MEMBERS PRESENT:       Jim Talley, Jane McKnight, Robert Roesler, Bill Smith. (Absent: Chris Boyd)

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

OTHERS PRESENT:            Richard Reid, Natalya Karpova, Vasily Karpova, Tom Moreau, Ellin London, Joan Lenes, Chris Preston (Shelburne News).

 

Paul Bohne, acting as Pro Tem Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. and asked for nominations for Selectboard Chairperson.

 

 

Mr. Talley noted that he would be absent from the next Board meeting and Mr. Boyd was absent at this meeting, which meant there would be no Vice Chair for the next two meetings. Ms. McKnight suggested that the Town Manager act as Pro Tem Chair for the next Board meeting, and postpone nominations for Vice Chair to the next meeting with a full board (04/10/2007). Mr. Bohne stated that since he was not a Board member he was not sure that would be appropriate.  Mr. Roesler volunteered to lead the 03/27/2007 meeting.

 

 

None.

 

None.

 

Tom Moreau, CSWD General Manager, provided information on the proposed regional landfill in Williston, including information on economic, environmental, ethical and local control benefits.  There is potential for a bond vote on the landfill in 2010. Ms. McKnight asked for clarification of the litigated value of damages to be paid to the landowner of the proposed site. Mr. Moreau explained that CSWD believes the sand remaining in the pit belongs to the landowner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Talley stated several remaining openings are being advertised. The public was encouraged to volunteer.

 

Mr. Talley explained the proposed schedule for Board review of bills, payroll, and warrants. Ms. McKnight noted she will be out of town for the August period and asked to swap dates in May with Mr. Roesler. The schedule was amended as follows:  May 2007 - Review by Ms. McKnight, Alternate Mr. Roesler; August 2007 - Review by Mr. Roesler, Alternate by Mr. Talley.

 

Mr. Bohne reported the VELCO design phase is nearing an end. The Act 248 formal process for Shelburne included comments from the Town. Remaining is the Meach Cove VELCO proposed line route behind Davis Park in the wooded area along Limerick Road. An alternate proposed route changed the path of the line farther west along Limerick Road which improves views from Route 7 and the Shelburne Museum, but creates negative impacts from Shelburne Farms and the west, and an acute angle where the line turns toward Harbor Crossing will leave a clear cut line of sight from the Museum. The Town’s position is to underground the last 1,800 feet of the line along Limerick Road to mitigate visual impacts. As a second position it was suggested that the Public Service Board reexamine the line route in the McCabe’s Brook corridor (assuming there will be no undue impacts to the wetlands). There is an endangered plant (Torrey’s Rush) at Champlain Drive heading north. VELCO has applied for a permit to construct in spite of the endangered species. Ms. McKnight asked if the plant could be successfully transplanted. Mr. Bohne replied it is not apparent the plant has ever been successfully transplanted. VELCO has proposed alternatives including jack and bore for constructing the line underground. The cost of the project would increase by up to two million dollars. The Agency of Natural Resources is examining the proposal. Art Gillman, consultant for VELCO, is a top expert on the endangered plant. Joe McLean, Town Attorney, is representing the town at meetings. Mr. Bohne explained the proposal between the Town and the Nature Conservancy for perpetual easements and management plans for four parcels of town owned land and to move the VELCO transmissions lines away from the soccer fields. Draft documents are being reviewed by the Town Attorney before being forwarded to the Selectboard. Mr. Bohne noted VELCO wants to expand the substation on town owned land.

 

Dick Reid, resident, read a portion of a letter (Page 2) from Joe McLean regarding placing the line underground or placing the line more to the east on Meach Cove. Mr. Reid asked the town’s position on undergrounding the line along Limerick Road/Depot Road to the substation, and encouraged the Selectboard to insist that undergrounding be used to avoid the present line route. Mr. Reid noted the Town of Charlotte remains steadfast regarding the transmission line being underground on Ferry Road. There appears to be substantial differences (in the VELCO design) and Shelburne should insist that hearings be re-opened on the exact line route.  Mr. Bohne stated the Town will be satisfied if there is more undergrounding of the line if McCabe’s Brook is appropriate for the line. Mr. Reid noted softening the acute angle is a significant design change and the town may want to challenge VELCO on this point. The “zigzag” pattern was not known until the day before VELCO filed.  Mr. Reid calculated that 1.3 acres of land would be involved if the Shelburne substation is built entirely on town owned land. Mr. Bohne clarified that half of the station will be on town owned land and half will be on land owned either by Stern or Tiballi. It is believed VELCO would like to own the land. The remainder will be a right-of-way to the Rescue building and along the north edge of Blodgett Field. VELCO’s experts agree the acute angle can be softened. Mr. Reid stressed the issue is how the line comes off the hill which is why it is important to have hearings. One week ago there were deer beds in the area.

 

Approval of the minutes of 02/27/2007 was deferred until the next meeting of the Board.

 

Mr. Bohne reported on the following items:

-Mr. Talley welcomed Bill Smith to the Selectboard.

 

-Ms. McKnight suggested scheduling a Selectboard Retreat. Staff will circulate proposed retreat dates in April.

 

-Ms. McKnight stated she received notice of a grant from Vermont League of Cities and Towns with a May 5^th deadline for on-site training for selectboards. Mr. Bohne noted past Shelburne selectboards have not expressed interest in the training. Staff will contact current members with regard to interest in attending the training session.

 

-Mr. Talley noted that the decision regarding a DRB was postponed to the May Board meeting. Staff will notify the Planning Commission and Zoning Board about a joint meeting date to discuss the matter prior to the May Selectboard meeting.

 

-Mr. Talley thanked the Board members for electing him Selectboard Chair.

 

 

The regular meeting was adjourned and Executive Session convened at 8:40 p.m.

 

 

 

Minutes respectfully submitted by Kathlyn Furr, Recording Secretary.