Selectboard Minutes Archive
Approved Minutes
Braintree Selectboard Meeting
May 3, 2011
Present
Keith Gallant - Selectboard Chair; Walter Palmer - Selectboard Member; Howard Boutwell - Selectboard Member; Holly Jarvis - Administrative Assistant; Janice Thresher - Resident
Julia Haupt - Resident; Brian Jones – Resident; Jessica Brassard – Resident
Call to Order at 6:03
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Mr. Palmer the minutes of April 19, 2011 were unanimously approved as amended.
Citizen’s Comments
Ms. Thresher commented on how beautiful the daffodils around the rock at the Town Hall were, which were planted by Anna Dustin last year.
Reports
Ms. Haupt advised the board as representative to the Stagecoach, that they had meet last Thursday. The main issues that the Stagecoach’s board discussed was funding and attempting to keeping the route to Rochester open.
New Business
The board reviewed the paperwork for the renewal for gravel pit multi-sector permit. Mr. Palmer will start it.
The overweight Permit for Roni Johnson Landscaping was approved.
Mr. Palmer will work with Ms. Jarvis to rewrite the restrictions for the overweight permits.
The board reviewed the Basic Emergency Operations Plan, and made some changes.
Old Business
The board discussed who should be appointed to the Delinquent Tax Collector (DTC) position. The Town Treasurer had offered to take on the duties without any additional pay; allowing the town to keep the 8% penalties which would normally be to pay the DTC. The board had been advised from a lawyer at VLCT that since the voters had voted to collect the penalties with the intention that they were to be paid to the DTC. That would be what would need to be done. The Treasurer would be welcome to donate the money back to the town, but payroll taxes would have to come out of it. Jessica Brassard has applied for the position. The board discussed the options in length. On motion of Mr. Palmer the board appointed Jessica Brassard to the DTC position until town meeting day. All voted in favor.
The board reviewed the draft letter to the neighbors of the Deyette house.
Other Business
The board received the old communications provided by the cemetery commissioners for review.
The board asked to have an ad put in the newspaper to hire a part-time highway crew member with the possible of the position becoming full-time in about a year, when Mr. Brown retirees.
The board decided to send Mr. Boutwell as the representative to the Tri-Town Alliance meeting about the SWIP.
On motion of Mr. Boutwell, seconded by Mr. Gallant, the board appointed Mr. Palmer to serve as gravel pit coordinator, and be paid the same amount per week as the highway crew members normally get for stand-by-pay in the winter, in weeks when the pit is operational. Mr. Gallant and Mr. Boutwell voted in favor, Mr. Palmer abstained.
On motion of Mr. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Gallant the payment orders were unanimously approved.
On motion of Mr. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Gallant the board adjourned the meeting. Adjournment was at 7:54 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Jarvis, Administrative Assistant
Approved Minutes
Braintree Selectboard Meeting
April 19, 2011
Present:
Keith Gallant - Selectboard Chair; Walter Palmer - Selectboard Member; Howard Boutwell - Selectboard Member; Tom Brown - Highway Foreman; Holly Jarvis - Administrative Assistant; Janice Thresher – Resident; Brian Jones – Resident; Jessica Brassard – Resident; Mandy Garvin - Resident
Mr. Palmer called the meeting or order at 6:02 pm
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Mr. Palmer the board unanimously approved the minutes of April 5, 2011 as amended.
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Mr. Boutwell the board unanimously approved the minutes of March 22, 2011.
Guests
Ms. Garvin, the Green-up day coordinator, asked the board if the town trucks could be available again this year on Green-up day, Saturday, May 7th, to collect trash. They will be. Mr. Brown is going to look into disposal options other than the Randolph landfill because they are not open until Wednesday which means that one truck would not be able to be used for two days.
Citizen’s Comments
Mr. Jones asked if anymore has been done about the citizens watch program. A few people have showed interest but more people will have to agree to be on the committee before it can move forward.
Jessica Brassard gave the board a letter indicating that she was interested in the position of Delinquent Tax Collector. She has experience with accounts payables and went to college for Accounting.
