Town of Danville

Selectboard Minutes

December 3rd, 2009

Marvin Withers called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Selectboard present were, Doug Pastula, Steve Larrabee, Denise Briggs, Marvin Withers and Michael K Walsh. Also present were Wendy Somers, Sharon Daniell, Jeff Frampton, Kevin Gadapee, Merton Leonard, Jeremy Withers, William Bailey, Harold Hatch, Donald Lamothe, Scott Chromac, and visitors Ken Linsley, Deborah and Jim Hunt, David Pastula, Wayne Russell, Kurt Zschau, Jim Ashley, and Toby Balivet and reporter Sally Anderson.

Denise Briggs moved to accept the minutes of the November 19th meeting as written; Steve Larrabee seconded the motion, the minutes were approved as written. Steve Larrabee moved to approve the November 5th Hearing minutes as rewritten, Doug Pastula seconded the motion which was approved.

The Ancient Roads Committee was present to discuss their findings with the Selectboard. Jim Hunt and Toby Balivet were their primary spokesmen. At first they felt rather overwhelmed at the collection of material they had been handed as well as the long hand writing the early records were recorded in. They hired a consultant from Southern Vermont who had years of researching old roads records as this was where the ancient roads phenomenon was first discovered. They also purchased a map that was a compilation of several old maps that many roads that are not now on the highway map. This got them started on the right direction and they have now compiled all the old road layouts and surveys into two large reference books. They need to study all the data collected to determine if Danville has any unidentified corridors. Although they may be to late for the Feb 2010 deadline to claim a corridor, they have hope the time line will be extended by the legislature. The Board encouraged them to continue researching their data, as a minimum it would be a good record to have of the early roads.

Jeff Frampton was present to answer any remaining questions the Board may have of the zoning revisions, and to encourage a vote by the Selectboard on the revised bylaws. The Board continues to be split over whether they should vote on the revisions or rather they should call a special town meeting. Jeff feels the Planning Commission has circulated various questionnaires, held several focus and study groups with the people directly effected, and their input has been included in the revised Bylaws. He feels that the revisions make the Bylaws less restrictive and clarifies many issues. Denise Briggs moved to approve the Zoning Bylaws as revised by the Planning Commission and dated Dec 3, 2009, Michael K Walsh seconded the motion. The vote was 3 yes Marvin, Denise, and Michael and 2 opposed Steve and Doug, the Bylaw revisions were approved.

Kevin reported that the good fall weather has continued, allowing the road crew to continue the culvert and ditching work. The grading continues with some gravel being hauled in areas that have continued to grow potholes. They dug the trench in Hill St Park to allow for burring the electrical connection to the gazebo. Some plowing, sanding and salting has been done in the higher areas, as hints of winter have arrived. They plan on getting more firewood and to cleanup around the garage as well.

Merton reported that the state's share of the FEMA disaster payment for the 2008 flooding event in the amount of $23,125 has been received. The certificate of completion was also accepted and the FEMA Disaster #1790-DR-VT sub-grant agreement was closed out. He had been asked to check on the reserve capacity of the waste water treatment plant which is roughly 28,000 gal per day or 62 single dwelling units. The wiring has been run to Hill ST Park and should be ready to go by the time the skating rink is ready. The West Danville Community Club has spoken to the town attorney about doing the legal work for changing their club legal status, and has received an estimate similar to DRM. The general consensus of the Board was to progress using the town's attorney. The No Target Shooting signs have disappeared from the wood dump. The Board requested writing an official no shooting ordinance as well as closing the wood dump for the winter.

The Board reviewed the budget and signed the orders. Other business Michael brought up a request for a light over the fire station door operated with either a switch or an eye. Doug Pastula moved to approve adding a light over the fire station door, seconded by Denise Briggs and was approved.

Wendy requested an executive session to discuss personnel. Michael K Walsh moved to go into executive session to discuss personnel and to invite the personnel present, motion seconded by Denise Briggs, and was approved by the Board, at 7:26pm. The Board emerged from Executive session at 7:52pm. Wendy explained to the Board that she and the insured employees of the town have researched the various offerings of VLCT sponsored Cigna medical insurance and have proposed switching to a plan that will save the town approximately $7231 next year over the current plan. This plan will also save the employees money the less they use it, with a medical savings account that the deductible will draw from. After some discussion Denise Briggs moved to approve switching the town employees medical insurance to plan #VLCT H.S.A. 1500 and to include 95% of the H.S.A. Funding Cost for an approximate total of $150,939 for next year. Steve Larrabee seconded the motion which was approved.

With no other business, the Board adjourned the meeting at 8:10pm.

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.