MEMBERS PRESENT:       Steve Dates, Chairperson; Lisa Levine, Chris Neme, Jim Dudley.

ADMINISTRATION:           Paul Bohne, Town Manager; Peter Frankenburg, Financial Officer; Town Planner, Dean Pierce.

OTHERS PRESENT:            David Davis, Rob Donahue, Gail Hendrickson-King, Dick Reid, Hollie Fleck (Shelburne News), and others.

 

Mr. Dates, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.

 

Additions to the agenda: 

6b. - Domestic Partnership Discussion

6c. - Approval of the CLA Appeal (originally agenda item #9)

 

CCTA representatives were in attendance to answer questions from the public on fare increases. Mr. Bohne opened the CCTA public hearing on fare increases. There were no comments. The hearing was closed.

 

4.      DISCUSSION OF SIDEWALKS AND PATHS PROJECTS WITH THE NEIGHBORHOOD PATHS COMMITTEE

Mr. Bohne reviewed the Webster Road bike/pedestrian path grant application for a sidewalk connection from the Charter One Bank on the west side of Route 7 to the east side of the LaPlatte River Bridge.

 

Rob Donahue, Neighborhood Paths Committee Chairperson, explained the committee is re-working the committee charter.  Proposed changes include renaming the group to the “Bike and Pedestrian Paths Committee”.  The scope of the group has grown beyond a ‘neighborhood’ vision to a broader town-wide vision.  The committee is seeking Selectboard approval for projects, such as the sidewalk connection between the LaPlatte River Bridge and the village.  The committee wants to be proactive in completing a South Burlington to Shelburne Village path by fall of 2005.  Dean Pierce, Town Planner, displayed a conceptual plan.  Mr. Donahue stated total engineering cost for Segment A is $98,000. Segment A runs from the Charter One Bank on the west side of Route 7 to the east side of the LaPlatte River Bridge. The engineering cost for Segment B (Falls Road with two crosswalks) is $62,000.  Referring to Segment A on the site plan, Mr. Donahue mentioned VTrans may not approve a mid-block crosswalk on Route 7 because it is not a controlled intersection.  The committee, though, is advocating a sidewalk on the east side of Route 7. There was lengthy discussion of sidewalks included in the Route 7 reconstruction project (no sidewalks are being constructed on the west side by the jug-handle), sidewalk safety related to a path that would loop around and go under the LaPlatte River Bridge and along the railroad right-of-way (the proposed route does not allow for a “clear view” of children on the path and path users might be tempted to take a shortcut across Route 7), alternative routes that eliminated following the railroad tracks, federal funding requirements that a path meet ADA slope/grades, and a proposal to install a pedestrian bridge across the LaPlatte River using existing abutments (estimated cost of $200,000).  Mr. Dudley suggested applying for the pedestrian bridge funding, and then utilizing the under-the-bridge route, connecting to the existing west side sidewalk in front of the bank.  Mr. Pierce said Segment 5 was deemed to be highest priority.  It may be possible to change the route to accommodate alternate options.

 

There was further discussion of potential federal funding ($40,000 funding stream) which requires a 20% local match.  The local match could come from sidewalk money.  The route proximity to the school and the new playing fields by the Blodgett building is a plus.  Mr. Pierce noted the CCMPO TIP sidewalk money is federal money. It is unlikely the money can be spent this construction season except for engineer planning in FY05.  A $20,000 Enhancement Grant for preliminary engineering and scoping will be available after July once Governor Douglas signs the bill.  The Enhancement grant will require a $5,000 local match.  Mr. Bohne said the $5,000 local match is not included in the budget at this time.  In response to a Board question, Mr. Pierce did not know if the $20,000 grant could be reallocated for a sidewalk on the east side of Route 7.  

 

Mr. Dates pointed out sidewalk plowing is another topic of discussion. Money ($10,000) can be set aside for the bridge and Church Street projects for next year with construction funding in the following budget, suggested Mr. Dates. Mr. Neme asked if MPO funding can be used for the Church Street segment this construction season.  Ms. Henderson-King said the Church Street/Falls Road segment has not been discussed in depth (by the committee), but should include crosswalks.

 

It was noted the draft Bike/Pedestrian Path Committee charter has been reviewed, and the suggestion made that #4 and #5 in the charter be reversed in order. In addition, the following should be added to the end of #4:  “…Selectboard and the Planning Commission.”, and globally change the word “bicycle” to “bike”.