Reports
Mr. Brown advised the board that the 2006 Truck had a serious oil leak and had to be towed to Clarks Truck Center this last week. The roads have stayed muddy longer than normal this year, delaying grading, so it is going to be difficult to get the planned projects done this year. Therefore Mr. Brown has asked the board to consider hiring a fourth person through out the summer.
The board reviewed expense reports. Mr. Palmer asked if a scraper blade could be purchasing to be used with the tractor to help ketch up on grading. It will cost $1,259.00 for an 8 foot blade. The board agreed to purchase it. The budget versus expense report looked good over all.
New Business
The board reviewed the approved permit for bank stabilization project at the town’s new gravel pit. No action needed.
The board reviewed the email indicating that the Planning Grant was approved. The email was forwarded to the Planning Commission and the Treasurer.
The board regretfully accepted Linda Boutwell resignation as Delinquent Tax Collector.
The Treasurer is willing to be appointed as Delinquent Tax Collector, let the town keep the 8% and keep her current salary. The board will check with VLCT to see if there would be any legalities which would prohibit this. The board will get back to Ms. Brassard after the next meeting as to what their decision is.
The board reviewed the inspection report for Menard bridge provided by the State. It looked like some of the information for the old temporary bridge which was replaced last year has been carried over to the new bridge in the inspection report. Also the board wondered why we don’t get inspection reports for Riford Brook bridge. These questions will be looked into.
The board reviewed the rates equipment rates for plowing and sanding of Rochester Hollow Rd and decided to keep the same rates as last year.
The town was supposed to have received the new Municipal Uniform Traffic Control Devises (MUTCD) manual last fall, but we don’t seem to have. The road crew must follow the manual when ordering and placing signs to meet the new standards. We can purchase it for $120 or print it of line. The board decided that the printed version should be sufficient.
Old Business
Mr. Boutwell inquired about the status of a sign which was to be ordered for Flint Rd. It had been ordered.
Other Business
Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis swept Thresher Road from their house to 12A and the Selectboard wished to thank them for there hard work.
Moe Cook had suggested to Mr. Palmer that a picnic to appreciate the work of the town employees should be organized this summer. The board thought it might be better to do another year.
Mr. Palmer told the board about a type of insurance offered by VLCT PACIF which would pay employees up to 60% of their wages if they are injured and can’t work (the waiting periods, lengths of coverage, and amount paid out changes with the plans). The board asked to get estimates.
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Mr. Boutwell, the board approval of payment orders.
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Mr. Palmer, the board adjourned the meeting.
Adjournment was at 8:20 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Jarvis, Administrative Assistant
Approved Minutes
Braintree Selectboard Meeting
April 5, 2011
Present:
Keith Gallant, Selectboard Chair
Howard Boutwell, Selectboard Member
Walt Palmer, Selectboard Member
Tom Brown, Highway Foreman
Janice Thresher, Resident
Julia Haupt, Resident
Brian Jones, Resident
David and Cherie Lloyd
Sharon Liebert, Resident
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Mr. Palmer, the February 15, 2011, meeting minutes were approved.
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Mr. Boutwell, the March 15, 2011, meeting minutes were approved.
Mrs. Thresher referred to the letter that the selectboard recently mailed to the attention of Carl Thresher for the Cemetery Commission. She asked whether the minutes of Cemetery Commission meetings had been located; and she commented that the group's minutes were written in the record books kept by Mrs. Phyllis Hawley; then when the books were filled, they were brought in to the Town Office. Mr. Gallant restated the importance of compliance with open meeting law and the availability of minutes.
Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd outlined their plans for addressing health and safety issues at the North Road property owned by Mrs. Lloyd's mother. They noted that the old house has been vacant for 10-15 years; they advised that they will set some rat traps in the next few weeks, and this summer they plan to empty the contents of the house into 3 or 4 dumpsters. They inquired about whether the house could possibly be used for a fire training exercise after that. Mr. Boutwell and Mr. Gallant offered to check on fire department requirements and necessary permits. Mr. Gallant will provide an update to the West Braintree neighbors.
Ms. Haupt asked about some Rochester Hollow dogs that have been frequently running loose. Mr. Boutwell advised that he had recently spoken to one of the owners.
