Board of Selectmen March 11, 2002

TOWN OF CHARLOTTE

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MINUTES

MARCH 11, 2002

MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Russell

Debbie Ramsdell

Paul Arthaud

Ellie Russell

Jennifer Steele Cole

OTHERS: Hugh Lewis Sr.

Lydia Clemmons

Jack Clemmons

Jodie Wright

Miscul Brownstone

Richard L. Weed

Liam Murphy

Shirley Bean

Martha Perkins

Phyllis Lary

Craig Sims

Susan Sims

Maurice Harvey

Stephen C. Brooks

Gordon Troy

James Lawrence

Peter Coleman

Tricia Coleman

Kate Lampton

Nancy Sabin

Linda Hamilton

Louis Cox

Ruah Swennerfelt

Pat Harwick

Ray Harwick

D. Murat

C. Mucklow

Jennifer Adsit

John Rosenthal

Mary Beth Freeman

Frank Tenney

Wendy Schroeder

Hugh Lewis, Jr.

________________________________________________________________

Charles Russell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the

Charlotte Town Offices.

ELECT A CHAIRMAN

C. Russell noted the first item on the agenda was to elect a

Chairman. Arthaud discussed duties of the Chairman, including:

being the spokesperson for the board, creating meeting agendas,

authorizing press releases and signing documents reflecting the

votes and wishes of the board.

C. Russell discussed agenda preparation, and Arthaud suggested

Board of Selectmen -2- March 11, 2002

preparing the minutes the Wednesday before meeting to allow

ample time for those interested in an agenda item to attend the

meeting.

APPROVE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25TH & MARCH 4TH

Ramsdell wished to correct typographical errors in the minutes

of February 25: in all cases Ray and Pat "Hardwick" should be

Harwick and in page 6 in the seventh paragraph the owners of the

Old Lantern did not see the Senior Center renting space as a

"threat" instead of "treat."

Ramsdell asked if the meeting on the Pease Mountain Tower issues

had taken place and Mary Beth Freeman said it was scheduled for

the next evening.

APPOINTED TOWN OFFICERS - DISCUSSION ONLY

Chairman Russell reviewed how appointments to town boards and

committees had been done in the past and asked if anyone was

interested in being reappointed to a position on a board or

committee.

John Hammer said he was interested in continuing to be

Chittenden Solid Waste Representative.

Stephen Brooks asked if a list of openings would be available to

the public and E. Russell responded there would be an

advertisement in the Charlotte News.

Linda Hamilton said there were three people who were interested

in being reappointed to the Conservation Commission: Dee

Pierce, Sylvia Knight and Libby James.

Moe Harvey said he was interested in continuing as the Commuter

Rail Representative. Hugh Lewis, Jr. stated he would like to

continue as the Back-up person for the MPO Technical Advisory

Commission.

Chairman Russell gave John Rosenthal, a representative of the

Charlotte News, a copy of the board openings to be published in

the next issue.

There was a discussion of when terms on boards expire this year

as the election was postponed last year because of a snowstorm.

PUBLIC DISCUSSION

Selectboard Assistant, Wendy Schroeder said she had come to

tenure her resignation, effective immediately. Chairman Russell

read the letter aloud.

Stephen Brooks asked if the town has a sexual harassment policy

and Russell said the town has rules and regulations for

personnel and then Arthaud and Cole confirmed the policy is

Board of Selectmen -3- March 11, 2002

posted in the Town Hall kitchen. Brooks then asked if the 2

meetings the board held earlier in the day were publicly warned

and Chairman Russell said he meant to have them warned; one was

a site visit and the other was a social gathering, Chairman

Russell acknowledged the site visit not being warned was an

error, but the board was careful not to discuss Selectboard or

town business during those times.

Steve Moore said he felt it appropriate to thank someone who

resigns for their time and efforts.

E. Russell moved and the motion was seconded by

Ramsdell:

* "TO EXPRESS OUR SINCERE GRATITUDE TO WENDY SCHROEDER

FOR ALL SHE HAS DONE AND OUR REGRETS SHE CHOSE TO

RESIGN."

Vote: All in favor.

CHairman Russell said he was disappointed in Schroeder's

resignation and noting he had met with her Friday for 4 hours.

Steve Mack asked who didn't support Schroeder and Cole responded

she did not know.

Nancy Sabin said Road Commissioner, Hugh Lewis, Jr. had done an

excellent job by the underpass on North Greenbush Road.

CONSERVATION FUND REQUEST FOR PURCHASE OF GALBREATH PROPERTY &

KATE LAMPTON - CHAMPLAIN VALLEY GREENBELT ALLIANCE

Linda Hamilton, as a representative of the Charlotte

Conservation Fund Advisory Committee, reviewed her recent letter

to the board regarding an application to fund an application

from Champlain Valley Greenbelt Alliance. The application

relates to the Galbreath property on Route 7 next to

"Affectionately Cats" and it was the recommendation of the

Conservation Fund Advisory Committee that the Selectboard take

action their request to purchase the Galbreath property.

