SPECIAL SELECTBOARD MEETING  Friday, February 3, 2006
Akeley Memorial Building   8 am

Present:  Theodore Teffner (by phone), Richard Marron, Charles Lusk, Heidi Scheuermann, Steven Riley; PW Director Cliff Johnson; TC Alison Kaiser, Police Chief Ken Kaplan

Others Present:  Scott Monroe, Lyn Francis, Peter Beck, Neil Van Dyke, Wendall Mansfield, John Schnee, Francis Aumand, Frits Momsen, Larry Lackey

CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Scheuermann called the meeting to order at 8 am. 
  
TOWN MEETING
A. Reconsider Australian Ballot Article regarding Public Safety Facility & Finalize Town Meeting Warning:  Ms. Francis gave the history of the project and how the Article got to its present format.  She explained that after many discussions with other public safety officials they were of the opinion that the Article would fail.  They believe that the project can be more economical if the fire/rescue building remain separate from the police station.  Ms. Francis asked the Board to remove the Article from the Warning.  She asked the Board to consider allowing public safety personnel to explore further options and obtain costs involved to renovate the fire station to accommodate their needs.   She said she hoped that after further research, consideration of a special town meeting in November may be a possibility to put the project before the voters.

Mr. Beck asked that the Article remain on the Ballot and said that he was not in favor of scaling back the facility.  As a member of a committee which researched the project four years ago, Mr. Beck said the committee found that the consolidated facility was the best option.

Chief Kaplan expressed his disappointment with the request to withdraw the Article. 

Mr. Van Dyke said the space issues at the present building can be resolved for a lot less money including renovations to the police station.

Ms. Francis said that Fire and Rescue were looking for funds totaling $10,000 for a design study.    Mr. Van Dyke added that without the funds they would be unable to come back with a proposal.

Mr. Riley made a motion to strike Article 5 from the Warning, seconded by Mr. Marron.  

The Board asked that further discussion on the project take place at the Feb. 13, 2006 meeting. 

Mr. Lusk added that the Board also had an obligation to Chief Kaplan and the police station renovations.

Mr. Schnee asked at what point does the Town take over the project.  Mr. Marron stated that when funds are used for planning it will become the Town’s project and staff will take the lead.

Mr. Aumand cautioned keeping the facilities apart and that collocated facilities are not uncommon.

There was no further discussion.  Motion passed.  All were in favor. 

Ms. Scheuermann adjourned the meeting at 8:30 am.

Minutes submitted by Susan Moeck. 

Stowe Selectboard Meeting    Monday, February 13, 2006
Akeley Memorial Building    Minutes

4:30 pm SITE VISIT – Jackson Arena Garage – Present were Ted Teffner, Steven Riley, Heidi Scheuermann, Bruce Godin, Mike Manning, John Drury, Susan Moeck –

Mr. Godin explained that the proposed addition would be 25’ x 30’ with a concrete slab added onto the existing Park’s garage.  The $28,000 project is to be funded by monies which were to be used on the Jackson Arena lobby roof.

Present: Theodore Teffner, Heidi Scheuermann, Steven Riley, Charles Lusk (arrived at 5:48 pm); TA John Drury; Police Chief Ken Kaplan; Animal Control Officer Elizabeth Rankin

Absent: Richard Marron

Others Present:  Stowe Reporter Scott Monroe; Bob Evans; Lynn Altadonna, Chris Francis, Neil Van Dyke, Michael Diender, Marie Duquette

CALL TO ORDER
Chair Teffner called the meeting to order and Selectboard Orders were signed.   The Board briefly discussed the meeting schedule for March and determined that regular meeting dates for March would be Wed., March 15 and Mon., March 27. 

OTHER BUSINESS
Performance Evaluation Form – Mr. Riley made a motion to approve the proposed form as presented, seconded by Ms. Scheuermann. 

Mr. Drury stated that the new form will be used for all employees and evaluations will be conducted by July 1.

Motion carried.

Re-determination of Property Value:  The Board reviewed the redetermination by the state’s Property Valuation and Review Division.  Mr. Drury noted that Mr. Vickery was not in agreement with the stipulation and advised the Board not to sign.  Mr. Drury said Mr. Vickery would represent the Town at the hearing. 

On a motion by Ms. Scheuermann, seconded by Mr. Riley, the Board did not accept the stipulation agreement dated February 6, 2006. 

Union Contract Benefit Discussion:  The Board briefly discussed eligibility of union employees to receive a benefit of a 50% reduction in Rec program fees.  Mr. Drury stated that the benefit is not currently part of the Union Contract but is included as a non-union employee benefit.

