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MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE: January 2, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 9:15 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Visitors: Gary Leach
(Library Trustee), Rich Phillips, Dwight Duke
1) BUDGET: Gary Leach recommended to the library
trustees that they accept the budget as the Selectboard
agreed. He has reservations about it but suggested that
they accept it as a good-faith measure and make a
fundraising appeal. If the fundraising is not
successful they will address it next year.
The Board and Bobbi discussed other
potential areas to cut the budget. They decided to ask
for $6,500 for the cemetery instead of $7,500.
John noted that in light of personnel
raises, health care, increases in the cost of fuel,
sand, and gravel, increasing the size of the library,
and deferred expenses in the fire department, the Board
is happy to have only a 6% increase in the amount of
taxes that we need to raise, which will amount to a 5%
increase in the tax rate or 2 cents on the tax rate.
2) RESIGNATION: The Selectboard received a
letter of resignation from Martin Johnson, resigning
from the Development Review Board, effective December
31, 2006. Bobbi will advertise the vacancy.
3) PERSONNEL: John moved to pay Winnie Valenza
$12.00 per hour as Assistant Town Clerk when she
increases her hours to 32 per week and $931 for the
hours that she is listing, and to pay Karen O’Donnell
9.31 per hour for listing.
4) COVERED BRIDGE: Rich Phillips discussed the
building permit application for the covered bridge
project. John moved to authorize Chris to sign the
application and transmittal letter on behalf of the
Board. Laura seconded – all in favor.
5) TOWN DUMP: Dwight Duke addressed the Board
regarding the location of the old Town Dump. A fence
line that may be the boundary of his property goes
through an area that may be the old town dump. He asked
the Board and they agreed to look at the site and verify
that the fence line is the boundary of the property.
6) DOGS: Sharon Fitzpatrick sprayed Carol
Bandy’s dogs with pepper spray. The Selectboard asked
Bobbi to send them both a letter reminding the Bandys of
their responsibility to keep their dogs under control,
and reminding Ms. Fitzpatrick of her prior commitment to
not walk or train dogs in front of the Bandy residence.
7) TRUCK: The Selectboard discussed whether or
not the Town should buy a truck this year to save money
if it means that the truck will not have the latest
pollution controls. The Board discussed the other
factors involved: the cost of a truck with the latest
controls is still unknown, and the truck may not be as
reliable initially until the technology is proven. John
moved to authorize Dan to purchase a truck this year.
Chris seconded – all in favor. Bobbi will include the
cost of the truck less trade-in in the Town’s current
expense borrowing, and in July the Town will finance the
truck through the Municipal Equipment Loan Fund.
8) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll. The Selectboard approved the minutes of the
December 20, 2006 Selectboard meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the
January 2, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE:
January 16, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 9:52 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Conservation
Commissioners: Brett Engstrom, Anne Reed
Planning
Commissioners: Rich Baker, Mike Fritz, Wayne Kowalski,
Jean Matthew, Bob Light (Zoning Administrator)
Visitors: Dina
Bookmyer-Baker, Catherine & Tovar Cerulli, George Mathon
1) PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED ZONING
AMENDMENTS:
Chris Martin opened the meeting with a
discussion of Section 280 and 281 of the Marshfield
Zoning Regulations concerning non-conforming uses and
non-conforming structures. Mike Fritz explained the
handouts: an Inventory Summary, the Report of the
Planning Commission, and the actual Proposed Bylaw
Changes. There are a significant number of
nonconforming uses and structures in the Forestry and
Conservation district and the Floodplain district. The
goal is to create a fairer treatment for existing
non-conforming uses by allowing them to make reasonable
expansions, alterations or reconstruction.
The discussion then opened for public
comment.
Annie Reed has gone to a number of Planning
Commission meetings. She saw that the Planning
Commission worked hard on the new wording for Sections
280 and 281. She is unclear about where the flood
hazard zone is and we need to have clear language about
floodplain and flood hazard areas. Jean is working on
new regulatiosn and will send Anne what she’s working
on: new regulations based on present zoning maps.
Brett Engstrom asked: What is 75’ from a
stream? This is another issue and doesen’t deal with
sections 280 & 281. There are two ways to look at
zoning: protect the people or protect the environment.
We are always giving people the benefit of the doubt.
Laura Johnson noted that the original purpose of the
zoning regulations was to protect the environment and
she thanked the Conservation Commission for keeping that
in mind.
Tovar Cerulli explained that his house
changed from the Agricultural and Rural Residential
district to the Forestry and Conservation District and
they found they couldn’t add on to the residence. The
same issue happened with the Banburys. He stated that
they weren’t talking about increasing the ecological
footprint of the property. Lack of clarity prevents
people from knowing what they are getting into. He is
concerned about the “shifting sands” and this proposal
could remedy this. He has concern about our
relationship to the land but also to each other. If you
reduce the ambiguity and increase fairness, you increase
respect for rules and cooperation.
George Mathon stated that his house was once
in the Agricultural and Rural Residential district and
then in the Forestry and Conservation District – now it
is back in the Agricultural and Rural Residential
district. He is an environmentalist but he believes we
must apply a standard of reasonableness. This proposal
won’t affect many properties, only the rights of a few
houses. It won’t increase the impact of those
properties on the land because they won’t need to
increase their septic capacity.
Mike Fritz stated that the Planning
Commission members are all pro-zoning. They understand
what the zoning regulations protect. However, 1/3 of
the town is against zoning. They are pragmatists.
Currently 5% to 10% of the households are being treated
unfairly. Fixing this will strengthen and make people
appreciate zoning. He is asking the Selectboard to put
the question to a vote of the Town.
Annie Reed noted that it is comforting to
hear that a house that is flooded out would not be
allowed to rebuild. Jean noted that they would still
have to comply with all of the other regulations.
Laura Johnson read a letter from Martin
Johnson. He suggests having a one year rather than a
three year abandonment clause. He suggests the
Selectboard review permits before they become
effective. Wayne Kowalski replied that the Planning
Commission reviewed the abandonment clause but if a
person dies, sometimes a house doesn’t pass from the
estate to the heirs within a year. Rich Baker stated
that the law does not allow the Selectboard to have a
say in permits, to prevent permits from becoming
political. The Town does have a right to appeal permits
that are granted.
Catherine Cerulli asked how things get
enforced if people don’t get a permit. Bob Light
explained the ways that people find out that they need a
permit. Sometimes sales are held up because the seller
needs a certificate of occupancy for the closing.
Catherine wonders if everyone on the inventory knows
they are in a non-conforming structure.
Brett Engstrom believes that if someone
experiences a fire, they should be allowed to rebuild,
but a flood should be a different category. Rich Baker
noted that it is a practical matter – if people weren’t
allowed to rebuild after a flood, they would never be
able to get a mortgage. Jean noted that they would
still have to go through the regulations, and it isn’t
automatic that they would get a permit.
The hearing adjourned. Laura Johnson moved
to approve the amendments to sections 280 & 281 and put
them to a vote of the town. Chris seconded – all in
favor.
2) TOWN MEETING: The Board reviewed the warning
for town meeting, and arranged the order of the articles
to have town business first and social issues after.
3) ELLIS CASE: Mr. Janata has been served with
a notice and he has until January 25th to
answer the complaint.
4) OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMON: Beauregard Roofing
has given an estimate for fixing the roof. This will be
discussed at the next Selectboard meeting.
5) PLANNING COMMISSION: The Selectboard
discussed the Planning Commission minutes. They would
like them to be available at the town office in a timely
manner, and would like them to be posted on the town’s
website. Bobbi will contact Wayne Kowalski.
6) RESIGNATION: The Selectboard has accepted
Martin Johnson’s resignation from the Development Review
Board.
7) ORDINANCE VIOLATION: Chris has received an
inquiry from the Bryers asking what action would be
taken about the debris on the Brickey property. They
were sent a letter on December 1st giving
them 30 days to remove it. Chris will call the Brickeys
to follow up.
8) TAX ANTICIPATION NOTE: The Board signed a
tax anticipation note with Chittenden Bank.
9) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the
January 16, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE:
February 6, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 9:12 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe (arrived at 7:30)
Old Schoolhouse
Common: Kate Smith and Alan Taplow (Board members),
Ernie Penley (Building Superintendent)
Visitors: Janet
Ancel (State Representative)
1) LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Janet Ancel spoke with
the Board about legislative issues including education
issues, research plans, prebates and rebates, and
same-day voter registration. The Selectboard signed a
resolution prepared by the Clerks’ and Treasurers’
Association opposing same-day voter registration.
2) OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMON: The Selectboard and
the OSC Board discussed the need for a new roof. Alan
Beauregard and Will Schwarz have each independently
examined the roof and agree with Ernie Penley that it
needs to be replaced. Mr. Beauregard gave an initial
estimate of $36,660 for shingles and $49,550 for
galvanized standing-seam metal roofing. Ernie explained
that shingles that are designed to last 30 years on a
residential roof will not last that long on such a large
roof because the larger volume of water collected and
the distance that it travels when it runs down the roof
causes faster wear on the shingles. He would prefer to
see a metal roof that would last up to 75 years. Chris
expressed concern that with a metal roof, the falling
ice and snow could hurt someone. Laura suggested
putting up a temporary fence each winter to keep people
away from the sides of the building. Ernie noted that
with a metal roof, no one would have to climb up to
shovel and/or chop away ice. The Boards noted that the
price difference between a shingle roof and a metal roof
is not that great, especially when considering the
longer life of the metal roof. The Boards then
discussed possible funding options, including a bond or
grant. They will investigate the options during 2007
and bring the issue to the voters next year at town
meeting, with the goal of replacing the roof next year.
3) POST OFFICE: The Selectboard received a
letter from Ellie Blachly, a tenant at the Old
Schoolhouse Common, requesting mail delivery at the OSC
so that she can receive packages at her business. The
tenants of the building once had mailboxes in the
hallway but they were removed when the postal service
stopped delivering to them. Now the post office has
agreed to deliver to tenants again, to standard rural
boxes outside or to boxes that could be installed again
in the hallway. Mail addressed to the Town will still
be delivered inside the Town Clerk’s office. Indoor
boxes are expected to cost between $500 and $1,000. The
Board agreed to allow standard rural boxes outside, but
it is not clear whether the post office would bring
packages inside if the mailbox is outside. If they will
not, the Selectboard will not agree to pay for indoor
boxes; tenants will have to pick up packages at the post
office.
4) HEALTH INSURANCE: The Vermont League of
Cities and Towns has a wellness program that would allow
the Town to get a rebate on health insurance premiums;
that rebate could then be shared with employees or used
to lower health insurance premiums next year. The
program involves encouraging healthy habits and
developing health and safety policies, with no cost to
the Town other than labor. The Selectboard voted to
join the program.
