 Messages |
Topics |
Attachments
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
Messages - David Shea
1
« on: October 01, 2015, 09:07:29 AM »
I'd also like to add that for several years the Fairfax Selectboard work diligently to convince the voters to approve the building of a new town office building. The primary reasons that necessitated the move were, the cost to bring the old school house up to current ADA Codes, lack of space, the small size of the vault, mold in the basement and lack of parking. Cost estimates to fix the building were in the mid $300,000.00 range. The rest is history we borrowed the money and built a 1,000,000.00 new building.
Before I can support this project a complete business plan needs to be formulated including how it will be executed and the fall back plan if fund raising falls short. What are the new programs that will be started in the building, what are the cost & projected profits? How will parking and traffic flow from the building be handled.
I too would like to save the Bellows Farm and Buildings, Hiram Bellows built the original BFA and the water system that supplied the school. There still is a Bellows Trust that provides a scholarship to one BFA student per year. That property is a historic icon of Fairfax that also need the support of the town. How many of these building can we save and still maintain our existing roads, buildings and equipment without putting an undue burden on our taxpayers?
2
« on: October 01, 2015, 08:33:44 AM »
I was on the Selectboard when this idea was first presented. In principal I believe the building should be preserved, that being said at what cost. The estimates that were given to the board three years ago to bring the building up to current ADA standards was north of $500,000.00. Where will this revenue come from? Have engineers been hired to evaluate the building, traffic studies completed, is the current water and sewer allocation sufficient to support the change of use. ( last I knew the water department was out of water? , Maybe the town has special allocations in reserve for town use?) It has been said that the recreation department will fund raise to pay for the repairs to the building. It takes a lot of activities to fund raise 1/2 a million dollars. If fundraising for the project fails who's responsibility will it be to fix the building. Currently the recreation department's overhead is completely funded by taxpayer dollars. The money in the rec special account, $100,000.00 doesn't go toward paying salaries or overhead, it is there to improve the program. Will this money be used toward the improvements to the Baptist Building? There have been several projects that have been started by recreation that have taken a long time to finish or still have not been started. The public restrooms at the recreation path took a long time with primarily volunteer help. Fairfax also has 100 acres of recreational woodland in North Fairfax. The plan was for the parking area to improved and trails cut, this was three years ago. The project has not been started yet. By state statue, all towns have a primary responsibility to fix and repair our infrastructure. That means keeping our roads, bridges, buildings and equipment maintained. The town need to stay focused on these things and complete the projects we have started before taking on more. Additionally the private water utility in Fairfax is loosing money on a monthly basis. How does this tie into the Baptist Building? When the Water Utility was bonded for water system upgrades the Town of Fairfax had to secure the bond. If the system fails by way of lost revenue, major equipment failures, water wells gets polluted, sand filter in the water storage towers needs to be replaced and the utility can not afford to pay for it, guess who pays? The taxpayers outside of the water district will need to pay even though we are not users on the system. Why? Because the town secured the bond. The improvements to the system are 25 years old & so it the pump in the well. Milton, VT has been going through a similar process with the Stannard House. The articles detailing that can be found here: http://www.miltonindependent.com/tag/stannard-house/ Maybe Fairfax should contact the Milton board to see how they have handled this challenge?
3
« on: August 19, 2015, 07:22:45 AM »
Sara,
I believe the land is tied up with the Vermont Land Trust.
4
« on: July 25, 2015, 10:47:53 PM »
Keith
Working through this will be a great way to "cut your teeth" on the select board. Good luck.
