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

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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

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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

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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

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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