5) DOG: Bobbi reviewed a dog issue that
occurred since the last Selectboard meeting. A dog
belonging to Cathy Chodorkoff attacked a calf belonging
to Joe Lee. Dog Officer Jo Guertin and Laura Johnson
went to look at the calf. After Jo spoke with both
parties, Cathy agreed to surrender the dog to her
custody so that another home could be found for it, and
Joe Lee agreed not to file a written complaint. Such a
complaint would have resulted in the dog being
destroyed, as required by state statute.
6) ZONING VIOLATIONS: John attended a hearing
today regarding the Ellis case, involving the barn on
Route 2 near the John Fowler Road. The case was
resolved amicably; Mr. Janata will vacate the premises
within 2 weeks, and remove all of his belongings within
30 days.
Laura reported that she has spoken with Bob
Pearson regarding the person living in his workshop at
the intersection of Route 2 and John Fowler Road. When
this issue was raised last spring, Mr. Pearson assured
the Board that no one was living on the property and no
one would be allowed to live there. The Selectboard
will refer the matter to the Zoning Administrator and
will not oppose any fines that he chooses to impose.
7) RESIGNATION: The Selectboard regretfully
accepted the resignation of Mike Fritz from the Planning
Commission, effective Town Meeting Day.
8) BUNKER HILL CIRCLE: Chris reported that he
has spoken with Shane Brickey, who informed him that he
has cleaned up as much of the debris on his property as
he is able to, under present conditions; there is still
some unpainted wood that is frozen to the ground, but he
will pick it up when the ground thaws.
9) PROPERTY TAX PAYMENT: Property tax rebate/prebate
payments will be sent directly to the Town this year,
rather than to the homeowner. The Selectboard voted to
apply such payments first to the town tax installment,
with any remaining credit applied to the school tax
installment.
10) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll. The Selectboard approved the minutes of the
January 2nd and January 16th
Selectboard meetings.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the
February 6, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE:
February 20, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 8:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Visitors: Mark
McEathron (Vermont Land Trust)
1) STRANAHAN PROPERTY: Mark McEathron is here
to propose that they gift most of the Stranahan property
to the Town of Marshfield. Vermont Land Trust has done
much conservation in Marshfield. Virginia Stranahan had
worked with VLT to conserve the Light farm, and had
begun talks to conserve the Stranahan property when she
became ill. The property is in a trust, with the
beneficiaries being her two children. The property was
for sale last year and the VLT has made an offer to buy
the property. The Stranahan trust would like to see the
property conserved in their mother’s name. The VLT has
signed a purchase & sale agreement with the
understanding that the land will be given to the town as
a town forest, and the house will be purchased by Kate
Smith, who has been the caretaker for several years.
They have been under a strict confidentiality agreement
with the Stranahan trust so they haven’t been allowed to
discuss the project until now.
VLT will seek a grant from the Vermont
Housing & Conservation Board to fund part of the
purchase. They would also work with a small committee
to raise private money to help pay for the purchase. If
the Town accepts this gift, the property would have to
be named for Virginia Stranahan. VLT will hold a
conservation easement. The Town would not be allowed to
develop the property or subdivide it, but it would be
available for recreation, agriculture, etc. The Town
would develop a management plan for the property. VLT
sees this as a tremendous opportunity to conserve a
piece of property with a lot of potential.
The VLT has looked at the tax implications
of taking the property off of the grand list. Bobbi
calculated that if the property had not been taxable
this year, the tax rate would have been slightly
higher. The tax bill on a $100,000 house would have
increased by $2.24. John suggested that the property
could be used to generate some revenue through haying,
sugaring, or logging. He also suggested that the Town
could look into whether they should continue to hold on
to the other town forest.
Chris is concerned about the pressure that
conserved lands place on the rest of the properties in
the area.
John wants to make sure everyone is aware
that his property abuts the Stranahan property and he is
conscious that it might appear to be a conflict of
interest.
The Selectboard would like to hear from the
public before deciding whether to accept the property.
The Selectboard talked about how it could be brought up
at Town Meeting. It will have to be discussed under
other business. Mark will come to town meeting to
discuss it and answer questions.
2) ELLIS PROPERTY: Laura went by the property
this morning and there appeared to be smoke coming out
of the chimney. Today is the deadline for the property
to be vacated. The Board will keep track after today.
3) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the
February 20, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE: March
6, 2007 (at Twinfield Union School)
CONVENED: 3:35 p.m.
ADJOURNED 4:50 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
1) CHAIR: Chris moved to appoint Laura Johnson
as chair of the Selectboard. John seconded – all in
favor.
2) APPOINTMENTS: The Selectboard
appointed/reappointed the following people to the
following positions:
Planning Commission - Richard
Baker (term expires 2010)
Planning Commission – Nancy
Everhart (term expires 2008)
Development Review Board – Dina
Bookmyer-Baker (term expires 2010)
The Selectboard will appoint an additional
Development Review Board member after interviewing
interested parties. The Selectboard instructed Bobbi to
check the duration of Zoning Administrator Bob Light’s
term so that they may reappoint him if necessary.
The following people were appointed to
one-year terms:
Poundkeeper – Cheryl McQueeney
Dog Officer – Josephine Guertin
Fence Viewers – Richard
Phillips, Ronald Pitkin, and Dwight Baker
Tree Warden – Ronald Smith
Inspector of Lumber, Shingles &
Wood – Harold Hayward
Weigher of Coal – Patrick Martin
Town Service Officer – Clo
Pitkin
Old Schoolhouse Common Board of Directors – Kate Smith,
Ellen Cooke, Alan Taplow, and Janet Nielsen.
The Selectboard deferred appointments to the
Conservation Commission until the Commission makes
recommendations.
The Board will make appointments to the new energy
committee and the Stranahan property management
committee after advertising the positions.
3) STRANAHAN PROPERTY: The Board will hold a
public hearing sometime in May, after the property
committee has had time to formulate a draft management
plan.
4) PEARSON: Robert Pearson has notified the
Town that he doesn’t believe he is in violation of the
zoning ordinance, and he has appealed the Zoning
Administrator’s notice of violation.
5) ELLIS: It does not appear that Milan Janata
has vacated the property. The Selectboard instructed
Bobbi to notify the town attorney to pursue enforcement
of the court order.
6) INSURANCE: Vivien Fritz has approached Bobbi
about whether the Town’s liability insurance would cover
the upcoming fundraising event that will be held at
their barn. The fundraiser will be a dance to benefit
the Old Schoolhouse Common.
7) VOTE TABULATOR: The Secretary of State’s
office is recommending that towns consider using a vote
tabulating machine. The machine would be provided by
the Secretary of State’s office with federal election
funds. The cost to the town would be an annual
maintenance fee of $175, and a programming cost of
approximately $1,000 per election. The town could
choose to only use the machine for general elections, so
the programming would need to be done only once every
two years. Use of a tabulating machine would require a
vote of the town. The Secretary is recommending the
machines because errors with hand counting surfaced
during the recent recount. Although Marshfield’s count
was correct, in some towns the clerk made an error
transferring the numbers to a manual summary sheet.
This error would not occur with a tabulating machine.
The Selectboard asked Bobbi to get a sample of a machine
ballot for them to look at before they decide whether to
warn a special town meeting.
8) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for Payroll. The
Selectboard approved the minutes of the February 6th
and February 20th Selectboard meetings.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the March
6, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE: March
20, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 10:07 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Visitors: John
Cookson, Brett Engstrom (Conservation Commission)
1) TRASH PICKUP IN VILLAGE: John Cookson
explained that he has been operating a trash hauling
business in this area for more than 10 years. He has
operated a trash drop in the Village in the past. He
got permission to conduct a trash drop at the Fire
Station with the permission of the Fire Department. He
stopped for a while but when he wanted to resume his
business, Dana Maxfield had gotten permission to conduct
a bag drop at the Fire Station. Mr. Cookson didn’t want
to lose his customers so he got permission from the Fire
Department and the Road Foreman to have a bag drop
across the street from the Fire Station. He would like
to have his Marshfield customers have a drop in
Marshfield with free recycling. He would like to have a
roll-off recycling drop that would not require leaving a
container there. He apologized for leaving a truck
there over a weekend while he was on vacation – his
hired help was not able to move the truck. He is
conscious of the need to keep the ground from being torn
up - people won’t be allowed to drive on the grass when
the area is muddy. Laura asked if Mr. Maxfield is
licensed with the solid waste district. Mr. Cookson is
licensed but he doesn’t know if Mr. Maxfield is. Chris
and John Warshow agreed that trash pickup is a necessary
service but they don’t like the location. John W.
believes the Board needs to come up with a policy for
people that want to operate a small business on Town
property so that everyone would be treated fairly. He
also cautioned Mr. Cookson to check the zoning
regulations to make sure his business is not in
conflict. Mr. Cookson asked if he could set up at the
cemetery for the next month while he looks at other
options. John W. suggested that maybe the Old
Schoolhouse Common would be a better location. Mr.
Cookson stated that the cemetery location doesn’t cause
traffic issues. John W. recognized that it wouldn’t be
fair to make Mr. Cookson move his business but leave Mr.
Maxfield to operate at the Fire Station. John W. thinks
both Mr. Cookson and Mr. Maxfield should temporarily set
up at the Old Schoolhouse Common because neither
business has permission from the Selectboard to operate
at the Fire Department. The Board will give both Mr.
Maxfield and Mr. Cookson permission to stay at their
present locations for Marcy 24th and March 31st.
After that, they can set up temporarily at the Old
Schoolhouse Common until the Selectboard comes up with a
policy. Chris will notify Mr. Maxfield.
2) STRANAHAN PROPERTY: The Conservation
Commission has met with Mark McEathron from the Vermont
Land Trust to discuss the Stranahan property. The
Commission is very excited about the project and they
would like to volunteer to work on the management plan.
The Board discussed the potential makeup of the
Stranahan committee, and access issues. John moved to
have the Conservation Commission take the lead in
writing the management plan. Chris seconded – all in
favor. The Selectboard will send a letter to each
member who is appointed to the committee; the first
meeting will held on April 18th.
John moved to appoint Leif Richardson to a four year
term on the Conservation Commission. Chris seconded –
all in favor. John moved to reappoint Annie Reed for a
four-year term. Chris seconded – all in favor.
3) COVERED BRIDGE PROPERTY: Rich Phillips
brought the request for variance and the conditional use
and site plan applications and access permit application
for the Selectboard to sign. Rich will continue working
to get all of the project requirements in place so that
it can be put out to bid.