Highway Report: Mr. Brown reported that he accidently struck and injured a dog while plowing with the pickup on Mobile Acres Road. He also advised of a problem with a metal culvert on Connecticut Corners Road; gravel has been added to the spot to provide a temporary fix. He noted that a load of salt has been ordered; new plow shoes have been purchased for the pickup; and roadside snowbanks have been cut back to facilitate water drainage. A previously repaired hydraulic tank has developed a new leak; the plan is to drain and weld it, perhaps adding angle iron to the seam that's leaking. There has been discussion with Ron Tucker about this summer's gravel crushing, and whether 10,000 yards could be done this year, with half of it to be stockpiled for use next year. Mr. Tucker is willing to split the bill for the crusher between this year and next if the 10,000 yards are crushed this year. This is the plan provided there is enough storage space available. If the weather cooperates, the highway crew will change over to their 10-hour day schedule on April 15th.
A notice was received from Zoning Administrator Preston Bristow, explaining that beginning April 21st, his Braintree office hours will be changed from Tuesday mornings to Tuesday afternoons from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Mr. Palmer asked that the change be noted in the minutes and on the town's website.
The Board signed a letter of appointment for Bob Moyer, who has expressed interest in serving as Braintree's representative to the Two Rivers Regional Transportation Advisory Committee. They also signed a reappointment letter for Julia Haupt, who has agreed to continue as the Town's representative to Stagecoach Transportation. "Reminder" appointment letters were prepared and signed for three appointees who have not yet replied to the initial letters mailed to them after Town Meeting.
A letter was approved and signed to Vermont Agency of Transportation's Rail Division regarding the need for crossing gates at Mobile Acres crossing, because of the high traffic volume at that location as well as anticipated increases in train speeds.
A Department of Motor Vehicles registration renewal form for the grader was reviewed and signed.
Excess Weight permits were reviewed and signed for Camp Precast Concrete Products, Inc., Cardinal Logistics Management Corp., H. A. Manosh Corp., M. L. Townsend Enterprises, Mike Lowell Logging & Wood, Oldcastle APG National, Inc., United Natural Foods, Inc., and W.B. Rogers, Inc. Manning Pulpwood Sales, Inc.'s permit request will be held pending receipt of their insurance verification.
Information regarding the Acronis computer maintenance renewal was briefly reviewed and set aside, pending input/comments from Ms. Holly Jarvis, Administrative Assistant.
There was lengthy discussion of the fact that the Cemetery Commission's annual report was missing from the Town's 2010 Annual Report. Ms. Thresher and Ms. Haupt expressed the view that the Town Treasurer has all the information and thus should furnish the report each year. Ms. Thresher went on to say that the 2009 report, prepared by the Treasurer and Auditor, was incorrect, and that she had assisted in correcting it. Mr. Gallant made a plea for better communication and a systematic annual procedure; he noted that the report is required and that the Cemetery Commissioners have a responsibility to provide the necessary information and to assure that the report is completed, organizing and collaborating with the Treasurer to accomplish it. He asked who will be assuming the role of clerk/recordkeeper for the Commission following Phyllis Hawley's retirement from the group; Ms. Haupt and Ms. Thresher advised that no one has yet been appointed. Mr. Gallant said that he will respond to Auditor Jen Baumann's questions about a planned audit of the accounts.
The Board signed a release form authorizing Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission to collect heating fuel and cost data for Braintree's municipal buildings for 2008. Two Rivers' Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program is looking for potential areas where municipalities can save energy and cut costs.
Board members reviewed several information items, including a monthly activity report from Northern Group Administrators; notices regarding Quickbooks payroll subscription renewal and Mozy computer backup reporting options; a letter about highway safety grant opportunities; and a letter from the Vermont Animal Cruelty Response Coalition.
The Board reviewed a letter from Pyrofax Energy expressing interest in having an opportunity to bid on providing fuel oil and diesel fuel for the Town. Members noted the importance of asking companies, at the time bids are submitted, to also provide information about the availability of their service/maintenance staff.
There was brief discussion about the Rural Fire Protection Task Force's 2011 Dry Hydrant Grant Program and a few existing ponds that might be potential sites. Mr. Palmer advised that he will contact one of the landowners to ask about his interest in the idea.
Board members reviewed an e-mail communication from Vermont's Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development, asking for a signed first page of the grant agreement pertaining to the Town's new municipal planning grant. That agreement will be located and the signature page mailed to DEHCD as requested.
