Richford VT

SELECTBOARD MEETING
RICHFORD, VERMONT

December 1, 2008

Chair Eric Collins called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 PM with members Linda Collins, Mary Mankin, and Norris Tillotson present. Also present were Laura Ovitt, Marion Paul, Joanne Daigneault, Carolyn Gendron, Alfred Gendron, Joshua Aldrich, Susan Smolinski, and Jeanne Backhaus. Charles Hotchkin joined the meeting at 8:10 PM.

Carolyn Gendron discussed her mother’s current water bill, which is billed at a commercial rate because there is a business in one half of the building. Carolyn said the water department needs to pay for an additional meter. Mary Mankin said the property owner needs to pay for an additional meter if they choose to have one, and the water department needs to install the meter.
Carolyn said she owns two properties in the special services district, and has a business in the town. She asked if she could take the trash from the two “village” properties to dispose of with her business trash. The board will research the ordinance and respond.
Carolyn said there are two properties on Willow Street with a great deal of trash outside. She said a Troy Street property also has a lot of trash.

Library Director Susan Smolinski and Library Trustee Jeanne Backhaus presented the 2009 budget request for the A.A. Brown Public Library. They are requesting that the town appropriation be level funded.

Joanne Daigneault discussed the Smith Road culvert, saying placing crushed stone had been discussed as a possible solution. The road commissioner needs to get back to her. Mary Mankin and Norris Tillotson will visit the site.
Joanne said she needed copies minutes of the Selectboard meetings she has attended. Mary Mankin said the Secretary of State has determined the minutes are Selectboard records, not the town clerk’s, and that the Selectboard determines the rates for research and copies. Laura will email the minutes to Joanne when Joanne provides the dates.

Marion Paul advised the Planning Commission should have draft zoning bylaws in January.

Charles Hotchkin advised he wants to build a hydro-plant on his property, and never intended to impact property belonging to anyone else. Board members will visit the site.

Motion made by Linda Collins, seconded by Norris Tillotson, to approve the minutes of the November 17 meeting. The motion carried.

Norris Tillotson reported the highway crew is busy splitting wood, and has more than 100 cord.
Norris reported the fountain has been covered for winter. It will need to be cleaned and painted in the spring.
The traffic light at Main-River Streets needs a new solenoid. He will have Maurice Legault look at it.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes
December 1, 2008
Page 2

Three outlets in Memorial Park are not working. Norris will look at them on Wednesday. The park needs to be rewired next year. Laura was directed to call Gene’s Electric and tell them not to come to make repairs at this time.
Norris suggested that the town mow Davis Park next year.

Linda Collins reported that George Jacobs has been called to repair an outlet at the Post Office. The outlet may need to have a cage around it to prevent future damage.
The Town Hall pillars will be repaired in the spring. They will be covered this winter to prevent further damage.
Linda reported that Casella is no longer servicing Richford, and that Bruce Wetherby will have his dumpster at the post office. Angie Tracy needs to call him to make arrangements for recycling.

Mary Mankin reported that a letter was received from the water supply division stating that, now that the consumer confidence reports have been delivered, the town is no longer in violation.
The state has approved the operation, management and emergency response plan.
Mary said she has been regrouping and is not ready to proceed on the water/sewer rate restructure. She will be away until January 6, but will be available by email.

Eric Collins reported the 2009 Sheriff contract will be $105,000.
Eric noted that the work on the emergency service building doors did not include remotes. Laura was directed to contact Champlain Door and tell them we need the remotes.

The trash problem on Willow Street was discussed. Laura was directed to send a letter to the tenant.

Eric Collins referred to a communication from Comcast, and asked if the board is interested in putting the meetings on cable. The board is not interested at this time.
Eric reported that the law enforcement task force would like the Selectboard to start a committee to interface with the sheriff department.
The board discussed a part time police department, or a department in name only.
A letter from the VT Police Academy advised that constables will be required to be at least partially certified if they have any law enforcement authority. The town’s constable has no such authority.

The board received copies of a letter from the zoning administrator to Tim Camisa’s attorney regarding Mr. Camisa’s violation.
The board received copies of a letter from the zoning administrator to Michael and Katrina Gross, advising that the settlement accepted by them and the Selectboard has been filed with the environmental court.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes
December 1, 2008
Page 3

Laura reported that she has contacted Milton Cat and that a corrected invoice, including the correct transfer switch and credit for the incorrect transfer switch has been mailed. The bill can now be paid. The board will prepare an accounting of the project for the town report.

Laura asked the board how they wanted to proceed regarding the railroad property on Troy Street. They asked her to inquire whether the grant will pay for a long-term lease.

Norris Tillotson reported he has had a call from a neighbor of Larry Carr complaining about his dog. Linda Collins and Laura have spoken to Larry about the complaint. Laura was directed to send Larry a letter telling him to keep his dog in his yard.

Motion made by Mary Mankin, seconded by Linda Collins, to adjourn at 9:23 PM. The motion carried.

Laura Ovitt
Administrative Assistant