4) ENERGY COMMITTEE: Rich talked to the
Selectboard about the energy committee. He would like
to volunteer for the committee. The Selectboard
appointed Rich, Lawrence Black, Mike Raker, Allen
Banbury, and Andrew Perchlik to the energy committee.
Rich will organize the committee. They will work on a
list of goals for the committee and come back to the
Selectboard.
5) TOWN MEETING: The Board discussed what
worked and what could be improved about how town meeting
was run. They discussed how to increase participation
and get a greater cross section of voters. Bobbi will
research whether or not checklists are required for
paper ballot votes.
6) EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS: Tim Morris has
worked with the Fire Department to update the Rapid
Response Plan and the Emergency Operations Plan. Laura
will work with a committee to finish the Emergency
Operations Plan.
7) ROAD TOUR: The Selectboard will meet to tour
the roads on May 5th at 7:00 a.m at the Town
Garage.
8)
SIDEWALKS: The Selectboard received a complaint
because cars park on the sidewalk in front of Dunham
Brothers painting. Laura talked to the property owner
and he said he would get the car moved, and the car is
gone.
9)
INSURANCE: The Selectboard asked Bobbi to send a
letter to VLCT asking them to cover the fundraiser at
the Fritz property.
10)
DOGS: The Selectboard received a letter from
Sharon Fitzpatrick.
11)
SICELY PROPERTY: The Selectboard received an
offer for the Sicely lot. The Selectboard will ask Bob
Light to determine which zoning district the property is
in. They will then decide whether they want to pursue a
variance or sell the lot as is. If the Board decides to
sell the property, they would advertise and accept
sealed bids.
12)
ROADS: Laura moved to authorize John to sign a
grant application for paving the Cabot Road. Chris
seconded – all in favor.
13) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll. The Selectboard approved the minutes of the
March 6, 2007 Selectboard meeting and Town Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the March
20, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE: April
3, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 9:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Visitors: Bruce
Hayden
1) DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD: The Selectboard
interviewed Bruce Hayden who is interested in serving on
the DRB.
2)
BUSINESSES ON TOWN PROPERTY: Chris talked with
Dana Maxfield. He doesn’t mind moving down to the Old
Schoolhouse Common. Chris explained to him that the
Board wants to treat everyone fairly, and they are
working on a policy about use of town property for
private businesses. One of the concerns is insurance
coverage. Laura suggested that the Ordinance covering
the Old Schoolhouse Common could be amended to include
all town-owned land. Alternatively, the Selectboard
could adopt a simple policy to cover everything that the
ordinance does not cover. Laura prepared an application
that people can use to ask permission to use town
property. The applicant would have to provide an
insurance certificate. Laura will incorporate her
suggested changes into Civil Ordinance #3 to make it
inclusive of all town land. The Board will review the
revised draft at the next meeting. Chris moved that we
adopt the following interim policy regarding the use of
town owned lands and buildings to cover issues not
addressed by the ordinance. Laura seconded – all in
favor.
Interim Policy on Use of Town-Owned Lands and Buildings
Any individuals wishing to use town owned land or
buildings for commercial uses, other than those uses
covered by the Old Schoolhouse Common Building Use
Policy and Civil Ordinance #3 Regulating Use of External
Facilities Old Schoolhouse Common, shall make
application to the Selectboard. All state and federal
permits must be attached to the application, as well as
a certificate of insurance showing a General Liability
Insurance Policy in the amount of $1,000,000 unless
waived by the Selectboard.
3) SICELY PROPERTY: The Selectboard received an
inquiry from Michael and Beverly Schumacher about the
Jane Sicely Parker lot. Laura will let them know that
the Board is looking into the status of the property.
4) ANCIENT ROADS: The Selectboard received an
offer from the Cycle Conservation Club of Vermont to
help document the town’s ancient roads. The Board
deferred any action at this time.
5) AFFORDABLE HOUSING: The Town received a
flyer from the Central Vermont Community Land Trust
advertising an affordable home rehabilitation loan
program. The CVCLT asked to have the flyers put into
tax bills. The Selectboard declined but will make the
information available at the Town Office.
6) ROADS: Dan informed the Board that he has
used most of his staymat budget already because of mud
season. Chris moved to appoint Bobbi as the agent
authorized to sign excess weight permits. Laura
seconded – all in favor.
7) RAPID RESPONSE PLAN: The Selectboard updated
and reapproved the Town’s Rapid Response Plan.
8) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll. The Selectboard approved the minutes of the
March 20, 2007 Selectboard meeting with one minor
change.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the April
3, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE: April
17, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 9:40 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe (until 8:00)
Visitors: Dan
Tetreault (Road Foreman), Richard Phillips
1) ELLIS: John reported that the court has
granted a permanent injunction against Mr. Janata living
at the Ellis property on Route 2. If he remains on the
premises as of May 1st, the Town can notify
the Sheriff’s office to have him removed with no further
court action.
2) PEARSON: The Development Review Board
hearing on Mr. Pearson’s appeal was April 5th.
Mr. Pearson did not attend the hearing.
3) ROADS: Laura thanked Dan and the road crew
for all of the work that they did during this last
storm. She knows he had to cancel his vacation because
of the snow, and she wants him to know that the
Selectboard appreciates all of the effort that the Road
Crew puts into their work.
Dan informed the Board that there was some
road damage due to the storm but not enough to qualify
for FEMA assistance.
He has reviewed the salt shed plans and they
look good. Bobbi will put it out to bid and have the
bids due back on May 15th, with construction
to be completed by September 15th.
Dan notified the Board that the Town has
used more sand this year than in recent years, and we
purchased less than years past. With the increase in
the cost of sand and hauling, we will be able to
purchase 15 fewer loads than we purchased last year. He
is concerned that we will not be able to purchase enough
to get through next winter, so he suggested that the
Selectboard consider having the road crew haul the sand
so more can be purchased. He doesn’t believe this
should be a permanent solution but it might get us
through this year. The Board agreed that the road crew
should haul the sand that we store in Plainfield this
year and we will bid out the hauling for the sand that
is stored in Marshfield. Bids will be due May 1st.
Dan has looked into leasing a roadside
mower. If we purchase it with another town, we will pay
less than we currently pay to rent one for a few weeks.
The Board agreed to have him get proposals, and Bobbi
will check with VLCT to see whether they have a sample
contract for towns that share equipment.
4) MUNICIPAL EQUIPMENT LOAN FUND: John moved to
have Bobbi sign the loan application to borrow funds for
the truck that was ordered in January. Chris seconded –
all in favor. The loan is for 81,000 at 2% interest.
5) ENERGY COMMITTEE: Rich Phillips updated the
Selectboard about the Town Energy Committee. The first
meeting was attended by Rich, Lawrence Black, Andy
Perchlik, and Anne Miller. They put together a draft of
goals and objectives to send to the Selectboard after
everyone on the committee has reviewed the draft. Rich
went to the VLCT energy seminar and got lots of good
information. He would like a member of the Village
Trustees to be on the committee.
6) COVERED BRIDGE: Rich Phillips updated the
Selectboard on the status of the bridge project.
7) USE OF TOWN PROPERTY: Laura gave John
Cookson an application to use town property. The Board
wants him to get the application and certificate of
insurance to us by April 25th or he won’t be
able to use town property the following weekend. The
Selectboard also updated the application form. Chris
talked to Dana Maxfield. He is not going to set up in
town any longer, but if John Cookson quits, he will come
back to town.
8)
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD: Chris has talked to
Jim Barlow about his interest in the Board. John and
Laura will contact him and then the Board will appoint
someone.
9)
POLICIES: The Board will discuss the purchasing,
conflict of interest, and health & safety policies at
another meeting.
10)
ANCIENT ROADS: Casper Lyford called Laura to
talk about ancient roads and forming a committee. The
Selectboard will talk to Ronald Pitkin to see if he will
head up an ancient roads committee. Dwight Baker might
be another candidate.
11)
ROAD TOUR: The annual road tour is rescheduled
to May 12th at 7:00 a.m., to start at the
Town Garage.
12) MOWING BIDS: The Selectboard opened and read
bids for mowing the OSC and also for care and
maintenance and burials in the cemeteries. The results
were as follows:
OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMON
Greg
Breer $6,250.00
Hunts Tree
Farm $2,900.00
Brian
Houghton $3,100.00
CEMETERIES
Hunts Tree
Farm $7,080.00
Dale
Blair $6,500.00, $100.00 per burial
Brian
Houghton $3,800.00 (3 cemeteries only),
$75.00 for burials
John moved to accept Hunts Tree Farm bid on the Old
Schoolhouse Common, and Dale Blair’s bid on the
Cemeteries. Chris seconded – all in favor.
13)
SICELY LOT: Chris talked to Zoning Administrator
Bob Light regarding the Sicely lot. Bob told him to
talk to the Village. If they will allow a connection to
the Village water and sewer, in his opinion it is zoned
Village. Chris will check with the Village.
14) DOG LICENSES: The Selectboard agreed to
impose a fine of $1.00 per day up to $20.00 total but
they didn’t set a date to begin.
15) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll. The Selectboard approved the minutes of the
April 3, 2007 meeting with one small change.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk and
Christopher Martin, Selectboard Member
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the April
17, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE: May
1, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 9:15 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Energy Committee:
Rich Phillips, Anne Miller
Visitors: Jim
Barlow, Casper Lyford
1) DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD: Jim Barlow was
asked to consider the Development Review Board. He
expressed concern about having too many lawyers on the
Board, but Laura feels that the Board needs his
expertise. He agreed to serve on the Board. John moved
to appoint Jim to a three year term to expire on Town
Meeting Day 2010.
2) ENERGY COMMITTEE: Rich Phillips and Anne
Miller updated to the Board about the Energy Committee.
A preliminary committee met and drafted
goals/objectives/work plan. John moved to adopt this
document as an interim work plan, and to appoint Rich
Phillips, Anne Miller, Michael Zahner, Andy Perchlik,
and Lawrence Black to the Committee on Energy and
Climate Change. Laura seconded – all in favor. Rich
will write an article about the committee for the Field
Notes.
3) COVERED BRIDGE: Rich updated the Board on
the progress of the covered bridge project.
4) DOGS: Bobbi reported that she was bitten by
an unvaccinated dog. The dog has since been confined
and the health officer has visited the dog and confirmed
that it does not show any signs of rabies. The Town has
also received complaints about the same dogs running
loose. The Board will send a letter to the owner with a
copy of the dog ordinance.
5) ORDINANCE: The dog ordinance needs to be
amended. The boarding fee will be determined by the
poundkeeper. The Board is considering increasing late
fees for licensing to add $1 per day, not to exceed
$25. Any dog suspected of rabies will be quarantined at
an approved location unless the dog officer,
poundkeeper, or Selectboard feels that home confinement
is appropriate. Bobbi will forward the amendments to
the Town Attorney for his review.
