Town of New Haven Back to Home
Town Meeting Minutes
Monday March 3, 2008
Moderator Lanny Smith introduced himself, the Selectboard: Paul Audy, Burt Allen and Keith Hall, the Town Clerk: Claire Van Buren and the Selectboard Clerk: Pam Kingman.
The warning was read and a basic overview of how to proceed was presented.
The meeting was called to order at 4:05 pm.
The legal voters of the Town of New Haven are hereby warned and notified to meet at the Town Hall in New Haven, Vermont on Monday March 3rd, 2008 at 4:00 pm to act on Articles 1 through 4; and on Tuesday, March 4th, 2008 from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM to vote by Australian Ballot on Articles 5 through 31.
The Town meeting will be first this year, followed by the School meeting. There will be a break for dinner at 5:30 and reconvene at 7pm. There were two non-registered voters at the meeting. Earl Bessette wondered why the Selectboard, Moderator and Clerks do not sit on the stage, and requested that they do so in the future.
Nina Bacon requested a microphone so we can all hear better.
Lanny Smith brought everyones attention to page 5 for Articles 9 and 10. These articles were placed on the warning inadvertently as they are listed on the School warning. Lanny asked for a motion to suspend the rules and have these articles lie indefinitely. Pamela Marsh made the motion, seconded by Mr. Barnard.
All in favor, none opposed.
ARTICLE 1. Shall the Town of New Haven vote to pay real estate taxes to the
Town Treasurer on October 1, 2008; delinquent taxes will be subject
to interest charges of one percent per month, and an eight percent
penalty charged against them from October 1, 2008?
Kathi Apgar made the motion; seconded by James Ford.
No discussion
All in favor; none opposed.
Passed
ARTICLE 2. Shall the voters of the Town of New Haven accept the Auditors’ Report for the year 2007?
Pamela Marsh made the motion; seconded by SylviaSue Ford
Discussion
Pamela Marsh wanted to thank the Auditors for doing such a great job.
Kathy Barrett noted that there were two different reports for the sidewalk and the State has a set of different numbers. She requested that the Auditors spend some time looking at those numbers.
No further discussion
All in favor; none opposed
Passed
ARTICLE 3. Shall the voters of the Town of New Haven approve and adopt the “Sidewalk Project” – construction at and around the Village Green and Main Street? By Australian Ballot.
SylviaSue Ford moved the article; seconded by Jill DeVoe
Ray Daniels noted that the article language is confusing. Discussion on what the petition was actually asking for. Motion made by Tim Bouton to table the article; seconded by John Peters.
Discussion
James Gallott wanted to know what will happen if it is tabled? Will it have to be rewarned and voted on again. The funding for the project is ready to go and he wanted to know if there would be any problems with this if it was tabled.
Lanny Smith: Can’t debate a tabled article.
Motion to table article defeated.
George Jaeger –Should we amend the article? Propose a motion to amend the article to remove the words by Australian ballot.
Seconded by Pamela Marsh.
Discussion on amendment
James Gallott wanted to know if we do drop the Australian ballot then do we vote by Australian ballot?
Paul Audy stated that the article on the warning was written as it was petitioned.
Andy Dykstra wanted to know then what would happen.
Lanny Smith we would discuss and vote without Australian ballot.
Paul Audy: This money is in the road budget. If it is voted on in the road budget then it will be voted twice.
Dean Gilmore: So if it is voted in the road budget then it will approve the sidewalk project, right?
Jeff Everest: Can the petition be amended?
Lanny Smith: Can change anything on the article as long as is doesn’t change the germainness. The petition does not qualify as an Australian ballot item. It is the understanding that the intent of the petitioners was that all future sidewalk articles would be voted on in the future by Australian ballot.
Pamela Marsh: According to 17 VSA 2680 there is a certain way the petition must be warned. This article does not comply with that statute. A mistake was made by the petitioner in drafting. She feels that the Australian ballot should be dropped.
Lanny Smith: Do we remove it? Reread the questions to amend article 3.
All in favor of the amendment.
Nay 3
Article is amended to remove the words by australian ballot.
Discussion on article 3 without by Australian ballot.
Burt Allen: People in Town like the way it is set up. The main problem is the intersection from Rt 17 to the Store. If we do away with that then it would be better.
James Gallott: Disagrees, the sidewalk needs to be there and fixed because it is dangerous.
Andy Dykstra: How much money is set aside for the project and who will clear and sand after the plows go through.
Burt Allen: We have no equipment to clear and sand.
Andy Dykstra: Do we have enough help to clear the sidewalks?
Ray Daniels: Would like to make a motion. Motion to table this article until it is rewritten and can be understood with possible changes to the proposal?
