header
town from afar

The Selectboard:

2005 meeting minutes

June through December

 

back to main Selectboard page |more 2005 minutes | 2004 minutes | 2003 minutes


 

 

Minutes for Royalton Selectboard meeting

December 20, 2005

7:30 PM at Royalton Town Office

Present: John Dumville, David Lewis, Denis Ives, Larry Trottier, Peg Trombly & Jackie Higgins.

The General Fund and Highway Budget were reviewed.

Motion made by John Dumville, seconded by Denis Ives, to go into Executive Session to discuss employee pay and medical insurance.   Jackie Higgins left meeting at 8:00 PM

Motion made by John Dumville, seconded by Denis Ives, to leave Executive Session.  No action taken.

Motion made by John Dumville, seconded by Peg Trombly, to continue funding at 100% all employee Medical Insurance and not offer a percentage pay raise with the understanding next year we would discuss a pay increase and a 10% co-pay for insurance.  Elected officials would be offered a 5% pay increase because they do not come under the Medical Insurance policy.  Motion passed unanimous.

Peg Trombly volunteered to talk with Jackie Higgins about Medical Insurance and salary.  Davis Lewis volunteered to talk with the Road Crew about the issue.

John Dumville was asked to talk with the Library about the increase in their budget to see if some agreement could be made as to a lower request.

Meeting adjourned at 10:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted:


John P. Dumville, Clerk

Town of Royalton

Selectboard Meeting/Budget Meeting – December 13, 2005

Minutes

Town Office Building

 

 

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Peg Trombly, Larry Trottier, Denis Ives, and John Dumville

Public Attendance: Janice Atkins, Marty Lewis, Randy Leavitt, Kate Trinward, Wayne Manning, Jo Jo Levasseur, Glen Yankee, & Bill Benoit

Chairman David Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

              Glen Yankee – Submitted list of roads used by the Ridge Runners snowmobile club for approval. Manning has concern with studded snow machines causing damage to the roads. Motion to approve list of roads requested for use by Ridge Runners snowmobile club. (Dumville/Ives, unanimous)

               Kate Trinward – there has been concerns with the VLS Students with speeding through town. Thanks to the Police Department the speeding problem has done a complete turn around. The big concern now is the 4 way intersection on Chelsea , North Windsor and South Windsor Streets. Trinward knows this issue has been discussed before but would the town consider installing 4 way stop signs at this location. Further discussion entailed and no action taken.

              Bill Benoit – asked if it would be frivolous to have an article on the Town Meeting Warning on pursuing upgrading cell and internet service town wide. Dumville and Trombly will put him in touch with IT people from the State of Vermont and Vermont Law School to possibly assist with this issue.

Highway Department

              Equipment Status – 2006 Truck should be ready next week. The 1994 Truck has been picked up by Minuteman Trucks as trade in for 2006. The 1997 Truck is having problems with the water pump, Manning said it will be up and running for Friday's snow storm.

              Furnace – Mountain Air has a representative from the factory coming on Friday morning to check the furnace. Higgins to contact Bread Loaf to have a representative from their company on hand at the meeting.

              Sand – is working not the greatest quality.

              Fox Stand Bridge – need to keep the big trucks from using the bridge. Higgins to check with the towns of St. Johnsbury/Lyndonville on structure to keep heavy trucks off the bridge.

              Sidewalk plowing – Higgins to contact Richard Young on billing process for plowing sidewalks, Young needs to understand that he bills the town and pays his sub (Steve Young) out of that money. Steve Young is not to submit bills to the town. Motion to pay Richard Young $20.00 per hour for snow plowing the sidewalks.

New Business

              Payroll and Orders – Signed and Approved.

              Meeting Minutes – 11/29/05 , 12/6/05 and 12/8/05 Selectboard Minutes approved as written. (Dumville/Ives, unanimous).

              Personnel Policy Amendment – pages 5 and 15 of the Personnel Policy are in conflict of each other in regards to benefits being available to elected officials. Motion to delete “or elected to office” from page 15 of the Royalton Personnel Policy. (Trombly/Dumville, unanimous) This decision has no reflection on job performance of elected officials. Higgins to work with Harrington on finding state statute on retirement for Treasurers.

              Town Plan – Lewis passed out a sheet of paper explaining the purpose of the town plan with a revision in the last paragraph for the Selectboard's review. Lewis would like to see this added into the town plan and voted on at the March 2006 Town meeting. Trombly would like this issue tabled until Steve Stitzel and Peter Gregory can review and report on if this is doable.

              Budget Meeting - next meeting 12/20/05 at 7:30 p.m. Higgins to ask the Collector of Delinquent Taxes and Treasurer to attend.        

Old Business

Meeting adjourned 10:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted

Jacqueline M. Higgins

             

Town o Royalton

Selectboard Meeting /Budget– December 6, 2005

Minutes

Town Office Building

 

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Larry Trottier, Peg Trombly, Denis Ives and John Dumville.

