Minutes of 12/21/04
Select Board Meeting

Present: Walter Kelley, Bill Callnan, Shawn Fielder, Cindy Carlson, Mary Alexander, Peter Hood
Abe Lewis, Mary Hood, Paul Costello, Robbie Herald, Charlie Catlin, James Paige, Bruce Jackson, Mark Tillinghast, Bill Rossmassler, Dave Shepard, Barry Goodman, Mary Just Skinner

Meeting called to order at 7:04 pm.

James Paige – application for Town Constable
The job duties were outlined: Noise complaints, animal related complaints, enforcement of the Junk Ordinance and brining known unlicensed dogs into compliance. Complaints related to any disturbance of the peace should be referred to the state police. The Board does not want a weapon carried. A job description will be put together for the position.  

James is available during the day as he works from home. He has worked around law enforcement in the past, although not recently. He has worked for Norwich University in the security department, along with other positions. The Board does require a written quarterly report to keep them updated.

Motion: Bill moves to appoint James Paige as Town Constable effective 1/1/2005.
Walter seconds, motion carries.

Kellogg Hubbard Mary Hood, Paul Costello, Robbie Herald, Charlie Catlin
The library continues to see an increase in the amount of usage. It has doubled since the addition was completed; many children use the library after school.   A packet of information was given to the Board, including an outline of cost cutting efforts made and the proposed assessment for the 2005 budget.  Currently local towns support 25% of the library’s budget; the library is working to grow the endowment in hopes to have it contribute 50% of the operating costs. It was suggested that the library contact the legal community to solicit endowments.

The library will submit a special article petition for Middlesex’s contribution this year.  Last year the library changed its formula based on the number of cardholders and circulation.  Based on this new formula, Berlin did contribute to the budget last year. It is general practice for libraries to only use tax dollars to operate; examples were included as part of the packet. The Board suggests that the Library Board also consider how to increase funding as they add services.  The endowment was flat last year, however, it is expected to have an average of 7% increase in the future. The Library has received some major gifts this year, including one for the endowment. 

Fire Department
Bruce Jackson, Mark Tillinghast
The Fire Department is asking for level funding this year. The building maintenance line item has been reduced, however they are hoping to make some improvements to the building to cut down on the cost of heating. 

The old fire truck is now repaired and will hold water, so the Fire Department would like to go ahead with the improvements to the building at the Town Garage. They have applied for a small grant, but it is only around $500. The Fire Department has $23,354 in a money market account and $9000 in CDs. They added about $3000 in fundraising last year. They do use some of this funding to buy turnout gear, make contributions to other towns fire departments, purchase of equipment or improvements to the fire station.  It was suggested that these funds be labeled, as a future building fund or equipment fund. The Fire Department has applied for their 501C and is waiting to hear back on the status. 

The Board needs to decide if they want to bond for the purchase of the new fire department. They have received a $58,000 grant for the purchase of equipment, but did not receive the grant for the new fire truck. 

Conservation Commission
Bill Rossmassler, Dave Shepard, Barry Goodman
The Conservation Commission would like to ask that $5,000 be added to the Conservation Fund this coming budget period.  They would like to know if they should petition for additional funds or ask to include it in their budget. The Board decides to include it as a special article.

They are interested in purchasing a camera, an infrared digital action camera that will be used by the school and made available to land owners.  The camera would be purchased from the Conservation Commissions budget and is approximately $350. The Board states that the camera would become town property and it should reside either at the town hall or with one of the Conservation Commission members.  The Conservations Commission should develop a sign out procedure for the camera. 

Discussion of the grant the town has received for traffic calming. There is a $4000 match. The grant will come after 7/1/05. $1800 in kind can be used that the Conservation Commission will do. The balance of $2200 may need to be included in the next budget. 

Bill Rossmassler went to a VLCT workshop for roads in general and has a packet of information that he thought would be good for Gary. He also has information on digital tax maps, when the Board is ready. The longer that this is put off, the more expensive it becomes to have them up to date. He believes that about half of the towns are up to date, but he will get that answer.

Discussion of the Recreation Committee, Conservation Committee and Planning Commissions proposed budget. The Recreation Committee is asking if the town can help fund replacement of soccer goals at a cost of $750 to $1000. Budget discussions will continue at the next Board meeting, January 11, 2004.

Other Business
North Branch Cemetery
Mary Alexander now has the remaining documents and the deed ready for signature, which will be signed next week.  Mary has talked to the Scribners, and they may be interested to continue as commissioners and to do some of the work needed at this cemetery. 

The town has secured a pre-buy discount for the purchase of slate in the amount of approximately $1,400.
  
Motion: Mary Just Skinner moves approval of the 12/7/04 minutes. Walter seconds, motion carries.

There is no hearing date set for Linda Simpson situation. The town attorney is still working on this.

The Board discusses the property tax sales that took place in September. The Board thought there was a standing procedure for these situations, and that they were to be notified when tax sales took place so the town could bid. The delinquent tax collector turns the process over to the town attorney, and the tax sale is held at the town clerks office. Mary Alexander will contact the town attorney to see how to proceed with these properties.

The Board discusses the possibility of putting the town attorney services out to bid. This can be done after Town Meeting if the Board decides too proceed.

Correspondence
State of Vermont Petroleum Contamination at the Olsen Residence, Middlesex VT

Central Vermont Solid Waste Management fiscal year 2005 Member Town Assessment

Letter from John Puleio outlining the proposed bandstand, with a copy of a notice to be posted in the Middlesex Monthly.

Motion: Bill moves general support of the bandstand project subject to applying for a building permit, subject to a final design approval and location of the proposed bandstand. Mary Alexander seconds, motion carries. 

Copy of Washington County proposed budget for 2005 – 2006

VLCT Legislative Priorities

Budget Amendment and Requisition #4 Community Capital of Central Vermont

Vermont Department of Buildings & General Services – copy of the Source Protection Area Map for their water system

Opinions News Letter

Planning Commission Minutes of 10/13/04

Town of Moretown Development Review Board – decision of Development Review Board on the Conditional Use Application for Rivers Development, LLC

State of Vermont Agency of Transportation notification that the Town of Middlesex has been awarded a $16,000 grant under the enhancement activity Program. There is a 20% local match requirement.

State of Vermont Department of Taxes – Certified Equalized Education Property Value effective 1/1/2005

Notice of the availability of FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Competitive grant program.

Washington Electric permit to perform work on Bear Swamp Road, construction of a secondary electric line to serve the new Paul Giacherio residence. Gary has reviewed and recommends the Board approve.
Motion: Mary Just Skinner moves approval of Washington Electric’s permit to perform work on Bear Swamp Road, construction of a secondary electric line. Mary Alexander seconds, motion approved.


Meeting adjourns at 9:50 pm.

Respectfully submitted,



Cindy Carlson
Executive Assistant to
The Middlesex Select Board