~ Approved with corrections ~

October 3, 2006

• Approve Minutes of Last Meeting
• Fuel Bids
• Web Committee
• Emergency Rapid Response Plan
• Renewal Pacif Insurance
• Road Foreman Report
• Clerk's Report
• Other Business

The Selectboard met at the Craftsbury Town Hall on Tuesday, October 3^rd at 7:30 PM. Selectboard present were Bruce Urie, Jim Jones and Susan Houston. Yvette Brown (Town Clerk), Steve Marckres (Road Foreman), and Michelle Warren (Selectboard Clerk) were also present.

While reading over the minutes from the last meeting, Mr. Urie gave an update of the Stormwater Litigation. The original permission form signed by the Covilles had been rejected because it wasn't on a state form. Tonight, via e-mail, Mr. Urie finally got the state permission form he needed. Mr. Urie will ask the Covilles to sign the new state permission form and then he will send it back in.

Mr. Urie regretted to inform the Selectboard that he accidentally forgot to write the letter, requesting people to serve on a Conservation Committee. He will get a draft of the letter ready soon so that the Selectboard can review it and then send it out. Mr. Urie has spoken to several people already and thought they would be willing to serve on the Conservation Committee.

Mr. Urie made a motion to approve the September 19, 2006 Selectboard minutes, Ms. Houston seconded. The September 19, 2006 minutes were approved.

From the State, you can get back any state tax of $0.26 and also the federal tax—nothing for change of propane if everything is ok.

Mr. Jones stated that he had spoken to Northern, and it wouldn't cost anything to put the new propane tanks in as long as the town used (in the ballpark of) the 2,500 gallons stated in the bid. There would be a minimal charge, however, to do a pressure check on the lines. The only other charge would be if the Town had to upgrade their propane equipment. Mr. Urie and Mr. Marckres both verified that the propane system was just put in a few years ago. Mr. Marckres noted that dyed fuel isn’t necessary low sulfur fuel. With Northern, two forms would have to be filled out to get 26 cents of the 50 cents that was added to the cost per gallon for low sulfur. Mr. Urie mentioned that there is a $1000/gallon fine for commercial truckers using red dye in their vehicles. Mr. Marckres said that the dyed fuel could be used for off-road vehicles such as the loader or grader but not in the trucks. When Mr. Marckres called the commissioner of commercial vehicles asking about using red dye in trucks, he was told absolutely not.

Mr. Urie mentioned that Woodbury had formed a buyer's co-op a few years ago with nearby towns. People paid a small amount to be part of the buyer's co-op. Mr. Urie said he wanted to look into it for Craftsbury because it was a 30-40 cent difference in the price, but the bid winner was Irving Oil (who doesn't deliver to Craftsbury).

Mr. Jones wanted to make sure that there wouldn't be any taxes added to the fuel costs, because there shouldn't be. Ms. Brown said that Bourne's had suggested that the Town could get a better price for fuel if they bid earlier next year, possibly May (before Bourne's bought their fuel). Ms. Brown said that if they did change the fuel contract ending date to May, the Selectboard needs to keep that in mind when budgeting.

Mr. Jones motioned to try Bourne's for the Low Sulfur and Ms. Houston seconded. The Selectboard decided on Northern for their fuel oil and propane, since it was less expensive than the other choices. The Selectboard decided to keep the Northern contract deadline until October (like last year) but asked Ms. Brown to check with Bourne's and change the ending date to May if Bourne's thinks it will make a difference and help the town.

Ms. Warren said that she had put a broadband link on the home page so visitors can go directly to a form to sign up for broadband online. Mr. Urie asked if Ms. Brown had money in any Town accounts to help offset the postcard mailing that the Broadband Committee is trying to send out to all Craftsbury households. The Broadband Committee is trying to get a prediction of the number of people that want to sign up to broadband. It would help greatly with the grant application due the end of the month. Ms. Brown said that there are approximately 400 parcel owners. Mr. Urie said that Bill Wereley would be stopping by to talk to Ms. Brown about getting labels. Ms. Brown would have to get approval from the Selectboard to use the office supplies account for the Broadband Committee mailing. It was also suggested to inform local newspapers and radio stations plus put up posters around town to help inform people. The Selectboard decided to wait until October 17^th before making a decision on the mailing. The current estimate of 165 people interested in broadband access is based on responses from local businesses and people around town. Ms. Brown thought that a small percentage of Craftsbury residents have internet access. Seventy people had already signed up at the stores, etc. for broadband last year.

