Town of Danville

Selectboard Minutes

March 18th, 2010

Michael K Walsh called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Selectboard present were, Doug Pastula, Michael K Walsh, Denise Briggs, Steve Larrabee, and Marvin Withers. Also present were Wendy Somers, Merton Leonard, visitors Barb and Gary Fontaine, Terry Hoffer, Dennis Amsden and Bob Briggs.

Steve Larrabee moved to accept the minutes of the March 4th meeting as written, Marvin Withers seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as written.

Terry Hoffer was present to explain the importance of the 2010 census and advise the Board that there are positions still open for enumerators, to contact non responders to complete the census. He thanked the Board for the use of the room to issue tests to the applicants, and offered to answer any questions that may arise with the census procedures.

Marc Joncas was present to report on the successful year he had with the skating rink. He passed on the "thank you" he received from the school, for the additional activity the skating offered for their winter fest. The Board thanked Marc for his time and dedication to developing the rink. Marc also wanted to express his concerns with the water line construction from last fall. He has a problem with the placement of the fire hydrant directly in front of his house, the unusual height of the hydrant and water runoff problems he is having in his yard. While he has discussed these with the construction foreman, they have not corrected the problems. Bob Briggs mentioned to the Board that any relocation of the fire hydrants was done without the Fire Department's input. The Board will contact the Water District to look into these and other reported problems before the final cleanup is completed by the contractor.

Dennis Amsden was present to discuss his recent denial of a zoning application for a home occupation permit. He feels he was denied a permitted use and required to apply for a conditional use permit, because of the nature of his business involves the repair and sales of firearms. He feels the Zoning Administrator acted on her feelings, rather than the bylaws. He believes he would have received the home occupation permit had it been for lawn mower or similar repair activity. The definition of home occupation does not list the actual type of activity or business allowed, although it does limit the activity of retail sales. After further discussion, the Boards consensus was to agree with Mr Amsden. On a motion by Marvin Withers that was seconded by Steve Larrabee, the Board approved writing a letter to the Zoning Administrator questioning her decision.

Gary and Barb Fontaine were concerned with their land on Highland Avenue and the plow damage that occurred after the most recent snow storm. They indicated they saw some other damage around town also after that storm. The Board will discuss the plowing with Kevin.

Wendy Somers was present with an application for renewal of a liquor and a tobacco license from Joes Pond Country Store. Marvin Withers moved to approve the license applications. Doug Pastula seconded the motion which was approved by the Board. Wendy also apprised the Board on the Recreation Funds Account. The Recreation Committee disbanded several years ago, and the use of the funds has remained dormant. She requested that the funds be taken over by the Town and use the funds for future recreational projects that the community could utilize, such as the skating rink. After some discussion there was agreement with the Board to take over that account and use it for future recreational projects, including the ice rink and tennis courts. On a motion by Marvin Withers and a second from Denise Briggs, it was approved.

As a follow up regarding the Dog Account from Town Meeting, Wendy told the Board that the funds in the Dog Account could only be used for dogs and other animal related issues, even if the balance continues to grow. She also suggested that we the Town could use some of the funds to make annual donations to a local shelter.

In a written report, Kevin reported that the spring type weather has brought about spring roads which are "a bit muddy". The roads also have a few potholes and some rutty spots, that the road crew have been repairing with gravel fill and then grading them. With the arrival of the good weather, the road crew will be going on the four day work week starting on April 12. (Ten Hour days, Monday through Thursday). Kevin has been getting the specifications together on the Hill Street project, making a materials list and requesting prices from suppliers. He has also met with structural engineer Jeff Tirey, on the condition of the structure of the old garage. The plan is to install a new roof this summer, but it was decided to determine if any structural updates need to be included to the garage with the new roof.

Merton distributed copies of Australian Ballots from the Town of Burke as a sample of what "Australian Ballots" look like from a town that has used them for voting for several years. Merton also distributed a draft firearms shooting policy for the town wood dump, as requested by the Board. After reviewing the draft and making some wording changes, the Board agreed to proceed with adoption it. He noted that the updated tax maps have been received and will be reviewed by the listers for completeness. The insurance application for the public official's liability has been accepted by the insurance company at the same cost as last year.

The Board reviewed the budgets, the expenditures and signed the orders.

The term of Fire Warden Jason Crocker will end on June 30th, the Dept of Forest, Parks & Recreation has reappointed him to another 5 year term. The Board was asked to approve his appointment. Marvin Withers moved to approve the reappointment of Jason Crocker as Town Forest Fire Warden, Steve Larrabee seconded the motion which was approved. Michael K Walsh moved to go into executive session to discuss a personnel issue and invite Merton and Wendy. Marvin Withers seconded the motion. The Board went into executive session at 7:49. The Board returned from Executive Session at 8:40 with no action taken.

With no other business, the Board adjourned the meeting at 8:40 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Merton Leonard

Clerk of the Selectboard

Town of Danville

Send mail to Mert.Leonard@DanvilleVt.com with questions or comments about this web site.