5
« on: July 25, 2015, 10:44:56 PM »
Scott Michael Mobus, 46, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2015, in a motorcycle accident. Scott was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, and son. Scott was born in Burlington, Vermont. He attended Bellows Free Academy Fairfax, and graduated in 1987. He immediately enlisted in the US Army. Scott was a career service man, with almost 28 years of military service. Scott’s talent and hard work helped him to move through the ranks, achieving Warrant Officer 2 (WO2). Scott was a veteran and served in Iraq. He has received many awards and recognitions including: Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Third Award), National Defense Medal (Second Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas, Training Ribbon (Second Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, Driver and Mechanic Badge, - Mechanic, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver – Wheeled Vehicle Clasp Scott was loved by so many. He was the go to guy for many of his friends and family. Scott was always there to lend a hand to those who asked. All of Scott’s friends knew he had a sarcastic and witty humor. He could always make people laugh, and his big personality and laugh drew people to him. There was a saying among friends and family, “If Scott didn’t tease you, he probably didn’t like you”. Scott was an industrious man. He could fix anything broken. He loved to tinker with gadgets, his many toys, and cars. Scott’s skills and talents showed when he built their family home. However, Scott’s love and passion was his motorcycles. He lived to be on the road. He took numerous road trips with many friends and his Shriner Brothers. His travels took him to destinations such as the Dakotas, Colorado, New England, and many others. Scott was proud to boast he was a member of the “Iron Butt Club”. Scott was an active volunteer of the ABA Shriners and Masons. He loved participating in the many events with his fellow riders. The Shriners were not only his riding “brothers”, they truly became a part of his family. Scott was also a member of other groups including the Combat Vets and Lake Stockton Shriners. Scott was an amazing man, who will be missed by so many. He is preceded in death by his father, Bernard “Ben” Achilles, and step-father Robert “Bob” Boutin. He is survived by; his wife of 22 years, Chandra Mobus; daughter, McKenna; mother, Donna Boutin; sister, Angela Rodgers; brother, Robert Boutin; step-mother, Claire Achilles; step-sister, Janet Barbrie; half-siblings, Kathleen Achilles, Pete Achilles, Nicole Frye, Dawn White, and Corey Mobus; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and many Shriner friends, and Military family. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the Butler Funeral Home Chapel, in Bolivar, Missouri. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at the Butler Funeral Home Chapel. Burial, with full military honors will follow service, and take place at the Missouri State Veteran’s Cemetery. A private family dinner will follow the services. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital of St. Louis, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
6
« on: July 24, 2015, 12:01:01 PM »
Completely makes sense to me.
7
« on: July 24, 2015, 08:20:55 AM »
We lost one of the good ones.... He was a friend, and brother to us all. The good ones are always taken away from us too early. Rest in peace Scott Mobus, you'll be in our memories.
When an obituary is available I'll post that here
Taken from the Alabama KY3 News
"A motorcyclist from Bolivar was killed in a crash involving a pickup truck on Thursday evening.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Scott Mobus, 46, struck a 2001 Chevy S10 pickup on Route H in Pleasant Hope at about 6:20 p.m. when the truck traveled into the path of his 2014 Kawasaki motorcycle.
Troopers say Mobus died at the scene. Nobody else was injured."
8
« on: July 20, 2015, 08:44:24 PM »
9
« on: June 04, 2015, 03:34:01 PM »
A family from Franklin, VT with 3 children who play piano, came to the house to look at the instrument. They were impressed with how nice it sounded and that it was in such good tune. Impressive considering the last time it was tuned was at BFA 4 years ago. As they say the just don't build things like the used to. Looks like the piano will be well played and loved by this family.
10
« on: June 03, 2015, 08:34:02 PM »
France Phillips a membe of a facebook group who recognized this piano leave a very nice comment.
That is soo cool. I had music classes with that piano!! Do you have any of the old music books? I remember one with a song about Farmer Brown...I swear it was our favorite in about the 4th grade. smile emoticon. Sorry, this just made me think of music classes with Mrs. Hubbard.
11
« on: June 03, 2015, 07:09:35 AM »
Free 1915 Kohler and Cambell Piano. The piano was owned by BFA, Fairfax and had been tuned and repaired on a regular basis. The instrument is in good condition, keys and pedals work as they should. If only this 100 year old piano could talk, the stories it could tell! We are inheriting a family piano and now would like to pass this one on to another family. 1) Piano is a 1915 Kohler and Campbell serial number 176908 2) The keys are all in good condition. 3) Piano was owned by BFA, Fairfax so it was tuned and repaired on a regular basis. 4) Moving the instrument is a straight shot out onto a porch to a truck or trailer. 5) Dimensions: 59” long, 54” high, 30” deep Our replacement is arriving June 10th, ideally we would like to move this before then. Contact: Dave Shea if interested https://www.facebook.com/fairfaxvermonters/photos/a.406335229467838.1073741828.406196319481729/651188941649131/?type=1&theater
12
« on: May 21, 2015, 01:18:22 PM »
Josh,
You too would be a good candidate for the position as well. You've always had an opinion about how the town should conduct business, now's your chance to show us what you can offer.