Public Attendance: Randy Leavitt, Janice Atkins, Ted Kenyon, Jo Jo Levasseur, Marty Lewis, Theresa Harrington, and Jackie Higgins

Chairman David Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

              Planning Commission – Motion to pay Planning Commission legal bill, because they have $3000.00 in their budget given to them by the voters of 2005 Town Meeting for consulting. (Trottier/Dumville, unanimous)

              Motion to hire an attorney to argue on behalf of the Selectboard that the Town Plan is an advisory document and not a mandatory document, this would be contingent on a vote at Town Meeting that the Town Plan is and advisory document and not a mandatory document if the town votes in favor of the mandatory document then the Selectboard would drop the issue. (Ives/Trottier, YES-Ives/Trottier/Lewis, NO-Dumville, ABSTAIN-Trombly (Trombly does not feel a need to rush this Selectboard could speak with attorney first and vote at next Selectboard meeting on 12/13/05 )

                Levasseur stated that the Selectboard does not have party status. Lewis remarked that the Selectboard has automatic party status, he has spoken with Mr. Lefgren's attorney David Grayick and he says that the Selectboard does have party status. The Selectboard would not defend one side or the other, just wants it stated that the Town Plan is advisory and not mandatory. Lewis wants the Town Plan amended prior to Town Meeting so the town's people can vote on it. Trombly wants a joint meeting with the Planning Commission, the Selectboard is not communicating with the Planning Commission. Lewis does not want to go against what the Planning Commission is doing with the appeal process. Trombly thanked Ives and Lewis for supporting the payment of the legal bill. Dumville stated that he thought he was voting on an advisory document when he voted for the Town Plan.

              Higgins to contact Steve Stitzel to schedule a conference call with the Selectboard the end of this week.

New Business

              Orders/Payroll – approved

              Carpenter Pit – Motion to approve check for $300.00 to the State of Vermont ANR to complete the application process. (Trottier/Dumville, unanimous)

              Budget – Town Clerk and Treasurer Budget requests reviewed with Theresa Harrington. Motion to approve purchase of work station and computer set up. (Trottier/Dumville, unanimous)

              Higgins to put together spread sheets on 3% and 5% salary increases for town employees and Town Clerk/Treasurer.

              Mowing Bids – Motion to hire Dale Thresher to do mowing for town and recreation fields. (Trottier/Ives, unanimous)

              Sidewalk Snow removal – Selectboard to speak with Manning about having the road crew handle snow removal from sidewalks.

              Old Business

 

Meeting adjourned 11:05 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted

Jacqueline M. Higgins

Town of Royalton

Selectboard Meeting/Budget Meeting – November 29, 2005

Minutes

Town Office Building

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Peg Trombly, Denis Ives, and John Dumville

Public Attendance: Janice Atkins, Marty Lewis, Charlie Leighton, Wayne Manning, Jo Jo Levasseur, & Bill Benoit

Chairman David Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

              Planning Commission – Jo Jo Levasseur and Bill Benoit, representatives, Jo Jo reviewed budget request of $1000.00 for town share of pending grant application. Also, stated that Planning Commission requesting article on the warning for an additional $10,000.00 in reserve fund for further legal costs.

              Planning Commission resubmitting legal bill for attorney representing them in the Times and Seasons appeal process, requesting that the Selectboard reconsider paying the bill as the Planning Commission feels strongly that the Town supported them at town meeting by resubmitting the $3000.00 to their Planning Commission budget.

              Motion to pay Planning Commission legal bill. (Dumville/Trombly) minutes were then read from 2005 Town Meeting. Trombly stated that discussion and impact of town meeting could very well come back and bite the Selectboard if payment of this bill is not approved. Levasseur stated that the Planning Commission is not embarrassed to resubmit this bill to the Selectboard. Lewis stated that he wanted to table until the all Selectboard members are present to vote. (Selectboard voted on the motion, NO-Lewis/Ives, YES-Dumville/Trombly, tie vote not action taken)

              Bill Benoit   requesting a subcommittee be formed to review the access permit process and procedures. Benoit stated that if the town is going to have an ordinance then it needs to be enforced. Lewis feels that unless Road Foreman has a dispute with the landowner over construction of an access then the Selectboard and the Planning Commission should not get involved. Ives commented that the Selectboard manual clearly states that the Road Foreman and the Selectboard are in charge of approving access permits. Selectboard tabled discussion of access permit subcommittee until the next regular Selectboard meeting December 13th.

Highway Department

              2006/2007 proposed Highway budget discussed with Manning-Road Foreman. All line items discussed and filled in for budget except salary.

 

New Business

              Payroll and Orders – Signed and Approved.

                 Christmas Pageant – Motion to approve use of green for Christmas Pageant on December 18 th . All debris (nails) from fire needs to be cleaned up. (Dumville/Ives, unanimous)

              Meeting Minutes – 11/8/05 Selectboard Minutes approved with amendments of the change in officer status for Nemeth was per request of Chief Hull and Recreation Commission reduction in weeks of summer recreation camp is due to drop in attendance and lack of support from questionnaire. (Dumville/Ives, unanimous).

              Parking Ticket Appeal – Motion to deny request to waive parking ticket. (Dumville/Ives, unanimous)

              Chelsea Street Bridge – Motion to have the General Fund cover the $50,000.00

Chelsea Street Bridge deficit. (Dumville/Ives, unanimous)

              Access Permits – Motion to approve Graham access permit. (Dumville/Ives, unanimous) Motion to approve construction of Carpenter access permit with conditions stated with occupancy approval pending proper installation. (Trombly/Ives, unanimous)

              Roy Ingraham – motion to deny request to use Town Garage driveway as an access to Ingra ham's property. (Dumville/Trombly, unanimous)

             

Old Business

Meeting adjourned 10:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted

Jacqueline M. Higgins

Town of Royalton

Special Selectboard Meeting – November 8, 2005

Minutes

1:00 p.m. to inspect Harlow Road , Royalton , VT

 

Member Attendance: Davie Lewis, Peg Trombly, Larry Trottier, and John Dumville

Public Attendance: David Lathrop-VTRANS, Hank Lambert-VT Local Roads, Wayne Manning, Vince Gross, Jeanette Digby, Randy Leavitt, and Jackie Higgins

Digby stated that the stone wall still has not been put back to where it was prior to the grading.

Lewis not convinced that it is actually a stone wall.

Digby responded that the stone wall has been there for 5 generations. May not be your typical farm stone wall. Digby also noted that the grader had pushed in and out between the trees and this has never been done before.

Manning explained that the road is 3 rods wide and has been since 1825. The grader was within the town right of way and the road crew not only had a right to be there but also an obligation to maintain the road. Manning's opinion is that the stones are a cribbing for the road and not stone wall.

Digby concerned with dirt pushed up against the trees will eventually kill them. David Lathrop concurred that dirt will kill the trees.

Lewis personally felt that what maintenance had been done to the road was done right.

Gross stated that the road for the most part has been really rough up until this work was completed.

Culvert should be put in above the mailbox to drain across the road.

Dead trees need to be taken down.

Possibly install matting and stone to ditch above the house.

Concerns with depth and location of water pipe and wire line that run along the road from well to house. A Utility permit was never applied for to do this project.

  Meeting adjourned 2:30 p.m. Further discussion of this matter to take place at the Selectboard Meeting November 8, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Jacqueline M. Higgins

Town of Royalton

Selectboard Meeting – November 8, 2005

Minutes

Town Office Building

 

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Peg Trombly, Denis Ives, Larry Trottier and John Dumville

Public Attendance: Randy Leavitt, Janice Atkins, Marty Lewis, Ed and Jeannette Digby, Charlie Leighton, Wayne Manning, Jo Jo Levasseur, Kathy Benson, Peter Gregory, Crystal Loeffler and Chris Sargent.

Chairman David Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

              Ed & Jeannette Digby – Harlow Road – Mr. Digby stated that they would not place a culvert across road by their mailbox into the field. The Digby's will cut down the dead trees (road crew will assist with trees), and the Digby's want the road crew to put the two big rocks back in place on side of Harlow Road .

              Trombly stated that the Selectboard and Road Foreman should create a capital plan for roads before things are done, that way everyone would understand what was to be done prior to work being preformed.

              Peter Gregory, Chris Sargent & Crystal Loeffler – TROC – Discussion of Village Designation Permit process. Motion to have Two Rivers pursue Down Town Designation for both Royalton and South Royalton Villages (Dumville/Ives, unanimous)

Meeting Minutes – 10/25/05 Selectboard Minutes approved as written (Trombly/Ives, unanimous).

Highway Department

              Park Street Stop sign – Manning to look at stop sign to see if it can be moved out closer to South Windsor Street for sight distance.

              Sand – stockpile complete for winter maintenance.

              Stearns RR Crossing – RR crossing sign needs to be replaced.

              New Truck – at Tenco in Barre, VT begin completed. Waiting on the invoice for payment authorization.

              Grader – replaced clutches in the blade table, hoping cost to be covered by warranty.

              Kathy Benson – concerned with ditches on Royalton Hill being so deep.

New Business

              Payroll and Orders – Signed and Approved.

              Nextel WIP Lease Corp. – approved bond paperwork.

              Police Department – Higgins to speak with Nemeth and Hull on receiving logs and time sheets in a timely manner. Motion to demote Nemeth from Captain to Sargent, per request of Chief Hull. (Trottier/Ives, unanimous)

              Higgins to speak with Hull on patrolling school parking lot before dances on Friday nights.

              Municipal Space – would the town consider using available space at the school for municipal office space if a union school were to be established. The Selectboard would consider the possibility of using this space.

              Recreation Commission – mowing costs are an issue and also the Commission is considering eliminating or reducing the weeks of Rec. Camp next year due to the drop in attendance and lack of interest from the questionnaire sent out to parents.

Old Business

Meeting adjourned 9:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted

Jacqueline M. Higgins

Town o Royalton

Selectboard Meeting – October 25, 2005

Minutes

Town Office Building

 

 

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Peg Trombly, Denis Ives and John Dumville.

