Members present: Eric Osgood, Brad Reed, Blaine Delisle, Franklin Hooper, Howard Romero, Selectmen, Duncan Hastings, Administrator, P. Stephen Smith, Road Foreman, Senator Susan Bartlett, Representative Mark Woodward, David & Lucy Marvin, Howard & Stacey Manosh, Jeff & Cheryl Barrows, Walter Pomroy, Dave Hardy, Green Mountain Club, Jonathan Wood, Bruce Butler, Ben Hogwood, Pike Industries Representative, Casey Romero, Arthur Hooper, Rosemary Audibert, Clerk.
Eric called meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Board viewed and signed orders.
Eric showed pictures of Rocky and Howard's homes that there flooded.
Brad moved to accept meeting minutes from May 20, 2002 and June 3, 2002, Howard seconded, so voted.
Steve stated that have repaired Scribner Bridge. Have taken a class in mine safety. Have repaired culvert on Nelson Dubu ball field. Replaced a 30 inch culvert on Plot Road and an 18 inch culvert on French Hill. All flood damage has been repaired except for pavement on Hogback Road.
Steve stated that Tom Wood has spoken to him about the Town taking over Wood Drive.
Blaine stated that he as spoken with Barry Cohoon and he suggested that could lower the intersection by the Scribner Bridge if flood mitigation money becomes available. Would like to use cement and make the road slop so that the water would flow.
Blaine stated that would like the town to purchase more land from Bert Nadeau. Town now has 4 ½ acres should have enough gravel for 10 years. There is 20 acres left and that would provide gravel for a long time in the future.
Howard asked about the Lamoille County Emergency Fund. Brad stated that it would stay at $25.00 this year. If you subscribe and need an ambulance you will not be charge after any insurance payments are made.
Duncan stated that he has revised the right of way permit (driveway). New permit includes the driveway permit and the road cut policy, both have the same application. Technically the selectboard has to inspect the driveway. Board can appoint the Road Commissioner or Road Foreman to make inspections.
Eric stated that the Board has a proclamation for the 160th Birthday of Johnson Woolen Mill. Eric read proclamation. July 2002 is Johnson Woolen Mill Month. Howard moved to accept proclamation, Brad seconded, so voted. There was a round of applause. Susan Bartlett read a joint resolution from the Senate and House of Representatives. Stacy Manosh and Jeff Barrows accepted the proclamation and resolution for Johnson Woolen Mills. Stacy stated that she appreciated this, and likes being a part of the business community in Johnson and hopes to carry on for another 160 years.
Paving Bids. Duncan stated that all bidders received a bid form and all bidders provided proof of insurance.
Dezotelle Paving $39.50 a ton
Pike Industries $37.89 a ton apparent low bidder
Blaine moved to accept bid from Pike Industries for $37.89 a ton, Brad seconded, so voted. Blaine signed contract.
Duncan stated that VLCT is preparing quotes for Disability and Life Insurance for possible benefits for employees.
Duncan stated that have received a letter from John Kneen owner of the property with the garbage on Route 15 and he supports the Board 100%. Asked to give the tenants time to clean up. Rocky to keep an eye on the property.
Duncan stated that VLCT insurance rates are not any higher than this year s insurance. Bill will be prorated this year. Legion Insurance policy for workers compensation ends 2-1-2003 and may be no longer is existence July 1, 2002. Insurance is paid though 8-1-2002. Duncan has talked with the State insurance and banking commission, there recommendation was to not pay the next installment and let them cancel the policy. They don t normal recommend this. The State Insurance Trust Fund would pay workers compensation claims. Banking & Insurance Commission believes that Legion will be declared insolvent. Blaine moved to accept bid from VLCT PACIF for insurance effective June 28, 2002 and workers compensation to beginning August 1, 2002 unless Legion is declared insolvent, Brad seconded, so voted. Eric signed insurance forms.
Duncan stated that he has checked into funding to repair the Scribner Bridge. Town has already received a $7500.00 grant to replace the roof. State said no to include replacing the beam with this project. Board stated that the time to replace the beam is when the roof is being repaired. Can asked the State to transfer the $3,500.00 grant application from the bridge and culvert program. Randy Reed replaced Jim Smith and he will look at the bridge. Eric moved to make an application to transfer the funds from the bridge & culvert grant application to the Scribner Bridge, Brad seconded, so voted. Duncan to do paperwork.
