Town of Craftsbury Selectboard Minutes
~ approved with correction~
October 23, 2007
Agenda:
The Selectboard met at the Craftsbury Town Hall on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at
7:30 PM. Selectboard present was Bruce Urie, Jim Jones and Susan Houston. Yvette Brown, Steve Marckres, Bernard Reindeau, Matt Murawski (DuBois & King Inc.), Donly Goodridge, Kateri Stokes and Michelle Warren (Clerk of Selectboard) was also present.
Approve Minutes of Last Meeting
Mr. Jones made a motion to approve the October 2, 2007 Selectboard Minutes as printed, Mr. Urie seconded. The October 2, 2007 Selectboard Minutes were approved as printed.
DuBois & King Proposal –Philip Edgerton/Bernard Reindeau:
Mr. Murawski summary of the DuBois & King, Inc.‘s proposal was that his understanding is that Mr. Reindeau’s foundation was poured and fill was placed in the area adjacent to the stream channel, which appears to be in the floodplain. Their first step would be to figure the actual 100-year flood elevation with field surveys and a hydraulic analysis for that area. The second step would be to determine the impact of this proposed house and the fill that’s been placed. Mr. Murawski stated that this study would confirm with certainty whether it was in the floodplain area or not. With that data, they can decide the limit of that floodplain area. He explained that maps done in this area are what FEMA describes as only approximate methods. Mr. Murawski understands that there was a large storm that did significant road damage and that this proposed house might aggravate those problems again.
Mr. Edgerton thought 6 x 12 culverts were put under Town Hill road and Route 14 after the flood. Mr. Marckres mentioned that hydraulic studies were done right after the flood, which Mr. Edgerton didn’t realize had been done. Mr. Reindeau said that the brook always pushes away from where the building is and that there was a small shallow area leading to his field 300 feet down that could hold excess water. After the flood in 1997, the town had built a temporary bridge on his land so travel could continue in that area. Mr. Murawski said that the hydraulic study done earlier was probably done for the purpose of sizing the culverts and bridges on the road and typically that would be for a 50-year flood. Although the information would be useful, it wouldn’t offer an unbiased resolution around this specific property, such as where does the water spread over the floodplain or does the fill that’s been placed cause the water to be routed differently. Mr. Murawski said he would be willing to call DeWolf, who had done the previous hydraulic study since he knows the right kind of questions to ask. Mr. Murawski noted that just so there weren’t any false expectations, there wouldn’t be a significant reduction in the proposal cost, possibly a few hundred dollars.
Mr. Edgerton noted that Rebecca Pfieffer encouraged Craftsbury to get a study. Mr. Urie asked Mr. Murawski to get back to the Selectboard with what information is available and then the Selectboard will make a decision on this as soon as possible since winter is arriving soon. When Mr. Reindeau asked the time frame for the work, Mr. Murawski said that the report would take up to 4 weeks, start to finish. Mr. Edgerton said he didn’t have any objection to Mr. Reindeau’s request of capping the cement for the winter to avoid possible damage. Mr. Murawski explained to Mr. Reindeau that in order to obtain flood insurance in floodplain area, without a study done, house owners would be subject to the highest rate.
Donly Goodridge:
Mr. Goodridge asked the status of road near Lawrence Grigg’s property. Mr. Urie said he still has just gotten to the 1900’s, hasn’t had a chance to go further yet. Mr. Goodridge suggested checking in the 1970’s and Mr. Urie agreed. Mr. Urie thought that possibly Eddie Williams might know if it was discontinued and returned back to the landowners since he was on the Selectboard at that time. Mr. Mutrux is still working on getting the old maps of that area onto the computer mapping system, but just hasn’t had time to finish it. Mr. Houston suggested giving one of the Ancient Road Committee members the task of working on this project over the winter.
Kateri Stokes:
Ms. Stokes explained that LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee) hired her to work with local communities to complete their requirements. Currently, all emergency personnel abide by the ICS (Incident Command System). Homeland Security broadened it to NICS (National Incident Command System) for national floods, etc. If FEMA needs to help in Craftsbury, they will first go to the Town Clerks office to see if there is an adoption of the NIMS (National Incident Management System). The document needs to be signed and read into the minutes. The document explains that in time of emergency, the town will follow the NIMS direction. The NIMS have consolidated it to this form, for uniformity nationwide.
Mr. Stokes explained that police and rescue workers during an emergency would be busy trying to maintain order and getting people to safety. In order to complete the 3-hour online course, a test must be passed at the conclusion. First and second responders should take the test along with school officials such as the principal and superintendent. Firefighters, elected officials and appointed officials should also take the test. Mr. Urie said that a dozen or so firefighters have completed the NIMS course. She suggested leaving the document with the Town Clerk, possibly in the Emergency Plan book. The NIMS adoption agreement was signed and read into the minutes. Ms. Warren said that she would send Ms. Stokes a copy of the minutes for her records via email and also file a copy of the documents with the minutes.
Ms. Houston suggested that the town leaders (selectboard, fire department, school, etc.) meet to organize their emergency plan. Ms. Brown suggested also reviewing the emergency plan annually. The Selectboard agreed to both ideas. Mr. Urie mentioned that Steve Perkins (who’s a board member on LEPS) is currently working with the school on their emergency plan.
VLCT PACIF Renewal:
Mr. Urie noted that there were no changes in the equipment list except that the new fire truck was added. The Selectboard dated and signed it, Ms. Brown will send it in the mail.
