OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD

Town of Halifax, Vermont
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
September 17, 2013

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm at the town office.  Board members in attendance were Edee Edwards (via conference call), Earl Holtz, and Lewis Sumner. Others in attendance were Jessica Bruno, Ross Barnett, Margo Avakian, Len Derby, Christina Moore, and Ray Combs.

Approval of Minutes

Holtz made a motion to accept the minutes of the September 3, 2013 regular meeting as written. The motion was amended  to add a correction and Edwards seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-0.

Sumner made a motion to accept the minutes of the September 9, 2013 regular meeting as written. Holtz seconded the motion, which passed 2-0-1 (Edwards abstained).

New Business

Bids on Guardrails

Daniels Construction, Ascutney, VT- Green River Road guardrails including traffic control, barriers, staging, removal of bridge post, concrete repair- $39,625. Sumner noted that concrete repair and removal of the bridge post are not needed.

Daniels Construction, Ascutney, VT- Branch Rd Bridge #15 guardrails including removal and replacement of concrete curbs and guardrail posts, new reinforced fascia etc $105,375.

The Selectboard noted that it did not appear that they read the revised specifications and did not follow the instructions from AOT.

Sumner made a motion to reject both bids from Daniels Construction for guardrails for Green River Rd and Branch Road. Edwards seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-0.

The Selectboard will ask Rafus to contact AOT to find out how to get vendors to be more responsive and to see what it would take to do the job ourselves.

Bids for the Sale of the 2000 Sterling Truck

This item will be put on a future agenda as the town does not have the new replacement truck in hand. The new truck is going to ME to have the new body put on it.

Old Business

Planning & Zoning Board Vacancies

Both Fagan and Martynowski withdrew their interest in the Planning Commission and Zoning Board vacancies. The Selectboard received an email from Margaret Stoltzman expressing her interest in the position.

Edwards made a motion to appoint Margaret Stoltzman to fill the remaining term through 2016 on the Planning Commission and Zoning Board. Holtz seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-0.

Edwards noted that she is concerned that people withdrew their interest. The Selectboard needs to move forward with guidelines for what’s involved with being on these boards so people understand the level of commitment and can familiarize themselves with the knowledge needed for the position. The Selectboard is very welcoming and appreciative for all people volunteering for the town. People need to be committed to the full length of the term and as a Selectboard, we need to do our due diligence to determine the best person for the town. We are grateful for everyone who volunteers but we need to take the time we need to make sure we get the right people in.

Tree Warden Vacancy

Holtz reported that he met with Ross Barnett and Ben Barnett regarding the tree warden position and they both are interested. He also noted that the tree warden can appoint a deputy tree warden if needed.

Edwards made a motion to appoint Ross Barnett as the Tree Warden for a term ending in March, 2013. Holtz seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-0.

Old County North Bridge

Sumner reported that Holden Engineering checked the abutments last week. They have not received the hydrology report from the state yet.

Municipal Planning Grant Application

The Selectboard discussed a municipal planning grant to help with the update of the zoning regulations. They need to begin the paperwork and adopt a formal resolution.

Holtz made a motion to apply for a municipal planning grant and adopt the resolution for zoning and subdivision bylaw updates. Edwards seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-0.

Hearing of Visitors

Moore noted that she had a conversation with SVE in which they indicated they did not complete and submit their paperwork in a timely fashion and they submitted their final bill before they finished the work. Moore is not sure how that will be resolved.

Moore noted that Ken Pinkham from FEMA needs a signed memorandum from the Selectbboard noting that all work was completed in compliance with standards. Moore also noted that she submitted approx. $200k in progress bills to the state. Based on her conversations with the state, she believes we can close out all projects except Deer Park Bridge under appeal. She received comments from the state regarding the appeal letter and suggestions for minor revisions.

Sumner made a motion to give Christina Moore authorization to make the proper adjustments to the state appeal letter for Deer Park Bridge. Holtz seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-0.

Sumner made a motion to sign the memorandum for record for the four bridge projects for the project workbooks. Holtz seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-0.

Derby had concerns about the guardrails on Green River Rd which was addressed earlier. He also discussed the hazard at the 112/Branch Brook Bridge for small cars turning onto Rte 112. Edwards explained that someone on the transportation committee of Windham Regional Commission looked at it and made recommendations, but we were hoping to do something more cost effective. The town is aware it’s a concern and will inquire about possible signage.

Communications/Mail

The mail was reviewed and appropriately filed.

It was noted that the Selectboard received a letter from the Planning Commission with the town plan attached. They have until December 16th to hold the public hearing.

Selectmen’s Order to Town Treasurer for bill payment

The order for payment of bills was completed and signed.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Jessica Bruno