MEMBERS PRESENT:      Robert Roesler (Chairman); Tim Pudvar, Gary von Stange, Bill Smith, Al Gobeille.

ADMINISTRATION:          Paul Bohne, Town Manager; Peter Frankenburg, Finance Director.

OTHERS PRESENT:          Ellie London, Ruth Painter, Allie Stickney, Mary Hoffman, Joan Lenes, Maria Horn, Jerry Barton, Vicki Carleton, Peter Gibbs, Dick Elkins, Gwen Webster, Terry McKnight, Jane McKnight, Fred Hills, Dorothea Penar, Brian Precourt, Chris Snyder, Stephanie O’Brien, Sean McKay, Ann August, Chris Gibbons, Nettie Slatterly, Bill Powers, Dr. Ethan Allen Hitchcock Sims, Danielle Frawley (Shelburne News).

 

The Selectboard meeting was held at the Wake Robin facility in Shelburne. Robert Roesler, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

 

Ø  Amendment to agenda to proceed immediately to election of officers.

Ø  Add Item 10.a – Request for Streetlight on Corner of Morse Drive/Ravine Court.

 

Paul Bohne as Chairman Pro Tem called for nominations for Chairman of the Shelburne Selectboard.

 

MOTION by Tim Pudvar, SECOND by Bill Smith, to nominate Robert Roesler as Chairman. There were no other nominations. VOTING: 4 ayes, one abstention (Gary von Stange); motion carried.

 

Rob Roesler assumed the duties of Chairman and called for nominations for Vice Chairman.

 

MOTION by Tim Pudvar, SECOND by Al Gobeille, to nominate Bill Smith as Vice Chairman. There were no other nominations. VOTING: unanimous (5-0); motion carried.

 

Bill Smith is Vice Chairman of the Shelburne Selectboard.

 

Allie Stickney, Wake Robin resident, welcomed everyone to the meeting. Ms. Stickney noted Wake Robin feels being a part of the community is important. Mary Hoffman, Chairwoman of the Wake Robin Association, stated the residents of Wake Robin have adopted Shelburne as their community and many have given back as volunteers at the library, in the schools, at Shelburne Museum and Farms, at SCHIPS, and at many town and community activities. The dedication and time spent by those serving on town boards is recognized and the Selectboard is thanked for their efforts, said Ms. Hoffman.

 

Ellen London, Wake Robin resident, asked for assistance in contacting the health department, water department, and state representatives about chloramines in the water which cause her eyes and skin to itch and upsets her stomach. The Selectboard advised Ms. London to bring the issue before the Champlain Water District board and talk to Shelburne’s state representatives.

 

Ruth Painter, Wake Robin resident, expressed disappointment in comments heard at the town’s annual meeting regarding town money sent to Montpelier under Act 68. Shelburne is one of the wealthier towns in the state and has an obligation to look out for its neighbors, said Ms. Painter. Also, the vote to decrease funding of social services that occurred at the town meeting is disheartening when so many people are using the services. Now is not the time to decrease support, stated Ms. Painter.

 

Joan Lenes, Shelburne resident and State Representative, thanked everyone for being so active in the community. Ms. Lenes expressed concern about how the Shelburne Development Review Board (DRB) is handling an economic development project in the village. Shelburne is an active, involved community and to have such blocks put up on an economic development project is embarrassing. Ms. Lenes spoke about requiring many meetings and spending money without a thoughtful plan. It is recognized that the DRB is a quasi-governmental board and has certain restrictions, but the public wants to see what can be done and how to move the project forward. Various state agencies took action with regard to funding and it is disappointing and embarrassing to see the funds disappear because of the delays. Wake Robin was a controversial project initially, recalled Ms. Lenes, but the development has brought richness and quality of life to Shelburne residents. This could occur again with the proposed downtown, walkable development.

