Special Selectboard Meeting Monday, April 3, 2006 Town Admin. Office 8 am Present: Selectboard Members: Heidi Scheuermann, Dick Marron, Paco Aumand, Larry Lackey, Steve Riley by phone; TA John Drury; PW Director Cliff Johnson; PD Tom Jackman; HS Steve Bonneau; Melvin Wells Others Present: Richard Baker Call to Order Ms. Scheuermann called the meeting to order at 8:04 am. Ms. Scheuermann presented Melvin Wells with his Roads Scholar certificate which was awarded through the Local Road program upon completion of 10 courses. PERSONNEL Mr. Marron made a motion for the Board to go into executive session at 8:06 am with Mr. Drury and Mr. Jackman in attendance. The motion was seconded by Ms. Scheuermann and carried. At approx. 8:20 am the Board invited Mr. Baker to join them in executive session. The Board came out of executive session at 8:38 am. Mr. Marron made a motion to appoint Mr. Baker as Zoning Director at a grade 18 step 4 $51,421.24/year and upon successful completion of a six month probationary period to a grade 18 step 5 $53,220.44/year. The motion was seconded and approved. Mr. Baker said he planned on starting in his position on May 2. There was no further discussion. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 am. Minutes respectfully submitted by Susan Moeck. ***
STOWE SELECTBOARD MEETING Monday, April 10, 2006
Akeley Memorial Building 5pm Present: Selectboard Members: Heidi Scheuermann, Richard Marron, Steven Riley, Larry Lackey; TA John Drury; PW Director Cliff Johnson; Rec Superintendent Rick Farnham; Auditors Joyce Lawrence, Skeeter Austin, Barbara Allaire; Others Present: Scott Monroe, Pall & Susan Spera, Lorrie & Alan Handwerger, Hal Stevens, Nelson Riley, Jeff Kilgore, Rick Carrick CALL TO ORDER
Chair Heidi Scheuermann called the meeting to order at 5:02 pm and Selectboard Orders were signed. APPROVE THE AGENDA
Mr. Lackey made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Mr. Marron. Motion carried. APPROVE CONSENT ITEMS
A. Auditors – Approve Sullivan & Powers Scope of Services for Stowe Electric
B. Minutes of 4/3/06
On a motion by Mr. Marron, seconded by Mr. Riley the Board approved the consent items as presented. GENERAL GOVERNMENT
A. Review/Approve Delinquent Tax Resolution: Mr. Marron made a motion to approve and sign the resolution for collection of expenses incurred by the Collector of Delinquent Taxes for legal assistance in preparation for or conduct for tax sales provided. Mr. Riley seconded. Motion carried.
B. Discuss Use of Dave’s Mobil Greenspace: On a request by the Handwergers, the Board discussed the town owned property located on the corner of Park and Main Streets. The Handwergers stated that they had received 60 responses in answer to their inquiry regarding the property and what people believed could done with the greenspace. Mr. Handwerger said he thought the property was under utilized and had a desire to give people the opportunity to sit at tables and enjoy the village. Mr. Marron said it was not the intention of the property to become an extension of a commercial enterprise. Mr. Lackey said the property could be a focal point of the village and would like to see the space used by placing some picnic tables on a trial basis and see how it is used. Mr. Riley asked the interested parties to return to the Board with a specific plan and a detailed proposal for the area. Ms. Scheuermann agreed and asked the group to come back with a specific plan. There was no further discussion.
MAYO EVENTS FIELD
A. Review/Approve 2006 Special Event Field Uses: Mr. Farnham presented an outline of proposed events and fees for the Mayo Events Field for this season. He noted that the Dept. has initiated another step to enhance the communication with event promoters by requiring a mandatory meeting with the parties prior to the event.
