Select Board Minutes

Selectboard Minutes
Regular Meeting of December 11, 2017
South Hero Town Hall, Monday 7:00 PM

Board Members Present: Jonathan Shaw, Skip Brown (also Board Secretary), Anne Zolotas, George Rice, David Carter
Board Members Not Present: none
Others Present: Sharon Roy, Town Clerk and Martha Taylor-Varney, Admin. Assistant. Also see sign in sheet.

1. Called to Order:
-The meeting was called to order by Chairman Shaw at 7:00 pm.

2. Adjustment to Agenda:
-Delete from New Business: Fire/Rescue Communications

3. Minutes:
-Anne Zolotas made a motion to accept the minutes of the meeting of November 27, 2017 as written. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

4. Public input:
A. A special BCA meeting was held on December 6, 2017. Listers, Cecile Gove and Ted Nelson were in attendance to discuss the issue with the Community Health Center real estate tax determination that apparently was not appealed in a timely manner. The State has just recently issued a decision that they should be tax exempt. A possible way to remove them from the current grand list is for the Listers to issue an “errors and omissions” request before December 31. More information will be at the next Selectboard meeting.
B. Tim Maxham enjoyed the Grand Isle County Chorus concert last weekend, and thanked Board member David Carter for participating.
C. Janet Yates, current assistant Town Clerk, announced that she will be running for Town Clerk/Town Treasurer in 2018.

5. New Business:
A. Sheriff Ray Allen presented the budget request for FY 2018/2019. The Town currently contracts for 52 hours/week. The hourly rate will increase $2.00/hour, making a total of $127,088.00 for South Hero. Also, the Grand Isle County Sheriff Department is planning to purchase land + building in Grand Isle where the current Vermont Nut Free Chocolate factory is located.
B. David Hobbs, Chair of the South Hero Recreation Commission, presented a budget request of $12,000.00. After several years of level funding, this reflects a $1000.00 increase due to the increased enrollment to the swimming lesson program.

6. Administrative Assistant Report:
A. A written report was submitted. A hard copy with discussion points can be seen in Town Hall filed with these minutes or on www.southherovt.org.
B. George Rice made a motion to appoint Doug Patterson and Gareth Hunt to 3 year terms on the Development Review Board beginning January 1, 2018. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

7. Old and Ongoing Business:
A. The Emergency Services Building (ESB) construction is underway and roof trusses should be installed in the near future.
B. The condo association fees for the ESB were discussed and will be added to the Town Budget.
C. The Road budget was discussed including the possible health care benefits for the road crew. David will speak with the Road crew and a decision will be made at the next meeting.
D. The general Town budget was worked on.

8. Announcements and Communications:
A. The latest landfill monitoring showed little changes from past inspections. There was letter stating that if the levels remain similar, then monitoring may not be necessary after 2 more yearly tests.
B. Lister Una Ro submitted a letter of resignation that will be effective March 6, 2018. Petitions for this and other elected positions will be due on January 26, 2018.
C. The State “PILOT” for properties owned in South Hero is $12,144.59.

9. Other Business:
A. Anne Zolotas made a motion to sign orders 18-12 and pay the bills associated with these orders. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
B. Skip Brown made a motion to allow the Chairman to sign paperwork to get the Town set up on a payroll service with the company PayData. The expected cost will be approximately $1300.00/year. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
C. Anne Zolotas made a motion to go into executive session for personnel matters at 9:37. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried. Executive session ended at 9:40. R. J. Smith III has been with the Road crew for approximately 6 months and is a conscientious employee. Upon exiting executive session, Anne Zolotas made a motion to allow the Road Foreman to raise the probationary pay for Mr. Smith.
The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

10. Adjournment:
-Anne Zolotas made a motion to adjourn 9:42 pm. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,                                          Approved by,

_______________________________ ________________________________
Graham Brown                                                        Jonathan Shaw, Chair

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Administrative Officer’s Report to Selectboard December 11, 2017

Discussion Items:
1. There are 3 DRB members with initial terms of 1 year that began on January 1, 2017. Gareth Hunt and Doug Patterson have requested re-appointment to the Board for full 3-year terms. Awaiting a letter from Jim Brightwell to be appointed for another 1-year term as an Alternate. Need a second Alternate. Would like to advertise to fill the position.

-Planning Commission: Continued discussion with the SB and DRB re the draft updates to the Development Regulations. Next meetings is 20. The Commission also feels it is important to meet with the Selectboard after the current review is completed, and SB budget discussions are finished, to discuss whether to keep driveway standards and fire department access approvals in the document.

