Stowe Selectboard Meeting                       Monday, August 10, 2009

Akeley Memorial Building                          5:30 pm

Present:          Selectboard Members: Heidi Scheuermann, Larry Lackey, Norm Williams, Dick Marron, Paco Aumand; Town Manager Charles Safford; Planning Director Tom Jackman; PW Director Justin Rabidoux

Others Present:          Electric Commissioners Ted Teffner, Denise Gutstein, Arthur Lloyd; Stowe Electric GM Ellen Burt; Superintendent Steve Lambert; Comptroller Pat Householder; Dawn Haslam, Ed French, Ken Biedermann, Scott Noble, David Jaqua, Reporter Lisa McCormack, Barbara Allaire, Howard Levine, Paul Reed

Chair Scheuermann called the meeting to order and Selectboard Orders were signed.

On a motion by Mr. Marron, seconded by Mr. Williams, the Board approved the agenda with the removal of Consent Items C & D for discussion.

On a motion by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Lackey, the Board approved the Consent Items A, B and E.

A.       Request to Cater – Topnotch 8/20; 8/22;10/11

On a motion by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Lackey, the Board approved the Liquor Consent Items as presented.

C.       British Invasion Village Special Event Permit – It was noted that Main Street would be closed from 6-10 pm with the same arrangement with Stowe Police as the Antique Car Show. 

On a motion by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Lackey, the Board approved the British Invasion Village Permit as presented.

D.       Theatre Space Rental Request – removed until the 8/24 meeting.

A.       Meet with Electric Commissioners – Prior to the meeting, the Board was presented with detailed information on the Stowe Electric Department. 

The Electric Department Commissioners and General Manager discussed what they have recently accomplished and their plan for the future. There was a discussion of how the Stowe Electric Department rates compare to other Vermont electric utilities. There was also a brief discussion regarding the possibility of charter changes to clarify roles and responsibilities.

It was noted that the Electric Department would seek financing for the purchase of Velco equity issue and would require a special town meeting in November. 

The Board requested that another meeting be scheduled with Stowe Electric for further discussion regarding lines of communication, governance and the Charter. It was agreed that they would meet at a future date.

The Board asked that Electric Department Commission supply copies of meeting minutes and agendas or any other information they would like to supply for placement on the Town’s website. Ms. Burt said they would do so.

The Board reviewed information provided by the “Schematic Design & Cost Estimate to Replace Overhead Utilities with Underground Utilities” prepared by Ed Pearson in September 2008. Cost estimates were Phase I Center Village $3,211,464; Phase 2 South Village $1,633,518; Phase 3 North Village $597,751 for a total of $5,700,000. 

Staff indicated that it does not anticipate the Town being able to undertake the improvements only using local tax dollars in the foreseeable future. The Town could pursue a federal earmark for the entire project or just Phase I. The Board discussed this option and the details of the different project Phases.

On a motion by Mr. Marron, seconded by Mr. Lackey, the Board approved the draft letters to be sent to the federal delegation requesting federal funding of $3 million dollars to underground the power lines.

Mr. Marron, Mr. Lackey and Ms. Scheuermann voted in favor. Mr. Aumand and Mr. Williams opposed.

The Board reviewed the schedule for preparation and presentation of the FY 11 Budget Schedule (attached). Staff

On a motion by Mr. Marron, seconded by Mr. Williams, the Board adopted the FY 11 Budget Schedule and recommended policy direction.

A.       Continue Review – The Board took up further review beginning at Town Government and ending at the Recreation section. Further review will take place on August 24, 2009 meeting.

There being no further business to conduct, Ms. Scheuermann adjourned the meeting at 8:15 pm.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Susan Moeck.

Present:     Selctboard Members: Heidi Scheuermann, Dick Marron, Norm Williams and Larry Lackey. Absent: Paco Aumand. Also present: Charles Safford, Town Manager; Justin Rabidoux, Public Works Director; Tom Jackman, Town Planner.

Others Present: Nancy Jeffries-Dwyer, Connie Bull, Barbara Baraw, Lisa McCormack, Stowe Reporter; Valerie Rochon, Ed Stahl, Susan Spera, Alan Thorndike, Moira Duruin, Metzi Anderson, Robert Moore, Kris Kelly, Annie Miller, Karl Schroll, Katherine Sundstrom, Larry Miller, Alan Thorndike, Paul Reed and Charles Lusk.

