Board members present were Dave Johnson, Jerry Mullen, John Devine, Pete Siegel and Ron Lafreniere. Town Clerk Deb LaRiviere, Town Attorney Robert Fletcher and Gil Livingston from the Vermont Land Trust and residents Mica Cassara and Ray Atwood were also present. The meeting was called to order at 6pm.
Jeff Garfield came in to speak with the Board regarding his concerns over the recent decision to purchase the Preston Pond property and use tax dollars for a portion of the funding. Garfield was concerned that not enough residents will benefit from the use of the land. He also had issues with some of the items in the conservation easement; the prohibition of 4-wheelers on the property except for use by Richard Streeter Sr.. He concluded with his feeling that tax dollars could have been spent for a better use.
Deb swore in re-elected Board members John Devine and Dave Johnson.
Gil Livingston explained to the board that the VLT would like final comments on the Conservation Easement. The VLT is also looking for support for the Conservation Commission to continue with fund raising for the project. If there is no petition to take away the authority given at town meeting, the VLT would like to the funds paid or a contract signed stipulating to that point within the next few days. The VLT is planning on closing with Tiffany and Morrissey within two weeks. Since the Board is receiving some of this paperwork during this meeting, they will meet again this Thursday (March 14) to review the final comments with Robert Fletcher.
Jerry motioned: “To nominate Pete Siegel as Chairman.” Seconded by John. There was no discussion, all were in favor, motion passed.
The Board reviewed the February 24 minutes. Dave asked that the words ‘exploded violently’ be removed from paragraph six on page 2 and the word ‘denouncing’ be changed to ‘denounced’ in the same paragraph. Dave also made a correction in paragraph two on page three. The correction is Pete motioning to go into Executive Session and Dave seconding, rather than Dave motioning and Pete seconding. Dave motioned: “To accept the minutes from the February 24, 2003 meeting with the corrections noted.” John seconded was no other discussion, all were in favor. Motion passed.
Other appointments removed from paragraph 6 on page 2 and the word denouncing be changed to denounced. There were also made. Ron motioned: “To appoint: Deb LaRiviere as Town Service Officer, John Devine as Shingle Inspector, Gene Armstrong as Pound Keeper, Pete Siegel as Weigher of Coal, Dave Johnson as Lumber Inspector, Ron Lafreniere as Fence Viewer and Jerry Mullen as Tree Warden.” Jerry seconded. There was no discussion, all were in favor, motion passed.
Deb explained to the Board that Dave Colburn from Housing and Community Development called and said the proceeds from the VCDP Grant, loaned several years ago to Bolton Valley Holiday Resort under Ralph DesLauriers could be used by the town. HCD felt the small amount ($2500) we were holding in reserve, created more paperwork than it was worth. Dave motioned: “To table this issue until the next meeting.” John seconded. There was no other discussion, all were in favor, issue tabled.
Minutes/February 24, 2003
Page 2
The Board reviewed a request from Conservation Commission chair Alison Bechdel for reimbursement of the flyer the Commission mailed out in late February. The discussion centered on whether paying for the postage endorsed the purchase of the Preston Pond property by the town. After being chastised for what was perceived as a political issue back in November in the Gazette, the Board is hesitant to do it again. John motioned: “To approve payment but take it out of next year’s budget.” Jerry seconded. Discussion continued regarding the Board’s direction to the Commission about using the Gazette. The question was called, none in favor, motion failed. Deb will draft a letter for Pete to sign to the Commission
The Board read a request from Dan Champney to continue mowing the lawns at the office and other town properties. Pete motioned: “To accept Dan Champney’s bid to mow at $100 per mow for the up coming year. John seconded. There was no discussion, all were in favor, motion passed.
The Town of Underhill is ready to join the Chittenden solid Waste District and need approval from all other towns in the district. Dave motioned: “To support the Town of Underhill in their efforts to join the CSWD.” Ron seconded. There was no other discussion, all were in favor, motion passed.
Ray Atwood spoke with the Board regarding his concerns over the acceptance of the Preston Pond property by the Town. His main issue is that the Town should take the property under its’ own terms and not acquiesce to demands that the others try to force on us. He also asked that the Board secure provisions for disabled people to have the same access as others.
A grant application for paving was signed.
The Board discussed working on Mill Brook Road. Ron suggested that we contact Dick Phalen to help with the project of surveying and removal of the ‘island’ near the Ruelle driveway.
Treasurer’s Report for January was reviewed.
With regard to highway issues, the Board would like a letter to the owners of the house across from Jerry Mullen that have placed rebar on the edge of their property.
There was no other business to be brought before this board at this time. Jerry motioned to end the meeting, seconded by Ron. The meeting ended at 8:20.
Attest:
Deborah LaRiviere
Minutes are unofficial until approved
These minutes were read and approved by the Bolton Select Board on _____________________. _____________________For the Board.