Both Mr. Lackey and Mr. Marron noted that the agreements with the event organizers need to outline policies regarding fees and a refund policy if any. Mr. Farnham said he would do so. Mr. Lackey asked Mr. Farnham to alert event organizers that whenever possible the public should have full access to the Quiet Path. He also said he would like to review the fee schedule for the future to see if the fees charged would help to cover the cost of improvements made to the fields. Mr. Marron made a motion to approve the 2006 Mayo Events Field Schedule and fees recommended as presented, seconded by Mr. Riley. Motion carried. POLICE
A. Review/Approve Budget Amendment: On a motion by Mr. Marron, seconded by Mr. Lackey the Board approved the $6,120.65 budget amendment of DEA funds for the purchase of a new video security system. SEWER & WATER COMMISSION
A. Review/Approve Connection Applications: Ewen, Kirkwood Lane, 540 gpd water; Baraw Enterprises, 1746 Mountain Road, 2440 gpd sewer & 2430 gpd water.
On a motion by Mr. Riley, seconded by Mr. Marron, the Board approved the applications as presented. B. Review/Approve Notchbrook Homeowners Assoc. Water Service Agreement: Mr. Johnson explained that NBHA had received a commitment for a $1.46 million loan to construct a waterline from Mountain Rd up to a booster station to be located on their property and then to a reservoir for distribution to approximately 40 single family homes. The plan, previously discussed with the Board, was for the entire system up to and including curb stops to become the property of the Town, subject to the VEDA loan and for the Town water department to operate the system. NBHA would have to provide a two year warranty on the system. Access and use charges would be in accordance with the rate schedule in effect. After discussion with NBHA’s attorney Hal Stevens, the Board asked staff to follow up on the following issues: have the Town’s attorney review and correct Section 16 “owner/contractor” which did not match with the first paragraph “company/town”; include the referenced exhibit; clarify that not only is the main line being taken over by the Town but also the entire distribution system; clarify that the Town has not liability to VEDA; clarify the relationship and responsibility of the Town with Association vs. homeowner; clarify fairness issue for assessing other connections after the fact for properties located below the pump station. Both Mr. Johnson and Mr. Drury stated they would forward the Board’s concerns to the town’s attorney and bring the agreement back before the Board at their next meeting on April 24th. There was no further discussion. LIQUOR
Mr. Marron recused himself due to statutory restrictions.
A. Review/Approve Requests to Cater – Trapp Family Lodge: Mr. Riley made a motion to approve Catering Permits for the following events to be held at Trapps – June 10, June 24, July 1, July 22 and August 5, 2006. Mr. Lackey seconded the motion. Motion carried.
B. Review/Approve Outside Consumption Permit – Stowe Capital dba Rimrocks: Mr. Riley made a motion to approve the Outiside Consumption Permit as presented on the condition that DRB approval was in place for outside seating, seconded by Mr. Lackey. Motion carried.
C. Annual Renewals – The Shed – Mr. Riley made a motion to approve the 1st Class Restaurant License renewal, seconded by Mr. Lackey. Motion carried. Mr. Riley made a motion to approve the 2nd Class License application renewals for The Shed, Inc. and Dayboat Fish Co. dba Stowe Seafood, seconded by Mr. Lackey. Motion carried. STOWE THEATRE GUILD
A. Meet with Jeff Kilgore: With their lease to begin May 1st, Mr. Kilgore thanked the Board for allowing the STG to continue using the theatre. He said the Board was not actively searching for another site at this time. Mr. Lackey asked that STG and patrons refrain from parking in the Stafford’s parking lot. There was no further discussion. SELECTBOARD
A. Review/Discuss List of Priorities: Mr. Drury provided a summary of the Board’s previous discussion regarding the priorities which the Board would like to see addressed in the coming year as follows:
Heidi Scheuermann: Town Vault/Town offices, Public Safety Building, Police Department Budget/Programs, Village sustainability/viability, Housing
Richard Marron: Town Vault/Town offices, Water/Sewer Finances, Rescue/Fire building, Maintaining Town Budget growth within the growth of the grand list, Charter Amendment for Town Manager Form of Government
Paco Aumand: Police Department Budget/Programs, Charter Change for Town Manager Form of Government, Public Safety Facility, Town Vault/Town offices Larry Lackey: Town Vault/Town offices, Public Safety building, Police Department Budget/Programs, Town Budget/Program Budgeting, Jackson Arena, Charter Change for Town Manager form of Government, Accelerating Sidewalk construction
Steve Riley: VELCO Line, Statewide Property Tax, Local Option Tax (Sales Tax Analysis and no sun-setting of law), Charter Change for Town Manager Form of Government, Impact Fees, Water and Sewer service to Moscow Mr. Drury indicated that the status on these priorities were as follows: 1. Town vault/Town offices: The Board solicited public interest for participation on a committee to look into the various options.