 

Jerry Barton, Shelburne resident, asked about appointment to the DRB (qualifications, procedure, preference given to incumbents). Rob Roesler stated the incumbent serves until a successor is appointed by the Selectboard. Interested candidates submit a letter of interest that details their qualifications/experience and interest in the position. The Selectboard will interview applicants and make a selection. It would be unique to have competition for a vacancy in the town’s experience, said Mr. Roesler. Current members are a known quantity, but that does not necessarily guarantee reappointment. Mr. Barton asked about simultaneously serving on the DRB and Planning Commission and procedural requirements for that. Chairman Roesler confirmed Dick Elkins serves on both the DRB and Planning Commission. The Selectboard encourages all citizens in Shelburne to volunteer for town boards and commissions. The Selectboard would like as many candidates as possible to consider for vacancies. (Mr. Roesler was urged by Gary von Stange to recuse himself from discussion of DRB appointments. Mr. Roesler declined.) Bill Smith explained the rationale for having the same individual serve on the DRB and Planning Commission (when the Zoning Board was disbanded the Selectboard wanted someone familiar with the planning process and writing/implementing planning and zoning rules and the vetting process with applications). Gary von Stange added the Vermont Secretary of State’s opinion issued March, 2008 says there is no conflict of interest if a person serves on a planning commission and development review board. Al Gobeille commented on pro and anti-growth attitudes in Shelburne, noting as a businessman he is pro-growth.

 

Maria Horn, Shelburne resident, mentioned the numerous deliberative sessions held by the DRB without minutes, noting the citizens are interested in how the DRB makes its decisions so minutes of deliberative session should be taken.

 

Terry McKnight, Governor’s Lane, expressed concern about the discussion of reappointing three members of the DRB due to a vote on a particular project. Mr. McKnight cited the time and expertise given to the town by the volunteer members of the DRB who try to make decisions to benefit the entire community, not to serve any individual project. Mr. McKnight stated the three DRB members under discussion have served the community well, honestly, and fairly, and if they want to continue to serve on the DRB the Selectboard should allow this. Rep. Lenes represents all the citizens of Shelburne, not one person, continued Mr. McKnight, and it is hoped the same spirit of community serves the Selectboard when presented with the decision of reappointment to the DRB.

 

Jane McKnight, Shelburne resident and former Selectboard member, said a debt of gratitude is owed to the DRB for a thankless job. The service is tedious, time consuming, has a cost on private lives, and detracts from jobs and businesses. The members under discussion offer unique skill sets, extensive institutional knowledge, and long service to the community. The Selectboard needs to consider the impact on volunteerism if the response is not to reappoint the incumbents because they voted on a project in a certain way. Ms. McKnight urged the Selectboard to think long and hard before taking negative action on reappointment because no one will volunteer in the community in the future.

 

Vicki Carleton, Shelburnewood resident, felt the vote on the Shelburne Wood project at 4 in favor and 3 against was not bad. Ms. Carleton commented it is too bad people are taking offense to others interested in volunteering to serve on the DRB. Residents want transparency and want to know what prompted the DRB’s decision because their homes are at stake.

 

Gwen Webster, Shelburne resident, read a statement from the Secretary of State regarding quasi-judicial boards (DRB) and the right to hold deliberative session without taking minutes of the discussion. Rob Roesler agreed procedure for the DRB is detailed in state statute, by the Secretary of State, and the Vermont Supreme Court so there is no need for debate. Maria Horn noted her information is that the Secretary of State said any decision should be substantiated in writing. The public simply wants to know why three members did not sign the decision, and as a matter of principle and openness that minutes are taken during deliberative session. Gwen Webster mentioned the email from John Giebink, Green Mountain Development Group, requesting the Selectboard not to reappoint three members of the DRB, and asked that the email be entered into the record. (click here to see the email).  Ms. Webster said the communication from Mr. Giebink is like a witch hunt and very divisive, not at all what Shelburne is about. If the Selectboard decides not to reappoint the members a message will be sent to other committees that their work does not matter because it can be usurped and overturned by the Selectboard.