There was a question about placing a 25 mph speed sign at a location on Flint Road where there is an approach to a curve; currently there is a sign posted on one side of the curve but none serving traffic moving in the opposite direction. Mr. Palmer said he would check on it.
Mr. Gallant noted that he has been talking with a representative of the Arts Bus about that organization's use of the Town Hall for training sessions on April 13th and 20th.
Mr. Palmer requested an updated report of highway department expenses to date. Ms. Jarvis will be asked to prepare it early next week.
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Mr. Boutwell, payment orders were approved.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Liebert
Recorder
Approved Minutes
Braintree Selectboard Meeting
March 15, 2011
Present:
Keith Gallant-Selectboard Chair: Howard Boutwell-Selectboard Member: Tom Brown-Highway Foreman: Janice Thresher-Resident: Tut Doane-Resident: Brian Jones-Resident: Sharon Liebert-Resident
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Mr. Boutwell, the March 4, 2011, meeting minutes were approved.
The Neighborhood Watch Program idea was mentioned; it was noted that four Braintree residents have expressed interest.
Mr. Doane provided an update on his study of emergency access options for Mobile Acres. It appears that a bridge overpass at the park entrance is not a workable option because of height requirements; however, several other options remain to be explored. Vermont's AOT Rail Division representatives have advised further review of the idea of an emergency access road across a neighboring landowner's field; and they suggested contacting VTC's Civil Engineering department about possible student assistance in developing a plan. Mr. Doane noted that Two Rivers Regional Commission has traffic counters available; and he will collaborate with their staff this summer to collect some traffic count data, at varied times that reflect normal weekday traffic volumes, as well as the higher volumes associated with holiday weekends and increased campground activity. There was additional discussion about the idea of a gated crossing, which would not address the long-term problem of an emergency access route, but which would address the more immediate concern regarding potential car-train collisions at the crossing. Mr. Gallant proposed that the Selectboard prepare a letter to appropriate railroad representatives, asking for their response to the idea of installing gates at that location; he noted that high vehicle traffic volume at the crossing and increased rail speeds provide valid reasons for the request. Mr. Gallant encouraged Mr. Doane to have a conversation with someone at VTC's Civil Engineering department; and he thanked Mr. Doane for his work on this emergency planning project.
Mr. Brown reported that the roads have been posted for spring conditions. The crew have been making repairs during the early morning hours before the road surface softens, so as not to cause additional damage with their equipment. He explained that the 2006 truck is out of service until Thursday, for replacement of the steering box. He also reported that the pickup truck's plow frame had to be replaced recently, and the cost was covered under a 2-year warranty with Fisher, the plow's manufacturer.
Excess Weight Permits were reviewed and approved for Carroll Concrete, Feed Commodities International, Limlaw Chipping & Landclearing, Inc., and Pike Industries. Limlaw's will be held pending receipt of their insurance verification.
Board members signed letters of appointment for a Stagecoach Transportation Services representative (Ms. Julia Haupt) and a Town Service Officer (Mr. Maurice Cook). Volunteers are still needed to serve as Braintree's appointed representatives to White River Valley Ambulance Service and to Two Rivers Transportation Advisory Committee. Notices will be posted, and a message sent to the Planning Commission Chairman, to try to recruit interested candidates.
Several information items were reviewed, including a letter from the State of Vermont Operations Traffic Shop; a letter from Two Rivers Regional Commission about 2012 Transportation Enhancement Grant opportunities; and a letter about the proposed Vermont single payer healthcare bill and scheduled hearing.
Mr. Boutwell proposed installing a computer with internet access at the Town garage, to enable the road crew to check weather reports. After brief discussion, it was agreed that a plan should be developed for how to accomplish this; the problem of getting cable access to the building remains to be solved.
Board members signed letters to Mrs. Deyette regarding her West Braintree house; to Town Auditor Ms. Jen Baumann with a question about a Cemetery Commission annual report; and to Cemetery Commissioners with a reminder about open meeting requirements. In addition, the Board signed thank-you notes to Ms. Linda Lubold for coordinating the Town Meeting Day lunch; to Mrs. Phyllis Hawley for her years of service on the Cemetery Commission; and to Ms. Jocelyn Stohl for serving as the Town's representative to White River Valley Ambulance Service.
