Fairfax Town Meeting Day Photos

The first part of the meeting starting at 10 a.m. this morning was the school portion. Since no Moderator had been voted in last year, Peg Stewart, Chairman of the Selectboard asked for nominations. I believe that Mr. Gilbert nominated Andrew Parent which was seconded. Somebody else nominated Mr. Gilbert, however, he declined since he felt if questions were asked of him as a Representative, he would have to keep stepping out of his role of Moderator. Andrew Parent was unanimously elected to fill the position along with the position as Town Moderator.

In regards to the following article 4:

ARTICLE 4 To see if the Voters of the Town of Fairfax will approve to purchase a new Tank Truck at a cost of $200,000.00 to be paid for with a $160,000.00 loan financed over 2 years and the remaining balance from the Fairfax Fire Department Replacement Fund.

The article passed. There was a some modification to the wording if I remember right, something to the effect that it was not to exceed $200,000.00.

The next article regarding sidewalks:

ARTICLE 5 To see if the voters of the Town of Fairfax will authorize the sum of $3,000.00 for the sidewalk improvement fund which will accumulate to a substantial amount for a sidewalk project approved by the Select board.

easily passed also.

In regards to Article 6, there was an error in it. It was supposed to have read Disabled Veteran Exemption. The wording was changed and the word Disabled added:

ARTICLE 6 To see if the Town of Fairfax will approve an Australian Ballot Vote in 2010 asking the voters to increase the Veteran Exemption from $10,000.00 to $40,000.00.

There was a presentation by a Disabled Veteran and there was little discussion as the article was unanimously passed.

In regards to the following article, Mike Spaulding spoke briefly on it. He mentioned something that I was unable to understand to the effect that some type of Insurance could be bought where the Rescue Squad would accept whatever was paid by the patients insurance company. I believe he stated what the cost would be, but again, either because of my hearing or the sound system, I did not understand. I am sure someone will be explaining what it is, and if not, I will contact Mike Spaulding for an explanation:

ARTICLE 7 To see if the Town of Fairfax will approve the sum of $19,878.00 in support of the Fairfax Rescue toward their operation expenses.

This article also passed unanimously with several people applauding the work of both the Rescue & Fire Departments.

This next article had a lot of discussion. There was really no plan, but since it had been petitioned by someone had to be put before the voters. The cost was estimated at $500,000 to do the sidewalk in one foul swoop from Hunt Street to Nan's Mobil. Thats a big hunk of money that was not in the budget. There were different takes, however quite a few people felt that a better plan should be presented and also that the sidewalks should go both ways and also go as far as Minors so that people could walk to the Mini Mall where the Post Office is.

ARTICLE 8 The undersigned hereby petition the town clerk and other town officers of the Town of Fairfax, County of Franklin, Vermont that the Town build a safe walking path(sidewalk) from Hunt St. to Nan's station, all in one fiscal year.

This article was defeated by a large margin.

The following article had little discussion:

ARTICLE 9 To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to place the tax bills in the hands of the treasurer as here to fore.

This article passed easily.

ARTICLE 10 To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer to collect the taxes on real estate that are due to the Town of Fairfax, with a due date of Nov. 16, 2009.

Article passed easily with no discussion.

ARTICLE 11 To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to borrow money in anticipation of property taxes for the current year expenses.

Article passed easily with no discussion.

ARTICLE 12 To act on any other business.

In regards to other business, Peter Moss got up to speak on an unwarned item about shutting down Vermont Yankee. After a couple minutes into the talk, Moderator Andrew Parent brought down the gavel and asked if a motion should be made to let Peter Moss continue. The item was brought up for a vote and defeated, so Peter Moss, even though he asked for a couple more minutes was not allowed to continue.

Barbara Murphy expressed her acceptance of the choices the Selectboard made regarding the giving of money to Home Health. She felt is was a very worthwhile cause. I in turn also expressed my appreciation of the work that Home Health does. Carl Jones asked the Selectboard how many requests that they had for money and Bill Ormerod said probably about 20. Carl Jones stated he liked to be a part of those decisions like he used to be. Mr. Grace got up and said he felt that we had elected the Selectboard and they they should be qualified to make those decisions.

I didn't take any notes, so feel free to comment and correct me in case I heard or understood something wrong, but this gives you somewhat of an idea of what went on between 10 a.m. this morning and 2:30 this afternoon.