goes to the State Recreation Dept. not to the landowners. Rocky stated that the Town has not maintained that bridge on the road and the Town must maintain bridge and culverts on class four roads.
Board opened up a bid from Hannah Smith to paint the fence for $500.00; which included all the supplies. Eric stated that he talked to Brian Stearns about the Boy Scouts painting the fence for community service. Board agreed on that the Boy Scout to paint the fence. Town will furnish all supplies.
Daryl stated that the fire department is putting in an alarm system for in the Village for a disaster. Would like to do a town mailing to all residents to explain what the alarm will be used for. Testing will be at noon on Saturdays. Cost for the mailing will be about $200.00. Rocky moved that the Town spend $100.00 on the mailing, Blaine seconded, so voted.
Rocky asked about what happened at the Board of Health Meeting. Eric stated that Bobby did what you requested. Has brought new septic tank. Bobby stated the he would leave the system open so you could inspect. Rocky stated that he has no plans or permit for the house. Design is for the trailer. Needs an engineer to design a system for the house. Rocky may make him dig up the whole system.
Board signed the 2001-2001 tax rate. Town .87, Statewide School Tax 1.18 School local share .77 for a total of $2.835
Brad moved to adjourn, Rocky seconded, so voted.
Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by