13
« on: May 14, 2015, 04:28:08 PM »
Today a respected member of our Fairfax, Vermont community visited me at my place of business to inform me that Peter King is resigning his seat on the Fairfax Selectboard. He asked if I would be interested in filling the remainder of Peters term. I am honored that this person would ask me and feel that it is one of the highest complements that can be given.
At this moment the responsibilities to my family and business consume all of my time leaving me with little extra for myself. It is my hope that there are other candidates who would be willing to fill Peter's seat and provide a valuable service leading our town.
Peter's resignation has not been confirmed by me. I am posting this notice so that if there are individuals who are interested in filling the position that they step forward.
The board filled the seat vacated by Chris Santee with a letter of interest from Lauri Bellows Fisher. If any of you are interested, mail a letter to the Selectboard expressing an interest to serve on the board:
Town of Fairfax
Attn: Selectboard
12 Buckhollow Rd
Fairfax, VT 05454
14
« on: January 20, 2015, 08:47:16 AM »
Staples has a warehouse in CT the majority of orders placed before 12 noon will be received the following day.
15
« on: December 18, 2014, 12:44:36 PM »
If your site had a "LIKE BUTTON" I'd hit it 20 times for your last comment Henry!
Nick, if that is the case, meeting was not duly warned, then the meeting was in violation of the Vermont State Statues Open Meeting Law. Emergency meetings need to adhere to the same public postings but only need a 24 hour notification. The board functioned with four members or less since mid November based on attendance posted on the selectboard minutes.
By state statues 312(a)(1) All meetings of a public body are declared to be open to the public at all times, except as provided in section 313 of this title. No resolution, rule, regulation, appointment, or formal action shall be considered binding except as taken or made at such open meeting, except as provided under subdivision 313(a)(2) of this title. A meeting of a public body is subject to the public accommodation requirements of 9 V.S.A. chapter 139. A public body shall electronically record all public hearings held to provide a forum for public comment on a proposed rule, pursuant to 3 V.S.A. § 840. The public shall have access to copies of such electronic recordings as described in section 316 of this title.
This means that if this meeting was not duly warned, then all actions taken at the meeting are "null"
The Vermont Statutes Online
Title 1: General Provisions
Chapter 5: COMMON LAW; GENERAL RIGHTS
Sub-Chapter 2: Public Information
1 V.S.A. § 312. Right to attend meetings of public agencies
§ 312. Right to attend meetings of public agencies
(a)(1) All meetings of a public body are declared to be open to the public at all times, except as provided in section 313 of this title. No resolution, rule, regulation, appointment, or formal action shall be considered binding except as taken or made at such open meeting, except as provided under subdivision 313(a)(2) of this title. A meeting of a public body is subject to the public accommodation requirements of 9 V.S.A. chapter 139. A public body shall electronically record all public hearings held to provide a forum for public comment on a proposed rule, pursuant to 3 V.S.A. § 840. The public shall have access to copies of such electronic recordings as described in section 316 of this title.
(2) Participation in meetings through electronic or other means.
(A) As long as the requirements of this subchapter are met, one or more of the members of a public body may attend a regular, special, or emergency meeting by electronic or other means without being physically present at a designated meeting location.
(B) If one or more members attend a meeting by electronic or other means, such members may fully participate in discussing the business of the public body and voting to take an action, but any vote of the public body shall be taken by roll call.
(C) Each member who attends a meeting without being physically present at a designated meeting location shall:
(i) identify himself or herself when the meeting is convened; and
(ii) be able to hear the conduct of the meeting and be heard throughout the meeting.
(D) If a quorum or more of the members of a public body attend a meeting without being physically present at a designated meeting location, the following additional requirements shall be met:
(i) At least 24 hours prior to the meeting, or as soon as practicable prior to an emergency meeting, the public body shall publicly announce the meeting, and a municipal public body shall post notice of the meeting in or near the municipal clerk's office and in at least two other designated public places in the municipality.
(ii) The public announcement and posted notice of the meeting shall designate at least one physical location where a member of the public can attend and participate in the meeting. At least one member of the public body, or at least one staff or designee of the public body, shall be physically present at each designated meeting location.