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Mr. Boutwell, payment orders were approved.
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Mr. Boutwell, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Liebert
Recorder
Approved Minutes
Braintree Selectboard Meeting
March 4, 2011
Present:
Keith Gallant-Selectboard Chair: Howard Boutwell-Selectboard Member: Julia Haupt-Resident: Brian Jones-Resident: Sharon Liebert-Resident
The meeting was called to order at 5:58 p.m.
It was decided to hold the February 15th meeting minutes for review and approval until Mr. Palmer's return.
Board members discussed and made decisions on a number of organizational items. It was agreed that Mr. Gallant will continue to serve as Chair for the coming year; and the Board's meeting time will remain at 6:00 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
Mr. Gallant read the list of Town officers to be re-appointed. He noted that the Town still needs a candidate who is interested and willing to serve as Braintree's representative to the White River Valley Ambulance Service. On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Mr. Boutwell, it was decided to sign and send the customary annual letters to the appointees, thanking them for their service and asking if they are willing to continue. It was noted that a letter is also needed for the Stagecoach representative, and that additional letter will be prepared before the next meeting.
A form regarding the appointment of a Town Service Officer must be filled out and returned to the State of Vermont in the next few weeks. It was agreed that Ms. Liebert would contact Mr. Maurice Cook, the present Service Officer, about whether he would like to continue in that role.
Members reviewed a letter and grant information packet from Vermont's District #4 Agency of Transportation office. There was brief discussion about the new road and bridge standards; and Mr. Gallant pointed out the annual training requirement for all highway maintenance employees. The new standards will be discussed further at a future Selectboard meeting. In the meantime, a meeting will be scheduled with Trevor Starr of the District #4 office to complete the annual financial plan and to discuss a potential grant application.
Mr. Gallant signed a letter to Randolph National Bank giving them notice about the Town's new Treasurer.
Board members reviewed a memo from Administrative Assistant Holly Jarvis summarizing the electrician's findings and repairs associated with his recent work on the Town Hall water heater.
Members reviewed a letter from surveyor Blake Thomsen, asking for any information about rights-of-way, encroachments, water rights, etc., of the Town Hall property. Carl Thresher, Walt Palmer, and Richard Bowen were suggested as individuals perhaps familiar with the property's history and aware of such rights, if any exist.
Members reviewed some information provided by the Randolph Fire Chief about recent fire calls and services to Braintree.
Ms. Liebert shared a list of unfinished/pending items from her Selectboard file.
Mr. Gallant asked that a follow-up letter be prepared regarding the Deyette house, requesting that the family notify the Board of their clean-up plans and expected timeframe for getting the work accomplished.
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Mr. Boutwell, the payment orders were approved.
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Mr. Boutwell, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Liebert
Recorder
Approved Minutes
Braintree Selectboard Meeting
February 15, 2011
Present
Keith Gallant-Selectboard Chair: Walter Palmer-Selectboard Member: Sharon Liebert-Selectboard Member: Brian Jones-Resident: Holly Jarvis-Administrative Assistant: Jocelyn Stohl-Treasurer
The meeting was called to order at 5:59 p.m.
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Ms. Liebert, the minutes of February 3, 2011, were unanimously approved.
Reports
The Delinquent Tax Collector’s report was reviewed. It was noted that a report showing monthly payment activity detail would be informative and could perhaps be easily prepared from the database.
Board members reviewed a report of highway expenses to date. There was brief discussion about a few equipment repair items and tire replacement costs.
New Business
There was discussion of Kimball Library's letter about long-range planning. A response will be drafted.
A letter from Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission was reviewed; it offered a brief outline of the proposed East Central Vermont Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and invited public comments by March 4th to help improve the final plan.
The board reviewed and signed the overweight permit for the Hartigan Company.
On motion of Mr. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Gallant, the payment orders were approved.
On motion of Mr. Palmer, seconded by Ms. Liebert, the board adjourned the meeting. Adjournment was at 7:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Jarvis, Administrative Assistant
Approved Minutes
Braintree Selectboard Meeting
February 3, 2011
Present:
Keith Gallant-Selectboard Chair; Sharon Liebert-Selectboard Member; Walter Palmer-Selectboard Member; Josh Poley-VTC student; Brian Jones-Resident; Holly Jarvis-Administrative Assistant
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m.
