Richford VT

SELECTBOARD MEETING
RICHFORD, VRMONT

SEPTEMBER 8, 2008

Chairman
Eric Collins called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 PM with
members Mary Mankin, Robert St. Pierre, and Norris Tillotson present.
Also present were Laura Ovitt, Melissa
Wells, Nancy Combs, Lisa Combs, Betty Clawson, Carolyn Gendron, Matthew Irons, Marcia Perry and Albert Perry.

The
Chair recognized Nancy Combs, who said she will be leaving next week
and her water will be shut off. She felt she should not have to pay a
water bill because the house would be unoccupied. Eric Collins
explained that, by ordinance, everyone connected to the water and sewer
pays a base rate. Mary Mankin explained the basis of the rate
restructure, which will not include a charge for any gallons. Mary will
discuss this further with Nancy.

Melissa Wells reported on the
recent Regional Planning Commission meeting. Assessments will increase
for the first time in 6 years due to decreased state funding. Energy
efficiency money is available - $2 million has been allocated for
Vermont. “Button-up Vermont Workshops” need host towns – Laura will get
more information.

The Board reviewed draft minutes for the
regular and special meetings held Aug. 18, and the special meeting held
Aug. 25. Motion made by Robert St. Pierre, seconded by Mary Mankin, to
approve the minutes. The motion carried unanimously.

Robert St.
Pierre reported the culvert has been installed at the end of Corliss
Road. Work is being done this week on South Richford Road under the
Better Back Roads grant. Work has concentrated on repairing storm
damage. Preliminary figures for FEMA reimbursement are encouraging.

Norris
Tillotson reported the playground fence is in progress and will be in
shape before winter. Electrical work needs to be planned for the spring
in Davis Park. The fountain in the Main St. park should be painted
before winter, and then covered with a tarp. The outlet system in this
park needs to be reworked in the spring.
The high school generator
project needs to be finished in October. The wrong transfer switch was
sent; the correct one will cost nearly $9,000 more.
Motion made by
Norris Tillotson, seconded by Eric Collins, to spend the additional
$9,000 for the transfer switch and complete the job. The motion carried
unanimously.

Robert St. Pierre said he has looked at the
ambulance station door; it is not standard size. Marcia Perry said the
crew started painting the door today, and she believes it will last a
few more years.

Mary Mankin presented the application for the
$52,500 state allocation for the river water-line crossing. Motion made
by Eric Collins, seconded by Norris Tillotson, to accept the
application

Selectboard Meeting Minutes
September 8, 2008
Page 2

and to appoint Mary Mankin as the authorized contact. The motion carried with 3 yes and with Mary abstaining.
Mary
said she would have a letter for water-rate payers on Sept. 15 with the
estimated rate-change based on the 2008 budget. The new rate will be
based on the 2009 budget.
The dam was cleaned last week with the
excess material stockpiled for use on the access road. She has
authorized repair of the water line at the Main Street bridge.
Replacements for two broken fire hydrants are on order.
The
board discussed paving where repair of water/sewer line
breaks/blockages required excavation. The highway department will do
the work and the water/sewer department will absorb the expense.
The board discussed the Main Street flume access. Norris Tillotson will follow up with Dmitri Hudak.

The
board discussed the proposed loitering/public space/panhandling
ordinance. A clean copy will be prepared with the board’s suggestion
and will include a definition of the former village district. Signs
will be required at the entrances to the special district.

Carolyn
Gendron reported a man lurking around homes in South Richford, and an
incident late Sat. or early Sun. (9/6 or 7). The sheriff has been
notified of both incidents.
The board determined to invite the sheriff to attend the Sep. 15 meeting, as well as concerned citizens.

Carolyn
Gendron asked Robert St. Pierre about brush left in the ditch on So.
Richford Road. Robert said it will be addressed this week.

The
board discussed warning a special vote to determine whether to budget
for a town-wide audit. Motion made by Eric Collins, seconded by Robert
St. Pierre, to rescind the vote passed on August 18. The motion
carried. Laura was directed to get estimates from auditing firms.

The board discussed the stump dump. It is to be used by town employees only, and the gate needs to be locked.

Eric
Collins revisited letters from Zoning Administrator Tim Green dated
Aug. 6 in which he said he would resign effective Sept. 1 and dated
Aug. 22 requesting to be reinstated. Albert Perry reported the Planning
Commission is in favor of retaining Mr. Green. Eric read a letter from
Georgiana Anderson reporting on an issue with a neighbor and stating
she felt the zoning administrator did not represent the public fairly.
Motion
made by Mary Mankin, seconded by Eric Collins, to reinstate Tim Green
as zoning administrator effective Sept. 1. The board discussed
complaints about lack of communications. The motion carried unanimously.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes
September 8, 2008
Page 3

Eric Collins reported he and Mary Mankin have applied to attend the Border Patrol Citizens Academy.

The board agreed to purchase a banner for fire protection week.

Eric
Collins reported he has received communication from All American
Elevator in Jonesville. They may be a closer source for service for the
town’s lifts.

Norris Tillotson reported Philip Snider has
presented a bill for six bags of chloride he purchased to be used on
his road. The board determined to not pay for the chloride, and that
people should contact the Road Commissioner before taking action.

Motion made by Mary Mankin, seconded by Robert St. Pierre, to adjourn at 9:40 PM. The motion carried unanimously.

Laura Ovitt
Administrative Assistant