Vernon Town School Board
Minutes Meeting, September 28, 2009
Directors present: Mike Hebert, Deb Hebert, Mary Ann Gardner, Kelli Lee-Allen.
Directors absent: Walter Breau.
Also present: Mark Speno, Ron Stahley, Sally Brassor, Mike & Hope Brooks
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Mike Hebert, at Vernon Elementary School
Parents want to have a bus stop moved because a registered sex offender lives right at that bus stop. Mike and Mary Ann will discuss options with First Student. Mark Speno and the police department will review as well. Mike will email results on Friday, 10/02/09.
Review of
Deb Hebert – 802-258-6518, email: Deb.hebert1@gmail.com
Walter Breau – 802-254-2817, email: breauw@comcast.net
Mary Ann Gardner – 802-257-5005, email vtmgardner@yahoo.com
Kelli Lee-Allen – 802-257-0143, email kellileeallen@yahoo.com
Norton Protection – How do we update all of our computers with the Norton renewal. Mark will check with Dawn Grobe and we will have to have it billed to the School Board account. Deb suggested that we add it as a line item.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT – Principal’s report by Mark Speno.
Superintendent’s Report by Ron Stahley
Think ahead about what we will need to do regarding the budget for the next meeting.
Motion moved to go into Executive Session at 7:20pm by Deb Hebert and seconded by Mary Ann Gardner on a student issue. The superintendent, and principal were present. The board came out of Executive Session at 7:30p.m. with the chair reporting no action was taken.
VSBA Meeting at Lake Morey 10/15-16/2009. Mike Hebert may be only member attending.
The board adjourned at 7:31p.m motion by Mary Ann Gardner and seconded by Deb Hebert.
Sally Brassor left at 6:45 pm
Notes submitted by Kelli Lee-Allen
To Print Specific Minutes - Cut and Paste - otherwise you may get many pages of minutes you didn't want.
Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 10/5/09
Accepted as Printed 10/19/05
VERNON SELECTBOARD
MEETING
OCTOBER 5, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Mike Ball -Chair Sally Brassor
Robert Miller, Jr. Chris Howe
Lynda Starorypinski
Mike Courtemanche
Len Howard
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:36 pm Chair Mike Ball called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No comments at this time.
MINUTE APPROVAL
September 21, 2009
LYNDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION TO APRROVE THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 21 WITH CORRECTIONS. MIKE COURTEMANCHE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
September 28, 2009
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO APRROVE THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 28 AS PRESENTED. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH 4 AYES, 1 ABSTENTION.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO RECONSIDER THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 8TH. Lynda Starorypinski seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike courtemanche made the motion to correct the municipal tax rate in the September 8th minutes that were stated correctly but written incorrectLY TO .3656 not .4060. Len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
WARRANTS
LYNDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE WARRANTS 6SG, 39S AND 40S. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
WELLNESS POLICIES
Vernon’s Health & Safety Policy and Mission
The board made some corrections to the wording of the Health & Safety Policy and Mission.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ADOPT WITH CORRECTIONS THE VERNON HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY AND MISSION WITH A SCHEDULED DATE OF OCTOBER 19, 2009. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Prohibition of Harassment
The board made some corrections to the wording of the Harassment Policy.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ADOPT WITH CORRECTIONS THE PROHIBITION OF HARASSMENT POLICY EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Smoking and Tobacco Policy
The board made some corrections to the wording of the Smoking & Tobacco Policy.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ADOPT WITH CORRECTIONS THE SMOKING AND TOBACCO POLICY EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Sexual Harassment
The board made some corrections to the wording of the Sexual Harassment Policy.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ADOPT WITH CORRECTIONS THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball will then take the finalized policies, have them placed on archival paper and then the Board can sign the policies at the Town Clerk’s window.
The board thanked Sally.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO GO OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA TO CHRIS HOWE. LYNDA STARORYPINSKI SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION WITH CHRIS HOWE ON A PERSONNEL MATTER, WHICH THE DISCLOSURE OF AT THIS TIME MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the Board went into executive session @ 7:28 and came out @ 7:45 and no action was taken.
On Thursday October 15, 2009 from 6:30 to 9:00 there will be a Special Warrant Meeting at the Vernon School to re-adopt the Town Plan. Mike Ball will chair the meeting at the request of the Planning Committee Chair and the Board Secretary will take the minutes of the meeting. There would need to be a second meeting at a later date to readopt the Flood Plain bylaw.
PERSONNEL EVALUATIONS
The board would get started on Department Head’s personnel evaluations. The evaluations will be due by October 19, 2009. The finalizing of grade changes should happen with Harry Snyder and the board will move to implement the 2008 COLA followed by merit increases after the personnel evaluations are completed.
NEW/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Len Howard stated that the bus was ready to take to scrap. The burnt vehicle is still at the Highway Garage. It was recommended that permission from the vehicle’s owner be obtained before the vehicle is scrapped.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO HAVE THE TOWN ATTORNEY BEGIN THE PROCESS TO TRY AND COLLECT $10,000 FOR RECOVERY OF SAID VEHICLE FROM THE VEHICLE’S OWNERS. LYNDA STARORYPINSKI SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Courtemanche stated that the Composting Project is happening this Saturday from 8:00 to 12:00 at the Town Garage.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON A PERSONNEL MATTER, WHICH THE DISCLOSURE OF AT THIS TIME MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the Board went into executive session @ 8:10 and came out @ 8:25 and no action was taken.
MEDIA
No media present at this time.
Len Howard made the motion to adjourn. mike courtemanche seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @ 8:26 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE october 19, 2009 @ 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 9/14/09
Accepted as Printed 9/21/09
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD
SPECIAL
MEETING
SEPTEMBER 14, 2009 6:3PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Mike Ball David Walker
Mike Courtemanche
Lynda Starorypinski
Len Howard
Robert Miller, Jr.
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:30 pm Chair Mike Ball called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No comments at this time.
HARRY SNYDER
LYNDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION WITH HARRY SNYDER ON A PERSONNEL MATTER, WHICH THE DISCLOSURE OF AT THIS TIME MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED.LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the board went into executive session @ 6:38 and came out at ____ and no action was taken.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT-RECOMMENDATIONS
NEW/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
.
MEDIA
No comments at this time.
__________ MADE THE MOTION TO ADJORN. _________ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Adjourned @ PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE SEPTEMBER 21, 2009 @ 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 9/08/09
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _9/21/09_______
VERNON SELECTBOARD
MEETING
September 8, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Mike Ball Sally Brassor
Mike Courtemanche Seth Deyo
Robert Miller, Jr. Steve Hardy
Lynda Starorypinski Sara Deyo
Len Howard Jr. Stanley Sage
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:33 pm Chair Mike Ball called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT-
No comment at this time.
MINUTE APPROVAL-
August 17-
LEN HOWARD MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 17TH MINUTES AS WRITTEN. LYNDA STARORYPINSKI SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED with 4 ayes, 1 abstention.
August 24-
LEN HOWARD MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 24TH MINUTES AS WRITTEN. LYNDA STARORYPINSKI SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
BILLS AND WARRANTS- Sally Brassor
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO CORRECT THE MOTION FROM THE JULY 28 MINUTES REGARDING THE TAX RATE. THE MUNICIPAL TAX RATE BASE IS .4060 NOT .3656 AS STATED IN THE JULY 28TH MINUTES ALONG WITH THE SCHOOL TAX RATE OF .9410 WHICH SHOULD BE .9999. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
LYNDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE WARRANTS 45G, 33S, 34S AND 35S. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
The Board thanked Sally.
ROAD DEPARTMENT BID UPDATE-
David Walker presented the Board with quotes from several bids for the replacement of the new truck and body. The trade in value for the old truck ranged from $7,500 to $8,000. The Board suggested doing a cost benefited analysis for the single axle versus the tandem truck. The Board would consider the proposed quotes and made a discussion on September 14th.
David Walker updated the Board about the price this year for salt which is $61.48 per ton which is up a bit from last year at $54.95 per ton. With much discussion the Board moved on.
The Board thanked David.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO TAKE ADM CONTRACT OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
ADM CONTRACT-
LEN HOWARD MADE THE MOTION TO RATIFY THE ADM CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZE MIKE COURTEMANCHE TO SIGN THE CONTRACT. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
TOWN FOREST UPDATE-
Update of the Town Forest- Steve Hardy
Steve reported that they have been thinning out the town forest for the last 30 years and this was the fourth or fifth thinning. Steve stated that they are done with the project and the landing would be raked and reseeded sometime in the up coming weeks. Currently there are still people working on their woodlots. Steve reported that the net receipts to the Town of Vernon are $19,390.00. This was about 20% of the forest or roughly 80 acres. Also the trails would need to be clarified with new maps.
With much discussion the board moved on.
The Board thanked Steve.
Mike Ball was called out of the meeting therefore Mike Courtemanche continued the meeting as acting chair.
NEW/OLD UNFINISHED BUSINESS-
Mike Courtemanche stated that the Windham County Sheriff’s Department is currently visible in Vernon.
EOC Bus Update-
LYNDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION THAT BY SEPTEMBER 21 ANY DEPARTMENT WANTING ANY EQUIPMENT FROM THE OLD EOC BUS MUST BE TAKEN AS A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS BEFORE THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT DISPOSES OF THE BUS. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Lynda would put a memo in each department head mail box relaying this information.
Composting project- Mike Courtemanche reported that the Vernon trash statistics for July and August of this year shows a decrease in the amount of trash that has been disposed of. The past three years of tracking the amount of trash that the Town of Vernon produces has dropped down from last year by 8 ton. Keep up the good work Town of Vernon.
PD Union discussion date- The board set the date for September 28th at 5:30 pm. for the Police Department Union Update.
Survey Update- Mike Courtemanche received some questions back but not all department heads turned there survey’s in. Mike asked how the survey would get back to the board. It was mentioned to have a box like the voter box at the Town Office or put the survey out on the web site and people could submit them that way. This all will need to be worked out by the board when all the department heads have submitted there questions.
Wellness Policies-
To be discussed on September 21st.
LYNDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON A CONTRACTUAL MATTER, WHICH THE DISCLOSURE OF AT THIS TIME MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOITION CARRIED.
Mike Courtemanche stated that the Board went into executive session @ 8:40 and came out @ 8:57 and no action was taken.
MEDIA
No media present at this time.
Len Howard made the motion to adjourn. LYNDa STARORYPINSKI seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @9:00 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, September 21, 2009 @ 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 8/24/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD
SPECIAL
MEETING
AUGUST 24, 2009 6:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Mike Ball Mike Coughlin
Mike Courtemanche Kevin Turnley
Robert Miller, Jr. Cindy Turnley
Lynda Starorypinski
Len Howard Jr. 6:15
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:07 pm Chair Mike Ball called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
POLICE DEPARTMENT UNION-
This item is to be rescheduled to a later date at the request of Bob Dickson due to a personal issue.
FOYER PROJECT-
With much review over the standard contract agreement from Jeremy Coleman for the renovations to the foyer, the Board asked Mike Coughlin several questions. Some points of interest were of Mr. Coleman’s compensation of 10% of the total construction cost for the full services. This was in the original proposal. It was agreed that he would oversee the full project and a retainer would be need to be paid up front.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO AUTHORIZE MIKE BALL TO SIGN THE STANDARD CONTRACT FORM OF AGREEMENT FOR JEREMY COLEMAN AND TO HAVE THE TOWN TREASURER GENERATE A CHECK IN THE AMOUNT OF $1000.00 FOR A RETAINER FEE. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
POLICE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS-
The Windham County Sheriff’s Department contract was reviewed by the Board.
It was the consensus of the Board to move forward with the proposal using the Sheriff’s Department cruisers instead of the town’s vehicles.
It was suggested an indemnification clause be added to the contract as suggested by the VLCT.
LEN HOWARD MADE THE MOTION TO AUTHORIZE MIKE BALL TO SIGN THE CONTRACT WITH THE WINDHAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT BASED ON THEM USING THEIR OWN VEHICLES AND ADDING A CLAUSE WHICH WOULD HOLD THE TOWN HARMLESS IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. LYNDA STARORYPINSKI SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Chief Turnley conveyed that he would like them to start September 1st. In a relative matter Chief Turnley requested to carry over budget money in the amount of $3293.23 to cover some of the cost from this contract.
MIKE COURTMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ALLOW THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OVER BUDGET MONIES IN THE AMOUNT OF $3293.23 TO OFF-SET SOME OF THE EXPENSES FROM THE WINDHAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S CONTRACT. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
NEW HIRES-
Mike Courtemanche stated that the hiring process should continue as is with the exception that the background checks be completed before the Chief came to the Board to present possible new hires. It was the consensus of the Board as well as the Chief to use this process in the future. Lynda stated that she sat in on the interviews with the Chief and Bruce Gauld. The same questions were asked of each candidate, which made the interview process more effective and also helped with making the decision of whom to hire.
LYNDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION WITH THE CHIEF ON A PERSONNEL MATTER, WHICH THE DISCLOSURE OF AT THIS TIME MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOITION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the Board went into executive session @ 6:32 and came out @ 6:45 and no action was taken.
LYNDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION TO HIRE SCOTT LANE, BRIAN DANIELS AND WILLIAM PEASE JR. AS PART-TIME OFFICERS WITH A RATE OF PAY TO START AT $15.00 PER HOUR UNTIL THEY GRADUATE FROM THE ACADEMY. UPON GRADUATION THE RATE WOULD CHANGE TO $16.00 PER HOUR. AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A ONE YEAR PROBATIONARY PERIOD THE RATE WOULD INCREASE TO $17.00 PER HOUR. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Chief Turnley asked that the town residents have patience with the new hires, as they will be in training. It will be a slow process to get everyone on board.
The Board thanked Chief Turnley.
ROBERT MILLER made a motion for the board to reconsider the motion made on July 20th due to procedural flaw in the hire process and to continue with the hire process as it is being done now. MIKE COURTEMANCHE seconded the motion. 3 ayes, 2 nays. the motion CARRIED.
On a positive note Mike Courtemanche read the Board a letter addressed to the First Responders from a Vernon resident. The letter conveyed the great job that was done by David Andrews, Chief Turnley and Mike Ball in the quick response to a child in need.
The Board thanked the First Responders and all those involved. GREAT JOB!
MEDIA
No media present at this time.
Len Howard made the motion to adjourn. LYNDa STARORYPINSKI seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @6:55 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, September 8, 2009 @ 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 8/12/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD SPECIAL
MEETING
August 12, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Mike Ball Lynda Starorypinski
Mike Courtemanche OTHERS PRESENT:
Robert Miller, Jr. Richard Coutant
Len Howard
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:32 pm Chair Mike Ball called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON A PERSONELL WITH TOWN ATTORNEY RICHARD COUTANT MATTER WHICH THE DISCLOSURE OF AT THIS TIME MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the board had entered into executive session @ 6:35 and came out @ 8:05 and no action was taken.
LEN HOWARD made the motion to adjourn. ROBERT MILLER seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @8:06 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, August 17, 2009 @ 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 8/3/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD
MEETING
August 3, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Mike Ball David Andrews
Mike Courtemanche Jeanette Andrews
Robert Miller, Jr. Fred Sage
Lynda Starorypinski Stan Sage
Len Howard Harry Snyder
Sally Brassor
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:30 pm Chair Mike Ball called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT-
Mike Ball stated that he wanted to clarify that Public Comments should be limited to a short time period. Complaints that need to have action should be scheduled and put on the agenda.
David Andrews conveyed that a recent e-mail that he received needed attention and was looking for an explanation from the board. It was suggested by the chair to schedule this on the agenda of the next meeting.
With much discussion the board moved on.
BILLS AND WARRANTS-Sally Brassor
LYNDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE WARRANTS 2SG, 25S, 27S AND 30S WITH AN ITEM TO BE DISCUSS ABOUT PROCEDURES AT ANOTHER MEETING. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Sally stated that tax bills would be mailed out by the end of this week.
The board thanked Sally.
MINUTE APPROVAL-
JULY 20, 2009
LINDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 20. MIKE COURTEMANCHE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH 4 AYES, 1 ABSTENTION.
July 27, 2009-
LYNDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 27, 2009 WITH CORRECTIONS INCLUDING THOSE AS PRESENTED BY sALLY BRASSOR REGUARDING THE TAX RATE. mIKE COURTEMANCHE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
lynda starorypinski made the motion to take the foyer project out of order on the agenda. len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
FOYER-
LEN HOWARD MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE J. COLEMAN & COMPANY TO DO THE ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING FOR THE VERNON TOWN OFFICE. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
COMPOSTING PROJECT-
Mike Courtemanche stated that he would like to push back the project a couple of weeks in order to work out more details.
It was the consensus of the board to push the project back a couple of weeks as recommended by Mr. Courtemanche.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON A CONTRACUAL MATTER, WHICH THE DISCLOSURE OF AT THIS TIME MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the board entered into executive session at 6:56 and came out at 7:29 and no action was taken.
LEN HOWARD MADE THE MOTION TO GO BACK IN ORDER ON THE AGENDA TO HARRY SNYDER. LYNDA STARORYPINSKI SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
HARRY SNYDER
Harry Snyder conveyed the next steps to move forward and to be sure that all were on the same page with the scope of the project. There are two remaining tasks left, a grade scale of wages and a plan draft document with an overview of positions. Any comparisons or market analysis with other states or towns is not part of this project at this time. The plan document would allow the current board and the future boards to review the job descriptions and there placement on the grid as well as ensure their consistency. If the board wished to have a market analysis completed on each position, it should be updated every five years. Harry stated that the remaining goals would take 2 to 3 weeks and is hopeful to have something to look at by the end of August. Harry stated that the quote for fees from last year still stands for the continuation of this project.
It was the consensus of the board to put this on the September 14, 2009 agenda as a working session.
The board thanked Harry.
NEW/FUNISHED BUSINESS
Appointments- Rec. Department Lois Sparks has left the committee and Mike Pratt’s term is to 2012. Marylynn Scherlin will continue with the Elderly Assistance Committee until 2012 as well. Mike Courtemanche stated he would verify the terms with the Recreation Committee and get back to us.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO REAFFIRM MARYLYNN scherlin for THE ELDERLY ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE to 2012. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Planning Committee-
The Planning Committee will readopt the flood hazard by-laws for one year. Then they will also readopt the Town Plan. This will consist of warning a meeting for public input and comment to adopt the new Town Plan. The goal is to get the existing plan updated to a new plan within one year. The grant that was available for this project may be cut and therefore may no longer provide for as much as was hoped for.
EOC Bus Bid-None received.
Speaker Phone-No updates.
Personal Evaluations-
Lynda will scan and e-mail the board members the new form, once reviewed the forms will be distributed to Department to use for their employees and the board will evaluate the department heads.
Governor Hunt Road-
There is an issue of who is responsible for the upkeep of the property at the two ends of Governor Hunt Road since the road improvements were completed. Mike Courtemanche read an email from the Town Clerk, which stated the listers believed it to be the responsibility of the town. It was discussed in length and the outcome was to ask the State of Vermont Agency of Transportation to meet with the board about the upkeep of the property.
It was the consensus of the board to move September 7th meeting, which is on Labor Day to September 8, which is the Tuesday.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON A CONTRACTURAL MATTER, WHICH THE DISCLOSURE OF AT THIS TIME MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the board entered into executive session at 8:40 and came out at 9:27 and no action was taken.
LYNDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION IN light of the current shortage of manpower in the Vernon Police Department in order to maintain his fitness for duty and not become too fatigued, Chief Kevin Turnley needs to check with the other part-time officers in the Town of Vernon to see if they can increase their hours; or, if not, the Chief must call other law enforcement departments in the area- Windham County Sheriff or Vermont State Police – to see if they can assist the Town until we can get our staff up to safe working levels and this needs to be done by the end of this week. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
MEDIA
No media present at this time.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to adjourn. len howard seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @9:30 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, August 17, 2009 @ 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Accepted as Corrected: ___________
VERNON PLANNING COMMISSION – MEETING MINUTES
July 30th, 2009 1830 hours, Vernon Town Office Building
Members Present – R. Underwood (Chair), J. Dunklee, M. Zaluzny, D. Gassett, S. Shippee and S. Skibniowsky (Clerk)
Members Absent – None
Members Late – S. Skibniowsky arrived at 07:00 PM
Other Attendees – Mike Ball, Vernon Selectboard Chair and Sue Fillion, Windham Regional Commission Staff Member
Discussion of the flood insurance program. The town needs to issue permits for building in flood hazard areas. The town needs to be aware of where building is occurring in flood zones. The Department of Environmental Conservation would like no new development in flood zones. Six (6) people currently have 37 structures in town which qualify for flood hazard insurance. Without a flood plain ordinance, the town may not be able to get emergency grants or funds for repair of roads anywhere in town. The town plan (expired) does not include the 100 year flood plain but rather the 500 year flood plain.
Additional Discussion - concerning the use of a permit for building ( call it an “Intent to Build”). Pros and cons of a permit process were discussed. The town would have awareness of property owners’ intent to build in a flood hazard area. An additional layer of bureaucracy would be created to issue these “permits” and then track them to maintain awareness of construction in a flood hazard area.
October 5th, 2009 was proposed as a target date for re-adoption of the flood hazard bylaw. Sue Fillion provided a handout with dates and actions.
S. Shippee presented the following motion: The town planning commission recommends that the Vernon Selectboard reauthorize the Flood Hazard Bylaw. The motion was seconded by D. Gassett.
The motion carried unanimously. The Commission clerk was directed to send a letter to the Select Board advising them of the Commission’s action.
S. Shippee presented the following motion: The Vernon Planning Commission resolves to move forward towards readopting the existing Town Plan. The motion was seconded by M. Zaluzny. The motion was approved unanimously.
S. Shippee presented the following motion: It is the intent of the Vernont Planning Commission to review, revise and reissue the Town plan with assistance from Windham Regional Commission staff by the end of 2010. The motion was seconded by D. Gassett. The motion was approved unanimously.
The motion carried unanimously.
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 7/27/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD SPECIAL
MEETING
July 27, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Mike Ball Phyllis Newton
Mike Courtemanche Carol Hammond
Robert Miller, Jr. Mike Coughlin
Lynda Starorypinski
Len Howard
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:37 pm Chair Mike Ball called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT-
No public comment at this time
CUSTODIAN RECOMMENDATIONS-Mike Coughlin
Mike Coughlin stated that he would like to recommend Kyle Vinton pending a successful background check. Mike Coughlin suggested that the salary start at $12.00 per hour. This is a part-time position of 20 hours per week.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION FROM MIKE COUGHLIN TO HIRE KYLE VINTON AT A RATE OF $12.00 PER HOUR FOR THE PART TIME CUSTODIAL POSITION. LYNDA STARORYPINSKI SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
FOYER-
With much discussion the board needed more information.
It was the consensus of the board to table this to the next meeting.
LISTERS-Errors and Omissions
Mike Ball stated that at the last meeting the board made a motion to accept the errors and omissions for New England Power Company from the Listers in the amount of $6,708,627 up from $5,066,000.00 and that this was in error. The amount was actually going down to $4,349,643.00 from the $5,066,000.00 that is a difference of - $716,357.00. The board questioned the Listers as to the chain of events that led to this discrepancy and questioned whether it could have been handled differently and been avoided.
With much discussion the board continued with the motion.
LYNDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE ERRORS AND OMISSIONS FOR NEW ENGLAND POWER COMPANY IN THE NEW REVISED AMOUNT OF $4,349,643.00. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
SET TAX RATE-
Discussion ensued about the 2009-2010 Tax Rate. The total homestead rate for FY 10 would be 1.3662 per $100 of assessed value compared to $1.3477 per $100 of assessed value, which was last year’s rate. The Total Non-Residential Rate would be set at 1.3225 per $100 of assessed value compared to last year’s $1.3032 per $100 of assessed value. The municipal rate would be set at .4060, which is a decrease of .0374 from last year’s rate. The School Homestead Rate (which is set by the state not the town) would be set at .9410, which is an increase of .0589 from last year’s rate. The net change for this year would be an increase of .0215 due to the increase of the School Homestead Rate.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE 2009-2010 TAX RATE SET BY THE TOWN TREASURER’S OFFICE FOR THE TOTAL HOMESTEAD RATE OF 1.3662 PER $100 ASSESSED VALUE AND THE TOTAL NON-RESIDENTIAL RATE OF 1.3225 PER $100 ASSESSED VALUE. THE MUNICIPALTAX RATE SET AT .4060. THE SCHOOL TAX RATE SET BY THE STATE AT .9410. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
COMPOSTING PROJECT-
It was the consensus of the board to table this to the next meeting.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON A CONTRACUAL MATTER, WHICH THE DISCLOSURE OF AT THIS TIME MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the board entered into executive session at 7:27 and came out at 9:13 and no action was taken.
