~ Approved ~

September 4, 2006

Agenda:

• Approve Minutes of Last Meeting
• David Stoner
• Fuel Bids
• Water at Town Hall (is none)
• RD Foreman Report:
  rock salt 44.15 per ton signed for estimated use of 700-800
• Clerk's Report:
  copier
• Other Business:
  2006 Human Services Competitive Grant Program — due October 6, 2006
  Municipal Planning Grant Program-Ancient Roads Grant — due Sept. 29, 2006

The Selectboard met at the Craftsbury Town Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 4^th at 7:40 PM. Selectboard present were Bruce Urie, Jim Jones and Susan Houston. Yvette Brown (Town Clerk), Michelle Warren (Selectboard Clerk), David Stoner (Planning Commission) and Steve Marckres (Road Foreman) were also present.

Ms. Houston was asked if she wanted the culvert fixed on her property and she said yes. Mr. Marckres will work on getting it fixed.

The July 2006 minutes were approved with correction. The letter to Bruce Martin should have been to Paul Martin. Ms. Warren will check to make sure the letter got forwarded to Paul Martin.

Mr. Stoner asked if the Selectboard approved the Wellness Center Public Meeting Minutes. Ms. Warren had a first draft of the minutes and Mr. Stoner helped with corrections to make a final draft. The corrected Wellness Center Public Meeting Minutes were approved by the Selectboard. Michelle will send a signed copy of the minutes to Mr. Stoner for the grant.

Mr. Stoner asked the Selectboard to sign a form that authorized him to file the Wellness Center Grant on behalf of the Selectboard so that he can submit the application. Mr. Stoner said that there would be a delay in the September 12^th deadline. He just discovered that before the grant can be sent in, there has to be $7,500 in matching funds. Once the $7,500 has been reached by fundraising, Mr. Stoner will finalize the grant application. There will be four more times to apply for the grant this year. Mr. Urie gave Mr. Stoner the 2006 Human Services Competitive Grant Program, which is due Oct. 6, 2006 and the Recreation & Education Facilities Grant Program information. Mr. Stoner said he would look into the information and get back to the Selectboard.

Mr. Stoner also discussed the broadband issue. He had just gotten a message from the State of Vermont that Craftsbury had made the list of people that can apply for the broadband grant. Craftsbury had sent a preliminary letter to the State saying that it has chosen Island Pond Wireless service with the cooperation from nearby towns and is currently working on antennae locations. Mr. Stoner has already received a letter of support from the Greensboro Planning Commission because North Greensboro doesn't have broadband coverage. Mr. Stoner spoke to the Albany Planning Commission Chair last week and is expecting a support letter shortly. Mr. Urie will check with Glover as well. If Glover connects, possibly Island Pond and Westmore can also connect. We can ask Island Pond Wireless which places would be appropriate for them to tie into. Ten places made the State list and four received the grant last year. A total of $200,000 was available from the broadband grant, which was split $50,000 apiece. Regarding antennae locations, Mr. Urie mentioned that the school will allow a repeater antennae in their cupola, Stoddard's were interested, and Kinsey's silo is a go. A possible cell tower location on Colburn Hill was also discussed.

Mr. Stoner stated that there had been a group meeting that talked about conservation issues. This group requested Mr. Stoner, on their behalf, to ask the Selectboard to appoint a Conservation Committee that will look into and investigate/study the possibility of a Conservation Commission and report back to the Selectboard. Three people have volunteered to be on the possible Conservation Committee — Steve Wright, Diane Morgan and Ann Ingersol. The Selectboard will brainstorm to get a broad list of additional potential Conservation Committee names for the next meeting. Ms. Houston will also bring copies of a conservation mission statement plus conservation committee information. Mr. Urie will also bring conservation committee information. A Conservation Committee discussion will be put on the next Selectboard meeting agenda for Sept. 19^th. The Selectboard will be reviewing the information, deciding on the purpose of a Conservation Committee and considering potential benefits for to the town. The Conservation Committee would be similar to the Forestry Committee, with possible areas of overlap.