Casey stated that a student from Lamoille Union received a concussion when a skateboard was tossed. Skate committee is meeting tomorrow night to discuss discipline. Has been reported to town insurance.
Eric stated that the juvenile justice program would like to give Johnson a $3,000.00 grant. Need a committee to go forward with the ideas that came out of the study groups. Could have a shadow government, which would allow a teen to sit on the Selectboard with no voting powers, could sit on other committees and have voting rights. Casey stated that need to see if there is interest in a teen task force and to see the ideas of the kids to see what they want in Johnson. Would like to setup a tent at the bridge festival with the skate park to see is there is any interest and what topic the teens are interested in. Need to have permission to spend about $400.00 for a tent, etc. which will be paid out of the grant. Rocky moved to form a teen task force and to spend up to $400.00, which will be paid out of the juvenile justice grant of $3,000.00. Blaine seconded, so voted.
Arthur Hooper stated that he is concerned with the amount of trash at the skate park. Casey stated that trash is a problem, there are plenty trash of buckets at the park. One possible solution is that the park would be closed until the trash is picked up. There are 70 kids registered to use the park.
Dave Hardy from the Green Mountain Club stated that would like to place a bridge over the Lamoille River for the Long Trail hikers. Have submitted an Act 250 application, planning commission opposes this project and have hired an attorney. The Long Trail started about 80 years ago, and followed the road in the past, the volume of traffic has increase over the years. The Green Mountain Club thinks bridge is the best alternative unless you keep hikers on the road. Eric stated that typically the board doesn t get involved with planning commission issues. Board has not talked about this issue. Bruce stated that both the selectboard and planning commission are parties to Act 250 applications. Have had two public hearings on this and spent 4 months looking at the bridge proposal. Bridge is not incompliance with the Town Plan under the scenic area. Have hired David Williams to represent the Board. Planning Commission has concerns about traffic and parking. Dave stated that he wanted to know the Town's position is. Eric stated that the Planning Commission knows the Town Plan and would yield to the decision of the planning commission. Brad agreed with Eric the planning commission created the town plan. David Marvin stated that it is a good idea to get the hikers off the road; people need a chance to express their opinions, would like to see another public hearing. Bruce stated that he would talk with Greg and get this on the planning commission agenda. Walter stated that the bridge is not in the natural scenic area and not in violation of the town plan. Bruce stated that the scenic area starts about at the camp ground site and goes about 2 miles east of Warner's, bridge is in the middle of it so it does not conform with the town plan. The Act 250 process gives the planning commission a chance to voice their opinion on the 10 criteria. Have a safety hazard in that spot during the hot days of summer. There is no public parking along the Hogback. Planning Commission believes the look of the bridge will change that area. Board reviewed a picture of the bridge. Eric asked would a flood take the bridge out. Jonathan Wood stated that a flood would take would the bridge. The latest flood would have being about 10 feet over the bridge. Eric encouraged Green Mountain Club to work with the Planning Commission. Dave stated that need to see a reasonable alternative from the Planning Commission. Green Mountain Club feels this is the best solution.
Brad stated that the ambulance sub committee is looking at creating a new ambulance service with at least three towns. Need to get approval from the State, need at least a 60 day notice. Ambulance service needs a license. The district office is sending an application. Need to have this done by end of November to have ready for Selectboards. Eric stated that would like to have information in July. Brad thought there were enough EMT's in the area to work on the ambulance service. Duncan stated that other communities are having problems with staffing. Paul McGinley from Morristown is having a hard time filling the time slots. Brad (changed to Eric) stated that Ken Harvey has talked with Morristown and they cannot take on Johnson or Hyde Park.
Duncan stated that working on the Better Back Road Grant request on the Wilson Road. Steve stated that they are going to inspection the project the second week in July.
Duncan stated that have received a grant for $3,300 from the Better Back Roads Program this year to be used toward inventory of the roads.
