Members present: Brad Reed, Daryl West, Blaine Delisle, Franklin Hooper, Selectmen; William Jewett, Road Foreman, Gordie Smith, Stuart Rowe, Village Trustees, Jack McNally; Michael Patch; Louse Cross; Robert Selby; Kenneth Brier; David Crossman; Mark Woodward; Doug Molde, Bruce Butler, Joe Salerno, Planning Commission, Michelle Broomhower, Rob Nesbitt, Lamoille County Planning Commission; Rosemary Audibert, Clerk.

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

Board viewed and signed orders.

Brad moved to accept last month meeting minutes dated February 19, 2001, Daryl seconded, so voted.

Willey stated that the town crew is pushing back the snow banks now. Roads are not breaking up yet. Jim Smith has stated that the Town should submit a grant application for state aid for the clean up, inspection, and guardrails for the Power House Bridge for temporary use. JB McKinley from the State is working on getting funding for the project. May take up to three years before funding is available. Rocky stated that Mark Woodward and Susan Bartlett are also working on getting money available. The bridge falling in was a combination of snow load and old and rotted rafters. Sidewalls were attached to the floor in two places on each side. Daryl stated that would like to see the covered bridge replaced as long as there is no impact on taxes. Mark stated that need to know what the total cost is going to be before the state can authorize funding. There was no insurance on the bridge. Blaine has written a letter to Senator Jeffords asking for funds from the emergency bridge fund. Under Senator Jeffords covered bridge program the town’s share would be 5% of the total project. Blaine stated that he and Willie are working on the bridge project. Town doesn’t have a lot of say in the design because the money is coming from the State and Federal governments. Would like to see something that was close to the original bridge. Deck ends need to be inspected and need specs on the guardrails from the State before the bridge can be opened up to traffic.

Blaine stated that the truck has been on hold since town meeting. Will be getting bids next month, cannot buy the truck until July 2001. Mike Patch stated that he would like to see the Town buy a tandem truck. Mike stated that he is going to write an article for the newspaper on the reasons why the Town should purchase a tandem truck. Mike stated that at Town Meeting the voters voted on that the Town should research the Municipal Loan Fund, which would have no impact on taxes, amount would be fixed each year, no spikes in the tax rate, Town would create a capital equipment fund of $40,000.00 each year. First year would pay $25,000.00 on the truck with taxes and place $15,000.00 in the capital equipment fund, than the next three years loan payments would be $18,000.00 plus 2% interest. If two municipalities went together on buying the truck like the Town and Village the interest rate would be 0%. This plan would be a structured system. Tandem truck carries twice the material and has fewer repairs. Have one of the road crew go to Hyde Park and ride with a driver for part of a day. A tandem can turn around in 57 feet. Less than $15,000.00 to $16,000.00 differences in prices in the two trucks chassis to chassis. Tandems don’t break up the road as much as a single axle truck does, carries twice the amount of material, grader won’t be setting around waiting for a load of gravel. Cost of the wing, plow and sander should be about the same for either truck. Fuel cost would be about the same; insurance should be less, less wear and tear on the roads, hauls more that 12 yards of material. Will take less time to do the same job. Blaine stated that he would rather the town make interest instead of paying interest out. Would like to see the town put in $55,000.00 per year into the capital equipment fund, which should be enough to trade major pieces of equipment every twelve years. Blaine stated that the board felt the single axle truck is the way Johnson should go. Rocky stated that he wasn’t in favor of this from the beginning. Willey stated that Hyde Park trips are 5 times as long as Johnson. Hyde Park's longest round trip is 42 miles, Johnson longest round trip is 10 miles which is to Ober Hill, which takes two trips, and a tandem truck would still would take two trips. Blaine stated that next summer will arrange with Ken Harvey to trade work so the guys can see now a tandem works. Have until June 2002 to order a truck. Blaine stated that there are advantages and disadvantages to both trucks. Daryl stated the Town is not in the business of hauling material, need to have a truck that can do multiple tasks, there is no advantage when it comes to plowing. Louise Cross asked is there any written information available on the Municipal Loan Fund. Board stated that they haven’t check on that yet.

Michele Broomhower and Rob Nesbitt here regarding the regional plan. Michele stated that the regional plan needs to be updated every five years. Going to each town in Lamoille County to do a regional plan update. Plan looks at growth in the county and towns, impacts what substantial development would have on the county. Plan looks at the whole big picture, social, economics, and housing. 1. Rural areas, natural, forestry, protection of a habitat area, guidelines for growth in certain areas. 2. Compact settlements (villages). 3. Scattered areas, housing between village and natural forest. Plan is for responsible growth.

