TOWN OF CHARLOTTE
TOWN MEETING
MINUTES
MARCH 2, 1999
MODERATOR: Jerry Schwartz
SELECTMEN PRESENT:
Chairman Marty Illick
Holly Fournier
Clark Hinsdale, III
Robert Mack, Jr.
Jim Sheldon-Dean
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Moderator Jerry Schwartz welcomed the assembly at 9:05 a.m., in
the Charlotte Central School Gymnasium. Schwartz made
preliminary announcements and outlined the rules of order for
speaking.
Moderator Schwartz called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.
ARTICLE 1
Cobey Gatos moved Article 1, with a second from the
floor:
* "TO HEAR THE REPORTS OF THE TOWN OFFICES AND ACT
UPON THE SAME."
Dr. Richard Bernstein praised the work of the Fire and Rescue
Services and directed the audience's attention to the Fire and
Rescue report and the Fire and Rescue budget in the Town report.
Bernstein said he feels that the WIZN tower is a nuisance to the
town and that poses a health risk to its citizens. Dr.
Bernstein said he thought that the proposed move of the Fire and
Rescue squad's communications systems off the tower it and Bell
Atlantic shares with WIZN would solve conflict of interest
issues for the town in its legal issues with WIZN. Dr.
Bernstein asked how much money is currently being spent on
issues with WIZN and what the progress is in moving Fire and
Rescue systems to Mt. Philo as planned.
John Davis said the current President of the Fire and Rescue
department, Rick Pollack, was out of town for the day, but as
past president, he would address questions for the department.
Davis said that $5,600.00 is spent a year for use of the WIZN
radio tower and about $28,000.00 has been spent to date on legal
expense on WIZN issues which came out of the operating budget.
Davis said that the Fire and Rescue department had been working
to obtain a separate permit for the department at the Mt. Philo
site and in the past had been a co-applicant with WIZN for a
permit, but the department wished to separate themselves from
WIZN. Davis said that the Fire and Rescue department has no
control over WIZN and the management of WIZN believes that their
actions are legal and if town residents don't like what they do
it's too bad. Davis said he expected less problems with the Mt.
Philo site that will be shared with the State Police and that
any interference problems that might arise would be much easier
to deal with.
Charlotte Town Meeting -2- March 2, 1999
Holly Fournier said the Selectboard has spent $5,000.00 this
year in WIZN related legal expenses and expected that $10,000.00
would be spent in the coming year. Fournier said that moving
Fire and Rescue communications off the WIZN tower would make the
town's battle with WIZN much easier.
Alison Lockwood offered that town residents can ask WIZN to fix
interference problems in their homes and said that WIZN has ten
days to repair problems from the time a complaint is made.
Lockwood added that private individuals have taken broadcast
radiation and interference problems to court for settlements.
Lockwood said that the health effects of radio interference and
radiation is as yet fully unknown and that the public should
keep an eye out for risks and trends in health problems in the
vicinity of the WIZN tower.
Spin Richardson directed his question to page 19 in the Town
Report concerning a deficit retirement expenditure adding 4.4
cents to the municipal tax rate.
Clark Hinsdale responded that state laws require any budget
deficit to be retired into the next year's budget.
Martha Perkins discussed her concerns with the WIZN radio tower
citing other locations of health risks that were caused and
abandoned by private enterprises to the community and suggested
that town residents look into the risks associated with the
tower.
Spin Richard said that the town was escalating their budget and
that town taxes are going up significantly. Richardson noted in
the Town Report on page 16, the loss of taxable dollars from the
Demeter Fund property and his concern that the town has been
working on a lot of projects, that a possible downturn in the
economy could saddle the town with a lot of projects and little
tax revenue.
Clark Hinsdale responded that in the case of the Demeter project
that since that property was already in the Current Use program
that there was no appreciable tax loss to the town.
Moderator Schwartz advised that the town budget is addressed in
Article 3 and suggested moving ahead.
VOTE: Article 1 was passed by voice vote.
ARTICLE 2
Mary Ann Gatos moved Article 2, with a second from
the floor:
* "WILL THE TOWN VOTE TO HAVE PROPERTY TAXES PAYABLE
ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 15, 1999 AND TO HAVE PAYMENTS
MADE TO THE TOWN TREASURER UNDER 32 VSA SEC. 4773?"
VOTE: Article 2 was passed by voice vote.
