RICHFORD ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT CORPORATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS



MARCH 23, 2006

President L. Jane Greenwood called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 PM with Directors Hank Albarelli, Connie Burns, Kim Collins, Tim Green, Lyle Hurtubise and Gary Snider present. Also present were staff Laura Ovitt and guest Mary Mankin.

Mary Mankin introduced herself as a Richford resident who is taking a graduate class in Community Economic Development at UVM. She needs to attend civic board meetings as part of her classwork. Mary is also Richford’s Town Service Officer and volunteers for the Library.

Motion made by Kim Collins, seconded by Connie Burns, to approve the minutes of the February 23 regular meeting and the March 9 special meeting. The motion carried.

Motion made by Connie Burns, seconded by Kim Collins, to approve the expenses due in March. Laura explained that she has submitted reimbursement requests for the Rail Trail project and for the Wheeler Block to cover those expenses. The motion carried.

Jane Greenwood advised that an extension has been requested on the Wheeler Block grant; and, Laura said she received an email stating the extension will be approved and a formal letter sent late this week or early next week.
Jane advised that three Directors attended the March 20 Selectboard meeting to discuss the Town’s mortgage on the property. That Board wants to see at least the principal of the mortgage paid, and suggested REAC request an extension on the Gadbois mortgage if necessary.
Connie Burns suggested that REAC consider working with the Selectboard to develop the property as a town building, saying the town desperately needs a Community Center. The status of the current teen center was discussed. Laura explained that CDBG grant funds can be used as a match for the current grant.
Connie discussed projects that other communities have accomplished, and agreed to bring samples of some of those to the next meeting.
A memo from Tammy Ryea regarding the building and the grant was discussed. Tammy said she has serious concerns about the ramifications from the grantors if REAC cannot meet the mortgages, and feels she has been ignored and her questions have not been addressed.
Jane directed Laura to respond in writing to Tammy telling her the memo was received, shared, and discussed.
Jane further directed Laura to work with realtor Michael Messier to contact Richard Gadbois about the possibility of an extension on his mortgage, if necessary, and if so what terms would he be willing to accept.


REAC Board of Directors
Meeting Minutes
March 23, 2006

Laura reported that Connor Construction was the successful bidder on the Main Street Mill project.

Tim Green reported that he feels he is “running in mud” on the Business Association project. He has contacted more businesses, which are now asking “what’s in it for me?” Several suggestions were offered, including starting with a small group as an example to other business people, asking Sandy Ferland of the Enosburg Business Association to attend a meeting, possibly joining with the Enosburg group, and asking the St. Albans and/or State Chamber of Commerce to host a “mixer” in Richford. Tim said he would contact Ms. Ferland.

The Board discussed several properties on the east side of Main Street, and how the condition and appearance could be improved. 

The Richford History Book project was discussed. The Directors read a letter from Historical Society President Linda Collins, which stated the Society intends to reprint the book on their own without REAC involvement.

The Directors again discussed the need for fund raising projects, but did not settle on a definite plan.

Jane Greenwood advised the Directors she has sold her house and will be moving to the state of Georgia. This is her last meeting. She has contacted Co-Vice President Wallace Steinhour, who has stated he is willing to preside until the annual meeting in October. Motion made by Kim Collins, seconded by Gary Snider, to name Wally as acting President. The motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted,


Laura Ovitt, Office Manager

NEXT REGULAR MEETING: THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2006 AT 7:00 PM IN THE TOWN HALL CONFERENCE ROOM.


MARCH 9, 2006

President L. Jane Greenwood called the special meeting to order at 4:00 PM with Directors Hank Albarelli, Connie Burns, Kim Collins, Wendell Fortier, Lyle Hurtubise, Tammy Ryea and Gary Snider present. Also present were member Michael Messier (realtor) and staff Laura Ovitt. Director Albert Perry joined the meeting at 4:15 PM.

Jane stated the purpose of the meeting was to consider an offer to purchase the Wheeler Block building. 

Motion made by Connie Burns, seconded by Kim Collins, to enter Executive Session at 4:02 PM to discuss a real estate purchase option. The motion carried, with Hank Albarelli voting no.

Motion made by Kim Collins, seconded by Connie Burns, to leave Executive Session at 5:16 PM. The motion carried, with Tammy Ryea voting no.

As a result of Executive Session:
Motion made by Connie Burns, seconded by Wendell Fortier, to secure the signature of a Selectboard member rejecting the purchase and sales agreement offered by Vermont Peak Properties, on the advise of our real estate agent. The motion carried unanimously. Jane Greenwood also signed the agreement, rejecting the offer.

Motion made by Albert Perry, seconded by Hank Albarelli, that REAC will consult with our realtor, obtain Selectboard approval, and present a counter-offer by March 28, 2006.

Motion made by Connie Burns, seconded by Kim Collins, to amend the above motion by adding that in the meantime, request our realtor to contact John Cote (Vermont Peak Properties realtor) and state that REAC is willing to accept a second proposal and to advise Mr. Cote that REAC is working on a counter offer. The amendment carried unanimously.

The amended motion carried unanimously.

