Richford VT

SELECTBOARD MEETING
RICHFORD, VERMONT

November 17, 2008

Chair Eric Collins called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 PM with members Linda Collins, Mary Mankin, and Robert St. Pierre present. Also present were Laura Ovitt, Helen Thompson, Tim Green, Melissa Wells, Ginger Morse, Connie Burns, Tammy Ryea, JoAnn Foote, Josh Aldrich and Marianne Hall.

Tammy Ryea was recognized. She discussed the issue of supervision at the community dances held at the town hall. The board had stated a certified law enforcement officer needed to be present, but agreed that the town constable would be acceptable. Tammy distributed a list of the Richford Youth Empowerment activities, and the rules of conduct for dances, a permission slip to be signed by an adult, a medical information form, an understanding of agreement to be signed by the child, the responsibilities of the police officer, an accident/incident report form, and tips for chaperones. The board requested that "no running" be added to the rules of conduct, and agreed that the November dance is approved.
Ginger Morse spoke in support of the dances, saying she has chaperoned and her daughter attends.

Melissa Wells requested permission to include her household trash with her commercial trash, and to be removed from the municipal system. Motion made by Mary Mankin, seconded by Robert St. Pierre, to allow Melissa Wells to dispose of her residential trash with her business trash. The motion carried unanimously.

Helen Thompson discussed incidents that occurred late at night on Nov. 15. She asked for a security light to be installed on the utility pole near her house. Robert St. Pierre will contact John Nutting to make arrangements for the light.

The board noted that, now that Main Street bridge has been reopened, the stop light at Main and River Streets needs to be made operable. Norris Tillotson will be contacted.

Tim Green reported on zoning violations. He said the Michael and Katrina Gross violation in East Richford is due to go to Environmental Court later this week, and that a $1000 fine will be imposed. An agreement, prepared by the Gross's attorney, states they agreed to meet all dates. Robert St. Pierre said Mr. Gross called him saying he cannot meet the December dates. Tim said the document will essentially extend the original permit by one year if the agreement is approved. Eric Collins suggested the board stand with the document and leave any further negotiation to the two attorneys.
Motion made by Linda Collins, seconded by Mary Mankin, to accept the proposed negotiation conditions for the Town vs. Michael and Katrina Gross. The motion carried with three yes votes and Robert St. Pierre voting no.
Tim Green reported on the Tim Camisa violation at 111 Main Street, referring to the Nov. 13 letter to Mr. Camisa's attorney.  Tim distributed an email received this evening from the attorney listing the work Mr. Camisa plans for the property. Tim Green suggested the attorney's letter
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
November 17, 2008
Page 2

stand as a response to the letter of violation. Connie Burns spoke in support of Mr. Camisa's intentions. The board agreed that Tim Green should contact the attorney to establish a time line for improvements on the property.  
Tim asked how the board wanted him to respond to complainants. The board directed him to send letters to adjoining property owners advising them of the board's action.

Laura reported on behalf of Larry Carr that the Humane Society needs a letter from the board stating that Larry is the duly appointed animal control officer. Larry also needs the key to the
lock-up at the shelter, which he can get at the town hall. Laura was directed to send a letter to Ben Newton directing him to keep his dog on his property, to license the dog, and advising that if there is another complaint the dog will be taken to the humane society and he will need to follow town policy to collect the dog. A copy of the policy will be included.
Mary Mankin advised the board that she had a call from a neighbor that Larry Carr's dog gets loose and comes into her yard. Laura is to confer to Mr. Carr the contents of the complaint against his dog when she provides him with the key for the humane society cages.

Motion made by Mary Mankin, seconded by Robert St. Pierre, to approve the minutes of the Nov. 3 meeting with the correction that Our Lady of the Meadows will be installing a screening/settling tank in the sewer line as part of their planned expansion. The motion carried.

Robert St. Pierre reported that the highway crew has completed drawing winter sand, and has completed top-dressing on McAllister Road.

Linda Collins reported she received a letter from Neal Lovelette regarding the new Border Patrol facility, suggesting a "welcome committee" and/or "welcome package" for possible future employees. Eric Collins suggested talking with area realtors to poll their clients to learn if any would be interested in renting properties they have for sale.
Eric Collins reported a letter has been received from the Policy and Planning Division of the Agency of Transportation that the Border Patrol facility sewer line will be installed under Route 105. He also reported that notice of the Act 250 permit approval for the facility has been received.

Motion made by Mary Mankin, seconded by Robert St. Pierre, to approve the additional sewer allocation of 2,273 GPD for the Our Lady of the Meadows expansion. Laura noted that the allocation will be subtracted from the reserve allocation approved for the business park. The motion carried.

Mary Mankin reported a Notice of Alleged Violation has been received because the water system Consumer Confidence Report was not distributed by July 1, 2008. It was intended to go out with notice of the rate restructure, but will go out with the current billing this week. The report will be hand delivered to tenants.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes
November 17, 2008
Page 3

Mary Mankin discussed the proposed water/sewer rate restructure. She suggested using a higher number of gallons consumed to lower the rate per 1000 gallons and to continue the short-term debt to cover expenses. The board will need to determine whether to adopt an austerity budget and how to structure part-time staff hours. Tim Green and Melissa Wells discussed concerns with the proposed restructure at length.

Eric Collins reported that he and Mary Mankin have completed the seven-week course with the Border Patrol and recommended that, if offered again, other board members enroll.
Eric reminded the board that ordinances voted in October will take effect December 6.
Eric discussed asking voters in March if they wish to authorize the board to appoint a 2nd constable.
He suggested the town form a police department, if only in name, and budget $135,000 to cover the sheriff's contract and a quasi-police force for daytime coverage. The person hired could also research and write grant applications. The board agreed that something else should be in place before the sheriff contract is eliminated.
Eric said he decided that, because meetings are recorded and made available to the public via internet, when statements made by the public are incorrect he should correct the statement. He said that at the Nov. 3 meeting Mrs. Gendron reported that the sheriff department crashed a private party. The incident actually took place at a public establishment at the request of a third party caller as to activity occurring there.

Mary Mankin read statements from Charlotte Rosshandler and Luke Parsons - adjoining property owners of Charles Hotchkin - complaining about the proposed hydro-turbine on Alder Brook. Laura was directed to research whether the easement approved by the town has been received. Tim Green reported that Mr. Hotchkin has received a permit for a shed on his property for equipment for the project.

Robert St. Pierre reported an application for employment has been received. There are currently no openings.

Motion made by Robert St. Pierre, seconded by Linda Collins, to adjourn at 9:45 PM. The motion carried.

Laura Ovitt
Administrative Assistant