(b)(1) Minutes shall be taken of all meetings of public bodies. The minutes shall cover all topics and motions that arise at the meeting and give a true indication of the business of the meeting. Minutes shall include at least the following minimal information:
(A) all members of the public body present;
(B) all other active participants in the meeting;
(C) all motions, proposals, and resolutions made, offered, and considered, and what disposition is made of same; and
(D) the results of any votes, with a record of the individual vote of each member if a roll call is taken.
(2) Minutes of all public meetings shall be matters of public record, shall be kept by the clerk or secretary of the public body, and shall be available for inspection by any person and for purchase of copies at cost upon request after five days from the date of any meeting. Meeting minutes shall be posted no later than five days from the date of the meeting to a website, if one exists, that the public body maintains or has designated as the official website of the body.
(c)(1) The time and place of all regular meetings subject to this section shall be clearly designated by statute, charter, regulation, ordinance, bylaw, resolution, or other determining authority of the public body, and this information shall be available to any person upon request. The time and place of all public hearings and meetings scheduled by all Executive Branch State agencies, departments, boards, or commissions shall be available to the public as required under 3 V.S.A. § 2222(c).
(2) The time, place, and purpose of a special meeting subject to this section shall be publicly announced at least 24 hours before the meeting. Municipal public bodies shall post notices of special meetings in or near the municipal clerk's office and in at least two other designated public places in the municipality, at least 24 hours before the meeting. In addition, notice shall be given, either orally or in writing, to each member of the public body at least 24 hours before the meeting, except that a member may waive notice of a special meeting.
(3) Emergency meetings may be held without public announcement, without posting of notices and without 24-hour notice to members, provided some public notice thereof is given as soon as possible before any such meeting. Emergency meetings may be held only when necessary to respond to an unforeseen occurrence or condition requiring immediate attention by the public body.
(4) Any adjourned meeting shall be considered a new meeting, unless the time and place for the adjourned meeting is announced before the meeting adjourns.
(5) A person may request in writing that a public body notify the person of special meetings of the public body. The request shall apply only to the calendar year in which it is made, unless made in December, in which case it shall apply also to the following year.
(d)(1) At least 48 hours prior to a regular meeting, and at least 24 hours prior to a special meeting, a meeting agenda shall be:
(A) posted to a website, if one exists, that the public body maintains or designates as the official website of the body; and
(B) in the case of a municipal public body, posted in or near the municipal office and in at least two other designated public places in the municipality.
(2) A meeting agenda shall be made available to a person prior to the meeting upon specific request.
(3)(A) Any addition to or deletion from the agenda shall be made as the first act of business at the meeting.
(B) Any other adjustment to the agenda may be made at any time during the meeting.
(e) Nothing in this section or in section 313 of this title shall be construed as extending to the Judicial Branch of the Government of Vermont or of any part of the same or to the Public Service Board; nor shall it extend to the deliberations of any public body in connection with a quasi-judicial proceeding; nor shall anything in this section be construed to require the making public of any proceedings, records, or acts which are specifically made confidential by the laws of the United States of America or of this State.
(f) A written decision issued by a public body in connection with a quasi-judicial proceeding need not be adopted at an open meeting if the decision will be a public record.
(g) The provisions of this subchapter shall not apply to site inspections for the purpose of assessing damage or making tax assessments or abatements, clerical work, or work assignments of staff or other personnel. Routine, day-to-day administrative matters that do not require action by the public body, may be conducted outside a duly warned meeting, provided that no money is appropriated, expended, or encumbered.
(h) At an open meeting the public shall be given a reasonable opportunity to express its opinion on matters considered by the public body during the meeting as long as order is maintained. Public comment shall be subject to reasonable rules established by the chairperson. This subsection shall not apply to quasi-judicial proceedings.
(i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the Parole Board from meeting at correctional facilities with attendance at the meeting subject to rules regarding access and security established by the superintendent of the facility. (Amended 1973, No. 78, § 1, eff. April 23, 1973; 1979, No. 151 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1987, No. 256 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1997, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 64, eff. April 29, 1998; 1999, No. 146 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 2013, No. 143 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
|
Show Posts
