The office will be open from 7:30 am -6:00 pm on Monday, October 15th.
Oct 112018
Holly Jarvis
Oct 112018
Town of Braintree
Draft Auditors Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2018
Attendees: Tom Cooch, Stephanie Barrett, Lin Brown
- Mr. Cooch called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.
- No changes were made to the agenda.
- The minutes of the June 4, 2018 meeting were approved.
- Review work completed for FY19.
– General and Reserve Funds: Complete through FY18-Q4. Mr. Cooch reported that an end of year reallocation of interest may be required prior to doing the FY19-Q1 audit. Mr Cooch will ask the Town Administrator for clarification on the extent to which these Funds are operating funds.
– Accounts Payable: Done through FY18-Q3. Ms. Barrett will complete the audit for FY18-Q4 and do FY19-Q1.
– Payroll: Complete through FY18-Q4. Mr. Brown has updated the Employee List for FY19 and will do the FY19-Q1 audit.
– Grand List: Done annually at the end of Q2. OK for now.
– General Journal: Complete through FY18-Q4. Mr. Cooch will do the FY19-Q1 audit.
– State Payments: Done semi-annually. Complete through FY18-Q4. Mr Brown will do the next one for FY19-Q1&Q2.
– Cash Receipts: In progress. See discussion in section 5.a below.
- Audit Procedure Manuals.
- Cash
Mr. Cooch reported that attempting to match all the cash receipts with Town Clerk logs and bank deposits has been extremely tedious. Ms. Barrett suggested that because most of the transactions are small (about 50% are $10 or under) and it may be more effective to focus our audit attention on only the large transactions. The data for FY18-Q3 & Q4 show that the largest 20% of the transactions (those of about $100 or more), comprise over 90% of the total cash receipts. Further work on this procedure was tabled until our next meeting.
- State Payments
Mr. Cooch reported using the draft procedure for reconciling payments from the State of Vermont to the Town to do the FY18-Q3&Q4 audit. It worked well and he recommended that it be approved. It was unanimously voted to approve the procedure for future use.
- Taxes
Mr. Brown reported on progress for a two part procedure for auditing income from taxes. The part for verifying the process by which the tax rate is set is nearly complete. The part for checking that tax bills are generated correctly and that tax receipts are properly recorded and deposited are yet to be done.
- Other business
The audit responsibilities assigned to each individual auditor were reviewed. No changes were made.
- Our next meeting will be scheduled at a convenient time in January 2019.
- The meeting was adjourned at 10:26 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linfield C. Brown
Oct 072018
Unapproved Minutes
Braintree Selectboard Meeting
Oct. 2, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
Present:
Richard Bowen, Selectboard Member Linda Lubold, WRVA Rep
Megan O’Toole, Selectboard Chair Stuart Kinney, Resident
Keegan Haupt, Selectboard Member Matt Murawski, Re: Running race in Braintree
Daniel Burson, Selectboard Member Zac Freeman, Re: B357- Braintree Bluegrass Brunch
Holly Jarvis, Admin. Assistance
Jeff Masterson, Road Commissioner
Jessie Brassard, Town Clerk
Ms. O’Toole called the meeting to order at 5:59 pm.
The Board reviewed the agenda adding lease land to the agenda under new business.
On motion of Mr. Haupt, seconded by Mr. Bowen, the Board unanimously approved the minutes from September 18, 2018.
Citizen’s comments
- Mr. Kinney asked why J.L. Smith is doing the work at the old Dustin pit. Mr. Masterson explained that he had his excavator extracting the big trees. The Highway Department will be doing the rest of the work. Mr. Kinney also asked if the sand pile was going to be ready for winter. Mr. Masterson assured everyone that it will be.
- Mr. Freeman and Mr. Murawski talked to the Board about combining a local running race with the Braintree 357. Some details were discussed. The Board agreed to the plan.