Public Attendance: Randy Leavitt, Janice Atkins, Bill Benoit, Peter Chap, Kate Trinward, Marty Lewis, Bob Hull, Marc Nemeth and Jackie Higgins

Chairman David Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

              Royalton Police Officers – Chief Hull and Captain Nemeth presented forms they will be using to log calls they receive and also detailed patrol logs to track their time.

              Randy Leavitt asked if the Police Dept. issue should be put on the ballot at town meeting for the people to decide. Lewis stated that he didn't think it was necessary to put on the ballot. The decision to create a Police Department was so that Hull and Nemeth could get grant funding that they wouldn't be able to get as Constables.

              Constables are directed by the people as elected officers to up hold the state laws, as a Police Department this will not change.

             

Meeting Minutes – 10/11/05 – dog hearing, 10/11/05 & 10/12/05 Selectboard meeting minutes approved.

New Business

              Orders/Payroll – approved and signed

              Sewer Rate – motion to set the Pollution Abatement sewer rate at .845 cents. (Trombly/Dumville, unanimous)

              Budget – Theresa Harrington, Treasurer reviewed the Pollution Abatement Budget reports with the Selectboard. The Pollution Abatement budget for 2006/2007 was prepared. Higgins to ask Simon's Operations why bill to Mark Mallet wasn't paid out of the maintenance contract, also what type of heat is at the sewer plant and do they use the truck at the sewer plant or can the town sell it.

Old Business

Meeting adjourned 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted

Jacqueline M. Higgins

Town o Royalton

Selectboard Meeting – October 11, 2005

Minutes

Town Office Building

 

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Larry Trottier, Peg Trombly, Denis Ives and John Dumville.

Public Attendance: Randy Leavitt, Janice Atkins, Sandy Blake, Michael Blake, Michele Blake, Ralph Hein, Ron Cavanaugh, Bob Graham, Bob Hull, Marc Nemeth and Jackie Higgins

Chairman David Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

              Ron Cavanaugh – Concerned with this new police department business. Selectboard will meet with Police Officers on October 25, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss their goals and responsibilities.

Highway Department

              Michael, Sandy and Michele Blake – 7:30 p.m. – Michele explained the need for town accesses the 1989 (#1) access permit was upgrading an existing agricultural access, this access is part of the VAST trail in the winter time and is also the only way to get large trucks and trailers up to onto the property. The 2001 (#2) access permit was installed as a safer access to the property new house site.

              On April 6, 2005 the Blake's asked Wayne Manning to repair the damage the grader caused to the bottom of their #2 driveway, the matting the Blake's installed was torn and the grading caused a berm at the bottom of the driveway resulting in the bottoming out of vehicles using the driveway.

              The Selectboard and the Road Foreman to do a site visit at Blake's driveway on Rix Road October 12, 2005 at 5:30 p.m.

              Sand – Road Crew hauling sand from Hakra's Pit at $3.50 per yard.

              Equipment – Trottier would like to see the equipment worked to its full potential instead of the heading back to the garage at 2:00 in the afternoon find a safe spot to park it overnight on the route instead of wasting time driving it back and forth to the garage.

Meeting Minutes – 9/27/05 minutes approved with amendment.

New Business

              Orders/Payroll – approved

              Dugout on Recreation Field – the Recreation Commission will discuss at their next meeting.

              Town Garage Loan Renewal Paperwork – renewal forms signed.

              Bethel/Royalton Transfer Station Loan Renewal Paperwork – renewal forms signed.

              Parking Ticket Grievance Letter – Motion to deny request to waive parking ticket (Dumville/Ives, unanimous)

              Railroad Issues – the railroad replaced the crossing at Acton Place two or three years ago and left a pile of debris next to the road. Lewis to contact the Railroad.

              Otto Merrill Road drainage issue – Lewis stated that he had asked Casey Roberts to come to a Selectboard meeting to discuss the issue with drainage onto his property on Otto Merrill Road.

              Chelsea Street Bridge Lights – two lights out on bridge Higgins to have replaced.

             

              Old Business

 

Meeting adjourned 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted

Jacqueline M. Higgins

Town of Royalton Town Offices

Selectboard Meeting – September 27, 2005

Minutes

Town Office Building

 

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Larry Trottier, Peg Trombly, Denis Ives and John Dumville

Public Attendance: Wayne Manning, Ted Kenyon, Charlie Leighton, Randy Leavitt, Janice Atkins, Sue Sherlock, Marty Lewis, Bob Hull, Marc Nemeth, Linc Farrington, Jo Levasseur and Jackie Higgins

Chairman: David Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. , and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

              Planning Commission – Jo Levasseur – 8:00 p.m. – Motion made to support Planning Grant application and adopt the require resolution (Trombly/Dumville, Yes-Trombly, Dumville, Trottier, Ives. NO-Lewis)

              Mark Nemeth – 8:30 p.m. – requesting support from the Selectboard to establish a police department for the Town of Royalton . Nemeth stated that there is a lot of grant money available for police departments that “Constables” can not apply for. Constables are not asking for increase in their budget. Constables are appealing to the Selectboard for this endorsement of “Police Officer”. Dumville stated that the town voted to elect constables and not allow the Selectboard to appoint constables. If the voters wanted police hired they would have voted for it. Trombly feels that referring to the VLCT letter the Selectboard hadn't received proper input to make a decision at this time. Lewis noted that this is taking baby steps and the Selectboard would have control over a Police Department.