Charlotte Town Meeting -3- March 2, 1999
ARTICLE 3
Alison Lockwood moved Article 3, with a second from
the floor:
* "WILL THE TOWN ACCEPT THE SELECTBOARD'S BUDGET OF
$1,431.478.00 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 1999 TO
JUNE 30, 2000 LESS ANTICIPATED REVENUES?"
Moderator Schwartz directed the audiences attention to a handout
that had been provided to explain the town budget.
Spin Richardson expressed his concern with the proposed budget
and suggested the town prioritize more on expenditures,
particularly those which would require funding in each year's
budget rather than a one-time expenditures. Richardson said
that Fire and Rescue, and the library were high priorities, and
then the creation of a Senior Center was his next priority.
Richardson suggested that Line 171, on Page 15 in the town
budget would be a good place to find the money necessary and
that the original use of providing $10,000.00 to the Charlotte
Land Trust was less of a priority.
Spin Richardson moved and the motion was seconded by
Allen Jordan:
* "TO DELETE LINE 171 FROM THE SELECTMEN'S BUDGET AND
PUT THE MONEY TOWARD PLANNING A TOWN SENIOR CENTER."
Marty Illick discussed what the Selectmen do in preparing a
budget; namely that the board looks at trends in the community
of what the townspeople want and stated that she wanted to keep
the money allocated in the budget to go to conservation.
Clark Hinsdale called Point of Order, saying that it is against
the rules in his Selectmen's Handbook to take money out of one
line item and put it toward another expense in one motion.
Robert Mack noted that there was already a place in the budget
for planning a senior center on page 8 in line item #5.
Moderator Schwartz suggested to Dr. Richardson that he split the
concept of what he wanted to do into 2 separate motions and he
would still be in order. Dr. Richardson and Mr. Jordan agreed
to withdraw their previous motion and restate as follows
Spin Richardson moved and the motion was seconded by
Allen Jordan:
* "TO AMEND THE SELECTMEN'S BUDGET BY REDUCING LINE
ITEM 171 TO $2,500., REDUCING THE TOTAL BUDGET BY
$7,500."
Alice Lawrence asked that someone from each the Land Trust and
the Senior Center speak on what these amendments would do to
their budgets.
Charlotte Town Meeting -4- March 2, 1999
Valerie Graham spoke on how the Land Trust helps the town; last
year the money allocated to the Land Trust was used to do a
study of farm lands in Charlotte and explore feasibility of farm
lands to be preserved as farm lands. Graham directed attention
to the handout, which she says illustrates how keeping open
lands in the long run in tax dollars. Graham said in answer to
Mary Ann Gatos's question of how this additional money would be
used as opposed to last year would be used to continue the work
that was outlined last year.
Allen Jordan asked for some specifics on how the Land Trust
related to the Conservation Fund and Clark Hinsdale answered
that the Land Trust is part of 3 entities including the
Conservation Committee, and the Recreation Committee.
Sandy Mayo asked why Clark Hinsdale was answering questions
about the Land Trust when he is a Selectboard member. Hinsdale
answered that he resigned the Land Trust when he became a
Selectboard member and he has no conflict of interest.
Dan Rosen said that land conservation was one of the most
important issues that the board has in front of them and
suggested that residents vote against the motion on the floor.
Jack Clemmons said he doesn't really understand what is being
negotiated with these private properties to keep and Valerie
Graham said that it is to keep open and farm lands from being
developed and forging agreements with landowners to achieve
this. Graham said she can't discuss specifics as this is
private property until a proposal is in final stages.
Nancy Sabin said that the Land Trust is not required to answer
to anyone on any contributions of monies and that the A. Johnson
project was still in progress and the town was doing too much.
Clark Hinsdale said that the A. Johnson project was about to be
closed on.
Diane Koss said that she didn't think the town should be in the
business of making donations with tax dollars to charities.
Clark Hinsdale said indeed monies given to the Land Trust for
expenditures don't have strings attached, but the interests of
the Charlotte Land Trust are evaluated by the Selectboard to
determine their overall interests to the town.
Andy Deeds spoke in favor of the Land Trust, saying development
will expend the town's tax base; conservation costs us less in
goods and services and in the long run conservation of open
spaces saves money.
Illick said if the voters support the advisory article (9), our
next step would be to do a feasibly study on the senior center.
The Selectboard stand behind the Land Trust 100% and feels it is
essential to the town's goals.