- The winter parking lot for the RASTA trails was briefly talked about, and Mr. Freeman said they are making plans to have the parking lot plowed this winter
- Ms. Brassard passed a few citizens comments along that she had heard from residents when they stopped in the office:
- A person who works for VTrans mentioned that the recent work along Braintree Hill Road by Sevigny’s looks really good.
- Another resident mentioned a few things she would like to see on the website. She agreed to take a closer look at it and jot down her suggestions. Ms. Brassard will pass it along when she gets it.
- Ms. Brassard suggested putting together a page of positive citizens’ comments in the Town Report this year and Ms. O’Toole mentioned a training she went to which suggested ways to make a Town Report more interesting to residents. Town Meeting was briefly discussed. A group will be formed of those who are interested in planning for town meeting and updating the town report.
Reports
- Ms. Lubold provided the semi-annual report for WRVA. Their Director was called up on active military duty. The Interim Director has been with the organization for quite some time and working well. He is making some positive changes. They are running another EMT class, which is free for anyone in the WRVA service area.
- Mr. Masterson provided the Highway Report.
Old business
- Update on Health Order: Mr. Simpson signed for the Health Order via certified mail on Sept. 24. It is likely he received the same notice by regular mail on Sept. 20th. A reinspection and the inspection of the other apartments by the fire marshal, electrical inspector and town health officer is scheduled for Oct. 17th. It was discussed. The Board decided to talk more about next steps in executive session at the end of the meeting.
- Winter maintenance policy was reviewed. The Board will review it again at the next meeting after Mr. Burson and Mr. Masterson make additional changes.
- Phone system- Ms. O’Toole was able to talk with Mr. Knapp. The idea of changing the system so that the analog lines are the ones used first, instead of the voice over internet lines, was talked about. The caller ID will show the phone number called out on, not the main number to call, so that could cause confusion. It would cost about $100.00 for the switch over. A few more concerns were discussed. Ms. O’Toole will talk with Mr. Knapp again.
- Town Office projects:
- The baseboard trim in the town office is just about done.
- Ms. Brassard talked with the Board about the piping which needs to be reorganized in the old furnace room and the possibility of changing out the hot water heater.
- Ms. Brassard reported on the status of the paperwork for the heat pumps. On motion of Ms. O’Toole, seconded by Mr. Burson, the Board approved signing the Corporate Resolution which gives Ms. Brassard the authority to enter into an agreement for the heat pump program.
- Mr. Haupt recommended sealing the chimney. He noticed that it is growing moss.
- Hydroseeder – tabled, waiting for information from Mr. Bent.
New business
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- Ms. O’Toole has reached out to the other Town Officials to start the budget process. She needs to hear back from the conservation commission, cemetery commission and highway department.
- Mr. Burson advised that the law recently changed regarding old Town Lease Lands. The Town can release all of the lease lands in town pursuant to Act 152 (2018). Regardless, the lease lands will automatically be released in 2020. Mr. Burson will provide more information to the Board at the next meeting.
- On motion of Mr. Bowen, seconded by Mr. Burson, the Board unanimously approved the payment orders.
On motion of Ms. O’Toole, seconded by Mr. Burson, the Board unanimously approved going into executive session under 1 VSA Section 313(a)(1)(e).
On motion of Ms. O’Toole, seconded by Mr. Burson, the Board unanimously approved coming out of executive session. No action taken.
On motion of Ms. O’Toole, seconded by Mr. Bowen, the Board unanimously approved the payment orders.
On motion of Mr. Bowen, seconded by Mr. Burson, the Board unanimously approved adjourning the meeting at 7:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Jarvis
Sep 212018
Unapproved Minutes
Braintree Selectboard Meeting
September 18, 2018
Present:
Megan O’Toole, Selectboard Chair Tom Cooch, Conservation Commission Chair
Richard Bowen, Selectboard Member Jeff Masterson, Road Commissioner
Keegan Haupt, Selectboard Member Holly Jarvis, Admin. Assistant
Daniel Burson, Selectboard Member
Loren Bent, Selectboard Member
Ms. O’Toole called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
The Board reviewed the agenda: removing lease land and the phone system from the agenda, because there was nothing new regarding either subject.
