Present: Selectboard Members: Heidi Scheuermann, Norman Williams, Richard Marron by phone; Town Manager Charles Safford; Public Works Director Justin Rabidoux; Animal Control Officer Elizabeth Rankin
Absent: Paco Aumand; Larry Lackey
Others Present: Barbara Allaire, Jessica & Scott Moriarty; Tessa Eisenberg, Frits Momsen, Lynn Jeffery, Eve Lepcio, Donna Adams, Elise , Sporty Bell, Karen Aikens, (many people did not sign in)
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Heidi Scheuermann called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm and Selectboard Orders were signed.
APPROVE THE AGENDA
Liquor Consent Items were moved to the end of the Agenda. On a motion by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Marron, the Board approved the Agenda.
CONSENT ITEMS
A. School Grounds Maintenance Agreement
B. Sewer SCADA & Computer Upgrade Bid Waiver
C. Payroll Warrant Approval Authorization
D. Award Main St Sidewalk RFP
E. Award MRV Mtn Rd Sidewalk RFP
F. Award School St Sidewalk RFP
G. Award Library Construction Project Bid
H. Sewer & Water Connection Applications
I. Petition for Redetermination Stipulation
J. Safety & Wellness Policy
K. Award 4th of July Fireworks Bid
L . Minutes
On a motion by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Marron, the Board approved the Consent Items.
Ms. Scheuermann introduced and welcomed Parks & Recreation Director Marge McIntosh.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE
A. “DogPark” Concerns Follow Up: Mr. Safford reviewed proposed changes from input of the last meeting to the Ordinance affecting the Mayo Farm area and Quiet Path used by many people with their dogs. The changes propose rerouting the Field G entrance to the Quiet Path approx. 100’ away from the Moriarty’s property and the cemetery. Also proposed was the addition of a split rail fence separating the parking lot from the grass area and making Field G a leached area. Fines were also increased and the addition of informational signs in parking areas.
Those in attendance expressed concern over the increase in the leashed area and fence. Requests were made that the Town consider adding a wire fence on the property line of Field G to keep dogs away from the Moriarty property and allowing Field G to continue to be an off leash area.
Mr. Williams stated that he felt the proposed solution was moderate and stated that in order to resolve the situation entirely the Cemetery Road parking lot should be closed and all parking and dog walkers should be directed to park at the Homestead Lot on Mayo Farm Road.
Mr. Marron made a motion to approve the plan as recommended by staff to relocate the Field G entrance to the Quiet Path, erect a split rail fence to guide visitors to its entrance, and to erect signs in the five Mayo Farm parking areas as indicated with the money to come out of the Selectboard contingency. Mr. Williams seconded the motion.
Someone asked if the plan could be phased in and route people through the middle of Field G and keep it unleashed to see if it works and alleviates the problem. It was also asked if a simple wire fence could be installed prior to adopting the proposed changes.
During further discussion, suggestions were made to provide more trash cans in the area and bag dispensers and staff noted these requests.
The Board approved the motion.
B. Review Proposed Amendments: Mr. Marron suggested adding language to allow service dogs and guide dogs in the Cemetery.
Mr. Marron made a motion to approve the Animal Control Ordinance and warn for a public hearing on May 11th.
Mr. Safford asked if it was the Board’s intent to have the athletic fields as a leashed area. He said it was signed that was but not included in the Ordinance.
Mr. Marron said he was not sure and there was discussion regarding the events fields and athletic fields. There was concensus to further review it during the public hearing process.
There was further discussion regarding the Quiet Path adjacent to the events fields and where the leashed areas were vs. off leash areas.
Mr. Jaqua offered the assistance of the Conservation Commission to help clarify some of the issues being raised regarding the Mayo Farm.
Ms. Scheuermann asked that staff look further into some of the questions being raised and there be further discussion at the next meeting with a larger map for discussion purposes.
Mr. Marron and Mr. Williams agreed to withdraw the motion to warn the public hearing.
There was no further discussion.
TRAFFIC ORDINANCE
A. Review Proposed Amendments: Mr. Safford said the village and town traffic ordinances were never merged and the proposed draft incorporated this in a working document. Mr. Safford added that the Ordinance also included a recommendation by the Village Center Committee to change the parking from two hour to three hour. He stated that the Ordinance also included a stronger enforcement of parking violations.
The was concensus of the Board to leave the parking fine at $10.00.
On a motion by Mr. Willliams, seconded by Mr. Marron, the Board moved to approve the proposed Ordinance and warn for a public hearing for May 11, 2009.
Mr. Safford said there was a signage plan in the works by staff for new parking signs. He noted several edits to the draft suggested by Mr. Lackey.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Real Estate
B. Personnel
The Board went into executive session at 6:40 pm on a motion by Mr. Williams seconded by Mr. Marron.
The Board came out of executive session at 6:55 pm.
On a motion by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Marron the Board moved to recognize the Stowe Electric Department’s right to negotiate and provide VELCO an easement and instruct the Town Manager to provide a letter with these minutes or any other documentation required that is acceptable to the Town Attorney to enable an easement to be effectuated that is acceptable to the Electric Department.
LIQUOR CONSENT ITEMS
A. GraciesRestaurant Relocation Letter & Outside Consumption Permit
B. Annual Renewals (continued)
On a motion by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Aumand (via telephone), the Board approved the Liquor Consent Items. Mr. Marron recused himself.
There being no further business to conduct, Ms. Scheuermann adjourned the meeting at 7 pm.