 

Fred Hills, Wake Robin resident, thanked the DRB for their time and effort, noting if the Selectboard feels the members are doing a good job then reappointment them, otherwise encourage competition and appoint new members.

 

Dorothea Penar, Shelburne Historic Preservation & Design Review Commission, clarified the Shelburne Wood project in its present form has only been deliberated since March, 2009. There was much discussion prior to that time while the zoning bylaws were being updated. Ms. Penar said she urged not writing the bylaws based on a particular project. The DRB members work hard and put in many hours as does the Design Review Commission, acknowledged Ms. Penar, but after 18 years of volunteering on committees the political pressure is cause to question continuing. Everyone is working hard to make the project a positive for the village and the political pressure is not helping the project or the process. If the Selectboard politicizes positions then there is no reason to ask for reappointment. Rob Roesler stressed the Selectboard does not see reason to politicize any position on town boards or committees, but simply wants to do what is best for the community.

 

Brian Precourt, Shelburne resident, observed it is a slippery slope to ask townspeople to ask the Selectboard not to reappoint DRB members because they did not vote the way a developer wanted. Mr. Precourt said he cannot recall a reappointment not being made if the incumbent is willing to continue serving the town. Al Gobeille stressed his role on the Selectboard is to not politicize appointments or projects. The reappointment issue is not before the Selectboard presently. An issue gets politicized by drawing the Selectboard to the matter when the Selectboard is not a part of it at the time, said Mr. Gobeille.

 

Peter Gibbs, Chairman of the Shelburne DRB, attempted to comment, but was advised to avoid further politicizing the issue his comments should be made at a DRB meeting. Gary von Stange countered that Dick Elkins, Kay Kraushaar, and Peter Gibbs have been victims of ad hominid attacks that have been personal and vicious. The DRB members are volunteers. People with divergent opinions should be encouraged to serve on committees. Mr. von Stange recalled while a member of the Planning Commission there was disagreement with other members, but the disagreement was respected without personal attack. Peter Gibbs has been personally attacked and he has the right to stand up at this meeting and defend himself, stressed Mr. von Stange.  Mr. Gibbs said he will address comments on the DRB process, procedure, and how the members proceeded through the project of interest at the next DRB meeting.

 

Rob Roesler stated on behalf of the Selectboard the service by Peter Gibbs, Dick Elkins, and Kay Kraushaar and other committee members is appreciated. The Selectboard is not considering any particular appointment at this time, but when that time comes the Selectboard will be fair and objective. The Selectboard is trying to stay away from any politicization of the process of appointing people to serve on boards in Shelburne. It would be a travesty to make political correctness a litmus test for anyone to serve on any board in the community, said Mr. Roesler, promising he will not be any part of this and it is believed the rest of the board feels the same.

 

Dick Elkins, DRB member, thanked friends and neighbors for attending the meeting. Mr. Elkins noted he voted in support of Wake Robin when he served on the Zoning Board many years ago.

 

Bill Powers, Shelburne resident for 23 years, requested a change in the traffic light sequence at the top of the hill for westbound traffic on Route 7 to make the intersection safer.  Rob Roesler assured the request will be forwarded to VTrans (the state has jurisdiction over Route 7).

 

Dr. Ethan Allen Hitchcock Sims, Wake Robin resident, expressed concern about the money wasted on the amount of lighting in town (streets and buildings). Dr. Sims suggested turning off some lights and using more energy efficient bulbs.

 

The public hearing was opened at 7:58 p.m. There were no comments. The hearing was closed at 7:59 p.m.

 

 

Paul Bohne briefed the Selectboard on the sewer allocation for the Rivercrest condominium project which has been delayed due to economic conditions. The sewer allocation expired and the developer cannot request an extension. The Selectboard amended the ordinance 18 months ago to require 50% of the allocation fee paid up front and the other half paid with each building permit.