MEDIA
No media present at this time.
mikE courtemanche made the motion to adjourn. ROBERT MILLER seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @9:22 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, August 3, 2009 @ 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 7/20/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD
MEETING
July 20, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Mike Ball Rory Underwood
Mike Courtemanche Chris Garofolo
Robert Miller, Jr. Jeff Dunklee
Lynda Starorypinski Jim Matteau
MEMBERS ABSENT: Susan Fillion
Len Howard Mike Coughlin
OTHERS PRESENT: Chief Turnley
Phyllis Newton Cindy Turnley
Marylynn Scherlin Bruce Gauld
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:36 pm Chair Mike Ball called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT-
No public comment at this time.
BILLS AND WARRANTS- Sally Brassor
Lynda Starorypinski made the motion to approve warrants 1SG, 28S and 29S. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike courtemanche made the motion to go out of order on the agenda to Windham regional commission. lynda starorypinski seconded the motion. the motion carried.
wINDHAM REGIONAL COMMISSION-Town Plan Jim Matteau
Mike Ball stated that the Planning Commission consists of six members as follows:
Rory Underwood
Dale Gassett
Stephen Skibniowsky
Jeff Dunklee
Shane Shippee
mike zalunzy
The biggest item on their agenda this year is to update the Town Plan which needs to be updated every five years. Because of the amount of updating to the maps and the Flood Plan the deadline is quickly approaching. Mike Ball stated that it is best to have the Windham Regional Commission help with the updates. Rory’s research found that maps and updates go back to 1986. Jim Matteau stated that there are a number of areas that would need to be addressed to bring the plan up to what is required by state statue for approval by the WRC, if that is the towns intent. It would also be possible to make some but not all of those changes, as the town wishes. It’s the town’s option whether to request WRC review and approval as required from the statue that describes the required content for a town plan to fully meet the standards. Out of 27 WRC member towns, 24 have town plans and 17 of those are regionally approved.
The biggest area needing improvement is land use, which requires development of current and prospective land use plans in both text and maps. Other areas that also need some changes are housing, energy and transportation. Jim stated that the maps that are currently in use are quite dated and stem mostly from the Low Level Radioactive Waste Authority work, which were produced more than 15 ago. Jim Matteau stated that the estimated cost is based on an hourly rate of $60.00. This would include all support and indirect costs, and the estimated hours include time to prepare for and attend meetings in Vernon. Jim stated that town plans that they have worked on over the years cost ranged from $6,000 to costing well in excess of $15,000. Jim stated that there is a state-funded municipal planning grant program. This is available for towns that don’t have approved plans for the purpose of developing one. The program is very competitive because funding was cut in half last year. Jim stated that an application from Vernon for half of the cost sharing strategy would help. The program is managed by the Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and applications will be due in September. WRC could help to develop that application at no cost to the town, and doing that would result in a firm estimate of time and costs for the project.
Mike Courtemanche asked when this needed to be started. Susan Fillion stated that the grant deadline is September 30th. The grant would then be awarded in November. WRC would work out a suggested contract to get started. Rory stated that the pressure is from the Flood Hazard Bylaws expiring on October 16 and the Town Plan has to be in placed for the Flood Plan to be adopted. Jim stated that it is possible that the town could readopt the current town plan as is, for one more year and be working on a new town plan and at least there would be something on the books. To extend the current plan for the one year the selectboard would need to have a public hearing stating it’s an emergency measure to protect public health and safety, at the close of the meeting the board would vote to extend the interim bylaws, then the interim bylaws would be sent with notice to the neighboring towns and Housing and Community Affairs. Susan Fillion could help with this process. It would beneficial for the Planning Committee to meet with WRC to move on with this.
The board thanked Jim and Susan.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO CONTINUE WITH THE ORDER ON THE AGENDA. Lynda Starorypinski seconded the motion. The motion carried.
mAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT-Mike Coughlin
Foyer Project- Mike Coughlin presented the board with three bids for the design of the foyer project. The board noticed that the prices where very different from each other. Mike Ball stated that references should be included.
It was the consensus of the board to look over the bids and get references before making a discussion.
The board would put this on the agenda for July 27 @ 6:30 pm.
Carpet Bid- Mike Coughlin updated the board on the replacement of carpeting that is going out to bid. This is for the Town Office Buildings common areas.
The board thanked Mike.
POLICE DEPARTMENT- Chief Turnley
Audit Response- Chief Turnley presented the board with Vernon Police Department Operating Guidelines for Collection and Preservation of Evidence.
Mike Ball stated that in reading over the audit there are some issues that have not been addressed. The Policies and Procedures should be updated by the end of 12/31/09. The Officers training matrix also needed to be addressed with a working draft of policy and to be finalized by 12/30/09. Mike Ball also stated that a development of a policy for the department is in place with qualifications defining which items are dealt with in-house and which are sent to Vermont State Police for investigation. This means that if the on-duty officer is not fully certified in performing and documenting an investigation the case would be immediately turned over to the State Police. Mike Ball stated that the Chief will need to notify his personnel of this requirement. Mike Ball also stated that the officer expectations needed to be developed. Chief Turnley will send the Town Attorney a copy of the Departments Operating Guideline for Collection of Evidence.
Hire Recommendations- Chief Turnley has two candidates that he would like to recommend for hire pending records check. The rate of pay would be $16.00 to start and $ 17.00 after probation.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ALLOW CHIEF TURNLEY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE HIRING PROCESS WITH A RATE OF PAY TO START AT $16.00 AND AFTER A PROBATIONARY PERIOD TO $17.00 PENDING COMPLETION OF BACK GROUND CHECKS. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Bid Recommendations- Bruce Gauld updated the board with the bids for a new police vehicle. Bruce stated that they were trying out other vehicles and have not finished with their discussion on the type of vehicle that they are looking at. He will keep the board updated on their discussion.
The board thanked Chief Turnley and Bruce Gauld.
EOC BUS BID- No bids at the time.
NEW/FUNISHED BUSINESS
Mike Ball asked Lynda if she has heard from Harry Snyder. Lynda stated that she has e-mailed him and has not heard anything as of yet.
Lynda Starorypinski stated that she was unable to put out the Newspaper for July because of family issues and not enough time to complete the paper. Lynda also stated that she had misunderstood Chris Howe and when she would be available. The next newspaper would be August.
Mike Courtemanche stated that the board had received a letter from Triple T regarding the super sized trashcans along with un-bagged trash in these large containers. These large containers can hold much more trash by weight than what the town’s contract states can be left out each week. The un-bagged trash requires their drivers to lift these large containers to the truck and Triple T believes this is an accident waiting to happen and is asking residents that if they choose to use these large containers to please bag all of the trash contained in them. This will allow Triple T workers to pull the bags out rather than lift the entire container. Triple T will start putting a sticker on the offending containers asking them to please bag their trash for further service. If residents continue to throw un-bagged trash in these containers Triple T will leave their trash behind.
Mike Courtemanche stated that the composting project had hit a snag but is going to move forward. News will be posted on the composting project. Mike Courtemanche stated that he wanted to make clear that commercial composting is not free and the savings per ton would be $45.00. Personal composting is free.
Mike Courtemanche asked the board to think about a policy that would make recycling mandatory. He asked the board to drive around town on trash day to see how much recyclable materials were being thrown away on trash day. A mandatory recycling policy would help to alleviate the problem and the town would save on its tipping fees. The board may consider this in the future.
Mike Ball received a letter from VY with changes to the fence with reference to Act 248.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ALLOW MIKE BALL TO SIGN ANOTHER LETTER FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE FENCE CONSTRUCTION AT VY PENDING VERIFICATION FROM THE VERNON POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the Advent Christian Church sent an invitation to the selectboard regarding their 100th year celebration as a church on their site here in Vernon. A special service will be held at 2:00 pm on September 20th.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION to allow mike ball to sign the letter of agreement with Computer Appraisals Services. robert miller seconded the motion. the motion carried.
eRRORS AND oMISSIONS-
ROBERT MILLER MADE THE MOTION TO REVISE THE AMOUNT FOR NEW ENGLAND POWER COMPANY FROM $5,066,000TO 6,708,627.00 MIKE COURTMANCHE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
LYNDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE ERRORS AND OMISSIONS AS PRESENTED FROM THE VERNON LISTERS OFFICE FOR TIMOTHY AND CHERYL FRANKLIN. MIKE COURTEMANCHE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
MIKE COURTMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO GO BACK IN ORDER TO THE MINUTE APPROVAL. LYNDA STARORYPINSKI SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
MINUTE APPROVAL-
July 1
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE JULY 1 MINUTES AS PRESENTED. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH 3 AYES AND 1 ABSTAIN.
July 6- Correction of spelling of abstain from substain.
LYNDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. 3 AYES AND 1 ABSTAIN.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON A PERSONNEL MATTER WITH PHYLLIS NEWTON, WHICH THE DISCLOSURE OF AT THIS TIME MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the board went into executive session @ 9:08 and came out at 9:30 and no action was taken.
MEDIA
No media present at this time.
mikE courtemanche made the motion to adjourn. ROBERT MILLER seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @9:31 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, July 27, 2009 @ 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Accepted as Corrected: ___________
VERNON PLANNING COMMISSION – MEETING MINUTES
July 16th, 2009 1830 hours, Vernon Town Office Building
Members Present – R. Underwood (Chair), J. Dunklee, M. Zaluzny, D. Gassett and S. Skibniowsky (Clerk)
Members Absent – S. Shippee
Other Attendees – George Thomas (Vermont Yankee Manager of Projects)
George Thomas, Manager of Projects at VY, presented a plan for post 9-11 upgrades to the station security system. This is part of a second phase of security upgrades and can be considered a refinement of existing security upgrades. There will be no changes visible from Governor Hunt Road but will be confined to inside the plant inner area. The changes will consist of additional chain link fences – additional deterrent if the plant comes under attack. These fences will not be visible from the road, but will only be visible when on the plant site. Turnstiles will be installed. Fencing will be installed along the river bank for the full length of the plant site in addition to the inner plant protected area. Three small buildings will be set up with turnstiles and personnel access points. These buildings will not be staffed permanently, according to George Thomas. These modifications are being installed at all nuclear plants as part of a “Defense in depth” approach. These modifications need to be in place by the end of the first quarter next year so Vermont Yankee is trying to get this done as soon as possible. Work needs to be started early in the third quarter of this year. George Thomas requested that the 45 day review period be waived. He explained that Act 248 applies and not Act 250. D. Gassett asked if this is an example of the wheels of the NRC moving slowly since the 9-11 event occurred almost eight years ago. George Thomas replied that this provides additional layers of defense. More fences added for additional security. More barriers are added to increase security. Entergy picks up the cost of the installation. M. Zaluzny asked if there was a possibility of another generating unit to be installed in the future. George Thomas replied that the security upgrades will not impact any new plant installation
M. Zaluzny moved to waive the 45 day waiting period. J. Dunklee seconded the motion. A vote was called. S. Skibniowsky abstained due to his employment at Vermont Yankee. The vote was in favor with none opposed.
D. Gassett moved that the fence project will not unduly interfere with the development of the region nor overburden the Town of Vernon. M. Zaluzny seconded the motion. A vote was called. S. Skibniowsky abstained due to his employment at Vermont Yankee. The vote was in favor with none opposed.
M. Zaluzny questioned whether any farm land was impacted by the installation of the new fences. George Thomas responded that no farm land is impacted in this installation. A brief general discussion of the future of the plant and the needs of Vermonters for utilities and infrastructure ensued.
R. Underwood presented status – A meeting with the Selectboard and Windham Regional Commission (WRC) representatives is scheduled for Monday, July 20th. The Vernon Flood insurance ordinance expires October 15th and the Town Plan needs to be updated and approved by then. Professional Services from WRC are needed. Next update of the Town plan should be started two years before the expiration date for the Town Plan and money should be allocated at Town Meeting.
R. Underwood stated that the Town ordinance will expire in October, 2009. 37 properties are affected. Important to get the Town Plan approved so that insurance can be obtained by land owners.
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 6/22/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD
WORKING SESSION MEETING
June 22, 2009 5:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERs Present:
Michael Ball Kevin Turnley
Robert Miller, Jr. Cindy Turnley
Len Howard Bruce Gauld
Michael Courtemanche William McCarty
Lynda Starorypinski 6:08 David Andrews
OTHERS PRESENT:
Chris Garofolo
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 5:43 pm Mike Ball called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
UPDATES-
Mike Ball stated that the board needs to have representation for the town’s interest in an upcoming tax appeal. The state appraiser will come to review the George’s property on June 30, 2009. Len Howard volunteered to meet with them.
The board discussed replacing the current recorder with a digital recorder due to the fact that the secretary needs to change the tapes often during meetings. The board secretary will check out other options and get back to the board.
Mike Ball stated that Sally sent him the policies to be drafted to cover Human Resources and Health and Safety. Mike stated he will distribute them to the rest of the board.
Speaker Phone-Mike Courtemanche stated that he spoke with Mike Tatro from Consult Techs regarding the speaker phone. Consult Techs regarding restocking fees in the event the phone needed to be sent back. Mike Ball indicated he wasn’t concerned about the phone which was being proposed but he questioned whether an analog phone would work instead of the current digital multi-line phone. Mike Courtemanche indicated the new phone could be plugged into the existing analog port within the current phone. Mike Courtemanche will verify with Consult Techs as well as with Sally to ensure we had money for the new phone and report at the next meeting.
Len Howard asked Mike Ball if the Planning Board had been able to get together to finish the Town Plan. Mike Ball stated that he has been in contact with them and with the help with the WCR things should be getting done.
Mike Courtemanche made a motion to take a recess to wait for Lynda Starorypinski. Len Howard seconded the motion @6:02 pm.
The board came out of recess A 6:08 pm.
job descriptions-
The Selectboard reviewed in depth and discussed changes to the following:
Road Commissioner-
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE ROAD commissioner job description as corrected. len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Bus driver-
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE bus driver job description as corrected. len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
POLICE DEPARTMENT –ISSUES
Police Chief Kevin Turnley with his council William McCarty joined the board to answer questions and to give updates regarding the findings of the audit. Chief Turnley stated that the Police Clerk was hired and she has completed all training except NIBRS. Officer Herbert is now full time since December. The evidence room has new lockers and all officers have been briefed on evidence storage and the Chief is the only one to have the key. Training is an on going matter. Mike Ball stated that the evidence room needs a policy that is put together explaining how it is controlled in case it should come in a court case. Mike Ball asked Chief Turnley when that policy would be ready and the Chief replied that he had no target date for this. Mike Ball stated that the board would like the policies before the end of the year.
Mike Ball stated that Chief Turnley should talk a little to the board about the waivers and the article that was in the Burlington Free Press. Kevin stated that the article was wrong and has no idea where they get there information. The board was sent via email a letter from Lynn James, Administrative Services Coordinator and Records Keeper of the Vermont Police Academy that all officers are certified and are in compliance with all training requirements. Mike Courtemanche read from the minutes of the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Committee (Waiver Committee) meeting which was held on February 25, 2009. The waivers were needed for officers that were short on classes and hours. Mike Courtemanche asked the Chief if the officers have finished with the firearms and First aid training. Chief Turnley replied that the officers are certified. Mike Courtemanche stated he had no doubt the officers were certified and was only asking why waivers were needed to retain their certification. Len Howard asked Chief Turnley that if the issue was this simple why he had not clarified this when he was first asked about the issue when the newspaper article came out. The board would have liked the Police Chief to articulate when the department has put in for waivers so that speculation could be cleared up immediately. William McCarty stated that the Burlington Free Press was in error and so where the Minutes for the Vt. Criminal Justice Training Council and that the Chief has already explained it several times in writing and again orally. William McCarty stated that the board was micro managing the Police Department and that was in violation of State Statue 24VSA Section 1931. Mike Ball stated that the board has talked with town council and that was not the case the board is not in violation of such statue. Mike Ball further stated that with the number of complaints that were received the board was trying to allow the chief the opportunity to improve his performance and the performance of his department so that the complaints would discontinue.
With much discussion the board moved on.
Chief Turnley conveyed that the search for officers to hire was coming along and hopefully interviews would be in two weeks.
David Andrews asked the board about the status of the Taser Policy and the Use of Force Policy. Mike Ball stated that he has both policies. Mike Ball stated that town council has not seen the policies. David Andrews asked if the Vernon Crime Statistics are being reported. Chief Turnley stated that 2007 are lost but the department is working on the 2008 statistics. It was noted in the audit that the Vernon Police Department was in violation of the reporting requirements which require Police Departments to report their criminal statistics through the national incident based reporting system. Chief Turnley has been updating NIBRS with the 2008 data and has given the town newspaper articles and crime statistics for last month to be published when the newspaper is published. David Andrews also asked if the findings from the audit would be made available. The board would post this on their new web site.
The board thanked Chief Turnley.
LEN HOWARD MADE THE MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON A PERSONNEL MATTER, WHICH THE DISCLOSURE OF AT THIS TIME MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED. Mike Courtemanche SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the board entered into executive session at 7:15 and came out at 7:31 and no action was taken.
Job Descriptions-
Camp Counselors
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE camp counselors job description as corrected. len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Children’s Librarian-
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE children’s librarian job description as corrected. len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Day Camp Director-
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE day camp director job description as corrected. len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Fire Chief-
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE fire chief job description as corrected. len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Lister-
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE lister job description as corrected. len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Library Director-
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE library director job description as corrected. len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Library Assistant-
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE library assistantjob description as corrected. len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Children’s Librarian-
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE CHILDREN’S Librarian description as corrected. len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Maintenance Supervisor
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE Maintenance Supervisor job description as corrected. len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Recreation Department Maintenance-
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE recreation department Maintenance job description as corrected. len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Preschool Director-
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE preschool director job description as corrected. len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
The Job descriptions for all of the library positions will be sent to the Library Board of Trustees for their final approval.
MEDIA
No media present.
Len howard made the motion to adjourn. mike courtemanche seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @9:00 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, July 1, 2009 @ 5:30 PM FOR A WORKING SESSION.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 6/15/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD SPECIAL MEETING
June 15, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERs Present:
Michael Ball Tom Hendricks
Robert Miller, Jr. Georgia Boyce
Len Howard David Andrews
Michael Courtemanche Mario Buisa
Lynda Starorypinski 7:15 Chris Howe
OTHERS PRESENT: Marylynn Scherlin
Sandy Harris Seth Deyo
Sally Brassor Sarah Deyo
Pete Crossman Tim Forrett
Steve Hardy
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:35 pm Mike Ball called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT-
Tom Hendricks asked the board when the Police Department audit would be released to the public. Mike Ball stated that he had talked with town council regarding the audit and the report would be released on the new selectboard web site. Tom Hendricks also asked about Comcast and their obligation to make cable access available to everyone in Vernon. Mike Ball stated that there is a map that currently shows the areas where service is available and future plans to make the service available in the Vernon area. David Andrews stated that when he was on the selectboard Comcast wanted the board to sign off on their franchise agreement and at that time the board did not sign the agreement because Comcast claimed that all roads in town had been wired but in fact the service was still unavailable. David stated that he believes that the board never did sign the agreement because they were not willing to validate that everything was done yet. David Andrews suggested that the board contact the Public Service Board before signing any agreement with Comcast. Mike Ball stated that all main road looks to be service according to the map. Mike Ball will research the agreement and contact the Public Service Board.
David Andrews stated that with the lack of access to the town’s policies the Fire Department web site now has them posted for anyone to access at anytime. This will be displayed until the Vernon Selectboard has there web site up and running.
MINUTE APPROVAL
JUNE 1ST MINUTES.
Correction in June 1st minutes, Public Comment second paragraph add after Fairpoint outages I sent an e-mail to Fairpoint saying that the Town of Vernon needs to be told of planned maintenance outages. This is extremely important because of planned automated reverse 911 calls, 911 service and people who have lifeline accounts. The notices from Fairpoint will then be forwarded to Police, Fire and Emergency Management. Correction to name Christina Carr should be Christine Carr.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE JUNE 1 MINUTES WITH CORRECTIONS. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
JUNE 3RD MINUTES.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF JUNE 3 AS WRITTEN. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
BILLS AND WARRANTS-Sally Brassor
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVAL WARRANTS 30 S/G, 23S AND 24S. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
UPDATE EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM.
Sally stated that the VLCT had not accepted four of the Town of Vernon policies. She was hoping to get the board to update these polices before October 1st. After VLCT reviewed the Vernon policies they found that the policies are copies of state laws. There should also be a Health and Safety policy. With the town having the Recreation Department and Highway Department a Safety policy is needed. Sally reported that out of 19 employees that are on the insurance 13 did participate in the program. Sally will e-mail the information about the Health and Safety policies to Mike Ball to distribute to the board for review.
MIKE COUTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO TAKE EOC GRANTS OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
EOC GRANTS- Mike Courtemanche
A RERP Reporting Agreement is due within 30 days of July 30, 2009 detailing the expenditures and any fund balances as of June 30, 2009. All documentation shall be retained by the Grantee for a period of three years following the close of the grant and shall be made available to any authorized representative of the Department of Public Safety for purposes of audit. Mike reported that there were no expenditures used in conjunction with $5000.00 Grant FY 09. Any expenditures incurred in the past year used monies leftover from previous years the $5000.00 from Grant FY 09 will be carried over to the next year.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO HAVE MIKE BALL SIGN THE RERP REPORTING AGREEMENT. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
The board thanked Sally.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO GO BACK IN ORDER ON THE AGENDA. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
TOWN CLERK ISSUES-Sandy Harris
Cemetery Deeds-
LEN HOWARD MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE CEMETERY DEEDS FOR NORTH 102 SITE A AND TYLER 398 LOT A AND B. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Verecs System-
Because two of the vendors had not responded yet it was the consensus of the board to table this to another meeting.
The board thanked Sandy.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO TAKE NEW/UNFINISHED BUSINESS OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
NEW/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Unfinished Business-
Speaker phone-Mike Courtemanche stated that he had a quote from Consult Techs. Mike Tatro, owner of Consult Techs, currently does work for the Town of Vernon. A basic Polycom Speaker phone installed would be $399.00 plus $38.00 shipping. Pending verification of available funds and questions about the return policy, the speakerphone is to be approved at next meeting.
Job Descriptions- Meeting set for June 22, 1009 at 5:30 pm.
Town Picnic booth update- Composting kick off. Mike Courtemanche will have information about composting along with a mailing about what can be recycled. The Zero Waste Stations used at Brattleboro’s Strolling of the Heifers will be used at the Town Picnic.
New Business-
Fireworks Permit- Georgia Boyce
Georgia gave an update on the Town Picnic stating it would occur on June 27th weather permitting. It will include penny carnival, softball and a potluck dinner with a band. The fireworks will follow it but the board must sign a permit.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO AUTHORIZE MIKE BALL TO SIGN THE FIREWORKS PERMIT. LYNDA STAROYPINSKI SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
The board thanked Georgia.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO GO BACK INTO ORDER ON THE AGENDA. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
RECREATION DEPARTMENT-Seth Deyo
Farmers Market- The Vernon Recreation Department is requesting to sponsor a seasonal Farmers Market located at the recreation department for 10 weeks. The Miller Farm would come in one morning a week, with the possibility of one evening a week if it becomes popular, setting up at the corner of the parking lot by the tennis courts. All products are to be agricultural. Should other vendors show interest Seth has come up with some stipulations? A signed waiver of liability would be required and vendors must reside in Vernon. Crafts are not permitted. Lynda Starorypinski asked if Seth would inform the board of any new vendors. Mike Ball conveyed his concerns about customers of the market interacting with children participating in the Rec. Department’s summer program. Seth stated that in the event the market gets more vendors and a larger volume of traffic there is the possibility to move the market across the street to the ball field.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL FOR THE 2009 SEASONAL FARMERS MARKET AT THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT PENDING APPROVAL FROM TOWN COUNCIL REGARDING THE WAVIER. ADDITIONALLY, SETH DEYO WILL NOTIFY THE BOARD CHAIR OR IN HIS ABSENCE THE VICE CHAIR OF NEW VENDORS PARTICIPATING. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Board Appointment-
LEN HOWARD MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE SAM FONTAINE TO THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT BOARD. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
The board thanked Seth.
Mike Courtemanche gave an update from the FEMA meeting that had occurred at the elementary school earlier that evening. FEMA had indicated that the VY drill that had occurred last week had been a success. Annette Roydon was also nominated and selected as the Emergency Operations Director of the year for the State of Vermont.
Congratulations to Annette Roydon.
Lynda Starorypinski made the motion to take a 1O MINUTE recess @7:35. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the board returned from recess at 7:55.
POLICE DEPARTMENT-
With nobody from the Police Department in attendance and several unsuccessful attempts to get Chief Turnley to attend after the FEMA meeting, it was the consensuses of the board to have the Police Chief attend the June 22 meeting @ 6:30.