Rob went through the community Profile for Johnson, which includes, Population, Housing, Economics, Land Use and Patterns. Copy is attached to minutes. There will two public hearings before the plan can be adopted. Information from the census 2000 will not be available in time to use in the plan. Town of Johnson adopted a new plan last year and the village plan should be completed soon. Johnson has one of the highest tax rates in the county. Blaine stated that Johnson is a residential community; many people work in the Burlington area. Cambridge and Stowe have the ski areas and Morrisville has industry. Johnson is in a valley, which has a lot of flood plain, were to put industry? Daryl stated that LCDC has stated that it would be hard for Johnson to start an industrial park because Morrisville and Cambridge parks are not full. Johnson could start to look for land that could be set aside for industry in the future. Johnson has lower income housing and the people work in different communities. Doug stated that Johnson has one of the higher income jobs levels, but the people do not live in Johnson. Bruce stated that Johnson needs better infrastructure, main roads go from east to west not north to south, lost 3 phase power when the talc mill closed, JSC property is a valuable piece of property. Casey stated that the elementary school has 3-phase power. Mark stated that the college is the largest taxpayer is Johnson; last year paid $83,000.00 in Johnson. Bruce stated that could receive more taxes if there were some kind of industry there. Johnson has clean industry like Vt. Electric Co-op, Parker & Stearns, Manchester Lumber, etc. Michele stated that would like to have the board think about a vision for the community and would like to continue communicating with the boards. Michele explained the process that the regional plan has on Act 250 applications. Board is party to 250 applications, applications need to meet 10 criteria, and plan is only one issue.

Question was asked about a time line for the administrative assistant position. Board stated that Eric will work on this after the village annual meeting. It was stated that the administrative assistant would look into the municipal loan fund. Rocky stated that if the Village doesn’t approve the administrative assistant position, the town could look into going in with other towns.

Brad stated that the town should write a letter to Senator Jeffords and Senator Leahy asking for money to replace the covered bridge. Mark stated that Senator Jeffords would need to get the money released from the federal transportation program. Question was asked about a time line for the Pearl Street Bridge construction. Construction could start in 2002. Can the two bridges be in construction during the same time? Board stated that Pearl Street Bridge would have a two lane temporary bridge. Mark to talk with the Governor to see if can get design for this summer. Bruce asked about the design for the bridge. Board stated that the design should be about the same. Bruce asked about expanding the bridge to two lanes if possible. Board stated that could be too costly.

Casey stated that would like to have the selectmen write a letter to the Senators Jeffords and Leahy regarding the Bush tax cut need to put more money into special education funding, and not pass the costs onto the State level. Casey to draft a letter.

Ken Brier stated that he was not notified that he was not appointed constable. Board stated that appoints are from Town meeting to Town meeting. Rocky stated that he has had a complaint about a dog that was taken to the pound, which was beaten, and that was verified by a veterinarian. Driving on people’s property to try and catch dogs. Blaine read letter from veterinarian. Ken stated that he has not beaten any dogs. Rocky stated that he has talked to the State veterinarian and will take this to the States Attorney. Ken stated that Domina beat their dogs. Selectboard members are telling people that the tickets issued where illegal. Gets calls 1, 2 3 o’clock in the morning about dogs barking and doesn’t complain, Ken stated that he would like to continue to be constable. Ken stated that he would press charges for harassment if a certain board member calls him again. Ken stated that he wraps the dogs in blankets and gives them bogs biscuits to get the dogs in the truck. Ken stated that he has done to court and dropped tickets, because the court will not take certified statements from people. Did not get paid for going to court. Blaine stated that you do need to work with the Board members. Casey stated that this should be discussed in executive session. Ken stated that he would bring back the cage, pole and radio. Brad stated that should hold off until Eric gets back to set a meeting.

Board signed liquor licenses for Bradley’s General Store and B&B Groceries.

Received a letter from the Lamoille Valley Recreation Committee asking for support for the rail to trail. Blaine stated that a trail would benefit Johnson more than a railroad. Rocky moved to send a letter of support for the rail to trail, Brad seconded, so voted. Daryl to write letter.

Blaine stated that it make no difference to him what the town purchases for a dump truck. Have until June 2002 to purchase the truck. Could use a tandem in the summer to haul sand and park the truck in the winter. Could use the old truck in the winter for plowing. Would have to adjust the body to haul snow. Rocky stated that is only 4 screws. Rocky asked about state auction or selling the truck locally, if went to auction would have to pay the auctioneer 10%.

Daryl moved to adjourn, Brad seconded, so voted.

Meeting adjourned to 9:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by

Rosemary Audibert, Clerk