Randi Calderwood re: Sand:
Mr. Urie noted that there might be a few more Craftsbury residents that want to use the town’s sand commercially. The Selectboard agreed that no residents will be permitted to drive/use the town equipment such as the loader. The Selectboard discussed whether to continue to offer sand free to people using it commercially. Mr. Urie said he would talk to Mr. Calderwood reminding him not to use the loader to put in the sand. The Town Crew will still offer to load when they are there, but no one else is allowed to drive the equipment due to liability. Mr. Urie will also check to see if Mr. Calderwood expects to have an increase in business. The Selectboard agreed that the reasonable sanding is a positive service for the town.
Mr. Calderwood also mentioned to Mr. Urie that the school parking lot needs new gravel in the turn onto Dustan Road so it doesn’t turn to mud like it did last year. Mr. Marckres said he has honed it already and will try to get in a few loads of gravel when he gets time.
Mr. Urie said Mr. Calderwood noted the new hydrant at Menard’s isn’t filling as much from the pond as it should be. In order to get the grant money, a test needs to be sent in. The Fire Department was considering trying to bring in some water from the brook above the pond. He asked if the Fire Department could use the 4" piping/tubing at the Town Shed for a few weeks to get some water started and then they will bring it back. Mr. Marckres agreed. Craftsbury will bill Greensboro for their 1000 yards of the gravel.
Mellet Gravel Pit Payment:
Ms. Brown needs to know the payment amount to the Mellets due November 1st. Mr. Urie explained that roughly Craftsbury pays for 11,600 years less 600 FEMA yards at $2.50/yard less $15117.34 paid already and then less 10% permitting costs. This year Craftsbury had used an extra 500 yards for graveling the Creek Road with the 2 for 1 grant.
Road Foreman Report:
Mr. Marckres said the shoulder work is still scheduled. Lafayette is planning to be here Tuesday.
Mr. Marckres noted that the ledge near the bridge near Bobby William’s Tree Farm is starting to fall in. He will call Scott Keiser from the District to do a hydraulic study. Right now he is going to put in some cement blocks to stabilize it for the winter, after checking first with Vermont Water Resources.
They have been working on Ketchum Hill and also have been ditching. They will be working in Mill Village soon.
Clerk’s Report:
The Selectboard discussed the budget/profit & loss statement. Ms. Brown also mentioned using ShredX, which is offering ½ price for new customers for a limited time period. It would be good to shred up the old ballots, etc. The Selectboard thought it was a good idea to try it.
Fuel Bids:
Mr. Jones made a motion to stay with Northern Petroleum for propane at $1.719 and switch to Fred’s for heating oil (fixed price $2.499) and low sulfur diesel (fixed price $2.579). The Selectboard approved the motion. Mr. Jones thought the prices would still be in effect and will contact them. Ms. Brown will send a letter to Bourne’s noting that we will be doing bids again in the spring and encourage applying.
Other Business:
Chris Young asked permission to use Town Hall for the Craftsbury Elementary School when the fire alarm is sounded and the children need to stay outside of the school in the cold for extended time periods. The school used to use the Catholic Church, but it is locked occasionally. The Selectboard agreed to allow the school to use the Town Hall as needed during fire alarms. Mr. Young told Ms. Brown that he would bring down activities for the children, which could be stored in the back.
The Selectboard later discussed the DuBois & King proposal and also reviewed Rebecca Pfieffer’s letter.
Mr. Urie spoke to Mark Dunbar and Greg Lussier who recommending a starting price of $1000-$1500 for the old salt shed. Mr. Urie will write up a for sale ad to put in the local paper and put up a few signs around town.
Mr. Urie hopes to meet with Royce Conley and also Mark Coty next week to discuss the Atwood Bridge.
Mr. Urie has sent in the local papers the notice regarding the work done on Denton Hill Road. Ms. Brown will send in the paperwork tomorrow, and send a copy of the article once it’s printed in the paper.
Mr. Urie said he would stop in to work on the Stantec & also the slope billing with Ms. Brown.
Mr. Urie read a letter stating that with hard work, the Health Trust was able to hold the increase to only 12% in 2007 and will notify them in the next few weeks the rate information for next year.
The Selectboard was invited to a luncheon with Children’s Aid Society
November 9, 2007. The Selectboard also discussed attending a seminar on managing highways.
The Selectboard decided to reduce the Website Committee to only 5 members due to lack of participation at meetings. Ms. Warren noted that only 4 people have indicated that they want to stay on the Website Committee (Jeannine Young, Bill Wereley, Yvette Brown & Michelle Warren). Many of the committee members have just been too busy. If the one person who hasn’t responded doesn’t want to be on the committee, Ms. Brown asked the Selectboard if she could ask Jean Rabe to be on the Committee. The Selectboard agreed.
The Selectboard filled out an emergency shelter agreement noting shelter locations of Craftsbury Academy and East Craftsbury Community Care Center (with overflow going to East Craftsbury Church). Ms. Brown noted a grant possibility for a generator. Mr. Urie had mentioned the generator grant earlier to Julie Marckres for Craftsbury Schools. He said the Red Cross has fully equipped portable kitchens, 3 generators and many cots that can be used if necessary.
The Selectboard Meeting adjourned at 10 PM. Next meeting is scheduled Tuesday,
November 13, 2007.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Warren, Clerk of the Selectboard