Town of Danville

Selectboard Minutes

November 19th, 2009

Marvin Withers called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Selectboard present were, Doug Pastula, Steve Larrabee, Denise Briggs, and Marvin Withers. Also present were Wendy Somers, Jeff and Nancy Frampton, Kevin Gadapee, Merton Leonard, and visitors Barb and Gary Fontaine. Doug Pastula moved to accept the minutes of the November 5th meeting as written; Steve Larrabee seconded the motion, the minutes were approved as written. After some discussion, Doug Pastula moved to table the Hearing minutes, to add details to changes made to proposed bylaws, Steve Larrabee seconded the motion which was approved.

Jeff Frampton was present to review the changes made to the zoning bylaws requested at the zoning bylaw hearing, and to answer any remaining questions the Board may have. The Board reviewed the updated bylaws and confirmed that the changes requested at the hearing had been incorporated into the bylaws. They did have another question about the orientation of principle buildings in the village core district on Page 8 and 11. After further discussion the Board requested to eliminate the reference to entrances must face the road right of way.

Following a short discussion about the bylaws and zoning in general the Board expressed its appreciation of the changes and revisions the PC had made. Jeff replied if there is anything else that is questionable to let him know as soon as possible as they would like to move on to the next phase of the bylaws. Denise Brigs made a motion to accept the new zoning bylaws as revised. After further discussion, the Board decided to wait on the final vote until all Board members were present, Denise withdrew her motion.

Wendy updated the Board on the status of the 2009 property tax collections, of which $207,900.00 was delinquent on October 27^th. To date $46.947.00 has been collected, leaving an outstanding balance of $160,960.00 of the 2009 taxes. She also reported that she had received the 2010 Health Insurance Premium rates. With the current plan, premiums are set to increase $3,700.00 annually. She is investigating plan options that are currently available through VLCT, to see if we can reduce the overall Health Insurance costs. The employees covered by insurance also participated in the “Leader Light” health program for 2009. The program promotes a healthier lifestyle and is a “friendly” competition between the towns. The annual program ended in October, and Danville received the highest score in the state. Wendy was invited to the annual meeting and received a certificate from Governor Douglas.

Kevin reported that the good fall weather has continued, allowing the road crew to continue the culvert and ditching work. The grading has slowed somewhat, having to wait for the morning frost to thaw out. They have continued to haul sand as well, and have finished at an estimated 7600 yards. The salt shed has also been filled awaiting the first snow fall, as are all the men and the trucks. The good news is at this point salt is up only $5.00 a ton and there is not a lot of talk about shortages. Also finished, is the work on the Joes’ Brook Road shoulders as well as a pile of road gravel for spring work. He and Andy Cochran drilled some test holes in the town hall porch to check its construction. The concrete is 5 or 6 inches thick and was probably poured as one, the walls and deck together. The water project is wrapping up as well, and Munson is moving its equipment out. They will return in the spring to fix any problems caused by the winter weather and to mulch and seed where necessary, as well as pave their half of the street. A new concern is a logging company that has moved in on town highway 78 (better known as Big Tube). They intend to use the road for hauling their logs out. Kevin has met with them and gave them the town permits they will have to get approved, and then follow.

Merton reported that he received the estimate for extending the sewer line 950 ft to the top of Hill Street at a price of $323,100, which is higher than expected. He also reported that the certificate of completion for FEMA Disaster #1790-DR-VT for the 2008 flooding event, was filed and that $91,626 of the federal reimbursement had already been received. However the states share of $23,125 will be delayed for a time as the state waits for replenishment to their fund. He received estimates of $4400.00 to run the power to the Hill Street park, $2440 for the electrical work and $1700 to hire the digging. The cost would be less if the town backhoe used. After some discussion, Steve Larrabee moved to authorize $2500 to run the power to the Hill Street Park and use the town backhoe to do the digging. Denise Briggs seconded the motion which was approved.

Merton explained that the West Danville Community Club is concerned about their legal liability operating the Joes Pond Beach. They are requesting help from the town with legal fees to incorporate their club into a non profit. They have an estimate from a law firm in St Johnsbury. The Board suggested getting a quote from the town attorney to compare prices. Continuing the discussion on renovations at the station, Marvin described his inspection of the building. The basement has standing water in it and is very humid, with no vents, one end is just boarded up; this would seem to be the priority. Other areas to be considered include installing insulation and heating, repairing the plumbing, repairing the roof, and painting the building. The recycling department would also like to enlarge the doorway between the waiting room and express room, to allow for better public access. The Board approved the enlarged doorway, and would keep repairs in mind when doing the budget; Merton will search for grants to help pay for the repairs.

The Board reviewed the budget and signed the orders. The Board read a letter from store owner Tom Beattie to VTrans project engineer Ken Robbie. The subject being the elimination of the crosswalk and sidewalk from the Green near his store. Tom Beattie pleads that the crosswalk by his store is the main one in town and should be reinstated in the project, as many people use it. Ken Robbie replied that he agrees, but the Selectboard has voted to eliminate it. As an alternate Ken Robbie has had the sidewalk reconfigured with a five foot grass border to allow the use of mountable curbs with the sidewalk. The Board reviewed the revised drawings and after some discussion, agreed to go with the new sidewalk design and reinstate the crosswalk, on a motion by Steve Larrabee, that was seconded by Denise Briggs.

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.