Richford VT

SELECTBOARD MEETING
RICHFORD, VERMONT

SPECIAL MEETING
February 25, 2008

Acting
Chair Eric Collins called the special meeting to order at 6:00 PM with
members Linda Collins, Mary Mankin and Larry Stephens present. Also
present were Town Clerk Gary Snider, Laura Ovitt, John Nutting, Pam
Royea, Melissa Wells and Marion Paul.

Gary Snider presented the
tax anticipation note for the board’s consideration. The note is for
$700,000 at 2.6% interest, which will be invested at 3.04% until
needed. Motion made by Larry Stephens, seconded by Mary Mankin, to
approve and sign the note. The motion carried unanimously. Gary left
the meeting.

Motion made by Larry Stephens, seconded by Linda
Collins, to enter executive session at 6:05 PM to discuss personnel.
The motion carried unanimously. All except the board and John Nutting
left. John Nutting left after executive session.

Motion made by
Mary Mankin, seconded by Linda Collins, to leave executive session at
6:40 PM. The motion carried unanimously. Laura Ovitt, Melissa Wells,
Marion Paul, Doug Billado, Pam Royea, and Josh Aldrich joined the
meeting.

Motion made by Mary Mankin, seconded by Larry Stephens,
to recess the Selectboard meeting at 6:43 to enter the Board of Control
Commissioners meeting. The motion carried unanimously.

The meeting reconvened at 6:50 PM, with Matthew Irons joining the meeting.

The board discussed the purpose and need Uniform Municipal Excess Weight Permits for large trucks.

As
a result of executive session, the board discussed the policy enacted
April 4, 2005 requiring new full time employees to have a high school
diploma or GED. The board discussed the separation of the highway and
water/sewer departments, and how employees are paid within those
departments. The board specified that the position that is shared
between highway and water/sewer is 2 ½ days in each department.
However, during a snow storm, the employee will plow and when there is
a water/sewer break or other emergency, the employee will be dedicated
to that department.
Motion made by Larry Stephens, seconded by Linda
Collins, to remove the high school diploma/ GED and water/sewer
certification requirements from the driver/skilled laborer from the
Town of Richford Highway Department. The motion carried unanimously.

The
board discussed policies to be considered after town meeting, including
bereavement leave, reporting on-the-job accidents/injuries, requiring
an application for all hired positions, and the water/sewer rate
structure and authorizing the town treasurer to change the NEMRC
software to accommodate the change.
Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2008
Page 2

Linda
Collins noted that the zoning administrator had charged $20.00 for
attending a Selectboard meeting. Eric Collins will address the issue
with Mr. Green.

Mary Mankin reported that she is working with the state on water/sewer rate increases.

Eric
Collins asked Laura about any unfinished business. Laura reported that
the DEC 20-year evaluation of the sewer plant required replacement of
manhole #11. Mary Mankin said that is budgeted for this year.
Laura
reported that the new temporary permit for the water system required
removal of fire hydrants from 4” water lines. Mary clarified that
reducing the capacity of the hydrants satisfies the requirement.
Laura
reported that the above permit requires a hydraulic study to be
conducted, especially on the 4” lines. Mary will check on the status of
the issue.
Laura reported that the town is waiting for a deed to be able to complete the transfer of land to the school district.

Motion made by Linda Collins, seconded by Mary Mankin, to approve the minutes of the Feb. 7 reconvened regular meeting.

Matthew Irons questioned whether Dennis Kent is drawing unemployment from the Town. Eric Collins will check with Gary Snider.

Laura reported that the animal control officer has resigned. She was directed to advertise the position.

Laura reported that Vermont Life is doing an article on Richford to appear in the June-July issue.

Mary
Mankin reported that Jacques Desautels and Guy Charbonneau have
expressed interest in being appointed to the zoning board; Linda
Collins reported that Joan Cheeseman has also expressed interest.

Joanne
Daigneault has submitted a letter of resignation from the revolving
loan fund committee. Laura was directed to advertise the position.

Motion made by Mary Mankin, seconded by Linda Collins, to adjourn at 7:50 PM. The motion carried unanimously.

Laura Ovitt
Administrative Assistant