Pat Jaeger: Second motion
No discussion for table per Pamela Marsh
Lanny Smith: Need to table to a date certain from Mr. Daniels
Ray Daniels: Date certain would be the next legally warned Town Meeting.
In favor 67
Opposed 34
Article 3 postponed to next legally warned town meeting.
ARTICLE 4. To transact, vote and act upon any further non-binding business, which may legally come before this meeting.
Barbara Torian: Would the Town like to have postcards asking if they want to receive a Town Report.
Pamela Marsh: Likes the mailing
Jill DeVoe: The cost to print the town reports was $315.00
Francine Caccavo: Can they go on the website?
Burt Allen: All the town should receive one.
Lanny Smith: This is Paul Audy’s last term as a selectboard member. Applause
ARTICLE 5. To elect the following Town Officers by Australian Ballot:
Auditor 3 years
Beeman School Director 3 years
Delinquent Tax Collector 1 year
Grand Jurors (2) 1 year
Library Trustee 3 years
Lister 3 years
Moderator 1 year
Mt. Abe School Director 3 Years
Selectman 3 years
Selectman 2 years
Selectman 1 year
Town Agent 1 year
Trustee of Public Funds 1 year
ARTICLE 6. Shall the voters authorize the Selectboard to abandon the sale of the Dana–King house (located at 116 North Street) and ell to Raymond and Deborah Fortier for One Dollar ($1.00) approved by the voters by Australian ballot at a duly warned Special Town Meeting held on May 21, 2007, with voting held on May 22, 2007, and instead authorize the Selectboard to sell the Dana-King House and ell, but not including the detached barn or any land, to be removed from the land by the purchaser thereof, to the person or persons, party or entity submitting the highest bid therefore. By Australian Ballot?
Tim Bouton: In what manner is the bid going to be conducted?
Paul Audy: By sealed bid
Jerry Smiley: Concerned about the details and what the details would be if this situation were to happen again
Lanny Smith: The specifics would be listed in the bid.
Kathi Apgar: What is the plan for the carriage house if it not part of the deal?
Keith Hall: It was decided to keep the barn for storage of athletic equipment as it is still in good shape.
Tom Fyles: The article says no restrictions
Keith Hall: Can put in the bid whatever they want.
Tom Fyles: Thought the building was on the historic registry.
Lanny Smith: The house is on the historic registry but there are only restrictions if you are asking for funds.
Discussion on contingencies and restrictions that could be put on the house.
Keith Hall: There will always be a provision to accept or refuse any bid.
Barbara Torian: What if the vote is no?
Keith Hall: Then we wouldn’t do it.
Barbara Torian: Are we then still in agreement with the Fortiers?
Paul Audy: This article is just giving the selectboard the authority to get out of the deal with the Fortiers and to put it out to bid. We can write in the bid whatever we want.
Tim Bouton: Like to make a request that special considerations be written in the bid to try to keep the house in New Haven.
ARTICLE 7. Shall the Town vote to appropriate $25,000.00 to be added to the Truck Replacement Fund for the Fire Department? By Australian Ballot.
Michael Dykstra will speak on Article 7 when he speaks on Article 8.
Permission granted to speak to both articles.
ARTICLE 8. Shall the voters of the Town of New Haven vote to appropriate $37,000 for operating expenses for the Fire Department for the year 2008? By Australian Ballot.
Michael Dykstra: Asking for an increase in the budget this year due to fire gear, tools etc. They came up with the budget numbers by breaking down everything and figuring out future costs. Basically asking for $17,000 over last year.
Kathi Apgar: Commend the fire department on the fine work they do.
Jane Aube: Thank you for the great job they do.
Burt Allen: Always do a great job and we are very appreciative.
ARTICLE 9. Shall the voters of the New Haven Town School District appropriate $1,896,052 necessary for the support of its school year beginning July 1, 2008? By Australian Ballot.
Tabled indefinitely
ARTICLE 10. Shall the voters of the New Haven Town School District appropriate $15,000 to be placed in a Long Term Facilities Improvement Fund? By Australian Ballot.
Tabled indefinitely
ARTICLE 11. Shall the voters of the Town of New Haven adopt the proposed Road Fund Budget in the amount of $1,078,752.65 a portion thereof in the amount of $489,359.51 to be raised by taxes, for the purpose of maintaining town roads for the year 2008? By Australian Ballot.
Mary Pratt: People who don’t like the sidewalk project should vote against the road budget.
Jeff Everest: If that’s the case, where will the money go? If voted in does the project continue?
