Town of Danville

Selectboard Minutes

August 20th, 2009

Marvin Withers called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Selectboard present were, Marvin Withers, Michael K Walsh, Doug Pastula, Steve Larrabee, and Denise Briggs. Also present were Wendy Somers, Kevin Gadapee, Merton Leonard, Planning Commission Member Jeff Frampton, Historical Society President Mary Prior, and Water Commissioner Ken Linsley. Michael K Walsh moved to accept the minutes of the Aug 6th meeting as written with two grammatical corrections; Steve Larrabee seconded the motion which was approved.

Ken Linsley, acting as one of the Fire Districts Water Commissioners, was present to discuss their current waterline upgrade project. Earlier in the day they held their preconstruction meeting with the Engineering Project Engineers from Stantec Consulting, and the construction Superintendant and the Foreman from Munson Earth Moving. They have 120 days from today to finish the project part of the contract; any additional or unforeseen work will add more time and dollars. Kevin agreed to be the contact for road closings and delays for the project, and will pass on the info to emergency services and the public as needed. The main concerns expressed by Kevin and the Board were the road repairs and resulting plowing conditions. Since there will be a lot of road cuts, it was suggested that some of the road repair money might be switched to the town for more permanent repairs, by resurfacing the entire road. This will be investigated by the engineers. There was also some discussion about the amount of separation between the water and sewer lines, which will also be investigated.

Mary Prior was present to discuss some recent projects, concerns and financial status of the Historical Society. Her first and largest project is the completion of the Danville Historical House on Hill St., which is now open to the public with posted hours. Next the Greenbanks Hollow Project is proceeding very well, as they work to develop it as an historic sight. With the additional gift of land from the Lyon family, it will be relatively free from any encroachment of development. The railroad station was obtained from the state and restored in 1976. The building continues to house some of the societies farming artifacts, and is also used as a recycling center for the town. Mary's immediate concern is preserving the land around the Old North Church from development and she is requesting the town join in her effort, with other organizations in town to work on a creditable solution. She would like to see every historic site in town be marked and preserved through the town plan, and she wishes the Historical Society to have a seat on the Planning Commission to insure they all get treatment in the bylaws. Third, she would like to reprint the town history book with money in the town fund held for that purpose, and make it available to the school and others. Fourth, she wants to work to hide the Masons new addition of the stainless steel kitchen vent, using money from the town tree fund. Lastly, she is requesting a member of the Selectboard, join in the Historical Society meetings as well as the North Danville School Association.

Jeff Frampton was present to answer any questions the Board had about the zoning bylaw changes. He commented that they tried to indicate the changes and additions by using blue ink for the changes and put a strike through any verbiage not being used. The Planning Commission hopes that the Board would vote to approve the current changes so they may proceed with their next grant and final phase of the zoning revisions. The final changes will also have to be voted on again. Anything not working from this revision could be changed in the final draft next year. He encouraged anyone with any questions to call one of the planers for clarification and explanations. They currently have a grant for $14,500 to finish the revisions. This may be the last grant for awhile as any future grants have been put on hold until the state gets their finances in order

Kevin reported the grader continues summer maintenance, doing spot grading as needed. As chloride is usually spread after grading, the chloride use is up. Since last meeting, Woodward Road has been ditched and stone lined for approximately 1500ft, as part of the FEMA project. Wightman Road FEMA work started today, replacing a large culvert that was damaged in last years storms. The water project is causing some problems with the roads, in particularly to the paved roads. Since the roads will be patched only it may make the snow plowing difficult. Tim Ide recommended adding to the highway budget next year for additional repairs to the road, that might be required. Kevin has been acting liaison between the town and the contractors for any traffic problems caused by the construction. The Board felt he should continue. The Board also approved his recommendation to return Highland Ave to two way traffic until the construction completed, that was approved on a motion of Michael K Walsh that was seconded by Steve Larrabee. Kevin also has some fill at the garage that is not suitable for roads that was piled up after the ball fields built years ago. The school would like to use it to fill in an area for increased parking. The general consensus was in favor of giving it to the school, if they will truck it away.

Merton reported that he attended The Fire District's preconstruction meeting this morning. They briefed everyone in attendance of the construction plan, their progress to date and various schedules. Merton also discussed the engineering for the sewer line extension on Hill St with Stub Parker, he thought that would be a good idea and will lend any assistance we need. Mrs Lakey has inquired about the sewer extension, and would be anxious to connect if it is extended. It might be prudent to think about some preliminary engineering for the other side of the hill, at least to get a guesstimate of what would be involved to continue the sewer line down the backside of Hill St. There are people additional residents in this area who are also interested in connecting; there is a possibility of more stimulus money next year.

Ken Robi and Gary Santee visited the fair preparations Friday at 1:00 pm. They got some good first hand views of the fair preparations. Merton checked out the "Otis Brickett Park" in West Danville. The listers do not have the Town listed for any property in that area. The town owns land by the dock but it is also not on the grand list. There are two benches there, one on both sides of the outlet of the pond and both need work. We will add them to the repair list, if they do belong to the town. The status of the front porch repairs was brought up. The bids were opened on May 7th, but no decision was made or further action taken. After discussion, it was decided to rebid doing a complete rebuild job rather than just repairing the deck.

Wendy Somers was present to discuss a personnel issue with the Board. Denise Briggs moved to go into executive session to discuss a personnel issue and invite Wendy and Merton to join the session; Doug Pastula seconded the motion which was approved. The Board emerged from executive session at 8:08 with no action to be taken.

The Board reviewed the budget and approved the orders. As the fast trash contract has expired with FAD Enterprises, the Board reviewed a renewal contract for the next two years. After some discussion, the contract extension was approved on a motion by Michael K. Walsh that was seconded by Doug Pastula. The Board reviewed a letter to the Northeast Kingdom Wheelers ATV club, passing on concerns to them received from neighbors at the last meeting. They made some changes and approved sending it as changed. The board signed a thank you card for Louise Lessard's many years of service as sexton. They also approved a Fifty dollar gift certificate from the Danville Restaurant as a token of their appreciation, on a motion by Michael K Walsh that was seconded by Doug Pastula.

With no other business, the Board adjourned the meeting at 8:40 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Merton Leonard

Clerk of the Selectboard

Town of Danville

Send mail to Mert.Leonard@DanvilleVt.com with questions or comments about this web site.