The Board decided to postpone the discussion until the next Selectboard meeting on Feb. 27, 2006. 

PARKS, BUILDINGS, GROUNDS
A.  Review/Approve Budget Amendment for Garage Addition:  Ms. Scheuermann made a motion to approve the budget amendment in the amount of $28,000 for the garage addition and insulation of the building, seconded by Mr. Riley.  Motion carried.

Mr. Riley asked that a discussion by held at the next meeting regarding the capital reserve fund which was detailed in the most recent audit by Sullivan & Powers.  Mr. Drury said he would provide a list of the capital projects covered.

HIGHWAY
A. Review/Approve Budget Amendment – Winter Sand Increase:  Mr. Drury stated that the amendment did not require the Board’s approval but wanted the Board to be aware of the additional purchase of sand.  He said the Highway Dept. would be using repair funds from roads and bridges to make up for the additional funds required for the purchase of sand.

B. Review/Acknowledge Bridge Inspection Reports:  Since the Board had a couple of questions regarding the bridge inspection reports, they asked to postpone the discussion until the next Board meeting on Feb. 27th when Mr. Johnson would be available to answer questions – specifically regarding the Miller Brook project and whether Fed funds can be used for other bridge projects.

There was no further discussion.

C. 2nd Reading of Traffic Ordinance Amendment – Covered Bridge Road & Maple Run Lane:  Mr. Teffner read the amendment changing speed limits on Covered Bridge Road and Maple Run to 25 mph.

PUBLIC HEARING
At 5:35 pm, Mr. Teffner opened the Public Hearing for comment on the proposed amendment to the Traffic Ordinance reducing the speed to 25 mph on Covered Bridge Road and Maple Run Lane. 

There being no comments from those in attendance, Mr. Teffner closed the public hearing.

Ms. Scheuermann made a motion to approve the amendment as presented, seconded by Mr. Riley.  Motion carried. 

GENERAL GOVERNMENT
A. Review/Approve TN Associates Amendment to Affidavit:  Pursuant to Stowe Zoning Regulations Section 18 “Upon issuance of required local permits, the owner shall amend the affidavit to confirm and maintain a current record of the total acreage , including those that have been allocated for density purposes, that have been sold, and that have been retained by the owner.  The amended affidavits shall be submitted, reviewed, accepted, and signed by the Selectboard and recorded in the land records in accordance with this section.”

The proposed changes were approved as an administrative amendment in a letter dated Jan. 10, 2006 from Bryant Brink, Zoning Administrator.

On a motion by Mr. Riley, seconded by Ms. Scheuermann, the Board approved the Affidavit as presented.   There was no further discussion.

B. Review/Approve Amendment to Planning Commission Rules of
Operation:   After review of changes to the PC Rules of Operation which revised the
conflict of Interest section, the Board acknowledged the changes.  No approval was
necessary by the Board.

PERSONNEL
E. Review/Approve Hiring of Part Time Police Officer:  Mr. Riley made a motion to approve the hiring of Erica Harrington as part time police officer at $10.50 p/h.  Mr. Lusk seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

Chief Kaplan introduced Animal Control Officer Elizabeth Rankin to the Board.

GENERAL GOV (continued)
C. Discuss Local Option Tax with SAA Representatives: The Board reviewed a draft resolution presented by representatives of Stowe Area Association.  The proposed resolution calls for the formation of a Council made up of town officials, residents, SAA representatives and various Commission members to identify community infrastructural projects according to the Capital Program and Town Plan for recommendation to the Selectboard to be passed on to the voters for approval.   Funding of these projects would come from a local option tax.  The local option tax on meals, alcoholic beverages and rooms will be voted upon at March Town Meeting. 

The Board discussed with SAA representatives  - Chris Francis, Neil Van Dyke and Michael Diender – that the spirit of cooperation was the intent of the Resolution and that there may be legal restrictions placed on the Board in dealing with this arrangement.  During discussion suggested changes were made to the Resolution. 

Mr. Diender stated that they were looking at using the local option tax dollars in addition to regular capital items and not to shift dollars. 

Mr. Lusk stated that any language in the resolution that could be interpreted as binding would be disingenuous.
Ms. Scheuermann said the document needed to allow flexibility and was not in favor of rushing through the approval of the resolution.

Mr. Riley said he looked at the funds from local option taxes as a way of lowering property taxes. 

Mr. Van Dyke said they were looking for an agreement with the Board to show the spirit of cooperation. 

The Board scheduled a special meeting for Friday, Feb. 17, 2006 at 8 am to further review and possible approve the Resolution.

There was no further discussion. 