Kate Lampton, a member of the CVGA showed an aerial photo of the

property and introduced Liam Murphy, another member of the CVGA.

Murphy said a Purchase and Sales Agreement has been drawn up to

obtain the property; a 9.84 acre lot on Route 7 with open space,

a great viewshed and views of Camel's Hump. Murphy said the

landowner lives out of state and wants to move quickly as he is

interested in buying another piece of property in Virginia.

Murphy said the owner of the property is willing to sell the

property for $70,000.00, approximately $40,000.00 less than it

is appraised at because the owner will avoid land gains tax

costs if he sells quickly. Murphy said the request is for

$30,000.00 from the Conservation Fund.

Ramsdell asked how much money is in the Conservation Fund and

Lampton answered $183,835.00 and $77,584.00 will come in with

the new fiscal year.

Board of Selectmen -4- March 11, 2002

There was a discussion of who would initially take the title to

the property at closing and Lampton and Murphy indicated that

they would be happy for the town to accept it, but timing in

getting the deal closed was the issue.

Arthaud said he agreed the land should be conserved, but

wondered it the town should accept in as gift can be expensive.

Chairman Russell asked if the purchase competed with any other

projects the Conservation Fund was interested in and Hamilton

answered her Commission was trying to be conscientious and

organized and look ahead to other applications, but at this time

the three other applications before them are modest and we have

the opportunity to do something very useful with a relatively

small amount of money.

Tricia Coleman asked what the ultimate goal of obtaining the

property was and Lampton answered there will be no development

on the land and it will be conserved and the best possible use

for the property will be explored, lampton offered the town

might want to look at a drive off from Route 7 for scenic views.

John Hammer said he was on the Selectboard when the Conservation

Commission was put in place and this kind of opportunity was

exactly what the Commission was designed for: attractive

property sales that come up quickly. Hammer offered that

conserving land can be more advantageous to the town than

allowing a family house to be built there and the costs of

incurred of schooling children would more than what would be

paid in taxes to the town. Chairman Russell asked Hammer if he

would vote to buy the property and Hammer said yes.

Arthaud asked if Charlotte was not a recipient of the deed, then

who would be? Lampton answered said her group would look for

another party and ask for a conservation easement on the land.

Moe Harvey, Shirley Bean and Gordon Troy spoke in favor of

obtaining the property. Hamilton outlined the application

process for the Conservation Fund.

Ramsdell moved and the motion was seconded by

E. Russell:

* "TO CONTRIBUTE $30,000.00 TO THE CHAMPLAIN VALLEY

GREENBELT ALLIANCE FROM THE CONSERVATION FUND FOR

THE PURCHASE OF THE GALBREATH PROPERTY WITH THE

CONDITION THAT THE PROPERTY IS TRANSFERRED TO THE

TOWN OR A CONSERVATION EASEMENT WILL BE PLACED ON

THE PROPERTY WITH THE TOWN BEING A PARTY TO IT

AND/OR THE TOWN REVIEWING THE TERMS OF THE EASEMENT,

ALL SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE TOWN ATTORNEY."

Vote: All in favor.

ROAD COMMISSIONER - SALT PETITION RESULTS

Chairman Russell asked Road Commissioner, Hugh Lewis, Jr. what

Lewis action thought should be taken after the voters approved

and advisory Article (16) to use more salt on town roads by a 20

vote margin.

Board of Selectmen -5- March 11, 2002

Lewis said he believed the voters wanted him to use a little

more salt mixed in with sand and not straight salt. Lewis said

he currently uses a 1 to 8 ratio for paved roads and a 1 to 32

ratio for dirt roads of sand to salt. Lewis discussed the use

of salt in other towns and Chairman Russell said he thought just

a little more salt to the mix would be better.

Arthaud noted the use and amount of salt is a Selectboard

decision, but the board wanted to get a "pulse" reading from

town residents as to what they would want.

Linda Hamilton said she thought the issue needed more study,

citing the town of Weybridge had some well contamination from

the use of road salt. Lewis said something like that he

wouldn't want to be held responsible for.

E. Russell said she thought the Road Commissioner should be able

to use his judgment as to what he thinks is safe.

James Lawrence discussed damage to roadside trees from the use

of salt. Hamilton said she thought the real issue was safety

and Ruah Swennerfelt said she hoped the concerns for well and

trees would give us caution to use just a little more salt on

roads. Tricia Coleman said she thought since the mandate was

won by only 20 votes that the Road Commissioner should have the

leeway to use just a little more salt.

Chairman Russell asked if there was anyone who wanted the town

to use less salt on roads and there was no response.

Nancy Sabin asked about a sink hole in the road by where the

sewer job was done last fall. Lewis said he believed the road

may not have been put back to its prior condition and Sabin

asked if Lewis could look into the matter.

MOBILE HOME LEASE 2002

Chairman Russell advised that the on the mobile home on the

former Burns property expires next month and asked what the

board wanted to do. Arthaud he recommended renewing the mobile

home and flea market leases as the property is still in the

public planning process.

