Town of Westmore
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
APPROVED
In attendance: John Alexander, Chair, David Stevens and Nancy Mallary, Selectmen, Greg Gallagher, Town Clerk, Debi Rash, Assistant Town Clerk, Randi Rosenstein, Health Officer, Dennis Desmarais, Road Foreman, Jeremy LeBlanc, Dick Simpson, Louisa and Vince Dotoli, Art Brooks, Cindy Poplawski and Gerald Saindon.
John Alexander called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
Health Meeting: Randi read her report, touching on algae update, lake water testing and port-a-potty odor.
Funds for testing the Lake for various contaminates was discussed. The possibility of using the "settlement money" was mentioned. Nancy said the June 29th press release stating there would be $6500 for "supplemental environmental project" was in error and a corrected press release will state that those funds will be $5500. The $6500 included a $1000 penalty.
Art Brooks will review testing needs with the Bill Julian and John Alexander.
Gerald said the Fish and Wildlife test the brooks.
John is testing the phosphorus in the middle of the Lake and will speak to Fish and Wildlife about their testing.
Nancy mentioned that the Westmore Association will be having a speaker on the new state septic systems regulations at their July 27 annual meeting.
Road Report: Dennis reported that the Newark road culvert and gravel job was completed. The Board signed a VT Form TA65 which applies for state grant money for 80% of that project.
Dennis said he had also graveled Perkins Lane.
Dennis discussed a used mower for sale for $27000. The Town will also need a new bucket loader and the White truck is getting very old. A decision was tabled until the next meeting so the Board could evaluate funding.
Dick Simpson asked for a "CURVE" sign going East on Peene Hill Road.
Nancy moved and David seconded to authorize Dennis to purchase and install a "CURVE" sign for Peene Hill Road. Motion passed.
Dennis asked if he could do the paving he had asked for. David said it would be better to bomag Lacross Road. David will review the road jobs with Dennis the next day.
Nancy moved and John seconded to authorize David to decide what ditching, bomagging and/or paving projects to start. Motion passed.
David moved and Nancy seconded for Nancy to call VLCT about who is responsible for 911 sign installation and maintenance. Motion passed.
Nancy said the outside audit had no 911 Sign Reserve Fund balance. Greg brought the financial statement sheet with money for 911 signs.
Cindy stated that Fosters Grove North could not be accessed by emergency vehicles in the winter. Nancy will ask VLCT what liability the town has in that situation.
Nancy mentioned several changes she thought should be made to the 6/27/06 Minutes. Greg agreed and will bring revised minutes to the next meeting.
David moved and Nancy seconded to accept the 6/27/06 Minutes as amended. Motion passed.
Cindy asked for an explanation of the road reclassification process. Nancy recused herself when Tower Lane was brought up. John explained the process of petitioning the board for reclassification and that every one is treated the same. The Board has met with VT Highway engineer, Scott Keyser and reviewed two petitions. David said it was a lot different to reclassify a town road than to take over a private road. John said the decision on the petitions has been tabled for other priorities. He will notify Cindy when they meet to discuss this issue again.
With no further road discussion, Nancy returned.
The Board reviewed two bids for the North Beach maintenance.
David moved and Nancy seconded to reject both bids because they were not comparable and because they have become aware of other issues for that service. Therefore, based on the exceptional job that Gerald Saindon had been doing as a Town employee, to continue with Gerald on an hourly basis for the rest of the season. Motion passed.
Nancy moved and David seconded to have Nancy send all applicants a letter. Motion passed
Gerald said that the pump was not staying up to pressure, but he did not want to do anything until the Board knew the problem.
David moved and Nancy seconded to have John look at the problem the next day with Gerald and to update Carol Davis on the situation and to ask her to contact a Board member with any problems like this. Motion passed.
Handicap accessibility to the bathrooms was raised by Gerald. Nancy will put that issue on her VLCT list.
After discussion of the Milfoil Contract, Nancy moved and David seconded to sign it. Motion passed. John abstained.
Nancy moved and David seconded that it is understood that Jeremy LeBlanc will pay the Town back the $800 still due on his loan prior to any funds being released to his company. Motion passed.
Nancy moved and David seconded to lease the Towns milfoil equipment, without the cascade air compressor, to Willoughby Milfoil Services, LLC for $1.00 through the end of the contract period. Motion passed.
Nancy will add the compressor bidding to her VLCT call.
The Board asked Gerald to help Jeremy pick up the equipment.
After discussion of the budget, Besaw audit and carryovers, David moved and Nancy seconded to have Greg ask the town auditors to meet with the Board after they have completed the second quarter audit by 8/7/06. Motion passed.
Correspondence: The Board reviewed correspondence.
Nancy moved and David seconded for Nancy to write a reply to a dog(s) on the beach complaint. Motion passed.
Nancy moved and David seconded to approve the minutes of the 7/5/06 meeting. Motion passed.
Having no further business, David moved and Nancy seconded to adjourn at 9:40 PM. Motion passed.
Nancy moved and David seconded to approve and authorize to pay Select Orders #14 and Select Payroll #14. Motion Passes.
Nancy moved and David seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 PM. Motion passed.
Signed by,
__________________
Greg Gallagher
Westmore Town Clerk