Mr. Marckres & Ms. Brown estimated similar fuel usage this year compared to last year. Ms. Brown will put an ad in the paper for one week requesting fuel bids. She will also send a form letter to major fuel companies (such as Bournes, Fred's & Ultramar) noting the number of gallons requested and size of the tanks. The current contract will run out September 30^th. Bids will be needed by Sept. 29^th and will be open Oct. 3^rd. Ms. Brown noted that although the town owns the oil tanks, the propane tanks would need to be changed out if fuel companies are changed. The Selectboard decided that bids could be separate for oil and propane.

Ms. Brown said that the Town Hall is almost out of water in the tank downstairs. Walt Gutzmann, who also had shared the same waterline, just drilled a new well because of the lack of water. In the past, the Fire Department has brought water in the winter when the waterline froze. Mr. Urie said yes when Ms. Brown asked him if he could get the Fire Department to bring water as soon as possible. Mr. Urie will ask the Hanson's to see if they would be willing to have the Town Hall hook on to their well. The Town Hall only uses water in the bathroom, which is about 275-300 gallons per month. Ecklunds on the other side would be another choice. Mr. Marckres mentioned that since the Town Hall is a commercial building, the water needs to pass state testing. The cost to repair or replace the long pipe would be expensive, especially for the small amount of use. Ms. Brown will look into getting drinking water delivered to the Town Hall. She will also put up "do not drink the water" signs in the bathroom. Mr. Urie suggested Vermont Natural out of Derby for a drinking water supplier.

Mr. Marckres said that although the initial quote was 44.15 per ton for rock salt, he had just received another letter that said the bid is actually between 50 & 51 per ton. He will call about the error to see if they will lower it. It is a state bid from Rochester, New York.

Currently the road crew is ditching on the shoulder of the new blacktop on North Wolcott Road. Ms. Houston mentioned that the new blacktop needs paint lines on it because it's hard to see at night. Mr. Marckres said he has reminded them about painting, but will check again.

Mr. Marckres said he hasn't yet ordered the allotted 500 feet/year (budgeted amount of $5000) for the used guardrails. The Selectboard told Mr. Markcres to go ahead and try to get the used guardrails by October. If not, just put the money aside for next spring and put in the both years of guardrail instead on the North Wolcott Road.

The town has hired Gilbert Goodrich 80 hours so far at $70hour, renting his machine for excavating work. The Selectboard decided to finish up the last week or so with Ethan who charges only for the excavator rental of $50/hour since he is already being paid salary by the town and is cost effective.

Mr. Marckres said that Rob Reil approached him regarding the town getting gravel on his property. Mr. Reil wants the town to handle the Act 250 permit process. He will be building a house in that area in two years so it would have a 2-year limit. The Selectboard agreed to dig some test holes for gravel and then make a decision.

Mr. Urie told Ms. Brown that he would send her the earlier 2006 Selectboard Meeting Minutes so she will have a copy at the Town Hall.

Ms. Brown said the main copier is now about 8 years old and that most of the parts have been already replaced by the repair service. It still overheats and shuts down in addition to jamming frequently. Ms. Brown suggests putting a new copier in the proposed budget for next year. Ms. Brown will look into getting quotes for copiers from different companies.

The Storm Water Litigation Grant form was discussed.

Mr. Urie will contact George B. regarding the status of the Atwood Bridge. Ms. Brown will also check with Scott. Mr. Urie said that there should be a decision by early fall.

The Profit & Loss statement was discussed. Mr. Marckres said that his repair account might increase. He is currently trying to help reduce rising costs by ordering in bulk, along with other nearby towns, for items such as truck blades. Ms. Brown said that she has lowered workman's comp. expenses $2400 by breaking down the hours in more detail with the insurance company.

The Municipal Planning Grant Program - Ancient Roads Grant, which is due Sept. 29, 2006 was discussed. Every town has to do this and apply for the grant. It needs to be filled out by Selectboard. Mr. Urie will try and work with Wayne Mutrux on this since Mr. Mutrux knows much of the information. There may be legal issues to handle as well.

State Workshops scheduled for fall were also discussed.

Mr. Urie gave Ms. Warren a letter from Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce requesting Craftsbury information being available on their website. Ms. Warren will contact them and give them our town website information.

Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM. Next Selectboard meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Sept. 19^th at 7:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Michelle Warren, Selectboard Clerk