Approved:September 8, 2010

Present: Paul Saenger, Bob Warren, Karen Sheckett, Steve Goodrich ; Amy Douglas, Barb Kivlin

Absent: Marthe Fisher

Guests: Don Dame, Phil Witteman, George Gross, Allan Karnatz, Nick Causton, Jim Murphy, Chris Murphy

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

Agenda:

• (1) Public Concerns—
     • Don and Phil came to register their disapproval and dismay at the implementation of a correction to the parking issue on Inn Road. They felt a “gentlemen's agreement” had been reached regarding what they felt was an appropriate solution and that this agreement was breached. The Board recalled no such agreement—they had taken in Don and Phil's complaints about the public parking encroaching on the grass of the median between Inn Road and Main Street, and discussed several alternatives, including addressing both parallel and angled parking. The Board agreed the existing solution was not elegant, but it does provide an immediate remedy to the safety issue of a too-narrow passage in front of the Inn when members of the public park along the road side. They also pointed out that the Inn does indeed have its own parking for guests and that it is largely locals who park on Inn Road. Banning parking on the road would be a hardship to residents wishing to go to the pub or restaurant and would negatively impact the Inn's business, and—ultimately—the business-friendly image of the town.
  
  The Board explained that the solution that had been implemented addressed the fire and rescue vehicle access and safety issues which were a primary concern. By graveling and adding the barriers, cars are able to park without making a muddy mess of the green median, and sufficient room is maintained on Inn Road for passage of fire and rescue vehicles. Placement of barriers parallel to the grassy edge would have done nothing to address the emergency vehicle safety issue Additionally, the cost was minimal, a significant factor, there being no slack in the road budget to provide anything more costly. The current solution is not necessarily permanent as the materials are removable when a more permanent, long-term solution is devised.
     • Vermont Land Trust —Allan Karnatz approached the Board regarding the issue of the transfer of land rights from two parcels in town to the VLT. He had sent a letter in May requesting Board support but has not heard back. He recently heard from the Planning Commission on the same issue and received acknowledgment of their support. The parcels involved are owned by Kiley Quesnelle and by Henry Lawton. The Board agreed to address the Letter of support under Other Business.
  
  Karnatz also mentioned the possibility of setting up an informal meeting in the fall in conjunction with the Planning Commission to discuss land rights transfers, impact on towns, and related issues (particularly: how much conserved land is enough?). The Board agreed this is a pertinent and timely issue and gave their support for such a meeting. They suggested Allan pursue the idea with Glenn Symon, PC Chair.    • 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.
     • Property Assessed Clean Energy—George presented a request to the Selectboard that they sign a letter of intent that will allow him and his Energy Task Force to obtain resources that they could then use to educate town residents as to the virtues of joining PACE (Basically: a program which creates a special assessment district in the town, funded through bonds or other appropriate financing mechanisms. The participating property owner accesses funding for eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and then pays back the cost as a regular municipal assessment on their property tax bill over 15 to 20 years.). Paul expressed concern that the town would have a lien on a resident's property, subordinating the rights of the first lien-holder—typically a bank. Karen concurred that now might not be the best time for the town to become involved in another extensive “project,” particularly one that might put the town in a bind financially; also, how much bonding can we afford? There is the possibility that bonding may come up for other projects already in motion. She felt much more information was needed before the town should actually sign up with the program. George insisted that this letter of support/intent will not bind the town to anything other than making materials available to his group and by not signing, the Board was limiting his efforts to pursue energy programs. The Board added this to Other Business.
  
  Town Office—George sent several questions to Ralph Nimtz, after speaking with him on the phone. Ralph returned answers which George is plugging into his analysis of the plan models..
• (2) Minutes—Steve MOVED, Bob SECONDED, to accept the Minutes of August 11th. Motion passed.
• (3) Roads—[Steve] Grading and graveling continue, as weather permits.
• (4) Buildings—[Karen] Firehouse lights need replacing; also, signs are needed to keep cars parked away from the bay doors. People seem to not consider that by parking in front of the doors, there is an issue should the trucks need to roll for an emergency.
• (5) Emergency Management: [Robin] Barb, Marthe, and Robin took the Vermont Emergency Management’s “DisasterLAN” training on August 18. There is an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) training being developed for the fall. Robin noted that she has set up, in conjunction with Middlebury College's Emergency Rescue Team, a DHART airlift operations course for October 30 at the College.
• (6) New Town Office—The wording for the ballot question needs to be finalized.
• (7) Constable Insurance—Barb will look into this.
• (8) Town Plan—Board needs to review thoroughly for the Hearing. It will be on the agenda for the next meeting.
• (9) Selectboard Orders—reviewed and signed.
  
• (10) Other Business—
•       • RL Vallee—The ZBA approved the proposed plan, with changes, at the meeting on August 19. The plan calls for paving and parking for semi's along the east boundary, removing the unofficial park and ride area; added parking on the south for cars; improved access to the store doors. Several other site enhancements will be made. The addition of the McDermott terminal should create a few new jobs for the town.the Porta-Potty, to be located on the Green not by the tennis courts.
        • VLT—Steve MOVED, Bob SECONDED, that the Board sign the letter of support for the transfer of property rights on the two parcels requesting same (see above). Motion passed.
        • PACE—Steve MOVED, Bob SECONDED, that the Board sign the letter of interest given to them by George, with the addition of a statement that the signing of the letter was not to be construed in any way as a commitment by the town to become actively involved in the program. Amy to retype and Bob to sign in Paul's absence, as Vice-Chair. Motion passed.
        • Marshall & Swift Contract—Steve MOVED, Bob SECONDED, that the Board sign the annual cost table contract with Marshall & Swift. Motion passed.Paul signed.
        • Newsletter—Discussion of article on CrimeWatch meeting (very well-attended, 60-plus townspeople. Discussions were a bit heated at times, but Lt Genova and SA Fenster were very clear and repeated numerous times that reports of incidents—however insignificant they seem—are critical to building a case against the person/persons brought up on charges. They strongly urged everyone to call 911 or the barracks directly to report any suspicious activities or persons. They also were adamant about what actions can or cannot be taken by residents. Robin advised the Board that the forums they'd asked to have on the website were, in fact, in place. They are “right out of the box” so are subject to any tweaks/additions/changes that are wanted. Newsletter will be out before the Festival.

Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 9:22 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Robin Conway
Minute Taker