6) USE OF TOWN LAND: John Cookson applied to
use the Old Schoolhouse Common for his trash pickup
service. The Board reviewed his application and his
insurance coverage documents. They granted permission
with the condition that no hazardous waste may be
collected.
7) ANCIENT ROADS: John will ask Ronald Pitkin
if he would be interested in working with a committee to
look at ancient roads in Marshfield.
8)
OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMON: Laura has worked with
Kate Smith to update the ordinance that governs the Old
Schoolhouse Common building and grounds. When adopted,
the ordinances will be advertised in the newspaper, and
citizens will have 60 days to petition if they want the
ordinance to be brought to a vote.
9)
POLICIES: The Selectboard adopted rules of
procedure for their meetings.
10)
WINTER SAND: The Selectboard opened and read
bids for winter sand.
McCullough $6.25/ton picked up,
$8.54 delivered
Pike $8.65/ton
delivered
John moved to accept McCullough’s bid, and consult with
Dan about delivery vs. pickup. He would prefer to have
all of the sand delivered to save wear & tear on the
trucks, and have the road crew’s time available for road
maintenance. Laura seconded – all in favor.
11)
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN: Laura, Dan Tetreault,
Tim Morris, and Mary Ann Klimas have met and completed
much of the work of the plan.
12)
SICELY PROPERTY: Bobbi will ask the Village
Clerk to put the Town on the agenda of the next Village
Trustees meeting.
13)
ROADS: The Selectboard received a letter of
inquiry from Andy Tibbitts regarding the Thompson Road.
They drafted a response.
14) BRICKEY/BRYER: Chris Martin received a call
from Dennis Bryer about the debris on the Brickey
property. He feels that enough time has passed for the
Brickeys to remove the debris. Sally Brickey has
indicated to Chris that they have removed all of the
trash, and neatly stacked the wood that they plan to
reuse. The Selectboard will visit the property when
they do their road tour on May 12.
15) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll. The Selectboard approved the minutes of the
April 17th, 2007 Selectboard meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the May
1, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
Minutes of Marshfield Selectboard
May
12, 2007
Present: Dan Tetreault,
John Warshow, Chris Martin, Laura Johnson
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00
a.m.
Tour of Town Roads
1.
Letters to the following people:
·
Cesare Beyerle, 110 Cabot Road: trash and items
stored in the floodplain, illegal deck on river bank
that is falling in the river
·
Daniel Dolan, 446 Guyette Rd: trash
·
Albert C. May, 283 May Rd.: trash
·
David and Carissa Lovely, 1150 RT 2: trash
·
Peter Mayhew, 2659VT RT 232: abandoned cars AND
thank you for cleaning up trash and litter
·
Donald and Karen O’Donnell, 21 William Lyford Rd.: copy of Ordinance on abandoned car regulations
·
Shane and Sally Brickey, 231 Bunker Hill Circle: Thank you letter for picking up most of the trash. Need to pick of
remaining painted boards on bookcase and need to remove
old swingset. Encourage to be “good neighbors.”
·
David and Renee Lawrence, 256 Bunker Hill Circle: We observed the drainage concern. There is nothing the town can do
about it. The original design was poor.
·
William Brooking, 7202 Route 2: trash
2.
Situations to discuss and make decisions on:
·
New Discovery Cemetery—fix one post and wire
fence onto it and close gate. Ask Dale Blair to remove
fallen limbs as part of the spring clean-up and see if
he can fix the fence post.
·
Get estimates from local contractors to fix
granite walls in the Wooster Cemetery.
·
Babics turn around - they are coming in to see
the Selectboard on May 15, 2007.
·
John will look into getting the used guardrails
the highway department said we could have. Dan will fix
the ones on Eaton Cemetery Road as well as other places.
·
Lois Burnham - Call her and see if she is going
to do a tax sale on the Ellis property.
·
Maple Hill Cemetery Part of Spring
Clean-up part of contract. Call the person who has the
contract. There is a tree across the fence that needs
to be removed.
·
Thad and Ruth Gouge culvert—They need to talk to
Dan about the placement of the culvert. Please call or
write to them about setting up a time to do this.
·
Michael and Alison Schumacher—Re-place culvert.
Dan will see to this.
3.
The Selectboard resolved to lease a roadside
mower. The lease would be for 10 years and the Town
would purchase the mower for $1 at the end of the 10
years.
Respectfully Submitted,
Laura Johnson
Selectboard Chair
The foregoing is a true copy of the minutes of the May
12, 2007 Selectboard Special Meeting.
Attest, ______________________________________________,
Town Clerk
******************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE: May
15, 2007
CONVENED: 7:05 p.m.
ADJOURNED 10:16 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
John Warshow, Chris Martin arrived at 8:30.
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Visitors: Patty
Joslyn, Kate Smith (Old Schoolhouse Common), Richard
Phillips
1) CLARENCE GEORGE ROAD: Patty Joslyn asked for
an update of the status of the road. Laura indicated
that the Town doesn’t have any budget for building a
turnaround. Road Foreman Dan Tetreault will get an
estimate for material costs for building the
turnaround. The Babics would pay for materials and the
Town Road Crew would supply the labor and machinery to
do the work. Dan would mark trees that need to be cut.
The Babics would have to pay 50% of the material cost up
front and the balance when the town is billed for the
gravel. Patty objected, stating that the road used to
be plowed and it is a town road. Laura explained that
the Town is not required to plow the road and the
Selectboard has to protect the safety of the drivers.
Dan will get an estimate within two weeks. When the
Town receives a letter confirming their intentions, and
the 50% deposit, the Town will authorize the work to be
completed before winter. Patty will confer with Larry
and get back to the Board.
2) MUNICIPAL PLANNING GRANT: John moved to
authorize Richard Baker to negotiate a contract with
Cartographic Technologies of Brattleboro in accordance
with their proposal dated April 13, 2007, with the
understanding that the buildout analysis will not
commence until the Selectboard, Planning Commission and
the Devleopment Review Board have conferred and
concurred with respect to the Town Zoning Regulations
regarding road frontage requirements and right-of-ways.
Laura seconded – all in favor.
3) OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMON: The Board and Kate
Smith of the Old Schoolhouse Common Board developed an
application form for commercial use of the OSC building
and grounds. The Board made further changes to the
ordinance. The changes will be incorporated into
another draft for consideration. Kate submitted her
resignation from the Old Schoolhouse Common Board. The
Board discussed possible volunteers who could be
recruited for the Board.
4) TRASH PICKUP: John moved to revoke John
Cookson’s permit because equipment was left onsite.
Laura seconded – all in favor. John will call him.
5) COVERED BRIDGE: Rich Phillips updated the
Board on the status of the Covered Bridge project. The
Selectboard approved a letter appealing the decision of
the Historic Preservation officer at AOT regarding the
bracing of the bridge.
Chris Martin arrived at this point.
The Board and Rich reviewed the landscape
plans for the Covered Bridge park. He expects to have
the specification/bid package to AOT for approval in the
next few weeks.
6) DOG COMPLAINT: The Selectboard received
another complaint about Megan Conley’s dogs, along with
pictures. The Selectboard instructed Bobbi to send
another letter notifying her that the Dog Officer will
pick up the dogs if they are off their owner’s property.
7) COWS: The Selectboard received several
complaints about Phil Leibold’s cows being out. The
Selectboard instructed Bobbi to send a letter.
8) ELLIS: The Selectboard instructed Bobbi to
contact the Sheriff’s office to request them to remove
Milan Janata from the property.
9)
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN: Laura reported that
all of the specific plans have been written. They will
be reviewed by Health Officer Mary Ann Klimas and
Assistant Fire Chief Tim Morris.
10) SICELY PROPERTY: One or more of the
Selectboard members will attend the Village Trustees
meeting on Wednesday, May 23rd at 7:15 to
request permission for a water and sewer hookup at the
Sicely property.
11) DUKE PROPERTY: The Selectboard was unable to
determine the exact property line. John will call him
and discuss options. If he is afraid that part of the
old town dump is on his property, he can deed a small
area to the town. The Town will accept the property.
12)
THOMPSON ROAD: Clo Pitkin reported that the gate
on the Thompson Road has been pushed open and damaged.
Chris will talk to John Schmitt about it.
13)
NATURE TRAIL: The Selectboard received a
complaint about a washout on the nature trail at the Old
Schoolhouse Common.
14)
LISTERS: The Selectboard agreed with the
Listers’ request to apply for an extension of the
deadline to file the grand list.
15) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll. The Selectboard approved the minutes of the
May 1, 2007 Selectboard meeting with minor
modifications.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the May
15, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE: June
5, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 10:15 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Road Foreman: Dan
Tetreault
Zoning
Administrator: Bob Light
Conservation
Commission: Anne Reed
Visitors: Mike and
Vivien Fritz, Richard Phillips
1) STRANAHAN PROPERTY: The Selectboard invited
public comment on the proposal to accept the gift of the
Stranahan property from the Vermont Land Trust. Anne
Reed spoke in favor of the proposal. No other visitors
were present. Chris moved to accept the property.
Laura seconded – all in favor. Mike and Vivien Fritz
arrived after the vote. They offered to review the
management plan when it is completed. The plan is being
drafted by Mike Zahner. Vivien questioned the impact
that the gift will have on property taxes. The
Selectboard explained that the town tax burden will be
approximately $2.42 for each $100,000 of property
value. The school tax burden is spread across the
entire state.
2) OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMON: Mike encouraged the
Selectboard to consider solar panels as part of the new
roof on the OSC.
3) ZONING: Bob Light reported that there are
two people in the town who are circumventing the zoning
regulations. Trevor Tait and Ellen Cooke each got
permits for accessory buildings. They have each been
living in their accessory buildings without residential
permits. They have each admitted to being in violation
of the zoning regulations. They have been illegally
dumping untreated human wastes on the property with no
septic system. Bob will issue Notices of Violation.
4) ELLIS: The State Police have been contacted
to physically remove Milan Janata from the property.
The Selectboard discussed the possibility that the
property might go up for tax sale.
5) ROADS: Dan has ordered a roadside mower.
The cost of a 10-year lease is only slightly higher than
renting one this year, and the rental fee will likely
increase over the next few years.
6) PLOWING: The Selectboard voted to bill
Peacham $750 for plowing part of the
Peacham Pond Road,
and to bill East Montpelier $1,000 for plowing part of
the Taylor Farm Road.
7) SALT SHED: The Selectboard opened and read
the bids aloud.
Duranleau: $65,090
Christman: $59,786
NECCO: $71,134
Laferrierre: $66,590
Diamantis: $112,360
The project was initially estimated to cost
$40,000, with the state grant paying $32,000 and the
town matching $8,000 with the road crew’s site work.