Charlotte Town Meeting -5- March 2, 1999
Ruah Swennerfelt moved with a second from the floor:
* "CEASE DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 3."
Vote: The motion passed by voice vote.
Spin Richardson moved and the motion was seconded by
Alison Lockwood:
* "TO AMEND THE SELECTMEN'S BUDGET BY ADDING $7,500 TO
PAGE EIGHT, LINE FIVE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL MONIES
TO EXPLORE THE FEASIBILITY OF A SENIOR CENTER IN THE
TOWN."
Mike Yantachuka moved with a second from the floor:
* "CEASE DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 3."
Vote: The motion passed by decision of the house by
the Board of Civil Authority.
Vote: The Amendment to Article 3, failed by voice
vote.
Alison Lockwood said that government shouldn't be in the
business of making charitable contributions and wanted to cut
out some line items to the Selectmen's outlined for various
organizations.
Alison Lockwood moved and the motion was seconded by
Frank Bouchette:
* "TO REDUCE THE SELECTMEN'S BUDGET BY $11,485 BY
DELETING LINE ITEMS 115 THROUGH 126."
Shirley Bean spoke on the need for a Senior Center in the town
saying that a senior center was needed and currently senior were
meeting in a church for a very limited time.
Martha Perkins said that the line items were the modern way of
taking care of our own people and that these organizations are
helping the townspeople.
Mike Yantachuka moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO CEASE DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 3."
Vote: The motion carried by voice vote.
Vote: The Amendment to Article 3, failed by voice
vote.
Sandy Mayo asked for clarification on what was spent on the
Lavallette and A. Johnson property from the Conservation fund
and Robert Mack explained it.
Martha Perkins asked about a line item for a dumpster at the
town beach asking if people couldn't take out their own trash
and Jessie Bradley said that was not her experience and the
dumpster was needed.
Mr. Jordan asked abut the $37,000. shortfall from the Thompson's
Point leases. Mr. Mack said that there were problems with the
old leases that caused the shortfall in money and that the new
leases should cover the loss in the future.
Charlotte Town Meeting -6- March 2, 1999
Patricia Allen said that some of the costs in the Planning and
Zoning office for GIS mapping looked low and Illick said that
the Selectboard leans on employees to keep costs down and she
thought there was enough money in the accounts.
Craig Reynolds said the highway budget runs every year at a
deficit and wondered if the budget was too low.. Robert Mack
said that he felt the budget was in line for this year,
especially from having a milder winter.
Nancy Sabin asked about line 117 of the Selectmen's budget; full
insurance coverage for town employees. Sabin asked the audience
how many of them get full insurance coverage for their family.
Moderator Schwartz said that the moderator has to ask that
question and he asked the body the question for Sabin. A few
residents responded by raising their hands.
Clark Hinsdale said the board looks at survey data to see what
other towns provide for their employees and that overall,
Charlotte's employee compensation is low.
Mike Yantachuka moved with a second from the floor:
* "CEASE DEBATE ON ARTICLE 3."
Vote: The motion carried by voice vote.
Moderator Schwartz reread Article 3 and the motion carried by
voice vote.
ARTICLE 4
Moderator Schwartz said as in the past the three-part Article
would be voted on in separately.
Jessie Bradley explained the need for the dock replacement and
her expectation that the new dock would last a long time.
Chris Reynolds moved part 1 of Article 4, with a
second from the floor:
* "WILL THE TOWN VOTE TO EXPEND A SUM NOT TO EXCEED
$47,000 FROM THE RECREATION FEE FUND FOR THE
FOLLOWING PURPOSES?"
1. New docks - $6500
2. Weatherproof bulletin board for beach - $500
3. Contribution for Charlotte Athletic Field
Development - $40,000
VOTE: The motion carried by voice vote.
Jessie Bradley explained the need for weatherproof bulletin
board at the town beach.
Charlotte Town Meeting -7- March 2, 1999
Chris Reynolds moved part 2 of Article 4, with a
second from the floor:
* "WILL THE TOWN VOTE TO EXPEND A SUM NOT TO EXCEED
$47,000 FROM THE RECREATION FEE FUND FOR THE
FOLLOWING PURPOSES?"
1. New docks - $6500
2. Weatherproof bulletin board for beach - $500
3. Contribution for Charlotte Athletic Field
Development - $40,000
VOTE: The motion carried by voice vote.