              Motion shall the town establish and maintain a police department to be staffed by elected constables? (Ives/Lewis, Yes-Ives, Lewis, Trottier, NO-Trombly, Dumville)

              Motion to appoint Robert Hull as officer and Chief of the police department (Ives/Lewis, Yes-Ives, Lewis, Trottier, NO-Trombly, Dumville)

              Motion to appoint Marc Nemeth as officer and Captain of the police department (Ives/Lewis, Yes-Ives, Lewis, Trottier, NO-Trombly, Dumville)

Meeting Minutes – approved 9/13/05 Selectboard Meeting Minutes as written.

Highway Department

              Carpenter Pit – still pending Act 250 permit

              Sand – Motion to have Manning start hauling from Hakra's pit, while Higgins contacts Act 250 on status of Carpenter Pit permit. (Trottier/Ives, unanimous)

              Janitor – Manning does not want a janitor the crew can clean the garage themselves.

              Harlow Road – Higgins to call AOT and schedule an engineer to come up and visit the site.

              Crawford Pit – the pit is spent of material useful to the town. Kenyon asked how he might go about taking over the pit.

              Equipment Status – Load needs new O-rings, the 550 truck needs ball-joints, tie rod end and new set of brakes.

              Winter Maintenance - furnace is repaired at garage. Ditching roads and finishing up road side mowing.

              Otto Merrill Road – Casey Roberts is not happy with run off coming down onto his property from Otto Merrill Road . Selectboard needs to do a site visit to inspect.

              Michael Blake – complained about grader pulling up matting on end of his driveway. Reviewed the access permit issued to Blake, he has not done away with either of the accesses as his permit stipulates. Higgins will send letter to Blake on removal of one of the accesses.

New Business

              Bills & Payroll – approved and signed.

              Recreation Commission – Motion to appoint Trombly as Selectboard representative to the Recreation Commission (Lewis/Ives, unanimous)

              PAF Allocation – Motion to earmark 9720 gallons per day for a period of one year for Eric Jacobs' four projects. (Dumville/Ives, unanimous)

              Budget Meetings – First meeting to be held October 18, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.

Old Business

              Hope House – demolition continuing.

Meeting adjourned 10:15 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jacqueline M. Higgins

Town of Royalton

Selectboard Meeting - September 13, 2005

Minutes

Town Office Building

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Larry Trottier, Peg Trombly, Denis Ives and John Dumville

Public Attendance: Janice Atkins, Charlie Leighton, Jo Jo Levasseur, Randy Leavitt, Marc Nemeth, Bob Hull, Gary Hobart, Wayne Manning, Eric Jacobs, Kate Trinward, Mary L. Brown, Linda J. Rodgers, Debbie Donoghue, Theresa L. Orechowsky, and Jackie Higgins

Chairman: David Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM , and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

              Eric Jacobs - PAF Allocation request - trying to keep his cost down with engineering until he knows what he can get for allocations. He will be developing the plans through the winter and build rental buildings in the summer of 2006 if all of his permits go through. He will contact his engineer and have him send a certified statement of gallons needed for projects to the Selectboard's Office. Jacobs will be contacting Julia Schmidt at Environmental Commission on what steps he needs to take to get Act 250 permits. Jacobs will be dismantling the Windsor County Feeds building at some point in the near future. Selectboard will approve earmarking gallons requested from the Pollution Abatement Facility as soon as receive certification from engineer.

              Marc Nemeth - Constables versus police department tabled until September 27 th Selectboard Meeting.

Linda Rodgers and other neighbors on South Windsor Street are having problems with unruly driver and vehicle. The Constables have given this person two tickets so far and will continue to keep an eye on him. The Constables will be doing a lot more patrolling of town.

Jo Jo Levasseur & Gary Hobart - Planning Commission met with Peter Gregory on the Planning grant and will bring final application to the Selectboard at the September 27 th Selectboard meeting.

Levasseur and Hobart representing the Planning Commission as the Selectboard is aware John Lefgren (Times and Seasons) is continuing his appeal process by filing a “Motion to Alter” to the Environmental Board. The Planning Board voted to continue as in the past to defend the Town Plan during this process. The Planning Commission is requesting use of legal fees to retain the same legal representation to continue the process. Planning Commission feelings are that they should continue the process as they have with Times and Seasons and to support position and defend the Town Plan. If they do not proceed it would look strange to drop out now in the middle of the process. Hobart would continue to do a lot of the leg work for the legal representative.

Motion to authorize the Planning Commission to continue defending the Town Plan with the Times and Seasons issue. (Dumville/Trombly)

Discussion:

Lewis stated that the Environmental Board was a close vote with the decision of 5 to 4.

Hobart remarked that the majority of the residents that responded to the survey sent out wanted the Town Plan enforceable to Act 250. The cost for this round of legal fees should be very small. The Planning Commission could spend it our of the own budget.   If the process does go to the Supreme Court that would be a separate issue with legal fees and that decision won't be made now. The Legal firm representing the Planning Commission is giving them the municipal rate of $100.00 per hour and with Hobart doing a lot of the leg work will save a lot of money. The Vermont Law School will help with research if and when this issue goes to the Supreme Court.

