Richford VT

SELECTBOARD MEETING
RICHFORD, VERMONT

May 5, 2008

Chairman
Eric Collins called the regular Selectboard meeting to order at 7:00 PM
with members Linda Collins, Mary Mankin, Robert St. Pierre, and Norris
Tillotson present. Also present were Laura Ovitt, Father Theo Richard,
Melissa Wells, Marion Paul, Paulette Legault, Yvonne Combs, Mary
Robinson, Doug Billado (7:30 PM), Marianne and Maurice Hall (8:00 PM).

Father
Richard discussed the property behind the Ave Maria care home, saying
broad leaves are invading the area and sheltering the rodents and cats.
He asked permission to use a broadleaf killer around the building,
approximately a 4-foot radius. The board granted permission, saying he
needs to let the board know what he is using.

Motion made by Robert St. Pierre, seconded by Linda Collins, to approve the April 21 minutes. The motion carried unanimously.

Robert
St. Pierre reported the set-up for using liquid chloride is about
$21,000. The board budgeted $6,500, but the cost will be about $7,500.
The board determined he should order the chloride.

Norris
Tillotson reported that parks and cemeteries are in pretty good shape.
He said Dennis Kent wants a $1.00 per hour raise. The board asked Laura
to find out if Mr. Kent is charging the town for a helper, and to find
out what the school contributes for the playground. Motion made by
Linda Collins, seconded by Robert St. Pierre, to pay Dennis Kent $12
per hour for the same number of hours or less worked last year. The
motion failed with three nays, and Norris Tillotson and Eric Collins
not voting. Motion made by Linda Collins, seconded by Mary Mankin, to
table the issue until the next meeting to gather more information. The
motion carried unanimously.

Linda Collins reported that she is
waiting for estimates for repairs to the Town Hall pillars. She said
the Fire Department might paint the pillars as a fund raiser. The back
loading dock at the post office has been repaired, she needs to install
a metal piece on the floor to preserve the edge of the door. The
historical society will be replacing the chimney on the museum (leased
from the town); the lowest bid to date is $10,000. Eric suggested
installing a side vent rather than replace the chimney.
Marion Paul
said that there is a material that can preserve the pillars. Linda said
that has been tried and it didn’t work, perhaps because of the
condition of the pillars.
Linda reported she had prepared a
permission form for use of the Town Hall. The board determined they
will charge $50 per event per night for use of the stage lights and
audio equipment to cover the cost of the person(s) running the
equipment.
Eric reported that 1/3 of the post office and superintendent’s office is without power. The electricians will be here tomorrow.

The board acknowledged that the town is well covered by the border patrol.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2008
Page 2

The request for bids for the trash removal contract will be advertised this week.

Mary
Mankin reported she had hoped to have the water/sewer rate restructure
ready for the meeting, but is not there yet. She is waiting for
information on the impact on Section 8 properties. The board and
visitors discussed water rates.

Eric Collins reported that the proposed policies are not ready yet; he and Laura will work on them.
Laura was directed to advertise for a Solid Waste District representative, and to send Jim Tomlinson a thank-you card.

Norris Tillotson is working on the River Street traffic light.

Mary
Mankin reported the hydraulic study required for the town’s water
permit has been scheduled. The replacement of the #11 manhole is in
progress.

Melissa Wells reported on the recent Regional Planning Commission meeting.

Robert St. Pierre reported the sweeper will be here this week.

Linda Collins reported that the Beautification Committee has offered to pay for paint for the library for green trim.

Eric
Collins reported that Larry Carr is now doing animal control. Motion
made by Linda Collins, seconded by Robert St. Pierre, to call Larry
Carr and ask if he will take the position for $100 per month plus
mileage. The motion carried unanimously.

Marion Paul reported
the Beautification Committee would like to plant a tree, perhaps at the
library, in honor of Josh Johnson. The board agreed pending location of
the tree.

Doug Billado reported a problem with beaver plugging a
culvert on the Godin Road, and asked if the town would work with him. 
Robert St. Pierre said Doug should take issues to the commissioner or
co-commissioner, and said he would look at the problem.

Motion
made by Linda Collins, seconded by Norris Tillotson, to approve a
driveway permit for Carolyn Lafontaine. The motion carried unanimously.

The board received notice that the forest fire warden is due to be reappointed. Laura was directed to call Ken Lavalla

Selectboard Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2008
Page 3

Linda
Collins asked for clarification of the roles of board members. Eric
Collins said some duties (chairman, road commissioner) are defined by
statute, some are defined by ordinance. Other roles are chairperson and
vice-chairperson.

Robert St. Pierre discussed the yard debris
pick-up. The board agreed the town will continue to pick up yard debris
until the end of May, and will pick up again the last week in October
and the first week in November. All leaves must be bagged. A notice
will be included with water bills, and will be advertised.

Motion made by Mary Mankin, seconded by Linda Collins, to adjourn at 9:21 PM.

Laura Ovitt
Administrative Assistant