-Development Review Board: Dec. 13 – continue Site Plan review begun on November 8 and Variance request. There will be only one DRB meeting in December. Recent decisions are posted on the Board outside the Zoning Office.

Respectfully submitted,
Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA and Asst. to the Selectboard

Selectboard Minutes
Regular Meeting of November 27, 2017
South Hero Town Hall, Monday 7:00 PM

Board Members Present: Jonathan Shaw, Skip Brown (also Board Secretary), Anne Zolotas, George Rice, David Carter (was on the phone)
Board Members Not Present: none
Others Present: Sharon Roy, Town Clerk and Martha Taylor-Varney, Admin. Assistant. Also see sign in sheet.

1. Called to Order:
-The meeting was called to order by Chairman Shaw at 7:00 pm.

2. Adjustment to Agenda:
-Add review liquor license application to New Business

3. Minutes:
-Anne Zolotas made a motion to accept the minutes of the meeting of November 13, 2017 as written. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

4. Public input:
A. None

5. New Business:
A. Carol Tremble, board member of LCIEDC was present and submitted a letter requesting $1500.00 be considered in the budget.
B. John Beaulac, Road Foreman agreed that the Town would plow the main driveway and parking area of the new emergency services building when it is completed.
C. Wally’s Place Bagel and Deli submitted an application for a liquor license. Anne Zolotas made a motion to approve and sign the Class 1 liquor license application. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
D. Derek Obrey, a representative of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont, phoned in to review the current health insurance policy and explain other options and price levels. He also explained how a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) could be structured.
E. Kim Julow, Chief of the SHVFD, submitted a budget request of $86,500.00. This amount also includes $25,000.00 for the equipment replacement fund.
F. A representative of SHR submitted a preliminary budget request of $47,972., but that figure does not include any figures for equipment and liability insurance. Also, the communications amount as presented may not be necessary.
G. Budget amounts for the new Emergency Services Building (ESB) are still being compiled and the Memorandum of Understanding between the SHVFD/SHR and the Town is almost complete.

6. Administrative Assistant Report:
A. A written report was submitted. A hard copy with discussion points can be seen in Town Hall filed with these minutes or on www.southherovt.org.
B. The employee review template as submitted at the last meeting seems acceptable. Jonathan will review Martha.

7. Old and Ongoing Business:
A. The emergency services building construction is underway.
B. H-42 bill as passed last State Legislative session allows Towns to vote in order to approve the Selectboard to appoint a Town Clerk and/or Town Treasurer, rather than being elected positions. Anne Zolotas made a motion asking whether South Hero should vote to allow the Selectboard to appoint a Town Treasurer, rather than it being an elected position. The motion was seconded, George Rice and David Carter voted yes, the others in attendance voted no, so the motion did not carry.

8. Other Business:
A. Anne Zolotas made a motion to sign orders 18-11 and pay the bills associated with these orders. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
B. Anne Zolotas made a motion to approve and sign the intake form for dogs and cats as submitted by the Humane Society. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

9. Announcements and Communications:
A. The South Hero Historical society submitted a letter requesting the use of “Granny’s Attic” for storage.
B. Efficiency Vermont sent information regarding grant opportunities for energy savings. The Town Hall and Town Garage has received such grants in the past. Jonathan will see if applying for a grant for the new ESB will be a possibility.
C. Island Arts submitted a budget request of $1950.00.
D. Vermont Rural Protection Task Force submitted a budget request of $100.00.
E. There will be a special Selectboard meeting on December 18, 2017. There will not be a Selectboard meeting on December 25, 2017.

10. Adjournment:
-Anne Zolotas made a motion to adjourn 9:20 pm. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,                                        Approved by,

_______________________________ ________________________________
Graham Brown                                                       Jonathan Shaw, Chair

Selectboard Minutes
Regular Meeting of November 13, 2017
South Hero Town Hall, Monday 7:00 PM

Board Members Present: Jonathan Shaw, Skip Brown (also Board Secretary), Anne Zolotas, George Rice, David Carter
Board Members Not Present: none
Others Present: Sharon Roy, Town Clerk and Martha Taylor-Varney, Admin. Assistant. Also see sign in sheet.

