Approved

November 14, 2006

Minutes of the Middlesex
Select Board

Present: Walter Kelly, Cindy Carlson, Peter Hood, Gary Lamell, Mary Just Skinner, Mary Alexander, Abe Lewis

Meeting called to order at 6:35 pm

There has been an invoice submitted from Sunwise Surveying in the amount of $5,002.50. This is work that has been completed in conjunction with the Flanagan/Austin property as an expert to survey the road. The Board is concerned with the amount of the bill. The Board decides to pay ½ of the invoice from the discretionary fund and ask Paul Gilles concerning the final work product. 

Gary Lamell, Highway Department 
Gary submits a proposed highway budget for 2007 – 2008 in the amount of $409,650 which represents a 2 ¼% increase. The cost of paving has substantially increased over the current budget period.  A 3% salary increase has been calculated into the proposed budget. Winter and Summer Maintenance line items do not reflect an increase in funding, which Gary feels he can work with.  A 5-year road plan was submitted.
The engine in the truck has been repaired at a cost of $2,200. 

The Board discusses equipment purchases and the possibility of investing town funds.
Abe Lewis suggests that an appraisal be done on the backhoe and grader. 

Other Business
Motion: Mary Alexander moves approval of the Verizon petition and order for Job #9AAT8H, File #06-375 TEL RTE 1-10-8 & 1-10, Center Rd., Middlesex VT at Gary Lamell, Road Commissioner, recommendation. Walter seconds, motion carries.

Motion: Mary Alexander moves to accept the Audit Engagement Letter from William Yacavoni, Certified Public Accountant in the amount of $2,450.00, dated 9/27/2006.  Walter seconds, motion carries.

Motion: Mary Alexander moves to ratify the submission by Peter Hood as Chair of the Select Board of the application for Ancient Road Research and Mapping Grant Program in the amount of $5,000 dated 11/5/06. Walter seconds, motion carries.

Motion: Mary Just Skinner moves that Michael Levine has permission to remove fallen brush and trees per his 10/30/06 letter. Mary Alexander seconds, motion carries.

A request from Owen Ward asking for the town policy on removing brush and fallen trees from blocked trails. Gary will be asked to look into further.

All orders signed.

Correspondence
VLCT notice of annual membership meeting 11/18/2006

Minutes from Central VT State Police community Advisory Board 10/17/06

State of Vermont Department of Taxes notice concerning SPANS submitted showing individuals who have not filed a homestead declaration. 

VT State Police contract summary for the month of September 2006

Central VT Regional Planning Commission notice of grant funding under the Brownfield Initiative.

VLCT News October and November editions

Opinions Newsletter

VLCT notice of Select Board Forum 12/9/2006

Notice of date change for Revolt & Repeal new conference to 10/18/2006

VLCT notice of Planning for Ancient Highways 11/14/2006

VLCT Education Finance Reform notice

VLCT notice of Status Report on 2007 Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance Rates

VLCT Planning and Zoning Forum 11/16/2006

Letter from William Bartlett concerning Continuity of Government and Continuity of Operations

VLCT Preliminary Unemployment Rate Assessment for 2007

Letter of introduction from Antioch New England Institute

Washington County Annual Report

Letter from VPIRG asking the town to consider passing a resolution to protect residents from mercury exposure in fish.

Meeting adjourns at 8:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Carlson
Assistant to the Select Board