 

MOTION by Mr. Neme, seconded by Mr. Dudley, to approve the draft Bike and Pedestrian Path Committee Charter as amended.  VOTE:  unanimous (4-0); motion carried.

Mr. Bohne reviewed the status of the Blodgett playing fields project.  The house foundations are in and the Blodgett building renovations are ongoing.  The Town has not purchased the playing fields at this time (potential target date of February). All permits are in place, including storm water permits. The proposed pathway has been permitted with conditions, such as fencing between the path and wetlands.  Construction of all five fields will begin in the spring for field usage in the fall of 2006.  A bathroom/storage facility will be built at the west end of the middle field.

 

Mr. Bohne briefly reviewed 21 homestead filing errors and omissions (resulting in little or no change to the Grand List).

 

MOTION by Mr. Neme, seconded by Mr. Dudley, to approve the list of 21 Errors and Omissions as presented as a correction to the 2004 Grand List. VOTE:  unanimous (4-0); motion carried.

 

Mr. Dates briefly reviewed the proposal for employee health care coverage relative to domestic partnerships.

 

 

Mr. Bohne explained the Town received the State CLA co-efficient of disbursement, and the Town has slipped 10 points from a 110 percent CLA at the time of reassessment to just under 100 percent.  The Town can file an appeal to the State.

 

MOTION by Mr. Dudley, seconded by Mr. Neme, to appeal the CLA re-determination of the equalization of the property values in Shelburne, and authorize the Selectboard Chairperson to sign the letter of appeal as presented. VOTE:  unanimous (4-0); motion carried.

 

The Letter of Appeal was signed.

 

MOTION by Mr. Dudley, seconded by Ms. Levine, to approve the minutes of 12/06/04 with the following corrections:

Page 3, 4^th paragraph, 3^rd line - change the word “equivocally” to “unequivocally”;

Page 5, motion discussion, 16^th line - change the word “grace” to “waiver”;

Page 6, 5^th paragraph, 1^st sentence - change to read:  “Ms. Levine asked if a stop sign could be posted in addition to the existing yellow “Dangerous Intersection” sign…”;

Page 6, 6^th paragraph - insert the word “that” between the words “commented” and “the”;  Page 7, 2^nd paragraph - change to read: “Mr. Dudley suggested that major issues regarding the CCMPO presentation be forwarded to him.  Two key issues were transportation needs related to land use and what Shelburne would look like 20 years from now.”

VOTE:  unanimous (4-0); motion carried.

Mr. Bohne noted the draft FY05/06 Town budget was posted on the Town website. The Social Services Committee is seeking approval of the finalized budget amount (page 8, line 32) at the 01/11/05 Selectboard meeting.  Mr. Frankenburg explained the Social Services Committee allocates funding amounts to different agencies and the allocations are included in the Town Report.  There is a time deadline for printing the Town Report. The Board reviewed the proposed FY05/06 budget (expenses), and suggested $16,500 is a more realistic amount (versus the requested $19,000) for the Social Services Committee.  Other changes include: 

 

Budget discussions will continue on Thursday, 01/13/05, and Tuesday, 01/18/05, and include consideration of computer software (page 5, lines 26 and 27), reappraisal (page 6, line 16), Public Works salaries (page 6, line 41), Police overtime (Page 7, line 2), Dispatch overtime (page 7, line 51), and Highway salaries (page 8, line 1).

 

Mr. Neme observed the Town supports open space land acquisitions, but there is concern about the escalating cost of land.  Mr. Dates commented the proposed Open Space Plan needs more work.  It might make sense to ask the voters to approve the ability for the Town to bond land purchases in advance of identifying/purchasing “gem” quality properties so the taxpayers do not pay property taxes.  The town would not bond until there was a need, clarified Mr. Dates.  It was noted there is $225,000 in the Open Space Fund. Mr. Dudley questioned whether the Open Space budget item should be included as a line item in the Town budget or as an article on the March Town Meeting ballot.  Mr. Dates asked if Harbor Road landscaping relative to the Blodgett playing fields should be added to the Capital Plan.

 

None.

 

None.

 

MOTION by Mr. Neme, seconded by Mr. Dudley, to adjourn the meeting. VOTE:  unanimous (4-0); motion carried.

 

The meeting adjourned at 11:12 p.m.

 

Minutes respectfully submitted by Kathlyn Furr, Recording Secretary.