On motion of Ms. Liebert, seconded by Mr. Gallant, the board unanimously approved the minutes of January 19, 2011. On motion of Ms. Liebert, seconded by Mr. Palmer, the board unanimously approved the minutes of January 22, 2011.
New Business
An agreement between Two Rivers Regional Planning Commission and the Town of Braintree for municipal planning services was reviewed and signed.
It was noted that the state has acknowledged receipt of our application for an injection/infiltration permit; the expected review timeframe is 60 days.
The TRORC FY’13 Transportation Capital Projects Prioritization list was reviewed and discussed. It was noted that the Lemery Road bridge appeared on the list last year, but is not included this year.
The board reviewed and signed the required annual Certificate of No Appeal or Suit Pending.
On motion of Ms. Liebert, seconded by Mr. Gallant, the board unanimously approved switching to Mozy for an off-site computer back-up program using there program called MozyPro.
An overweight permit for S.D. Ireland Concrete was reviewed and signed. Mr. Palmer recommended that some additional wording be developed to address restrictions during the short winter periods of warm temperatures when road surfaces are soft and easily damaged.
Old Business
Ms. Liebert advised that Ms. Lloyd had called to report that she's working on getting estimates from contractors for the costs of removal and clean-up of the abandoned Deyette house.
On motion of Mr. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Gallant, the board unanimously approved payment orders.
On motion of Ms. Liebert, seconded by Mr. Palmer, the board went into Executive Session for personnel matters. On motion of Ms. Liebert, seconded by Mr. Palmer, the board came out of Executive Session.
On motion of Ms. Liebert, seconded by Mr. Gallant, the board unanimously approved the appointment of Ms. Anthony to fill in for Ms. Jarvis's maternity leave, pending Ms. Anthony's acceptance.
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Ms. Liebert, the board adjourned the meeting. Adjournment was at 6:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Jarvis, Administrative Assistant
Approved Minutes
Braintree Selectboard
January 22, 2011
Present:
Keith Gallant-Selectboard Chair; Walter Palmer-Selectboard Member; Sharon Liebert-Selectboard Member; Holly Jarvis-Administrative Assistant
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m.
Board members approved and signed the Town Meeting Warning.
The remainder of the meeting time was spent proof-reading and editing pages for the Town Report, which is due at the printer's next week.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
Approved Minutes
Braintree Selectboard
January 19, 2011
Present:
Keith Gallant-Selectboard Chair; Walter Palmer-Selectboard Member; Sharon Liebert-Selectboard Member; Brian Jones-Resident; Richard Enser-Resident; Julia Haupt-Resident; Holly Jarvis-Administrative Assistant
The meeting was called to order at 5:54 p.m.
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Ms. Liebert, the minutes were approved for January 4, 2011 (Mr. Gallant and Ms. Liebert voted in favor; Mr. Palmer abstained).
On motion of Ms. Liebert, seconded by Mr. Palmer, the minutes were approved for January 14, 2011 (Ms. Liebert and Mr. Palmer voted in favor; Mr. Gallant abstained).
New Business
The board discussed Mr. Enser’s ideas for the handling of special appropriations requests and for establishing a town library. His written proposals will be included in the Town Report; and the following articles will be included in the Warning for Town Meeting: “Shall the Town investigate establishing a non-profit support committee to raise funds, review requests, and distribute monies?”, and “Shall the Town explore the idea of establishing a Braintree Town Library?”
The board reviewed the draft of the Town Meeting Warning, and briefly discussed a few of the articles.
There was discussion of the town's dog ordinance; Mr. Gallant noted that he would like to see the ordinance revised and would also like to see the use of warnings and tickets implemented.
The board reviewed and signed the liquor license renewals for Royal Butcher Country Store and Snowsville General Store.
The board reviewed and approved the annual Certificate of Highway Mileage without any changes.
The board discussed the replacement schedule of vehicles for the capital equipment plan and decided to make no changes at this time. It was noted that the tractor's hydraulics had overheated a number of times last summer while mowing, causing costly repairs.