Trisha O'Donnell moved part 3 of Article 4, with a
second from the floor:
* "WILL THE TOWN VOTE TO EXPEND A SUM NOT TO EXCEED
$47,000 FROM THE RECREATION FEE FUND FOR THE
FOLLOWING PURPOSES?"
1. New docks - $6500
2. Weatherproof bulletin board for beach - $500
3. Contribution for Charlotte Athletic Field
Development - $40,000
Jessie Bradley asked some of the Recreation Committee Members to
help her in a presentation. Charlie Brush began with outlining
the engineering study of the playing fields by the Central
School and the current problems of games being played too close
together for safe play. Brush said the $40,000. being asked for
was a 2-phase project beginning this spring and the cost would
be a one-time expenditure that would last about 25 years.
Patricia O'Donnell, a landscape architect said the fields are
inadequate for safe play and as many areas in Charlotte there is
poor drainage. O'Donnell added that the fields are used more by
townspeople than school activities and that is why they are
asking the town for money and asking private donations of money.
Dr. Lee Wiseman said he felt that the East Charlotte area was
being neglected and he was opposed to half of the town being
neglected. Jessie Bradley said that the Committee had looked at
locations in East Charlotte, but the town already owns the land
by the school and that overall she felt the project was a
bargain.
Dan Rosen said that he had played ball in less than perfect
fields and that the issue comes down to prioritizing what the
town can afford.
Patricia O'Donnell said Hamel Engineering had done research of
these playing fields and the area is in need of water drainage,
percolation and aeration. Dave Schermmerhorn said he lives
across from the school and that water drains from school
property onto his. O'Donnell said that the school property
should and would after this be able to contain its own drainage.
Sylvia Sprigg said that the school septic system is under this
land and they are fragile as it is. O'Donnell said that it was
the opinion of the engineers that there was no jeopardy to the
fields and that no construction machinery would go over the
field.
Charlotte Town Meeting -8- March 2, 1999
Andy Hayes said he thought the Land Trust should look at other
properties instead of crowding all of the fields in one place.
Marty Illick instead suggested maximizing the use of the fields.
Mike Yantachuka moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO CEASE DEBATE ON PART 3 OF ARTICLE 4."
Vote: The motion failed by voice vote.
At noon, Moderator Schwartz adjourned the meeting for lunch, to
reconvene following the School District Meeting.
3:30 p.m. Moderator Jerry Schwartz reconvened the meeting and
continued the discussion of Part 3 of Article 4.
Spin Richardson brought to the attention of the audience a
recent article in the Charlotte News saying that the money for
the fields won't be spent until the all of the money is there.
Spin Richardson moved and the motion was seconded by
Allen Jordan:
* "TO LIMIT THE SPENDING OF THE $40,000. UNTIL THE
FUNDING IS IN PLACE AND A CONTRACT IS SIGNED."
Valerie Graham asked if there was an alternate plan in place
should this fail. Patricia O'Donnell said no and the goal was
to increase the capacity for the fields.
Charlie Brush said that some money was needed to get to where to
the point where they could get funding.
Charles Russell said the problem with the amendment on the floor
is that it precludes a smaller, scaled back version of the
project; we should repair the fields that currently exist before
we build new ones.
Clark Hinsdale spoke in favor of defeat of the motion
Spin Richardson moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO CEASE DEBATE ON PART 3 OF ARTICLE 4."
Vote: The motion passed by voice vote.
Moderator Schwartz reviewed the motion on the floor to Article 4
Part 3 and the motion failed by voice vote.
Dr. Bernstein and Sylvia Knight talked bout their concerns of
the amount of maintenance that would be required in larger
fields
Nancy Sabin said she would like to see the fields we have
maintained before starting new ones. Sabin also asked about a
proposed project at the Old Lantern property and Clark Hinsdale
said that a property owner was considering use of the property
for profit and that there was no proposal before the town.
Mary Ann Gatos asked if it was possible to table the rest of
Article 4, Part 3 and move on to Article 5 and Schwartz answered
yes.
Charlotte Town Meeting -9- March 2, 1999
Mike Yantachuka moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO CEASE DEBATE ON PART 3 OF ARTICLE 4."
Vote: The motion passed by voice vote.
Mary Ann Gatos moved with a second from the floor:
* "MOVE CONSIDERATION OF ARTICLE 4, SUBSECTION 3,
UNTIL AFTER CONSIDERATION OF ARTICLE 5."