 

 Accepted,

Stephen B. Dates

Chair

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:       Steve Dates, Chairperson; Chris Neme, Jim Dudley.

MEMBERS ABSENT:         Lisa Levine.

ADMINISTRATION:           Paul Bohne, Town Manager; Peter Frankenburg, Financial Officer.

OTHERS PRESENT:            Carroll Ockert, Chris Boyd, Derrick Senior, Matt Chandler, Sydney Chandler, Jim Talley, Lawrence Smith, Chuck Bigelow, Dick Reid, Hollie Fleck (Shelburne News).

Mr. Dates, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

 

Agenda Item #5 – VELCO update was postponed.

 

Dick Reid asked if the Selectboard could update the VELCO situation regarding an agreement between the Town and the Nature Conservancy to move the transmission line farther north.  Mr. Dates explained there have been on-going discussions about where the proposed transmission line will run.  The Nature Conservancy said the line could run tight along the south side of the property line with sufficient tree cutting to keep trees from falling on the line.  Mr. Dates said his personal preference is to put the line 100’ farther into the property. It appears the Nature Conservancy is waiting for a PSB decision. 

 

4.         PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STOP SIGN ORDINANCE TO INSTALL A STOP SIGN AT BISHOP ROAD, SPEAR STREET AND KELADY DRIVE

Mr. Bohne handed out copies of a site map of the Bishop Road, Spear Street and Kelady Drive area, and reviewed properties bordering the Bishop Road-Spear Street intersection.  Mr. Bohne noted that Mr. Talley could have a problem turning south out of his driveway onto Spear Street.  Kelady Drive residents were invited to the meeting for input/comments on the proposal for a four-way stop at Kelady Drive/Spear Street/Bishop Road.  Kelady Drive is a private road. Agreements are needed for easements.  The proposal includes some fill in the area opposite Bishop Road in front of two properties and a black top apron at the Bishop Road approach.  Estimated cost is $3,000.  The Town Highway Department will do the improvements.  At issue is whether a Stop sign should be installed and the improvements done in the spring or do the improvements south of Kelady Drive and then install a Stop sign.  There was lengthy discussion of installing a Stop sign north of Kelady Drive (would be too confusing) or re-aligning Bishop Road with Spear Street and expanding the width of Spear Street to include a left turn lane as well as a Stop sign. Mr. Bohne commented people traveling south on Spear Street are hesitant to turn onto Bishop Road. People coming out of Bishop Road may not stop. It was noted an existing fire hydrant may need to be relocated if major construction in the area is to be done (cost to relocate the hydrant is not known at this time). 

 

Jim Talley, property owner on the corner of Bishop Road and Spear Street, said most of the accidents in the area involved cars traveling north, not south. In response to a question, Mr. Talley noted that he had a second pre-existing gravel driveway onto Bishop Road, which was used seasonally due to water washing down the hill causing ice issues. 

 

Lawrence Smith, Kelady Drive developer and resident, felt the residents of Kelady Drive would benefit from a four-way stop.  There is a hedgerow north of Kelady Drive that hinders sight distance, and a “Hidden Drive” sign that hides vehicles traveling north. 

 

Chris Boyd suggested squaring up Bishop Road and better defining the intersection.

 

Mr. Bohne said the Town will explore truck traffic from the limestone quarry onto Route 7 and how truck traffic will flow through the intersection if it is reoriented.  It was suggested all issues be explored, including widening the roads, a turn lane, ditching, and a catch basin to clear up the water problem by the Talley residence. Mr. Bohne noted removal of ledge in the area to improve sight distance will be costly and a major project. The Highway Department has been clearing ledges and adding shoulders along the roadway in the last several seasons. Mr. Smith asked for accident statistics.

 

Chuck Bigelow, resident, said that he traveled through the intersection under discussion every day for the past 40 years and is not sure there is a problem.  Traffic flows through the area well.  There are people traveling south that do not track into the left turn well.  Better definition of the intersection might help. 

 

Mr. Dates noted future improvements to Spear Street are scheduled, and the proposed Bishop Road/Spear Street/Kelady Drive improvements could be done at the same time.

 

Matt Chandler, resident, suggested a presentation of the comprehensive Spear Street plan be done.  Mr. Bigelow urged that any improvements include continuation of the bike path from Irish Hill Road to the Spear Street/Bishop Road intersection.

 

Postponed.