Old Business
The board reviewed and signed a letter to Ms. Deyette and her daughter, requesting that they advise the board of their plan for their abandoned house in West Braintree.
On motion of Ms. Liebert, seconded by Mr. Palmer, the board unanimously approved the payment orders.
Other Business
The board decided to reschedule the first meeting in February to Wednesday, the 2nd,
because the school voting will be held at the office on Tuesday, February 1st. The board also decided to change the first meeting in March from Town Meeting Day, Tuesday, March 1st, to Wednesday, March 2nd.
The board reviewed the new bill for Randolph fire services.
Executive Session
On motion of Ms. Liebert, seconded by Mr. Palmer, the board went into Executive Session for personnel matters.
On motion of Mr. Palmer, seconded by Ms. Liebert, the board came out of Executive Session.
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Ms. Liebert, the board unanimously appointed Jocelyn Stohl as interim Treasurer until Town Meeting Day. It was noted that she was the only person who had expressed interest in the position. The appointment becomes effective when she provides the board with a letter of resignation as town auditor, because the two positions cannot be held by the same person.
On motion of Ms. Liebert, seconded by Mr. Palmer, the board unanimously adjourned the meeting. Adjournment was at 8:25 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Jarvis
Administrative Assistant
Approved Minutes
Braintree Selectboard Meeting
January 14, 2011, at 12:00 noon
Present
Walter Palmer-Selectboard Member; Sharon Liebert-Selectboard Member; Brad Washburn-Engineer; Holly Jarvis-Administrative Assistant
Mr. Washburn updated board members on the required reporting for the gravel pit permits.
There was brief discussion of the stream bank stabilization project to be accomplished next season.
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Jarvis, Administrative Assistant
Approved Minutes
Braintree Selectboard Meeting
January 4, 2011
Present:
Keith Gallant-Selectboard Chair; Sharon Liebert-Selectboard member; Ken Roger-of White River Valley Ambulance (WRVA); Neal Fox-of WRVA; Brian Jones-Resident; Holly Jarvis-Administrative Assistant
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m.
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Ms. Liebert, the board unanimously approved the minutes of December 21, 2010.
Guests
Mr. Fox and Mr. Roger provided an update on the activities of the White River Valley Ambulance service and the conversations that are underway with Gifford Hospital and a number of small ambulance services in the district. They described their efforts to find increased revenues and cost savings for WRVA's operation.
Citizen’s Comments
It was reported that a Randolph citizen has been seen taking sand from our sand pile, which has a sign posted indicating that it is for Braintree residents only. Possible actions were discussed, and Mr. Gallant will follow up with the State Police.
New Business
The board reviewed a VLCT model policy that many towns use for handling appropriations requests from social service agencies. Braintree's current policy is similar to the model policy, but has not been written/outlined in a formal way. Preparing a policy document will be considered further at a future meeting.
Town report items
Several pages planned for publication in the Town Report were reviewed, including the pages on the reserve funds and the capital plan for vehicles/equipment. A few edits were suggested. The board will discuss the vehicle replacement schedule with Mr. Palmer and Mr. Brown at an upcoming meeting.
The January-December 2010 expense figures were reviewed; and there was discussion of several line items in the new budget being prepared for July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.
It was agreed that the board will meet on January 22nd to approve the Warning.
A letter to Vermont's Agency of Transportation was signed and will be sent with the check for the remainder of the annual payment amount due this year for the new Menard Road bridge. Two more annual payments are planned.
The board reviewed and approved the Health Insurance “Benefits Description” document provided by Northern Group Administration, the company that administers the health insurance deductible for the town.
The board reviewed the project review sheet from Agency of Natural Resources for Richard Weston. No action was needed.
Old Business
The board discussed a draft of a second letter to Mrs. Deyette about her abandoned house in West Braintree. Mr. Gallant will work on finalizing the letter.
There was brief discussion about the state requirements and deadlines for new road signs with 6-inch lettering and improved reflectivity. The original deadline dates have not been changed.
Approval of Payment Orders
On motion of Ms. Liebert, seconded by Mr. Gallant, the board approved the payment orders.
Adjournment
On motion of Mr. Gallant, seconded by Ms. Liebert, the board adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Jarvis, Administrative Assistant
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