Lewis - disagrees with the way the Planning Commission views the outcome of the survey believes it is a narrow interpretation.

Called the vote YES -Trombly/Dumville, NO -Ives/Lewis, Abstained -Trottier.

Motion to support Planning Commission vote to respond to the Times and Seasons motion to alter with legal funding from the Planning Commission 2005/2006 budget. (Trombly/Dumville)

Discussion:

Trombly - The Planning Commission is voluntary and that is a thoughtful process. Need to respect the fact that Hobart and Levasseur came to the Selectboard tonight to discuss this issue. Also need to reflect on the fact that at Town Meeting people were upset with the fact that the Selectboard altered the budget without discussing with Planning Commission. Respect of the Planning Commission's statutory authority also needs to be considered.

Called the   vote YES- Trombly/Dumville, NO- Ives/Trottier/Lewis.

Trombly asked to hear from Ives and Trottier on why they voted no. Ives stated he voted his conscious.

Trottier remarked that neighbors use to work together, Lefgren has been voted down twice why spend the town's money when the Environment probably won't change their minds.

Meeting minutes - approved 8/23/05 Selectboard Meeting Minutes with amendment.

Highway Department

              Backhoe - Has been repaired and returned to Town Garage.

              New Truck - pending delivery.

              Carpenter Pit - still pending Act 250 permit.

              Crawford Pit - materials are pretty much gone unless you spend a great deal of money extracting materials buried real deep. Top soil pile in the Crawford Pit belongs to Beck and Belluci.

              Contractor for Rte 132 Project - asking if the Town of Royalton is interested in purchasing crushed materials that are not up to standards for Rte. 132 project. Manning to investigate price and quality.

              Harlow Road - repairs have not been completed as Backhoe was out of service, now that the backhoe is fixed repairs can be completed. Higgins spoke with Jeanette Digby and explained the delay in repairs. Road crew has reviewed the Road Policy. Manning stated that the policy is only a guideline not the law.

              Town Water Problem - has been taken care of.

              Railroad Underpass - Higgins to check with Vermont Local Roads on design alternatives for underpass.

              Roadside Mower - Manning not happy with the new mower.

New Business

                Maynard PAF Allocation request - Higgins to send a letter to Maynard explaining sewer hookup guidelines and permit process.

              Chelsea Street Sewer Project - Higgins working on bids for replacement of 25 feet and installation of two new manholes.

                            Bills & Payroll - approved and signed.

                            PAF Meeting - Higgins to schedule a meeting for the Selectboard to visit the Pollution Abatement Facility and do a site visit.

                            Speeding on Dairy Hill Road - Higgins to speak with Constables on speed patrol and also with Manning on farm equipment signage.          

              Old Business

Hope House - demolition has begun again on the house. Electricity is being disconnected this week.

Meeting adjourned 9:40 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jacqueline M. Higgins

back to top


Town of Royalton

Selectboard Meeting - August 23, 2005

Minutes

Town Office Building

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Larry Trottier, Peg Trombly, Denis Ives, and John Dumville

Public Attendance: Janice Atkins, Charlie Leighton, Jo Jo Levasseur, Katie Trinward, Wayne Manning, Marty Lewis, Jeanette Digby, Ed Digby, Randy Leavitt, and Jackie Higgins

Chairman: David Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM , and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

              Jo Jo Levasseur - Planning Commission applying for a planning grant, September 30 th deadline. Two Rivers assisting with grant application, Peter Gregory will attend the Planning Commission Meeting on September 12 th .

              Planning Commission will appoint a member to be on the Office Building Committee.

              Times and Seasons has not appealed to the Environmental Board at this time.

              Marc Nemeth - Constables have been dealing with an animal abuse case. The Selectboard questioned the availability of the constables. The Country Animal Hospital has agreed to be the town pound cost per day for cats is $10.00 and dogs are $15.00 per day.

              Nemeth offered to donate a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria to the town as the official constable vehicle. Motion to accept donation of police vehicle with town paying for insurance, registration and fuel. (Dumville/Ives, unanimous)

Meeting minutes - approved 8/9/05 Selectboard Meeting Minutes as written.

Highway Department

              Harlow Road - Jeanette and Ed Digby discussed how upset they are with the grading done on Harlow Road . Stonewall was disrupted, grader hit trees; there was no reason to widen the road. The road crew needs to review the highway policy and use it as a tool when working on roads. Manning will send the road crew back up to Harlow Road to repair the damage.

              Fox Stand Bridge - a concerned citizen asked about the debris left on side of road against trees by the Fox Stand Bridge . Manning stated that the road crew had put the material there from ditching and would be using at various locations. Manning also stated that the trees next to the Fox Stand Bridge would need to come down when the abutment repairs are done on the bridge.

              Ditching Machine - the ditching machine didn't work out as Manning had hoped. It needed a different bucket and stabilizers. Road Crew did use for one month.