 

Chris Snyder, Snyder Homes, stated the allocation is for available sewer allocation. Snyder Homes is asking that the project be ‘grandfathered’ to allow full payment at the time the building permit is issued by the town. The economic times are making it tough on home builders, explained Mr. Snyder, and with the funding mechanisms and financing Snyder Homes is not set up to pay 50% up front at the time of allocation. Mr. Snyder added there is also a request to waive the connection fee on the four affordable units to be built in the development.

 

Gary von Stange referred to the letter from Chris Snyder to the Selectboard and the note the project should be governed by rules in effect when the project was approved in 2006. The 50/50 rule was not in effect in 2006. Mr. von Stange asked Mr. Snyder if he felt projects approved at the present time should abide by the 50/50 rule. Mr. Snyder replied projects should abide by the current ordinance, but for a developer paying 50% up front is a challenge and makes it more difficult for any sort of housing units to be built. Typically the fee is 100% at the time a building permit is issued. The reason for the change in ordinance is understandable (Shelburne did improvements and needs to collect fees to offset cost), said Mr. Snyder.

 

Tim Pudvar asked about letting the allocation sunset and reapplying. Mr. Snyder said the 50% payment would still be needed for the remainder of the project at a cost of approximately $89,000 in fees.

 

Bill Smith asked if other developments would be impacted by the request. Paul Bohne noted there is potential. A small two lot subdivision under the new ordinance paid the 50% fee. Shelburne Wood is the next large development before the town.

 

 

 

Sean McKay, Shelburne Natural Resources Conservation Commission, explained the request by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) for use of supplemental environmental project funds for removal of invasive plants and erosion along the LaPlatte River (stabilization of floodplain forest and re-vegetation).

 

Gary von Stange asked about the relationship between the town and TNC. Paul Bohne gave a briefing on the situation that occurred when constructing the town recreation fields behind the Fieldhouse and impingement on TNC conserved land. The issue is still being discussed with TNC. The money for supplemental environmental projects is from fines paid by the town related to a sewer issue.

 

Ann Augustran, Wake Robin resident, asked who selects and pays for the trees and does the plantings. Rob Roesler said TNC provides the labor using money from the supplemental environmental project fund to purchase trees. Sean McKay noted TNC will likely employ a contractor for the work. TNC will have oversight over the project.

 

There was discussion of the costs identified in the project, specifically the TNC Indirect of $2,800 (TNC overhead) and labor cost of $2,000. Bill Smith asked if requests for the funds exceed available money. Paul Bohne stated TNC is requesting $15,000 for their project. Lewis Creek Associates is requesting funding for two projects (water quality and education related to the LaPlatte River and Monroe Brook). There is $41,000 available. The requests total $50,788. Staff is recommending supporting all three projects, but reducing the amount for removal of invasive species from $20,000 to $10,000. If the money is not spent it is unlikely the Agency of Natural Resources will extend use of the funds. Tim Pudvar asked about Shelburne Natural Resources Committee partnering with TNC to eliminate the overhead cost.  Sean McKay stated TNC is the direct applicant and their policy is to include the overhead cost. Paul Bohne stated the town or members of the Natural Resources Committee do not have time or resources to contract the work. Also, with hand removal of trees and vegetation there is herbicide applied so a level of expertise is needed. The town is not an eligible applicant for the funds.

 

 

Chris Gibbons, Shelburne resident, explained the proposal by Google to create a new internet service with high speed internet service (one gigabit) in every home and business. The test site must have a population of between 50,000 to 500,000 people (can be a conglomerate of communities to reach the target number). The internet service will be 100 times faster than the average speed today. Shelburne would be a worldwide leader in internet service if chosen as the test site which could promote human capital and commercial capital, increase home values, and decrease the cost of internet access as just a few benefits. South Korean which presently leads in fast internet service is looking to install one gigabit service in 2012. Google wants to see how fast the project can be implemented and discover new ways to make the internet better and faster for people. There are 200 communities across the country applying to be the test site. Qualifying criteria include the service being a benefit to residents, deployment being quick and efficient, the level of community support, local resources, the weather, regulation issues, and what is currently available. The application deadline is March 26, 2010. There is no cost to apply and Google will fund the building and deployment of the service. Afterward users can stay with Google as their provider or continue with the current internet provider. Google is looking for support of the application by the town. Mr. Gibbons stated his plan as the point person for the service in Shelburne is to complete the application and provide the information requested, garner support from local government, businesses, and residents as well as support from the legislature and Governor, produce a video showing support by the town, and establishing a website and email contact address. Mr. Gibbons said the service will be a great benefit to the area and local businesses. Mr. Gibbons has a forestry conservation business (American Green Business) which does chain of custody certification for FSC forest standards.