PERSONNEL (continued)
A.   Review/Accept Stowe FD Election of Officers:  Ms. Scheuermann made a motion to approve the Election of Officers as presented, seconded by Mr. Riley.  Motion carried.
B. Review/Approve Appointment of Deputy Health Officer:  Ms. Scheuermann made a motion to appoint Cliff Johnson as Deputy HO for another term, seconded by Mr. Lusk.  Motion carried.
C. Appoint Supervisor to LRSWMD Board:  Mr. Riley made a  motion to appoint Dale “Chip” Percy as Supervisor to the Solid Waste Board, seconded by Mr. Lusk.  Motion carried. 
D. Accept Resignations from Rec Commission and Conservation Commission:  The Board accepted with regret the resignation of Gene Cullen, Rec Commission and Jan Reynolds, Conservation Commission.  Mr. Teffner expressed gratitude for the time and effort given by both members. 

OTHER BUSINESS (continued)
Contract Issue:  Mr. Teffner made a motion for the Board to go into executive session at 7:08 pm to discuss a contract issue, seconded by Mr. Lusk.  Motion carried.

The Board came out of executive session at  7:25 pm.

No action was taken.

Mr. Teffner adjourned the meeting at 7:25 pm.

(This meeting is Mr. Teffner’s last regular meeting as a Selectboard member.)

Minutes respectfully submitted by Susan Moeck.

SPECIAL SELECTBOARD MEETING
Friday, February 17, 2006
Akeley Memorial Building
Town Administrator’s Office

Present:  Ted Teffner, Dick Marron, Heidi Scheuermann, Charles Lusk, Steve Riley by phone.

Others Present:  TA John Drury, Reporter Scott Monroe, Joe Mooney, Barbara Allaire, Larry Lackey, Chris Francis, Valerie Rochon, Michael Diender

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 am.

After review and discussion of the Local Option Tax Advisory Resolution, the resolution was approved by the Board.

The Stowe Derby Event Permit application was reviewed and approved.  The event will take place on February 26, 2006.

The Mt Mansfield Company requested a permit for a catering event to be held March 14-19,2006 in a tent erected for that purpose at Stowe Mountain Resort.  The permit was approved as presented.

Meeting adjourned at 8:20 am.
***

Stowe Selectboard Meeting    Monday, February 27, 2006
Stowe High School – Living Arts Room – 5 pm    Minutes
Public Information Meeting – 7 pm 

Present:  Selectboard Members:  Heidi Scheuermann, Richard Marron, Charles Lusk (arrived at 5:10 pm), Steven Riley; TA John Drury, PW Director Cliff Johnson, Rec Superintendent Rick Farnham, Finance Manager Karla Spaulding, Police Chief Ken Kaplan, Library Director Charlotte Maison

Others Present:  Parker Diamond (briefly); Fred Duplessis of Sullivan & Powers; Dick Johannesen, Meg Kauffman

CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Scheuermann called the meeting to order at 5:06 pm.  Selectboard Orders were signed.

GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Selectboard Presentation to Bud Keene:  This item was postponed.

FINANCE
A. Meet with Sullivan & Powers:  Fred Duplessis reviewed the 2005 audit with the Board and answered questions.  He explained that the audit is now in GASB 34 format which requires certain reporting never required before.  He also noted that the audit now includes a Management & Discussion Analysis which is prepared by the Town’s Finance Mgr. and will prove to be a most useful tool.  Mr. Duplessis presented the audit letter to Ms. Scheuermann.

Mr. Marron made a motion to accept the 2005 Audit Report as presented, seconded by Mr. Lusk.  Motion carried.

B. Review/approve Police Dept. Budget Amendment:  On a motion by Mr. Riley, seconded by Mr. Lusk, the Board approved the purchase of a laptop computer for the Police Dept. using DEA funds. 

PARKS, BUILDINGS & GROUNDS
A. Update on Jackson Arena Construction Project Progress:  Mr. Johnson reviewed the progress of the project noting that  the Friends of Jackson Arena have raised to date more that $250,000 which will permit the Town to proceed with the procurement of professional services for the design of the project. Staff is currently preparing an RFP outlining the program and services required for review by the Project Committee.   Mr. Johnson noted that the Project Committee is composed of staff and private citizens including Cliff Johnson, Rick Farnham, Bruce Godin, Bill Driscoll, Phil Scott (Rec Commission) and Don Post (Friends of Jackson Arena).  

Mr. Marron suggested that Tasha Wallis be asked if she would be interested in serving on the Committee.  Mr. Johnson said he would ask Ms. Wallis.
He added that once the RFP is finalized it will be publicly advertised. Consultants will be contacted in an effort to seek the most qualified firms available to provided the required services and that the Selectboard will have an opportunity to review the RFP at their meeting on March 15.