Lanny Smith: Selectboard would have to have a legal opinion
Tom Fyles: Any future plan to pave Plank Road eastbound from North Street to Bristol?
Paul Audy: There was discussion this year and the decision was made not to do paving on that road this year.
Larry Maier complemented the road crew on the work they do.
Kathi Apgar: Lime Kiln Road is a disaster. When is that going to be paved? The road crew cannot stay on top of it.
Chris Bray, Town Representative spoke.
Adjourn til 7pm
Reopen meeting at 7:05pm
Kathleen Barrett: Different reports for the road budget numbers
Lanny Smith: That is because they were filed on different dates
Barbara Torian: There is an error. Part of the expenditures went under Munger Street not the sidewalks
Jeff Everest: Questioning the courseness of rocks on the road. Is this the norm and is it going to continue?
Burt Allen: They are mixing road gravel with sand to try to get better traction per state recommendation as everywhere is low on salt.
Randy Boise: Questioned the amount of money spent on repairing equipment. $70,000 was the repair bill for equipment last year. Is it worth it to keep dumping money in it.
Burt Allen: There were problems with the front end on the 550. Trying to figure out if they should repair the body on the truck or trade it.
Dean Gilmore: Should we consider a depreciation fund for the trucks?
Paul Audy: Have that in place already.
Dean Gilmore: No that is an equipment fund not a depreciation fund. He was also told that when we bought the grader that there was a wing to go with it. Where is it now?
Burt Allen: Still at CRW after 2 years.
Earl Bessette: Why is the backhoe at Dick Stones? Are we leaving things around and not knowing where we left them?
ARTICLE 12. Shall the voters of the Town of New Haven vote to adopt the proposed General Fund Budget in the amount of $487,465.45 a portion thereof in the amount of $248,548.75 to be raised by taxes. This amount to be increased by any additional monies voted affirmatively by other articles of this Annual Meeting or voted affirmatively by Australian ballot on March 4, 2008. Tax rate to be determined by the Selectboard. By Australian Ballot.
Michael Nolan: Listers are listed twice. Why?
Claire Van Buren: For the rolling reappraisel as it is contracted out of town.
ARTICLE 13. Shall the Town appropriate $1,700.00 for the Addison County Community Action Group? By Australian Ballot.
Motion to table articles 13 – 31 until after the school budget by Pamela Marsh.
Seconded by SylviaSue Ford
Reconvened at 8:05
No further discussion
Approved
ARTICLE 14. Shall the Town appropriate $1,753.25 for the Addison County Home Health and Hospice, Inc.? By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 15. Shall the Town appropriate $1,800.00 for the Addison County Parent/Child Center? By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 16. Shall the Town appropriate $250.00 for Addison County Readers? By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 17. Shall the Voters of the Town of New Haven vote to appropriate $2,500 for Addison County Transit Resources to be taken from Town funds for the purpose of maintaining and improving transportation services for elders, persons with disabilities and the general public? By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 18. Shall the Town appropriate $500.00 for the Bristol Family Center?
By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 19. Will the Town of New Haven vote $2,200.00 to be paid to the Bristol Parks, Arts and Recreation Department for support of its programs, including the Pottery Studio, Skate Park, Bike Park, Ice Rink and The Hub/Youth Center, which have been found to serve the Five Town area? Said sum to come from the General Fund. By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 20. Shall the Town of New Haven appropriate the sum of $3,000.00 to the Bristol Rescue Squad, to assist them in providing emergency coverage to said residents of New Haven? By Australian Ballot.
No dicussion
ARTICLE 21. Shall the Town of New Haven appropriate $700.00 for the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging? By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 22. Shall the Town appropriate $1,750.00 for the Counseling Service of Addison County? By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 23. Shall the Town appropriate $700.00 for the Elderly Services Inc.?
By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 24. Shall the Town appropriate $400.00 for the Hospice Volunteer Services? By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 25. Shall the Town appropriate $1,075.00 for the John W. Graham Emergency Shelter Services, Inc.? By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 26. Shall the Town appropriate $500.00 for the Open Door Clinic?
By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 27. Shall the Town appropriate $390.00 for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program? By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 28. Shall the Town appropriate $300.00 for the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad, Inc? By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 29. Shall the Town appropriate $525.00 for Vermont Adult Learning?
By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 30. Shall the Town appropriate $215.00 for the Vermont Center for Independent Living? By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 31. Will the Town of New Haven appropriate the sum of $800.00 to WomanSafe, Inc. to support their mission to: work toward the elimination of physical, sexual and emotional violence against woman and their children through direct service, education and social change? Said sum to come from General Funds. By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
Motion to adjourn meeting. Adjourned 8:05pm