TOWN FOREST-Steve Hardy
Steve Hardy from Green Mountain Forestry gave the board an update on the progress of the regeneration of the Town Forest. Steve reported that he had marked patches for cutting for regeneration of the oak and pine. Steve stated that he has a marked tree summary to date. The summary indicates that up to 800 cords and 400,000 board feet will be removed. Mike Courtemanche stated that he saw unmarked trees cut. Steve explained that in some locations he marks the perimeter and what is inside that area is not marked but is included in the cutting. Chris Howe stated that there are truckloads of firewood being taken from the forest and asked if the residents of Vernon could benefit from this. Steve Hardy stated that the company that is cutting the timber pays the town for the stumpage and there is a full accounting of what has been taken out of there. Steve also stated that selling the wood to local residents at a discounted price would undercut local people who provided firewood. Steve indicate he is willing to listen to any ideas on how we could make this work better for everyone involved Pete Crossman conveyed his concerns with the forest and of the patch cutting. Pete indicated the forest was for recreation and for people to enjoy being in the woods not in an open field. Steve stated that they are only cutting 18% of the forest and only a third is complete. This is a low value cut because the price of hemlock is currently down and the stumpage is only paying $48.00 per thousand board feet. Steve stated that the point of this sale is to regenerate the forest not to make money. Steve stated that he had asked the State Forester to review the cutting and to do a walk thru of the harvest process. Steve stated that the State Forester wrote that he was impressed by the status and that no additional permits were necessary for the planned harvesting.
With no further discussion the board moved on.
MEDIA-
No media present.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE made the motion to adjourn. ROBERT MILLER seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @9:12 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, June 22, 2009 @ 5:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Accepted as Corrected: ___________
VERNON PLANNING COMMISSION – Special MEETING MINUTES
April 23, 2009 1830 hours, Vernon Town Office Building
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rory Underwood (Chair), Mike Zaluzny, Dale Gassett, Shane Shippee, Jeff Dunklee, Steve Skibniowsky (Clerk)
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Dave McElwee, Senior Liaison Engineer, Entergy Vermont Yankee
MINUTE(S) APPROVAL
Approval of minutes of the previous meeting on March 26, 2009.
Discussion of changes in wetlands definition from the state’s standpoint. Mike Zaluzny moved to accept the meeting minutes as presented. Jeff Dunklee second the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously on a voice vote.
OLD BUSINESS
Dave McElwee described the proposal as a “Minor project” under the regulation. Fence Installation Process requires an Act 248 permit. This process requires approval by the Vernon Planning Commission followed by Public Service Board approval.
The fence will be a galvanized knot fence (typical farm fencing, 72 “ height with cedar posts). The current fence runs from Security Gate 1 north to the Vermont Yankee overflow parking lot. The new fence will start at a location just to the northeast of the Governor Hunt House, run along Governor Hunt Road with an approximate 50 foot setback and follow the property lines behind Walt Zaluzny house, Stan Jefferson house and Fortin house. The new fence will proceed to the corner of the Shepard house property and then proceed directly east to rejoin the existing Vermont Yankee Owner Control Area fence. Miller will still farm the land using gates to be installed in the new fence. Radiation monitors (Thermoluminescent Dosimeters –TLDs) installed on the site boundary. Installation will keep people out of this area. Dave McElwee met with neighbors (Miller Farm, Shepards and Patty O’Donnell as well as Annette Roydon (member of the Vernon Selectboard at the time of the meeting). Mike Hebert also looked at this proposed new fence from the school standpoint. An aesthetics engineer was contracted by Vermont Yankee to perform an evaluation. Shrubs could be planted if needed or wanted. Planning Commission member posed a question concerning radiation levels at the fence. Vermont Yankee will not be increasing any radiation levels at any fence or site boundary. Vermont Yankee will continue to measure radiation in both locations. The 20’ gates are in place to allow access to the field from both ends. Power supply questions how deep will the power supply be buried. Power lines will be buried five to six feet – well below tillage levels. The fence will be approximately 2200 feet long. Fence posts will be positioned approximately every 10 to 12 feet. No barbed wire will be installed along the top. No change in the output of dose from the plant will occur. A discussion of background radiation measurements ensued and Dave McElwee presented some information on background radiation exposure levels. The commissioners asked if Vermont Yankee planned to purchase more property along Governor Hunt Road. Dave McElwee responded that there were no plans right now but perhaps in the future. The commissioners asked about the Public Service Board’s opinions on projects. The PSB may send someone down to look at the project. The commissioners asked questions about the dry fuel storage pad and whether there were any security advantages from extending the fence northward. Dave McElwee responded that he could not discuss security issues but did not believe that there were any security advantages in this fence plan. Dave McElwee stated that the intention was to maximize the use of the land for agriculture. Commissioners also asked questions on the interface with the VELCO project with the new fence project. Dave McElwee indicated that there would be no interface since the new road to the project is just south of Faith Jobin’s property and well to the north of the new proposed fence.
Mike Zaluzny moved to approve the fence construction plan. Dale Gassett seconded the motion. Steve Skibniowsky abstained from voting because of his employment at Vermont Yankee. The other commissioners approved the motion on a voice vote.
Dave McElwee then requested a waiver of the 45 day comment period based upon the extensive comments and interface already provided to adjacent landowners and town boards and commissions. Dale Gassett moved to waive the 45 day comment period requirement for this new fence project. Mike Zaluzny seconded the motion. Steve Skibniowsky abstained from voting because of his employment at Vermont Yankee. The other commissioners approved the motion on a voice vote.
.
Review of the mail. Rory Underwood stated that he will be presenting the mail and issues for the next meeting. He further supported the approach that the mail should be moved up to the beginning of the meeting.
Discussion of Ancient highways and the highway ordinance. Rory stated that we need to have Walker and a representative from the Selectboard attend our next meeting. Is there a violation of the highway ordinance? Would Fish and Game be interested in any of this? Another area is the issue of gravel pits. This should be another meeting topic. Rory will be asking people to come in to talk about issues. Discussion ensued on the OKEMO decision on ancient highways. Further discussion centered around the West Road extension (formerly called the Bushnell Road) that was given up in 1904 and now is being opened again. The road is specified as 2 rods wide from Guilford to the Bushnell signpost (intersection by Georges Mill [formerly called Bushnell’s Mill] on Rte 142 (Ft. Bridgman Road). Process for laying out roads changed around 1820. This process became more complicated after 1820.
Change the format of the meeting – Cover the mail first and plan revision second.
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 6/3/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD SPECIAL MEETING
June 3, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERs Present:
Michael Ball Tom Hendricks
Robert Miller, Jr. Mike Coughlin
Len Howard Kevin Turnley
Michael Courtemanche Cindy Turnley
Lynda Starorypinski Chris Howe
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:37 pm Mike Ball called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT-
Tom Hendricks conveyed his concerns with the Police Department not responding to a call placed that day in a timely manner. Mike Ball stated that if he had a complaint he should fill out the paper work and it would be dealt with. Kevin Turnley responded to Mr. Hendricks by stating that because the call was not an emergency he prioritized the call and responded as soon as he could. Mr. Hendricks asked that if in the event of an emergency is there only one officer on duty. Kevin stated that if there were an emergency he would have left the Dare graduation to cover any emergency calls. If he was tied up on an emergency call he would call in another officer or Brattleboro Police Department would cover the call. Lynda Starorypinski asked Mr. Hendricks if his call was answered and he replied yes it was.
Chris Howe stated that a rolled up rug and pad was floating in the fire pond on Route 142. Chris asked Mike Ball whom should she have gone to about the rug, and he stated the Fire Department or the road crew.
POLICE DEPARTMENT-KEVIN TURNLEY
Kevin Turnley presented the board with a letter of response regarding the board’s expectations of the Police Department. Mike Ball stated that the board gave Kevin a draft of some expectations to be discussed, and Kevin responded with a formal statement which seemed to not address many of the board’s concerns. The board was looking for some give and take and this response is a little troubling to the board.
Officer coverage-Mike Ball asked Kevin if it was warranted to have coverage in the morning when children are going to school. Kevin stated that keeping with his notes he needs to stay within his budget. The board conveyed that a presence in the morning during school hours would be beneficial, and different work schedules might be an option.
Development of Officer Expectations- Vernon Police Department is based on community policing. The board understands that it is the discretion of the Officer in whether tickets are written. The board was not looking for revenue only that existing laws be enforced.
Presentation by the Police Chief the second meeting every month- The board stated that they just want to keep communication flowing between the Departments. This was not intended for the Police Chief to report on open cases.
Development of policy for the department-This is in response to qualifications of officers to do certain investigations and what is turned over to the Vermont State Police. Kevin stated that none of his officers are certified to investigate a fatality therefore that is turned over to the State Police. Kevin stated that he has signed up for training for this and it has been cancelled several times. In Kevin’s absence his officers know to turn cases they are not certified for over to the State Police.
Communication-The board would like to continue with the communication with the department.
Update with certification of officers-Kevin stated that there is no problem with any certification of his officers as stated in the newspaper article of the Burlington Free Press. The board would like Kevin to contact the Training Council to get a letter stating that Vernon Police Department Officers are certified.
The board thanked Kevin.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE-MIKE COUGHLIN
Mike Coughlin stated to the board that in response to request assistance from other department heads with maintenance duties at the Town Offices, they have stated that they could help out on an emergency, temporary basis only. Mike Coughlin recommends hiring a part-time Maintenance Assistant. Mike stated that he could get by with 20 hours per week instead of 27 hours for his previous assistant.
ROBERT MILLER MADE THE MOTION FOR MIKE COUGHLIN TO HIRE A Maintenance Assistant for NORMAL WORKING HOURS OF 20 hours per week. lEN hOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
CEMETERY COMMITTEE-CHRIS HOWE
Chris Howe stated that there is no need to talk to the board about Secretaries pay. The board would like to thank all of the volunteers.
LEN HOWARD MADE THE MOTION TO TAKE A RECESS. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the board took a recess and returned at 7:57.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS-
The Selectboard reviewed in depth and discussed changes to the following:
Full Time/Part Time- Police Department
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE FULL TIME/PART TIME-POLICE DEPARTMENT JOB DESCRIPTION AS CORRECTED. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Town Highway Department-Equipment Operator/Mechanic
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE EQUIPMENT OPERATOR/MECHANIC JOB DESCRIPTION AS CORRECTED. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Maintenance Assistant-
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MAINTENANCE ASSISSTANT JOB DESCRIPTION AS CORRECTED. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Police Chief-
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE POLICE CHIEF JOB DESCRIPTION AS CORRECTED. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Police Clerk-
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE POLICE CLERK JOB DESCRIPTION AS CORRECTED. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON A PERSONNEL MATTER, WHICH THE DISCLOSURE OF AT THIS TIME MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR THE INDIVIDUALS. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the board went into executive session @9:11 and came out @9:27 and no action was taken.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON A PERSONNEL MATTER, WHICH THE DISCLOSURE OF AT THIS TIME MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR THE INDIVIDUALS. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the board went into executive session @9:30 and came out @9:37 and no action was taken.
No media present.
Lynda starorypinski made the motion to adjourn. ROBERT MILLER seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @9:38 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, June 15, 2009 @ 6:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 6/1/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD MEETING
June 1, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERs Present:
Michael Ball Sandy Harris
Robert Miller, Jr. Dennis Harris
Len Howard Susan Miller
Michael Courtemanche Tom Hendricks
Lynda Starorypinski Faith Jobin
OTHERs Present: Margaret Frost
Chris Howe Lloyd Condon
Fred Sage Eleanor Allen
Marylyn King Kevin Turnley
Christina Carr Cindy Turnley
Annette Roydon John Stamatov Don Martin
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:30 pm Mike Ball called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT-
Sirens update-
Mike Courtemanche stated that on June 4th at 11:00 am Vernon residents will receive automated reverse 911 calls to inform everyone that the siren test which normally occurs on the first Saturday of each month will now be occurring on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm. starting Thursday June 18th.
Mike Ball stated that with the number of Fairpoint outages it is important when there is a planned automated reverse call to send e-mails to Police, Fire and EOC for residents with auto dialers with life line at senior housing.
Bills & warrants-cindy
lynda starorypinski made the motion to approve warrants 29S/G, 21S, AND 22S. len howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Robert Miller made the motion to set the floaters Rate at $12.49. Lynda Starorypinski seconded the motion. The motion carried.
The board thanked Cindy.
Minute Approval
The following changes were made:
Correction under Public Comment last sentence should read all agreed to responses as written.
Page 2, correction in the pit off Route 142. Dump truck delete for these repairs. Under HRRR change major crashes to major accidents.
Lynda Starorypinski made the motion to accept the minutes of May 18, 2009 as corrected. Mike COURTEMANCHE SECONDED the motion. The motion carried.
Velco Presentation-Christina Carr
Christina Carr stated that she was asked to speak to the board because of some concerns residents had with the use of helicopters during construction of the Southern Loop Project.
Christina presented the board and others present with a DVD presentation of how the helicopters are used in this process. Mike Ball stated that the DVD along with a copy of the letter would be at the Library for all to review.
Mike Courtemanche stated that some of the concerns residents had were due to the fact that the plans stated that there would be the use of helicopters on a daily basics for an unspecified time during the two years of construction. John Stamatov (VELCO) stated that the overall project could take up to 18 months but the use of helicopters in Vernon would not be for that long of a period. The project runs from here to Cavendish from south to north. They would be through the Vernon area very quickly. They have not hired a line contractor as of yet and it would be the contractor’s choice on how they would utilize the use of helicopters.
Margaret Frost asked where the helicopters would be taking off. Christina stated that it would be at the Cersosimo gravel pit off of Route 142 closer to the railroad tracks and not in the actual pit itself. Mrs. Frost asked how many helicopters would be taking off per day.
John stated that one helicopter would be used but there would be a fair amount of trips from the lay down area to the work site on any given day.
VELCO also is proposing that instead of using the Miller Farm road, near the railroad crossing, to access their new substation in the VY yard, a new road be built on VY property that goes thru where the Miller Farm currently has an organic field. Christina stated that they have the Millers approval as well as Vermont Yankee for the road and have worked with the Millers respecting their organic field. The road will be 20’ wide and 1,500’ long.
Faith Jobin asked how close the proposed road was to her house. Christina gave her a map to show her where the new access road would be. This has not been submitted yet to Public Service Board and it is just a proposal. There is a process for this and for any questions or comments about this project call Christina Carr at VECO at 802-770-6357.
The board thanked Christina and John.
Act 250 permit Application-Seventh Day Advent Church
Mike Ball received a letter from the Chief of Police regarding the 250-permit application, which he stated that there would be no undo stress to the Police Department. Mike Ball stated he had not yet received a response from the Fire Department.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to allow Mike Ball to sign the Act 250 Permit APPLICATION pending postive response from the Fire Department. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Len Howard made the motion to take Personnel Matter out of order on the agenda. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. the motion carried
town office hours- Sandy Harris
Mike Ball stated that elected officials technically can set there own hours. Mike Ball had asked Sandy to coordinate with all the different offices and then bring it before the board so the board could educate the public. Sandy stated that she did talk it over with others in the building and she stated that the people who need the services the most are those who perform title searches and attorneys. Sandy stated that they are all grateful for the change in hours. Mike Courtemanche stated he was opposed to this and in the past when Sandy asked for this to be done the board wanted to get the publics opinion. That was never followed thru with. Mike stated that the next thing he knew the town had gone to a four-day workweek and it had been approved by the selectboard. Mike Courtemanche asked Mike Ball his response to this and he conveyed that elected officials working on the town side of the buildings are putting together a proposal for the selectboard. They are trying to work out the hours that they will be open to improve availability for all towns’ people as well as to save money by not heating or air conditioning one side of the building for a day. In addition the hours that the offices are open need to be communicated to the public. Mike Courtemanche stated that he didn’t see any of that happen. Mike stated that he didn’t agree with the way this was done. Len Howard stated the town of Brattleboro had looked into this and they found a four-day workweek would not save the town any money. Chris Howe conveyed her opinion and concerns regarding the new hours and stated that a survey to the town’s people would have been appreciated.
Faith Jobin also spoke against the new hours. It’s unfortunate that it happened this way. Sandy responded by saying that she takes appointments for people who can’t come in at the regular hours.
Lynda would like to see if the others in the building can accommodate the town’s people with appointments such as Sandy has stated that she could. Mike Ball stated that in three months this should be revisited to see if this is working out. With much discussion the board moved on.
The board thanked Sandy.
POLICE DEPARTMENT –ISSUES
Union Vote-The vote was held last Thursday, three voted yes and two did not vote. There is a ten workday period under the Rules of Practice for any objections to be filed concerning the conduct of the election. If no objections are filed then they will issue an order certifying the union. Len Howard has volunteered to be on the team of negotiations for management. The Police chief are not part of the voting of the union, it included Full/Part time officers certified officers.
Mike Courtemanche stated that in the Burlington Free Press they posted an article saying that Police Departments where under scrutiny due to invalid officer certifications. This included Vernon Police Department. Some Police Departments are scrambling to correct problems in their officers’ certification paperwork that has allowed some officers to stay on the job despite shortcomings in firearms training and other essential police skills. It was revealed that training reports alleging that an officer’s training was up to date lacked proper documentation or, in certain cases was inaccurate. Among those seeking waivers for some of their officers are agencies in small-towns like those in Dover and Vernon. Kevin responded by saying all if his officers are certified, and that he could get a letter from the state’s Criminal Justice Training Council that controls the police certification process to that fact.
Robert Miller stated that he noticed the lights on at the rec. department at night and wondered if they were on a motion senor, or timer, and if not could that be done. Mike Ball stated that was a question for the rec. department.
Kevin Turnley requested from the board to get approval to start the hiring process. The department is losing some part-time officers.
It was the consensus of the board to allow Lynda Starorypinski to be involved in the interviews.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO allow the chief of police TO OPEN THE APPLICATION PROCESS. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
The board gave Kevin a draft of the board expectations to look over and come back to the board with his input.
The board thanked Kevin.
OLD UNFINISHED BUSINESS-
VERECS-Mike Ball read a response regarding suppliers of scanning equipment and software for the purpose of the scanning of land records. Mike Courtemanche asked Sandy if she had any documentation for the board to review as part of the bid process. Sandy stated that she has a working relationship with CIS. Lynda had some concerns with the contact and future charges over the three year contract. Robert asked Sandy to get from some other vendors paperwork so the board could move on with this. This would be tabled to June 15th meeting.
Analysis –Dump truck-
The Cost Benefit Analysis performed by Mike Ball indicated a wash between repairing the truck and operating it for an additional year or buying a new truck There would be no net gain or loss either way. It was recommended replacing the Dump Truck since it already extended its useful life.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion that based on the analysis for the 1995 Dump Truck the board would consider the recommendations from David Walker’s on whether he will keep the truck or replace it. Robert miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mrs. Frost stated that she had done some research on the aquifer and that in 1993 a consulting engineer performed a hydro geological study. Mrs. Frost stated the actual report was not available and her question was where should she go from here. Mike Ball stated that the Natural Resource Board would be her next step. Mike Ball stated that if the Town of Vernon has an aquifer it needs to be noted in the Town Plan.
WEB SITE-
Mike Courtemanche reported that the web site is on line with Sovernet. He is just waiting for input as a result of a meeting between mike Ball and Sandy regarding what the content of the site is to be. He is also waiting to receive PDF copies of the minutes and questioned who would be providing those.
SPEAKER PHONE-
Mike Courtemanche spoke with Mike Tatro, Consult-Techs, regarding the speaker phone and he will provide the quotes on analog phones for the board to review.
PERSONNEL EVALUATIONS-
The copy that the board has was not complete. Lynda will get a completed set.
LYNDA MADE THE MOTION TO ADOPT THE PRERFORMANCE REVIEW 2009 THAT IS USED BY THE TOWN OF BRATTLEBORO AS OUR OWN. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS-
The Planning Commission needs to have regular attendance at there meeting. Mike Ball stressed the importance of these meetings.
Len howard made the motion for Mike BALL TO draft a letter to the planning commission regarding the importance of the meeting. Robert miller seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Don Martin stated his complaints with the Police Department. Mike Ball stated that there is a policy and there are forms at the Town Clerks office to file a complaint.
Recreation Department-
Seasonal Employee Three Strike Attendance Policy-
In addition to the personnel policy handbook the Recreation Department would like to adopt a policy for seasonal employees.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ADOPT THE SEASONAL EMPLOYEE THREE STRIKE ATTENDANCE POLICY FOR THE REC. DEPARTMENT. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Health Department-
LYNDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION TO AUTHORIZE MIKE BALL SIGN THE TOWN HEALTH OFFICER RECOMMENDATIONS FORMS. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
MKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO GO BACK IN ORDER ON THE AGENDA. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
LEN HOWARD MADE THE MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON A PERSONNEL MATTER, WHICH THE DISCLOSURE OF AT THIS TIME MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the board entered into executive session at 9:07 and came out at 9:14 and no action was taken.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO AUTHORIZE MIKE BALL SIGN A LETTER DRAFTED BY THE TOWN ATTORNEY. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON A PERSONNEL MATTER, WHICH THE DISCLOSURE OF AT THIS TIME MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the board entered into executive session at 9:17 and came out at 9:29 and no action was taken.
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ALLOW MIKE BALL TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS. ROBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
MEDIA
No media present.
Len howard made the motion to adjourn. mike courtemanche seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @9:30 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, June 3, 2009 @ 6:30 PM FOR A WORKING SESSION.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 5/18/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD MEETING
May 18, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHER Present:
Michael Ball David Andrews
Robert Miller, Jr. Tom Fox
Len Howard Sally Brassor
Michael Courtemanche David Walker
Lynda Starorypinski Fred & Cheryl Bauer
OTHER Present: Margaret Frost
Mario Buisa Marilyn King
Chris Howe Lloyd Condon
Larry Shippee
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:34 pm Mike Ball called the meeting to order and welcomed those present, and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT-Response to David Andrews
Mike Ball responded to concerns regarding several issues that David Andrews brought to the selectboard at the May 4th, meeting. Mike Ball addressed his issues by reading a detailed letter. One out of five board members agreed with all the responses in the letter.
Bills & warrants- Treasurer
lynda starorypinski made the motion to approve warrants 28S/G, 18S, 19S, AND 20S. len howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Courtemanche stated his concerns regarding computer software purchased.
Lynda Starorypinski suggested that recycling on a monthly basis record the tonnage and cost per month. It was noted that this item would be on the new web site.
The board thanked Sally.
It was the consensus that the board go back to Public Comment to address others at the meeting.
Public Comment- Margaret Frost
Margaret Frost stated that she has written a letter to the Vernon Selectboard and also the Vernon Planning Board because she was not sure who to address this issue. Mrs. Frost stated that she and her husband had concerns when Cersosimo Lumber Company first applied for an Act 250 permit for gravel crushing at their pit off of Route 142. She stated that she was especially concerned now with the noise level in the immediate area, along with aquifer that the residents of Edgewood Drive receive their water along with many others in Vernon. There is currently other gravel pits in the area. Mrs. Frost stated that any updates with Act 250 permits have not been know to her because she has no received any notification of such.
Mike Ball stated that she could find information with the Town Clerks Office. Mike Ball will forward her letter to the Natural Resources Board.
Minute Approval
Len Howard made the motion to accept the minutes of May 4, 2009 as written. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Len Howard made the motion to accept the minues of May 13, 2009 as written. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Dump Truck-David Walker
David Walker stated that he took the 1995 Dump Truck to Twin State Truck Repairs and received a list of items and repairs that would need to be done to the truck. The cost for these repairs would be between $7,000and $8,000.00 for these repairs if parts are available. Some of these items include a new radiator and body pistons along with some minor replacement parts and labor. This is only work done to the chassis not the dump body which also needs some repairs.
Mike Ball stated that the cost to recoup these repairs would need to be considered. Mike Ball state that a cost benefit analysis should be done on the truck. Mike agreed that he would work it up for the next meeting. David Walker would move forward with the process of replacement on the truck.
Fire Department- updates David Andrews/Tom Fox
Tom Fox stated that the Fire Department sent out post cards to Vernon residents asking for volunteers. They are currently looking for new ideas to recruit new members. The board members suggested a few ideas that might get people in the door. David Andrews stated that the residents need to come and check out the department and see the changes within the Department. Len Howard attended a meeting at the Fire Department and was very impressed with how the meeting was held. Len also stated that volunteers have to make a big commitment when they join the Fire Department or any other agency. It not a part time commitment like years passed. Robert Miller stated that the biggest asset the Fire Department has is the Explorer Program for our future fire fighters. Recruitment should also include for the Explorer Program.