Motion made by Albert Perry to adjourn at 5:39 PM.

Respectfully submitted,


Laura Ovitt
Office Manager



FEBRUARY 23, 2006

President L. Jane Greenwood called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 PM with Directors Hank Albarelli, Connie Burns, Wendell Fortier, Tim Green and Tammy Ryea present. Also present were staff Laura Ovitt, Gail Henderson-King of Lamoureux and Dickinson Consulting Engineers, and new Richford resident Suzanne Kincheloe.

Jane welcomed Suzanne, who introduced herself saying she has recently moved here from Maryland.

Jane turned the meeting over to Gail Henderson-King to discuss the Rail Trail Extension Feasibility Study. Gail reviewed past work for the benefit of new members, and explained L&D is now preparing a comprehensive report that will be necessary for applications for implementation funding. She was advised that Richford now has Village Center Designation, and that the Northern Forest Canoe Trail includes the Missisquoi River through Richford. Gail will be sent information on both. Gail said the draft is nearly finished. She needs a couple of letters, and said the Army Corps of Engineers sign-off on wetlands issues is the only remaining obstacle. Gail said the bridge is a major piece of the project because it must be a clear-span 300’ structure. She said cost estimates in 2002 were about $500,000 for the bridge, and $1.8 million for the path. Because these projects are so expensive they are usually done in phases. L&D has suggested Phase I include from Missisquoi Park to Eastern Ave. (including the bridge and terminating near the High School); Phase II extend from Eastern Ave. to the old Depot on Province St.; and, Phase III complete the trail.
Maintenance of the trail was discussed and several ideas presented, including local sponsorship. Gail reviewed potential funding sources. 
Gail said she will provide a draft report for review early in March, after which a date will be set to warn a public meeting. Property owners will be individually notified of the meeting. Jane thanked Gail for her presentation; Gail left at 8:10. (Tammy Ryea had left at 8:00 PM).

Jane advised the Board that Kim Collins has had surgery recently.

Motion made by Connie Burns, seconded by Wendell Fortier, to approve the minutes of the Jan. 26 regular meeting and the Feb. 17 special meeting as presented. The motion carried.

Motion made by Connie Burns, seconded by Tim Green, to accept the expenses due with the understanding that checks will be issued after reimbursements have been received. The motion carried.

REAC Directors Minutes
February 23, 2006
Page 2

Jane explained the Wheeler Block Grant from the National Park Service is due to terminate March 31, 2006. Motion made by Connie Burns, seconded by Wendell Fortier, to request an extension through March 31, 2007. The motion carried.
Jane provided copies of the letter to the Selectboard requesting a special meeting to discuss the purchase offer from VT Peak Properties. She reported the Selectboard will meet at 7:00 PM on March 6, just prior to Town Meeting.
Jane reported the first mortgage on the building is currently $51,266; the total of $53,000 will be due in October. The Town’s second mortgage is currently $65,088, with interest accumulating at $276.25 per month.

Tim Green reported that he and Tammy Ryea are working on a possible Business Association. Tammy has spoken with Sandy Ferland (Enosburg Business Assoc.) and has had positive feed back. Tim has talked with local business people and has also had positive feedback. Tim will contact Joss Besse at the Vermont Downtown Program (Laura will provide contact information). Connie suggested contacting the St. Albans Chamber of Commerce, which Tim thought was a good idea.

Hank Albarelli discussed reported on efforts to reprint the Salisbury history book. He said the type was hand-set, and the printer has the photo plates and is not willing to return them. He needs a copy of the contract between the Historical Society and the printer. He said the project may take a while and may require legal action.

The Board discussed various fund-raising ideas, recognizing that REAC desperately needs a source of income.

The meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted,


Laura Ovitt
Office Manager

NEXT REGULAR MEETING: THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2006 AT 7:00 PM AT THE TOWN HALL.



JANUARY 12, 2006


President L. Jane Greenwood called the special meeting to order at 4:00 PM with directors Hank Albarelli, Tammy Ryea and Gary Snider present. Also present were Laura Ovitt and Nan Tomlinson.

The purpose of the special meeting was to revisit the 2010 report and to discuss revitalization ideas. Several initiatives were discussed, including an e-mail memo from Albert Perry.

As a result of the meeting, the Directors determined the following actions will be taken prior to the regular meeting on January 26:

• Jane will draft a letter to Richford business people inviting them to a meeting, organized by REAC, to discuss formation of a Business Association.
• Jane will contact Sandy Ferland of the Enosburg Business Association to ask that she speak at the above referenced meeting.
• REAC’s list of Richford businesses will be updated.
• A letter to the owners of several properties on the east side of Main Street will be drafted for review at the regular meeting.
• Gary Snider will prepare a list of the above property owners.
• A letter to Linda Collins, president of the Richford Historical Society, will be prepared discussing reprinting the Richford history book.
• Jane will prepare a letter to the Selectboard, to be presented to them by Gary Snider, regarding keeping the Border Patrol in Richford.

Jane thanked Laura for preparing REAC’s article for the Town report.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,


Laura Ovitt
Office Manager



2004 & 2005 Minutes