The Selectboard discussed their options. John moved to
reject all of the bids, manage the project themselves,
and seek separate quotes for concrete and carpentry
work. Chris seconded – all in favor.
8) COVERED BRIDGE: Rich spoke to the Board
about the materials for the wetland crossings that will
be built by the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps. The
crossings could be made out of hemlock, for about
$3,800, or engineered material that is a combination of
wood fiber and plastic, at a cost of $8,200. The Board
discussed the various options. Rich also discussed the
problems that he is having getting the State to agree to
the design for rehabilitating the bridge. He is
concerned that if the plan isn’t approved soon, the
project will have to be postponed for another year
because we will not have enough time to bid the job and
getting it completed. If the issue with the State isn’t
resolved within the next two weeks, they will be invited
to attend the next Selectboard meeting.
9)
GRANT ANTICIPATION NOTE: The Selectboard
executed a grant anticipation loan for the covered
bridge project.
10) MUNICIPAL PLANNING: The Selectboard executed
a contract with Cartographic Technologies for updating
the tax maps.
11) MEETING DATES: The Selectboard changed their
July meeting dates to July 10th and the 26th.
12) DOGS: The Selectboard signed the warrant to
kill unlicensed dogs.
13) THOMPSON ROAD: The gate on the Pitkin Farms
Road end has been destroyed. A witness saw the vehicle
and the Selectboard will be looking for the owner.
14) CONSERVATION COMMISSION: Laura moved to
appoint Sarah Norton to the Conservation Commission.
John seconded – all in favor.
15) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll. The Selectboard approved the minutes of the
May 12th and May 15th Selectboard
meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the June
5th, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE: June
13, 2007
CONVENED: 4:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 4:45 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Visitors: Tim Davis,
Road Crew Member
1) CURB CUT: The Selectboard authorized Tim
Davis to sign a curb cut permit on Road Foreman Dan
Tetreault’s behalf since Dan is away on vacation.
2) GIS: Laura moved to have John sign a
resigned contract for GIS services to update the tax
maps. Chris seconded – all in favor.
3) DRB: The Selectboard reluctantly accepted
James Arisman’s resignation from the Development Review
Board.
4) ROADS: Tim Davis explained that the Road
Crew has had problems fixing the Pike Road because Chet
Cole has raked the road, reversing the grading and
drainage work that the road crew has been doing. John
Warshow phoned Chet and asked that he refrain from
raking the road in the future.
5) SALT SHED: The Selectboard discussed the
construction of the new salt shed. Chris, John and Tim
went to view the salt shed.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the June
13, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE: June
19, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 9:15 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Visitors:
Representative Janet Ancel
1) LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Janet Ancel gave the
Board an end-of-session report on the legislative
session. She also discussed the recent assault in
Plainfield. She will be asking for a bill to require
the State to notify communities when a group home will
be located in the Town.
2) ZONING FEES: The Selectboard added a tax map
update fee of $50 for subdivisions. The fee would only
be collected if the subdivision is approved. The change
will take effect for those applications received after
July 1st. The fee will be used to update the
property tax maps on an annual basis.
3) RECORDING FEES: The legislature increased
land record recording fees from $7 per page to $8 per
page, so that towns that wish to can set up a
computerization fund. The Selectboard authorized Bobbi
to set up a computerization fund with the extra $1 per
page.
4) OSC: The Selectboard reported that there is
lack of clarity about where Mr. Cookson is currently
operating his business. He has parked his truck near
the wastewater facility. The Village owns the property
where the wastewater facility is located, but the Town
owns the road to the wastewater facility. The Village
only has an easement to use the road for ingress and
egress. It would appear from the Village deed that the
Village does not have authority to let anyone use the
right-of-way for a business.
5) ORDINANCES: John moved to adopt amended
Ordianance #3, Regulating Use Of External Facilities,
and Ordinance #4, Regulating Domestic Pets. Chris
seconded – all in favor.
6) POLICIES: John moved to adopt policies on
prohibition of harassment, prohibition of sexual
harassment, smoking and tobacco, and a safety and health
policy. Chris seconded – all in favor.
7) DOGS: Bobbi reported that Megan Conley’s
dogs have been loose twice in the last week. The Board
received a complaint from Bob Popp regarding dogs
belonging to Marin Bowman and Chris Winter. They asked
Bobbi to send them a letter encouraging them to do
everything possible to control their dogs.
8) COIN DROP: Chris has received complaints
about the recent coin drop that was conducted on Route
2. The coin drop was conducted by members of the fire
department for a trip to the annual fire department
games. The Board feels that it is inappropriate to hold
a coin drop for something that does not directly benefit
the town. The purpose of the coin drop was not
understood by many people driving by. Chris will talk
to someone from the Fire Department about it.
9) EXECUTIVE SESSION: John moved at 8:45 to
enter executive session to discuss a personnel issue.
Chris seconded – all in favor. The Board returned to
open session at 8:55.
10) LOAN: The Selectboard signed a loan agreement
from the State’s Municipal Equipment Loan Fund in the
amount of $69,000 to pay for the 2007 truck. The loan
will be at 2% interest.
11) SPEED PATROLS: The Selectboard signed a
contract with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for
speed patrols.
12) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll. The Selectboard approved the minutes of the
June 5, 2007 Selectboard meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the June
19, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE: July
10, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 10:10 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Visitors: Richard
Phillips
1) COVERED BRIDGE: Rich Phillips updated the
Selectboard on the design and estimated costs of the
walkways over the wetlands. The AOT money can not be
used until all of the documents and permits are in
place. The Youth Conservation Corps will do the work at
no charge if it can be done this summer (they have a
grant). The Selectboard authorized him to use funds from
local donations to buy the materials. Rich has received
an inquiry about whether horses will be allowed on the
walking trail. The Board will allow them initially, but
will discontinue allowing them if the trail gets
damaged. Rich and the Selectboard also discussed the
bidding procedures and tentative schedule. Because of
delays from the State, the project may not be put out to
bid until the fall, in which case construction/repair of
the bridge will happen next year.
2) FIRE DEPARTMENT: Chris talked to Fire Chief
Tim Maclay about the coin drop. It was conducted as a
fund raiser for the Muster Fund. Tim thinks the Muster
Fund is valuable because it improves morale in the Fire
Department. Chris let him know that the Selectboard is
not comfortable with the idea of a coin drop.
3) GENERATOR: Tim Maclay informed Chris that
someone has offered to sell a 25W portable generator
that could be used to power the Old Schoolhouse Common.
The Board will wait until they see how the budget looks
after paying for the new salt shed. Chris will call to
get more information.
4) TAX RATE: John moved to set a town tax rate
of 0.494. Chris seconded – all in favor. The State has
notified us that the homestead school tax rate is 1.1728
and the non-residential school tax rate is 1.4106.
5) FUEL BIDS: The Selectboard received two bids
for fuel and diesel.
Fuel Oil
Northern Petroleum 2.53
fixed
Gillespie
2.37 fixed
Cost + .08 or 2.2975 as of today
Diesel
Northern Petroleum cost + .33
Gillespie cost + .08,
or 2.4005 as of today
John moved to accept the fixed bid from
Gillespie for fuel oil, and rebid the diesel, specifying
the breakdown of the floating price so that we can more
accurately compare the bids.
6) DRB VACANCY: Gary Wilson notified Laura that
he is resigning from the DRB to spend more time with his
family this summer. Laura asked him to consider taking
a leave of absence but the Selectboard hasn’t heard from
him. The Board doesn’t feel that a leave of absence is
practical because of issues of quorum. John moved to
appoint Bruce Hayden, and to appoint Parker Nichols if
Gary in fact has resigned and if Parker is still
interested.
7) ZONING: Bob reported to John that Trevor
Tait has had an engineered septic system installed and
certified by his engineer. Ellen Cooke is not residing
at her property.
8) ELLIS PROPERTY: The Selectboard will ask
Lois to attend the next Selectboard meeting to discuss
having a tax sale.
9) COOKSON TRASH DROP: The Board asked Bobbi to
send a letter to the Village regarding this activity.
10) EMERGENCIES: Laura received a call from
Casper Lyford asking what the Town would be able to do
to help residents during phone and/or power outages.
Laura has not been able to get a list of residents with
special needs due to confidentiality issues. She has
spoken with Suzan Condon from the Area Council on Aging.
She suggested doing a mailing to all residents, asking
them if they would be a volunteer to help people during
an outage, and asking if they need help during an
emergency or help planning for emergencies. The
Selectboard asked Bobbi to investigate the costs of
doing a mailing similar to the one that was sent prior
to Y2K.
11) SICELY LOT: The Selectboard received a letter
from the Village Trustees giving permission for the
property to be connected to the Village Water & Sewer
system. The Board will now get confirmation that the
property is in the Village zoning district.
12) CASSADY ROAD: The Selectboard received a copy
of a letter from Allen Banbury to Amerigas regarding the
weight limit on the Cassady Road bridge. The Board
will ask Dan to replace the sign indicating the weight
limit of 16,000 lbs. The sign was apparently removed
and replaced with a 6,000 lb sign when Route 2 was
paved.
13) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll. The Selectboard approved the minutes of the
June 19, 2007 Selectboard meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the July
10, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE:
August 7, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 8:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Visitors: Wayne
Kowalski (Planning Commission), Ann Smith and Allen
Banbury (Friends of the Winooski), Jacqueline Soule,
Doug and Melanie Duprey
1) DAVIS ROAD: Jacqueline Soule approached the
Board to see if they would consider rerouting Davis Road
from the middle of her property to the edge of her
property. She is concerned that if her neighbor
subdivides his property, there will be much more traffic
going through the middle of her lot. Since Davis Road
is actually a legal trail, the Selectboard will check to
see if the procedure for altering a trail is the same as
altering a road.
2) WINOOSKI RIVER: Ann Smith of the Friends of
the Winooski gave a report about two river projects.
They received a grant from the State’s River Management
Program to protect the river resources and also
infrastructure. The Johnson Company was hired to do a
geomorphic assessment of the river to develop a fluvial
erosion hazard map and a river corridor plan. She noted
that the map is not regulatory and does not replace
FEMA’s flood maps, but it is for information purposes
only. The river corridor plan helps establish
priorities for conservation restoration projects. Part
of the grant money will be used for outreach to
landowners, to inform them about ways to protect the
river resources and infrastructure, including
establishment of riparian buffers, granting corridor
easements to river conservancy groups, and culvert and
bridge replacements. They will work with landowners to
help them find funding to make these changes. The Cabot
Headwaters Project money is paying for more outreach and
may help with restoration projects. The Friends of the
Winooski will invite all landowners along the river to a
meeting to discuss the corridor plan, and a copy of the
plan is available at the Jaquith Library. They will
meet again with the Selectboard to discuss the town’s
Old Schoolhouse Common and Martin Covered Bridge
properties. The Selectboard asked that they keep the
Village Trustees informed about the project as well.
