Approved:June 9, 2010

Present: Paul Saenger, Bob Warren, Steve Goodrich, Marthe Fisher; Amy Douglas, Barb Kivlin

Absent: Karen Shackett

Guests: Sue MacIntire, Molly Francis, Ann Cousins, Paul Bruhn, Phil Kivlin, Don Dame, Jeremiah Parker,
            Phil Whitman

Call to order: Bob called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m.

Agenda:

• (1) Public Concerns—
     • Molly: the Platt Library will pursue the Energy Grant that was awarded to, and can be transferred from, Newton Academy. An energy audit has been conducted by Jeremiah.
     • Phil W.: He is present to register his concern over the gravel parking area that is creeping into the small Green in front of the Inn. He would prefer to see no business parking allowed on public land, that businesses have their own parking “lots” instead, but would compromise on a change to parallel parking rather than tail-out parking. Molly indicated that the Inn is open to all ideas; that parking, when it infringes on emergency vehicle passage, is a great concern to all the people on Inn Road. The possibility of making Inn Road a one-way street was mentioned.
     • Newton Academy Village Revitalization Grant—Ann Cousins and Paul Bruhn— Ann clarified the purpose of the $100,000 grant awarded to Newton Academy prior to its burning. The purpose of the grant—a “Village Revitalization” grant—was function-based rather than style-based, ie. the award was to serve a community function (which happened, in this case, to coincide with restoration of an historical building) not specifically for a restorative project., though that also is part of it As such, the funding might be permitted to remain in the town as long as its use fulfills the functional aspect of the grant purpose. She and Paul B. suggested that about $5,000 of the Award could be used to fund a feasibility study focused on a new building. If the Newton Academy replica put forth by the “town hall committee” is the building of choice, the remaining $95,000 could be forthcoming to use for construction. If the chosen building is the one-story Town Office. The $5,000 spent on the feasibility study need not be repaid, but the remaining $95,000 of the grant not likely to be awarded.
       Jeremiah—queried placement of the one-story building on the former Newton Academy site—would that suffice to meet grant requirements? Paul B felt that was stretching the scope a bit too much, that although it is not strictly style-based, there is nonetheless an historic style component that a one-story building would not meet, thus negating the grant's intent.
       Barb is concerned that the federal portion of the grant's funding might count toward the $500,000 federal audit trigger when that portion is added to other federal monies we receive for roads/other projects. Ann not sure, nor Paul. They will look into the question.
     • Regarding a vote, the Board noted that they plan to keep the question simple, basically a “Yes/No” question, as adding other options tend to muddy the issue. Ann and Paul indicated that North Hero found that to be true when they presented a 3-part question to their voters. No one was happy, the results of the vote were totally unclear.
     • Costing out—Paul Bruhn felt that the Board's decision to have costing out done by one person was a sound decision—should enable an even-footing comparison. The Board indicated that their choice was Ralph Nimtz; Sue MacIntire suggested she would call him the next day and tell him what her group was looking for. After a short discussion it was decided that Paul Saenger would make the call so that there was just one point-of-contact rather than Nimtz having “multiple masters.
• (2) Minutes—Steve MOVED, Bob SECONDED, to accept the Minutes of May 12th with clarifications as noted. Motion passed.
• (3) Roads—[Steve] Nothing new, normal maintenance continues.
• (4) Buildings— The Historical Society has applied for a Cerf Grant in order to fund the grading at the stone school house to bring access up to ADA standards.
• (5) Emergency Management: [Robin] No Report; reminder of the June 8 meeting in Bridport
• (6) Selectboard Orders—reviewed and signed.
  
• (7) Other Business—
•       • the Porta-Potty, to be located on the Green not by the tennis courts.
        • Steve MOVED, Marthe SECONDED, that the Board sign the Promissory Note and Security Agreement for the Vermont Municipal Equipment Loan Fund. Motion passed.
        • Steve MOVED, Marthe SECONDED, that the overnight impoundment fee Motion passed May 12 be amended to be a $25-per dog, per night fee. Motion passed.
• (8) Executive Session—At 9:15 pm, Steve MOVED, Marthe SECONDED, to move into Executive Session for personnel issues; motion passed.
        At 9:40 pm, Marthe MOVED, Bob SECONDED, to come out of Executive Session; motion passed.

Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Robin Conway
Minute Taker