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Selectboard Minutes - November 10, 2009
In attendance: Vernal Stone (Chair), Marc McKee, Rita French, Gene Craft,
Debra Kingsbury, Alan Lyford (Highway Foreman)
Guests: Steve Ward, Duane Ash, Naomi LaBarr (Delinquent Tax Collector)
Vernal Stone called the meeting to order at 7:00pm
Steve Ward, VF&R Chief, and the board discussed the contract agreement
between the Town and VF&R. The location of the containers, how to monitor
activity there, and relocating the container access ramps was reviewed.
Steve and Marc will move the ramps after the next recycling Saturday in
November to the new location at 9111 VT Rte 113. There was discussion about
changing the steepness of the ramps in the future and repairing the broken
leg on one of them while being lifted. All were in favor and accepted and it
was signed by VF&R and the Selectboard. Recycling will be moved to the VF&R
site in time for December recycling.
Duane Ash inquired who would keep the recycling area clear of snow and the
Selectboard responded the VF&R will be responsible to plow & sand the
driveway/parking area and area around the recycling containers. The town
recycling coordinator will keep the ramps clear.
Naomi LaBarr inquired about the time frame for installing the E911 house
numbers on Goose Green Rd and Rita inquired about the same for the
properties on South Vershire Rd. Steve Ward stated that he and Jack Kruse
are working on it but they need to get additional E911 addresses that are on
record at the town office. Steve noted that back plates with drilled holes
in them are needed on many to install the house numbers and they have it on
their agenda.
Naomi inquired if the town was recouping any money back from the recycling
efforts. Gene Craft responded that the town is making enough to almost cover
the costs of the roll-offs. He is planning on itemizing both the recycling
and trash accounts soon so that the costs can be evaluated by the
Selectboard.
Naomi, Delinquent Tax Collector, came in to update the Selectboard on
outstanding property taxes. Notices have been sent to a number of delinquent
tax payers informing them that their properties will go up for Tax Sale
either late November or early December 2009. She will contact Attorney
Jeffrey Taylor to assist with this process (as he has in the past). Naomi
asked the Selectboard to appoint a town representative to bid on the town’s
behalf and stated that it has previously been the Selectboard Administrative
Assistant. The board appointed Gene Craft to be the town’s representative at
any upcoming tax sales.
Marc asked how many properties were going to go to Tax Sale. Naomi responded
there were approximately six (6). Vern asked how many total properties are
delinquent. Prior to the 2009 taxes, there were 21 names on the delinquent
list but most have worked out payment plans. The list of delinquent
taxpayers for 2009 was delivered to Naomi the first week of November.
Discussion ensued regarding the impact delinquent tax has on the town budget
and its ability to meet expenses. If there were no delinquent taxes, the
town may not have the need to borrow money to meet payroll and other
expenses in the summer/early fall months until the annual taxes get paid in
October as they have done in the previous years. Naomi estimated that
$86,000 was delinquent as of December 2008 and that approximately $36,000
has been collected (leaving a balance of ~$50,000 delinquent from prior
years). This year’s delinquency alone totaled ~ $126,000. The
Selectboardasked how far back the outstanding taxes go. Naomi stated
that one goes back
to 2005 (there is a question as to the ownership on that parcel) and that
another property has been delinquent since 2006 but is making payments. There
was discussion regarding whether the town should make the tax due date
earlier or due in two separate payments. No decision was reached.
Duane inquired if the tax due date might be moved into the summer months
when it may be easier for people to pay. Debra (lister) explained the
difficulty with that is the state doesn’t set the educational tax rate until
the Grand List is lodged on June 4th each year and then the Selectboard sets
the municipal tax rate in July.
There was further discussion regarding a possible change to a fiscal year
which begins in July not January. Right now we operate on a calendar year (
our year begins in January, we set our budget three months later in March at
Town Meeting, then collect the taxes to cover the budget in October). Marc
suggested there be a committee to review the possibility of moving to a
July- June fiscal year and Gene stated that he would want to compile more
information first for review. Gene added that the Current Use municipal tax
payment from the state has been received.