1. Called to Order:
-The meeting was called to order by Chairman Shaw at 7:00 pm.

2. Adjustment to Agenda:
-none

3. Minutes:
-David Carter made a motion to accept the minutes of the meeting of October 23, 2017 as written. The motion was seconded, Skip Brown abstained, the others in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

4. Public input:
A. Tim Maxham wants to thank Jonathan Shaw for the extra time and effort taken to see that the long delayed South Street project has been completed.
B. Jim Woodard of Wrenegade Sports and David Lane of Snow Farm Vineyard were present to discuss a proposed bicycle “Farm to Fork Fondo” tour that will take place on July 22, 2018 beginning and ending at Snow Farm. They have a goal of up to 500 riders. David Carter made a motion to support the idea of this event with the stipulation that the event organizer will provide a certificate of insurance to the Town. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

5. New Business:
A. Several volunteers from Granny’s Attic were in attendance and presented a letter requesting the use of the “Red” fire station when the Emergency Services building is completed and the building is vacant. There will be a public forum on December 5th to discuss the future of the old buildings and it was suggested that they attend that meeting.
B. Ron Phelps and Teresa Robinson, members of the Board of the South Hero Bicentennial Museum were present to discuss the museum. They hope to expand the collection and do some necessary work to the building. They have submitted a budget request of $5500.00.

6. Administrative Assistant Report:
A. A written report was submitted. A hard copy with discussion points can be seen in Town Hall filed with these minutes or on www.southherovt.org.
B. The appeal time for the updated Dog ordinance has ended and the ordinance is now in effect.

7. Old and Ongoing Business:
A. South Street reconstruction project from Landon to Martin Roads updates: At long last, the construction job is done. A few permits need to be filed, but this will be the final update in the minutes.
B. The emergency services building construction is underway. Blacktop paving is usually done when the building is complete, but it was pushed through early to expedite final permits should the construction be complete before the paving plants reopen in the Spring.
C. A sample of the employee evaluation forms was reviewed.
D. The Listers submitted an errors and omissions letter for parcel IC036 (Apple Island Campground) due to a change in the camper on the lot. The assessment went from $123,700.00 to $109,300.00. Anne Zolotas made a motion to accept this change. The motion was seconded, George Rice voted no, the others in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
E. The Listers submitted an errors and omissions letter for parcel KC017 (Keeler Bay Campground) due to the fact the camper does not stay on the lot for more than 180 days. The change is $18,400.00. David Carter made a motion to accept this change. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
F. The Town Highway department presented a preliminary budget of $508,245.00.
8. Other Business:
A. Anne Zolotas made a motion to sign orders 18-09 and 18-10 and pay the bills associated with these orders. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

9. Announcements and Communications:
A. There will be a Board of Civil Authority meeting on December 6, 2017 at 6:00 pm to discuss the Community Health Center tax appeal.
B. The landfill certification report was received.

10. Adjournment:
-David Carter made a motion to adjourn 9:10 pm. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,                                          Approved by,

_______________________________ ________________________________
Graham Brown                                                       Jonathan Shaw, Chair

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Administrative Officer’s Report to Selectboard                                    November 13, 2017

Discussion Items:

1. There is a 4-day FEMA National Flood Insurance Program class scheduled January 8-11, 2018 in Essex Junction. There will be an optional CFM (Certified Floodplain Manager exam on January 13 for those interested. This class is normally held at the Frederick, MD FEMA campus, but is being held in VT because there was sufficient interest.  No charge for the course but possibly a small charge to cover snacks and lunch each day.  I plan to attend.  Will be out of the office to attend but will still plan to attend the sscheduled DRB meeting on the 10^th.
2. Was not able to attend the VLCT Fall Planning and Zoning Forum on November 1^st due to damage/loss of electricity from October 29 storm. 1 Planning Commission and 2 DRB members attended.
3. The Dog Ordinance became effective on Friday, November 10.
4. The current (only) job description for the ZA/Selectboard Assistant is a bit outdated (i.e. weekly hours, keeping log of hours, etc). I am requesting an updated description.

 

–Planning Commission: Continued discussion with the SB and DRB re the draft updates to the Development Regulations. Next meeting is November 15. The Planning Commission has requested the Selectboard consider the following –

1. Do the Development Regulations need Driveway Standards for driveways that serve only a single home?
2. Should seasonal conversions require some form of approval from the Fire Dept? (the Dept. is reluctant to do this).

           

-Development Review Board: No meetings scheduled until Dec. 13 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Recent decisions are posted on the Board outside the Zoning Office.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA and Asst. to the Selectboard

Granny’s Attic Request

 

Selectboard Minutes
Regular Meeting of October 23, 2017
South Hero Town Hall, Monday 7:00 PM

Board Members Present: Jonathan Shaw, Anne Zolotas, George Rice, David Carter
Board Members Not Present: Skip Brown
Others Present: Sharon Roy, Town. Also see sign in sheet.

