Selectboard meeting of July 15, 2002
Meeting called to order by John Devine at 6:01 PM. Pete Siegel arrived at 6:04. John served as chair at Pete’s suggestion, and all were present except Ron Lafrenniere who has been ill.
Eric Andrews presented information about the proposed truck. Chevrolet has the best price at $30,000, with plow and dump body included. The pump system must be altered, and Iroquois can do this for $6000 or Hill-Martin for $5000. Further, he has heard from Waterbury, that the automatic transmission in their Ford is very unreliable and prone to breakdown while Dodges seem to have weak frames, which have broken in some cases. Pete has heard that the electronics on GM vehicles, including Chevrolets has been unreliable, but after discussion Jerry Mullen moved to authorize Eric to purchase the Chevrolet. This was seconded by Dave and passed unanimously.
Janet Bonneau, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Richmond Library, (H-434-3837, W-655-1611) addressed the board in reference to Library support. The Town of Bolton has contributed $500 each year to the Richmond Library, as many residents of Bolton use it. The Town of Richmond puts $128,000 into it each year. They have recently done a calculation, based on this $128,000, divided by the number of people listed in the 2000 census, and coming up with a figure of $31 per person. Based on this figure they calculated that with 206, (or 208, both figures were cited) Bolton’s fair share should be in excess of $6300! These 206 cards do not include children’s cards but are “home cards” which allow the holders thereof to borrow books from any library in Chittenden County. However, if these books are not returned, the Richmond Library is responsible for them, therefore they are opened to more liability by allowing Bolton residents to use their library. They lost some volumes through Huntington residents two years ago.
Jerry asked if they had lost any volumes through Bolton residents. Ms Bonneau had no data. It was at this point that she mentioned 208 cards rather than 206.
John asked several questions, which elicited the other data cited in the first paragraph above. Both John and Dave commented upon the enormous increase. Ms Bonneau remarked that additions could be phased in progressively over several years. Pete remarked that this was a very bad time to ask for increased funding as our budget was already voted. John suggested that such a matter should be warned at town meeting. Ms Bonneau thanked the Board and left.
Linda Baker, Chair of the Planning commission, Amy, secretary to the Planning Commission, Margo Pender of the DRB, and Josh Besse, Volunteer, met with the Board in regard to the Town Plan, Zoning etc. In order to be eligible for grants, it would be best if the Selectboard adopted the Plan as soon as possible, so that Regional Planning can approve it before September. The Planning commission having held hearings, it only remains for the Selectboard to hold hearings and accept or reject the plan. John suggested that these hearings be held in early August, as they require two weeks notice. Jerry moved to have Deb warn the meetings for some time between the 30th of July and the 5th of August, John seconded, all approved. Note left for Deb with Amy to provide details.
Discussion followed in regard to situation in Bolton Valley. Josh reports that Ned Hamilton is comfortable with Town’s plans, and he would like to divest the ski area of woodlands which it cannot use, but at prices which will not encumber the land with so much debt that it cannot be used for forestry. Having organizations like Land Trust etc, purchase development rights, might do this. Ned wishes to concentrate development needed by ski area in a small area. The challenge for the town is to decide whether development is to be residential or resort –based. All left at 6:50 PM
The Treasurer’s report was read.
Dave moved to sign the VNA agreement. Jerry seconded, and all were in favor.
Discussion of the tax rate. Pete feels that some of the budgets we have accepted are too high, and that we need a more detailed account of what departments are spending in various categories, so that we can control this while working up next year’s budget. He cites the Fire Department in particular.
Jerry moved a tax rate of $2.76, John seconded, and reluctantly all agreed.
There was further discussion of cost cutting, as the present economy of the nation and the state do inspire confidence. Cases were cited of people in the mobile-home park moving away leaving trailers to be repossessed, taxes unpaid, etc. Jerry moved to close the meeting at 7:43, Dave seconded, and all were agreed.
Jerry Mullen, acting secretary.