Duncan stated that have a note from the Forester stating that the plan on the Gomo lot should be ready in a few weeks.
Duncan stated that have a request from Sharon Burns to purchase another flag plaque. Eric stated that he thought the $25.00 was going to keep the flag program going. Didn't expect to get reimburse for the money spent on the flags. Rosemary stated that have sold about $1600.00 in flags and have spent about $1700.00 on flags, poles, brackets, and plaque. Blaine stated that would like to see a plan on the beautification needs of the Town to be presented to the Board. Plaque to come out of beautification budget item.
Duncan stated that have request from Lamoille County Field Days for a noise waiver for July 26-28, 2002 from 7 a.m. to midnight each day and from Lamoille Family Center for Tail Wag on July 13, 2002 at the Lamoille County Field Days site from noon to 9 p.m. Howard moved to approve noise ordinance waiver for Lamoille County Field Days and Lamoille Family Center, Blaine seconded, so voted.
Duncan stated that Ed Buttoph would like the town to take over the development road off of Lendway Lane. Approximately 3400 feet of road that would loop around. Minutes for when the ordinance was amended states that any road that comes off an existing paved road needs to be paved, the ordinance does not state that. Blaine stated why should the town have to pave a development road in the future. Blaine stated that he wrote the amendment to the ordinance and intended that any new development road would have to be paved. Road needs to meet class three standards, needs a turn around area and needs to go though one mud season. Duncan suggested that should add filter fabric to wet areas to the policy. Rocky stated that the road should be design by an engineer, needs to be at least 20 feet of travel lane and at least 2 feet of shoulder. Howard moved not to grant a waiver from the development road policy for the Buttoph development road, Blaine seconded, so voted.
Board reviewed new driveway application form. Driveways must be a minimum of 30 feet for fire trucks. Also states that the Town is not responsible for items that are in the town right of way. To add that approval for driveway application can be made by the road commissioner or the road foreman. Howard moved to approve driveway application with the following change of approval from road commissioner or road foreman. Brad seconded, so voted.
Duncan stated that have received a stream alternation permit for the Pearl Street Bridge project.
Duncan to forward AOT Enhancement Grant application to the main street committee.
Duncan stated that the flooding damage total is $14,600.00 for Scribner Bridge, French Hill and Hogback Road, which is not enough for State assistance. Needs to be more than 10% of the highway budget less winter roads, have to include state highway money.
Duncan stated Dick Lemay would like to make the dog ordinance clearer that when a dog is off the owner s property dogs needs to be in a leash. Eric stated that have a problem within the village dogs are running loose. Board stated that the ordinance is clear enough.
Duncan stated that Ken Sweetser resigned as Flood Zoning Administrator. Blaine moved to appoint Howard Romero as interim flood zoning administrator. Brad seconded, so voted. Howard abstained from voting.
Board to discuss personal policy at their next meeting.
Board entered executive session at 9:45 p.m. to discuss personnel issues. Board came out of executive session at 10:20 p.m.
Rocky moved to pay Chris Perkins $11.50 per hour retro active to hire date. Brad seconded, so voted.
Howard moved to give all Town employees a 6% pay increase, Rocky seconded, so voted.
Blaine and Eric stated that Steve and Chris have done an excellent job.
Brad stated that need to put an ad in the paper for painting the former talc mill office building and handicap ramp. Rosemary stated that the fence needs to be painted. Would like to have bids for latex and oil based paints.
Howard stated that the ends on the Power House Bridge did not have to be done to be the roof. That should have been left for the community to do. Contractor could have done the roof in a different way. Contractor left a few sideboards for the community to do. Cannot have people hanging over the bridge to put the sideboards on. Board stated to have Blow and Cote finish the bridge. Board stated that Blow and Cote have done a good job on the bridge.
Steve stated that would like to redo the stop sign on French Hill to a yield sign. Eric stated that would have to amend the stop sign ordinance.
Brad stated that would like to nominate Sharon Burns for the Citizenship Award and Gordon Davis for the Life Time Achievement Award.
Board to have two meeting per month one the First and Third Mondays of each month.
Meeting adjourned at 10:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by