David Andrews stated that the Department has applied for grants to replace there air packs. The Fire Department has generated funds from other avenues using a minimal amount of town funds. David stated that there is some consideration in billing for services possibly though insurance claims via homeowners, or vehicle insurance. David Andrews stated that if there is anyone in town come down and take a look. There meetings are Thursday evenings once a month and drills every Thursday night.
The board requested that the Fire Department meet with them quarterly to give updates. It was agreed that the next update would be in August.
The board thanked David and Tom.
Len Howard made the motion to take a five minute recess @ 7:45. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
The board returnED from recess @ 7:54.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to take HRRR Programs out of order on the agenda. Len HowaRD SECONDED THE MOTION. tHE MOTION CARRIED.
hrrr pROGRAM-
Vermont Agency of Transportation has developed a High Risk Rural Road Program (HRRR) to help implement low cost safety improvements targeted at reducing major crashes. Tyler Hill Road was selected due to some major crashes. David Walker would be the official to oversee this project for the town.
mIKE cOURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO ALLOW dAVID wALKER to MOVE FORWARD WITH THE hrrr pROGRAM AND TO authorize mIKE BALL TO sign the letter of requirement. Lynda Starorypinski seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to go back in order on the agenda. Len howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Town Clerk-Verecs System
It was the consensus of the board to tablet this for the next meeting.
RESCUE Contract
Len Howard made the motion to authorize Mike Ball to sign The contract for the provision of emergency medical services. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. The moition carried.
VLCT –POLICY DEVELOPMENT INPUT
VLCT- Legislative Policy Committee Nomination Form
Mike Ball stated that if any board members have comments please sent the forms in to VLCT.
New/Unfinished Business
Mike Courtemanche updated the board about the new web site. The next step would be to decide what would be on the web site.
Speaker Phone-
It was the consensus of the board to table this to the next meeting.
The board set a date to finalize Job Descriptions for June 3, 2009 at 6:30 pm.
The board acknowledged the many residents who attended the meeting with there concerns with the noise level stemming from the gravel operation on Route 142.
MEDIA
No media present.
Lynda starorypinski made the motion to adjourn. ROBERT MILLER seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @9:12 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, June 1, 2009 @ 6:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
Dear Mr. Andrews:
You appeared before the Vernon Selectboard on the night of the 5/4/09 and asked some questions as well as made some accusations. This is our response to follow-up email.
Please consider that the make-up of each Board is different depending on the personalities and life experience that the members bring with them. This Board has set its priorities for the year by reviewing what was done recently, what needs finishing and what needs to be done. Of course, events will occur and our priorities will have to be rearranged to accommodate said events. None the less, we will continue to stay on course and accomplish our major priorities.
As you know, the Board commissioned an audit of the Vernon Police Department by a recognized expert within the police community last year. This audit provided specific findings. A performance improvement plan as well as milestones have been identified and are being worked.
When you last came before the Board, you were very clear that you and the Vernon Fire Department members were extremely upset at remarks made by the Board re. toning and the EMS staffing. You asked that in the future, the Board consult with the Fire Department to get the facts prior to making damning comments on local television. Yet within minutes, you, the Assistant Chief of the Fire Department and an accomplished communicator, launched a series of accusations against another department without first consulting that department head.
As a Board, we agreed that the Vernon Fire Department should have been consulted. We agreed that, in the future, we would do so for all departments to avoid damning public comments that may not be based entirely in fact. We ask that you do the same.
Here are the responses to the other questions/comments:
1. As stated above, the Board will place a different priority than what your Board may have. There has recently been liability issues raised concerning the Bid Policy and we have had serious inconsistencies with the selling of un-needed Town equipment. It was decided that the Bid Policy would be updated to require proof of insurance to be provided along with the bid so that that during the bid reviews could ensure the bidding company met our requirements. In addition, the new policy for “unwanted items” has been drafted and is out for review.
2. The “Continuum of Force” policy as well as the “Taser” policy has been in draft form since probably 2004. A number of Boards have reviewed them including the Board you served on. All of the police officers are trained and certified for the use of the equipment that they currently carry. These two policies are required to put into place additional equipment (Taser and bean bag shotgun) that can both incapacitate and kill, and were not part of the curriculum that the officers were originally trained to. These policies are in draft and will be reviewed in the near future.
3. (As detailed in General Comment #2,-delete this prepositional phrase and begin)
4. Getting VPPRS and NPERS data into the system requires trained personnel into the system. As you know, a new Police Department Clerk has been hired and needs training. The Pittsford Academy offers this training and the Clerk has been registered. Unfortunately, the training has been rescheduled or canceled. The goal is to get the information into the two systems before the end of the year.
5. See specific response #2
6. As previously stated in a recent meeting (4/13/09), emails between Board members are to distribute information and not for deliberation, unless there is an immediate need that will then be vetted by official vote at the next meeting. It is the goal to set-up the web site so that both the minutes as well as any emails sent between are available to review. Currently all emails are available but it requires asking for copies.
7. The individual has come before the Board specifically for the purpose for why his name was put on the agenda. It was a mistake and we will try not to let it happen again.
8. I requested the information from David Walker for the basics of the EOC bus; I will then add the rest of the emergency equipment to the description after I receive that. Because the EOC bus has been around for such a long time, it was assumed (maybe incorrectly) that no other department would want it. If the Fire Department would like the wide band radio that is in the bus, the Board does not have a problem if the FD removes it. The rest of the equipment needs to stay with the vehicle. As discussed above, the “unwanted item” policy is meant to prevent the reoccurrence of what happened with the Fire Department Suburban and the old Town Van.
9. The Board is moving to have all of the ordinances and policies in PDF form so that we just update the website when a new policy or ordinance is issued: saving time and money. Until that occurs we will have to distribute them in hard-copy. I do not know why the FD did not receive a copy: you will. In the future, a phone call to the Town Clerk’s office would have resolved this instead of waiting for a response from the Board.
10. There have been serious inconsistencies in how items have been disposed of. This has resulted in the Town losing money and a lot of time being wasted. When I drafted the “unwanted item” policy, the Board felt that it may be too cumbersome for the departments to use, so it was sent out asking for comments. The Board will have an “unwanted item” policy and is now requesting input how to make it better. So please provide the response as directed.
We hope that this letter answers the queries you posed; however, if clarification is needed, please let us know how we can best serve you. We look forward to seeing you and Chief Fox tonight.
From: David Andrews [n1esk@comcast.net]
Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 7:10 PM
To: mikecout@myfairpoint.net; lynda_star@hotmail.com; Ball, Michael A; finelineauto@hotmail.com; len5353003@yahoo.com
Subject: Public Comments form last nights VSB meeting
All,
Here are the comments from last night’s VSB meeting. I look forward to a response at the next meeting.
1. “I can’t understand why the board is choosing to place on the front burner items such as a policy to dispose of surplus times and a new ID theft policy while many old issues that should have been settled some time ago sit uncompleted. While the police department issues sat for so long, the employees took matters into their own hands and started actions towards a Union. You will now spend many more hours dealing with the Union that could be spent on other topics.
2. Where is the use of force policy? Why do you tolerate police officers carrying weapons around town with no approved, vetted policy for their use?
3. Why can’t I see the towns crime statistics on the State website? I thought the police chief promised to fix that almost a year ago.
4. Where is the Taser policy?
5. All emails between members of the board should be made public without the public needing to ask, and should be included with the minutes of previous meetings.
6. An individual’s name on the agenda for a personnel matter? Wasn’t this discussed previously as inappropriate?”
7. During the VSB meeting on April 20th, a decision was made to place the EOC bus for sale with a minimum bid of $2500, and to place an advertisement with VLCT for their website. Has this action been taken? As of this afternoon, it’s not listed on the web. If this item is going out to bid, will the town’s residents be informed? Is there a closing date for bids? Or has the bid process been changed? Also, why is the town selling all the two-way radios with the bus, and what controls are being taken to ensure the radios will not be operated on our frequencies without our authorization? What happens if no bids are received greater than $2500 by the undetermined deadline? I would think the lessons learned from the Suburban sale would be applied here.
8. I understand there is a new bid policy. The fire department hasn’t seen it. Can we kindly have a copy? Are we the only ones without it, or did it not get distributed?
9. The board wants comments from departments regarding the draft surplus goods policy. The opinion of the VFD is this is just another unwanted and unneeded policy, along with a good portion of the other policies on file. In the last month alone, VFD exchanged unwanted goods with the town clerk and the town hall. Both exchanges worked easily and simply, yet both exchanges would have violated the draft policy. There is no need to regulate common sense.
Regards,
David Andrews
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 4/28/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD SPECIAL MEETING
April 28, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Michael Ball Robert Miller Jr.
Michael Courtemanche
Len Howard
Lynda Starorypinski
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:31 pm Mike Ball called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mike Courtemanche stated that BCTV is going through some overhauls and the problem with the sound that viewers were experiencing the last two meetings was determined to be on their end. They have fixed the problem. Mike Ball stated anyone can call 257-0292 with any questions or comments during the meetings.
Wrc Appointment
Lynda Starorypinski made the motion to appoint Annette ROYDON AS a second person on the Windham Regional Commission. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Len Howard made the motion to take New/Old business out of order on the agenda. Mike courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
New/unfinished business-
Liquor license- Nesbitt’s Portside Tavern
len howard made the motion to accept and sign the first class liquor license application for nesbitt’s portside Tavern. Lynda starorypinski seconded the motion. the motion carried.
mike courtemanche made the motion to accept and sign the 2009 tobacco application for nesbitt’s portside Tavern. len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Mike courtemanche made the motion to accept the annual finanical (mileage certification) plan for the town highway department for submittal to the state. lynda starorypinski seconded the motion. the motion carried.
land owner agreement-Green Mt. Forestry
The board was presented with a Letter of Agreement for services in conducting a timber clearing and sale in the town forest. Len Howard reported that the highway department has groomed the road for the log trucks to get access.
mike courtemanche made the motion to sign the letter of agreement with green mt. forestry along with the subcontractor’s agreement with twin state forestry with the caveat that copies of liabity insurance and workman’s compensation be on file with the Town clerks office. Len howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Ball stated that he would include the waiver and release of liability with the signed agreement back to Green Mt. Forestry. It was noted that woodlot people would need to see the Town Treasurer to make their payments for the wood.
Trash/Recycling Update-
Mike Courtemanche stated that Vernon has received lots of attention with the composting project. Brattleboro is also starting its own program. He stated Vernon residents would not have to take their composting to Brattleboro because we would have our own dumpster but this is still in the planning stages and. Vernon is working on getting this project off the ground. Len Howard stated that people are dropping off items at the highway garage recycling containers that are not recyclables such as microwaves and other household trash. Just a reminder that only cardboard, glass bottles, aluminum cans, newspaper, paper and books are allowable items to be dropped off at the bins. Mike Courtemanche stated that the town is over budget for trash pickup this year and the recycling committee is looking into ways we can get this under control.
Green –Up-Update
Mike Ball stated that all was under control. Len Howard would talk to the highway Department for pick-up of the bags. Mike Ball would talk to the Police Chief about patrols during green-up day.
Mike courtemanche made the motion to go back in the order of the agenda to working session. len howard seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Work session
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to go into executive session on a personnel matter which the disclosure of at this time might be detrimental to the town and /or individuals involved. Lynda starorypinski seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Mike Ball stated that the board had entered into execution session at 7:12 and came out at 8:00 and no action was taken.
mike courtmanche made the motion to authorize the Town Attorney to issue a letter dated 4/21/09 pending Mike Ball’s investigation. Len HowARD SECONDED THE MOTION. tHE MOTION CARRIED.
Len howaRD made the motion to adjourn. MIKE COURTEMANCHE seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @8:04 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, May 4, 2009 @ 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 4/20/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD MEETING
April 20, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHER MEMBERS:
Michael Ball Scott Lane
Robert Miller, Jr. Richard Coutant
Len Howard Sally Brassor
Michael Courtemanche Chris Kempf
Lynda Starorypinski Steve Skibniowsky
David McElwee
Steve Hardy
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:31 pm Mike Ball called the meeting to order and welcomed those present, and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comments at this time.
TOWN ATTORNEY- RICHARD COUTANT
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to go into executive session with the Town Attorney Richard Coutant on a personnel MATTER, WHICH the disclosure of at this time may be detrimental to the town and/or the individuals involved. LEN HOWARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mike Ball stated that the board had entered into executive session at 6:36 and came out at 7:18 and no action was taken.
The board thanked Richard Coutant.
Bills & warrants- Treasurer
lynda starorypinski made the motion to approve warrants 26S/G, 14S, AND 15S. mike courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Len Howard stated that he would like to express that people should car-pool whenever possible to make it less costly for the town for reimbursements on expenses. After much discussion the board received a call from David Andrews about the charges and stated that seven people went to a training along with their equipment which they car-pooled using separate cars. The Fire Department tried to schedule the town bus but it was booked and in the future the Fire Department would continue to try to schedule the town bus for these events.
Len Howard made the motion to send a memo to all department heads expressing the need to car pool whenever possible. Lynda Starorypinski seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Invested Funds-Updates
Town Retirement Funds
Sally presented the board with a spreadsheet of the Town of Vernon Invested Funds. These funds are currently with Chittenden Bank and are doing well. There are no issues with these.
However Sally also presented the board with an actuarial valuation study for 2008 from Ricci Consultants for The Town of Vernon’s Retirement Plan. The assets have declined due to severe market conditions and a contribution from the town for 2009 is recommended. It is also recommended to do a full actuarial valuation for 2009. Ricci Consultants understands that our budget process begins in October of 2009 therefore contributions would begin during the fiscal year July 1, 2010.
Lynda Starorypinski made the motion to authorize Sally to contact Ricci Consultants to do an Actuarial Valuation for the fall of 2009. Len Howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Sally stated that Annette asked for a check for the sum of $200.00 for the Green- Up committee.
Len Howard made the motion allow sally to write a check for the sum of $200.00 for the Green-up. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Lynda Starorypinski stated that requests for checks, which occur on an annual basis, should be planned ahead to be included in the warrant and not requested at the last minute.
The board thanked Sally.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to take VY Fence project out of order on the agenda. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
VY Fence Project-
Dave McElwee and Steve Skibniowsky presented the board with a prepared exhibit describing the purposed fence project. Entergy VY plans to construct a new perimeter fence to be located at the VY station, which would clearly define the sites property boundaries. The fence would be a fixed knot galvanized farm fence approximately six feet tall. Some portions of the fence would be chain link style fence in order to provide gate access. Provisions would be made to install electrical power supply for powering a monitoring system. The Miller Farm will still have access to the field and there will be no new roads or lighting. Land abutters will have the option to request shrubbery where it is visible from Governor Hunt road. This project would not change the station’s operations or impact the use of the agricultural land.
It was the consensus of the board to have Vice Chair Mike Courtemanche sign for the board.
Lynda Starorypinski made the motion that if there IS no issues with the planning commission the board will allow Mike Courtemanche to sign the letter authorizing the VY Fence project to move forward. Len howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Robert Miller made the motion to go back to the order on the agenda. Len howard seconded the mottion. The motion carried.
Town Clerk-Liquor License
SchoolHouse Grocery is requesting to renew their liquor license.
Len Howard made the motion to approve the application renewal liquor license for 2009 FOR SchoolHouse Grocery. Lynda Starorypinski seconded the motion. The motion carried.
petroleum bid opening-
David Walker placed an invitation to bid for the Town of Vernon Petroleum Products in the local newspaper. Only one bid was received by Sandri. The quoted prices are for 27,000 gallons. With heating oil at $2.084 per gallon, winter blend at $2.384 per gallon, Summer diesel $ 2.084 per gallon and unleaded gasoline $ 2.184 per gallon. These prices are down significantly from last year’s prices.
mike courtemanche made the motion to accept the bid from sandri. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Update Bid Policy Approval-
Added to the bid policy:
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to accept the bid policy as amended and have it retyped for the board members to sign. Len howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Unwanted Material Policy Approval-
Mike Courtemanche stated that the Disposal of Goods seems to be too broad of a description on the items to be disposed of.
It was the consensus of the board to let the department heads look over the purposed disposal of surplus goods and get back to the board with their input.
Police Department Job descriptions Review-
It was decided that any corrections that need to be made after the board has looked over the job descriptions would be done by Chris Howe. The updated ones would be copied and when all was done the board would then adopt them all at one time.
The following corrections were made to the Police Chief’s job description as follows:
The following corrections were made to the Full-Time/Part-Time Police Officer’s job descriptions as follows:
The Police Clerk had no corrections.
Mike Courtemanche made a motion to accept the Police department job descriptions as corrected. Len howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
New/Unfinished Business
Town Forest-Steve Hardy
It was decided that the Town Forest Supervisor Ted Castine and Assistant Rick Castine would work with Steve to coordinate the woodlot winners to start cutting their lots. Steve will get the list of woodlot winners to set up the protocol in the woods. It was discussed that the town would need a waiver form before there is any cutting and that would be checked out with Sally. After speaking about the woodlots the discussion turned to the clearing/upkeep of the town forest. Steve stated that it would be roughly about 100 acres to be harvested and it is primarily a low market valve at this time, with the exception of the hemlock pulp market, which is strong at this time. With the limited market opportunities there is not really a need to put it out to bid because no one will bid on it. Lynda concurred with this statement. Steve purposes to contract a logging crew, a specialized crew that will utilize that wood. This operation would be very effective, as the brush would be distributed along other parts of the forest floor. With this thinning of the forest we are trying to convert the forest from a 90% hemlock forest to an oak, pine forest. Green Mountain Forestry will contract Twin State Forestry to come in and do the harvesting. Steve conveyed that this company does a nice clean job. The Town of Vernon would approximately gross $20,000-$25,000.00 after expenses. The crew would be ready to start in another week and a half. The crew would turn in load summaries weekly to the town treasurer of the gross valve.
Lynda Starorypinski made the motion to start the harvest of the town forest and for Green Mountain Forestry to subcontract Twin State Forestry to do the harvest @35% gross for the saw logs and $1.50 per ton on the pulp wood. Also to authorize Mike Ball to sign the Contract. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
It was discussed that the board send letters with a waiver to the woodlot winners with in the next two weeks. The board secretary will e-mail Steve with the list of winners and telephone numbers as well as the Town Forest Supervisors contact information so that he may contact them for a meeting.
Bid- Suburban
Mike Ball announced that the winning bid on the Suburban is Paul T. Cornell.
Robert Miller made the motion to accept the bid from Paul Cornell in the amount of $1100.00 for the 1995 Chevy Suburban. Len Howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Robert Miller agreed to help the Fire Department to remove the equipment that is currently on the Suburban.
Len Howard stated that he talked with Annette Roydon about the EOC bus and that this could go out for bid.
It was the consensus of the board to post it in the VLCT web site with a minimum bid of $2500.00 with the lights and other equipment.
Mike Ball will put together the description then the board secretary can post it.
New Business
Mike Ball presented the board with some job evaluations for the board to look over and to discuss at a later date.
Len Howard stated that he had been contacted by folks in regards to the Fire and Rescue Department about the retones though mutual aid. Mike Ball stated that the Department needs to increase numbers on the EMS side. With EMS week coming up in May this is a good time to try and get new members. The town is basically okay for now but the EMS members are currently going to get burnt out.
MEDIA
No media present.
Lynda starorypinski made the motion to adjourn. ROBERT MILLER seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @9:30 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, April 28, 2009 @ 6:30 PM FOR A WORKING SESSION.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
*/***********************************************************************************************************
Vernon Town School Board
Minutes of Regular Meeting, April 13, 2009
Directors present: Mike Hebert, Deb Hebert, Bill Ellis, Marylynn Scherlin, Walter Breau.
Directors absent: none.
Also present: Treasurer Sally Brassor (departed at 6:57 p.m.), Ron Stahley, John Reed, Joan Cook, Tonia Smith, LeighAnn Cwikowski, Stephen M. Cwikowski, Nancy Paciorek.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Mike Hebert.
Hearing no objections, the board chair rearranged the agenda.
Executive Session at 6:02 p.m. on a motion by Deb Hebert and seconded by Bill Ellis on a student issue. Ron Stahley, John Reed and several interested parties were present. The board came out at 6:25 p.m. with the chair reporting no action was taken.
Ron Stahley updated the board on the VES principal search. 17 applications, 12 forwarded to the screening committee, 7 to be interviewed. May 4, 2009—morning 8:30-2:00 for focus forums and finalist interviews by the board.
Marylynn Scherlin will step aside as a School Board Director, effective today, April 13, 2009, while legal action is pursued. Within 30 days, the board will solicit applicants and appoint a replacement school board director, serving out the remainder of the term, or until such time as a legal judgment is made reinstating Ms. Scherlin.
Administrative Reports: Report from John Reed covering VES Technology Plan.
Meeting recessed from 7:03-9:08 p.m. to attend WSESU District Meeting
Old Business:
New Business
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. on a motion from Bill Ellis and seconded by Deb Hebert.
***********************************************************************************************************
Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 4/13/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD SPECIAL MEETING
April 13, 2009 6:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Mike Ball David Walker
Mike Courtemanche Richard Coutant
Robert Miller-7:10 Frank Johnson
Len Howard
Lynda Starorypinski
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:09 pm Mike Ball called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public comment
No public comment at this time.
WORKING Session with Town Attorney
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to go into executive session with richard coutant our town attorney, Mike Coughlin, Frank Johnson and possibility Sally Brassor on a personnel matter which the disclosure of at this time might be detrimental to the town and /or the individuals involved. Len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Mike Ball stated that the board had entered into execution session at 6:09 and came out at 6:26 and no action was taken.
Frank Johnson joined the board to discuss his doctor’s note and him wanting to come back to work. It was the consensus of the board and to protect parties involved to contact Frank Johnson’s doctor to get more information. Frank gave permission for the board to do so. Lynda Starorypinski would be working with contacting his doctor. Frank Johnson indicated that he was ready to go to work right now. The board thanked Frank for is dedication.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to go into executive session with richard coutant our town attorneyand David Walker on a personnel MATTER, WHICH the disclosure of at this time might be detrimental to the town and /or the individuals involved. Len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Mike Ball stated that the board had entered into execution session at 6:33 and came out at 6:55 and no action was taken.
LYNDA STARORYPINSKI MADE THE MOTION TO AUTHORIZE DAVID WALKER TO START THE PROCESS TO HIRE A PERSON FOR EQUIPMENT OPERATOR/MECHANIC. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Police Union
Mr. Dixon from the National Brotherhood of Police Officers only will represent full time officers. One person from the highway department would not be represented. The board filed a letter to the State of Vermont Labor Relations in the matter.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to go into executive session with richard coutant our town attorney on a personnel MATTER, WHICH the disclosure of at this time might be detrimental to the town and /or the individuals involved. Len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Mike Ball stated that the board had entered into execution session at 7:01 and came out at 7:52 and no action was taken.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to take Discussion on Board Decorum out of order on the agenda. Len Howard Seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Lynda Starorypinski asked Richard Coutant about e-mails and how the board should conduct discussions. Richard Coutant stated that the board should not discuss pending matters or decisions in e-mails. No decisions could be made through e-mails unless you ratify the decision at the next board meeting. Mike Ball stated all e-mails are available for anyone to review. It is the board’s intent that once the new web site is complete in addition to the minutes being posted, e-mails would also be posted. It is the intent to have a better system to capture emails when the new selectboard web page goes on-line.
Lynda Starorypinski also asked that the new members receive an informational packet on the first day they take office to make the learning curve much easier. The board agreed that should happen in the future.
The board thanked Richard Coutant.
Robert Miller made the motion to go back to the order on the agenda. Mike Courtemanche seconded the MOTION. The Motion carried.
BIDs-SUBURBAN
No bids had been received at this time.
It was the consensus of the board to repost the ad on the VLCT web site with a closing date of May 18th.
Len Howard asked the status on the EOC Bus that’s currently at the highway garage and should that also be up for bid.
It was also the consensus of the board to have Len Howard contact Annette Roydon about the status on the bus.
WISH LISTS-AGENDA ITEMS
Mike Ball stated that the board needs to stay focused on items to be completed.
It is the board’s wish to get the job descriptions done by the end of the month to move forward with the salary grid. It was decided to have Chris Howe bring the job descriptions to the board on the 20th of April. David Walker asked if he should wait to hire anyone until the job descriptions are done. Mike Ball believes this would be done by the time that happens. Lynda Starorypinski would be able to provide the board with some simple evaluations for the board to look over.
New/Old Unfinished Business
Mike Ball stated that he has a letter to be signed for the Town Service Officer, Marylyn Scherlin.
Robert Miller made the motion to have three selectboard members sign the letter to designate Marylynn Scherlin as Town Service Officer. Lynda Starorypinski seconded the motion. the motion carried.