 

 

Paul Bohne suggested Public Works staff review the location and the streetlight policy to determine if a streetlight is warranted where requested. Nettie Slatterly, Shelburne resident for 50 years, stated the intersection is very busy with multiple driveways creating a dangerous situation. The residents all agree a light is needed. There are only two streetlights in Shelburne Heights. A copy of the letter from Ms. Slatterly was given to the Selectboard. Rob Roesler stated the Selectboard is considering where streetlights should be located, the number needed, and the intensity of the lighting. Ms. Slatterly’s request will be taken under consideration.

 

 

 

 

 

The Selectboard signed the associated documents.

 

 

Paul Bohne briefed the Selectboard on the following:

 

The Selectboard acknowledged the elections in the Fire Dept. and thanked the members for the service provided to the town.

 

Bill Smith and Tim Pudvar thanked the citizens for their votes and re-election to the Selectboard.

 

Thanks were extended to Wake Robin for use of the meeting room.

 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:      Bill Smith, Tim Pudvar, Gary von Stange, Al Gobeille. (Robert Roesler was absent.)

ADMINISTRATION:          Paul Bohne, Town Manager; Peter Frankenburg, Finance Director; Dean Pierce, Town Planner.

OTHERS PRESENT:          Joan Lenes, Maria Horn, Vicki Carleton, Peter Gibbs, Gwen Webster, Dorothea Penar, Chris Snyder, Stephanie O’Brien, Barbara Bowen, Jake Callery, Julie Potter, Clare Leonard, Bob Lake, Tom Koerner, Betty Marcher, Chomp Chompupong, Danielle Frawley (Shelburne News).

 

In the absence of Robert Roesler, Bill Smith called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

 

There were no changes to the agenda.

 

Maria Horn, Shelburne citizen, read a statement expressing concern about the Development Review Board appointments and the DRB process of using deliberative session without taking minutes. Ms. Horn stressed the citizenry wants to know how and why decisions are made that impact the quality of life of Shelburne residents. There is disappointment with the Selectboard avoiding the issues by not wanting to ‘politicize’ the matter, but selectboards inherently make political decisions. Ms. Horn said the Vermont Secretary of State advised stating any concerns directly to the Selectboard which is being done, but the response from the Selectboard feels like “a kid being slapped on the hand”. Bill Smith explained the Selectboard did not intend to give that type of response. The decision to postpone appointments to the DRB to April 27, 2010 was because a full board will be present.

 

Gwen Webster, Shelburne citizen, opined the Selectboard Chairman should not participate in the vote for appointments to the DRB due to conflict of interest with his clients. Bill Smith assured the matter of conflict of interest will be taken under consideration. An individual board member can decide to recuse himself from discussion or the full board can decide the matter if necessary.

 

Paul Bohne recalled the request was precipitated by a resident of Wake Robin. Research has shown there were nine accidents in a year at the site (mostly cars hitting a turning car from behind).