Ramsdell moved and the motion was seconded by

E. Russell:

* "TO RENEW THE MOBILE HOME LEASE FOR ANOTHER YEAR,

BEGINNING APRIL 1 2002 AT THE SAME RATE PER MONTH."

Vote: All in favor.

FLEA MARKET LEASE 2002

Chairman Russell asked Arthaud to bring a copy of the Flea

Market lease to the next meeting.

Board of Selectmen -6- March 11, 2002

AUBE-HINSDALE UPDATE

Chairman Russell reviewed that Clark Hinsdale, III had recently

discussed with the board his plans for solving his ex-spouse's

zoning density problem and that sketch plans are being reviewed

with the Planning Commission. E. Russell suggested asking for a

status report on the situation.

LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD

Ramsdell moved and the motion was seconded by

Cole:

* "TO ADJOURN AS THE SELECTBOARD AND CONVENE AS THE

LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD."

Vote: All in favor.

Cole moved and the motion was seconded by

E. Russell:

* "TO APPROVE A LIQUOR LICENSE FOR THE OLD BRICK STORE

FOR A TERM ENDING 4/30/2003."

Vote: All in favor.

Arthaud moved and the motion was seconded by

E. Russell:

* "TO ADJOURN AS THE LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD AND

RECONVENE AS THE SELECTBOARD."

Vote: All in favor.

SIGN WARRANTS AND BILLS

Board members signed warrants and bills.

Ramsdell moved and the motion was seconded by

Cole:

* "TO APPROVE THE CHECK WARRANT DATED MARCH 11,

2002 FOR PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,294.93."

Vote: All in favor.

Ramsdell moved and the motion was seconded by

Cole:

* "TO APPROVE THE CHECK WARRANT DATED MARCH 11,

2002 IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,616.99."

Vote: All in favor.

APPROVE TRUCK PERMITS

Lewis reviewed for the new board members the truck usage and

permitting process in town.

Ramsdell moved and the motion was seconded by

E. Russell:

* "TO APPROVE TRUCK PERMITS FOR POULIN GRAIN, INC.,

S.B. COLLINS, INC., P & H SENESAC, INC., LAWES

AGRICULTURAL SERVICE, CHEVALIER DRILLING COMPANY, J.

HUTCHINS, AND COLIN KEENAN."

Vote: All in favor.

Board of Selectmen -7- March 11, 2002

SELECTBOARD ORGANIZATIONAL DISCUSSION

WORK PLAN FOR THE YEAR/BRAINSTORMING/FUTURE/RETREAT

Chairman Russell asked what board members would like to plan on

doing this year.

E. Russell suggested the board discuss with chairs of committees

what their priorities were.

Ramsdell asked about having a retreat.

Arthaud said he had a follow-up phone call from Steve Libby from

the Vermont Design Institute about what the town would be doing

with their planning process.

Chairman Russell suggested a brainstorming of ideas, including

roads, communication towers, conservation sites, having the Road

Commissioner have a longer term and having the Conservation

Commission do a "build out' of the whole town.

Arthaud suggested building other committees, such as a "Friends

of Demeter Park," and start with an opening meeting and then

have time for the Selectboard to reflect on and digest what was

said.

Linda Hamilton suggested having a professional facilitator and

Jack Clemmons recommended Dr. Robert Lawson. Clemmons suggested

outlining at what is seen as the town's problems and then go

from there.

Martha Perkins asked whether there was money budgeted for the

planning process on the former Burn's property and Arthaud

answered the town would need to contribute up to $40,000.00 and

the Preservation Trust and Vermont Land Trust would contribute

money also.

Ramsdell suggested starting with studying the new Town Plan that

just passed and then look at the issues and Hamilton said she

supported that idea.

Arthaud suggested having a huge piece of paper posted in a

public place where people could contribute down their ideas at

their convenience.

Ramsdell asked if the board could meet sooner than their

regularly scheduled meeting as they are now without an

Assistant. Board members decided to meeting Thursday, March 21,

2002 at 4:30 p.m.

Ramsdell asked what the board wanted to do about the fact they

were without an Assistant and Arthaud suggested discussing

whether they need an Assistant at the meeting on the 21st and

then advertise if they decided they do.

Sylvia Sprigg suggested looking at what talents the new board

possesses and then decide if there is an area they are lacking

and need to hire someone. Sprigg also noted the town has been

without a webmaster for some time now.

Board of Selectmen -8- March 11, 2002

Ruah Swennerfelt suggested getting information and assistance

from the VLCT.

Didier Murat suggested the board ask Schroeder not to resign.

Ramsdell moved and the motion was seconded by

E. Russell:

* "TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS A PERSONNEL

ISSUE RELATED TO WENDY SCHROEDER'S RESIGNATION."

Vote: 4 in favor, 1 abstained from the motion and

the Executive Session (Arthaud).

Executive Session ran from 10:01 to 10:21 p.m. After the board

returned from Executive Session, Chairman Russell reported the

board had taken no action.

Having no further business, Chairman Russell

moved:

* "TO ADJOURN."

Vote: All in favor.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:22 p.m.

Minutes submitted by:

Debby Flynn