Fairfax Selectboard Minutes of 07/10/06

Selectboard members Jeff Blake, Charlie Swanson, Judy Cleary, Bill Ormerod, and Doug Webb were present at the meeting. Also present were Erin McSweeney, Don Pigeon, Randy DeVine, Colleen Steen, Peg Stewart, and Cynthia Pease. These minutes are unofficial until approved by the Board at the next regularly scheduled Selectboard meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm. Don informed the board that he was contacted by Randy Reed, State Highway Engineer, about a new grant system that would assist in surfacing roads that have been washed out. Randy encouraged Fairfax to apply for funds. The application has been completed; all members of the board will sign it and it will be sent to Randy.
Don also informed the board that Robbie Nuzzo has opened a sand pit. Don was quoted a price of $5.50/yd. Charlie suggested calling around and getting prices from other outfits for the sake of comparison.
Gail Verstrand expressed her concern to Erin and Don regarding the intersection of Rocky Ridge Road and 104. She would like a traffic signal to be put here. Erin and Don will write a letter to Randy Reed so he can make a recommendation that signs be put up there.

The board discussed with Don the reports of personal property damage resulting from recent heavy rain. The board informed Don that property damage out of the town's right of way will be the responsibility of the property owner.

Peg Stewart thanked Don for the gravel used to fix the fields at the school.

Randy DeVine interpreted the monthly reports for June. He also informed the board there will be a consumer confidence report delivered to all town water users.

Bill and Randy discussed the recent incidents at Nan's Mobil regarding removal of excess water from the basement.
Jeff also asked Randy about the manholes and risers in town, which need repair. Randy will let the board know how many there are, and how much rise is needed. This project may be put out to bid. Also, Randy will let Erin know how many streetlights are out so she can call CVPS and report the outages.

Skip Taylor gave the board the monthly zoning report. Between June 6, 2006 and July 10, 2006, there were 11 building permits, 3 certificates of compliance, and 1 certificate of occupancy issued. Skip also thanked Cathy Raymond, Zoning Assistant, for her "excellent job" covering the Zoning Office while Skip was on vacation.

Colleen Steen addressed the board regarding the Downtown Program, a program administered through the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation. Colleen was elected by the Northwest Regional Planning Commission to be the regional representative to the Downtown Program Board. Colleen gave the Selectboard packets of information regarding the program, including the benefits of obtaining Village Center Designation.

The board will discuss the Transportation Enhancement Grant further at next week's meeting. The same group who worked on the Safe Routes to School grant application will work on this one as well. Charlie has samples of feasibility studies the group can use as a guideline for a study for this grant.

Judy motioned to accept the minutes from June 26th as stated. Bill seconded. All board members voted in favor.

Doug motioned to sign off on the 2005 Grand List. Judy seconded. All board members voted in favor.

Judy read the memo from the Listers citing an error in the Grand List for 2006. Doug motioned to accept the recommendation of a correction of the Grand List. Judy seconded. All board members voted in favor.

The board was given the resignation of Sally Mills, one of the Listers. Doug motioned to accept the resignation. Judy seconded. All board members voted in favor. The board will notify the public that an elected position has been vacated. A person will be appointed until the next general election.

OTHER BUSINESS: Aulis Concrete sent a proposal for replacing the sidewalks on Main Street from the corner of School Street to Hunt Street. A letter will be sent to all homeowners affected by the construction to let them know when this will be taking place.

Sharon Horr submitted a letter to the board recommending Pat McNall to the vacant position of Library Trustee. The board will post the position for 10 working days.

Bill Ormerod wished to thank the Fairfax Business Professionals Association for replacing 10 flags in town. He also wished to thank Karen Langelier and her son for putting them up. Ann Lemieux of the FBPA informed the board in an e-mail that they are trying to come up with a plan to budget for replacing a certain number of flags each year.

Bill went over the State Police report. He also informed the board that construction has begun on the recreation path.
Bill has spoken with Sheriff Norris about the possibility of changing the current schedule of coverage so there could be 2 day shifts within the 40 hour a week contract. If this happens, then there would be no coverage in the afternoon on those 2 days. The schedule will remain as it is at this time.

Charlie discussed a letter sent to the board and to the Sheriff's Department from Ormond Bushey stating that he does not want anyone using his sandpit.

PUBLIC INPUT: Cynthia Pease addressed the board regarding her property on Richards Road, which sustained some damage due to the heavy rains a couple of weeks ago. The board also reviewed a letter from Dylan McNamara, also a resident of Richards Road, who sustained damage to his driveway. Cynthia would like the town to fix the damage to her property, which included stone that washed into her yard. The board will respond to Cynthia and Dylan in writing.

Colleen Steen discussed the Transportation Enhancement Grant application. She asked the board about the presentation that will be made on August 10th (strongly encouraged by Northwest Regional Planning). The board will discuss this further next week.

Judy motioned to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. Bill seconded. The board entered Executive Session at 8:52PM. The board came out of Executive Session at 8:58PM.

Judy motioned to adjourn, and Doug seconded. The Selectboard meeting was adjourned at 8:59PM.

____________________________________ Erin McSweeney, Selectboard Administrator