ARTICLE 5
Greg Cluff moved Article 5, with a second from
the floor:
* "WILL THE TOWN VOTE TO EXPEND $150,000 FOR THE
PURPOSE OF BUILDING COMMUNITY ATHLETIC FIELDS ON
LANDS ADJACENT TO THE TOWN CENTRAL SCHOOL?"
Sylvia Knight moved and the motion was seconded by
Ruah Swennerfelt:
* "THE ATHLETIC FIELDS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED AND PLANTED
AND MAINTAINED IN SUCH AS WAY THAT WILL AVOID THE
USE OF LANDSCAPE PESTICIDES FOR THE PROTECTION OF
OUR CHILDREN AND PARTICIPATING ADULTS AND THE
PROTECTION OF OUR NATURAL RESOURCES."
Clark Hinsdale said the actions were out of the scope of the
town meeting warning and therefore out of order. Moderator
Schwartz considered the Point of Order and said the Amendment is
not germane to Article 5 and not warned, and is a bonding
article. Schwartz offered to Knight that she could appeal his
ruling if she wished and outlined how to do so; motion and a
second.
Sylvia Knight moved with a second from the floor:
* "SHALL THE RULING BY THE MODERATOR TO THE MOTION
MADE BY S. KNIGHT THAT THE MOTION IS GERMANE BE
SUSTAINED?"
Vote: The motion passed by voice vote.
Greg Beldock said he had coached Little League in the town and
that the town's playing fields are in the poorest condition in
the area. Beldock said we owe it to our children to provide
good fields to play in and we should applaud the work done by
the Recreation Committee so far.
Mary Ann Gatos spoke in support of the playing fields noting
that the games are canceled often because the fields are wet,
but didn't feel the fields were dangerous to play on. Gatos
asked what happened if the Article doesn't pass, is there a Plan
"B"?
Charlie Brush said he had "sticker shock" on this project also,
but the fields need drainage and in the end if the project is
done right it will cost less in maintenance in the long run.
Mary Ann Gatos asked if an Act 250 permit would be necessary and
Brush said yes, but thought it would not be a big problem
getting one.
Charlotte Town Meeting -10- March 2, 1999
Dan Rosen said the town has many needs for philanthropy, what
makes this project more important than others and shouldn't we
look for funding first.
Patricia O'Donnell said that different philanthropists are
interested in different kinds of projects and she didn't think
"we all fighting over the same pie." Talk has been started on
sources of private funding.
Allen Jordan asked about who owns the property that the new
fields will be built on and who will pay to maintain it.
Allen Jordan moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO ADD LANGUAGE TO ARTICLE 5 TO RESTRICT
EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE
RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TOWN AND THE
SCHOOL ARE OUTLINED."
Lorna Jimmerson said the land in question will remain school
property and the school will maintain the greens, liability
needs to be worked out and put in writing.
Allen Jordan said that these details should have been worked out
before this was warned by the town.
Charles Russell asked how this differed from the motion on
pesticides and Moderator Schwartz said it was his opinion that
Article 5 dealt with appropriation of monies and was germane to
this issue at hand.
Mary Ann Gatos moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO CEASE DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 5."
Vote: The motion passed by voice vote
.
Moderator Schwartz called the question and the motion carried by
decision of the house (Board of Civil Authority): 65 in favor
and 53 opposed.
Charles Russell asked if the money expended in Article 5 was to
be paid for all at once.
Illick said that the money would be borrowed over 5 years at a
cost of about $170,000. roughly, with interest.
Charles Russell moved with a second from Nancy
Sabin:
* "TO AMEND ARTICLE 5 REDUCING THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE
TO BE $35,000."
Mike Yantachucka said he thought the motion on the floor was
"micro-managing the engineers." Gregg Beldock said he agreed.
Spin Richardson moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO CEASE DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 5."
Vote: The motion passed by voice vote.
Charlotte Town Meeting -11- March 2, 1999
Spin Richardson moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO APPROVE ARTICLE 5 AS AMENDED."
Vote: The motion failed by decision of the house 56
in favor and 81 opposed.
Greg Cluff moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO CEASE DEBATE ON ARTICLE 4, SUBSECTION 3."
Vote: The motion passed by voice vote.
Mary Ann Gatos moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO APPROVE ARTICLE 4, SUBSECTION 3."
Vote: The motion failed by decision of the house 52
in favor and 68 opposed.
ARTICLE 6
John Hammer moved Article 6, with a second from
Cobey Gatos:
* "TO AUTHORIZE THE SELECTBOARD TO BORROW MONEY BY
ISSUANCE OF BONDS OR NOTES NOT IN EXCESS OF
ANTICIPATED REVENUES FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR."
Vote: The motion passed by voice vote.
ARTICLE 7
Greg Cluff moved Article 7, with a second from
Mike Yantachuka:
* "WILL THE TOWN VOTE TO PURSUANT TO 24 VSA SEC. 2804
TO ESTABLISH A FIRE & RESCUE RESERVE FUND FOR THE
PURPOSE OF FUNDING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED TO
PROVIDE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES TO THE TOWN, WITH
THE SELECTBOARD BEING GRANTED AUTHORITY TO IMPROVE
EXPENDITURES FROM SUCH FUND?"
Clark Hinsdale called the audiences attention to a hand-out
providing information on Article 7. Allen Jordan asked if any
money was coming out of this year's budget and Hinsdale,
answered, no next year's.
Dr. Bernstein said he wished to offer the following amendment:
Richard Bernstein moved Article 7, with a second
from Ruah Swennerfelt:
* "TO AMEND ARTICLE 7 TO ADD THAT ANY SINGLE
EXPENDITURE OVER THE AMOUNT OF $50,000. REQUIRES
APPROVAL OF THE VOTERS."
Wendy Schroeder and Clark Hinsdale outline the reasons why they
thought the motion on the floor was unnecessary as that large of
an expenditure out of budget would need to be warned by the
town.
John Davis explained what the Fire Rescue department would
classify as a small or capital item.
Charlotte Town Meeting -12- March 2, 1999
Greg Cluff moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO CEASE DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 7."
Vote: The motion passed by voice vote.
Greg Cluff moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO APPROVE ARTICLE 7 AS AMENDED."
Vote: The motion passed by voice vote.
ARTICLE 8
Yantachucka moved Article 8, with a second from
Greg Cluff:
* "WILL THE TOWN VOTE TO PURSUANT TO 32 VSA SEC. 3840
TO EXEMPT PROPERTY OWNED BY CHARLOTTE FIRE AND
RESCUE SERVICES, INC. FROM EDUCATION AND MUNICIPAL
PROPERTY TAXES FOR A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS COMMENCING
WITH FY 2000?"
Jim Sheldon-Dean explained the need for Article 8; the need to
exempt the Fire and Rescue service that serves the town from
taxes on the land on Ferry Road from taxes under Act 60.
Greg Cluff moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO CEASE DEBATE ON ARTICLE 8."
Vote: The motion passed by voice vote.
Moderator Schwartz called the question and the motion carried by
voice vote.
ARTICLE 9
Yantachucka moved Article 9, with a second from
Greg Cluff:
* "WILL THE TOWN VOTE, ON A NON-BINDING BASIS, TO
SUPPORT THE OPERATION OF A SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER AT
TOWN EXPENSE PROVIDED A BUILDING FOR A SENIOR CENTER
IS AVAILABLE AT NO COST TO THE TOWN?"
(NOTE: THE VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE IS ADVISORY ONLY.)
Marty Illick spoke on behalf of the Selectboard, which she said
is looking for direction from the townspeople on a bequest left
to the town by Walter Irish in his will intended for a Senior
Center in Charlotte.
Jane Machaud spoke on what a group of people had done so far on
the issue; visiting other senior centers in the state and what
is required in planning and services, costs, etc. Machaud said
the Selectboard was looking for the level of interest present in
the town.
Dr. Bernstein asked if this was a study, as Article 9 said
"operation of a Senior Center?" Illick explained what the
Selectboard intended by their wording was that there was no
sense in building a new senior center if an existing building
could be used for that purpose. The Selectboard was looking for
support of the concept of having a Senior Center in the town.
Charlotte Town Meeting -13- March 2, 1999
Richard Bernstein moved with a second from
Charlie Russell:
* "TO AMEND ARTICLE 9 SUBSTITUTING THE "STUDY THE
FEASIBILITY" FOR "SUPPORT THE OPERATION" OF A SENIOR
CITIZEN CENTER."
Nancy Sabin asked if the money intended for the Senior Center
wasn't already covered under "Miscellaneous on page 8?" Alice
Lawrence raised the same question.
