Town of Danville

Selectboard Minutes

April 2nd, 2009

The Selectboard met at the Danville Town Hall on Thursday April 2nd, 2009. Marvin Withers called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Selectboard present were Denise Briggs, Marion Sevigny, Marvin Withers, and Michael K Walsh. Also present were, Merton Leonard and visitors John Blackmore, Ken Robie, David Crucitti, Ken Linsley, Bob Briggs, and reporter Sally Cook.

Denise Briggs corrected two grammatical errors in the minutes, Michael K Walsh moved to accept the minutes as corrected, Denise Briggs seconded the motion which was approved.

John Blackmore the Collector of Delinquent Taxes, was present to review the policy that he has been following to collect taxes. While this is the same policy he has been following for years he wanted to confirm that the Board was still in agreement with it and understood how he was operating. While the final stage of collection is to sell the property at a tax sale, he does work with the people to try to find a payment schedule that will allow them to get their tax bill caught up.

Ken Robie project engineer from VTrans was present to update the Board on the current status of the Route #2 reconstruction project. They have finally completed the abutting landowner list and have identified the land that they will be requesting each property owner to sell to the State. They also have a package for the town land that they wish to obtain. Much of the land is under the road and is a state policy to obtain ownership of all state highways Right of Way, particularly when a major reconstruction takes place. They have scheduled a meeting with all the land owners for April 29th.

David Crucitti was present to discuss a situation whereby a person is placing objects on the side of the road to keep vehicles from driving on the side of the road. He states that the objects are a hazard to travelers, particularly if they meet someone on this section of the road. The Board agreed with his evaluation of the problem and will take measures to get the objects removed. Willfully placing objects in the road can carry a fine of $1,000 plus any damages caused by them.

Kevin's written report stated that the spring type work has been continuing. There is still not a lot of mud, but they have been filling and smoothing rough areas as well as the few muddy spots. The grader is out most everyday working the roads as they allow, and will continue as needed. Meanwhile he has been lining up the remaining work on the FEMA projects and will work on finishing them prior to starting any new projects. There have been a few requests for speed limit signs, and they will get them up as soon as possible as requests come in. The bridge work on the Harvey's Hollow Bridge has begun and is progressing well, keeping one lane open. The Crew will be going on four ten hour days starting on April 13th with hours being 5:30am to 4pm.

Merton reported that the Legislature continues to discuss the state aid to municipal highway issue. While the town has received 15% less than last year in the first two payments of this year there have been various proposals including fully funding it. He also reported: that there are 9 disabled veterans in town and that would cost the town $6130. to increase the veterans tax deductable to $40,000; he received notice that VTrans has officially cancelled the town's lease on the old gravel pit near the railroad trestle, the Board's still not anxious to give up the lease; Rita Kitchel's request to use the green for a yard sale is for the benefit of Habitat for Humanity directly; the deck on the front porch on the town hall has further deteriorated and should be fixed this summer; the Planning Commission proposes to use their Healthy Living grant to help improve the skating rink on Hill St; he received a file of Danville newspaper articles collect by Harriett Fisher, Lyndon Area Historian.

After some discussion Michael K Walsh moved to request bids to rebuild the deck on the Town Hall Porch, motion was seconded by Denise Briggs and approved. The proposal to use the Healthy Living Grant to help improve the Hill St skating rink was approved on a motion by Denise Briggs that was seconded by Marion Sevigny. The renewal of the Creamery Restaurant liquor license was approved on a motion by Michael K Walsh that was seconded by Marion Sevigny. Denise Briggs moved to approve Marvin Withers to sign for the Board on the High Risk Roads Grant, seconded by Michael K Walsh and was approved. Michael K Walsh moved to approve Marvin Withers to sign for the Board for the sale of the 2000 Dump Truck, seconded by Marion Sevigny and was approved. Denise Briggs moved to sign the contract with J P Sicard Inc, Michael K Walsh seconded the motion which was approved. The Board also wishes to thank the Fishers for the file on Danville newspaper articles.

The Board reviewed the budgets expenditures, and approved the orders for payment.

Denise Briggs moved to go into executive session to review the bid applications received for Sexton and mowing the town cemeteries. Marion Sevigny seconded the motion which was approved at 7:35pm. The board emerged from executive session at 8:05. They decided to request the four median bidders to come into the next meeting for interviews.

With no other business, the Board adjourned the meeting at 8:20 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.