2. Public Safety Building: The Board reviewed the draft RFP, expanded the scope of services to include compliance with zoning-by-laws and state building codes, evaluate cost of one consolidated facility as well as two separate buildings, and evaluate a 15 year fix as well as a 30 year fix. The RFP is out on the street.
3. Housing: Lamoille Housing Partnership has received approval from the DRB and is in the ACT 250 process to construct a project on Sylvan Park Road (see attached DRB decision).
4. Village Sustainability: The Town Plan (Settlement Patterns) page 102 discusses village sustainability/enhancement through certain zoning initiatives and master planning initiatives primarily assigned to the Planning Commission and Selectboard.
5. Water/Sewer Finances: Richard Marron and Heidi Scheuermann have been appointed to the Water/Sewer Committee which is comprised of: Mr. Mooney, Mr. Diender, Mr. Van Dyke, Ms. Duquette, Ms. Baraw-Smith. This committee continues to meet and work on a recommended solution for the Boards consideration.
6. Town Budget/Program Budget: Program budgeting was introduced in FY 04 to Department Heads and the Selectboard. It is in its infancy and will take significant time, resources and education to reach is full potential as a meaningful tool to effectively evaluate the full cost of government services. The budget process commences the first week of September during which the Town Administrator and Department Heads work together to prepare a draft budget for Selectboard consideration. The Selectboard receives the Draft Budget the second week of November. The Selectboard deliberates the budget the months of November, December and January.
7. Charter Change/Town Manger Form of Government: Previously the Selectboard discussed developing a committee to go through the Charter and make recommended changes. No committee has been formed.
8. Police Budget: The Police Department has attempted to develop a program budget the last two years and continues to provide its annual budget requests to the Board.
9. Jackson Arena: The Town approved a bond issue of up to $2,000,000 or 50% which ever is less to construction of this facility. Fund raising efforts have generated $250,000 which is sufficient to do the design work. No bond issue will be issued until a budget based on the design has been established and all fund raising efforts are complete. The Public Works Department has developed an RFP to conduct the design in concert with a committee (Tasha Wallis, Don Post, Phil Scott, Bill Driscoll, Rick Farnham, Bruce Godin, Leo Clark and Cliff Johnson). The RFP is out on the Street.
10. Accelerating Sidewalk construction: A Federal Transportation Bill earmarked $835,000 to construct a sidewalk up Maple Street to West Hill Road and through Lower village. The earmark was reduced by 15% by the President leaving a total of $ 709,750. It is expected that the Town would come up with 20% to match the federal money, thereby increasing the project budget to $851,700. The sidewalks are completely designed and ready to go with the exception of drainage work. An engineer will need to be hired to complete the plans and specifications. A sidewalk has been designed from Weeks Hill Road to the Rusty Nail. A state enhancement grant has been secured. The project will be bid out this summer. Lamoille Housing Project is in the process of designing a sidewalk on Sylvan Park road that will tie into the Lower village proposed sidewalk project. The Highway Dept will be replacing the sidewalk between Main Street and the 108 bridge this summer.
11. VELCO line: Steve Riley has been designated as the Boards representative with counsel to continue to participate in the progress of this project.
12. Statewide Property Tax: Stowe continues to maintain membership with the Vermont Coalition of Municipalities with its $250.00 annual membership dues. The coalition works towards finding a better alternative to education funding other than act 68 (see attached).
13. Local Option Tax: Voters approved a 1% local option tax on rooms, meals and alcohol. This takes effect July 1, 2006. The Selectboard developed a Council by resolution (see attached) to make recommendation on qualifying projects.