3) ZONING: Wayne Kowalski reported that the
Planning Commission has been working on new floodplain
regulations and expects them to be ready for a vote at
Town Meeting. FEMA is requiring towns to make sure
their floodplain regulations match federal guidelines;
otherwise, landowners will no longer qualify for flood
insurance, a requirement of most mortgages. The Town’s
new floodplain regulations will meet or exceed FEMA
requirements. The Planning Commission is also
separating the section that deals with riparian buffers.
Wayne also inquired about the status of the
contract for a build-out analysis. The Selectboard has
not seen a contract yet but Laura and Chris assured him
that they have no objections to signing a contract at
the next Selectboard meeting. Wayne will follow up with
Rich Baker, the contact for the grant that is paying for
the analysis.
4) SPEED LIMITS: Doug and Melanie Duprey
approached the Board to complain about speeding on the
Cabot Road. They feel that the Sheriffs are not doing
enough to enforce the speed limit and are not enforcing
it against the Cabot Creamery trucks. Chris will
contact the Sheriff’s Department, and Laura will contact
the Creamery and the Cabot Selectboard to talk about
joint enforcement. They asked Mr. and Mrs. Duprey to
report back in a month to let them know if they have
seen any improvement.
5) DIESEL: The Selectboard voted to accept a
bid from Gillespie Fuels. They bid a floating price
that was 2.3705 on July 20th. They did not
bid a fixed price and there were no other bids.
6) STRANAHAN: The Conservation Commission has
prepared a draft interim management plan. The
Selectboard agreed that the next step would be for the
Commission to convene another meeting with the
stakeholders group to discuss the draft.
7) GILMAN STREET: Residents of Gilman Street
have requested permission to block off part of Gilman
Street for a block party. The Selectboard is uneasy
about the plan and unsure whether they can legally do
it. They asked Bobbi to check with the Town’s insurance
agent about the liability to the Town.
8) DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD: The Selectboard
received verbal confirmation that Gary Wilson has
resigned, and Jim Barlow submitted his resignation. The
Board accepted both regretfully, and asked Bobbi to find
out if Parker Nichols is still interested.
Chris left the meeting at 8:15 p.m. No
further business could be conducted.
9) EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN: Laura reported that
the plan is finished and will be submitted to Tim Morris
of the Fire Department for review.
10) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Laura read and
signed reports for General Expenses. Chris and/or John
will review and sign them later in the week.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the
August 7, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE:
August 21, 2007
CONVENED: 7:15 p.m.
ADJOURNED 10:50 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Visitors: Tim
Morris, Tim Maclay, Ronald Pitkin, Alan Holt, Amy Holt,
Alan Taplow, Wayne Kowalski
1) EMS: Fire Chief Tim Maclay updated the
Selectboard about a situation involving the Cabot
Ambulance Service. Bryan Smith is a licensed EMT and a
captain on the Marshfield Fire Department. The
Plainfield Fast Squad has received a letter from the
Cabot Ambulance Service prohibiting Bryan from operating
on any Cabot Ambulance calls. As an EMT, he is required
to give aid when he is able. Cabot is unable to respond
to many calls because they are unable to staff the
ambulance. On occasion, he has been asked by Cabot
Ambulance members to help on calls when they didn’t have
enough people. As a result, the State is investigating
allegations from Cabot Ambulance, and there will most
likely be a hearing to determine whether he will keep
his license.
Amy Holt is concerned because Bryan would
like to join the Plainfield Fast Squad but he would be
unable to respond to calls that involved Cabot
Ambulance. She also feels that it is ludicrous to have
a licensed EMT in the response area who is prohibited
from responding to calls, when coverage is hard to come
by.
Alan Holt feels that many people are leaving
the ambulance service and also the fast squad because of
the lack of respect that Cabot shows people. Marshfield
Fire Department members are concerned about a diminished
capability by Cabot Ambulance to respond to ambulance
calls. When Cabot Ambulance is unable to staff an
ambulance call, Barre Ambulance responds, but they are
not called until after Cabot is called three times and
doesn’t respond. That wastes 10 – 15 minutes.
After discussion, John suggested asking the
president of the Cabot Ambulance Service to attend a
Selectboard meeting to discuss the issue, possibly with
a mediator.
2)
ZONING: Planning Commission Chair Wayne Kowalski
explained the purpose and methodology to be used in the
build-out analysis that will be performed by the Central
Vermont Regional Planning Commission. The analysis is
being paid for with a planning grant. Wayne stressed
that the analysis is for informational purposes only.
It is not a decision-making process but is a tool that
will be used by the Planning Commission, Development
Review Board and Zoning Administrator.
John is concerned that the build-out analysis should
start with the correct interpretation of the current
zoning. Wayne informed the Selectboard that he was not
aware that the Selectboard had asked for consensus about
the road frontage/right of way issue until yesterday.
John replied that he and his wife raised the issue many
months ago. Wayne explained that the Planning
Commission has put the issue on their work plan but it
is not as pressing as other issues they are working on.
They act immediately on issues that are presented with a
petition indicating that many residents are concerned
about the issue. John doesn’t want the analysis to go
forward unless the issue is resolved. Chris suggested
that we give the Regional Planning Commission the
ability to do the analysis so that we can see what the
result of allowing right-of-way development will be.
Otherwise, we don’t have any idea what the result will
be. He doesn’t see the analysis as binding.
Chris moved to authorize Laura to sign the contract for
the build-out analysis. Laura seconded. Chris and
Laura voted in favor, John voted against. Laura signed
the contract.
3) OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMON: Alan Taplow informed
the Board that the building has been broken into a few
times in the last month. The OSC Board feels that we
need to take further security measures but he is not
sure what to do. No money will be left in the
building. Chris will consult with Mountain View
Security Systems about an alarm system.
4) TRACTOR: John moved to execute the 10-year
lease for the tractor/mower, subject to the Selectboard
receiving a copy of the warranty and judging that the
warranty is sufficient. Chris seconded – all in favor.
5) SIGN ORDINANCE: Laura received a call from
Lee Light, who was upset about the sign on the canopy at
Tim’s Convenience Center. The Selectboard will look
into it.
6) BACKUP ALARMS: The Selectboard received a
letter from Lawrence Black regarding a backup alarm on
the town excavator. The Selectboard asked Bobbi to
write him a letter explaining that the situation is
temporary, due to stockpiling winter sand, and the
alarms are necessary due to OSHA regulations.
7) STRANAHAN PROPERTY: The Selectboard
authorized Laura to apply for grants on behalf of the
Town to help fund the purchase of the property.
8) SIGN REQUEST: The Selectboard received a
request for a dead-end sign on Pigeon Pond Road. The
Board is concerned that if they put a sign up on this
road, they will get requests for signs on many other
roads. Instead, they will consider a road sign
indicating that Holt Road goes to the left. Chris will
talk to Road Foreman Dan Tetreault about this.
9) GUYETTE ROAD: The Road Crew has notified the
Selectboard that someone has put a gate across Guyette
Road. The Board asked Bobbi to send a letter to the
adjoining landowner, _________ Racine, asking him to
remove the gate.
10) SEPTIC REGULATIONS: Laura proposed that she
work with Health Officer Mary Ann Klimas, Zoning
Administrator Bob Light, and Planning Commissioner Rich
Baker to come up with a procedure to deal with checking
up on failed septic systems.
11)
DAVIS ROAD: The Selectboard has learned that the
procedure for moving a legal trail is the same as that
for relocating a highway, and the expense is not
warranted at this time.
12)
OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMON: The Selectboard is
looking for volunteers for the OSC Board of Directors.
13)
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD: The Selectboard is
also looking for volunteers for the DRB.
14)
BLOCK PARTY REQUEST: The Selectboard is
uncomfortable with the idea and it raises issues that
they do not have time to resolve. They asked Bobbi to
write them a letter suggesting that they use the Old
Schoolhouse Common grounds instead.
15) CONSERVATION COMMISSION: The Friends of the
Winooski has $800 to donate for tree planting, if the
Town will accept it.
16) CEMETERY MAINTENANCE: The Selectboard
authorized Bobbi to reinvest funds from a CD that has
matured. They do not have any major projects scheduled
this year.
17) SALT SHED: The Selectboard discussed options
for the door on the salt shed. Chris will get a quote.
18) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll. The Selectboard approved the minutes of the
June 13, July 10, and August 7, 2007 Selectboard
meetings.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the
August 21, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE:
September 4, 2007
CONVENED: 7:12 p.m.
ADJOURNED 8:35 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
1) DOG COMPLAINT: The Town received an
anonymous complaint regarding a dog belonging to the
Fredericks family on William Lyford Road. The
complainant alleges that Mr. Fredericks is unable to
hold onto the dog as it tries to approach people. The
Selectboard asked Bobbi to forward a copy of the
complaint to Mr. Fredericks.
2) ANIMAL COMPLAINT: The Town received a
complaint regarding guinea hens owned by Dennis and
Helen Ducharme. The Selectboard asked Bobbi to send
them a letter notifying them that the hens could cause
an accident.
3) TRASH COMPLAINT: Chris received a call from
Dennis Bryer regarding the debris that remains on the
Brickey property. He feels that the remaining debris is
in violation of the Town’s solid waste ordinance. The
Selectboard sent the Brickeys a letter in May asking
them to remove a bookcase and old swingset, but they
don’t feel that the remaining debris is in violation of
the ordinance. The Selectboard will follow up with the
Brickeys.
4) SIDEWALK: The Town received a complaint that
cars are parked on the sidewalk in front of the Dunham
Painting building. At lease one of the cars has been
there for at least a year. The Selectboard asked Bobbi
to send a letter to the owner of the building, stating
that the car is in the right-of-way and must be moved
within two weeks, or they must notify the Town of their
intentions.
5) EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES: Laura called
Steve Salengo from the state EMS services to discuss the
discord between the emergency service providers. He
suggested that a member of the Selectboard go to a
District 6 EMS board meeting with their concerns. The
Town received a letter from the President of the Cabot
Ambulance Service, giving a history of calls this year;
Cabot had one instance where they were unable to respond
due to a lack of personnel, and 2 instances where calls
were handled by Barre Town Ambulance through a prior
arrangement due to mechanical problems with the
ambulance. They responded with a full crew to the other
30 calls. Laura suggested that if the Fire Department
or Fast Squad has a complaint about another service,
they should write them a letter and copy the
Selectboard. Chris expressed unease that no hard data
was presented at the last Selectboard meeting. The
Board has also learned that Amy Holt spoke at the
meeting as a Marshfield citizen only, and she was not
representing the opinion of the Plainfield Fast Squad.
