Richford VT

SELECTBOARD MEETING
RICHFORD, VERMONT

JUNE 2, 2008

Vice-Chair
Linda Collins called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 PM with
members Mary Mankin, Robert St. Pierre, and Norris Tillotson. Also
present were Laura Ovitt, Melissa Wells and Larry Carr.

Melissa
Wells reported on the recent regional planning commission meeting.
Guest speaker Steve Spencer discussed the Northern Forest Legacy
Program. Richford is the only town in Franklin County to be chosen for
participation due to its number of forests.
Melissa said she has been nominated to serve on a subcommittee of planners.
The
“Smooth-Ride” program will be working on Route 118 to Route 105.
Melissa provided a chart showing the projects that are scheduled to be
completed this year.
The board had approved asking regional planning
to assist with fluvial erosion hazard mapping. Grants are available to
assist with gathering the assessment data about the town’s streams;
regional planning is willing to assist. The board agreed to pursue the
grant.

Larry Carr reported that the recent dances at the town
hall have got out of control. He was called four times on May 30 due to
the behavior of the young people at the dance. Linda Collins said she
talked to Tammy Ryea, who said the next two dances have been canceled.
Attendees will be charged an extra dollar to cover the cost of having
the constable at the dance. The board determined they will try one more
dance with stipulations that there be no bicycles or skateboards, that
there be more supervision downstairs, and that there be a one-way
policy in place. This will be the last chance. If there are problems,
there will be no further dances.

Motion made by Mary Mankin,
seconded by Robert St. Pierre, to approve the minutes of the May 19
regular meeting. The emotion carried unanimously.

Motion made by
Mary Mankin, seconded by Robert St. Pierre, to approve the minutes of
the May 23 special meeting. Robert said the water/sewer rate
restructure should be revisited. The motion carried.

Norris Tillotson reported the Main Street traffic light is on hold until the bridge project is finished.

The
board received estimates from Atlantic Power Systems for preventive
maintenance for generators at the sewer pump stations ($1724) and the
schools (schools and pump stations $3408). The generator at the fire
station was not included. No action was taken.

The board discussed load testing the fire station generator. Additional wiring is needed, as well as a larger transfer switch.

The
board revisited the concept of setting a uniform rate for heavy
equipment operators. The board decided to lease an excavator when
needed for John Nutting to operate on town time.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes
June 2, 2008
Page 2

The
board discussed water/sewer rate restructuring. Motion made by Mary
Mankin, seconded by Norris Tillotson, that the May 23 vote will go into
effect in October 2008 to be reflected in the April 2009 bills. The
base rate is fairly clear; the usage needs to be revisited. The motion
carried unanimously.

Mary Mankin said she needs to contact the state regarding the water system contact person.

Norris Tillotson said the problem of dog feces in the parks is improving.

Linda Collins said the Chris Pattulo property has been bulldozed over.

Linda Collins said she has contacted the zoning administrator with questions but has had no response. She will follow-up.

Robert St. Pierre said the Better Back Roads project will be starting soon.
Robert reported that Steve Combs knee replacement has been rescheduled for late June.

Norris
Tillotson discussed Dennis Kent’s work at the playground and
cemeteries. Mary Mankin reclused herself because she has recently hired
Mr. Kent. Norris said there was a problem last week – the field was not
mowed prior to a game. Signs need to be posted but are not done.
Norris reminded the board that summer camp will be starting soon.

Linda
Collins reported that Joe Broe will be giving an estimate for a new
chimney at the library. The Historical Society will need access to have
the chimney replaced. The bridge contractor’s trailer does not allow
access.
Linda is working toward ordering bases for the town hall pillars.
Linda said she will need to buy a new ladder to be shared between the town hall and post office.

Laura
reported that Ken Lavalla said All Saints Church has been told they can
no longer dispose of excess dirt from graves in the area they have used
for years. Mary Mankin said she will call Ken.

The board agreed by consensus to reappoint Ken Lavalla as fire warden.

The
board discussed the Main Street water line break. Robert St. Pierre
said that when there is a water or sewer issue, either Dmitri Hudak or
Francis Whitney needs to be on site. The board further determined that
Dmitri needs to respond to his pager and/or phone messages.

Robert discussed possibly adopting an overtime policy. Laura will request a copy of Fairfield’s policy.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes
June 2, 2008
Page 3

The board discussed extending the yard debris collection period for another week.

Linda
Collins presented a vision care insurance plan that would be paid by
participating employees and would be entirely voluntary. Motion made by
Mary Mankin, seconded by Robert St. Pierre, to offer the enhanced
vision eye care plan (#3) to town employees on a voluntary basis at no
expense to the town. The motion carried unanimously.

Linda
Collins read a letter from Matt Wills regarding a problem with dogs
barking on Powell Street. Robert said he has spoken to Larry Carr, who
said he would look into it. Laura was directed to send a letter.

Linda Collins asked whether there would be a community visit follow-up. Mary Mankin said the task forces have not been meeting.

The board tabled the proposed detour ordinance.

The
board revisited Gary Snider’s request for approval to accept
credit/debit cards for payment of municipal fees. He has money in his
budget to pay for the set-up costs. The board agreed to the request as
long as there are no charges for the transactions.

Motion made by Robert St. Pierre, seconded by Mary Mankin, to adjourn at 9:15 PM. The motion carried.

Laura Ovitt
Administrative Assistant