~ approved ~

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

• Approve Minutes of Last Meeting
• David Stember Store Plans
• Donly Goodridge
• Library Plowing
• Mellett – Gravel Pit Update
• Road Foreman Report
• Atwood Bridge Update
• Clerk's Report
• Tax Report
• Other Business:
• Ancient Road tentative July 16^th meeting

• The Forestry Committee – Gravel Near Sign Needed
• Speed Trailer
• Donated Safe – Moving from General Store to Town Hall
• Culvert on Houston Property

The Selectboard met at the Craftsbury Town Hall on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 7:30 PM. Selectboard present were Bruce Urie, Jim Jones and Susan Houston. Yvette Brown (Town Clerk), Michelle Warren (Clerk of Selectboard), Donly Goodridge and David Stember were also present.

Mr. Jones made a motion to approve the June 5, 2007 Selectboard Minutes as printed. The Selectboard approved the June 5^th Selectboard Minutes.

Mr. Stember said that the General Store has shifted to a corporation with invested ownership and is currently forming a board of directors. The goal is to get a reflection of community interest, not just of one person. The renovation plans of the store include remodeling the downstairs kitchen, increasing the number of products, adding a hardware section and offering food service upstairs with a public restroom. The restaurant area will have a separate outside entrance, as required legally. The building/fire/safety department has given conceptual approval, noting 30 person seating for historical buildings wouldn’t require elevators, ramps or a first floor restroom as long as it’s under $250,000 renovation costs for the 2^nd floor. The Store has acquired septic access easements from Pete Johnson and is considering 3 possible sites. They plan on an environmentally friendly septic system that cuts the size of a leachfield in half. They have talked with the liquor control board and hope to obtain the next class up for a license to serve beer, wine and mixed drinks, like the inns. The goal of the restaurant is for a village gathering place, with possibly light acoustic music, that is family oriented, affordable, and accessible in a comfortable setting (an extension of the store’s atmosphere). Parking can be expanded through the back and side near the mounds that will be inactive. The fire alarm and burglar system will be upgraded. Permits will only be for 2 meals a day and they will adjust to see what works best. Mr. Stember invited the Selectboard to sit in on their board or at their meetings. He wants to keep the Selectboard informed of their renovation plans. Mr. Stember asked if they had any questions or concerns. Ms. Brown noted to be aware that Craftsbury doesn't have police here, Mr. Stember understood that and will keep that in mind. Hopefully, the downstairs will be finished in July, and then the upstairs will start construction in October/November after the design process. The upstairs could possibly open in the mid winter or spring. Mr. Urie said it has gotten many people, talking which is good. Mr. Urie said that Selectboard wished them well.

Mr. Donly gave an informational letter to the Selectboard indicating that he is in the planning stages of a possible 100 family-friendly, secluded RV/tent site up on his land on Coburn Hill. He realizes that permits are needed, and wanted the Selectboard’s input before he proceeded. Mr. Donly needs to know the status and width of the old road located from the properties of Lawrence Griggs through Eddy Williams. Mr. Urie will check with Wayne Mutrux and get back to Mr. Donly within a month regarding the status and classification width of the road. A diesel generator would be used for power, septic and water would need to be put in. He has about 72 acres in all, roughly 60 acres would be used for the campground. Mr. Urie said it could bring in some other business in town.

Mr. Goodridge also mentioned in the letter that he has recently purchased a tilt-ditching bucket for his 315 cut excavator and would like to bid on town projects.

Ms. Houston said the Library would like the Town to do their plowing since they have to turn around there anyway. The Selectboard will check with Mr. Marckres later.

Mr. Urie said the engineers requested more soil testing at the pit’s stormwater drainage area. Mr. Marckres is planning to dig some holes for the testing.

Mr. Urie said that the Town Crew was currently ditching on Wylie Hill Road. Paving has started on the Branch Road.

No news yet on the Atwood Bridge.

The new copier should be arriving soon.

Town Tax rate was tentatively set at .5135 (municipal .5118 and local agreement .0017). Total to be raised $553,577.77. Grand list was $1,078,510.

• July 16^th at 7 PM is the tentative Ancient Road Committee meeting date. Mr. Urie hopes Doug Morton from NVDA will be a speaker at the meeting.

• Mr. Jones said that the Forestry Committee would like a load or two of gravel near the sign at the Coburn Hill lot.

• Mr. Jones suggested getting the speed trailer here this summer. Mr. Urie will check with the Sheriff’s Department and also Dan Locke for setting it up.

• Mr. Urie mentioned that the Road Crew needs to bring over the safe this week.

• Ms. Houston noted that the culvert on her property still needs to be fixed from the car accident last year.

The Selectboard Meeting adjourned at 9:45 PM. Next meeting is scheduled Tuesday,

July 10, 2007 at 7:30 PM. The Selectboard will meet June 29^th to set the School Rate.

Respectfully submitted,