Selectboard Minutes - April 13, 2010






Vershire Selectboard minutes for April 13th, 2010 (approved)

In attendance: Vernal Stone (Chair), Marc McKee, Rita French, Alan Lyford, Gene Craft, Debra Kingsbury

Vernal Stone called the meeting to order at 6:45pm

The Board reviewed mail and discussed the personnel review format. McKee commented that the personnel form for the files was similar to an annual report card and the Board will review and amend for individual use for improved town personnel files.

Craft gave the Energy Audit paperwork for the Town Highway Garage to the Board. Bill Baylis, TRORC rep., had informed the Board of this audit in previous meetings. The Board nominated Baylis to be the contact person and complete the provided form, due by April 30th. All were in favor.

The Board discussed the letter received from Elizabeth Hoffman, owner of property on Tenny Hill. It was noted by Stone and Lyford that the issued driveway permit was in compliance where the private driveway meets the town road and that the balance of the driveway access to any structures in the responsibility of the landowner.

Lyford stated that the culvert on Chamberlain Hill Road was cleaned.

French expressed concerns about parked vehicles and people working on them being in the right of way at the property on the W. Fairlee Town line. This topic led to further discussion of the revised State Junkyard Ordinance, especially unlicensed offenders. Lyford stated that the State is trying to hire additional inspectors to monitor. Lyford asked about the guidelines in the Town Development Ordinance. McKee stated that any ordinance would have to be dealt with equally throughout the town. Stone stated that he would visit the property in question and speak with the owner.

Lyford, Highway Forman, reported that the oil tank had been extracted and that there was evidence of leaking. June Reilly from Agency of Natural Resource, ANR, needs the report for Daly Environmental Co. and then the State will review the clean-up plan. The State will pay all but $250 for the clean-up, which was very good news. Remediation and disposal options were discussed by the Board. The Board agreed that the best option was to incinerate the contaminated material, and reviewed the report that Daly submitted.
Stone inquired if the amount of leakage could be determined. Lyford responded, “No,” but Daly indicated under 80 yards of soil would need to be removed and suggested a barrier by the brook. Discussion to move the generator and replace the septic tank followed. Stone moved to accept and sign the Daly Environmental Co. report. All were in favor. Stone signed and Craft will forward to the ANR.

Quote for the Town Center Building paving was discussed. It was agreed that only the area that was disturbed when the power was upgraded and the area sloping to the ramp will be done this year. Lyford offered to prep the area so that if during potential paving projects in town were down, they may have a bit of excess that could fill the needed area.
Lyford informed the Board that he had submitted the grant application to Trevor Starr with a paving quote for paving on South Vershire Road. Lyford will contact Pike Paving for an additional quote.

Craft updated the Board on the Bread Oven progress.

Lyford has contacted the State to get on the list for summer striping of Class 2 roads, and stated that it would be the middle, yellow stripe only.

River bank erosion along Vershire Center Road discussed.

Grader maintenance discussed.

Mix property access reviewed. Lyford measured from Rt. 113 and it would appear that the present driveway to the structure is off the trail portion. Lyford asked when that part was thrown up as a trail. Gary Goodrich was consulted by phone, as he recently did the ancient road research for the town, and stated that his records indicated that the Town had voted on that back in 1997.

The State Emergency Managers meeting, presented by TRORC, will be held on April 15th at 6 pm at the Tunbridge Town Hall. Stone, McKee, Lyford, Baylis and Steve Ward will attend. Craft will call to reserve seating.

Highway crew status discussed and advertisement for a potential position reviewed.

Stone asked about the Hold Harmless Paperwork for VLCT. Craft informed the Board that he had contacted subcontractors, past and present, that do work for the town for verification of insurance coverage for the files.

Carpentry repairs for some damage done by a town vehicle to property on Durgin Hill discussed.

April 17th is recycling for metal and electronics located at VF&R from 9-12. Stone stated that the State equipment would be out of the designated area and that there would be directional signs set up to handle the traffic flow to the recycle containers. The recycle info will be posted on the outside sign at the Town Office. “Green-Up Day” is Saturday May 1st. The Board verified that residents will be allowed to recycle the first 4 passenger/light truck tires (no rims) are free of charge, as the Town will cover the cost. Any additional tire fees are itemized in the May/June newsletter on the back page.

Kingsbury updated the Board about the Town Center lift. She contacted Neal Hochstedler and it was determined that the lift he had was 500 lb capacity and would not be adequate for public use as both lift companies recommended 750lb capacity. Kingsbury stated that David Hook and Fred Crowley had completed the Mascoma Savings Bank Community Development Grant application, with the Historic Society’s assistance and awaiting results in May. Any additional grant money would be dealt with in July with the hope of installing a lift in the fall.

Orders were reviewed and signed.

Minutes from March 30th were reviewed and accepted as amended.

GUVSWMD (trash dumping) fees will increase from $18 to $23 per ton. Stone asked if our town representative, Tom Griffith, was attending the meetings and had any info.
French asked about appointing John LaPierre, Sr. as Recycling Coordinator effective May 1st. Stone moved to appoint LaPierre, French seconded. All were in favor. Craft will contact Lapierre.

French stated that the State is doing a survey on the endangered butternut species of trees and encouraged anyone that has a healthy stand of them to contact the State.

Meeting adjourned at 9:05pm