Mr. Riley voiced concern on how the facility will be managed once constructed.

There was no further discussion.

B. Review/Approve Engineering Contract for Drainage Design Improvements for Events Field:  Mr. Johnson The Board will recall that during the budget hearings staff recommended that the FY07 Capital Budget include funds for improvements to Event Fields A & B, but the costs for design services be funded in FY06 through the use of capital reserve funds. In this manner it would be possible to get an early start on construction in order for Field A to have a full growing season before being put back in service.

The Board reviewed staff’s recommendation on proposals received. 

Mr. Lusk made a motion to approve the engineering contract for improvements to the Events Fields to Summit Engineering Inc. in an amount up to an amount of $10,864 for design services and up to an amount of $3,420 for construction services contingent upon the approval of the 2007 Town Budget at Town Meeting March 7th.  Mr. Marron seconded the motion.   Motion carried.

HIGHWAY
A.  Review/Acknowledge Bridge Inspection Reports:  (Tabled from Feb. 13th meeting.)  The Board questioned several items in the inspection report including Miller Brook Bridge and the Mtn. Road Bridge. 

Mr. Johnson explained that the Miller Brook Bridge (#3) was identified in 1999 as needing repair and the Town entered into an agreement with the State at that time.  He added that the design work is finally complete and that $60,000 was appropriated in the FY02 Capital Budget for matching funds of 10% and that a small portion of those funds had already been expended for design fees.

Route 108 Bridge – Mr. Johnson said the Town had requested that AOT give this project a high priority.  He said that the State dropped the project to the bottom of the priority list and after further inquiries he had still no response from AOT.  Mr. Johnson added that repair work had been done last fall on the deck and that AOT applied a “shim” coat to protect the deck. 

Rhodes Bridge – Mr. Johnson stated that the Town was in the process of getting an estimate to repair the bridge.

On a motion by Mr. Marron, seconded by Mr. Lusk the Board acknowledged the 2005 Bridge Inspection Reports. 

Mr. Lusk asked if there was any consideration being given to the reconfiguration of the Tubbs Bridge and intersection at Route 100.  He said consideration should be given to pushing up the repair work schedule because it was important to address this area sooner than later. 

There was no further discussion.

Lamoille County Planning Commission
A.  Review/approve Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan:  Mr. Riley stated that he still had many concerns regarding the content of the Stowe portion of the plan and reviewed those concerns with the Board.

Mr. Drury suggested that Mr. Riley meet with Jim Rose of LCPC to go over those concerns.

Mr. Marron made a motion to approve the Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan subject to Mr. Riley’s concerns and satisfactory changes, seconded by Mr. Lusk.  Motion carried.

PERSONNEL
A. Review/approve Union Benefit Request:  On a motion by Mr. Marron, seconded by Mr. Lusk, the Board went into executive session with Mr. Drury in attendance at 6:45 pm.

The Board came out of executive session at 6:53 pm.

Mr. Marron made a motion to deny the request to consider the benefit of a 50% reduction in recreation program fees for IBEW union employees.  Mr. Riley seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
A.  Meet with Candidate(s):  Meg Kauffman was in attendance to meet the Board.  The Board reviewed a recommendation from the Library Board.

Mr. Riley made a motion to appoint Ms. Kauffman to fill the vacancy left when Chess Brownell resigned as Library Trustee.  Mr. Marron seconded the motion.  Motion carried. 

OTHER BUSINESS
Akeley Building and Trapp Adams Camp Bonding Resolutions: Mr. Marron made a motion to sign the bonding resolutions as presented, seconded by Mr. Lusk.  Motion carried. 

Minutes- The minutes of 1/23, 2/3,2/13 & 2/17 were approved with minor changes.

There being no further business to conduct, Ms. Scheuermann adjourned the meeting at 6:56 pm.

The Board then proceeded to the auditorium to attend the Public Information Meeting to discuss and answer questions regarding the  Annual Town Meeting Australian Ballot Articles.  The School Board was also present to discuss and answer questions regarding the Annual School District Australian Ballot Article.

The information meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm. 

Present:  Selectboard Members Scheuermann, Lusk, Marron, Riley.  TA John Drury, PW Director Cliff Johnson, TC Alison Kaiser, Susan Moeck; School Board Members Cam Page, Fred Hutchins, Jed Lipsky, Terry Dwyer; Superintendent of Schools Alice Angney.

Others Present:  Ashley Tagatac, Denise Rouillard, Charles Wolf, Merton Pike, Gail & Ed Kaiser, Barbara Baraw, Heather Furman, Charles Berry, Denise Gutstein, Scott Monroe.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Susan Moeck.

4