On motion of Mr. Haupt, seconded by Mr. Bowen, the Board unanimously approved the minutes from September 4, 2018.
Citizen’s comments- none
Reports
- Tom Cooch’s report of the Conservation Commission was about invasive species, vernal pools, and the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The Conservation Commission will provide the Selectboard with an estimate of how much it will cost to take care of the ash trees in the right of way of the road as they die from the EAB. They may suggest setting up a reserve fund to cover the cost of cutting those trees. Ms. O’Toole suggested that the tree cutting policy should be reconsidered, to determine if, in light of the likelihood that a mass die off of ash trees will occur, any modifications should be made. She also indicated that perhaps the legislature will be reviewing the antiquated “public tree” laws, and making changes. Those changes will need to be taken into consideration.
- Masterson provided the Highway Report: a few of the ongoing projects were discussed.
Old business
- A letter was reviewed and will be sent regarding the cars parked in the road on West Street.
- The winter maintenance policy was tabled until the next meeting.
- Town Office projects
- The status of the heat pumps was discussed. We are the first municipality going through Green Mountain Power’s program, and are running into some problems. It is unclear at this point if they will be resolved, or if a different funding mechanism will need to be selected.
- O’Toole will be meeting with the Randolph Town Manager, a Selectboard Member from Brookfield, and the Recreational Manager, next week regarding joint recreational planning. She will be able to report on it at the next meeting.
- New business
- The hydroseeder was tabled.
- On motion of Mr. Bowen, seconded Mr. Burson, the Board unanimously approved the payment orders.
- On motion of Mr. Bowen, seconded by Mr. Bent, the Board unanimously adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Jarvis
Sep 192018
Special Meeting of the Braintree Selectboard
Emergency Health Order Hearing
Sept. 14, 2018
Present:
Megan O’Toole, Selectboard Chair Robert Simpson, Apartment Owner
Richard Bowen, Selectboard Member Heather, Mr. Simpson’s Employee
Daniel Burson, Selectboard Member Marc Nemeth, Attorney
Keegan Haupt, Selectboard Member Lindsay Haupt, Town Health Officer
Holly Jarvis, Admin. Assistant
Ms. O’Toole called the hearing to order at 5:58 PM.
Ms. O’Toole explained the hearing process, and possible outcomes of the hearing.
Ms. Haupt provided background which can be found in the Emergency Health Order as to the dates of the inspections and what was found, and explained why it was an Emergency Health Order.
Mr. Simpson started to explain what has been done so far to fix the violations. He brought up a concern about how the notice was provided to his lawyer. Apparently there had been some confusion. An attempt had been made to contact the attorney by following the instructions in a letter from Mr. Simpson. The Emergency Health Order was served to Mr. Simpson by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Mr. Nemeth stated a concern about this being an Emergency Health Order, instead of a standard Health Order. This was discussed.
It was agreed to review each violation.
Mr. Simpson indicated that he has remedied the following violations:
1.3 handrail – has been installed, 1.7 fire extinguishers – have been provided to each of the apartments, 3.10 recyclables – bin is now available on premises, 6.2 screens in windows used for ventilation – have been replaced, 8.3 & 8.4 ventilation & mildew – bathroom fan was installed, carpet in entrance way was removed, 9.4-9.6 literature has been provided to the tenant.
Mr. Simpson plans to remedy the following violations:
7.5 lighting and electricity- He advised that he is working to getting the permit to do the necessary electrical work as noted in the Electrical and Fire Inspection Reports. 8.4 mildew – the State inspector wishes to look at the hallways and other apartments more to determine the cause of the mildew. 9.3 File an EMP- he will do so, 9.7 chipping paint- apartment is vacant now, repainting as needed.
