Selectboard Minutes - December 6, 2011



Vershire Selectboard Minutes
December 6, 2011 approved

In attendance: Vernal Stone-Chair, Marc McKee, Rita French, Alan Lyford, Gene Craft, Debra Kingsbury Guests: Harold Ward. Karin Strassburger

Vernal Stone called the meeting to order at 7:00pm- Highway Foreman report: Green Crow will be doing logging at the mine location and Lyford has instructed them where to place notice signs and that they should be removed in the evening. Lyford expressed concern about trucks traveling the side roads as there is no frost in the ground as yet and discussion followed about the annual road postings. Craft will check the town records to see if several log haulers have their overweight permits recorded. Local chip haulers will be required to obtain their overweight permits as well.

Lyford thanked McKee and the Mountain School students for construction a roof above the new fuel tank. Lyford reported that the old tank was removed and there was no leakage.

Discussion about VF&R flushing out the culvert on Darling Hill Rd., the road width and having A. Wasserman invited to come to the next meeting to review the road status.

R. Kerr contacted Lyford about pushing back the snow banks on the class IV roads. It was determined that if property owners wish to hire someone to move the snow banks on their section, that is fine. The town will try to push the snow banks back if the opportunity arises. Should the snow be excessive the Board can make a safety decision and direct the highway crew to those areas. Class IV residents are welcome to check with the Foreman, or the Road Commissioner to see what the schedule is for dealing with the snow banks.

McKee asked what VF&R position was on Class IV access. Stone stated that VF&R makes every attempt, but if the road is not wide enough for the trucks, then they can’t access. The medical rescue crew can usually get there, if the resident can access.

Stone received a call from a Mero Rd resident asking how far up that road the town maintained. It was thought that the town maintained to the cemetery access, and the resident will be invited to discuss with the Board.

Lyford explained that the access next to the Fitch property was still a concern. Discussion followed that all abutters could be invited in to see how they wanted it classified in January. If it changes to class IV road than everyone has the right to access, of it they prefer it can remain private, but it can’t be both.

Back-up highway personnel reviewed for winter plowing and sanding, and T. Farrar and H. Ward will be on call.

FEMA paperwork and funding reviewed. Prices for the culverts on Eagle Hollow Rd reviewed and the possibility of grant funds for Class 2 roads discussed.

Harold Ward came in to update the Board about the trash route and that residents are not adhering to the weight limits, and putting out either too early or too late. Trash weight should not exceed 35lbs per bag. No building materials (sheetrock, plaster, paints etc) should be put in the bags, and the bags should be put out Wednesday morning before 8am. Also, the neighbors need to “group” the bags in one location, so the truck and driver don’t have to cross the road and traffic for safety reasons. Vershire is one of very few towns that offer local trash collection paid for by our tax dollars. The packer truck is worn, and Ward and McKee will do some research on a possible replacement. The Board thanked Ward for keeping the packer running and agreed that it is a subject that will be addressed at Town Meeting.

K. Strassburger informed the Board that she had recently met with S. Lavertue and informed him that he’s in violation of primitive camping at his parcel on Rte 113, in spite of the fact that he informed her that he only lives there 1 day per month. Lavertue currently files for homestead status on this property. Homestead would indicate that it is a primary residence for more than 180 days per year. Further research will be done with the owner and the Vermont tax department.

Strassburger has repeatedly left notices for J. LaFlamme about his violation of primitive camping on his parcel on Vershire Center Rd. She will be contacting the State Wastewater Management Division and the Humane Society as they are keeping chickens and ducks there with improper feed or water.

Strassburger is scheduled to attend Orange County Court for the case against M. Bragg on Dec. 7th. She will have paperwork with her to see if a compromise can be worked out with the resident. If not, a warrant for her arrest may be issued. Strassburger asked permission to waive the fees, other than the permit application and court costs. McKee made the motion to allow Strassburger to waive the fees, if she feels that the Town’s requirements have been met. French seconded and all were in favor.

Strassburger reported numerous concerns about the horse at the Thresher property and questions about the horses at the Grant property. The previous occupant of the Grant property had applied for a run-in shed permit, but a permit can only be applied for by the owner of the property.

Stone inquired about the debris at the recycle site and Craft stated that the highway crew had taken to the Hartland location at the Town’s expense. The Board questioned whether more funds should be put in the recycle budget as people are leaving non-recyclable items and it’s a cost to the taxpayers of Vershire.

Craft reported that VLCT and the State are inquiring as to the FEMA response status.

Craft distributed the VT State Police report for the Board to review their recent town patrols.

The Board authorized Craft to set up tax deposit accounts for the tax sale properties that had been successfully bid on November 30th.

VF&R had recently worked on the fire hydrant on North Road and the resident asked if it could be regraded for access. Stone stated that the Fire Chief will discuss with the owner and when the weather permits, it will be corrected.

Letter of thanks was received for the Rivendell Trials Association for the town’s support and donations.

Craft working with delinquent tax collector to reconcile the 2009 taxes.

Orders reviewed and signed.

Minutes for 11/21 were approved as amended.

Budget meetings will be December 13th and 27th.

Meeting adjourned at 8:37pm