TOWN OF STAMFORD
SELECTBOARD MEETING
April 3, 2014
(UNAPPROVED)
Present:
Selectboard: David Bugbee, Vice-Chair, Nancy Bushika and Sheila Lawrence.
Thomas Houghtaling and Christopher Dargie were not present.
Visitors: Sally Bohl and Bill Levine.
David Tatro, Road Commissioner.
Lori Shepard, Administrative Assistant.
Dave Bugbee called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES
MOTION by Dave Bugbee to accept the regular meeting minutes of March 20, 2014 as written. SECONDED by Nancy Bushika. 2 in favor, 1 abstained (Sheila Lawrence). Motion APPROVED.
SELECTBOARD ORDERS
The Selectboard reviewed and approved the following orders:
WARRANT #14 $ 4,945.62 payroll
WARRANT #15 $25,296.21 accounts payable
ROAD CONDITIONS
1. The highway department is down to one truck – the old Mack.
2. Carbone Motors determined that the frame break will be completely covered under warranty by Ford. They will weld the crack and add a cross member for support.
3. The Chevy broke down on Monday. It had to be trucked to Brattleboro. The fuel injectors need to be replaced and it will cost around $7,000 to repair. The board considered whether it was worth repairing. They authorized Dave Tatro to negotiate with the Auto Mall to sell the Chevy if he could get $15,000 - $20,000 for it as is.
4. Dave Tatro obtained a second opinion on the used Freightliner. Jon Bohl felt the truck is in good shape and is a good deal at that price.
5. Collins Road washed out with the recent rains and needed attention.
6. Culverts were frozen on Forgette Road and East Road that needed to be unplugged.
7. Dave Tatro thanked the fire department for their assistance with a culvert by Tatro Road that was frozen.
8. Dave Tatro has contacted the street sweeper to schedule the spring sweeping.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Bill Levine and Lori Shepard will work on the LEOP (Local Emergency Operations Plan) over the next week.
SALT SHED
Dave Bugbee is working with McCann Technical High School to see if they can draw up the salt shed plans. Sheila Lawrence suggested Mt. Anthony High School in Bennington could also draw up plans. Dave Bugbee suggested that the bids should be for labor only since materials can be obtained for a lesser price. The board discussed whether they should act as the general contractor. They may have to come up with an elevation plan for bidding purposes if the board does not act as the general contractor.
DELINQUENT DOG
There is one outstanding dog owner who never registered their dog for 2013. The Bennington Sheriff has visited him again. Sheila Lawrence will talk to him.
RECYCLING
The Free Home Hazardous Waste Day will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Stamford Transfer Station. Residents can also bring their waste directly to the Shaftsbury Transfer Station at 526 North Road, Shaftsbury, Vermont from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
NARH CLOSURE
Pamphlets from the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center are available at the town clerk’s office advising that services are available in Bennington. The topic was deferred until next meeting.
TAX ANTICIPATION LOAN
The treasurer obtained three proposals: A revolving line of credit in the amount of $200,000 at the rate of 4.75% interest charged monthly on funds used from MountainOne Bank; a loan of $200,000 at 0.75% interest payable in full on November 30, 2014 from Hampden Bank; and a loan of $200,000 at 0.75% interest payable in full on November 28, 2014 from Berkshire Bank. Last year’s loan rate was .75% with Hampden Bank.
MOTION by Dave Bugbee to approve the application for a loan of $200,000 at the rate of 0.75% per annum interest with Hampden Bank. SECONDED by Nancy Bushika. All in favor. Motion APPROVED. The revenue anticipation note was signed.
TAX SALE
Sally Bohl, the Delinquent Tax Collector, advised that a sale of the delinquent tax properties will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 2 p.m. The list of properties is posted outside the Town Clerk’s Office and at Bilmonts Country Store. The town does not need to accept properties that receive no bid if they feel it is not in the town’s best interest.
UNIFORM MUNICIPAL EXCESS WEIGHT PERMITS
The board approved Uniform Municipal Excess Weight Permit applications from United Natural Foods, Inc. and Camp Precast Concrete Products, Inc. The appropriate fees and insurance information were received. Eilers Bros. Trucking & Excavating, Inc. will be contacted for a certificate of insurance before approval.
SEMINARS
The town clerk attended a seminar on archival preservation and restoration recently as well as a treasurer’s workshop. Both were very informative. The town clerk thanked the board for their support of continuing education and Nancy Bushika for covering the office.
GENERATOR GRANT
Lori Shepard has begun the application for a generator grant through FEMA to replace the old large generator at the school. There will be a 25% town match. Electricians will be consulted.
POLICIES
The board deferred review of the proposed CDL Drug & Alcohol Policy until the next meeting.
SIDEWALK
CJ Vadnais spoke to Dave Bugbee about selling bricks to raise money for the town’s portion of the sidewalk cost. After discussion, the board thought it was too late to make revisions to the plans and since the grant contract has already been signed with the state, it would cause delay to request changes. Sheila Lawrence would like to be in charge of this project. She will call the Bennington County Regional Commission for the status.
OUTSIDE STORAGE AREA
Nancy Bushika asked about the padlock on the outside storage area where the town chairs and kitchen generator is stored. No one had any information.
ANCIENT ROADS
The board is hoping to begin working on ancient roads this spring and has contacted Bruce Richardson.
TOWN OWNED LOTS
Nancy Bushika asked for the status on the deeds being prepared. The town was waiting for all checks to clear, but enough time has passed and the deeds can be prepared.
MOTION to adjourn by Dave Bugbee. SECONDED by Nancy Bushika. All in favor. Motion APPROVED. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Sheila G. Lawrence
SL/las Clerk
REMINDERS
1. All dogs must be licensed by April 1, 2014. Dog licenses are now available at the town office.
2. Anyone interested in serving on the Planning Commission should contact a member of the Selectboard.
3. The Free Home Hazardous Waste Day will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Stamford Transfer Station or at the Shaftsbury Transfer Station at 526 North Road, Shaftsbury, Vermont from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
4. Free Scenic Route 100 Byway window decals are available at the town office.
Agenda For Thursday, April 17, 2014 Meeting
Welcome to a meeting of the Stamford Selectboard. If you have a matter to discuss that is not included on the Agenda, you may do so by addressing the Chairperson and stating your name and address.
CALL TO ORDER
HEARING OF VISITORS (time allowance: 5 minutes per visitor; 15 minutes per topic)
Michael Batcher, BCRC - Hazard Mitigation
Bennington County Sheriff’s Department
READING AND APPROVAL OF RECORDS AND ORDERS
Minutes of April 3, 2014 and April 10, 2014
Selectboard’s Orders
ROAD CONDITIONS
RECYCLING
Act 148 Mandates
DISCUSSION
Delinquent Tax Sale on April 23, 2014
NARH closure / SVHC –SVMC Services
Review Updated Draft CDL Drug & Alcohol Policy & Guidance
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
ACTION
CORRESPONDENCE
Excess Weight Permit Applications from Eilers Bros. Trucking & Excavating, Inc.
OLD BUSINESS
Dog Update
Salt Shed update
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURNMENT