Town Of Fairfax Selectboard Minutes
April 27, 2009

Selectboard Members present: Bob Horr, Charlie Swanson, John Mitchell, and Randy DeVine

Public Present: Melissa Beerworth, Peter King, Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, Carolyn Branagan, Bert Steen

1. Call to Order

Bob Horr, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM.

2. Short-Term Disability Quote

A. Bert Steen, VLCT Rep, explained the various STD, LTD and Life Insurance packages available for the Town and the costs involved. The Board will review and make a decision in the near future.

3. Items on the Agenda

A. Water Ordinance: Suzanne reviewed the answers she received from the Town of Williston regarding the Ordinance. Bob suggested a few minor changes to the Ordinance.

B. Purchase Order Policy: The Board reviewed and had no issues with the proposed amendments to the policy. John moved to approve the revised policy, Charlie seconded the motion. Three voted in favor, one abstained, one absent. Motion passed.

C. Sewer Allocation Review: Only one letter was required to be sent out, which was done last week via certified mail. One application was moved into the final phase and one applicant has sold the property.

D. Identify Theft Policy: The Board reviewed. Charlie motioned to adopt the policy as written, John seconded. Three voted in favor, one abstained, one absent. Motion passed.

E. Highway Foreman Order: Charlie motioned to approve the order, Randy seconded. Three voted in favor, one abstain, one absent. Order was approved.

F. Classified Advertising: There was discussion regarding advertising for a Second Constable/Animal Control Officer. Ads will be put in the Fairfax News, vtgrandpa’s website, St. Albans Messenger, County Courier, and the Mountain Gazette. It was also decided to have Josh Langelier come in to meet with the Board to discuss enforcement issues. Suzanne will get in touch with Josh and try to schedule him on the agenda some time in May.

It was decided we will not advertise for the Georgia Community Wind Project meeting scheduled for May 11th; we will allow them to do their own advertising to the public.

4. Minutes

A. The minutes from the April 20, 2009 meeting can not be approved at this time since Bill is not present. Both Charlie and John were absent from last week’s meeting so they can not verify that the minutes are accurate. These minutes will be approved upon Bill’s return.

5. General Business

A. Class 2/3 paving grant discussion. Carolyn suggested we fill out the application regardless of whether we will receive any monies or not. Charlie thought the NRPC had already taken care of it but he will verify.

B. There was discussion regarding the landslide on Goose Pond Road. We need to invite the owners in for a meeting to discuss possible solutions. In the meantime, we should fill out the emergency grant application to the State.

C. Randy: Reminder that the tank cleaning will be happening this weekend. Randy is requesting approval of overtime to supervise the work.

Was there follow up on the boring on River Road? Yes, Suzanne spoke with Eustis Cable and also followed up with a letter that the application had been denied.

Charlie motioned to approve the overtime, John seconded. Two voted in favor, two abstained, one absent.

D. Suzanne presented changes to the Fee Schedule for Zoning on behalf of Skip Taylor. The changes were signed by the Board.

E. Suzanne made the updates to the SWIP and asked for approval to adopt. John motioned to adopt the revised SWIP, Charlie seconded. Three voted in favor, one abstained, one absent. Suzanne will now forward to DEC for final approval.

F. HHWD appears to have been a success. We received payment for last year’s SWIP grant.

6. Public Input

A. Melissa Beerworth suggested perhaps having the Sheriff work on the delinquent dog licenses while he is scheduled to be in Town. We need to give the notices that were sent out a chance to settle. We will need to decide on other options some time after the second week of May.

B. Peter King discussed the swine flu issue and is staying in close contact with the Health department.

C. Carolyn Branagan discussed the recent fatal accident near Rocky Ridge Road. Suzanne has scheduled residents of Rocky Ridge on the agenda for May 4th at 8:00 p.m. They would like to meet with the Board to discuss possible options for making the road safer. Bob and Carolyn will attempt to have a representative from the State present.

7. Executive Session

Randy motioned to enter into Executive Session to discuss legal issues, John seconded the motion. Three votes in favor, one abstained, one absent. The Board entered executive session at 8:25 PM

John motioned to exit Executive Session, Charlie seconded. Three voted in favor, one abstained, one absent. The Board exited executive session at 8:32 PM.

8. Other Business

A. There was discussion on enforcing our current ordinances regarding burning permits, illegal fires, etc. Bob will contact the Dean Potter to discuss options.

B. John moved to accept the mediators as suggested by SP&F, Charlie seconded. Three voted in favor, one abstained, one absent. Motion passed.

5. Adjournment

John motioned to adjourn, Charlie seconded. Three voted in favor, one abstained, one absent. The meeting adjourned at 8:36 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Suzanne Lavallee,
Selectboard Administrative Assistant

Robert A. Horr, Selectboard Chairperson