              Back Hoe - back hoe blew a seal and shaft is being replaced, currently using a loaner.

              Loader - smashed window being replaced.

              Grader - has an oil leak in valve needs to be replaced.

              Roadside Mower - fluid pouring out of cylinder.

              Railroad Underpass - Higgins to call AOT engineers on railroad underpass conditions.

              Sand - still short 2000 yards, still waiting on Carpenter Pit Permit.  

New Business

              Chelsea Street Sewer Project - Higgins to put out bids to replace 25 feet of sewer line and install two manholes.

                            Bills & Payroll - approved and signed.

                            Tax Rate - Motion to set the tax rate at $2.2746 for residential and $2.6016 for non-residential (Dumville/Ives, unanimous)

                            Fuel Prices - Motion to continue using Irving as the Town of Royalton Heating Fuel and Diesel source. (Dumville/Ives, unanimous)

                            Democratic Party use of the green - Motion to allow the Democratic Party to hold their caucus on the green September 10 th . (Dumville/Ives, unanimous)

              Old Business

Carpenter Pit - Levasseur stated that Planning Commission felt that the Carpenter Pit should be approved as a minor Act 250 permit.

Meeting adjourned 10:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jacqueline M. Higgins

back to top


Town of Royalton

Selectboard Meeting - August 9, 2005

Minutes

Town Office Building

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Larry Trottier, and John Dumville

Public Attendance: Janice Atkins, Charlie Leighton, Jo Jo Levasseur, Randy Leavitt, and Jackie Higgins

Chairman: David Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM , and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

Meeting minutes - approved 7/26/05 Selectboard Meeting Minutes as written.

Highway Department

              Roadside Mowing Machine - has been delivered everything has been fixed except the tank on the front. Window was broken while at Blackmount Manning concerned that it is not safety glass, will check on this and follow up with Selectboard at next meeting.

              Ditching - currently on Russ Hill Road . Dumville received a phone call from a concerned citizen about work being done on Russ Hill Road, Manning will go and inspect work being done by the road crew.

              Stop Sign lines on Park Street - Trottier received call from Grace Adams about the painted lines at the stop signs being to far back. Manning will inspect and let Higgins know so she can call Mrs. Adams.

              Chloride - Ives reported to Higgins that there is a need for chloride on the North Road .

              Grading - The Office received a complaint about grading on Happy Hollow Road . Large rocks are being left in the road.

              Sand - still pending. Beck and Bellucci could do some excavation work in the Crawford Pit to see is any sand.

New Business

                Martha Hafner - requesting permission to use the bandstand for use on Christina Youth night to show               DVDs. (Motion to approve use of the bandstand for Aug 16, 23, 30 and Sept. 6 (Trottier/Dumville,        unanimous).

              Chelsea Street Sewer Project - roots appear to be the main problem with the backup of the lines on    Chelsea Street . Need to pour root killer down line. Simon's to send written report on video of the line      and his recommendations for manholes.

                            Bills & Payroll - approved and signed.

                            Tax Rate - setting tax rate tabled until next meeting.

                            Old Car Show - Jim Blakeman wanted to let the Selectboard know that there would be between 60 and            100 antique cars coming into town on August 19 th , for lunch.

                            Royalton/Bethel Transfer Station - motion to sign resolution for cardboard compactor grant              application (Dumville/Trottier, unanimous).

              Old Business

Carpenter Pit - permit pending if Springfield doesn't receive any public comments by August 24 th it will be a minor Act 250 application. Levasseur

Meeting adjourned 9:40 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jacqueline M. Higgins

Town of Royalton

back to top


Selectboard Meeting - July 26, 2005

Minutes

Town Office Building

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Larry Trottier, Margaret Trombly, John Dumville and Denis Ives

Public Attendance: Janice Atkins, Charlie Leighton,   Jo Jo Levasseur, Jon Ranney, Randy Leavitt, Phil Gates, Marty Lewis, and Jackie Higgins

Chairman: David Lewis called the meeting to order at 9:05 PM , and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

Meeting minutes - approved 7/12/05 Selectboard Meeting Minutes as written.

Highway Department

              Roadside Mowing Machine - new mower is at Black Mount for review and repairs.

              Ditching Machine - rental was delivered Thursday.

              Sand - Carpenter Pit Act 250 permit application is in the Environmental Office for review. Manning is 2000 yards short for winter stockpile.

New Business

              Town Plan sub committee -

              Chelsea Street Sewer Project - Simon's Operations ran camera down Chelsea Street line 164 feet from manhole in front of the Freck's Building until came to a section that they could not get through to continue filming. Scheduled to flush line on Friday the 29 th and continue filming the rest of the line.

                            Bills & Payroll - approved and signed.