Mr. Houston suggested having high school seniors on the Website Committee. Ms. Warren said that from her experience on the school website, it was difficult to get the students involved because they were so busy with other activities. Currently, Louise Calderwood, Bill Wereley, Steve Jarrett and Peggy Sapphire are on the Website Committee. Jeaneane Young, Gina Campoli, Val Adams, Effie Brown, Tom Twenton, Susan Waterhouse/Kristy Lamare, Ken/Sue Atherton and Ben Mastin were suggested to be added to the Craftsbury Website Committee. Ms. Brown recommended a form letter and will get a draft letter ready to send out to the chosen to serve on the Website Committee. Ms. Warren will pick up the form letters from Ms. Brown.

Ms. Brown said that although there was a large notebook with details of Emergency Plans, the basic Emergency Rapid Response Plan needed to be updated. The last version had been adopted in 2004. Mr. Urie said he would meet with Annette Jones at a soccer game, discuss it and then start the process of updating the Rapid Response Plan. It was suggested that Ms. Jones attends one of the Selectboard meetings because she has participated in state meetings regarding the Emergency Rapid Response Plan and can offer valuable insight.

The Selectman worked on filling out the Pacif Renewal Insurance Package. The Town's six-bay garage was increased from $20,000 to $40,000 for contents. Ms. Brown will finish filling out the financial section of the insurance package. Mr. Urie will double-check with the Fire Department regarding their coverage from Vermont Fire Service on their gear, trucks, compressor, computer and tents. Mr. Urie explained that Walt Gutzmann felt that for the Fire Department, the Vermont Fire Service offers better insurance coverage for less money (it doesn’t just cover item value – it covers replacement cost). The new truck was added to the Pacif Insurance while the 1997 dump truck (that was traded) was taken off. The Pacif Insurance Package is due

October 20, 2006 and goes into effect January 1, 2007.

Mr. Marckres said the crew has been hauling gravel the last two weeks. Generally things are going well, except a few repairs on the new dump truck.

Ms. Brown said taxes are coming in normally. She stated that the November 7^th General Election will be very busy and everybody will be needed help to count. If the Selectboard knows anyone else that would be willing to count, about 25-30 people are needed. Ms. Brown explained that the only requirement for counters is that they be on the Town checklist. If possible, have counters contact Ms. Brown ahead of time to help with planning. The Polls closes at 7:00 PM, which is when the counters start. New counters will be given instructions and be sworn in first.

Mr. Marckres said he had spoken to Gilbert who estimated less than $3,000 to put in a new septic tank and leach field (with the help of the road crew to bring in sand, etc). The Selectboard told Mr. Marckres to put it in late fall if possible or spring, as long as it's in before the new regulations starting July 1^st, which would greatly add to the cost. The septic system will need to be put in the budget for next year. The Selectboard agreed that the septic system is in tender shape and replacement is necessary for maintaining the Town Hall building. The Selectboard would like Mr. Marckres to let them know three weeks ahead of time if possible. Taplins would need to pump the tank at the same time.

Mr. Urie said he had spoken to Wayne Mutrux who is very interested in the Ancient Road Grant. While reading further, Mr. Urie realized the deadline was November 10^th, not September 29^th. Although Wayne estimated $2,500-$3,000 for the grant initially, he suggested to try for the full $5,000 of the grant instead which would allow funding for a GIS map of the old roads and plus help cover complications if they occur. Roads need to be identified by 2009 and then the old roads need to be gone in 2015. Mr. Mutrux will help Mr. Urie with the grant writing and budgeting. The Selectboard agreed to ask for the full $5,000 grant.

Power and water to Bonnie Strong's house was discussed. The Selectboard had given Hardwick Electric Department right of way for power to Bonnie Strong's new house that is being built. Although Mr. Marckres wasn't comfortable putting in the stakes the Hardwick Electric Department requested, Mr. Mutrux was able to help out and clarify the right of way information.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM. The next Selectboard meeting is scheduled at the Craftsbury Town Hall on Tuesday, October 17^th at 7:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Michelle Warren, Selectboard Clerk