 

Mr. Frankenburg reviewed the draft FY06 budget that includes changes to wages and FICA expenses. Factors affecting the proposed 6.1% salary increase were explained. Mr. Dates noted merit pay (line 26) relates to the performance plan, which should be in place within the next 18 months.  The pay represents money to start the merit pay system. The proposed budget changes do not affect the tax rate. There was discussion of sidewalk engineering and planning, grant funding and costs.  Mr. Frankenburg said grant expenditures can be carried forward. The expense side of the grant line item is an additional $40,000. Mr. Bohne stated enhancement grants will be submitted for engineering and planning funds for Section 5, the Webster Road bike/pedestrian path project.  The Village Plan outlines recreational paths and a “so-called” loop road.  There is potential for grants and/or bonding. Mr. Neme mentioned a spring forum to review the current Village Plan had been discussed. Mr. Dudley inquired if money could be combined to do Church Street if grants for sections 6 or 7 are not successful. Mr. Bohne confirmed this is possible. Mr. Bohne announced a forum in February/early March to discuss a storm water grant for the Hullcrest area.

 

Mr. Reid asked if VELCO legal expenses had been considered (in the budget).  Mr. Dates replied any VELCO legal expenses would be paid for this fiscal year. There are no on-going VELCO action assumptions.  Any further action will depend on decisions/actions of other towns.  Mr. Neme noted there is a 5% fund balance to cover unintended expenses.

 

MOTION by Mr. Neme, seconded by Mr. Dudley, to approve the warning for the draft FY06 budget as amended.  VOTE:  unanimous (3-0); motion carried.

 

7.         REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2004 BRIDGE INSPECTION REPORT

Mr. Bohne reported VTrans must inspect and rate bridges that are at least 20’ in length or longer, and each town must acknowledge receipt of the bridge report. In Shelburne, the LaPlatte Falls bridge (good condition) and the LaPlatte Bay Road bridge (poor to fair condition) were inspected and rated. Mr. Reid pointed out that the Harbor Road bridge over McCabe’s Brook is over 20’ in length.  Mr. Bohne noted the bridge is eligible for a culvert program.

 

MOTION by Mr. Neme, seconded by Mr. Dudley, to acknowledge and accept receipt of the 2004 Bridge Inspection Report from the Vermont Agency of Transportation as presented. VOTE:  unanimous (3-0); motion carried.

 

The Board signed the 2004 Bridge Inspection Report.

 

8.         APPROVAL OF NOTE RENEWALS

MOTION by Mr. Dudley, seconded by Mr. Neme, to approve the Bond Anticipation Note with the Chittenden Bank for $4,485 at 2/6b percent interest for a fire tanker/pumper, and the Capital Equipment Refunding Note with the Chittenden Bank for $5,850 at 2/6 percent interest for a Wastewater Department Pickup Truck as presented. VOTE: unanimous (3-0); motion carried.

 

The Board signed the note renewals.

 

9.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Mr. Dudley, seconded by Mr. Neme, to approve the minutes of 01/11/05 with the following corrections:

 

Peter Frankenburg noted that the enhancement grant amount reported in the minutes has since changed from $20,000 to $25,000. The local match has also increased (from $4,000 to $5,000).

 

Mr. Reid asked about ANR concerns related to fencing between the Blodgett playing fields and wetlands.  Mr. Bohne explained the playing fields project approval conditions referred to fencing a wetland from adjoining uses. The fence condition was added by one individual (ANR).  Stray balls and encroachments are of concern to ANR.

 

Mr. Reid urged the town to be ready “to do battle” regarding the VELCO line route.

 

Mr. Neme asked for an update on the village traffic study commissioned by the Town.  Mr. Bohne reported the final report should be ready next month.  VTrans will review the Town’s request to change the speed limit on Route 7 through the village.

 

Paul Bohne will attend the CCTA meeting on February 4^th, 5:30 p.m., at the CCMPO office, Kimball Avenue.

MOTION by Mr. Dudley, seconded by Mr. Neme, to enter Executive Session for the purpose of discussing contract matters which would place the Town at a disadvantage, and invite the Town Manager to attend. VOTE: unanimous (3-0); motion carried.

 

The Board entered Executive Session at 8:40 p.m.  Executive Session and the regular meeting were adjourned at     p.m.

 

Minutes respectfully submitted by Kathlyn Furr, Recording Secretary.

Accepted,

Stephen B. Dates

Chairman