Highway sand purchase was discussed. Vern asked Duane how yardage vs.
tonnage was calculated. Duane stated there are 2500 lbs in a yard and 2000
lbs in a ton. On each trucking receipt from the gravel pit the conversions
were noted. Marc asked how moisture contributes to weight fluctuation. Duane
stated that it can very substantially. Duane stated that he hauled 37 more
loads than he had initially planned and bid on resulting in over 100 trips
and spent over $2600 for the fuel for the contracted job. Steve inquired if
the sand stockpile was short. Vern stated that it had been questioned due to
variance in the footprint that it was occupying at the town garage. Duane
confirmed that he had delivered 2706 yards. Steve asked if the pile was
similar to last years. Vern stated that it may be higher than last years
pile resulting in a smaller footprint. Duane stated how the sand could be
stockpiled more efficiently. It was noted that the sand provider, Bogie Sand
& Gravel, could give the town a better sand price if they purchased 4000
yards. Duane stated that there is not enough area at the garage for more
than the 2600 yards, but noted there is more space now that the salt shed
has been relocated. The Selectboard thanked Duane for doing the trucking and
sharing some insight enabling the board to better estimate future sand
purchases.
Duane asked about the Highway Road Crew position and offered to assist the
Highway Dept. with snow plowing, if needed, and gave his contact number to
the foreman.
Vern reported on the earlier access permit application from Wesley Parker
and stated that Wesley will need to be contacted and asked to fill out
another if he chooses and the new application can then be reviewed.
Vern stated that he spoke with the Dave & Marlene Jenks about Zeb
Jenk’saccess to his property on Reed Rd. The Jenks stated the
perceived access on
his parcel were it meets the public road was not being used at this time and
was not intended to be his final driveway outlet (this is actually and an
old logging access). Debra suggested that when a building permit application
is filed a sketch of the access should be included to eliminate potential
problems for the Listers and emergency vehicles when going to building
sites.
Steve Ward received E911 addresses for the newly installed hydrants on Reed
and Taylor Valley roads so that VF&R can complete the paperwork for funds
from by The George Aiken Rural Development Fund. VF&R hopes to install two
additional hydrants in 2010.
The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from Sheila Bedi requesting
a STOP sign be installed at the intersection of South Vershire Rd and
Vershire Center Rd. No decision at this time.
The Selectboard signed the Class IV Road Policy as previously adopted. It is
now available and on file at the Town Office.
The status of the stolen road signs was discussed. The Orange County
Sheriff’s office is holding a number of recovered signs but cannot release
them back to the town at this time. Another Vershire citizen informed town
officials of the location of other discarded road signs. Posts for road
signs can be from Work Safe Industries but the shipping cost are very high.
Steve Ward offered to pick them up when he is next in Berlin (Friday). The
board authorized Steve to do so and thanked him.
A property owner on Barstow Road has requested that the road be graded. Alan
will do.
Alan Lyford, Highway Foreman, and the Selectboard reviewed the septic design
plan for the Farnsworth property on Ayers Road. As drawn, the waste line is
not in the town road right-of- way. It was approved by the board for the
Development Officer to grant the Farnworth’s permission to install the
wastewater system per the state approved plan.
Alan Lyford reported that he spoke to the Corinth Highway Foreman about the
proposed turnouts on Tullar and Cross Rds. Lyford and the board agreed to
meet at 1pm on Weds. 11/11/09. Lyford will call Joe Blodgett to join them.
The drilling of a well at the highway garage was discussed. Engineer T.
Otterman has contacted the State on the Town’s behalf. Marc McKee is working
on this and Sargent Wells will be contacted for a site determination and
cost estimate for the board to review. The water from this well will be
non-potable and used solely for washing equipment.
The Road Foreman ordered new tires for the grader. Two have been put on. The
other two will be done soon. Lyford requested that the Selectboard authorize
the three town highway employees to attend a Better Back Roads seminar to be
held at the Lake Morey Inn on Dec. 3rd, 2009 at a cost of $30 each. All were
in favor. Request for $90 approved.
Lyford stated that the springs on the packer truck were being repaired in
Barre and the truck will be ready and picked up Wednesday morning in time
for the weekly trash collection.
Lyford has ordered the chains previously authorized by the board from NAPA.
He was informed that a new grinder had been previously authorized but not
yet purchased.
Jon Beebe requested of Lyford that he remind the board of their previous
discussions regarding potential improvements to Durgin Hill Road, at the
Goose Green end, and asked that they review again by them and the foreman
with Jon prior to winter.
Oct 27th, 2009 minutes reviewed and approved with amendments.
Gene noted that the front door at the Town Office is in need of a new door
sweep prior to winter. The board authorized him to purchase and install.
The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from Lister Ethel Pike
regarding damages to her vehicle sustained while out assessing property. The
board authorized Gene to submit the claim to the town’s insurance provider.
TRORC dues discussed. They will be itemized in the 2010 budget
Orders were reviewed and signed.
The Selectboard reviewed and approved management responses to the 2008
Schedule of Findings and Recommendations from Corrette and Associates,
auditors.
Marc moved to adjourn. Vern seconded. All were in Favor. Meeting adjourned
at 9:14pm
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