Selectboard Minutes - September 29, 2009



Attendance: Vernal Stone (chair), Marc McKee, Rita French (arrived at
7:15), Gene Craft, Debra Kingsbury

Guests: Steve Ward, Ruth Payne, Syd Veysey, Harold Ward, Leslie Marmorales,
Tim McKegney

Meeting called to order at 7:00pm by Vern

Steve Ward was there to inquire as to what was happening with the recycling
containers relocation as he would be meeting with the Fire Dept members on
Thursday evening and the Fire Dept was also meeting a representative from
the fiber optics company to discuss a potential site for a building on their
property. Discussion followed about the previous suggestion of moving them
from their present location closer to the entrance. Gary Goodrich had
informed Vern that it was not an acceptable solution. He felt that would be
a problem from a visual and safety aspect as there have been recent
disruptions in the parking lot there , resulting in an arrest.

Discussion about the existing shed that is located in the Center Parking lot
and that will need to be repaired or replaced as the sills are rotting on
it.

The fiber optics company is looking at both the Fire Dept location and the
basement storage room at the Town Center Building on Thursday as a potential
site for the high speed equipment to be located. If it gets placed in a
structure at the Fire Dept they are aware that they would have to revise the
Act 250 permit.

Steve states that we are headed in to winter and need to plan now. Marc
indicates that Rita feels that some people will not recycle at that
location, but feels it will enhance the building by removing them. Marc
makes a motion that the recycling containers be relocated to 9111 Vt. Rte
113. Vern seconds the motion. Rita was not present. Motion passes.

Additional missing road signs discussed. Syd provided an additional list of
4, which the board approved Gene to order with the previous 12. Steve Ward
pointed out that missing signs are a real safety issue especially now that
it gets dark earlier, if people are trying to locate a road sign to find
someone and they miss the road, there have been people drive off the
roadways needing to be towed out.

Syd has contacted the State Police about purchasing the special Red Dye
paint that will expose whoever steals the signs as it stays on the thief for
30 days.

Ruth Payne from Durgin Hill came in to discuss her concern about water
runoff and corrective ditching to be done on her road diverting the water in
to the orchard instead of washing out the roadway and her driveway. Syd
stated that he thought that Paul Betters had done a “cut” in the road to
direct the water runoff the last time he was up there. Ruth will take and
look and let the board know what she sees. If it has been done, she
expressed her thanks.

Rita arrives and Marc informed her of the recycling discussion and passed
motion.

Tim and Leslie from Taylor Valley Road came in to discuss the extent of the
grading on the class 3 section as it had seemed to stop at the Snyder
Property and they were concerned that it wasn’t going to be graded to where
the Class 3 & Class 4 roads meet. Syd thought that Paul Betters had
completed up there and did agree with Tim that there was a need for gravel
to be added at the ledge areas. Vern and Syd will go up to view Taylor
Valley and calculate how much gravel is needed. Tim stated that he may rent
a backhoe to fix the Class IV section leading to his property. Rita
questioned if there may be a liability issue for a private person to be
working on a town class IV road. Gene will contact VLCT for an opinion.

Harold Ward wanted to report that there is a large sink hole by the Fire
Hydrant on Goose Green Rd and concern that if the Fire Dept accessed it
there could get vehicle wheels caught up in it. Vern and Syd will go to look
at it this week.

Harold also wanted to clarify that he is still most interested in the
Highway Foreman position and offered references to go along with his
application. He is very concerned about the lack of maintenance on the
equipment and points out that it will be very costly to the town in the long
run. It needs to be addressed to save money and the life of the equipment.
Discussion continued as to his previous time on the Vershire Highway Dept.
and items that he had expressed concerns for to improve record keeping as to
maintenance intervals and mileage logs. He stated that other towns seem to
have equipment that lasts 15 or more years. He often washed the vehicle in
his charge during his employ on his personal time at the end of the day.

Marc asked Harold if he wanted his application/resume reopened for the
current advertised Highway Foreman position. Harold confirmed that he did.

Marc stated that it would be considered. Harold asked if the Employee
Handbook had been updated. It was updated on May 19th and again at the last
meeting. Gene will get a copy ready for Harold to pick up at the Town
Office.

On Monday the 28th Syd saw a note on the Highway Foreman desk from Joe
Blodgett, the Corinth Highway Foreman requesting a meeting to discuss
locations on Tullar Road and Cross Rd/Rowell Rd where the Corinth Plow truck
needs to have a turnout area established, as Corinth Highway plows these two
side roads in exchange for Vershire plowing the entirety of Eagle Hollow Rd.
The Corinth Highway Foreman has asked that Vershire supply 2 six wheel loads
of gravel at each location and then the Corinth Highway Dept will level out.
Gene will contact Joe Blodgett and make arrangements for Vern (Road
Commissioner) to meet with him and the property owners at each site.

Discussion about grading on class IV roads was reviewed. The consensus was
that the Town is responsible to maintain the culverts and bridges on them
and other maintenance is discretionary as long as they are passable one day
per year by a pleasure vehicle.

Vern asked where the town trucks turn around on Ayers Road. Vern will
approach Mr. Graham who owns the property at the Vershire/Strafford town
line to discuss a level turnout area to be established.

Pyrofax is coming to pickup their propane tanks on Oct. 1st. Perry’s has
reconnected the underground tank at the Town Center Building. Perry’s will
come next week to set up their propane tank at the Highway Garage.

Highway hiring and equipment courses for employee discussed.

Marc asked if all of Parker Road had been graded. Syd confirmed that it
had.

Vern moved to accept the orders. Marc seconded. All in favor. Orders
signed.

Minutes for the 15th and 23rd meetings were reviewed and approved with minor
changes.

Discussion that any full time employee would be offered insurance benefits.

Gene reported that he had the preliminary Audit Report for 2008 and wanted
to review as Treasurer and then give copies to the Select Board for their
review. The Auditors will be present to discuss at the next meeting, October
13th. Value of Town equipment and amortization of same was discussed.

Vern moved to adjourn. Marc seconded. Meeting adjourned at 9:04