                            Planning Commission Appointments - Motion to accept subcommittee's recommendation for appointments to the Planning Commission of Charlie Leighton, Alan Turner and Raymond “Bill” Benoit, (Trombly/Dumville, unanimous)

                            Green Grant - RFP went out only one person sent in a bid and bid was only for the paths and not the cast benches and fountain. Bid from Craig Braley was $14,900.00 to install paths. Motion to award Craig Braley bid for paths and continue to seek prices for fountain and cast benches. (Dumville/Ives, unanimous)

                            Carpenter Barn Grant - grant is a 50/50 match with a total of $7600.00. RFP went out and only one bid was received. Randy Hoyt's bid was more than the $7600.00 for total job. Dumville spoke with the state and the town can have Hoyt do the cable, bird proofing and repairs to the silo roof, which totals $7600.00. Motion to accept Hoyt's bid of $7600.00 for repairs of cable, bird proofing and silo roof. (Trombly/Dumville, unanimous)

                            PAF Lagoon Project - Motion to expend $14,500.00 to replace the hind tubing in lagoons with EDI Flex Air System. (Trombly/Trottier, unanimous)

                            PAF Allocation - Motion to earmark 750 gallons per day for RHINO PM II, LLC. for the new Café going into the Freck's Building. (Dumville/Trombly, unanimous)

              Old Business

Meeting adjourned 11:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jacqueline M. Higgins

back to top


Town of Royalton

Selectboard Meeting - July 12, 2005

Minutes

Town Office Building

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Larry Trottier, Margaret Trombly and Denis Ives

Public Attendance: Janice Atkins, Wayne Manning, Charlie Leighton, Lester Corwin, Jo Jo Levasseur, Jon Ranney, Randy Leavitt, and Jackie Higgins

Chairman: David Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM , and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

Meeting minutes - approved 6/28/05 Selectboard Meeting Minutes as written.

Highway Department

              Roadside Mowing Machine - the new mower is a disappointment per Manning. Roadside mower was delivered without fenders, no joystick and the hydraulic do not have enough power. The company also installed the hydraulic tank on the front of the tractor so a bucket can not be installed. These issues have been relayed to Blackmount Equipment. The roadside mower cost too much for the town to accept it as is.

The old roadside mower is in for repairs. A Cat mower is being delivered for trial run.  

              Ditching Machine - Manning to look at ditching machine in East Montpelier if it is big enough for what the town needs will rent it on same schedule as planned.

              Sand - have not completed stockpile for this winter as of yet.

              North Road - is okay road crew has been putting the chloride to it.

              Grading - is being done every day.

              Broad brook Road - culvert has been fixed, Manning couldn't find any other culvert that needed repairing. Leavitt will explain to Manning where it is located.

              New Truck - Manning ordered equipment for new truck.

              Putt Road - Manning to measure out what needs to be done as far as adding materials and give the information to Higgins to put into a letter to Tammy and David Clark.

New Business

              Town Plan sub committee - Ranney stated that the sub committee is reviewing all of the surveys of the 517 surveys 50% have comments. The sub committee would like a motion to disband as they are not interested in amending the Town Plan. The amending should be left to the Planning Commission. Trombly believes the survey should be discussed under other business at the special town meeting. Ranney remarked that it is short notice but they could pull together a presentation. The sub committee will have a couple more meetings and then would like to disband. Ranney will contact Higgins when they are ready to come back to the Selectboard.

              Chelsea Street Sewer Project - Higgins to schedule Simons Operation with a cameral mid week ( 7/20/05 ). Higgins to contact Jeff McDonald at Dufresne and Henry to put them on hold for final design proposal until Manning does some exploratory digging.

              Nelson Lyford - Motion to earmark 2560 gallons per day for Nelson Lyford for up to 12 unit project on Moses Lane for a period of one year at such time he would need to renew his request. (Trombly/Lewis, unanimous)

                 Larry Hayward - Motion to approve earmarked allocation request with Dufresne and Henry's amendments. (Trottier/Ives, unanimous)

              Westwood Property - Lester Corwin asked why we were having a special town meeting. Higgins to ask Walter Hastings floodplain questions (What can be built on site? Would a sand pile Building be allowed on site and can we store equipment on site?)

                            Bills & Payroll - approved and signed.

            Benoit Letter - Higgins to send letter to Benoit thanking him for his letter, that the Selectboard will take his recommendation under advisement and that the Selectboard will take a stronger part in the access permit process   and also be consistent. Higgins will also speak with Phil Gates in regards to the Planning Commission minutes showing the actual votes and if they would use a recorder for taking minutes.

                            Budget Review - 1 st meeting in July

                            Old Bandstand - Higgins received quote from Randy Caron of $594.00 for repairs to old bandstand. Motion to approve having Randy Caron do necessary repairs to Old Bandstand. (Trombly/Ives, unanimous)

                            Planning Commission Appointments - Motion to enter executive session 11: 10 p.m. (Trottier/Ives, unanimous) Motion to exit executive session 11:30 p.m. (Trottier/Ives, unanimous) Motion to accept recommendation of the Planning/Selectboard Appointment Committee (Trombley/Trottier, Yes-Trombly, Trottier NO-Lewis/Ives) Appointments Tabled until July 26 th , 2005.

              Old Business

Hope House Update - Motion to pay $17,400.00 to Midstate Asbestos for the removal of the Asbestos at the Hope House (Trottier/Trombly, unanimous)

Meeting adjourned 11:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jacqueline M. Higgins

back to top