Town of Danville

Selectboard Minutes

January 8th, 2009

The Selectboard met at the Danville Town Hall on Thursday January 8th, 2009. Change of meeting date was posted in the newspaper of record, as well as usual places around town. Marvin Withers called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Selectboard present were Marion Sevigny, Marvin Withers, Doug Pastula, and Michael K Walsh. Also present were Kevin Gadapee, Bob Briggs, Keith Gadapee, Troy Cochran, Ted LeGendre, Merton Leonard and reporter Sally Anderson.

Michael K Walsh moved to accept the December 17^th minutes as written, Doug Pastula seconded the motion, the minutes were approved as written.

Members of the Fire Department were present to discuss their budget requests for 2009 of $21,248, the same as the last three years, and explain their proposed expenditures in their budget. Keith Gadapee also presented several bills from 2008 that did not make the cutoff date for payment in last year and requested that amount be added to this years budget allotment for a total budget figure of $23,748 which was agreed to by the Board.

The Fire Dept also presented to the Board a proposed Capital Equipment Fund, as requested during the 2008 budget process. They estimated they have $1,180,000 worth of equipment that will need replacement or refurbishing for approximately one-half of the above, with in the next 20 years. After some discussion, Michael K Walsh moved to place an article on the Municipal Warning for town meeting requesting to establish a Fire Department Capital Equipment Fund, Marion Sevigny seconded the motion which was approved.

The third item the Fire Department asked for approval of their revised Mutual Aid agreement with area fire departments. Bob Briggs explained the changes and answered questions regarding the agreement. The Board's general consensus was in agreement with the changes.

Kevin reported that again the continued rain and snow cycles in the weather pattern has been challenging and has kept the road crew very busy. The sand and salt usage has continued to be high, even with an effort to conserve. They have had to remove the snow buildup from around the Green and other intersections to improve the visibility for traffic. He noted that the Department worked through the holidays including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and praised his crew for their dedication.

Merton reported the receipt of the FEMA 2008 payment for reimbursement of the August storm damage of $145,480.47. Not included was any repair payment for Wightman Road, as that would only be reimbursed after reconstruction. The money was deposited to a FEMA account until all repairs are completed and verified. Chair Marvin Withers signed the 2007 FEMA Certification of Construction Completion form for the 2007 rain event. The Board agreed to have Judy Corso look after any interest the Town may have in the deed clarification issue between David Warden and the Sullivan's, in Greenbanks Hollow. Merton advised the State Aid payments to Towns, for Highways, are on hold until action is taken by the legislature to release them. Other items discussed were regarding the issue of the Mercons still parking in the road and appointment of a Cemetery Sexton. After some discussion about the Sexton job description, Michael K Walsh moved to advertise for a Cemetery Sexton per the job description, Marion Sevigny seconded the motion, which was approved.

The Board approved the orders and reviewed the final expenditure figures for the past year of 2008 and noted significant surplus in both the Highway and Municipal expenditures. It was noted by both Kevin and Merton that they intentionally reduced expenditures, due to the uncertain cost of fuel and materials.

The Board signed the official Certificate of Appointment for Town Clerk Wendy Somers, effective Jan 8th 2009 and is in effect until the next town meeting.

The Board reviewed the level funded budgets of the Municipal and the Highway with various comments of various items. When the new equipment item came up, Kevin requested to order a new truck per the Highway Capital Equipment Fund, as planed for and as he has in past years. He went over the details of the International truck which is very similar to the others that have been purchased recently, and he anticipates the cost to be approximately the same as the truck purchased last year. After some discussion, Michael K Walsh moved to allow Kevin to order the new truck and equipment per the Highway Capital Equipment Fund at approximately the same price as the one purchased last year, Marion Sevigny seconded the motion. After some further discussion, the motion passed 3 to 1 to purchase the truck. The Board continued reviewing the budgets, and decided to take them under advisement and hope to finalize them at the next Board meeting next week.

With no other business, the Board adjourned at 9:36 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.