EOC Drill is set for Wednesday April 15, 2009. Some selectboard members will be present. With no other discussion at this time to board moved on.
Media
No media present.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to adjourn. Lynda Starorypinski seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @8:45 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, April 20, 2009 @ 6:30 PM
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 4/10/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD SPECIAL MEETING
April 10, 2009 3:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Mike Courtemanche-Acting Chair
Robert Miller
Len Howard
Lynda Starorypinski 3:10
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Mike Ball
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 3:05 pm Vice Chair Mike Courtemanche called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS MEETING WAS TO REVIEW and approve A LETTER TO THE STATE OF VERMONT
LABOR RELATIONS BOARD RE. NO. 0907IBPO-TOWN OF VERNON.
Mike Courtemanche passed the letter around to board members allowing them to review it while he explained the purpose of the letter and the need to send it.
LEN HOWARD MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE LETTER AS WRITTEN AND HAVE mIKE cOURTEMANCHE IN THE ABSEnce OF mIKE bALL SIGN THE APPROVED LETTER TO THE STATE OF VERMONT LABOR RELATIONS Board. rOBERT MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
rOBERT mILLER made the motion to adjourn. lEN hOWARD seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @3:18 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, April 13, 2009 @ 6:30 PM
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 4/6/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD SPECIAL MEETING
April 6, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Mike Courtemanche-Acting Chair Tom Hendricks
Robert Miller Sally Brassor
Len Howard Chris Howe
Lynda Starorypinski Robert Spencer
Seth Deyo
Sarah Deyo
MEMBERS ABSENT: Linda Shippee
Mike Ball Scott Lane
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:32 pm Vice Chair Mike Courtemanche called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public comment
No public comment at this time.
MINUTE APPROVAL
Lynda Starorypinski made the motion to accept the minutes of March 30, 2009 as written. Len Howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Robert Miller made a motion to take the Cemetery Committee out of order on the agenda. Len Howard Seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Cemetery Committee- Chris Howe
Chris Howe asked the board for a vote on a one year or two year contract for Howe Lawn Care. The Cemetery Committee would prefer a two year contract. Howe Lawn Care has agreed to the two year contract for the same amount of money. Chris Howe stated that Howe Lawn Care has done a wonderful job and there have been no complaints. Mike Courtemanche read the minutes of December 1, 2008 in which the board had already agreed to contract out to Howe Lawn for the upcoming season of 2009. Mike Courtemanche then read the new revised bid policy which states, “ The option to provide one or two years especially if the two year option provides financial benefit to the Town and the vendor has demonstrated equal to or better than acceptable performance. In addition the existing vendor can be extended for up to one year provided that they have demonstrated equal or better than acceptable performance. Chris Howe then asked if the board wanted to sign a two year or one year contract. It was the consensus of the board to sign a one year contract and wait until after November 09 to extend Howe Lawn Care’s contract an additional year if they continued to provide exceptional service. Sally Brassor asked if he could provide proof of insurance for each year. Chris Howe will add to the contract that proof of insurance needs to be provided to the Town Treasurer each year. The selectboard signed the contract for April to November of 09.
The board thanked Chris.
Len Howard made the motion to go back in order to Bills and Warrants on the agenda. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Bills and Warrants-Sally Brassor
Lynda Starorypinski made the motion to approve the following warrants 25S/G and 13S, also to ratify 24S/G, 12S from March 30th. Len Howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
The board thanked Sally.
recycling & Composting-Robert Spencer
Robert Spencer presented the board with a hand out entailing recommendations and a costs/savings analysis if the town were to move ahead and begin to recycle organic materials. Mr. Spencer suggested that the Town of Vernon could utilize what the school is already doing in regards to organic composting and if it was successful we could add an additional bin at the town garage. To make a residential drop-off program for organics successful will require public education. Mr. Spencer stated that there is grant money for education on this program from the WSWMD. Additionally, the town of Brattleboro will begin a pilot program in May for residents to drop off organics at the WSWMD facility. There are still many details that need to be worked out and Mr. Spencer asked the board if they would like to proceed further with this program. It was the consensus of the board that we should move forward with this. Mr. Spencer will continue to work with Mike Courtemanche and the new recycling committee to move forward. Also, the residents of Vernon can purchase their own back yard composting bins from WSWMD which are now available.
The board thanked Mr. Spencer.
Robert Miller made the motion to take Equipment-Speakerphone out of order from the agenda. Len Howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Equipment-Speaker Phone
In was the consensus of the board to table this for another meeting once we get some comparison quotes.
len howard made the motion to go back in order to recreation department/Preschool playground. robert miller seconded the motion. the motion carried.
recreation department/Preschool playground
Preschool Playground Proposal-Seth Deyo and Linda Shippee presented the board with a proposal to construct a fenced in “play area” location between the North School and the parking lot. The fence would be chain link with post anchors with a storage shed. Seth Deyo would like the board’s approval with this project. The board asked Seth about insurance issues. Seth would check to see if the policy covers others whom might use the play area such as playgroups using the library. Len Howard asked about maintenance and the cost to the residents. The project would be funded with “Bridge Grant” monies made available through partnership with the school board. The board’s only concern is with other children not of the preschool classroom using the space and how that affects the liability insurance. The board thanked Seth and Linda.
Lynda Starorypinski made the motion to approve the Preschool proposal to move forward with constructing a fenced in play area if insurance allows other chidren to use the space with the funds coming from the bridge grant. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried. 3 ayes, 1 nay.
Finalize “agenda item wish list”
There was much discussion about very old items still on the list needing to be done such as the Personnel Policies and Job Descriptions. Lynda Starorypinski is working with Chris Howe on getting the Job Descriptions done. Mike Courtemanche would like this completed as well hopefully by the end of the month.
New/Old Unfinished Business
Mike Courtemanche wanted to discuss some confusion regarding a letter from the town attorney discussing membership applications for the Fire Department. Robert Miller stated that he contacted the attorney while he was chairman regarding physical exams and incomplete applications. The attorney stated it is not acceptable for an applicant to insist that the required physical examination be conducted by the applicants own physician. And if the applicant refuses to under- go this examination the Fire Department may and should reject the application.
The board received notice from the Town Clerk that Ted and Richard Castine were interested in the positions of Town Forest Supervisor and Assistant.
Robert Miller made the motion to appoint Richard and Ted Castine as Town Forest Supervisor and Assistant. Len Howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Vernon Town Picnic will be held on June 27th, 2009. Board members will need to discuss if they want to set up a booth. The Picnic Committee will need to know by May 15th.
Discussions on past and up coming trainings. Lynda Starorypinski and Len Howard attended a training and recommended that other members should also attend because many things have changed or have been added.
There was a discussion about requests for salary increases. The board felt this shouldn’t be considered until the job descriptions are completed and the salary grid is completed. The priority of these items will be upgraded on the “Select board Wish List”.
The Select Board has been asked if they would be interested in participating with the interview process for hiring a new principal at the elementary school. Town employees who interact with the principal position would also be encouraged to participate. Lynda Starorypinski and Mike Courtemanche gladly volunteered. Len will ask members of the highway department if anyone would be interested.
Mike Courtemanche brought up the fact that he had been told the Police Department computers are out dated and still accessing the internet via a dial up connection. Mike would move forward researching this and would try to get them on board with the rest of the building.
Mike Courtemanche stated that Mrs. Durborow had asked about the cell phone towers in a past meeting. Mike stated that due to the buy outs and changes from Unicel to AT&T he no longer has any valid contact information. Mike was able to get in touch with their attorneys from the project who confirmed the work had been completed and the tower now belongs to AT&T.
Media
No media present.
LEN HOWARD made the motion to adjourn. ROBERT MILLER seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @8:05 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, April 13, 2009 @ 6:30 PM
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Vernon Town School Board
Minutes of Regular Meeting, March 23, 2009
Directors present: Mike Hebert, Deb Hebert, Bill Ellis, Walter Breau.
Directors absent: Marylynn Scherlin.
Also present: Treasurer Sally Brassor (departed at 6:18 p.m.), Ron Stahley, Chris Nesbitt, Nancy Christmas (departed at 7:30 p.m.), Mary Greve (departed at 6:33 p.m.).
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Mike Hebert.
Executive Session at 6:18 p.m. on a motion by Deb Hebert and seconded by Bill Ellis on a student issue. Ron Stahley, John Reed and a parent were also present. The parent exited the session at 6:33 p.m. The board came out at 6:43 p.m. with the chair reporting no action was taken.
The board approved a motion by Deb Hebert and seconded by Bill Ellis to approve, contingent upon receipt by the board requested documentation of the medical condition as outlined from the parent involved, the payment of secondary tuition for a Vernon resident for the remainder of the 2008-2009 school year.
Discussion of the search process for a new VES principal. A draft outline was distributed by Ron Stahley.
Administrative Reports: Report from John Reed covering VES wireless access, technology/computer equipment update and upcoming event dates for March and April.
Old Business:
New Business
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. on a motion from Bill Ellis and seconded by Deb Hebert.
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Accepted as Corrected: ___________
VERNON PLANNING COMMISSION – Special MEETING MINUTES
March 26, 2009 1830 hours, Vernon Town Office Building
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rory Underwood (Chair), Mike Zaluzny, Dale Gassett, Shane Shippee, Jeff Dunklee, Steve Skibniowsky (Clerk)
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: None
MINUTE(S) APPROVAL
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
ADJORNMENT
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 3/30/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD SPECIAL MEETING
March 30, 2009 6:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Mike Ball-Chairman Phyllis Newton
Michael Courtemanche Chris Garofolo
Lynda Starorypinski Rep. Patty O’Donnell
Robert Miller, Jr. Tom Hendricks
Len Howard Carol Hammond
OTHERS PRESENT: Bill Hammond
Tom Hendricks George Sansoucy
Richard Coutant Bill Smith
Ed Miller
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:05 pm Mike Ball called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Patty O’Donnell states her issues with the town and the future of Vermont Yankee and conveys that the town has the best representation for these issues.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to go into executive session with Rep. Patty O’Donnell, Ed Miller, Bill Smith, Richard Courtant, Phyllis Newton, Bill Hammond and Elaine Howard on a contractual matter with disclosure at this time which might be detrimental to the town and/or individuals involved. Robert miller seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Mike Ball excuses himself from the meeting due to conflict of interest and sickness. Vice Chair Mike Courtemanche continued the meeting.
Vice Chairman Mike Courtemanche stated that the board had entered into executive session at 6:11 and came out at 7:55 and no action was taken.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment at this time.
MINUTE APPROVAL
Len Howard made the motion to approve the minutes of March 16, 2009 as written and corrected. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
New/Unfinished Business
Bid for the Suburban would close April 10th @ 4:00pm. The board will review all bids on April 13th. The bid would be posted on the VLCT web site and the Brattleboro Reformer for Saturday April 4th. Robert Miller would ask Chief Tom Fox to display the ad on there web site.
Len Howard made the motion to allow the bid to end on April 10 @4:00 pm and to be reviewed at the next meeting on april 13th. Lynda Starorypinski seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Courtemanche asked Lynda Starorypinski to contract Chris Howe about the progress on the job descriptions.
No further discussion at this time.
MEDIA
LEN HOWARD made the motion to adjourn. ROBERT MILLER seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @8:07 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, April 6, 2009 @ 6:30 PM
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 3/16/09
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD MEETING
March 16, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Michael Courtemanche David Andrews
Robert Miller, Jr. Tom Hendricks
Len Howard Mary Miller
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chris Garofolo
Lynda Starorypinski Sandy Harris
Michael Ball Sally Brassor
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:36 pm Acting Chair Mike Courtemanche called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
David Andrews stated that he did not see the Police Department on the agenda. With recent concerns in regards to performance activity and a number of citizen complaints he wondered if the board was going to address any of these issues. Mike Courtemanche stated that the board was looking into these issues and hopefully some would be discussed during the meeting on March 30th.
With no further public comment the board moved on.
MINUTE APPROVAL
Len Howard made the motion to approve the minutes of March 9, 2009 as written and corrected. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
town clerk
Sandy Harris presented the board with a petition with 93 signatures, 92 of which were registered voters. The petition requested a special town meeting in which the voters would vote to appropriate $5,000 from the Emergency Medical and Ambulance Service Fund to Rescue Inc.; additionally the Thomas Thompson Trust would match the appropriation. The $10,000 would go towards the purchase of a new ambulance. Len Howard asked Sandy if this fund was intended only for subscriptions or if the purchase of new equipment would be covered by the fund. Sally Brassor stated that the fund is only for subscriptions and not for any other expenses. The fund was not designed for the purchasing of equipment. David Andrews reminded the board that at town meeting the town attorney clearly stated that funds could not be appropriated for any items that are not clearly within the description of the purpose of the fund. David used the example of funds from the water/sewer fund to be appropriated for constructing the foundation of a new EOC building. This is not what is in the description of the purpose of the fund and therefore should not be allocated for that purpose.
Sandy stated that she has 15 days to warn the special town meeting starting from March 11th. Mike Courtemanche read from his correspondence with VLCT, which stated, if the selectboard believes this is an inappropriate use of the reserve fund; the selectboard can tell the voters that they do not have the authority to compel the selectboard to call a special meeting to change the purpose of an established reserve fund. Under 24 V.S.A. Sec 2804 (a) an established fund is “under the control and direction of the legislative branch of the municipality, and maybe expended for such purposes for which it was established”. Len Howard stated that he contacted Mark Considine at Rescue Inc. and asked him if each town was being asked to appropriate for a new ambulance and Mark’s response was that they are not asking towns to do this. They are always looking for donations but they are not soliciting funds for this purpose at this time.
Robert Miller made the motion that this is an inappropriate use of the reserve funds therefore we do not have to have a special meeting to consider the proposal. Len Howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
In other Town Clerk business, Sandy stated that April has been proclaimed as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Prevent Child Abuse Vermont is participating in a nationwide campaign, in which the symbol for this is a pinwheel. Support is shown by planting a pinwheel garden for a donation of $1.00 for each pinwheel with a recommended amount of 100 pinwheels. This pinwheel garden will serve as a reminder to save our most precious resource, our children, and to show folks in the community our support. Sandy wondered if the board would like to participate by having a pinwheel garden at the town office. The board would let Sandy know by the end of the week.
Mike Courtemanche asked Sandy if Mike Ball contacted her in reference to updating the appointment booklet. Sandy stated that Mike Ball affirmed that the board secretary would contact her about that. Sandy confirmed it was done and everyone was on board.
The board thanked Sandy.
Bills & warrants- Treasurer
Robert Miller made the motion to accept warrants 23SG, 9S, 10 S and 11S. len howard seconded the motion. the motion carried.
The board thanked Sally.
equipment-speaker phone
The board reviewed the information that Mike Ball had e-mail everyone. There was some question among board members regarding exactly which phone Mike was referring to. There were several phones with the same model number he referred to with varying costs. Being unclear of exactly what he wanted the board decided to table this to another meeting.
Bid policy
Len howard made the motion to accept the New bid policy as written WITH THE NEW CHANgES. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Courtemanche will forward the new bid policy on to Sandy Harris and Sally Brassor.
New/Unfinished Business
Mike Courtemanche discussed the meeting with Representative O’Donnell on March 3rd concerning the hiring of an appraisal service and lobbyist to help in dealing with Vermont Yankee issues in the state legislature. It was voted to retain Sansoucy & Associates as an appraisal service but there was never a motion to retain the lobbyist to help with issues in the state legislature. As discussed at the prior meeting, the lobbyist would assist Representative O’Donnell for the next two terms. The agreement would be for $10,000 to come out of The Professional Services Fund, which is specifically designed for this purpose. Mike Courtemanche has a contract that needs to be signed so that the board could move forward with this.
Len Howard made the motion to allow Vice Chairman Mike Courtemanche to sign the agreement in the absence of Chairman Mike Ball with the previously agreed upon terms in order to obtain the lobbyist services of Miller and Smith LLP. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
MEDIA
Chris Garofolo asked for a recap of the discussion about the petition presented to the board. Mike Courtemanche summarized the proceedings which led to the decision of not moving ahead with a special town meeting.
LEN HOWARD made the motion to adjourn. ROBERT MILLER seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @7:00 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, March 30, 2009 @ 6:00 PM
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
******************************************************************************
Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 3/9/09
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD MEETING
March 9, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Michael Ball -Chairman David Walker
Michael Courtemanche Bruce Gauld
Robert Miller Fred Sage
Len Howard David Andrews
Lynda Starorypinski Tom Hendricks
OtherS Present: Sally Brassor
Scott Lane Sandy Harris
Chris Howe Howard Fairman
Eleanor Allen Pete Crossmon
Nancy Durborow
Jeff Durborow
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:30 pm Chairman Mike Ball called the meeting to order and welcomed those present, and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comments
David Andrews asked if since the last meeting anyone on the board was directed by the chairman not to contract the town attorney. It was the consensus of the board that no one had been directed not to contact the town attorney.
Howard Fairman wanted to make public a serious problem with 911 in Vernon he had experienced. On Sunday he had called 911 to contact the Vernon Police. A New Hampshire dispatcher answered and switched him to Vermont 911 where they proceeded to tell him there was no Vernon Police Department. Mike Ball stated that it must have been an issue with that operator. Mr. Fairman was concerned that if he had a true emergency no one would respond. Mike Ball assured Mr. Fairman that this was an isolated incident and that he would check into this further. Robert Miller asked if he received a call or visit from the Vernon Police Department. Mr. Fairman stated that as of yet no one has contacted him. Mr. Fairman conveyed that it was not an extreme emergency. Mike Courtemanche would also like to find out why he has not received a response back. Mike Courtemanche stated that he has been receiving calls from residents about the same issues as he indicated in his e-mails to the board.
Chris Howe stated that she would like to continue with the job descriptions her contact with Harry Snyder if it was the pleasure of the board. Mike Ball stated that the board agreed to let Chris continue with the job descriptions.
Chris Howe also asked if she could keep the key to the building since she is on the cemetery board and may need to get it from time to time. Mike Ball suggested that she contact the Town Clerk in regards to protocol.
MINUTES- March 3
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to accept the minutes of March 3, with the correction of the motion to appoint Mike Ball as chair seconded by Mike Courtemanche INSTEAD OF Robert Miller. Len Howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Town Clerk-Sandy Harris
Sandy Harris asked the board if it was decided on how to handle the Overweight permits. It was the consensus of the board that the system currently is working out and there is no need to change it. Len Howard made the motion that Sandy Harris, Town Clerk continue to process the overweight permits. Lynda Starorypinski seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Recreation Department Plowing
Mike Ball read a recommendation of PACIF/VLCT that stated, it is best practice, property risk management that the towns plow the driveway to the Recreation Center. In the event of a fire, the loss would be settled per the valuation option shown on our town’s Property Listing even if fire suppression is delayed. However, this is not a requirement. Mike Courtemanche conveyed his concern of security problems. Dave Andrews stated that the damage done to the Recreation Center was done when the driveway was not being plowed. Len Howard’s concern is the condition of the pavement being uncovered with the risk of frost and causing damage. After hearing from the Assistant Fire Chief, it was the consensus of the board to plow the Recreation Department part way at the highway department’s discretion. Mike Ball will send a directive to the Department head.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to take Appointments out of order on the agenda. Len Howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Appointments
The board reviewed in depth and discussed changes which included, but were not limited to the following:
It was suggested that the board advertise the vacancies in the Town Newspaper.
Vacancies are as follows:
Mike Courtemanche made a motion to approve the list of appointments as well as the liaisons from the roster and advertise the vacancies. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to return to the order of the agenda with the Treasurer and Bills and Warrants. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
treasurer
Bills & warrants-
Mike Courtemanche made THE MOTION that Sally Brassor, Treasurer, is to take care of the bills and warrants for the selectboard. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Robert Miller made the motion to approve the following warrants 22Sg, 9S and 10s. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Sally asked if in the future she would like to be on the agenda to talk about the Wellness for the employees. The no smoking and harassment policies were not accepted by and needs to be worked on.
Sally also stated that VLCT insurance has opted out of the Workman’s Comp. Insurance, Fire Department only, since they were having a difficult time administering it; they have gone out in the assigned risk market and retained another company. They will still do all the administrative duties and it won’t change for us except we would have another policy for the Volunteer Fire Department. This just means that we have a separate insurance policy.
The board thanked Sally.
Mike Courtemanche made the MOTION TO go into executive session with Sally Brassor and Mike Coughlin on a personnel/labor relations MATTER, WHICH disclosure at this time might be detrimental to the town and/or individuals involved. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Chairman Mike Ball stated that the board had entered into executive session at 7:30 PM and came out at 7:49 PM and no action was taken.
Town Attorney
Mike Ball stated that he talked with the town’s attorney Richard Courtant to set-up a meeting on March 30 at 6:00, which would be a working session to be addressing current and/or pressing legal issues that we are facing. The Recreation Department also requested to be on the agenda March 30th.
mike courtemanche made the motion to take New/old-unfinished business out of order on the agenda. Robert miller seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Old Business-
Town Van bid was awarded. The board is working on the revised bid policy to be included on the agenda March 16th. The Suburban needs to be re advertised with a minimum bid of $950. It was the consensus of the board to have the board secretary contact VLCT to place the ad on their web site.
Mike Ball spoke about the responsibility that the selectboard has in reference to Emergency Response Service in Vernon and the selectboard’s role. Mike Ball will provide the appendix of RERP and pass it along to the board members.
Mike Ball suggests that the board consider a better speaker phone with better capacities. Mike Ball with research this and the board may vote on it at the March 16th meeting. Mike Ball stated that in 2003 Sandy Harris had asked the board to start updating the policies. Past boards started with them but this board needs to continue with the revision of the policies. Mike Ball suggests that in April start taking a look at one or two of them on a regular basis. Mike Ball will scan and put on the web, this includes personnel polices, purchasing policies etc. etc.
Robert Miller stated that the board should invest in software to create the board’s web site. Mike Courtemanche conveyed that the software would have to be purchased. Sally will check the budget to see if this is possible.
Nancy Durborow asked the board if the Verizon towers are on line. Mike Courtemanche will follow up with Verizon.
Lynda Starorypinski requested to go to the Selectboard training that VLCT is offering. Lynda will check with Sandy Harris about the training.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to go back to the Road Department on the agenda. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Road Department-David Walker
Mike Courtemanche made the motion that the board enter into executive session with Sally Brassor, david walker and Pete Crossmon on a personnel matter wHICH disclosure at this time might be detrimental to the town and/or individuals involved. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Chairman Mike Ball stated that the board had entered into executive session at 8:22 PM and came out at 8:28 PM and no action was taken.
Mike Courtemanche Made the motion TO ADJOURN. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The MOTION CARRIEd.
Adjourned @ 8:30 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, March 16, 2009, @ 6:30 PM
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Draft
Accepted as Printed ____________
Accepted as Corrected _____________
VERNON SELECTBOARD SPECIAL
MEETING
Members Present: Others Present:
Michael Ball Rep. Patty O’Donnell
Robert Miller Jr.
Michael Courtemanche
Lenny Howard
Lynda Starorypinski
Re-organization of the Selectboard.
Lenny Howard made the motion to appoint Mike Ball as Chairman to the board. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Lynda Starorypinski made the motion to appoint Mike Courtemanche as Vice Chairman to the board. Lenny Howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to appoint Lenny Howard and Lynda as Clerks of the board. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to use Roberts Rules of Order as a procedural tool for the selectboard meetings. Lenny Howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to set the regular meetings of the Selectboard for the 1st and the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 PM. Lenny Howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to appoint Elaine Howard as Secretary to the Selectboard. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion that with the exception of preparing the selectboard orders and signing the bills which will be done by the clerk, all other definitions of the clerk of the board will be taken care of by the secretary of the board. Lenny Howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to use the Brattleboro Reformer and the BCTV as the Board’s media source. Lenny Howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion TO TAKE Patty O’Donell out of order. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Patty O’Donnell conveyed her concerns regarding the Town of Vernon and Vt. Yankee in the event that relicensing doesn’t happen. It was discussed that the value of the property would be drastically reduced if it closes. Discussion also ensued regarding the spent fuel rods that would be stored on site for an indefinite period of time. The Town of Vernon would need to hire an appraisal and consulting service to assist in these discussions as well as a liaison as a go between for being kept updated with the relicensing processes happening in the state government.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to ALLOW REPRESENTATIVE pATTY o’DONNELL TO retain Skip SANSOUCY & Assocates with a cap of $10,000.00 for aPPRAISAL & cONSULTING services PERTAINING TO THIS PROCESS. Lenny Howard seconded the motion. The Motion carried.
The board moved on to the appointments.