Items of other status:
3.3-3.5 water sample, says “water test should be taken by owner” Mr. Nemeth pointed out that it does not say “shall”.
At the point where 7.5 was being discussed Mr. Nemeth asked to go on record with a formal objection, indicating that he did not think that the Town has the authority to elevate these inspection results to an Emergency Health Order, because they don’t have a comply by date on them, nor an indication that the violations warrant an emergency order.
There was also a discussion regarding if Mr. Simpson will coordinate access to the remaining three apartments. He will allow the apartment of original complaint to be inspected. The person who had been living there was deemed by the court to not be a valid tenant and is no longer living there. The apartment is currently being repaired. He has no problem coordinating an inspection of the Fire Inspector, and Electrical Inspector, but he questioned if Ms. Haupt had authority to inspect the other two apartments, since the tenants have not made a complaint. The Town will contact the Town’s Attorney to determine if Ms. Haupt has authority has to inspect those apartments.
It was noted that Kevin Cyr is again covering the area, so Wayne Dunlap is no longer the contact for the Electrical Inspection. The proper contact information will be provided.
Mr. Nemeth asked if Mr. Haupt will be recusing himself from the decision, given that he and the Heath Officer are married. Ms. O’Toole advised that there is no law precluding them from serving in those offices concurrently. Mr. Haupt will decide whether or not to abstain from the vote. The decision will indicate how each board member votes.
Mr. Simpson asked to be the contact for all follow up communications.
The Board went into an executive session for deliberation.
Following the Selectboard meeting on Sept. 18th, the Board concluded the deliberative session. On motion of Mr. Burson, seconded by Mr. Bowen the Board approved the written decision (Mr. Bent was not a part of the Hearing, and Mr. Haupt recused himself.) The other three board members voted in favor of the motion.
Respectfully Submitted,
Holly Jarvis
Sep 072018
Unapproved Minutes
Braintree Selectboard Meeting
September 4, 2018
Present:
Richard Bowen, Selectboard Member Paul Kendall, Stagecoach
Daniel Burson, Selectboard Member Julia Haupt, Resident
Loren Bent, Selectboard Member Janice Thresher, Resident
Megan O’Toole, Selectboard Chair Jessie Brassard, Town Clerk
Keegan Haupt, Selectboard Member Tim Caulfield, Emergency Manager
Zac Freeman, Re: biking event
Jerold Kinney, Re: roadside spraying
Joan Richmond-Hall, Re: roadside spraying Holly Jarvis, Admin. Assistant
Ms. O’Toole called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
The Board reviewed the agenda, adding a review of a draft emergency health order under new business, and office projects under old business.
On motion of Mr. Bent, seconded by Mr. Bowen, the Board unanimously approved the minutes from August 21, 2018.
Citizen’s comments:
- Zac Freeman came to talk with the Board about the Braintree 357 Gravel Enduro. It is a bike race currently being planned for Oct. 6th. The starting location is changing this year. The Historical Society approved use of the Braintree Meeting House property. He wanted to bring to the Board’s attention that he plans to host the race in Braintree. He plans to have all the parking in the adjoining field and not allow any along the road. The board had no issues or objections to the plan.
Reports
- Semi-Annual report: Paul Kendall reported that the Stagecoach’s scheduled routes in the Randolph area are increasing ridership. The 89’er south route is being updated. Stagecoach is also working with Sharon Academy to provide some transportation, and they are looking at replacing the bus barn in Bradford area with a new one at the park and ride.
- Highway Report – none.
Old business
- Roadside spraying & knotweed was discussed to clear up some confusion. It was agreed that the areas Mr. Kinney and Mr. Masterson had agreed on should be sprayed after obtaining permission from the landowners. It was agreed that priority should be given to areas which have sight line issues, guardrails, and have patches of knotweed entirely in the right of way. Mr. Kinney has already sprayed some portion of the sites recommended by the Conservation Commission. The board will revisit the long-term spraying plan with the Conservation Commission this winter.
