Town of Halifax, Vermont
MINUTES
December 20, 2011
Public Hearing
Call to Order
The Public Hearing on the proposed adoption of Flood Hazard regulations was opened at 7:30 PM. Members in attendance were Lewis Sumner and Edee Edwards. John LaFlamme was absent. Others in attendance were Joseph Tamburrino, Timothy Putnam, Margo Avakian, Mitchell Green, Orrin Isles, Howard Alboum, Craig Stone, and Board Secretary Phyllis Evanuk.
Mr. Sumner read the legal notice, a copy of which is attached to these minutes and incorporated by reference, stating the purpose of the hearing and then opened the floor for comments.
The question of how the flood areas were determined, it was noted that the current maps for Halifax have used information from the prior study from it is believed was done in the 1970’s. The new maps are more accurate in that they are shown over topographical mapping so the actual areas are better delineated.
Concerns that these regulations will impact homeowners in the special flood hazard areas were raised by Mr. Green and Mr. Stone. Mr. Tamburrino advised that when the new maps came out he was informed by the bank that he was in a flood zone and would have to get flood insurance. Because the town was not in the National Flood Insurance program, he was not able to get low cost flood insurance, and had been advised it would cost him about $1,000 per month. He applied for a Letter of Map Amendment from FEMA and was granted one, however he had to have the property surveyed and the elevations determined to accompany his application and this cost him several thousand dollars. He noted if the town had been in the program he could have gotten flood insurance through NFIP at a much lower rate than he paid to be exempt.
Mr. Alboum advised that the Planning Commission felt that adoption of these regulations was in the best interest of the town and would allow homeowners the ability to purchase flood insurance at a reasonable cost and to obtain loans and mortgages from institutions that use federal funds.
Adoption would also benefit the town because the state will reimburse for the damages from Irene at a two and one-half percent higher rate than if we do not participate in the National Flood Insurance program. Considering the amount the town has expended in recovery efforts, this translates to a significant amount.
With no other comments being offered Mr. Sumner closed the public hearing at 7:50 PM.
Mr. Sumner moved to put adoption of Flood Hazard Regulations on the Warrant for Town Meeting as an Article for Australian ballot.
Ms. Edwards seconded the motion which carried 2-0.
OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
Town of Halifax, Vermont
MINUTES
December 20, 2011
Regular Meeting
At 7:51 PM the regular meeting was called to order.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Sumner moved to accept the minutes of the November 21, 2011 meeting as written.
Ms. Edwards seconded the motion.
The motion carried 2-0, and the minutes were approved.
Mr. Sumner moved to approve the minutes of the December 13, 2011 meeting as written.
Ms. Edwards seconded the motion.
The motion carried 2-0, and the minutes were approved.
Approval of minutes from November 17 (8:30 meeting), December 3, December 6, and December 9, 2011 was deferred until Mr. LaFlamme could be in attendance.
New Business
Ø Reed Hill Road bridge removal bids.
Three bids were received: LaFogg and Hathaway $11,500
D. Ray Construction $11,800
Lane Construction $67,760
Mr. Sumner moved to accept the bid of LaFogg and Hathaway of $11,500.
Ms. Edwards seconded the motion which carried 2-0.
It was noted that any parts that can be salvaged will be transported to the town garage for storage, and possible reuse in repair of other structures and save the town some money.
Ø Supplement to contract for guardrails.
An additional 1,895 feet of guardrails are needed to complete the repairs for winter. Mr. Tamburrino requested approval to issue a supplement to the contract for the additional guardrails at $12.74 per foot for an increase of $24,142.30.
Mr. Sumner moved to authorize the contract supplement for guardrails.
Ms. Edwards seconded the motion which carried 2-0.
Ø Hydraulic analysis for Wineburg Bridge. Mr. Tamburrino advised that SVE Associates which already has the contract for the studies and engineering on the other bridges, gave a bid of $2,850 for the Wineburg Bridge. Ms. Edwards noted that this was lower than all of the earlier bids they had on file for the study.
Ms. Edwards moved to issue a supplement to the original SVE contract to add the Wineburg Bridge hydrology study.
Mr. Sumner seconded the motion which carried 2-0.
Mr. Green advised he thought this was a waste of money because the bridge is already there. He questioned the need and the expense.
Mr. Sumner advised that FEMA requires the study and even though this is a temporary bridge the town might not receive reimbursement without the study.
Ms. Edwards advised she is still interested in knowing if there are possible solutions such as temporary bridges at the Deer Park, Hale, and Reed Hill bridges. She asked Mr. Tamburrino to ask SVE to give us a bid and they will discuss it at the next meeting.
Ø Mr. Tamburrino advised that at the last meeting the Board had voted to officially close Deer Park from Josh Road, Reed Hill from the Post Office to Collins Road, and Hale Road. He advised that they would need to purchase 6 signs to comply with the regulations. The Signs are $96.59 each.
Ms. Edwards advised that Mr. Rafus could handle the purchasing. Mr. Tamburrino will confer with him.
Old Business
Ø Change purchasing policy, $2,999.99 to $25,000.00. This will be deferred until Mr. LaFlamme is in attendance.
Other Business
Ø Ms. Edwards advised they need to schedule the budget meetings. They will do so with input from Mr. LaFlamme.
Communications/Mail
The Board reviewed the letter of commitment from Brattleboro Savings and Loan for a one million dollar revolving line of credit at 2.05% interest.
Mr. Sumner advised that the Board had gone to the School Board meeting and they have permission to borrow $581,000 from them at no interest.
Ms. Edwards moved to sign the commitment letter with Brattleboro Savings and Loan Association for a $1,000,000.revolving line of credit at 2.05% interest for one year.
Mr. Sumner seconded the motion which carried 2-0.
The Board discussed putting together a presentation for Town Meeting to show the damages and repairs from Hurricane Irene. They will gather things that they each have and pull the information together.
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 9:03 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis H. Evanuk
Secretary