Lynda STARORYPINSKI MADE the motion to reappoint aNNETTE rOYDON, rorY UNDERWOOD AND fRANK jOHNSON sr for the Fence Viewing POSITIONS. Lenny Howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Courtemance made the motion to REAPPOINT ANNETTE Roydon as Inspector of wood, shingles and lumber. Lenny Howard seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Robert Miller made the motion to reappoint David Walker, MIKE Courtemanche and annette roydon as Tree wardens. Lynda Starorypinski seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Courtemance made the motion to reappoint Annette Roydon weigher of coal. Robert Miller seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Adjournment
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to adjourn. Robert Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 PM.
Next meeting is March 9, 2009 at 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted by___________________
Elaine Howard
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 3/2/2009
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD MEETING
FEBRUARY 23, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHER MEMBERS:
Michael Ball David Walker
Michael Courtemanche Bruce Gauld
Christiane Howe Fred Sage
MEMBERS ABSENT: Tom Hendricks
Robert Miller-Chairman Sally Brassor
Annette Roydon Kevin Turnley
Cindy Turnley
Leon & Sue Cobb
Chris Garofolo
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:36 pm Acting Chair Chris Howe called the meeting to order and welcomed those present, and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
treasurer
Bills & warrants-Cindy Turnley
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to approve the following warrants 21Sg, 7S and 8s. Mike Ball seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
The board thanked Cindy.
BIDS
With much discussion about the bids, Mike Ball expressed his concerns about not awarding the vehicle to the highest bidder. Mike Ball stated that the board already made the motion to award the town bus to the highest bidder and that is what should be done. Sally needs to know when it is awarded so that she can take off the insurance on the vehicle. The board moved on.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
The Selectboard reviewed in depth and discussed changes which included, but were not limited to, the following:
With discussion surrounding the elected positions and non elected positions a foot note would be added as follows:
Note this position is a combination of an elected position as well as a selectboard appointee. The asterisks items are the duties of the elected official and not under the control of the selectboard. If the elected treasure was unable to perform all of the duties that were currently being performed by the present treasure, the selectboard would appoint another person to fulfill those duties and the job description would need to be revised into two job descriptions.
Kevin Turnley was asked by Mike Courtemanche the need for several job descriptions within the department including sergeant, corporal, senior patrol officer, full time officer and part time officer. Kevin stated that each position has different qualifications; full time and part-time officers can perform the same tasks but have restricted training and certifications. With much discussion the job descriptions for the senior officer along with sergeant and corporal would be worked on at a later date due to the restructuring of the Police Department.
Chris Howe offered to continue to review the police job descriptions with Kevin after town meeting. It was stated that either way someone would continue to work on these.
The same note regarding elected position would also be added to the Town Clerk and Assistant Town Clerk.
Changes to the Auditors job description included the name change of Vernon Public Library to Vernon Free Library. Full or part time employee needs to be determined.
Add to Secretary to the Selectboard other duties as required.
Pre-employment criminal, adult and child abuse background checks must be required on all job description having to deal directly or indirectly with children.
Add of maintaining Materials Safety Data Sheets. Assistant Director needs to be sent back to Seth the reword and clarify the actual duties to this position.
Ability to ensure that VOSHA regulations are maintained and followed during program offering, omitted from these job descriptions and added to the Recreation Director and Assistant Director.
Add to job description actively support recycling. This should be added to all department heads to be responsible for recycling and actively supports the recycling goals of the town for their department.
General corrections to be made to job descriptions and retyped for review.
CAPITAL PLAN
Mike Ball made the motion to radify the Capital plan as it is WRITTEN AT this time. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Ball discussed the bid policy and the relation to the Capital Plan, after much discussion it was found that the 2008 Town Report Vernon Capital Plan to be different than the 2007 Town Report. The Capital Plan Summary is not included in the 2008 Town Report.
Mike Ball made the motion to RECIND THE previous vote. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Ball Made the motion to radify the description in the 2008 Town Report with the exception of the Capital Plan summary paragraph. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike ball made the motion to adjourn. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Mike Ball stated that it had been a good year and that a lot had got done. Thank you.
Adjourned @ 9:24 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, March 3, 2009 After polls close.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
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Vernon Selectboard Mtg. 2/20/2009
Draft
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _______________
VERNON SELECTBOARD MEETING
FEBRUARY 16, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHER MEMBERS:
Robert Miller, Jr.Chairman Sally Brassor Bruce Gauld
Christiane Howe Fred Sage Mike Slyk
Michael Ball Stan Sage
Annette Roydon Chris Kempf
Michael Courtemanche Marylynn Scherlin
Mike Coughlin
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:30 pm Chairman Robert Miller called the meeting to order and welcomed those present, and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment was forthcoming.
MINUTE APPROVAL
Chris Howe stated that Steve Hardy was willing to walk the winners thru their woodlots. Sally would put the lot number on the winners receipt and then Steve Hardy would see who has what lot.
The board received a contract for retainer from Salmon & Nostrand. With some discussion the board agreed to sign the contract.
Chris Howe made the motion to authorize Chairman Robert Miller to sign the letter of contract from Salmon & Nostrand to retain there services. Annette Roydon seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Ball made the motion to accept the minutes of February 2, 2009 as corrected. Chris Howe seconded the motion. The motion carried.
treasurer
Bills & warrants
Chris Howe made the motion to approve the following warrants 20Sg, 6S. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
The board thanked Sally.
Chris Howe made the motion to take out of order Bids. Mike Ball seconded the motion. The motion carried.
BIDS
Town Bus bid closed on Friday and the town office was closed due to the Holiday. Not knowing what bids came in for the Town Bus the board secretary called Sandy Harris to inquire about any bids. Sandy stated that only one bid had come in.
Mike Ball made the motion to allow Chairman Robert Miller with Sandy Harris as witness to open the bids and award the highest bidder the Town Bus. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Suburban bids were received but there was no mention of a minimum bid in the advertisement. Discussion ensued about the vehicle’s Kelley Blue Book value being significantly higher than any of the bids received. Chairman Robert Miller suggested, after speaking with the town attorney earlier, that the board put the vehicle out for bid again with a minimum bid. The consensus of the board is to set a minimum bid and re advertise the vehicle. With the vehicle worth a lot more than what bids were coming it for.
Chris Howe made a motion to reject all bids at this time for the Suburban and re advertise the vehicle with a minimum bid of $950.00. Annette Roydon seconded the motion. The motion carried 4 Ayes/1 nay.
Annette Roydon made the motion to return to the order on the agenda with Mike Coughlin and Sally Brassor. Chris Howe seconded the motion. the motion carried.
Mike Coughlin & Sally Brassor
Mike Ball made the motion to go into executive session with Mike Coughlin and Sally Brassor on personnel/labor relations MATTER WHICH DISCLOURSE AT THIS TIME MIGHT BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED. Mike courtemanche seconded the motion. the motion carried.
cHAIRMAN rOBERT MILLER STATED THAT THE BOARD HAD ENTERED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:14 PM AND CAME OUT AT 7:27 PM AND NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.
Narrow Band Radios
Chairman Robert Miller requested a motion for David Andrews to start the process of planning the switch with the wide band radios to narrow band radios.
Mike Ball made the motion to empower David Andrews to get the information on the narrow band radios along with a proposal with options to be presented to the board. Chris Howe seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Fire Department
Applications
Chairman Robert Miller spoke with the Chief Fox and Assistant Chief David Andrews in regards to the Fire Department Applications with much confusion on the process and time table for completion of the application. It was the consensus of the board that a motion was made to reflect that a deadline of December 31 for getting completed applications back into the Fire Chief. It was also the consensus of the board that anyone who had missed the deadline would still be able to turn in a completed application at this time.
FINANCE aDVISORY committee
Marylynn Scherlin
Marylynn stated that she had talked with David Walker in regards to the replacement of the Dump Truck. David provided the specifications for the new truck and he is requesting a tandem axle truck which is not exactly what he currently has now. Currently all the trucks are single axle. At town meeting an amendment will have to be made to make any changes. Then it would be put to the voters. The Capitol Plan would have some changes regarding the Police Department’s Cruiser and the Highway Department’s Dump Truck.
New/old or unfinished business
Trash
Mike Courtemanche gave an update on the Windham Solid Waste Management District meeting that he attended and the surcharge that they want to impose. This is being challenged and in order to legally impose a surcharge they would have to first pass an ordinance which would allow them to do so. Mike Courtemanche would like to know the board’s pleasure on how he as a representative for the town of Vernon should vote for this ordinance at the next meeting on Thursday the 19th.
Mike Ball made the motion to allow Mike Courtemanche as the Town of Vernon representative to vote no on the surcharge being imposed by the WSWMD. Annette Roydon seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Preschool Raffle
They would like to sell there raffle tickets as had been done each year during voting.
Mike Ball made the motion to allow the preschool to sell there tickets for there annual raffle. Annette Roydon seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Articles
It was decided by the board that the articles starting with number 6 will be read by each board member at town meeting.
Recreation Department
Chris Howe asked why the recreation center was not being plowed. It was thought that it was for safety and security issues but this should be asked of David Walker.
Media
No media present.
Mike Courtemanche made the motion to adjourn. Annette Roydon seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Adjourned @ 8:05 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE, FEBRAURY 23, 2009 AT 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted by ________________
Elaine Howard
**********************************************************************************************************
Draft
Accepted as Printed ________________
Accepted as Corrected _____________
VERNON SELECTBOARD
MEETING
February 2, 2009 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Robert Miller Jr. Chairman Fred Sage
Michael Ball Sally Brassor
Christiane Howe Victoria Hall
Annette Roydon Paul Corneel
Michael Courtemanche Marylynn Scherlin
David Walker
OTHERS PRESENT: Jane Lazorchak
Chris Kempf John Wheelden, Jr.
Tom Fox 8:40 Nancy Howe
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:35 pm Chairman Robert Miller Jr. called the meeting to order and welcomed those present, and led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public comment
No public comment was forthcoming.
Annette Roydon made the motion to take the Woodlot drawing out of order on the agenda. Chris Howe seconded the motion. The motion carried.
WoodLots
Woodlot Drawing
Jamaze Jobin drew the following names:
The following residents were selected to enter the Town Forest to obtain firewood. Congratulations to all the winners.
minute approval
Chris Howe requested to include January 9th minutes.
Mike Ball made the motion to accept the January 9th minutes as written. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
January 19th
The following changes were made:
Page 3, spelling errors list not last, Coutant and Ethier corrected.
Mike Ball made the motion to accept the minutes of January 19th as corrected. Chris Howe seconded the motion. The motion carried.
January 22
The following changes were made:
Under New and Old, It was requested by Chris Howe to place Dale Gassett on the Planning Board Committee.
Misspelled rescind.
Mike Ball made the motion to accept the January 22 minutes as corrected. Chris Howe seconded the motion. The motion carried.
TREASURER
BILLS AND WARRANTS
Chris Howe made the motion to accept warrants 19SG, 3S, 4S and 5S. Mike Ball seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Annette Roydon made the motion to take Job Descriptions before Fish & Wildlife out of order on the agenda. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
job description
Selectboard Secretary
The board reviewed the job description and corrected or omitted items that did not pertain to the position.
Van Driver
Changes to the job description were made and were corrected or items were omitted that did not pertain to the position.
Annette Roydon made the motion to suspend discussion on the Job Descriptions and return to Fish & Wildlife on the agenda. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Fish & Wildlife
Jane Lazorchak Department of Fish & Wildlife biologist requested from the selectboard their support in purchasing a parcel of wetlands off Newton Road. This parcel is currently the home of the spotted turtle, which is on the state-endangered species list. By purchasing this parcel of wetlands it would be added to the Roaring Brook Wildlife Management Area.
It was the consensus of the board to support the Department of Fish & Wildlife with the purchase of the parcel off of Newton Road.
Mike Ball made the motion for Chairman Robert Miller to sign the LETTER and is IN AGREEMENT with the sale of the property to the State. Annette Roydon seconded the motion. The MOTION CARRIED.
Chris Howe made the motion to take a 10-MINUTE recess. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Chairman Robert Miller called the meeting back to order stating that at 7:32 the board recessed and returned at 7:48 pm.
Job Descriptions
Highway Department-Road Commissioner
The board continued with the correction of the job description for the Road Commissioner editing and making changes to items pertaining to the position.
Equipment Operator/ Mechanic
Changes to the job description were made and were corrected or items were omitted that did not pertain to the position.
Equipment Operator
The board reviewed the job description and concluded that this would be the same as Equipment Operator/Mechanic omitting the mechanics pertaining to the position.
After much discussion regarding the amount of corrections to be made on the Job Descriptions and time constrain it was the consensus of the board to table Job Descriptions with Department Heads to February 23, 2009 at 6:30 PM. Chris Howe will notify Department Heads and make copies of remaining Job Descriptions.
bids
Town Bus
There are currently no bids on the town bus therefore it would be advertised again. It was discussed that if no bids were received on the Town Bus that possibility it could be put out to auction.
Suburban
The board received one bid and had received another bid prior to this meeting, which would need to be reviewed to be able to award the vehicle to the highest bidder.
Mike Ball made the motion to accept the bid for the 1993 Suburban in the amount of $558.25 from Steve Mears and to direct the Fire Department to remove equipment for pick-up to be made. Annette Roydon seconded the motion. The motion died.
After much discussion it was proposed that the vehicle would be awarded to the highest bidder after the Fire Department had removed all emergency equipment.
Mike Ball made the motion to direct the Fire Department to get the vehicle ready for the board to ESTABLISH PICK UP on FEBRUARY 16, 2009 to award the vehicle to the highest bidder. Annette Roydon seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Attorney
Update
Chris Howe and Annette Roydon met with Richard Coutant to discussed fees. Chris Howe conveyed that the board’s options are to be charged a flat rate, which is a retainer of $600.00 per month. This would be for the first five hours and after that it would be $150.00 per hour. This rate does not include litigation, which would be billed at a flat hourly rate of $150.00. It was asked if the board decided to go with the retainer could they change to the hourly rate if this was not cost effective. Chairman Robert Miller would contact Richard Coutant to ask if this was acceptable to them. The board’s budgeted amount for FY 09/10 would cover the $600.00 monthly rate.
Mike Ball made a motion to accept the offer for $600.00 a month for a retainer of five initial hours from Salmon & Norstrand. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike BaLL MADE THE MOTION THAT THE BOARD ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON CONTRACTUAL MATTER WITH DISCLOsure AT THIS TIME WHICH MIGHT BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED. cHRIS hOWE SECONDED THE MOTION. tHE MOTION CARRIED.
cHAIRMAN rOBERT MILLER STATED THAT THE BOARD HAD ENTERED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:45 PM AND CAME OUT AT 9:17 PM AND NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.
Fire department
Tom Fox
Mike BaLL MADE THE MOTION THAT THE BOARD ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON a contractual / personnel MATTER WITH DISCLOsure AT THIS TIME WHICH MIGHT BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED. Annette Roydon seconded the motion. The motion carried.
cHAIRMAN rOBERT MILLER STATED THAT THE BOARD HAD ENTERED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:22 PM AND CAME OUT AT 9:45 PM AND no action was taken.
New/Old or Unfinished Business
Chris Howe reminded the board that the budget forum is on February 9, 2009. The board would present the budget exactly the same as the previous budget forum.
Chris Howe asked about the flag holders and they would check on these with Sandy.
Chairman Robert Miller wished to thank the Listers for a job well done with the town wide reappraisal. Thank you.
media
No comment fourth coming.
Chris Howe Made the motion TO ADJOURN. Mike Ball seconded the motion. The MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting adjourned at 9:50 PM.
The next regular scheduled meeting is February 16, 2009 at 6:30 PM.
SelectBoard Budget Forum February 9, 2009 at 6:30 PM.
Special Selectboard Meeting February 23, 2009 For Job Descriptions at 6:30 PM.
Respectfully Submitted by________________
Elaine Howard
***********************************************************************************************************
Vernon Town School Board
Minutes of Regular Meeting, January 26, 2009
Vernon School board meeting agenda and minutes available at: http://www.wssu.k12.vt.us/boards/vernon.html
Directors present: Mike Hebert, Deb Hebert, Bill Ellis, Marylynn Scherlin, Walter Breau (arrived at 7:42 pm).
Directors absent: None
Also present: Principal John Reed, Sally Brassor (departed 7:10 pm) and Jim Kane (departed at 7:10 PM)
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Mike Hebert
Administrative Reports:
Principal John Reed reported
Unfinished Business
On a motion from Bill Ellis and seconded by Deb Hebert the Board unanimously adopted the Jan 18, 2009 Budget Draft.
New Business
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. on a motion from Bill Ellis and seconded by Deb Hebert.
************************************************************************************************************
Accepted as Printed ________________
Accepted as Corrected _____________
VERNON SELECTBOARD
SPECIAL MEETING
January 22, 2009 5:15 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHER MEMBERS:
Michael Ball Susan Miller
Christiane Howe Sandy Harris
Annette Roydon Marylynn Scherlin
Michael Courtemanche Reed Cutting
Tim Franklin
MEMBERS ABSENT: Cheryl Franklin
Robert Miller Jr. Chairman Norm Malloy
Mary Malloy
Lynda Starorypinski
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 5:15 pm Acting Chair Chris Howe called the meeting to order and welcomed those present, and led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Articles
Cheryl Franklin stated that they were proposing, that instead of a new surcharge from Windham Solid Waste Management District to keep the cost in as an assessment. Mike Courtemanche stated that he has talked with Norm Mallory and that if he wrote the ticket we could just write two checks, one to Triple T for the tipping fees and one directly to Windham Solid Waste for the assessment fees. Mike Courtemanche stated that he had talked with George Murry from Windham Solid Waste Management and the Town of Vernon could do this and he was in agreement with that. Mike Courtemanche stated that the new surcharge would come out of the fund and will not affect the tax base. Mike Courtemanche stated that Sally had told him that anything that goes to Windham Solid Waste Management came from this fund and anything that goes to Triple T would be raised from the budget. Mike Courtemanche stated that we would not need an article for the surcharge since in will be out of the fund.
Cheryl Franklin stated that they would still like it as haulers for it to be a tax assessment instead of a surcharge, for reasons that they are not debt collectors. Norm Mallory conveyed that he was able to keep the Town of Vernon prices stable, but the new surcharge may not make that possible. Cheryl Franklin asked that an article be put in to keep it all under assessment.
Annette Roydon made the motion to put an article in our warning to say, Shall the town vote to direct the Windham solid waste management district to collect all fees for service by the District by assessment Only. Mike Ball seconded the motion. The motion carried.
The board thanked Cheryl Franklin.
Cusick Scholarship Fund-Sandy Harris
This fund to be distributed in accordance with the Vernon Scholarship Requirement.
Sandy stated that the proposed Human Resources support for the 2009 Warning requirements a large amount of coping and paper work. She and Susan’s solution to that would be to have a notebook with all the information for each support. Mike Ball volunteered to place the documents into a PDF file to put on the web site so that town residents may look it over prior to Town Meeting. The Town Clerks office will also have a copy available for anyone to look at.
The board thanked Sandy and Susan.
New/Old or Unfinished Business
It is requested by the board to place Dale Gassett on the Planning Board Committee to fill that vacancy for the remainder of the term.
Mike Ball made the motion that Dale Gassett be put on the Planning Board Committee. Annette Roydon seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Budget Changes
In the January 19 meeting a motion was made to add a separate line item for the South School Repairs & Maintenance along with Miscellaneous and Grounds for the Historians Building with Article 11 of $500 for the Vernon Historians. It was stated that the Historians have funds left over from the year before and don’t need this article.
Mike Ball made the motion to recede the article for $500 and the budget will remain the same as last year. Annette Roydon seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mike Ball stated that the Highway Department Diesel Dump Truck replacement for 2009/2010 be set from $155,000.00 to $175,000.00 in the Capital Plan. After the inspection is done on the vehicle it will then be decided if the need year can be pushed out. With much discussion about the replacement costs, Mike Ball suggested that the Finance Committee and David Walker discuss this and then come back with a recommendation. The only change to the capital plan thus far is the $39,000 put back in for the police department vehicle.
The board thanked Marylynn and Lynda.
Mike Ball will send to the department heads a memo about the update of the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSD) and Applicable Safety Equipment.
Mike Courtemanche Made the motion TO ADJOURN. Annette Roydon seconded the motion. The MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting adjourned at 6:26 P.M.
The next scheduled meeting is February 2, 2009.
Respectfully Submitted by________________
Elaine Howard
************************************************************************************************************
Accepted as Printed______________
Accepted as Corrected _____________
VERNON SELECTBOARD MEETING
January 19, 2009 6:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHER MEMBERS:
Robert Miller, Jr. Eleanor Allen Nancy Durborow
Christiane Howe Fred Sage Sally Brassor
Michael Ball David Andrews Stan Sage
Annette Roydon 6:30 Eleanor Allen Sandy Harris
Michael Courtemanche Marylynn Scherlin Shane Shippee
Georgia Boyce Kevin Turnley
Bruce Gauld Cindy Turnley
Tom Fox Walter Zaluzney
F.C. Wetherby Lawrence Slason
Richard Coutant
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:07 pm Chairman Robert Miller called the meeting to order and welcomed those present, and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment was forthcoming.
TOWN CLERK
Articles
Town Clerk Sandy Harris presented the proposed Articles to the Board for their approval and requested permission to present them to the Town’s attorney. Articles discussed included, but were not limited to the following (noting that the numbers will change once the Articles are received from the School):
DOC SEND
Sandy stated that she would like to purchase scanning equipment utilizing some of the restoration funds which are raised from recording fees and not taxpayer dollars. The equipment will not only help the Town Clerk (since the State no longer is microfilming land records) but the Treasurer and possible the Police Department as well. The consensus of the Board was to have Chris Howe and Mike Ball attend the presentation on the DocSend schedule for January 22nd.
CHRIS HOWE mADE THE MOTION to authorize the Town Clerk to purchase a Doc Send SYSTEM FROM ICON WITH THE FUNDS COMING FROM THE TOWN CLERK’S RESOTRATION FUND. Mike Ball seconded: motion CARRIED. The Board thanked Sandy.
CHRIS HOWE made the motion to authorize the Town Clerk to contact our new town attorney’s about the articles Mike Ball seconded; motion carried.
MINUTE APPROVAL
CHRIS HOWE made the motion to except the minutes of december 29 as presented. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. THE MOTION CARRIED. 4 AYES/ one abstention.
January 5
The following corrections were made:
Page 1, Mike Ball asked that the minutes of December 29, 2009 be tabled until the next meeting since there was not a quorum of members at the meeting.
Page 2, to be added Mike Ball recommended the board members watch the video from the April meeting where the post-Town meeting budget cuts were made since the stipend was discussed at that meeting.
Page 2, to define the questions that would be asked on 1/15 of the candidates.
Page 4, it was the consensus of the board that the DVDs from the past meetings would be stored in the selectboard room as well as the town library for availability.
MIKE BALL made the motion to accept the January 5 minutes as corrected. Chris Howe seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
treasurer
Bills & warrants
CHRIS HOWE made the motion to approve the following warrants 2S, 18S/G Mike Ball seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
The board thanked Sally.
MIKE BALL made the motion to take the seniors out of order on the agenda Annette Roydon seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
SENIORS
Nancy Durborow presented the board with their changes and the 80-signature petition to have two articles put in the town report. Mike Ball expressed his concerns about changing the rules of the Capital Plan excess fund. Nancy Durborow stated that with or without the board’s permission they would move forward with their articles.
CHRIS HOWE made the motion to accept the two articles presented by the seniors to be added to the article last. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. THE motion was not carried.
2 aYES / 3 NAYS
The board thanked Nancy and Eleanor.
Attorney
The board welcomed the new town attorney, Richard Coutant and Larry Slason who stated they were pleased to be at the board meeting and to meet everyone.
Items discussed included:
The board thanked Richard Cutant and Larry Slason.
MIKE BALL MADE THE MOTION TO TAKE A TEN-MINUTE RECESS. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Robert Miller called the meeting to back to order stating that at 7:30pm the board recessed and returned at 7:40pm.
ELDERLY ASSISTANCE-Marylynn Scherlin
Shane Shippee stated his concerns about not having access to sand on weekends and holidays for sanding the elderly driveways and walkways. Chairman Robert Miller will check into this and get back to Shane Shippee. The board thanked Marylynn and Shane.
Police Department-Chief Turnley
Chief Kevin Turnley stated the interviews were done and he was waiting for successful completion of the final background check on the candidate that they had chosen.
CHRIS HOWE mADE THE MOTION to hire the person recommended by our police chief pending A successful background CHECK. Annette Roydon seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Police department-Chief Turnley
vehicles
Chairman Robert Miller suggested that they talk about the police department’s vehicles. Mike Ball stated that they had discussed continuing with the 2002 Dakota pickup because of its current condition after proper maintenance. It was approved to begin the bid process to replace the Dakota pickup for April/May of 09, which was moved forward from the April/May 08. Mike Ball stated that the equipment (AED’s) that the officer is to have when on call or on duty should be the responsibility of that officer. Fitting all the cruisers with this equipment is an item for later.