1. Called to Order:
-The meeting was called to order by Chairman Shaw at 7:00 pm.

2. Adjustment to Agenda:
George Rice moved to place from other business B. Discuss Town Health insurance options to New Business.

3. Minutes:
-Anne Zolotas made a motion to accept the minutes of the meeting of October 9, 2017 as written. The motion was seconded, the others in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

4. Public input:
A. David Hobbs, Chair of the Recreation Committee wanted to publicly thank Eoana Sturgis for her years serving on the Recreation Committee and to appoint Erin Morse to finish out Eoana’s term until 2019. George Rice made a motion to appoint Erin Morse to the Recreation Committee until 2019. The motion was seconded all in attendance so voted and motion carried.

5. New Business:
A. Luke Tremble, replacing Melissa Hood for the Library Trustees, presented the new by-laws for the Library and a letter from the Chair, Ken Kowalewitz asking for the Select Board to appoint Annie Brabazon to the Trustees. David Carter made the motion to appoint Annie Brabazon as a Library Trustee. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted, and the motion carried.
B. David Carter wanted Sharon Roy to give her permission to the Bcbsofvt people to talk with him to learn about health coverage for the Town She did not give it because of Hepa rules but all the information was available for them at the meeting. David Carter and George Rice would not sign the order number 18-08 with the Bcbsofvt bills in it.

6. Administrative Assistant Report:
A. A written report was submitted. A hard copy with discussion points can be seen in Town Hall filed with these minutes or on www.southherovt.org.
B. Anne Zolotas reported she went with Vincent Chiorgno, who is the Salvage Yard Compliance Manager for the State on 3 site visits to Gerald Poquette, Fred Reus and Mitchel Richardson and the problems will be resolved. This was just about motor vehicles State person will write letters to Poquette and Reus.

7. Old and Ongoing Business:
A. South Street reconstruction project from Landon to Martin Roads updates:
-Paving is finishing up and line stripping will be done. Signs and mailboxes will be replace within the next 2 weeks.
B. The emergency services building construction is underway with the concrete in place and walls being built..

8. Other Business:
A. Anne Zolotas made a motion to sign orders 18-08 and pay the bills associated with these orders. The motion was seconded, David Carter and George Rice refused to sign this order so voted
B. David Carter presented templates he received from the clerk for employee’s evaluations. Also some job descriptions for highway. Will talk with John Roy and John Beaulac about them and evaluations forms.
C. David Carter read the report from the Building Committee about the use of the Fire and buildings which is signed by the committee. (See attached)

D. Jonathan reported about the visit with Jim Surwillo from the State of VT, and the Chagnons on Dubuque Lane.
This will be on as an agenda item in the future.

10. Adjournment:
-Anne Zolotas made a motion to adjourn 8:35 pm. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted, Approved by,

_______________________________ ________________________________
Sharon Roy Jonathan Shaw, Chair

Selectboard Minutes
Regular Meeting of October 9, 2017
South Hero Town Hall, Monday 7:00 PM

Board Members Present: Jonathan Shaw, Skip Brown (also Board Secretary), Anne Zolotas, George Rice, David Carter
Board Members Not Present: none
Others Present: Sharon Roy, Town Clerk and Martha Taylor-Varney, Admin. Assistant. Also see sign in sheet.

1. Called to Order:
-The meeting was called to order by Chairman Shaw at 7:00 pm.

2. Adjustment to Agenda:
-none

3. Minutes:
-Anne Zolotas made a motion to accept the minutes of the meeting of September 11, 2017 as written. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted, and the motion carried.

4. Public input:
A. Jay Dibono of VTrans asked if the Board had an opinion about painting cross hatch lines on the shoulder of Route 2 near the intersection of Route 314 where there is to be no passing on the shoulder. George Rice made a motion to support the painting of the lines in the “no passing on right” area. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

5. New Business:
A. Janine Bellinghiri of the SHVFD Auxiliary was present to ask to use the “Potvin” parking lot a Folsom Educational and Community Center for “Trunk of Treat” on October 31 from 4:30-6:00 pm. David Carter made a motion to allow use of the lot for “Trunk or Treat. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted, and the motion carried.
B. The Green Mountain Marathon will be held on October 15, 2017. David Carter made a motion to allow the marathon to be run as in the past. South St. to be closed from approximately 8:45-9:30 and the use of the Folsom Parking lot may be used with the understanding that the fire lane to the dry hydrant will be kept clear for the entire race time. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
C. David Hobbs, Chair of the Recreation Commission (RC) was present to advise the RC would like to form a trail committee. Also, the RC would like to mow a grassy section of the South Hero Recreation Park to reclaim it from field to be more of recreational area. The consensus of the Board is that these items are fine to proceed.
D. No representative from Granny’s Attic showed up.
E. Jeff Parizo and Keith Hanson of the Masonic Lodge were present to discuss holding a holiday parade on South Street. David Carter made a motion to allow the closure of South St. from Route 2 to the Masonic Lodge at approximately 5:30-6:00 pm on December 2, 2017. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
F. Public Hearing for Interim Zoning: No action will be taken on the proposed interim zoning.