14. Impact Fees: The Selectboard approved the contract to conduct an Impact Fee Study at the last Board meeting.
15. Water/Sewer service to Moscow: A $16,000 study has been commissioned and is underway to evaluate the feasibility, location and cost of expanding water and sewer service to Moscow. The study should be ready for Selectboard approval by July 1, 2006. After discussion, the following Board members were assigned to the priorities as follows: Town Vault/Town Offices – Mr. Marron was designated organizational chair and a list of committee members was approved as follows: Ken Libby, Barbara Pfitzenmayer, Leighton Detora, Biddle Duke, Tim Meenan, Evelyn Frey, Rick Carrick, Barbara Allaire, Barbara Baraw, Kurt Hanson, Mary Evslin, Alison Kaiser. Mr. Marron asked staff to send a letter to all participants providing background information and rules of operation. Mr. Marron said a meeting date would be set soon. Village Sustainabililty – Heidi Scheuermann
Water/Sewer Committee – Heidi Scheuermann & Dick Marron
Charter Change – Town Mgr. Form of Government – Paco Aumand
Police Budget – Larry Lackey
VELCO – Steve Riley
Statewide Property Tax – Mr. Riley asked that the Board place this item on the agenda on a quarterly basis for discussion.
Local Option Tax – Steve Riley
Local Option Tax Advisory Council – Board asked staff to place this item on the next agenda OLD BUSINESS
Rotary Barn: Ms. Scheuermann asked that the Rotary Barn be discussed at the next meeting on the 24th of April. PERSONNEL
At 7:47 pm, Mr. Marron made a motion for the Board to go into executive session with Mr. Drury in attendance to discuss a personnel matter. Seconded by Ms. Scheuermann, motion carried. The Board came out of executive session at 8 pm. On a motion by Mr. Marron, seconded by Mr. Riley, the Board approved an unpaid leave of absence for Zoning Assistant Donna Martin until such time there is notification of a new prognosis or until April 24th whichever comes first. There was no further discussion. Ms. Scheuermann adjourned the meeting at 8:02 pm. Minutes respectfully submitted by Susan Moeck. ***
STOWE SELECTBOARD MEETING Monday, April 24, 2006
Akeley Memorial Building – Banquet Room 5 pm
Present: Selectboard Members: Heidi Scheuermann, Richard Marron, Paco Aumand, Steven Riley, Larry Lackey; TA John Drury; PWD Cliff Johnson; Police Chief Ken Kaplan
Others Present: Barbara Allaire, Barbara Baraw, Sonny Davis, Reporter Scott Monroe, Evelyn Frey, Bob Evans, Hal Stevens, Jens Moeller, Peter Duchessi, Helen Beckerhoff, Reporter John Bauer, Howard Alpert, Ken Libby, Alan & Lorrie Handwerger CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Scheuermann called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm and Selectboard Orders were signed. APPROVE THE AGENDA
Mr. Lackey asked to pull the police cruiser purchase from consent items; Mr. Drury asked to postpone the highway truck bid; Mr. Marron asked to pull the sewer and water connection applications from consent items.
Mr. Marron made a motion to approve the revised agenda, seconded by Mr. Aumand. Motion carried.
APPROVE CONSENT ITEMS
D. Highway Garage Roof Bid
E. Minutes Mr. Marron made a motion to approve the consent items as presented, seconded by Mr. Lackey. Motion carried. POLICE
A. Review/Approve Special Event Fees: Chief Kaplan explained that the current rate charged for event fees is $40 per hour for each officer and $19 per hour for a cruiser. He requested an increase to $50 per hour for a police officer and $20 per hour for a vehicle to cover the cost of delivering the service. Mr. Marron pointed out that the audit noted that the Town was not properly charging for events and not covering our fringe benefit costs. Mr. Drury suggested a study on fleet management costs to determine the average vehicle costs Mr. Aumand made a motion to authorize charging $50 an hour for officers for special events and leaving the vehicle cost at $19 and direct the town administrator to work with the police chief to do a fleet management study to determine the actual cost and come back to the board with those findings. Mr. Marron seconded the motion. Mr. Aumand suggested that the vehicle rate remain at $19 until such time that the study finds different information. Motion carried. STOWE ELECTRIC
A. Review/Approve IBEW Union Contract: At 5:22 pm, Mr. Aumand made a motion for the Board to go into executive session with Ellen Burt, Ed French and Mr. Drury in attendance, seconded by Mr. Marron. Motion carried. The Board came out of executive session at 5:40 pm. Mr. Marron made a motion to approve the 2006-2009 IBEW contract between the Town of Stowe and Stowe Electric as presented, seconded by Mr. Lackey. Motion carried. SEWER & WATER COMMISSION
A. Review/Approve Notchbrook Homeowners Assoc. Water Service Agreement: Ms. Scheuermann noted that a copy of the agreement was not available for review. Mr. Stevens stated that they were in the process of revising the agreement in accordance with the town’s attorney’s concerns. He asked at this time that the Board approve the Water Service Connection Application. Based on the Board’s concerns at the last meeting, Mr. Stevens said the association was considering different rates for different users and believed that some break will be given to those located lower on the road. He said the Association will be the owner/operator until such time the Agreement is finalized with the Town. Mr. Marron said once the connection application is approved for 12,240 gpd water, the Association will then have to come back to the Board within a year with and agreement on how it will be hooked up and paid for. B. Sewer & Water Connection Applications: On a motion by Mr. Marron, seconded by Mr. Aumand, the Board approved the Notchbrook Homeowners Assoc. water connection application for 38 homes, 92 bedrooms, 12,420 gpd water. Mr. Marron made a motion to approve the water & sewer connection application for Howard & Howard 136 gpd sewer, 153 gpd water, seconded by Mr. Aumand. Motion carried. Mr. Marron made a motion, seconded by Mr. Riley to approve 120 gpd sewer for Westwood Wilson. Motion carried.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
A. Discuss Use of Dave’s Mobil Greenspace: As discussed at the 4/10/06 meeting, those requesting more seating on the greenspace were in attendance and provided a proposed sketch for the Board’s review.
Mr. Marron reminded those in attendance that the original Article which the voters passed was to create “open green space within the village”. Mr. Lackey said he would like to hear what the interested parties have in mind. Mr. Riley agreed with Mr. Marron and said he always felt that the area should be open greenspace. Ms. Scheuermann said she was not opposed to seeing something in the area. She would be opposed to something such as a fountain. Mr. Aumand said he would like to act within the spirit of the original vote and said that by placing tables and chairs may not take away from the intent since there were not permanent structures. He cautioned though by saying that this proposal may change the character of the area to possibly a picnic area and that would concern him. Mr. Handwerger said he felt the space did not have a purpose and looked like an open lot and would like to see the area more user friendly. He said if the Board was not in favor of picnic tables then possibly chairs could be considered so that they could be moved etc. The discussion continued and other suggestions were made to include trees and flowers. Vandalism was an item of concern. Mr. Marron suggested looking at the proposals which were submitted in 2001. Ms. Scheuermann agreed. Ms. Scheuermann said that she could work with the interested parties to bring back some type of plan to the Board. Mr. Lackey said he would like to see more benches or chairs in the area to see how they are utilized. Ms. Scheuermann said further discussion would take place at a future meeting. B. Discuss Rotary Barn: Ms. Scheuermann stated that she had asked that this item be discussed. Following up on the Historical Society’s request to further study the building, Ms. Scheuermann asked Ms. Baraw what outcome there was if any. Ms. Baraw said that the Historical Society had “hit a wall” after several discussions with Doug Porter of __________ . She said he suggested removing all the items from the building and walls so that one could see the true condition of the building. But nothing further had been done. Mr. Drury read from the Jan. 2005 assessment of the condition of the building which recommended the destruction of the building. Mr. Riley said he would consider any plans someone might have for the building. He suggested an ad be placed requesting ideas. He said he knew the frame of the building is magnificent. Ms. Scheuermann agreed and said that something needed to be done very soon and a decision needed to be made. Both Mr. Riley and Mr. Lackey questioned the 2005 assessment and some of the assumptions that were reported. Further discussion included use of the building by the Recreation Dept.; moving the building to the Mayo Farm property; demolition and use of the current space for additional parking for the arena. Mr. Riley suggested getting a couple of crews together to clean out the building. Mr. Aumand said if you start with a systematic approach first by removing things and then have another assessment by someone. And if nothing positive comes of that then start the steps to remove the building. Mr. Drury said staff would work on getting the building cleaned out and look further into some the past Rec proposals for the