The Board does not want to get involved in the ongoing
personnel issue. The Board asked Bobbi to send a letter
to Sheila Brown and the Marshfield Fire Department
thanking them for the information that they provided,
and suggesting that they work together to resolve the
issue.
6) TRACTOR: The Selectboard is still waiting
for documentation of the warranty before they authorize
Bobbi to send the signed lease documents.
7) STRANAHAN PROPERTY: The stakeholders group
met last week to review the interim management plan.
There were only minor corrections or changes.
8) OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMON: Chris will contact
John and Karen Walker to see if they are interested in
serving on the Board of Directors.
9) DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD: The Board is still
looking for volunteers to serve on the DRB.
10) SECURITY: Chris has consulted with Mountain
View Security Systems regarding the Old Schoolhouse
Common.
11) SPEED PATROLS: Chris has talked to the
Washington County Sheriff’s office about the trucks on
the Cabot Road. Laura has spoken with Cabot Creamery
and if the dates and times are noted, they can determine
which drivers are speeding and discipline them.
12) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll. The Selectboard approved the minutes of the
August 21, 2007 Selectboard meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the
September 4, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE:
September 18, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 9:05 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Planning
Commissioners: Nancy Everhart, Jean Matthew, Wayne
Kowalski
Visitors: Sue
Sinclair (Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission),
Arthur Gilman (President of the Village Trustees)
1) TAX MAPS: Bobbi asked the Selectboard for
permission to use reappraisal funds to pay for new tax
maps. The Selectboard asked Sue Sinclair whether the
Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC)
could print the maps, and she said they could. The
Selectboard asked Bobbi to find out more about what is
involved in creating the maps.
2) OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMON: Chris moved to
appoint John and Karen Walker to the OSC Board of
Directors. Laura seconded – all in favor.
3) TRACTOR: The Town has received more
information about the warranty but more information is
still needed. John will follow up.
4) EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN: Laura reported that
she has been in contact with some of the people who need
plans created for them, and she has been in contact with
the Council on Aging.
5) SEPTIC SYSTEMS: Laura, Health Officer Mary
Ann Klimas, Planning Commissioner Rich Baker, and Zoning
Administrator Bob Light will work out a procedure for
tracking failed septic systems, enlarged septic systems,
and new septic systems.
6) SALT SHED: Chris has received a quote of
$4,680.00 from Bigelow Garage Doors for an overhead door
with an opener. This is for a 24-gauge door. Overhead
Door Company quoted $2,470.00 for a smaller, 16 gauge
door with no opener. John moved to accept the quote
from Bigelow Garage Doors dated September 17. Chris
seconded – all in favor. Laura noted that the salt shed
will be considerably over budget but the Board agreed
that they have to put a door on this year.
7) PLANNING COMMISSION: Rich Baker has prepared
an application for another grant to continue the
build-out analysis. The grant application requires
Selectboard approval. John again raised his objection
because he believes the road frontage issue needs to be
addressed. Wayne reiterated that the road frontage
issue is not a priority but the subdivision regulations
are. Bobbi suggested that this issue could be dealt
with as the subdivision regulations are revised. Jeanne
suggested that John should recuse himself because of a
personal issue. John replied that the Planning
Commission agreed to do what was required by the recent
changes to Chapter 117, the section of the Vermont
statutes that deals with municipal planning, and he
feels that resolving this issue is required by those
changes. Wayne feels that it would be inappropriate for
the Planning Commission’s priorities to be driven by a
small group of people when the Development Review Board
and the Zoning Administrator have not said that this
issue is a priority. Laura explained that the Planning
Commission had to bring some issues before the
Selectboard by a certain timeline to meet the deadlines
imposed by the Chapter 117 changes. The Planning
Commission made those changes with the help of the
Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission. Now there
are many other issues that need to be addressed. Wayne
explained that there is a workplan that comes from the
Town Plan. This issue is on the list but it is up to
the Planning Commission to prioritize the list. There
are only 5 Commissioners and the work is very time
consuming. John asked what the timeline would be for
this issue. Wayne agreed to deliver a list of Planning
Commission priorities with a rough time frame.
Chris moved to approve the grant
application. Laura seconded. Chris and Laura voted in
favor; John abstained.
8) VILLAGE PLANNING: Susan Sinclair, Director
of the CVRPC presented a slide show and talked with the
Selectboard, Planning Commissioners, and Arthur Gilman.
Susasn outlined what the Selectboard or Village Trustees
must do to get “Village Center Designation” status for
the Villate of Marshfield. Once the Village of
Marshfield’s application is approved, people in that
area become eligible for a variety of personal tax
incentives and the Village becomes eligible for primary
consideration of various planning and development
grants. Thsose presnt expressed interest sin the
Village Center Designation program.
9) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll. The Selectboard approved the minutes of the
September 4, 2007 Selectboard meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the
September 18, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE:
October 2, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 9:35 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Visitors: Greg
Western (Cross Vermont Trail)
1) AUDITOR: John moved to appoint Doris
Dufresne as a town auditor to fill the vacancy left when
Marion Burnham passed away. Chris seconded – all in
favor.
Doris
will serve until Town Meeting.
2) BUDGET COMMITTEE: The Selectboard asked
Bobbi to see if Jeri Healey is interested in serving.
3) STRANAHAN PROPERTY: John moved to appoint the
Town Clerk to sign the necessary paperwork involved in
transferring the property to the Town. Chris seconded
– all in favor. The closing is scheduled for October
12.
4) DOG COMPLAINT: The Selectboard received a
complaint about a dog belonging to Matt Matthew. The
dog has been running free and has growled at a
neighbor. The Selectboard instructed Bobbi to send him
a letter and tell him that the dog officer will be
instructed to pick up the dog if it is running at large.
5) INSURANCE: The salt shed will be valued at
$35,000. The building value and contents for other
buildings seems a little low. Bobbi will ask them how
raising the values will affect the premiums.
6) CROSS VERMONT TRAIL: Greg Western addressed
the Selectboard about the Cross Vermont Trail. The
organization is attempting to create signed routes
connecting established bike trails across the state.
They are asking permission from the Agency of
Transportation to put up signs along Route 2, and would
like town permission to put up signs directing people
along School Street and up Depot Hill to the railroad
bed, and then the route would continue to Lanesboro and
the Groton State Forest. The Cross Vermont Trail will
pay for the signs and posts. The Selectboard agreed as
long as he works with the Road Foreman to site the
signs.
7) EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN: The Emergency
Operations Plan has been reviewed by Tim Morris of the
Fire Department and Laura Johnson. Copies will be
distributed to the Fire Department and Town Garage.
8) HEALTH ORDER: Laura and Health Officer Mary
Ann Klimas revisited the Sioufi property to review the
status of the repairs to the property at Mike’s
invitation. They received a follow-up letter from Mr.
Sioufi agreeing to address several deficiencies before
the property can be rented. The Town has also been
contacted by Curtis Whiteway to ask for copies of
documents relating to the proposed issuance of a health
order last year.
9) FLOOD DAMAGE: John moved to authorize Laura
to sign the subgrantee agreement with the State of
Vermont so that we can apply for reimbursement. Chris
seconded – all in favor.
10) TAX MAPS: The Selectboard suggested that
Bobbi negotiate with the GIS firm to get new tax maps.
11) TRACTOR: The Board received a letter stating
that the warrant on the tractor is 1 year
bumper-to-bumper and 4 year power train. The
Selectboard authorized Bobbi to send the signed lease
agreement.
12) SICELY PROPERTY: The Board authorized Bobbi
to have the tax maps corrected to find out exactly where
the property boundaries lie.
13) ELLIS PROPERTY: The Selectboard discussed the
status of the delinquent taxes on the property. They
will talk to Delinquent Tax Collector Lois Burnham to
discuss the possibility of holding a tax sale.
14) WATERSHED MEETING: John attended the
meeting. The Agency of Natural Resources, the Winooski
Resources Conservation District, and the Friends of the
Winooski held the meeting. They reviewed the stream
geomorphic assessment data and river corridor plan.
They encouraged the Town to take into account the
fluvial erosion when conducting town planning.
15) TOWN FOREST: John discussed the possibility
of selling the old town forest now that we have the
covered bridge property and the Stranahan town forest.
The issue will be discussed at town meeting.
16) CURB CUT: The Selectboard is concerned Albert
St. Cyr has expanded his Hollister Hill access beyond
what was originally permitted. It is becoming
increasingly unsafe as the access expands up the hill.
John will talk to him.
17) COWS: Chris received a complaint about Philip
Leibold’s cows being out. He contacted Mr. Leibold to
tell him they were out.
18) SAND: McCullough Crushing sent a letter
stating that they will have to raise their prices
because they have been denied a permit to expand their
operation. If they appeal, the Town of Marshfield will
send a letter stating that we depend on them for our
winter sand and we support the expansion of the gravel
pit.
19) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll. The Selectboard approved the minutes of the
September 18, 2007 Selectboard meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the
October 2, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE:
October 16, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 9:15 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Road Crew: Tim Davis
Visitors: Doug and
Carol Tassie
1) PAVING: Road Crew member Tim Davis asked
permission to hire Johnson Paving to repave the approach
to the Onion River bridge on both ends, and the Gilman
St bridge on the Route 2 side. The cost would be
$2,200. The Town has a $5,000 paving budget each year.
The Selectboard approved the request.
2) CAMPGROUND: Late last week the Selectboard
learned about plans for the Groton Forest Road
campground. The campground is for sale. The
prospective buyers of the campground advertised on the
internet that they planned to operate it as a men-only,
clothing-optional campground. The sale did not go
through but it is not clear whether the buyers have
given up entirely. Mr. Tassie talked to most of the
Groton Forest Road residents and most are opposed to it.
He feels that the Town is still vulnerable to this type
of operation, particularly since there are two other
campgrounds in town that are currently for sale. He
noted that the deal is stalled due to economic rather
than moral reasons. The Selectboard will research the
issue and possibly bring it up for a discussion and/or
vote at Town Meeting. The Board will research whether
or not they can pass an emergency ordinance or address
through zoning. Laura assured the Tassies that they will
take the situation seriously.
3) STRANAHAN: The property has been transferred
to the Town. The Selectboard discussed possible ways
that the management of the property should be
structured. They will review the interim management
plan and decide on the next steps in the development of
the final management plan.
4) SEPTIC PROCEDURES: Laura has met with
Richard Baker to discuss procedures for dealing with
replacement septic systems. She will attend training on
October 29th dealing with what towns can and
can’t do to regulate septic systems.