Chief Kevin Turnley stated that he would like to go with MHQ to get a package deal, and it is the same vendor that they purchased the last two vehicles from. Their package deal is a turnkey operation. This means that you order the vehicle, it’s striped and lettered and equipment that’s interchangeable from the other vehicle they would take care of. Mike Ball stated that he would basically be presenting a bid specification to the board in accordance with the bid policy. Chief Kevin Turnley stated yes that was correct. Chris Howe asked Chief Turnley if he was looking for comparable vehicles so that interchangeable items would fit the new vehicle. Chief Turnley stated that he would look for what was available and then to see what could be transferred over from the previous
vehicle. The cage from the Dakota will not fit any other vehicle and is not interchangeable. Annette Roydon asked the chief who decided that he was going with an SUV. The Chief replied that he did. It was the consensus of the board that this would be the board who would decide if it was going to be Truck, SUV or a Car. Mike Ball stated that the board was authorizing him to move forward with the bid process but under no circumstance was any one particular vehicle to be singled out. Mike Ball stated that for all Capital Plan items, the requesting department will prepare a detailed bid specification for presentation to the selectboard. When all the bids are received for the item to be purchase, the selectboard will make the choice that best fits the town’s needs. Once the bids are looked at and one bid accepted by the board, the department head might purchase the vehicle that was agreed upon by the Board and the department head.
MIKE BALL mADE THE MOTION to authorize the expenditure of the $39,000.00 that is currently in the capital plan for the purchase of a 4 Wheel Drive vehicle in May or June 09 once bids have been sent and received then accepted by the selectboard. Chris Howe seconded the motion. THE MOTION CARRIED. 3 AYES/2 NAYS
Chairman Miller asked Chief Turnley where the police vehicles were being serviced. Chief Turnley replied that mostly at Mike Either’s. Chris Howe stated that the Dakota was to go to Robert Miller to have it serviced by Bob and why hasn’t this been done. The Chief stated that it wasn’t time for service yet. It was the consensus of the board that the Dakota is brought to Robert Millers for service. The board thanked Chief Turnley.
bid policy
Mike Ball presented the bid policy with changes. CHRIS HOWE mADE THE MOTION to accept the bid policy after it is rewritten to include the word “if.” Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Walter Zalunzy addressed the board in reference to the town’s Van that is up for bid. Chairman Miller stated that it was advertised in the paper and bids closed January 19. Mr. Zalunzy would like to have this extended at least two weeks. It was the consensus of the board that if there were no bids placed for the vehicle it would be re-advertised. Chris Howe would e-mail the specs on the vehicle to all board members.
CONTRACTS
TOWN MEETING ITEMS
Mike Ball stated that we currently have no contract with Windham Humane Society for housing stray animals. Mike Ball presented the board with a contract which starts in January 2009.
ANNETTE ROYDON MADE THE MOTION to accept the contract of the Windham County Humane Society. Chris Howe seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
It was also the consensus of the board that Mike Ball would sign the contract.
Mike Ball stated that he talked with David Walker who received bids for the replacement of the 1995 Dump Truck Diesel for a 2009 Dump Truck, which totals $174,824.00 up from $155,000.00.
MIKE BALL made the motion that, based on these figures, the finance advisory committee needs to MEET WITH THE ROAD COMMISSIONER AND discuss the corrections as necessary to the capital plan prior to THE PLAN going to the printers. Chris Howe seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Fire Department
Stipend
Mike Ball stated that this was a budget line item that was voted on and approved by the voters. It was the consensus of the board to let the Fire Chief do what he wishes with the stipend.
New/old or unfinished business
The board thanked the Fire Department.
MIKE BALL made the motion to finalize the budget by e-mail or telephone Chris Howe seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
Chris Howe stated that she received a letter from Jim Mockler about an article that Ed & Barbara Sprague place flags on all veterans graves at the cemetery’s with the help of troop 412 BSA. Mr. Mockler asked if holders for flags were available for other veterans of service no matter what the years of service. It was suggested that the VFW would know of any other markers. Chairman Miller stated that he would check this out and get back to Jim Mockler.
Chris Howe stated that she talked with Mike Hebert in regards to having another budget forum with the school on February 9th, 2009. Mike Hebert told Chris that was when the schoolboard would be presenting their budget as well and would welcome the selectboard on the same night.
MIKE BALL Made the motion that the board ENTER INTO executive SESSION WITH the Fire Chief on a personnel matter with disclosure at this time which might be detrimental to the town and/or individuals involved Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
chairman Miller stated that the board had entered into executive session at 9:55 PM and came out at 10:34 PM and no action was taken.
Chief Tom Fox stated that he would like to see an ice skating rink at the Recreation Department. Mike Ball suggested that he talk with the Recreation Director, Seth Deyo. Chairman Miller stated that he would talk with Seth and get back to Chief Fox.
Mike Ball stated that the first aid kits need to be updated. Items in some kits are outdated and need to be replaced. It was the consensus of the board to send out a note or memo from the selectboard to the department heads to check and update all the first aid kits.
Media
No media present.
CHRIS HOWE made the motion to adjourn. Annette Roydon seconded the motion. THE motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:38 P.M.
The next scheduled meeting is February 2, 2009.
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VERNON SELECTBOARD
BUDGET FORUM
January 14, 2009 7:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Robert Miller, Jr.-Chairman Nancy Durborow Sandy Harris
Christiane Howe Jeff Durborow Susan Miller
Mike Ball David Andrews Faith Jobin
Mike Courtemanche David Walker Sheldon Shippee Fred Sage Marylynn Scherlin
MEMBER ABSENT: Kevin Turnley Mario Buisa
Annette Roydon Cindy Turnley Tim Franklin Norm Mallory Cheryl Franklin
Mary Mallory Jerry Morrison
Lenny Pudduzi
At 7:04 pm Chairman Robert Miller opened the selectboard’s Budget Forum at the Vernon Elementary School Cafeteria and welcomed those present, and led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The SelectBoard’s budget was reviewed in depth and discussed with those present. Changes discussed included, but were not limited to, the following:
Deduction of the $500.00 for Disposal (Roll off). County Tax and other county services.
Increase of Utilities due to lighting and mats which are over 15 years old.
Assistant Custodian needed to cover vacations and work load.
Increase of wages due to new positions.
Increase of $36,459.00 operating cost, Rescue subscriptions.
Deduction of $1000.00 for Knox Boxes.
State Aid cut for proposed road repairs by $14,000.00 was to be paid in January.
Public Comments:
Discussions focused on:
The Budget Forum concluded at 8:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted _____________ Elaine Howard
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Accepted as Corrected: ___________
Vernon selectboard meeting
December 29, 2008
MEMBER PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Robert Miller-Chairman David Andrews
Christiane Howe Lynda Starorypinski
Annette Royden Chris Garofolo-Media
Mike Ball Sally Brassor
Mike Courtemanche Marylynn Scherlin
Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance
At 6:35 PM chairman Robert Miller called the meeting to order and welcomed those present and led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public comment
Mike Ball suggested that the meeting be kept to a minimal. Chris Howe suggested that we finish the budgets. Mike Ball stated that he did not have the Humane Society budget and was waiting for prices. Annette Royden also stated she did not have the VLCT budget. Chairman Robert Miller suggested that they begin the meeting with the town attorney selection.
Mike Ball moved to take the town attorney selection out of order from the agenda. Annette Royden seconded: motion was carried.
Town Attorney
Chairman Robert Miller asked the board for there recommendations. Chris Howe recommended Salmon & Norstrand the firm out of Bellows Falls. Annette Royden agreed with Chris Howe. Annette Royden stated that one of their attorneys lives in the Brattleboro area so that would cut down on travel cost. Mike Courtemanche reviewed the documents and also recommended Salmon & Norstrand because of their comparable fees along with their flexibility. Mike Ball also recommended Salmon & Norstrand. Mike Ball asked if they were aware of Act 250 issues. Chris Howe stated that they have a specialist in that field to handle zoning, land use planning and environmental permitting matters along with the Act 250 issues. It was noted that they also specialize in employment and personnel matters including development of employment agreements and separation and termination of employment litigations. It was the consensus of the board that Salmon & Norstrand represents the town of Vernon as their attorney.
Mike Ball moved to except the proposal from Salmon & Norstrand to represent the town of Vernon. Mike Courtemanche seconded; motion carried.
Annette Royden agreed to contact Salmon & Norstrand to set up a meeting with the board.
Chris Howe moved to take the bills and warrants with the treasurer out of order on the agenda. Mike Courtemanche seconded; motion carried.
bills and warrants-treasurer
Sally Brassor presented the bills and warrants to the board.
Chris Howe moved to approve the following warrants 16S/G, 52S, and 53S. Annette Royden seconded; motion carried.
Chris Howe moved that we take the budgets out of order on the agenda. Mike Courtemanche seconded; motion carried.
Chris Howe presented the General Expense budget. Dues and subscriptions would be left at $800. Technology upgrades would be level funded along with Bonds. Mike Courtemanche checked on collection fees with Triple T. and they could stay level funded. Landfill tipping fee would go up to $80,000.
Mike Ball moved to accept the general expenses budget for FY 09/10 at $276,417.00 with an increase of 6.8%. Mike Courtemanche seconded; motion carried.
Chris Howe moved that we take new business/old or unfinished business out of order on the agenda. Mike Ball seconded; motion carried.
new/Old or unfinished business
David Andrews stated that there was a fund set aside in account number 38-7-1-00-62.21 which has a balance of $10,000 for the fire department septic repairs. David Andrews stated that some time ago it was stated that the board okayed the used of the funds to redo the bathroom at the fire department but he could not find where it was stated in the minutes. They would like to get started with that project and David Andrews wanted to get confirmation from the board before they start spending the funds. He believed it was an approved action by the board back last winter. David Andrews stated that it was found that the repairs were not warranted on the septic system. Mike Ball conveyed he would welcome the idea of repairing the bathrooms at the fire station, but using emergency funds for this project that doesn’t appear to be an emergency is not in the best interest of the town. The bathrooms are working and to take this out of the emergency fund to do this task is not the way Mike Ball believes it should be done. The funds originally came from the Emergency Capital Reserve and the monies are currently sitting in a reserve fund. Mike Ball believes that they should be returned back to the capital reserve. David Andrews stated that the cost of the repairs would be approximately $10,000. Mike Ball stated that in the 2006 town report town meeting of March 6, 2006 article 31 was voted to establish an Emergency Capital Reserve fund for the purposes of providing perpetual funds for unanticipated emergency capital replacements or repairs to help fray the costs of the annual appropriation of the capital plan. The selectboard shall be authorized to make expenditures from this fund by majority vote for items $10,000 or more in value.
Mike Ball moved that we direct Sally to replace the monies that was appropriated previously for the septic tank repair back into the EMERGENCY capital reserve fund. Chris Howe seconded; motion carried.
Chris Howe announced that on January 7, 2009 the Vernon selectboard is holding a public forum at the Vernon Elementary School at 7 PM which is a Wednesday night to discuss the select board’s budget for fiscal year 2009/2010. A flyer would go out in the mail to all residents of Vernon.
Chris Howe also stated that a flyer would go out saying Attention all volunteers and all employees of the town of Vernon are invited to a potluck supper on January 16, 2009 from 6 to 9 PM at the Vernon elementary cafeteria. This is for all of us to gather and chat and to thank one another for all the great work we have done this year. Remember this is a potluck supper so bring a dish that you can share. Hope to see you there. Signed; the Vernon Selectboard.
David Andrews informed the board that he talked with Sally in regards to memberships at BJ’s. If the board directs her as such she could add names to the list for employees to take advantage of the memberships. There is no cost to the town, however the board has to direct Sally for her to take action.
Mike Ball moved to have Sally gave a list to all department heads for the BJ memberships. Annette Royden seconded; motion carried.
Chairman Miller would talk to Sally about this issue.
David Andrews stated that the last item on his list was in reference to the bid on the vehicle. It was the consensus of the board to advertise in the local newspaper, and to set a date to release the vehicle out of service. Chris Howe will place the ad in the Brattleboro Reformer. The ad will be placed on 31 December to run on Saturday, January 3, 2009 with closing of bids on January 12, 2009 so that the vehicle may be out of service and stripped of equipment, and the decision would be made at the January 19, 2009 meeting.
Marylynn Scherlin representing the finance advisory committee presented the board with an amendment to the capital plan policy adding paragraph 5 stating; the sale of items being replaced under the Capital Plan. Mike Ball stated that this would be an article in the town report to approve a change in the capital plan policies as stated to add paragraph 5.
Mike Ball moved that we accept the recommendation for a new warnning to be placed in the town report to add paragraph 5 as so written. Annette Royden seconded; motion carried.
Chris Howe conveyed that Mike Courtemanche needs access to the Vernon website.
Chris Howe requested that a motion be made to accept this. The website is hosted by sover net and for Mike Courtemanche to get access to the website he needs to have passwords and login information.
Mike Ball moved that we authorize MIKE cOURTEMANCHE to be our representative from the selectboard through sover net to have full access to our website. Annette Royden seconded; motion carried.
Mike Ball made the motion that the board enter into executive session on a personnel matter with disclosure at this time which might be detrimental to the town and/ or individuals involved. Chris Howe seconded; the motion. The motion carried.
chairman Miller stated that the board had entered an executive session at 7:40 pm and came out of said session at 7:57PM and no action was taken.
Mike Courtemanche made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mike Ball seconded; motion carried at 8:00 PM.
ADJOURNED
Respectfully Submitted.
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Accepted as Corrected: ___________
VERNON PLANNING COMMISSION
December 18, 2008, 1840 hours,
Vernon Town Office Building
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Zaluzny, Rory Underwood, Jeff Dunklee, Steve Skibniowsky, Shane Shippee
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: None
MINUTE(S) APPROVAL
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURNMENT
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Draft
Accepted as Corrected _____________
VERNON SELECTBOARD
SPECIAL MEETING
DECEMBER 19, 2008 1:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHER MEMBERS:
Chairman-Robert Miller Chief Tom Fox
Christiane Howe Assistant Chief David Andrews
Annette Roydon Frank Wetherby
Mike Courtemanche Mark Considine- Rescue
Steve Salengo- Vt. Dept. of Health
Emergency Medical Services Div. Via Conference call
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 1:00 pm Chairman Robert Miller called the meeting to order and welcome those present, and led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comment
There were no public comments at that time.
Fire Department
David Andrews stated that Chief Fox would be here soon and he would get things started. David introduced Mark Considine from Rescue Inc. and Frank Wetherby to the board and stated that Steve Salengo, State EMS operations coordinator, could not attend the meeting due to the predicted snow storm, but would be contacted via telephone later at the board’s convenience. David explained that Steve Salengo represents the licensing First Responders groups at the EMS office. In the past Vernon Volunteer Fire Company First Response was formed as an Emergency Medical Service licensed by the State Of Vermont. Each year the Department of Health requires us to re-license. In the process it is only a matter of taking the current license and making any changes then it is reviewed and approved. The Fire Department received a letter back from the State of Vermont stating; upon reviewing the application due to the name change which seems specific from Vernon Volunteer Fire Company First Response to Vernon Volunteer Fire Department First Response that it would not be a renewal application. The town would have to start with a whole new license. David Andrews had a conversation with Steve Salengo about this and his understanding was because it was a private operation and went to a public operation it needs to be re-licensed. David Andrews and Chief Fox are looking forward to see if this is the route that can be done properly by the department. Currently there were twelve names on the application and currently including David there is now only six. The state minimum is six. At this point we are at the bare minimum to perform this service. Due to this being an important issue the Fire Department is addressing this to the board. Discussion on this matter will continue when Chief Fox arrives.
David Andrews stated that he has more information on the Rescue subscriptions. After some discussion with the Town Clerk, David found that is it the Town Treasurer that is involved with this process. The applications come from Rescue Inc. and they can bring them to the Town Treasurer’s office, or mailed, at this point a check is then sent to Rescue Inc. David Andrews picked up some applications from Rescue. Mike Courtemanche asked if a faculty had to purchase one as a whole or if each individual had to purchase a subscription? Mark Considine conveyed that each party needs to have their own subscription. A large faculty could not purchase one as a whole. Each individual must purchase their own in his/or her own name.
Chief Fox joined the board with some updates on the Department. Last weekend Engine 1 and a crew from Vernon Fire Department along with other surrounding departments assisted with helping New Hampshire. Chief Fox believes this is a good experience for his crew and we had the resources to help.
David Andrews gave the board a copy of the application and stated his concerns that the First Responders Services in the Town of Vernon has a requirement to do a quarterly roll up report to the medical director Dr. Backus, this is a summary of calls that you had in the last quarter along with trainings. The reports have been done regularly but no copies have been kept. Vehicle and equipment inventories have no records being maintained. The ALS records have no inspection forms. Also a large amount of equipment has been distributed to the First Responders in town. There is no inventory of who has what and the ALS equipment with First Responders as well as in the trucks has no records either. Training records have not been updated or completed on a regular basis. David Andrews stated that we have six First Responders and if any of them stop responding we will be in non compliance with the State. Mike Courtemanche asked if there were any Fire Department personnel who would want to fill these positions. David Andrews stated that they have currently started a class in Guilford which is a First Responders class and four individuals from the department have joined this class along with four Explorers. The members attending this class are for the departments support and not for making EMS runs; when asked if they would be interested in joining Rescue Inc. the response was no. Mike Coutemanche conveyed his personal experience with dealing with Vernon’s EMS and found it to be an asset to the community and it would be a great loss if this was to go away.
Mike Courtemanche asked David what happen to the four people who do apply as First Responders if we don’t keep them, can they work under Rescue Inc. David replied that First Responders in the town of Vernon could only operate under a district license. A member of Rescue living in the town of Vernon would only be covered under Rescue’s license if they were hired by Rescue to do so. Mark Considine stated that it is important to add, that all towns that Rescue serves, has some form of a first response team.
David asked how the Chief and he should proceed when it’s required to apply and we are 12 days away from not having the minimum number of people to make the response. Do we wait for the state to pull the license, or do we suspend operations until we have the manpower. He asks if we are putting the town in a liability situation if we don’t have the resources to properly make the response? The state of Vermont has granted a 90 day extension to the Vernon Volunteer Fire Company First Response.
Mike Courtemanche stated that he would like us to find a way to keep this under the fire department; completely revamping the procedures so it works the way we need it to and the documentation is correct and completed on a timely matter with the inventories done correctly and everyone is up to date on their certifications. Mike Courtemanche stated that if we can add some police officers to the First Responders it would be a wonderful idea. I can’t speak for the police chief but I think it’s beneficial to the town. They are required to take first aid and a CPR course anyway. Mike Courtemanche asked how long is the training? Chief Fox responded by saying its 48 hours for first responders and it has started already on December 16th. Chairman Miller stated that the people on this list need to be brought in, and asked if they are serious about this and put in their applications. Annette Royden asked why the Chief doesn’t ask them. Chairman Miller stated that the Chief has been trying and they are not responding to his requests. David stated we now have effective and productive meetings, critiques, drills, and calls. He further stated we still do not have enough people. However, it has become a functioning organization, and the command structure works properly. The volunteers are working together to help make improvements and making it a much more professional operation.
Steve Salengo joined in the conversation via telephone. David Andrews told him that the board had been discussing the issues that David and Steve had talked about. We’re between a rock and a hard place here. Steve was asked to speak to the insufficient manpower and how it relates to licensing. He replied by saying that for a first responder service in VT that is the same size for the Vernon coverage area and calls volume, the state board of health looks for a minimum of 5 to 6 certified EMS providers to assure adequate coverage for 24/7, 365 a year for 911 calls. If there are five certified people in the district and the squad assured the department of health and the board of health, that they had adequate coverage planned, because there has never been a problem in the past, the board of health would more than likely find this to be okay. If you told us you only had four people to cover the town, we would be very concerned, because we feel those individuals could become overwhelmed.
Steve continued with another thing to consider, is if Rescue Inc. has jumpers that live in or near Vernon that are willing to augment the first response capability by supplying a Rescue Inc. volunteer who acts as a first responder. These jumpers would also fall under the Rescue Inc. service license. These service jumpers are Rescue Inc. members who live near or in the Vernon response area.
Mike Courtemanche asked Steve if he could expand the last thought to include responders from other fire departments who may live in Vernon. Steve stated that would be more difficult in terms of accountability and who’s hat who was wearing. The nice thing about the Vernon Fire Department and Rescue Inc. is an operational letter of agreement between the first responder organization and the transport ambulance service. The agreement describes how they will be dispatched, how patient care functions will be conducted, when that patient care will get turned over, and other pre-agreements made between the two squads for operating purposes. One of the advantages is that Rescue Inc. is the sole 911 provider for the Vernon area is that correct. The response was, yes.