 

 

Julie Potter and Clare Leonard with Regional Planning explained the All Hazards Mitigation Plan adopted in 2005 is being updated (update required every five years). The plan assesses hazards that could impact communities and develops strategies to lessen the impacts. Towns are encouraged to update their hazard mitigation plan in order to receive FEMA money for pre-disaster mitigation (a town plan must be in place to receive funding). Pre-disaster mitigation is preventative measures or action to lessen an impact. Projects the town wants to address should be identified in the plan. There are already items the town is working on, such as maintaining roads and public infrastructure, raising public awareness about hazards, study of streams in their course and erosion, and impact of development in the zone. Clare Leonard noted Regional Planning tried to avoid including unfunded mandates in the plan. The town would decide whether to apply for FEMA money to do the work. There was further discussion of various emergency scenarios that might qualify for hazard mitigation funds. Paul Bohne stated it is difficult to qualify for the funds. A cost/benefit analysis must be done. The town deals with many scenarios in the town’s emergency preparedness plan.

 

 

Bill Smith gave a brief history of the sewer ordinance change from requiring payment when a building permit is issued for multi-unit buildings requiring 50% payment of capacity upfront. The Rivercrest project began under the former ordinance, but remaining allocation is under the current ordinance. The request is to waive the 50% payment requirement and allow payment with the building permit. Paul Bohne noted under prior state rules the town must hold unused allocation for projects until the project is complete, but now the state says the town can keep track against their own capacity. Gary von Stange mentioned the issue of banking capacity without payment from a developer. Also, the town passed an ordinance which should be enforced, however, the O’Brien project began before the ordinance was enacted. New construction should comply with the current ordinance. Al Gobeille opined the ordinance is anti-business and anti-development and should be changed. Stephanie O’Brien (O’Brien Realty) stated the record shows permits for the Rivercrest development were received seven years after the start of the process. Gary von Stange pointed out the developer is asking for a waiver of part of the ordinance yet wants to take advantage of another portion of the ordinance (pertaining to affordable housing). Chris Snyder explained it was assumed the allocation was granted for the entire project, but then there was the requirement for affordable housing. There was discussion of the Selectboard reviewing the sewer allocation ordinance at a future time. It was noted the Rivercrest and Precourt developments are the only two developments impacted by granting a waiver.

 

 

 

Tim Pudvar asked if there is a precedent of waiving sewer fees for housing units. Paul Bohne said he is not aware of any. Dean Pierce recalled recreation fees were waived for development on Ockert Lane. Gary von Stange pointed out if the sewer fee is waived then the costs associated with the action will be borne by all the other sewer users in town not related to the development. Paul Bohne explained the developer has an agreement with Champlain Housing Trust for the affordable units not to exceed 30% of income for housing costs. The challenge is providing a high enough quality unit for the cost. Chris Snyder added everyone is trying to provide affordable housing in Shelburne. Costs have to be reduced somehow in order to be able to build affordable housing in the town. Al Gobeille noted the town has waived impact fees to help reduce base costs so developers can offer a portion of their development as affordable housing. Dean Pierce confirmed recreation fees have been waived, citing the Boulder Hill development as an example.

 

 

Paul Bohne noted the infiltration number was not previously included resulting in the addition of 775 gallons per day to the Snyder allocation request for a total of 6,235 gallons per day, and 593 gallons per day added to the O’Brien allocation request for a total of 4,163 gallons per day.

 

 

Bill Smith announced the Selectboard will handle contested positions (positions with multiple applicants) at the 4/27/10 meeting. The DRB, library board, and Ethics Committee all have contested positions. Gary von Stange stated the concern that current positions on the DRB expire March 31, 2010. There was no discussion or vote to extend the current member(s) on an interim basis, and extending without discussion or vote when there is a defined term date is not the right approach. Al Gobeille pointed out the current members have expressed interest in serving again. There was agreement that discussion of the matter should take place with the full board. Paul Bohne read the charter regarding appointments being April 1^st or as soon thereafter as a successor is appointed and qualified.

