Town Of Fairfax Selectboard Minutes
May 4, 2009

Selectboard Selectboard Members present: Bob Horr, John Mitchell, and Randy DeVine, Charlie Swanson (Arrived at 7:56 pm)

Public Present: Peter King, Melissa Benson (BFA Student), Amy Pudvah (BFA Student)

Rocky Ridge Residents arriving at 8:00 pm: Mike Ingalls, Herman Kaiser, Susan Corse

1. Call to Order

Bob Horr, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM.

2. Items on the Agenda

A. Don: Don requested he and his staff be able to attend the Town Fair, the Board concurred.

Brief discussion regarding the mudslide at Goose Pond Road. Don met with the owner who has agreed to drain their pool.

In reviewing the stimulus grants, it was concluded they are impractical and we will not be applying.

Green-Up Day was a success, picked up about 30 yards.

B. Josh Langelier: We have placed the ad for an animal control officer/second constable to hopefully assist with the 1st constable duties. There was discussion regarding municipal tickets packages. It was noted that municipal ordinances need to be renewed and certified each year. This will occur during the first meeting following Town Meeting Day.

C. Randy: Randy reported on his monthly activities, including the tank cleanings this past weekend. There was discussion regarding meetings with Bill Superneau and his proposals to the Town. The topic will be added to a future Selectboard agenda for further discussion and to decide the next step.

D. Skip: Skip handed out his activity report. Discussion followed regarding the adoption of the SWIP and subsequent changes to the Planning and Zoning Ordinances. Skip reviewed a letter received from Mary Chicoine, Janet Marriott, and Sue Ward requesting the town waive the public hearing fee for subdivision of their parents’ property in Fairfax. Skip is receiving emails almost daily from the attorney regarding the Beliveau legal matter. Charlie will speak with the attorney to discuss the increasing costs of the constant responses.

E. Rocky Ridge Road Residents: Discussion regarding the intersection of Route 104 and Rocky Ridge Road and the recent fatal accident. Bob explained that he had spoken with Randy Reed, the Vermont State Police and Gil Newbury regarding the issue. He was informed that VTrans will be performing an audit of the intersection some time this week. The Town basically has no control over the intersection since Route 104 is a State Highway. The residents stated they had sent a letter to the Board and the State last year expressing their concerns. The Board urged the residents to locate the letter (if possible) and send it to the State, along with an updated letter pushing the issue. They should also contact their representatives and perhaps meet with them.

F. ARRA: No discussion, already covered with Don at the start of the meeting.

3.Minutes

A. The minutes from the April 27, 2009 meeting were reviewed. John motioned to accept the minutes as written, Randy seconded. Three voted in favor, one abstained, and one absent.

4. General Business

A. Bob revisited the letter from Mary Chicoine, Janet Marriott, and Sue Ward since Charlie was not present for the discussion earlier. After some discussion John motioned to decline their request, Charlie seconded the motion. Three voted in favor, one abstained, one absent. A letter will be drafted to the sisters informing them of the decision.

B. The Employee Policy was reviewed again. Some edits were suggested, discussion followed, changes will be incorporated into the policy for approval at the next meeting.

C. There was discussion regarding the advertisement for an Animal Control Officer/2nd Constable. The ad is appearing in the Fairfax News, the County Courier, and on vtgrandpa.com. Randy inquired as to whether we had any incident report forms for reporting on animal bites, etc. We do and Suzanne will provide Randy with a copy.

E. Charlie provided some edits for the Water Ordinance. Suzanne will make the necessary edits.

F. Bob raised the question of how next week’s public meeting will be run. The presentation by the Georgia Community Wind Corporation will last approximately 20-30 minutes. We will then allow a question and answer session with the public for no more than one (1) hour. Bob will also speak with the Sheriff Department regarding a presence at the meeting, or at least to be within the area.

5. Executive Session

Charlie motioned to enter into Executive Session to discuss legal issues, John seconded the motion. Three voted in favor, one abstained, one absent. The Board entered executive session at 8:45 PM

Charlie motioned to exit Executive Session, John seconded. Three voted in favor, one abstained, one absent. The Board exited executive session at 9:05 PM.

6. Adjournment

John motioned to adjourn, Randy seconded. Three voted in favor, one abstained, one absent. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Suzanne Lavallee,

Selectboard Administrative Assistant

Robert A. Horr, Selectboard Chairperson