Mike Courtemanche asked a hypothetical; let’s say we have a first responder from the Brattleboro Fire department that lives in Vernon but he’s off-duty, could that person be used temporarily for the 90 day time frame and could he be enlisted to be a first responder in the event there was an emergency. Steve replies that if the Vernon Fire Department affiliates during this time, in VT an EMS provider cannot perform EMS duties unless they do so under the license of an authorized ambulance or first responder service. Steve continued by telling the board they could approach the Brattleboro Fire department to see if they will cover that individual for workers comp and malpractice or other insurances, Steve felt this would be unlikely because he didn’t think there will be a direct benefit for the Brattleboro Fire Department. It sounds like a risky proposition. What you could do if there are individuals that are not presently with Vernon Fire Dept. but might be available to help out on a temporary basis, the most efficient thing to do is have an arrangement so that they are affiliated with Vernon Fire Department maybe on a temporary basis and that way they are a member of Vernon Fire that is representing the squad on these calls. Does that make sense? Mike Courtemanche replied that yes it did. Annette Roydon asked if it would be possible to keep a first response team here if we reached out to whoever may be available or capable and if they would join the Vernon Fire Department at least temporarily. Steve Salengo answered yes, that is a possibility. That would be up to the town and the fire administration, depending on what you have for bylaws, membership, categories, and temporary or if you need to created a language that doesn’t cause partiality issues with existing members for example. You should also ask if this would cause any hard feelings for existing members if this temporary person were to just come in and start running calls. That’s a local consideration Steve stated. David Andrews asked that if the current license and 90 day extension are listed under the Vernon Volunteer Company first response organization as this doesn’t exist any more, we are now a Municipal Department. Does this present an issue David asked? Steve replied that under VT EMS rules there is a clause that we are not being tough enough on; under Section 3 it states, not less that 30 days before an anticipated change of factors including a station that’s been relocated, significant operational change, a business change, and any other authorized change in corporate or leadership structure, the service shall notify the department at the EMS board of the anticipated change and shall apply for a new license. Once the service application for a new or amended license is complete and it has been accepted by the department the department shall grant, refuse, or conditionally grant a license within 60 days of receiving that written notification. That means that 30 days before the select board passes a motion to make the fire department a completely municipal organization under VT EMS rules we require a 30 day prior notice of that change so that our department has time to discuss licensing options. The priority is protection of the public. Rather than the board of health saying we have to shut them down the priority is that the people are protected. We can work with the squad on a temporary basis and extend that since it’s not a completely different organization the board would not have been able to do this if XYZ fire department started up from scratch and wanted to begin first responder service. It’s a bit of an extension from the past license that was held. Steve asked when the change was effective. David stated, August 4, 2008. Steve stated that from August 4 until today, which is a little over three months, the service has been providing service in a limbo situation. What this license does is provides additional time to get into compliance. The temporary license as we have it worded is for the Vernon fire department, I don’t know if we can, for the temporary license, make a notation in that, the licensee formerly called the volunteer fire company now known as Vernon fire department. We are treating this as a merger. It’s not a different organization it’s still an organization based within the town. There are some fiscal changes but the personnel are the same. The fact that we are working in a municipal capacity rather than a private capacity is the precipitous for the new license. We are just extending the operations that you’ve been doing. From August 4 until today we are saying its okay for you to be operating during this windowed time frame as long as we have assurance that you will be applying for a new service license; because under Vermont EMS rules, licenses cannot be transferable, sold, or bartered. This is the compromise so that you don’t have to quarter out of service. Hopefully this makes some sort of sense to you. If the squad believes that they will not function in that capability of a first responder organization under the structure that was approved on August 4 we would need to know that immediately because that would effect the temporary license. Annette Royden asked if he was speaking of EMS as well as the fire department. Steve replied, no that he was only speaking of EMS operations. David Andrews stated that he has a drafted plan of attack here. The first is the members, which are soon to be former members if they don’t turn in their applications, and haven’t stated a commitment one way or the other, for the chief to get a hold of them and get a firm commitment from them. That let’s us know our existing count by December 31. Chairman Miller asked if the members who haven’t turned in their applications, if they are strictly EMS and they are operating under the old fire company license, why can’t they continue to operate under that until that goes away. Once that goes away they are no longer affiliated with the town of Vernon. Chairman Miller thinks that registered letters need to be sent to them, because it appears that they are not going to respond to you any other way. If they don’t respond by the 31st they are out. David Andrews replied that we get the numbers to say whether they are in or out and we get the applications but if we have less than six members then we suspend the license pending addition of other members. As soon as we get back to that number we send another letter to the state asking them to revoke the suspension and we’d be back operating under the 90 day window. Steve states that there are a lot of options. The key question is do you want there to be in your town any gap in EMS first response. David Andrews replied no we don’t really. The board of health issued this temporary license so there would be an administrative reason for you to cease operations pending your new service license application. The board did not want to interfere with access and delivery of the EMS to the town of Vernon, because of the EMS rule that wasn’t completely followed by in August. The board is willing to do this on a courtesy level to say permit you to function under the license you have and to extend it during this transition. This extension is like a transitory temporary license. It’s grey. You can put a public notice in the papers tomorrow and follow the procedures which I forwarded to Chief Fox and Mike Ball as far as the application process. We will work with you to make this application occur as fast as you would like it to occur within the warning of meeting arrangements. It’s possible to get a permanent license before March 31. You have up to March 31. I can try to get this license before the board of health so that a February start time for the new license to become effective is not out of the question. David Andrews understood. There is a new electronic application which takes about 20 minutes to fill out after the public notice period deadline a district board meeting needs to be held where the district reviews the application, makes recommendations, and submits it to the health department then the department can request a board of health meeting in this case since it’s pretty straightforward they will probably meet by telephone within a matter of two weeks in the minimum to get a quorum together and then vote on the application. February start date is not out of the question. Frank Wetherby asked what if you have a select board member who votes against a municipal model who is a district 13 chair person involved in this process how you could maintain objectivity. Steve stated we do not have regulations over the EMS districts because they are created under title 24 they are separate from the department of health they are their own sub unit of government however what we have seen other districts who might have a conflict of interest issue is a district officer abstain from voting and we will accept a signature on the application from the district vice chair if there is a conflict of interest for that. I had a lengthy discussion with Mike Ball regarding the administrative process of the new service licensure. We did not discuss any position. Mike Ball spoke to me in terms of what would need to happen at the district level for the process of this new application. He didn’t indicate any other interest in the inquiry. Chris Howe asked David if that has happened, and the towns EMS team wants to go separate from the fire department. David responded by saying, not officially. Frank Wetherby as that given the municipal fire departments and their relationship with EMS from a state perspective are the EMS squads integrated into the fire department for most models or are squads separate and apart from the fire department in the municipal model. Steve replied yes and yes. Vermont has an equal distribution of private EMS organizations and fire-based organizations. Over the last five years we’ve seen more fire departments that did not have first response capabilities pursue first response licensure. Naturally there has been an increase in fire-based EMS care. For ambulance services there are more licensed private ambulance services than there are licensed fire-based ambulances. Frank asked if the first responder is separate from the municipal fire department or is it integrated as a fire department. Steve answered by stating that it is up to the town. Under title 24 the town government has the power do decide who their EMS provider will be. That includes ambulance service and first responder service. The title does not specify how the town will provide that coverage to its citizens. Chris Howe asked Steve if the first responders want to be separate from the fire department would they have to come before the select board to make that decision. Steve replied that in most places in Vermont it is the town that is in change according to title 24 or what services the town needs for EMS coverage are not private citizens that want a separate organization, so the answer would be yes they can but would have to get the okay from the select board to be separate from the fire department. However, you as a select board would have to figure out what would be most effective and cost-effective for the town. Does that answer your question? Say there was a new town in Vermont and they had a select board and the board said we need to provide a basic public service and one of those services is EMS, how do we go about doing that? I would show them title 24 under Vermont law that the local government has the authority to work in conjunction with the local EMS district to decide who will provide the EMS care. As long as the designated squads are acceptable to the district, the district medical advisor, and the state board of health and the likelihood that this service can be licensed to provide that level of care is very high. If there is a dispute in the town is not in agreement with the organizations who are seeking to provide that service then it becomes more in-depth and difficult to mitigate who would be the best to provide that care. What the EMS office in the department of health will not do is get involved with the selection process. We have no preference as to who would provide that care in the town of Vernon. We do explain the requirements and procedures. Does that make sense? Chris Howe replied yes, and thank you. With that the board had no more questions and told Steve he had been a tremendous help today. Steve added I wish I could have been there in person but with the weather and travel it didn’t seem like the right choice. I do want to let you all know that you can all contact me in the office at any time. District 13 has been a very active and resourceful district. Mark Considine has had some long standing knowledge. I encourage you to contact the district board and the district medical advisor in your area. All are very good resources. I appreciate everyone’s interest in this. The board thanks Steve for all his help.
Mike Courtemanche asked Mark Considine if most of the first responders in the surrounding towns are affiliated with a fire department and Mark replied yes they are. Not all of them are pure municipal models some fire companies in VT are volunteer associations that are independent of the exact town structure but they still are a fire department entity and the first response is part of that. Chris Howe stated that according to what Steve was saying that someone from our department had called them asking about a separate entity, and asked David if that was happening and is that why our EMS team are not reenlisting. David Andrews stated that he has no direct knowledge of that. Chris Howe asked who would be responsible for all the equipment that they would need, would it be the tax payers. Mike Courtemanche stated that they would need funding, unless they were going to charge for this service and so yes it would be a tax payer. Mike Courtemanche asked if it is the intention of the fire department to keep this service running provided we can. You aren’t looking to eliminate this. David Andrews stated himself and Tom came to the board with a problem without a solution and needed more brains to come to a consensus on what we need to do going forward. Chris Howe suggested writing those letters. David Andrews suggest putting it in a form of a motion.
The Board thanked Mark Considine for his input and for coming down to Vernon in the snowstorm.
Annette Royden made a motion regarding the Vernon Fire department that in our efforts to remain true to our job that we provide health and safety to our citizens. There is a three fold points to this motion. To identify all individuals who wish to remain in the Vernon Fire Department by the end of the year and to initiate the new license application for the Vernon Fire department as opposed to the Vernon Fire company and to actively recruit individuals who would be willing to respond to the town. Chris Howe seconded; motion CARRIED.
David Andrews asked if the board would commit to working with the police department to have the police personnel become a minimum first responder with the module one and module 2.
Chairman Miller stated that he will put it on the agenda so that the select board could encourage the police chief to have himself and his staff does so. If the consensus of the board is such I don’t see any reason why not. With no further discussion the Chairman stated he would entertain a motion to adjourn.
Mike Courtemanche MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 3:23 PM. Chris Howe SECONDED; MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully Submitted by Elaine Howard
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Draft
Accepted as Corrected _____________
VERNON SELECTBOARD MEETING
DECEMBER 15, 2008 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHER MEMBERS:
Robert Miller, Jr - Chairman Sandy Harris Sheldon Shippee
Chris Howe Fred Sage Sally Brassor
Mike Ball David Andrews Fred Wetherby
Annette Roydon Eleanor Allen Marilyn Scherlin
Michael Courtemanche David Walker
WELCOME AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:35 pm Chairman Robert Miller called the meeting to order and welcome those present, and led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chris Howe moved to suspend the rules and include on the agenda the minutes of December 8, 2008 and Bills and Warrants with the Treasurer. Mike Ball seconded; motion carried.
David Andrews stated that there were no bids on the agenda for the sale of the vehicle. As stated in the December 1, 2008 minutes the minimum bid was to be $1500.00. After much discussion it was decided to discuss this under old business. With no further public comment Chairman Miller moved on to minute approval.
MINUTE APPROVAL
Mike Courtemanche stated that he was quoted that the market has tanked but what he meant was the market was bottoming out referring to December 1, 2008 minutes. To be corrected in the December 1, 2008 minutes. Also to be added into the minutes of December 8, 2008 the actual cost of the Rec. Department’s budget of $250,267.00. Mike Ball moved to accept the December 8, 2008 minutes as corrected. Chris Howe seconded the motion. Mike Courtemanche moved to accept the December 1, 2008 minutes as corrected. Chris Howe seconded; motion carried.
TREASURER- BILLS AND WARRANTS
Sally gave Chairman Miller the election forms for the gifts for the holidays. Mike Ball had agreed to pick up the food gifts. After some discussion the board moved on to the warrants.
Chris Howe moved to approve the following warrants 14SG, 15SG, 50S and 51S. Annette Roydon seconded; motion carried.
Sally had spoke with Robert Miller in regards to the vehicle at the highway garage and is feeling very uncomfortable with reporting to the Banking and Insurance Industry not having or knowing all of the details to register a complaint. Sally was hoping that this could be discussed with the town attorney when the board hires one. Sally turned over the packet of paper work to Chairman Miller. Mike Ball stated that the VLCT recommends that a bill be sent to the state so that the town can revamp the approximately $9000.00 that was paid to Brattleboro Towing for the storage of said vehicle and the removal from the States’ portion of the Town Forest.
Sally conveyed to the board about the mileage rate set from the federal government is going down from .585 to .550 cents per mile effective January 1, 2009.
Chris Howe moved to set the mileage reimbursement to .550 cents per mile effective January 1, 2009. Mike Courtemanche seconded: the motion carried.
Annette Roydon told Sally that she was sorry for handing in travel expenses late. Sally asked the board if they had a better plan other than the 30-day reimbursement policy if not maybe the board would elect to change what is currently in place. Annette Roydon added that this was not town monies and not coming from of the town’s budget it comes from Vt. Emergency Management funds and she understands the policy however, she feels this doesn’t fall under the personnel policy. Mike Courtemanche asked Sally if she thought that the 30 days are too short for people to submit their paper work. Sally stated that she doesn’t think that it’s too short of a time frame. If the board wants to treat Vt. Emergency Management funds differently then it needs to be stated so. Sally conveyed that the money is not town money but is approved for expenditure by the town. The board can amend the reimbursement policy to include things like this. Annette Roydon thinks that the board should not change the policy on her behalf.
FINANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Marilyn Scherlin and Sheldon Shippee present the board with the Capital Plan that they had revised. Sheldon Shippee went thru each line item and changes were made with consideration of a 4% increase on the items requested, due to inflation, this does not increase the Capital Plan. Reducing costs of replacement and extending years to some vehicles. Recommendations by the Finance Advisory Committee are to reduce cost of replacement of Town Van by $20,000.00 with replacement date moved out two years to 2023/2024. Pickup truck ¾ ton (1995) replacement date 2011/2012 for a reduced cost of $35,000.00 instead of $37,000.00.Dump Truck (2002) reduced to $175,000.00 rather than $190, 00.00. With some discussion as to the pricing of trucks the committee reported that calls were made to dealerships and prices were quoted. Gas Pump Cover increased to $49,300.00 with $9,300.00, which was spent on engineering. The committee believes this is something that needs to be taken care of. The committee also needs to revisit the Diesel Dump Truck (2004) line item to do some checking on figures. The two ton Dump Truck was on the Capital plan as a one ton and listed in inventory as a one ton but it was Sheldon Shippee understands is that it is in fact and should be noted as such in the town report. One suggestion was to move out the replacement cycle to twelve years because of the lack of use compared to the other dump trucks. Chris Howe asked if it would be explained to the town’s people at town meeting about the change. Sheldon Shippee will explain this at town meeting day. Keeping this at the $80,000.00 however, we do not know the type of sander that we have so this amount may change.
Sheldon Shippee reported on the Fire Department items and it was suggested to all department heads as well as the Fire Department to have their presentations ready for town meeting day on items that they will be adding to the Capital Plan. The committee suggested no changes to there line items as this time.
It was suggested by the Finance Advisory Committee not to replace the Police Department’s 2002 Dakota pickup that was scheduled to be replaced 2008/2009. The Advisory Committee had discussed this with other police departments in surrounding areas, after meeting with the other Police Departments; it seemed feasible to stay with only two Cruisers’. With the mileage of each vehicle considered the committee suggested that the replacement year could be moved out to six years with 150 thousand total miles being the goal. Other police department’s replace their vehicles at 90 thousand miles but get new cruisers each year thru grant monies. Mike Ball stated that it is really heavily dependant on the maintenance of the vehicle that would determine the level of performance. Marilyn Scherlin stated that it was discussed at lengths that all town vehicles are maintained regularly, with daily inspections on each vehicle. Chris Howe stated that our Police Chief has requested a SUV or four-wheel drive and did the committee think this was an important vehicle to have? Sheldon Shippee said he is not speaking for the finance committee but he personally thought it was a good idea to have that type of vehicle available either by purchasing one or making the town highway’s 4-wheel drive pick-up available for the police to use when necessary, as the town used to do that in the past. With much research from departments in the area the Ford Crown Victoria’s seem to be the best choice for most Police Departments. In replacing with the same kind of vehicles some light bars and equipment would be interchangeable until items actually needed to be replaced saving the town the cost of buying new light bars and equipment with each new vehicle purchased. If the town only had two cruisers there would be a savings per year of approximately $5, 00.00 plus insurance and maintenance. The committee did get information on an Explorer and found that the best way to purchase vehicles was thru a program from the State whereas other departments also purchase there vehicles at the same time directly from Ford with major reductions on the purchase price. If the Explorer was purchased without that program and purchased directly from a dealer the price for a utility vehicle would be with town discounts $27,000.00 and the Ford Crown Vic’s would be $26,500.00 this would not include lettering or light bars and installation of radio’s. Mike Ball asked if communications happened between the department heads. Sheldon Shippee stated that there has been no response from the Police Department. David Andrews asked if the police department radio equipment is in compliance with narrow band mandate along with the highway department. Marilyn Scherlin stated that it was suggested to the chief to get with the other department to purchase the needed radios. It was suggested to the chief to shop around for a better deal on several rather that just a few.
The line item for the town office HVAC would be eliminated due to the fact that it is under the $10,000.00 it must be a separate article or placed into the Select board’s budget. Town windows were completed this year so this item was taken out. The Town Clerk’s request for a new copier would stay the same per Sandy Harris. Records restoration decreased to $10,000.00 from $50,000.00 per town clerk. The Town Clerk’s vault expansion was increased by $10,000.00. The line item for the town office foyer project had plans done by an engineer in 2004 and have not been carried out and it’s the recommendation to move forward with the project. The estimated projected cost for the foyer is set at $60,000.00. Sally Brassor stated the foyer project money is suppose to be spread out over six years and we need to move forward with this project the guide lines do state in advance of the time when you need the money depending on how much money is needed, Sally Brassor thought that would be an issue. The guidelines state, that if you need $60,000.00 or $70,000.00 you need to have it drawn out over six years. The board suggested was to take this off the Capital Plan, and putting it into an article. Sally Brassor agreed. Marilynn Scherlin will meet with Sandy Harris to work on this. The board thanked the Finance Committee for all their hard work.
Mike Ball moved to accept the recommendations of the Finance Committee with the correction of the $49,300.00 for the Gas Pump cover and the $65,000.00 for the foyer taken out for an article. Annette Roydon seconded; motion carried.
Chris Howe moved to take out of order Sandy Harris in regards to the Pole and Wire item. Mike Ball seconded; motion carried.
Pole and Wire-Sandy Harris
Sandy Harris has a petition and order for pole and wire locations. The location is at the end of the pavement on Lily Pond Road. Fairpoint is requesting to replace and maintain poles and associated wires. While the board was looking over the paper work Sandy Harris stated that she received communication from Kristensen, Cummings about the file boxes that are not to be opened. Sandy Harris believes that this a problem because of the delinquent tax files. Annette Roydon had spoken to an attorney about that and they are our files and can do what we please with them. Sandy Harris needs to get the board’s permission to get the delinquent tax files for the tax collector because she has opted to retain Laurie Rowell as her attorney for delinquent tax collection, which she has the right to do that. The delinquent tax files should be with Laurie Rowell and not waiting for another attorney. They are delinquent tax files not town files. Chairman Miller stated that he has talked to an attorney and the files are staying right here, however there is information that does not concern us and should not be touched until a town attorney has looked over them. It was the consensus of the board that all files are to stay here and not to be touched by anyone until a new attorney has been hired. Sandy Harris asked when that would happen and the board decided to meet December 29, 2008.
Chris Howe MOVED THAT EACH board member sign the petition and order for pole and wire locations for Fairpoint on Lilly Pond Road. Annette Roydon seconded; Motion carried.
Sandy Harris announced that the joint fiscal committee has deferred any discussions on the proposed local highway aid cut of nearly 3 million dollars until full legislation convenes in January so far this is the only a formal proposal introduced to dealing with the funding problem. Sandy Harris suggest that the board write a letter to the commissioner of taxes because, it appears there is going to be a surplus of 20.7 million in the education fund, which by statue is suppose to be returned in the form of a tax deduction which would be about 2%. However the commissioner is opting to not uphold the statue and has decided not to return those funds. Sandy Harris suggested a letter to the commissioner and to recommends that he abide by the law. Sandy Harris will keep the board updated
.
Sandy Harris passed quote from Nancy Arnone in regards to the scanning solutions at the town office. This would be for a presentation at a later date.
Mike Courtemanche moved to have a 5-MINUTE break. Chris Howe seconded; motion CARRIED @ 7:59.
The meeting was called back to order at 8:07.
Police Clerk
Annette Roydon agreed to speak on this item. Due to several circumstances interviewing is to be started Tuesday and Wednesday and Mike Ball will be going away. Annette Roydon suggests that we not change interviews and proposes that Chris Howe be the other interviewer along with herself. The board asked Mike Ball if he is okay with that, he stated that he was. Annette Roydon wanted three people on the interview committee for all eleven applicants asking the same questions. The board agreed that Annette Roydon, Chris Howe and Kevin Turnley with do the interviewing.
Update VLCT- Annette Roydon
Annette Roydon stated that she talked with Darlene and explained that the problem is that employees aren’t reporting first injuries. Her suggestion was to have employee’s refer to the personnel policies. Annette Roydon stated that she looked in the personnel policies and found that they were not in there. Annette Roydon relayed this to Sally Brassor and had asked Darlene to send a draft that could be placed in the personnel policies.
Updates-Mike Ball
Mike Ball stated that the Humane Society is working on updating their policy and didn’t have any figure for us yet. The Humane Society stated they would get back to Mike Ball when they have them.
Mike Ball stated the Joint Safety Charter articles were provided to the board and had not received any comments. He needs input from the board to finish it up. Which could be done at a later date? Chris Howe asked if this was the same safety committee she had asked about previously? Mike Ball stated that it was and that it needs different representatives from each department to talk about issues that they have seen those areas of safety that need improving and how to implement safety rules. We would benefit by getting additional training and dealing with safety issues right away. Recommendations could be made to the board for additional funds for safety issues and there could be a grant which VLCT could fund that. Mike Ball will wait for the board members to get their comments to him so he can move forward with this
.
Mike Ball stated that on the Revised Bid Policy he put out an actual revised bid policy to everyone. Changing the wording in the policy and to lock a person in for two years would be one of the changes. With much discussion on the bid policy Mike Ball will continue to work on the wording of this. He will supply a copy to department heads as well for there review. Mike Ball will have this ready for the next meeting on December 29, 2008.
Mike Ball continued with the policy of the abandoned cars and storage, which VLCT send information regarding outdoor storage of junk vehicles. Mike Ball stated that this is really more of a nuisance rather than an environmental problem. Mike Ball will check with VLCT on a draft or ordinance from other towns and what they suggest. We could incorporate their ordinance to make it ours. With some discussion the board will give this matter to WCR for there suggestions as well
.
Mike Ball will finish up with Humane Society, Joint Safety Charter, Revised Bid Policy and Abandoned Cars for meeting on December 29, 2008.
Police Department
Chairman Miller stated that Kevin Turnley was unable to be here tonight. Police Department would be tabled until January 5, 2009 meeting. The board discussed the audit and what they would like to see done from the police chief. Mike Courtemanche stated that a progress report of some sort would be helpful to track things that are completed and tasks still to be done along with a time frame. It was the consensus of the board that the Police Chief will report to the board completed tasks and those tasks that are still being implemented and that there should be a time frame involved. With trainings and other items the time frame could be much longer. The board will be looking for results.
Budgets
Mike Ball presented the budget for the Windham Regional Planning Commission for FY 08/10 Proposed Budget.
Mike Ball moved to accept the Planning Commission FY 09/10 Proposed Budget of $3,870.00 with an increase of 1.08%. Chris Howe seconded; motion carried.
Chris Howe presented select Board budget. With some discussion to level funding and legal services the board tabled the select board proposed FY09/10 budget to the next meeting on December 29, 2008.
Chris Howe presented General Expenses. With discussion to the tipping fee and refuse collection and price increases with Waste Management the board will table this for the next meeting on December 29, 2008 with Mike Couretmanche checking with
Triple T for the figures.
Building & grounds presented by Chairman Miller. With discussion to the building repairs the board recommends the repair to the building (drainage) along with the foyer project both be as articles. It was the consensus of the board that the foyer project and the perimeter drain be in the same article but clearly separate so as not to confuse on either project. Annette Roydon conveyed her concerns on increases in the budget.
Mike Ball moved to accept the Building & Grounds proposed FY 09/10 budget in the amount of $105,619.00 with a 2.53% increase. Chris Howe seconded; motion carried.
Rescue’s Operating Budget presented by Mike Ball. Based on per capita assessment for year 2000 for 2141 individuals a $20.00 capita charge totals $42,820.00. Mike Ball had checked that with Sandy Harris arrive at the actual census number of 2141.
Chris Howe moved to accept the proposed FY 09/10 Operating Budget for Rescue at $42,820.00 which is a 5%. Mike Courtemanche seconded; motion carried.
It was brought to the board’s attention that Vernon households can get an annual subscription to Rescue to cover expenses not covered by their private insurance, and if they do not have insurance, for care and transport provided by Rescue. Should Vernon residents need assistance in purchasing this subscription they should contact the Town Treasurer, Sally Brassor or the Select Board members as stated in the 2007 Town Report page 34 paragraph 5. Frank Wetherby stated that the fee that we pay to Rescue for coverage along with the quality of care and that they provide at the highest-level 24 hours each day is very reasonable. David Andrews challenged the board members to find ten people in this town who can’t afford this and have those people contact Sally Harris. They would have to get the subscription form from perhaps the Town Clerk or from Rescue. The cost would be $45.00 if they have insurance and $100.00 if they don’t. David Andrews also suggested that an article to transfer some of these funds to Rescue in lieu of the assessment.
Other Public Safety-Annette Roydon
Annette Roydon presented the Public Safety proposed budget. With some items level funded and some reduced.
Mike Ball moveD to accept the proposed FY 09/10 Other Public Safety budget of $5,050.00 for a -18.8% reduction. Mike Courtemanche seconded; motion carried.
Trash Removal-Mike Courtemanche
Mike Courtemanche stated that the $28,000.00 fees would not affect the budget due to Windham Solid Waste Management fund that pays for district dues each year and that is where the increase is going to come out of.
Mike Courtemanche will be attending a Waste Management meeting on Thursday evening and asked if anyone had any input or how he should vote. Mike reminded the Select board that the school board is also meeting that night. Chris Howe will attend the school board meeting while Mike Courtemanche and Chairman Miller attend the Waste Management meeting.
Chris Howe suggested that the select board should have a public forum to discuss the items in the budget. The board will hold a Public Forum at the school on January 7, 2008 at 7:00 PM as long as it is ok with Darrell Clark. Chris will contact Darrell. It was the consensus of the board that Chris Howe set this project up.
New/Old Business
David Andrews stated that as directed from Fire Chief Tom Fox he would like to request a meeting with the board, himself and the Fire Chief to discuss two very specific matters. The first matter involves both a contractual issue and a personnel issue. The second matter involves a personnel matter. More details will be provided at the future meeting. Due to the timeliness of this matter they are requesting a date as soon as possible. Dave Andrews and Chief Fox were hoping the board could meet with them as early as Friday December 19, 2008. It was the consensus of the board to meet on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 1:00 pm.
David Andrews had input on the bid process on the Suburban. After checking book valve with NADA and Kelly blue book and found that the list price was 1,150.00, however the minutes recorded the starting bid at 1,500.00. It was the consensus of the board to look into this matter further before accepting any proposed bids on the vehicle.
Chris Howe asked if Annette Roydon would get paid for her travel.
Mike Ball moved to pay Annette Roydon with a Fast Check for her travel. Chris Howe seconded; motion carried.
Mike Courtemanche moved to adjourn. Chris Howe seconded; motion carried.
Adjourned @ 10:10 PM.
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Accepted as Corrected 12/15/08
VERNON SELECTBOARD MEETING
SPECIAL MEETING
December 8, 2008
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHER MEMBERS: