Town of Halifax, Vermont
MINUTES
April 7, 2009
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:32 PM. Board members in attendance were John LaFlamme, Mitchell Green, and Lewis Sumner. Others in attendance were Margo Avakian, Laura Sumner, Chris Estep, Paul Taylor, Andy Rice, Brad Rafus, and Board Secretary Phyllis Evanuk.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Sumner moved to accept the minutes of the March 17, 2009 meeting with one correction (road postings are in effect until May 15th).
Mr. Green seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0, and the minutes were approved.
Hearing of Visitors
1. Mr. Rice advised that a grant has been submitted for upgrading the Constable’s radios. If approved it requires a $500 match (20%) from the Constable’s budget, and will cover two mobile units and a portable.
2. Mrs. Sumner advised she was in attendance to recommend the reappointment of Rick Gay as Zoning Administrator. She advised that in her contact and dealings with Mr. Gay he has always responded in a prompt and respectful way, and is knowledgeable regarding the regulations and the properties in town. He is courteous and helpful to applicants and she highly recommended him.
Mr. Taylor also recommended Mr. Gay’s reappointment advising that his track record speaks for itself and they should stay with a proven commodity.
Mr. Estep also voiced his recommendation for Mr. Gay.
Mr. Mirucki advised that he was not quite sure what was going on but that he wanted them to know that when he accepted the position of Acting Zoning Administrator, it was just that. He had no intention of taking Mr. Gay’s job.
Mr. LaFlamme advised that they would be interviewing and deciding the matter tonight. Mr. Mirucki had been recommended as a possible candidate if Mr. Gay was no longer interested in the position.
At 7:40 PM Mr. Green moved to enter executive session to interview and discuss the position of Zoning Administrator and to invite the candidates to join them separately, Mr. Gay first and Mr. Mirucki second, and to then invite Mr. Rafus to join them to discuss other personnel issues.
Mr. LaFlamme seconded the motion which carried 3-0.
At 8:15 PM the Board returned to open session and Mr. LaFlamme advised that no decisions had been made.
Mr. Sumner moved to reappoint Rick Gay as Zoning Administrator for a term of three years.
Mr. LaFlamme seconded the motion.
The motion carried 2-1.
Old Business
None
New Business
1. VLCT Drug Testing Policy
Changes required by law have been incorporated into the policy and adoption requires Board approval.
Mr. Sumner moved to approve adopting the revised Controlled Substance and Alcohol Testing Policy for Commercial Drivers.
Mr. Green seconded the motion which carried 3-0.
2. Update Employee Handbook
The current employee handbook needs to be updated. The Board will review the VLCT recommendations and discuss and incorporate changes needed at a future meeting. Mr. LaFlamme advised that he had found differences in the handbook and current practices.
Other Business
1. Hold Harmless form
Mr. LaFlamme advised that he had a standardized hold harmless form that is recommended by VLCT. The Board agreed that it should be signed by all contracted workers prior to receiving payment. Signing this form assures the town that the contractor will not bring suit against the town for injuries, damages, etc. related to the work performed.
Communications/Mail
1. WSWMD intern survey
Request was received for town tonnage report in regard to waste going to the district. The Board advised that as all trash collection is private and there are no municipal services, there are no figures available. A letter to that effect will be sent.
The mail was reviewed and appropriately filed.
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 8:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis H. Evanuk
Secretary