                                                     CALL TO ORDER

Chair Scheuermann called the meeting to order and Selectboard Orders signed.

On a motion by Mr. Lackey and seconded by Mr. Williams, the agenda was approved with the removal of Consent Items B, C & D to be discussed later.

      B:   Discussion re: the rate charged for new water hook ups. Members asked that existing and redevelopment rates be look into.

 Mr. Lackey moved and Mr. Williams seconded to approve the following requests:

               1. Ann Symington et al Real Property Trust- 401 Spruce Peak- 1080 gpd sewer                                                             

                2. Anchorage Motor Inn of York, Inc. dba Mountaineer Inn- 3343 Mountain 

                    Road. 8280 gpd water design flow.

       C:         Discussion re: Theatre Use was postponed to discuss other business.

Discussion re: SEF Village Festival 10/9 & 10. Mr. Marron stated his concerns with  having activities that particular week end, which can be the busiest of the year and traffic as was Ms. Scheuermann. Valerie Rochon and Ed Stahl expressed concern with competition with the different retailers/vendors coming to the festival, especially with the Craft Show at TN field. All were supportive of the festival and asked Ms. Dwyer if it could be held the week end prior to Columbus Day. She will take it up with her Board and return to the Selectboard. It was agreed by Board members it would be acceptable the week end requested if the functions were to take place at the Elementary School and the streets not be closed.

Mr. Rabidoux stated the Act 250 Permit is expected about 9/8/09 with moving to take place the week of 9/21 or 9/28^th. After building is placed, will be releasing the bid to install utilities and complete the fit-up. Mr. Marron moved to approve the moving of the building after Act 250 approval is obtained and all other requirements are in place. Mr. Williams seconded the motion. Mr. Lackey suggested the Society bear the cost of heating and lights. It was felt the Town is responsible for those costs. Ms. Scheurmann thanked the Historical Society members for their efforts in reaching this goal.

Requesting a portion of Town Highway # 7 (Maple Run Lane) from Billings Road to Sterling Brook be reclassified from Class 4 to a public trail due to motorized vehicles accessing the road and causing damage during the non-winter months. Also looking to have a portion of TH # 6 (Sterling Valley Road) from the Sterling Forest parking lot to the Morristown line reclassified from Class 4 to a public trail for reasons stated above and allow the Snowmobile Club to install a gate. Discussion took place with property owners in the area attending, more for clarification of what is being proposed. Mr. Williams moved to have a site visit with a public hearing OCTOBER 13, 2009 at 4:00 P.M., meeting at the gorge parking lot.    

Alan Thorndike, Attorney for Jake Carpenter asked that no parking signs be placed after the first 150’ of Ranch Brook Road, to the driveway entrance to the Carpenter house from November 15^th to April 15^th. Members agreed to have “no parking signs placed” as requested. Mr. Thorndike said Mr. Carpenter will plow parking spaces at the entry to the road when he plows the road to his camp.

Discussion continued re: the Town Plan. After minor suggestions/changes were made by Board members, Mr. Marron moved to warn public hearings for the adoption of the Town Plan on October 13^th and October 26^th starting at 6:30 P.M. Mr. Williams seconded the motion with all in favor.

Consent Item C: Theatre Guild Use: Members agreed the Selectboard Policy re: Akeley Memorial Building Theatre shall state that the Theatre Guild shall have first priority, but not exclusive use of the auditorium from April 1^st to October 1^st.

At 7:40 P.M. Mr. Williams moved to go into executive session for personnel reasons. Mr. Marron seconded with all in favor.

At 7:55 Mr. Marron moved and Mr. Lackey seconded the motion to appoint Michael Diender to fill the unexpired term of Larry Jones to May of 2010 and appoint Lynn Altadonna to fill the expired term of Ed Izzo to May, 2012. All in favor.

Mr. Marron moved to appoint Rich Baker as Town Health Officer. Mr. Lackey seconded the motion with all in favor.

At 7:57 Mr. Marron moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Williams with all in favor.     

Respectfully submitted,