- Mr. Caulfield recommended a weather radio antenna to attach to the back of the building and discussed the installation plan with them. The Board agreed with his plan.
- Cars are still being parked in the road on West Street- a letter will be written to the owners.
- The draft winter maintenance policy will be reviewed again at the next meeting.
- The ticket books will be ordered for the Constable.
- Phone system issues are still being worked on.
- Office projects were discussed.
New business
- Mr. Burson attended a Road Foreman meeting a bit ago. At it he learned that the Town should get an easement if a culvert is going to be moved causing water to drain from the road in a new location. The Board agreed to keep it in mind.
- The Board will talk about a Hydroseeder again at the next meeting.
- The Board reviewed a letter regarding Lease Land. The attorney requesting the release of the lease land will provide a quit claim deed for the Board to approve.
- Ms. Lindsey Haupt provided the Board information about an Emergency Health Order she plans to issue. The property owner may request a hearing within five days of receiving the Emergency Health Order.
On motion of Mr. Bowen, seconded by Mr. Haupt, the Board unanimously approved the payment orders.
On motion of Mr. Bowen, seconded by Mr. Burson, the Board unanimously approved adjourning the meeting at 7:25 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Jarvis
Sep 062018
DRAFT Braintree Conservation Commission
Unapproved Minutes -V2)– Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Submitted by Linda Morse, Secretary
Present: Tom Cooch, Paul Shriver, Linda Morse, Sandy Stephen, Joan Richmond –Hall
- No Public comments
- July 25, 2018 minutes as corrected; moved by Tom, seconded by Paul, approved
- Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) – Paul talked with ECFiber about their Braintree utility lines. They lease the lines from Green Mountain Power and expressed no strong feelings about EAB. Linda was charged with called the Telephone Co about their lines in Braintree
- Ash tree inventory (continued) – trees were counted in the Riford Brook area (2.4 miles total), done by Sandy and Tom. 113 trees counted in this stretch. Extrapolated to full 42 miles of roads in Braintree would be an estimated 1,978 ash trees. The question of whether more inventory was needed, because only 11 miles out to total of 42 miles has been done. Also discussed was cost of removal of ash trees. One estimate of cost was $100-400 per tree over 18 inches.
- Report to Selectboard on EAB – Tom will make a report to the SB in Sept. 18 on the EAB situation. He has also volunteered to look at some numbers estimates for tree removal.
- Wildlife camera at Mud Pond – Tom reported on photos recorded. This promoted discussion of one image on whether it was a deer, fox, or coyote. He will be moving the camera in a few weeks.
- Japanese Knotweed spraying – Tom has talked to Jeff about possible site. The BCC is proposing 180 feet. Jeff estimated 2,000 feet. There was some lack of clarity on who is in charge of the spraying. BCC will monitor the test sites. It is important to have contact with landowners to let them know of the scale of spraying. The chemical to be used is Rodeo (Dow Agriscience). This is intended to be a pilot project. Tom will talk to Megan.
- Fall visit to Thayer Brook Natural Area – proposed by Tom to assess the removal of knotweed, and possibly a short workday. Tom will send out possible dates.
- Newsletter – Next issue (Oct) will be on bears
- Roadside stonewalls – The question was raised about the jurisdiction of VT towns over roadside stonewalls and the right to remove them. Joan commented that there is nothing in the Town’s planning document or zoning to prevent their removal. As measured from the center of the road, the town Right of Way (RoW) is three rods wide. The width of the road is 49.5 feet. It was agreed that stonewalls add to the value of property. New Hampshire does have an article to protect stonewalls. Linda will contact the League of Cities and Towns about ordinances or conservation efforts.
Meeting adjourned at 8:08pm
Next Conservation Commission meeting: Wed., Sept. 26, 2018, 7pm at Town offices.
Aug 242018
Unapproved Minutes
Braintree Selectboard Meeting
August 21, 2018
Present:
Richard Bowen, Selectboard Member Janice Thresher, Resident
Megan O’Toole, Selectboard Chair Julie Haupt, Resident
Daniel Burson, Selectboard Member Justin Poulin, Resident
Loren Bent, Selectboard Member Holly Jarvis, Admin. Assistant
Keegan Haupt, Selectboard Member Jackson Evans, ECFiber Rep. for Braintree
Carole Monroe, ECFiber
Dannielle Mumma, ECFiber
Tim Caulfield, EMD
Jeff Masterson, Road Commissioner
Jessie Brassard, Treasurer
Ms. O’Toole called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Review of agenda: the Board added the phone system under old business.
On motion of Mr. Haupt, seconded by Mr. Bowen, the Board unanimously approved the minutes from August 7, 2018.
Citizens’ comments
- Mr. Caulfield asked about the Town’s policy regarding removal of rock walls or preservation of them when completing road work. This was discussed with the Board and the Road Commissioner. The Road Commissioner explained that removal of historic rock walls is avoided when possible.
- Mr. Caulfield asked about tree cutting beyond the Town’s right of way when completing road work. This was discussed with the Board and Road Commissioner. The Road Commissioner explained that tree cutting beyond the ROW only occurs with the landowners permission and when such work is directly related to improvement of a town road.
- Mr. Poulin advised that there are two survey pins below the Sherman’s camp on the Stagecoach Trail, the tops of which are flush with the surface of the road. Mr. Haupt will contact the surveyors and ask that the pins be moved 6 inches below the surface of the road.
Guests
- Mr. Caulfield and the Board agreed that Braintree Emergency Management should accept the invitation to participate in an upcoming Randolph / Vermont Emergency Management tabletop exercise.
- The Braintree Emergency Operations Center now has a weather station radio, but the reception in this area is particularly bad. Mr. Caulfield is planning on looking into a radio antenna for it. He will bring a proposal back to the Board.
- Mr. Caulfield asked the Board about talking to Randolph to see if a plan to have each other’s emergency operations centers be the other Town’s backup (can be agreed on). The Board was in favor of the conversation starting and Mr. Caulfield will contact Randolph about this idea.
Reports
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- Mr. Evans and Ms. Monroe provided the ECFiber semi-annual report. It will likely be the end of the year before more Braintree residents are connected.
- On motion of Mr. Bent, seconded by Mr. Burson, the Board unanimously approved the ROW permit application for ECFiber to install poles on Riford Brook Road.
- Mr. Masterson provided the Highway Report.
Old business
- It was noted that the cars on West Street now seem to be parked out of the road , for the most part. They may still cause problems with plowing this winter because they are still very close to the travel way. Ms. Brassard brought up a new concern about cars being parked in the road on Bent Hill Road. A letter will be written to the owners asking that the cars be removed.
- The Board discussed the status of the draft winter maintenance policy. A draft of the policy will be discussed at the next meeting.
- Ms. O’Toole shared with the Board what she had learned about ticketing by the Town Constable to enforce Town ordinances. She will continue working to get him a ticket book.
- The phone issues were discussed.
- The office projects were discussed.
New business – none
On motion of Mr. Haupt, seconded by Mr. Burson, the Board unanimously approved the payment order.
On motion of Mr. Bowen, seconded by Mr. Haupt, the Board adjourned the meeting at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Jarvis
Aug 162018
Braintree PC Meeting of 9 August 2018
Attending: Joan Richmond-Hall, Jenn Phipps, Nate Cleveland, Malcolm Fitzpatrick
Guest: Chris Damiani
Convened at 7:15 pm.
Chris has received our notes about the plan’s first chapters and will incorporate our suggested changes.
We reviewed the housing chapter with special attention to:
- Affordable housing
- Housing appropriate for seniors and young families
- The effects of housing on town resources, like the school
- Housing as infrastructure
- Accessory structures as a means to increase affordable housing and densify existing settlements
- The issue of tiny houses, mobile and not, RVs, campers, etc.
