Town of Danville

Selectboard Minutes

July 19^th 2007

The Selectboard met at the Danville Town Hall on Thursday July 19^th, 2007, Michael Walsh called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Selectboard present were Marion Sevigny, Michael Walsh, Denise Briggs, Doug Pastula, and Marvin Withers. Others present were Ginnie Morse, Kevin Gadapee and Merton Leonard and visitors, Assistant Fire Chief Troy Cochran, and Barb and Gary Fontaine.

Doug Pastula corrected the minutes, as the Fire Wardens name is Crocker. Marvin Withers moved to accept the July 5^th minutes as corrected, Marion Sevigny seconded the motion, the July 5th minutes were approved as corrected.

Troy Cochran was present to discuss the fire departments plan of buying the old rescue ambulance for use as an equipment vehicle to carry the specialized gear they have acquired. They would hope to be able to raise the $5,000 to pay for it, and will check it over more thoroughly if the Selectboard agrees. After further discussion, there was a general consensus of agreement from the Selectboard to proceed.

Kevin reported that the storm of July 11 caused a substantial amount of damage to several areas of town including Morrill Road, Young Farm Road, and Calkins Camp Road, and other areas with less amount of damage. All roads will be regraded as soon as possible, with the worst areas being done first. FEMA did tour the damage but we have not heard if we will get any assistance.

Denise Briggs the Treasure of the fire department, is requesting a change in the way that the fire department receives the town allotment. At present starting at the first of the year, she pays bills out of the fire department checking account until she has spent most of the money, then the bills are forwarded to the town for payment out of the fire departments allotment. Then at the end of the year, she presents the bills she has paid to the Town for reimbursement. This procedure is rather cumbersome and she would like to pay all the bills herself if she could get an earlier payment of the fire departments allotment. Treasurer Ginnie Morse explains that most all allotments are paid after the taxes are collected, so the town would not have to borrow the extra money to pay it earlier. She further explained that it has been practice to receive the bills from town entities so that the town records would show what was purchased with the funds. After further discussion, it was agreed to look into it further and discuss the best approach to take with the Town Auditor.

Merton reported that he has been working with Kevin on the road washout problems trying to help collect information that will be required if FEMA money is received. FEMA conservatively estimated $30,000 in repairs, as most all roads received some washing damage it is hoped that it will be received. The Fire Wardens are researching the burning ordinance and hope to report back next meeting. Merton has researched the fines that are charged by towns for illegal burning, and found that an ordinance can be taken to a civil court for action, and the town would receive the fines and the court would receive the court costs. The tickets that the forestry department passes out are fixed at $25.00 and the payment appears to go to the traffic court. Merton also reported that the old wooden chairs have been brought down stairs from the attic and are ready to be sold during the fair. Marion Sevigny suggested that the Board Chairman and Assistant Chairman be the eligible signers to requisition money from the Ancient Road Grant, which was approved by general consensus. A new contractor was hired to push the wood dump back, but has not arrived yet.

Merton presented a sheet showing the estimated tax rate from town meeting time and the actual tax rate based on the same budget figure, which was within a small fraction of a penny. He questioned if the Board wanted to reduce the tax figure by the amount of the highway grant received for paving. After some discussion, it was decided to investigate it further and decide at next meeting.

A motion by Marion Sevigny to approve the roofing contract with Murphy Roofing for the North Danville School and pay a requested $4,000.00 down payment, was seconded by Denise Briggs and approved by the Board. A motion by Marvin Withers to approve using the Marshall & Swift cost tables by the listers was seconded by Doug Pastula and approved by the Board. An appropriation request from the Better Back Roads Association for $75.00 was approved on a motion by Denise Briggs that was seconded by Marvin Withers.

The Board reviewed the expenditures for the past two weeks, and signed the current order sheets.

Having no other business, the Board adjourned at 7:50pm.

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.