building. Mr. Aumand asked if another assessment could be obtained for its structural value and have someone provide a value to the timbers etc. Ms. Scheuermann agreed. There was no further discussion. C. Review/Approve Annual List of Appointments for Boards & Commissions and other Officials (see attached): Mr. Aumand made a motion to approve the Annual List of Appointments as presented with vacancies for Electric Commissioner and Grand Juror, seconded by Mr. Riley. Motion carried. The Board asked staff to contact Mr. Spera regarding his interest in Agent to Convey Real Estate to further discuss. Mr. Drury said he would do so. D. Review/Approve 2006-07 List of Holidays: Mr. Marron made a motion to approve the Annual List of Holidays as presented, seconded by Mr. Riley. Motion carried. E. Discuss Town Vault/Offices Committee: The Board reviewed the proposed “charge” of the committee as follows: “To assess the Town vault and office needs now and into the foreseeable future (20 years) and make a recommendation to the Selectboard on how to best address these needs. The assessment/recommendation should address at least the following: (see attached). The Board also reviewed a letter of interest from Sonny Davis. Mr. Marron made a motion to appoint Sonny Davis to the committee, seconded by Mr. Riley. Motion carried. Mr. Lackey made a motion to approve the “charge” of the committee with a change from 20 years to 10-20 years, seconded by Mr. Aumand. Motion carried. F. Discuss Local Option Tax Advisory Council: The Board discussed the formation of the council according the Resolution and advised staff to place an ad in the Stowe Reporter asking for volunteers for the two seats available. The Board also asked staff to send a letter to SAA, Planning Commission, Rec Commission and Conservation Commission from the Chair requesting them to appoint one member each to the Council. It was agreed that a Selectboard member would not be appointed to the Council. Mr. Drury said he would do so. There was no further discussion. LIQUOR COMMISSION
Mr. Marron recused himself due to statutory restrictions.
A. Review/approve Request to Cater by Michael’s on the Hill – 5/30/06 Stone Hill Inn: Mr. Riley made a motion to approve the request to cater submitted by Michael’s on the Hill for a cocktail party to be held at the Stone Hill Inn on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mr. Lackey seconded the motion. Motion carried. B. Review/Approve Annual Renewals: Mr. Riley made a motion, seconded by Mr. Lackey to approve the 1st Class Restaurant license renewal application, submitted by Restaurant Swisspot of Stowe, Limited. Motion carried. Mr. Riley made a motion, seconded by Mr. Lackey to approve the 1st Class Hotel license and Tobacco license renewal applications, submitted by InnCrowd, Inc. d/b/a Stowehof Inn. Motion carried. Mr. Riley made a motion, seconded by Mr. Lackey to approve the 1st Class Hotel license renewal application, submitted by Mansfield Inn Management Inc. dba Mansfield Inn at Stowe (formerly Mtn Road Resort). Motion carried. Mr. Riley made a motion, seconded by Mr. Aumand to approve the Tobacco License renewal application submitted by Thistle Family LLC, d/b/a Lackeys. Motion carried. Mr. Lackey recused.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS – Removed
A. Discuss Removed Items B. Purchase of Police Cruiser: The Board reviewed information from the Chief regarding police cruiser bids and questioned if proper procedure had been followed.
After discussion, the Board asked the Chief to go out for bids again. Chief Kaplan said he would do so. There was no further discussion. New Business
LC Sheriff’s Advisory Board – Mr. Riley said he was stepping down from the Board and made a motion to appoint Mr. Aumand to the LC Advisory Board, Mr. Marron seconded the motion. Motion carried. Town Charter – Mr. Aumand said he was researching revised language for the Charter specifically pertaining to the Town Manager position and would have a draft for the Board’s review at a future meeting. PERSONNEL(Possible Executive Session)
A. Discuss Personnel Issue & B. Discuss Pending Litigation: At 7:50 pm, the Board went into executive session to discuss a Personnel issue and a pending legal matter concerning information which pre-mature disclosure would place the Town at a disadvantage on a motion by Mr. Marron, seconded by Mr. Lackey. Motion carried. The Board came out of executive session at 8:15 pm. A motion was made by Mr. Marron and seconded to instruct the Town Administrator to take appropriate action on the Zoning Administrative Assistant position. Motion passed. No other action was taken. Ms. Scheuermann adjourned the meeting at 8:16 pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Susan Moeck.
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