November 2009

Present:        Selectboard Members: Heidi Scheuermann, Larry Lackey, Norm Williams, Paco Aumand; Town Manager Charles Safford; PW Director Justin Rabidoux; Library Director Stephanie Chase

Others Present:        Reporter Lisa McCormack, Zack Keene, Bud Keene, Evelyn Frey, Leah Hodari, Susan Spera, Jim Donovan, Luke Grosvernor, Coleman Gay, David Beach, Phil Scott, Wendall & Phyllis Mansfield, Dick Johannesen, Jody Carriere, Ken Biedermann, Paul Reed

Chair Scheuermann called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm and Selectboard Orders were signed.  

Mr. Lackey made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented, seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion approved.

Mr. Aumand made a motion to approve the Consent Items as presented, seconded by Mr. Lackey. Motion approved.

Jim Donovan of Broadreach Planning reviewed a list of both the proposed and necessary park features. These features were included based on the results of an evaluation system; data and opinions; discussions of potential uses with various interested groups and the professional opinion of Broadreach.    Proposed uses/activities for the Park included basketball; indoor ice rink, indoor recreation space, little league field; natural areas/trails; open air pavilion; open playing fields; outdoor ice skating; outdoor passive recreation feature; outdoor skate park; outdoor theatre; Parks & Rec Office; picnic area; sledding hill; tennis; volleyball; water play feature. Necessary feature were identified as parking; restrooms; signage; small concession stand or vending; memorial garden; youth sports memorial; pedestrian & bicycle access; playground; user amenities; lighting; shade trees; access to back portion of Park; storage; maintenance equipment facilities.

The Board concluded the discussion by asking the Committee to provide justification for any new uses and provide background for the justification.    Further discussion with the Board of the Memorial Park Plan was scheduled for December 14. 

At Town Meeting 2009 the voters approved $12,500 for the investigation and conceptual design of new sidewalks on the north side of Main St. Over the years the sidewalk has settled and heaved.   The work included limited site investigation to learn subgrade conditions and recommend solutions for surface materials.    Mr. Rabidoux reviewed the construction of new sidewalks with the Board and the recommended concrete unit pavers as a solution

A capital budget of $416,000 is budgeted for FY12 for the project and $360,000 for the same section on the south side of Main Street.

There was no further discussion.

Public Hearing – Stowe Snowmobile Club

The Board reviewed the proposed list. to designate certain Town Highways and Bridges for snowmobile use during the 2009-10 snow season. There were no changes from the previous year. 

On a motion by Mr. Aumand, seconded by Mr. Williams, the Board approved the list of designated town highways and bridges for use during the 2009-10 snow season. 

Richard Johannesen and Stephanie Chase reviewed the Library Long Range Plan 2010-2015.   Ms. Chase noted that the new plan was leaner and flexible and able to respond to wants/needs during the current time. Mr. Johannesen said they would like to revitalize the volunteer program and focus on professional development for staff.   He said it was also important for the Library to keep technologically up to date and identify space needs. 

The Board members appreciated the update information and the new flexible long range plan.

A.       Consider Repeal & Set Public Hearing Date – The original ordinance covered illegal dumping and items pertaining to when the Town operated a transfer station.   Mr. Safford pointed out that illegal dumping is now regulated under the Health & Sanitation Ordinance and LRSWMD operates the Stowe Transfer station and is responsible for establishing fees. 

On a motion by Mr. Aumand, seconded by Mr. Williams, the Board instructed the Town Manager to warn for a public hearing on December 14, 2009 to repeal the Solid Waste Ordinance

Legal – On a motion by Mr. Aumand, seconded by Mr. Williams, the Board went into executive session with the Town Manager in attendance at 7:05 pm. 

The Board came out of executive session at 7:15 pm. No action was taken.

There being no further business to conduct, Ms. Scheuermann adjourned the meeting at 7:15. 

Minutes respectfully submitted by Susan Moeck. 

Present:        Selectboard Members: Heidi Scheuermann, Larry Lackey, Richard Marron, Paco Aumand; Town Manager Charles Safford; PW Director Justin Rabidoux; Town Clerk Alison Kaiser

Others Present:        Reporter Lisa McCormack, Shawn Brennan, Barbara Allaire, Michael Beugnies, Skeeter Austin

Chair Scheuermann called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm and Selectboard Orders were signed.

Mr. Aumand made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented, seconded by Mr. Lackey. Motion carried.

C.       Energy Efficiency & Conservation Grant

Mr. Aumand made a motion to approve the Consent Items as presented, seconded by Mr. Marron. Motion carried.

B.       First Class Restaurant – Stowe Alpine Club

Mr. Aumand made a motion to approve the Liquor Consent Items as presented, seconded by Mr. Lackey. Motion carried.   Mr. Marron abstained.

A.       Cupola – This past summer the contractor hired to paint the front exterior of the Akeley Memorial Building and repair and paint the cupola advised staff that the cupola’s condition as beyond the repairs specified and required immediate attention. Simultaneously, staff was working with Freeman French Freeman on the space planning project for the building and their structural engineer subconsultant investigated the cupola. Engineering Ventures recommended that the flag pole be removed and temporary support provided to the structure so that reconstruction of the cupola could be postponed until Spring or that the entire structure be removed now. Staff requested that the Board waive the standard bid process so that the cupola could be removed as soon as possible.

Mr. Aumand noted his concern over the sole source request and transparency in the process. Mr. Marron asked that there not be a lack of urgency to get the cupola back up and asked that the reconstruction project begin next Spring.

Mr. Safford unallocated reserve would be used to cover the cost of up to $30,000 to remove the cupola. Further information on the reconstruction would be provided at a later date.

On a motion by Mr. Lackey, seconded by Mr. Marron, the Board waived the standard bid process and authorized the Town Manager to enter into a contract with Bread Loaf Corp. for the removal of the cupola. 

B.       Space Planning – Previously Freeman, French Freeman developed plans for a two story 2,600 square foot addition with renovation to the existing structure only as required by Labor & Industry. The cost of the improvements was estimated at $1.5 million.

Since the study was completed, it has become clear that the Historical Society is relocating to the Cultural Campus. Freeman French Freeman was asked to assess if the Town’s administrative space needs could be met without a two story addition with option A of an external vault on the ground level or option B with an internal vault. Both options assume that the Clerk’s offices are relocated to the Banquet Room and the meeting room is moved to the current HistoryMuseum. Staff recommended Option A to the Board. 

Mr. Marron asked if the vault could be added underground at the front of the building. Staff said they would investigate that option and provide feedback within the next couple of months. There was no further action taken.

A.       Proposed Changes – The Board reviewed further revisions to the Charter which included a recall provision; changes to the Constable position from an elected to appointed position; addition of an interference with administration clause; eliminated the position of elected auditors and elimination of a payment-in-lieu of taxes from the Water Department.

The revisions were discussed and further review was scheduled for the Dec. 14^th meeting.

Ms. Scheuermann said she would like to add discussion in executive session regarding the Electric Commission due to the passing of Ted Teffner.

A.       Personnel – The Board went into executive session at 7:00 pm on a motion by Mr. Aumand seconded by Mr. Marron. 

The Board came out of executive session at 7:08 pm. On a motion by Mr. Aumand, seconded by Mr. Lackey, the Board appointed Richard Marron to fill the position of Electric Commissioner effective immediately.

There being no further business to conduct, Ms. Scheuermann adjourned the meeting at 7:08 pm.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Susan Moeck.