|
Selectboard Minutes - October 27, 2009
In attendance: Vernal Stone (Chair), Marc McKee, Rita French, Gene Craft,
Debra Kingsbury
Guests: Steve Ward, Randall Northrop (Town Auditor), Wesley Parker
Vernal Stone called meeting to order at 7:04pm
Steve Ward came in to discuss the Vermont Emergency Management meetings that
are held bimonthly around the state and noted that it was important for two
representatives from Vershire to attend on a regular basis. Steve suggested
that the new Highway Foreman be asked to be the town’s representative at the
bimonthly meetings. Steve attends these meetings as Fire Chief for the Town
of Vershire and recommends that the Selectboard appoint two representatives
and alternates thereby keeping the Town officials updated of proper phone
contacts and apprised of changes in the chain of command should there be a
town emergency. Rita agreed that at least one representative should be from
VF&R as they have access to the necessary equipment.
Steve was asked if VF&R had reviewed the reciprocal agreement concerning the
recycling containers and discussion about how snow removal would be handled.
The Selectboard stated that recycling would only be the first Saturday of
the month during the winter. The contract for the containers to be located
at 9111 VT Rte 113 would be for one year with a one year option. The
Vershire Recycling Coordinator will be responsible for making sure the
containers get swapped out when full and shovel the snow from the ramps. The
Selectboard will review and revise the contract when received from Town
Counsel.
Randall Northrop, with Corrette & Associates, the town’s auditing firm, was
present to discuss the 2008 audit of the town’s financial statements.
He reported that his firm had found the bookwork to have the same
deficiencies that had been noted 2007. At that time there needed to be more
transparency and clarity of recording of all funds. Gene Craft, as Town
Treasurer, stated that with the implementation of the new NEMRC accounting
system, we are moving forward toward standard accepted governmental
accounting practices. Randall met with Gene in June after the initial set up
of the new system. Improvements are now in place and Randall agreed that the
records will now be reconciled more effectively.
To meet governmental accounting standards fully, Randall noted, all town
assets, such as highway equipment, with depreciation, monuments, roads,
cemeteries and town buildings should all be recognized as well as any long
term debt.
Randall stated there had been no evidence of malfeasance in the past or
anticipated in the future and by implementing a true fund accounting
software is a major improvement. Randall suggested having a second set of
eyes to review bank statements. The bottom line is that improvements have
been implemented. Marc asked Randall if the town can see his audit fees
reduced reflecting the improvements in the new system. Randall stated that
2009 will still be complicated as only half the year has been using the
NEMRC program. Gene stated that the whole year would be represented, in
full, in NEMRC. In 2010 the fees should be lower to reflect the updated
system being in place for the entire year and he estimated his fees to be in
the 5-8K range annually as the town has a three year contract with
Corrette& Associates. The
Selectboard accepted the 2008 audit numbers and adjustments and the forms
re signed.
Wesley Parker came in to discuss an earlier driveway permit application that
had been denied and asked the town to grade the lower end of North Road to
direct winter water run off away from his driveway area at the junction of
North Rd and VT Rte 113. Vern agreed to research the driveway application
folder at the highway garage and then he and the Selectboard will review for
him. Marc expressed concern whether any work could be done prior to winter
weather as the new foreman would be trying to complete as many tasks as
possible prior to winter. However, the board agreed that the road needs to
be looked at and will ask the Foreman to do so.
Gene contacted the Vermont E911 Board concerning drivers using Google (and
other) internet mapping utilizing computer map programs to navigate in our
area. The E911 Board contact informed that Google and others were
uninterested in using E911 information at this time. He then tried
unsuccessfully to contact Google’s Mapping division. Other area towns have
expressed similar concerns to the E911 Board.
Highway plowing on Beaver Meadow Road was discussed. West Fairlee and
Vershire plow Beaver Meadow Rd on alternating years. This is Vershire’s year
to plow. The Selectboard’s of the two towns felt that an agreement should
be executed to verify the annual plowing terms that have been verbally
agreed to for many years.
Vern stated that grading has been done on Vershire Center Rd, Parker Rd and
South Vershire Rd.
Vern worked with Syd on the culverts on Vershire Center Road and Taylor
Valley Road.
The plow frames have been mounted on the highway trucks in preparation for
winter.
Sabra Ewing contacted the board with concern about a neighbor’s driveway and
another neighbor installing water bar swales on Reed Road, which requires a
driver to come to a full stop before driving over. Sabra inquired if the
work had been completed properly and was finalized by the town highway dept.
The board and road crew will look into it.
Discussion ensued about worked performed on the east side of Eagle Hollow
Road for the installation of electric poles. It had been observed that the
ditches had been plugged and needed to be corrected. The Selectboard asked
Gene to contact the land owner about restoring the ditches.
Class IV Road Policy discussed. Vern suggested that it should be handled in
the same manner as driveway permits. The Road Commissioner and the Highway
Foreman will review the application, submit to the Selectboard for
authorization, and then reinspect and sign off upon completion of any work
performed. The permit will be good for one year. The Administrative
Assistant will draft up an application form and create a file for the signed
off permits.
Discussion about Zeb Jenks’ driveway and if it was existing, has or needs a
driveway permit. Gene was asked to consult with VLCT about a policy for town
employees using their own vehicles while on town business and potential
issues should damage result during that time frame.
The board recognized receipt of a letter from Cyndy Veysey, dated October 22
nd, 2009, regarding an issue previously before the Selectboard. The letter
was sent to each Selectboard member and a copy of it will be placed in the
correspondence file.
The board recognized receipt of a letter from Bill Fisk in reference to a
Planning Board/ Act 250 site visit. The letter was to the Selectboard for
information purposes and a copy of it was placed in the corresponding land
owners file.
The turn around areas requested by Corinth Highway dept were discussed. No
agreement on Tullar Rd has been reached and a resolution is still being
researched and discussion with the Town of Corinth is ongoing. Marc
suggested that Corinth might be asked to continue to utilize the
Smithwickarea as previously done and if damage occurred that
Vershire could handle if needed. The turn around on Cross Rd has been
authorized by the land owner if Corinth wishes to make those improvements.
Ancient Roads- It was agreed and scheduled for Gary Goodrich to present his
research to the Selectboard on Wednesday, November 18th at 7 pm. The public
may attend. There will be more information to follow.
Road signs: No update at this time.
The installation of a drilled well at town garage discussed: Selectboard is
still researching.
Seasonal Flags on Rte 113 have been removed by the highway dept and stored.
Selectboard will authorize chains to be ordered for both the grader and the
plow trucks and for new fuel straps for the packer truck. Replacement
springs for the rear of the packer truck discussed.
Road sand delivery numbers calculated.
Orders reviewed and signed.
Minutes for Oct. 13th reviewed and approved as amended.
Economic Development District Resolution was reviewed. Marc moved to
authorize. Rita Seconded.
All in Favor, The Selectboard signed the Resolution.
Meeting adjourned at 9:53pm
|