 

Gary von Stange mentioned the exchange of emails between Selectboard members which should be disclosed to the public unless there is an exception to Vermont’s open meeting law. Bill Smith stressed the Selectboard is committed to transparency particularly in regard to people serving on public boards. The Selectboard also is charged with determining and vetting the process. Mr. von Stange said he is uncomfortable with conducting business via email. Emails should be posted on the town website so the public can have access to them. Tim Pudvar pointed out there are no decisions being made in private by the Selectboard. There may be discussions, but no decisions. Rep. Joan Lenes stated the open meeting law says business cannot be conducted outside of a public meeting, and if the “Send All” key is used with emails sent to a quorum of members that is a meeting. Business should not be conducted via email. Al Gobeille stated most emails are to coordinate meeting time/date and agenda items. There was further discussion of correspondence by email.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Bohne noted the archaic position of fence viewer is vacant presently. Fence viewers in the past settled disputes over who is responsible for mending line fences. Gary von Stange recommended Mark Brooks be appointed. The Selectboard wanted to ascertain Mr. Brooks’ interest in serving before making the appointment.

 

 

The Selectboard will discuss giving preference and a reduced fee for moorings to Shelburne residents at a future meeting.

 

The Selectboard agreed to delay the appointment until the town’s tree policy is developed.

 

It was noted the former Town Health Officer resigned and the Selectboard Chairman assumed the position. Deputy Health Officer is the Town Manager. The duties of health officer were briefly described. Volunteers were encouraged to apply for the position.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was noted there is one vacancy on the Natural Resources and Conservation Committee.

 

 

Dean Pierce gave a brief history of the wayfinding sign program recommended by the consultant (Landworks) who worked with an ad hoc committee in Shelburne. A state grant paid for the consultant’s services. Design of a logo was not part of the project. There is no funding to refine the sign design or implement the plan at this point in time. Renderings of the proposed signs were shown.

 

Dorothea Penar said the Design Review Commission had concerns about the outdoor kiosk getting messy and preferred using space inside a building for pamphlets and brochures. Also, if the town’s logo is changed the shape of the sign is impacted. The logo has to fit the design of the sign. Street clutter from too many or unnecessary signs was another concern. Gwen Webster echoed the concern for too many signs.

 

 

J.P. Bhagat, General Manager of the Econolodge, stressed the practice by his company to pay bills on time and the mailing of the sewer bill one day before the due date, but the postmark did not reflect this. It was not known that there is a drop box for payments at the town office. Peter Frankenburg stated the town’s policy is payment must be received or postmarked on or before the due date. Bill Smith noted in the past the Selectboard has held people to the rule and being responsible to make a timely payment. Only in an extreme emergency, such as a person being rushed to the hospital on the due date, has an exception been made. Mr. Bhagat asked about a grace period, especially for an unintentional situation.

 

 

Mr. Bhagat was advised to contact the Finance Director for an explanation of the calculation of penalty and interest on his account.

 

Paul Bohne explained the funding is to cover work on the sewer system until reimbursed by the State. A loan was granted from the state for $340,000 worth of work and half the loan will be forgiven. The remaining half will be financed for 20 years at 2% interest.

 

 

Paul Bohne noted the building owned by Mr. Chompupong on Shelburne Road has been vacant and for sale without success to date. Staff has been working with the property owner on a payment schedule.

 

 

 

The Selectboard signed the associated documents.

 

 

Paul Bohne briefed the Selectboard on the following:

 

Rep. Joan Lenes provided the Selectboard with a copy of a joint resolution between the House and Senate endorsing state and municipal involvement in the Google project for high speed broadband service. Bill Smith noted he received a call of concern about the Google search engine and learning patterns of users as well as precluding other servers. Gary von Stange recalled Google’s offer to share service with others. Joan Lenes stated both legislative economic development committees reviewed the offer from Google. Chris Gibbons gave a satisfactory response to concerns. Vermont is the size of the area Google is seeking for the test site. The state is also submitting an application.

 

 

The regular meeting was adjourned and Executive Session convened at 9:37 p.m.

 

The Selectboard exited Executive Session at 10:20 p.m.

 

 

 

Accepted,

 

 

For the Shelburne Selectboard