6. Administrative Assistant Report:
A. A written report was submitted. A hard copy with discussion points can be seen in Town Hall filed with these minutes or on www.southherovt.org.
B. Martha received a petition from some residents in Shadowland regarding a junkyard on 15 Railroad St. The Town has no ordinance specifically about junkyards, but the State can step in if there are issues related to environmental impact or public health. Vincent Chiorgno, who is the Salvage Yard Compliance Manager for the State will make a site visit in the near future to determine if there are issues.

7. Old and Ongoing Business:
A. South Street reconstruction project from Landon to Martin Roads updates:
– The section from West Shore Rd. to Landon Rd. should begin to be paved this week.
B. The emergency services building construction is underway and no new updates at this meeting.

8. Other Business:
A. Anne Zolotas made a motion to sign orders 18-06 and 18-07 and pay the bills associated with these orders. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
B. The Town personnel policy states that there are to be performance review standards completed in September. There is no form stipulated that will cover employees. David Carter will look into locating a template.
C. The Budget process will begin at the November 13 meeting.
D. A discussion of whether the there should be a ballot issue of Act 27 (17 VSA 2646) which states that Towns may appoint rather than elect Town Clerk and Town Treasurer will be discussed at the November 27 meeting.

9. Announcements and Communications:
A. During the Island Vine 10K race on Sept. 25, some spray painting was done on sections of the race course. Peter Delaney of Run Vermont will be made aware of this and will be asked to remediate.
B. The Town attorney, Dinse, Knapp and McAndrew, PC has a conflict of interest working on the tax appeal of the Evslin residence. He recommends that the Town hire Charlie Merriman for this case. The consensus of the Board is that this is fine.

10. Adjournment:
-David Carter made a motion to adjourn 8:30 pm. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,                                          Approved by,

_______________________________  ________________________________
Graham Brown                                                         Jonathan Shaw, Chair

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Administrative Officer’s Report to Selectboard October 9, 2017

Discussion Items:
1. I plan to be away the week of October 23 – 27. There is a Selectboard meeting on the 23rd. I will have an Administrator’s report prepared ahead of time and will post warnings for the 8/23 meeting during the previous week.
2. Would like to request the Selectboard consider additional funds for a Clerk for the DRB.
3. Application for VLCT appointment of nomination to the Marijuana Symptom Relief Oversight Council — includes a municipal representative who is a member of the ZBA (or DRB) to be appointed by VLCT. Will notify the DRB at their next meeting in case anyone is interested. Nominations due by October 27, 2017.
4. Email from Rebecca Pfieffer of Shoreland Protection regarding a possible opportunity to attend the FEMA 4-day course – Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program – to be held in Vermont if there is enough interest. The course is usually offered at the FEMA training site in Frederick, MD. Possible VT locations are Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, and White River Jct. Asked for interest and possible available dates, ranging from early November to February.
5. Will be attending NRPC ZA’s Roundtable in St. Albans tomorrow. I believe there are DRB some members also attending.
6. Will be attending the VLCT Fall Planning and Zoning Forum on November 1st, in South Burlington.
7. Received a petition from 17 residences of Shadowland requesting the Town do something about the junkyard at 5 Railroad St. There are numerous cars, heavy equipment, and other debris that has been on the parcel for many years. The Town does not have a Junkyard Ordinance but the State can step in if there are issues relate to environmental impact or health. Town Health Officer Anne Zolotas contacted Vincent Chiorgno, who is the Salvage Yard Compliance Manager for the State of Vermont who has agreed to conduct a site visit, hopefully within 30 days. He will contact me when he has it scheduled. I have contacted the petitioners to let the know the status at this point.

-Planning Commission: Continued discussion with the SB and DRB re the draft updates to the Development Regulations. Next meeting scheduled for October 18 at 7PM. Public hearings have not yet been scheduled.

-Development Review Board: Two scheduled hearings for October 11, and one for October 25.

Respectfully submitted,
Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA and Asst. to the Selectboard