Jim Sheldon-Dean spoke against Article 9, as the cost of a
building would be a yearly expense to the town, and a commitment
that should be considered carefully. Sheldon-Dean also noted
that the town has 2 years from July, 1998 to accept the bequeath
from Mr. Irish's will, so there is a window of time to consider
the issue.
Shirley Bean said she had worked with Jane Machaud's committee
on the concept of a senior center. Bean said Charlotte,
Hinesburg and Ferrisburg also don't have senior center, that if
the facility was run properly it could bring in money, and be
cost efficient. Bean noted that public transportation and
handicapped facilities are much needed by seniors.
Dan Rosen said Article 9 was non-binding and he would support
it.
Dr. Bernstein and Charlie Russell asked to withdraw their
motion.
Ruah Swennerfelt moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO CEASE DEBATE ON ARTICLE 9."
Vote: The motion passed by voice vote.
ARTICLE 10
Rava Davis moved Article 10, with a second from
the Greg Cluff:
* "WILL THE TOWN VOTE TO CALL UPON THE U.S. AND
GOVERNMENTS OF ALL NUCLEAR WEAPON STATES TO SECURE
ON AN URGENT BASIS A NUCLEAR WEAPONS ABOLITION
TREATY. THE TREATY MUST INCLUDE AN EARLY TIMETABLE
FOR THE ELIMINATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN A MANNER
THAT IS MUTUAL AND VERIFIABLE AMONG ALL NATIONS. WE
FURTHER URGE OUR STATE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES
TO INTRODUCE A RESOLUTION TO THIS EFFECT AND SEND IT
TO THE VERMONT CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION FOR
IMMEDIATE ACTION."
(NOTE: THE VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE IS ADVISORY ONLY.)
Rava Davis discussed her reasons for support of Article 10; a
recent article she read in the New England Journal of Medicine
on the possible accidental use of nuclear weapons, particularly
from a nuclear submarine which she fears. Davis also noted that
the amount the Federal government spends on nuclear weapons
would pay for the athletic fields in Articles 4 and 5.
Charlotte Town Meeting -14- March 2, 1999
Valerie Roy asked what our children would think of us 20 years
from now if this Article failed and urge support of Article 10.
John Hammer moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO CEASE DEBATE ON ARTICLE 10."
Vote: The motion passed by voice vote.
Moderator Schwartz called the question and the motion carried by
voice vote.
ARTICLE 11
Charlie Reynolds moved Article 11, with a second
from Mike Yantachuka:
* "TO TRANSACT ANY OTHER BUSINESS PROPER TO COME
BEFORE SAID MEETING."
Sylvia Knight proposed an advisory motion:
Sylvia Knight moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO MAKE AN ADVISORY TO THE SELECTBOARD THAT ALL
TOWN LANDS BE MAINTAINED WITHOUT PESTICIDES OR
HERBICIDES."
Clark Hinsdale said he was unaware of any use of pesticides by
town employees and Sylvia Knight said she had spoken recently
with a town maintenance employee who confirmed pesticide use.
Moderator Schwartz, noting this was just an advisory motion,
called the question on the floor and the motion carried by voice
vote.
Marty Illick spoke on behalf of the Selectboard thanking Holly
Fournier for her time serving on the Selectboard.
Willis Cox, speaking as Deputy Health Officer said he has been
working on civil emergency services and advised that emergency
services don't work well when everyone is demanding them at
once.
Willis Cox moved with a second from the floor:
* "TO MAKE AN ADVISORY TO THE SELECTBOARD THAT
TOWN RESIDENTS ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING APPROPRIATE
STEPS TO PREPARE FOR CIVIL EMERGENCIES."
Moderator Schwartz noted a mailing he recently received on a
committee being formed on emergency services.
John Davis, speaking as the disaster coordinator for the town
said plans are in place and more public support is welcome and
asked that citizens contact him directly.
Ruah Swennerfelt noted to the Selectboard that good emergency
efforts takes everyone's cooperation.
Edorah Froyer spoke on a Y2K meeting she had attended recently
and a committee in place to work on the problem.
Charlotte Town Meeting -15- March 2, 1999
Moderator Schwartz, noting this was just an advisory motion,
called the question on the floor and the motion carried by voice
vote.
Maurice Harvey moved and the motion was seconded by
Alice Lawrence:
* "TO ADJOURN THE MEETING."
Vote: All in favor.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 P.M.
Minutes submitted by:
Debby Flynn