Committee members will send their thoughts to Chris so that he can modify that chapter.
Chris will also send us his notes and changes for Chapter set 3 so that we can review them and comment at our next meeting.
Chapter Set 3
Energy
Natural, Scenic, and Cultural Resources
Flood Resilience
Also:
- Mention trails and the fact that they are included on maps in the chapters on land use and where we focus on recreation.
- Begin developing a glossary of ‘sticky’ terms like: trail, mobile home, RV, tiny house, accessory structure.
- Consider developing informational ‘portfolio’ that describes developmental choices for residents and those considering development: house vs. PUD vs. mobile home vs. tiny home vs. accessory structure. What can and can’t you easily do? Case studies with multiple options for a example lots in different zoning districts.
Adjourned at 8:40.
Next meeting: 13 September 2018 at 7 pm at the Braintree Town Offices
/s/ Joan Richmond-Hall
Aug 112018
Unapproved Minutes
Braintree Selectboard Meeting
August 7, 2018
Present:
Richard Bowen, Selectboard Member Linda Grimes, Resident
Megan O’Toole, Selectboard Chair Janice Thresher, Resident
Daniel Burson, Selectboard Member Stuart Kinney, Resident
Keegan Haupt, Selectboard Member Holly Jarvis, Admin. Assistant
Loren Bent, Selectboard Member Jessica Brassard, Treasurer
Ms. O’Toole called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
The Board reviewed the agenda: adding a concern about bees.
On motion of Mr. Bowen, seconded by Mr. Burson, the Board unanimously approved the minutes of July 17, 2018.
Citizens’ comments
- Ms. Thresher asked about the settlement agreement with the Poulins and the Simpsons regarding the Stagecoach Trail. It was summarized.
- Mr. Kinney- asked a number of questions:
- Why a number of town vehicles are being parked outside on a regular basis?
- Why the old tractor is being used for mowing now that the Town has another one?
- The board explained that both tractors are being used with both mowers to catch-up on road side mowing in town. The old tractor is still for sale.
- He commented that the recently resurfaced roads are nice, but that they are narrower than before.
His questions & comments were discussed.
Reports
-
- The semi-annual report of the emergency management director was reviewed.
- On motion of Mr. Bowen, seconded by Mr. Haupt, the Board unanimously approved reappointment of Mr. Tim Caulfield as the Emergency Management Director, Derek O’Toole as the Deputy Emergency Management Director and reapproved both of the delegation of authorities for Fiscal Year 2019.
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- The highway report was reviewed.
- On motion of Ms. O’Toole, seconded by Mr. Burson, the Board unanimously approved the application for the water line installation across Connecticut Corners Road at Heinz Rathmann & Ellen Fox’s property.
- On motion of Mr. Bowen, seconded by Ms. O’Toole, the Board approved the State’s Structures grant agreement for Tannenburg Bridge (Mr. Bent voted against the motion, the other four Board members voted in favor of the motion).
- Old business
- Trash and environmental issues on West Street were discussed. The State Environmental Division has done a site visit; they found no violations. The State Police will continue to be called when cars are parked in the road. Ms. O’Toole will look into the possibility of the town adopting a junk and junk car ordinance as many other towns do in Vermont, and the ability of the town’s constable to issue tickets for violations of ordinances.
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- New business
- On motion of Ms. O’Toole, seconded by Mr. Bowen, the Board unanimously approved the internal controls checklist for FY 2018.
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- A concern about a beekeeper’s honey bees swarming around a swimming pool was brought to the Board’s attention. The Health Officer and Constable have been looking into it. The situation was discussed by the Board along with what the Health Officer and Constable have learned. It was determined that the town has no authority over the activity whether or not the bees are domestic or wild.
- On motion of Ms. O’Toole, seconded by Mr. Bowen, the Board unanimously approved the payment orders.
- On motion of Mr. Bowen, seconded by Ms. O’Toole, the Board unanimously adjourned the meeting at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Jarvis