Approved
Minutes of the
Middlesex Select Board
Meeting of 3/28/2006

Present:  Walter Kelley, Peter Hood, Cindy Carlson, Mary Just Skinner, Bill Rossmassler, Dave Shepard, Barry Goodman, Heather Furman, Libby Towne, Doug Lombard, Joe Segale, David Saladino, Kate, Don Wexler, Ron Morissette

Traffic Calming Study Update Public Meeting #2
The purpose of the study is to consider enhancements for traffic calming in the village area.   The study area includes Route #2 north of Camp Meade, through the village and past the Route #100B intersection.  A traffic study was completed in October, 2005.  Based on this study the first recommendation is to reduce speed through this section to 30mph.   It is also recommended to install gateway signs, and some raised dividers entering town to close off the wide sections entering the village area.   One suggestion is to widen the culvert entering town near Camp Meade and installing a pedestrian bridge across the stream.  The estimated cost of this portion of the project would be $175,000. 

Comments:   Members of the public did not feel that there is enough pedestrian traffic to justify the expense of a footbridge and would rather see the shoulders widened. 

In the section south of the Depot building to Church Street the recommendation is to install sidewalks on one side of the road, with a crossing at the depot building.   This would require construction of a retaining wall and construction of sidewalks at the road level along the right (south) side of the road.   There is not a safe way to have pedestrians cross the road if the sidewalk was built along the left (north) side of the road.   There was also discussion of moving the road with a change to the centerline to widen the shoulders.  When the new bridge was installed to cross the river to Moretown, there was discussion of narrowing the entrance to Church Street.  If this were done, V-Trans requirements must be met.  There is a good argument that Church Street could be narrowed now that the road is dead-ended.  The estimated cost of this section of the project would be $120,000.

Comments:  It was suggested that some lighting be extended to this section.  Residents feel lighting will give the effect of entering a village and traffic may slow entering the village.

In the section from Church Street to the store, the sidewalk would continue on the right side of the road to the bridge.    A raised treatment would be used in the store parking lot, with the possibility of a bus stop and an information booth.   The estimated cost for this portion of the project would be $150,000 -$200,000. 

Comments:  It was noted that the Feasibility Committee is reviewing the need for town buildings.  One of the items for consideration is the use of the town owned land behind the store to be used for a combined fire station/town hall.  If the land were used for a new municipal building there would not be enough room for this option. It was suggested that a raised crosswalk at the store to cross the road would slow traffic coming around the corner. 

The last section is the intersection of RT #2 and 100B.  Ideas for a roundabout, an all way stop or a raised splitter island were discussed.   The estimated cost for a roundabout is $200,000 and an all way stop is approximately $12,000.   The installation of light across the bridge from 100B, additional gateway signs, an island splitter and continuation of the sidewalk to the canoe portage were discussed.  The estimated cost of this portion would be $143,000.

Comments:  There was discussion of traffic from Montpelier.  It would not have to slow much to use a roundabout and a roundabout takes away from the intimacy of a pedestrian village.  Residents stated there is not a lot of foot traffic through the village as it is not safe to walk.  There is a fair amount of bike traffic.

These projects would be done in two phases.  There is Vermont Transportation funding available along with funds from the By-Ways Program.    The next step for the project is to revise the plans and provide cost estimates.  VTrans would review the project and make recommendations.    A final report will be developed and will be completed for the end of the contract, which is 6/30/06.
 
Ron Morisette, Town Constable
The general duties of the Town Constable were discussed with Ron when Peter spoke with him regarding accepting the position of the Constable.  The Board reiterated that Ron is not to carry any weapons and that the State Police are to be called in on any parties, domestic disputes, speeding etc.  Any health issues need to be coordinated with the health officers.  The junk ordinance and dog ordinance were discussed.  The goal of the constable is to manage the dog situation, to work on the junk ordinance as time allows, and to respond to complaints as they arise. 
The town will pay ½ of the basic charge for his cell phone and Ron is to provide quarterly updates to the board.

Motion:  Mary Just Skinner moves to approve the minutes of 3/14/06. Walter seconds, motion carries.

Motion:  Mary Just Skinner moves to approve the minutes for Town Meeting 3/7/06. Walter seconds motion carries.

The Board discusses the possibility of a committee to develop a plan for the pandemic bird flue virus at the recommendation of those who spoke at Town Meeting.   It was suggested that Mike Morissette, Barbara Whitchurch and David Feldman might be interested in serving on the Committee. 

Motion:  Mary Just Skinner moves to appoint to a Town of Middlesex Pandemic Virus Committee, with initial members Mike Morissette, Barbara Whitchurch and David Feldman, and that a notice be placed in the Middlesex Newspaper to see other members of the community might participate.  Walter seconds, motion carries.

Correspondence

Marble Valley Reprographics Inc. advertisements

Copy of letter sent to Sean Starr concerning the denial of the driveway permit

Weekly Legislative Report

Agency of Transportation notice of Hazardous Chemicals/ Substance stored at the 6 maintenance garages and the office location in District No 6

State of Vermont Department of Public Safety Vermont Emergency Management Contact information

Lefavour P.C. results of the excavation of test pits around the town hall

Copy of  VTrans Annual Financial Plan – Town Highways for 7/01/06 – 6/30/07

Motion:  Mary Just Skinner moves to approve the Town Highways Plan for 7/1/06 – 6/30/06 as recommended by Gary. Walter second,s motion carries.

Overweight permits
Vermont Hauling Inc., Dennis Demers, Harrison Redi-Mix Corp, Richmond Home Supply, Gregory Supply Company, Inc., Camp Precast Concrete Products, Inc., Limlaw Pulpwood, Inc., Green Mountain Power Corporation, Champlain Construction Co., Inc/Bear Dog, Gillespie Fuels & Propane, Inc./Randolph Coal & oil, Bourne’s Inc. / Propane, Scott A. Brown, R. P. Frost, Inc. dba Vermont Well & Pump, Sundown Corporation.   All Certificates in order except Vermont Hauling Inc.,

Motion:  Mary Just Skinner moves to accept the overweight permits with the exception of Vermont Hauling.  Walter seconds, motion carries.         

All orders signed.

A replacement laptop will be ordered along with a complete version of Office program for Cindy Carlson, Assistant to the Selectboard.  .  The cost will be allocated to the assistant’s line item.

Vermont Department of Public Safety Traffic Control and Security Services Contract for 7/1/06 – 6/30/06
Motion:  Mary Just Skinner moves to accept the speed enforcement contract at the new rate of $5,000 per year. Walter seconds, motion carries.

The History of Middlesex book, written by Patty Willey and Sarah Seidman was discussed.  It was suggested there be a resolution to Sara and Patty of the Middlesex Historical Society or dedicate next year’s town report to them.

Meeting adjourns at 9: 15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,



Cindy Carlson
Assistant to the
Middlesex Select Board