Selectboard Minutes
Regular Meeting of May 11, 2020
Meeting via ZOOM on Monday 7:00 PM
Board Members Present: Jonathan Shaw, Skip Brown (also Board Secretary), Ross Brown, David Carter
Board Members Not Present: Anne Zolotas
Others Present: Janet Yates Town Clerk, Martha Taylor-Varmey ZA and SB assist, Terry Robinson, Jerry Robinson, Cathie Merrihew, Everett Dubuque, Doug Patterson, Sandy Gregg, Buddy Meilleur as videographer from LCATV
1. Called to Order:
-The meeting was called by Chairman Shaw at 7:00 pm
2. Adjustment to Agenda:
– add to New Business: discuss hiring rescue employee
3. Minutes:
-Ross Brown made a motion to approve the minutes of March 23, 2020. The motion was seconded, David Carter abstained, the others in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
4. Public input:
A. Terry Robinson and Cathie Merrihew discussed the possible donation of a “cabin” that was formerly at the South Hero Inn (now Community Bank). It has been stored at the Kinney Farm since being removed +/- 40 years ago. The South Hero Museum committee and Historical Society group will research a possible location and restoration of the building. More information will follow.
5. New Business:
A. Parking stickers for White’s Beach are now available. The fees will be the same as last year. Up to 2 stickers for each South Hero address at $5.00/each and up to 50 for non-residents at $45.00 each.
B. Doug Patterson of the PC suggested that a “junkyard” ordinance be considered. There does not seem to be a great need as there are State regulations that cover some of the concerns, but more info will be forthcoming.
C. The delinquent taxes for the period that were due on April 30 are about $240,000. The State sets the penalty and the Town charges 1%/month for interest on past due balances.
D. Town Clerk, Janet Yates says that the Town is currently in good shape, and she feels that the fact that South Hero allows a discount has helped the Town.
E. Joe Farnham has resigned as the Town representative to Northwest Regional Planning (NRPC) and the Town needs another representative. If any volunteers are know, please let the Selectboard know.
F. Long term planning for getting South Hero records online will be looked into. No money was budgeted for FY20/21. Grants will be explored and money will be considered for the future.
G. David Carter made a motion to approve the hiring of a part time EMT employee to cover 24 hours/week at a pay of $18.00/hour. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
6. Administrative Assistant Report:
A. See the report on www.southherovt.org or filed with these minutes.
7. Old and Ongoing Business:
A. The “Welcome to South Hero” sign has been replaced. Thanks to Jim Baker of Lake Champlain Dock and Hoist and Mike Gammal of Keeler Bay Campground for sponsoring the sign.
8. Announcements and Communications:
A. see other business
9. Other Business:
A. David Carter made a motion to approve and sign orders 20-20, 20-21, 20-22, 20-23 and to pay the bills associated with the orders. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
B. Patrick Robinson is the new Chief of South Hero Volunteer Fire Dept. and Mike Wickenden is the new interim Chief of South Hero Rescue.
C. The Road department has identified roads that need paving repair, second coat paving and new pavement. Due to the drop in oil prices, the price of paving is about 25% less than last year. David Carter made a motion to accept the low bid contract of $66.11/ton to pave the identified roads by the Road Crew. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
D. The next Selectboard meeting is scheduled for May 25 (Memorial Day). Should a meeting be necessary, then the meeting will be held at Town Hall with masks and social distance plans in place. More info will follow.
E. In light of the COVID-19 situation, Ross Brown wondered what will happen about campgrounds and the July 4 parade.
-Campgrounds are the ruled by the State, so the town doesn’t have a say in their reservations.
-The Town does not actually run the parade. Last year the Islander was the organizer. The Board will reach out see if there are plans to cancel.
10. Adjournment:
-Skip Brown made a motion to adjourn 8:00 pm. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
Respectfully submitted, Approved by,
_______________________________ ________________________________
Graham Brown Jonathan Shaw, Chairman