5) ONION RIVER CAMPGROUND: The Selectboard has
received word that the Onion River Campground will be
open during the winter. The Selectboard reviewed the
file and instructed Bobbi to send the owner a letter
reminding him that the campground is only permitted for
seasonal use.
6) INSURANCE: Selectboard discussed options for
town insurance. The Selectboard will increase the
coverage on the buildings and contents to allow for
inflation.
7) SIOUFI: The Health Officer has approved the
work that was done to the Sioufi property so that it can
be rented.
8) TAX MAPS: The Selectboard approved of paying
$2,350 for new tax maps, provided that the creation of
the maps is a one-time expense and annual updates will
be considerably less expensive.
9) DRB: The Selectboard received an application
from John Morris. They will keep the application on
file as they continue their search.
10) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll. The Selectboard approved the minutes of the
October 2, 2007 Selectboard meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the
October 16, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE:
November 6, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 9:40 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Visitors: Richard
Phillips
CEMETERIES: The Selectboard read a
letter from Cemetery Sexton Ronald Pitkin to Marcel and
Elaine Dutil, thanking them for volunteering their time
to fix and paint the gate at the Rich-Hollister
cemetery.
ANCIENT ROADS: John moved to appoint
Ronald Pitkin to the ancient roads committee. Chris
seconded – all in favor.
STRANAHAN PROPERTY: The Selectboard
discussed the interim management plan. John will
contact the County Forester to ask for assistance with
the forestry management plan. John suggested preparing
an information sheet to hand out to residents who have
questions about what is permitted on the property. The
Selectboard will apply for a grant to build parking
areas and post informational signs and maps.
ENERGY COMMITTEE: Rich Phillips
updated the Board on the Committee’s activities. They
are conducting a survey throughout town, and they are
also working on a fluorescent bulb program. The survey
has been very well received. Mike Zahner has resigned
from the Committee due to time constraints. They need
new members for the Committee.
The Committee is researching the potential
use of biodiesel in Town vehicles. If after studying it
they feel that it is a viable option, they will ask for
an article on Town Meeting to see if voters would
approve it.
COVERED BRIDGE: Rich reported that
landscape architect Jean Vissering’s work has taken
longer than expected, but she has agreed to donate her
time over the contract amount. He is still waiting for
a couple of state sign-offs but he expects that the
project will be ready to go out to bid early in 2008,
with a contract signed in the spring.
TOWN MEETING: Rich suggested that
the Town might have a public meeting prior to Town
Meeting to allow residents more time to ask questions
and discuss the issues. The Selectboard also discussed
the possibility of having a vote at Town Meeting to see
if voters want to change the date for future Town
Meetings to a Saturday to allow more people to attend.
WELLNESS PROGRAM: The Town will be
receiving $830 back from the League of Cities & Towns.
The Selectboard agreed to apply the funds towards the
premiums that employees pay for those employees who
participated in the wellness program.
SEPTIC PROCEDURES: The Board
discussed a draft of the procedures that will be used to
track septic systems. Laura will follow up with the
state to clarify how certifications are tracked.
OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMON: The
Selectboard discussed options for replacing the roof.
They have an estimate from January 2007 for $50,000. At
Town Meeting they will ask voters for permission to
borrow for 3 to 5 years.
John moved to appoint Dennis Florio to the
Board of the Old Schoolhouse. Chris seconded – all in
favor.
NUDITY ORDINANCE: The Selectboard
discussed whether they should pass a nudity ordinance
given the recent discussions regarding the Groton Forest
Campground. The Board is reluctant to create an
ordinance when there hasn’t been a problem thus far.
BUDGET COMMITTEE: John moved to
appoint Jeri Healey to the Budget Committee. Chris
seconded – all in favor.
SICELY LOT: The Selectboard decided
to put the property up for sale as is, and leave it up
to the buyer to decide whether to have it surveyed and
how to proceed with zoning permits. They instructed
Bobbi to advertise the property and have bids due
December 4th.
EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL:
Selectboard members read and signed reports for General
Expenses and Payroll. The Selectboard approved the
minutes of the October 16, 2007 Selectboard meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the
November 6, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE:
November 20, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 9:15 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Visitors: Brett
Engstrom
STRANAHAN PROPERTY: Brett Engstrom
asked how the Board would like to proceed with the final
management plan and what sort of communication should
take place between the Board, the interested parties and
the townspeople. John feels it is important to keep the
stewardship group involved to make sure the diverse
interests of the community are represented.
The conservation commission will continue developing an
inventory of the resources, wetlands, etc. John
reported that there is a grant available for trail
mapping and perhaps some parking, and Jenny Warshow is
looking into it. The Board agreed that parking needs to
be addressed relatively soon, and perhaps haying could
be addressed for this summer. Other issues can be
worked out later. The county forester may be able to
provide assistance with a forest management plan. The
Board discussed possible locations for parking areas.
They are not sure whether the Road Crew would have time
to make any improvements this winter, depending on the
weather.
The Board discussed whether or not they should
reclassify the Thompson Road as a legal trail. They
will look into it further.
LISTERS: Winnie Valenza informed the
Board that she will not be running for Lister again in
March. She would be willing to resign now if the Board
could find a replacement. She also asked the Board to
consider a higher wage for listers in the future because
the job has become much more involved and more
complicated than it has been in the past.
BUDGETS: The Selectboard reviewed
the status of the town income and expenses to date.
They will review department budgets at the next
Selectboard meeting.
SNOW REMOVAL: The Selectboard
accepted a bid of $2,300 from Onion River Excavating for
removing snow from the sidewalks.
EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL:
Selectboard members read and signed reports for General
Expenses and Payroll. The Selectboard approved the
minutes of the November 6, 2007 Selectboard meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the
November 20, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE:
December 4, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 10:10 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
Visitors: Road
Foreman Dan Tetreault, Alan Taplow, Wayne Kowalski, Dina
Bookmyer-Baker, Judy Sargent, Jill Wilson
1) LISTER: Chris moved to accept Winnie
Valenza’s resignation as lister. John seconded – all in
favor. Laura moved to appoint Debra Herbst to fill the
vacancy until Town Meeting. John seconded – all in
favor.
2) ROADS: Kevin Hudson has called the
Selectboard and Road Foreman to ask the Town to block
off the Class 4 section of George Jewett Road.
Alternatively, he offered to plow if the Town will give
him the sand. The Selectboard declined.
3) BUDGETS: Dan presented the highway budget.
The Selectboard approved his budget with increases in
fuel, sand and staymat to reflect higher unit prices.
Alan Taplow presented the budget for the Old
Schoolhouse Common. The budget includes increases in
fuel and propane, and contract labor (mowing). The
increases are being offset by increases in rent.
Alan also presented the budget for the
Recreation Committee. The budget doesn’t include
anything for an ice skating rink because the weather
hasn’t cooperated in the last couple of years; however,
if there are volunteers to flood it, the Committee will
meet and try to find a way to make it happen. The money
has been allocated instead to the Little League Field
for safety improvements.
Judy Sargent and Jill Wilson presented the
library budget. It includes small salary raises for the
librarian and assistant librarian and decreases in
substitute salaries. They level-funded most expenses,
but rent and insurance expenses will increase. Their
overall budget is up 4.9%.
Dina Bookmyer-Baker and Wayne Kowalski
attended the meeting to ask questions about the zoning
budgets. They will submit their budget at the next
Selectboard meeting.
4) PLANNING COMMISSION: Laura moved to appoint
Anne Reed to the Planning Commission. John seconded.
Chris did not vote.
5) SICELY PARCEL: John moved to accept a bid of
$3,000 from Kathryn Mears Trupin. Laura seconded – all
in favor. Bobbi will contact her to arrange for a
closing.
6) OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMON: The Selectboard will
get quotes for a new roof, and put an article on the
warning for Town Meeting.
7) SCHEDULE: January 1st is the
regular meeting date for the Selectboard. That meeting
will be rescheduled for January 2nd.
8) EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard
members read and signed reports for General Expenses and
Payroll. The Selectboard approved the minutes of the
November 20, 2007 Selectboard meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the
December 4, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
MINUTES - MARSHFIELD SELECTBOARD MEETING
DATE:
December 18, 2007
CONVENED: 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED 9:55 p.m.
PRESENT: Selectboard: Laura Johnson,
Christopher Martin, John Warshow
Town Clerk: Bobbi
Brimblecombe
PLANNING COMMISSION: Wayne Kowalski has resigned from
the Planning Commission effective December 31.
BUDGET DISCUSSIONS: The Board discussed budgets for the
Fire Department, Zoning & Planning Department, and the
Town Clerk’s office.
PERSONNEL: John moved to increase the hourly wages of
the road crew, zoning administrator, town clerk, and
assistant town clerk by 5%, and to raise the lister
salaries to $11.50 for members and $12.00 for the
chair. Laura seconded – all in favor.
ZONING: The Planning Commission has prepared revisions
to the zoning regulations to deal with changes to flood
plain regulations and riparian buffers. The Selectboard
will hold a hearing on these changes on January 15, 2008
at 7:00 p.m.
Members of the Planning Commission will attend the
January 2, 2008 Selectboard meeting to discuss the build
out analysis.
911: Bobbi has been approached by the 911 coordinator in
Plainfield because emergency services have been confused
about the houses at the bottom of Maple Hill that are
actually in Marshfield. The Selectboard discussed
possible solutions, including more signs or different
numbering. Bobbi will research further possible
solutions with the 911 Board.
THOMPSON ROAD: VAST has asked permission to bring in an
excavator to remove a beaver dam on the Thompson Road.
The Selectboard will ask them instead to install
planking or other temporary measures for the winter, and
consider a better solution next summer.
ENERGY COMMITTEE: John moved to appoint Hillary
Alexander to the Energy Committee. Chris seconded – all
in favor.
OLD SCHOOLHOUSE COMMON: The Selectboard received an
estimate of $60,000 - $63,000 for a new roof on the Old
Schoolhouse Common. The Board is awaiting other
estimates for discussion at town meeting.
COMMON LEVEL OF APPRAISAL: The Town’s new common level
of appraisal is 91.09%.
EXPENSES, PERMITS & PAYROLL: Selectboard members read
and signed reports for General Expenses and Payroll.
The minutes of the December 4, 2007 meeting will be
corrected to reflect that Chris abstained from voting to
appoint Anne Reed to the Planning Commission. The
minutes were approved with that one correction.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbi Brimblecombe, Town Clerk
The foregoing is a true copy of the Minutes of the
December 18, 2007 Selectboard Meeting.
A True Record. Attest,
______________________________________, Town Clerk
*****************************************************************************************************
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