Selectboard and Board of Sewer Commissioners Meeting

Attendees: Ivan Beattie (chair), Wayne Bell (vice-chair), Carol Lattuga, Lisa Souls and Steve Nichols.

Other Attendees: John O'Keefe (Town Manager), Rep. Jeff Wilson, Rep. Cynthia Browning, Berta Maginness, Cathy Hill, Lee Krohn, Pauline Moore, Joyce Scribner, Perry Green, Pete Cottrell

Beattie called the meeting to order at 7:10PM.

Minutes from June 26, 2012

Nichols moved to amend, seconded by Lattuga. Motion carried 4-0. Bell abstained.

Nichols moved to approve, seconded by Lattuga. Motion carried 4-0. Bell abstained.

Minutes from July 24, 2012

Bell moved to amend, seconded by Nichols. Motion carried 4-0. Lattuga abstained.

Bell moved to approve, seconded by Nichols. Motion carried 4-0. Lattuga abstained.

Minutes from August 6, 2012

Bell moved to approve, seconded by Lattuga. Motion carried 3-0. Beattie and Nichols abstained. 

Minutes from August 27, 2012

Bell moved to approve, seconded by Lattuga. Motion carried 5-0.

Minutes from September 4, 2012

Bell moved to approve, seconded by Nichols. Motion carried 4-0. Souls abstained.

Rep. Wilson and Rep. Browning

Wilson and Browning and the Board discussed state policy and the upcoming legislative session. The Board took no action.

Baseball Batting Cage

Cottrell, the Board and O'Keefe discussed a proposed batting cage at the Rec. Park. Cottrell indicated that Manchester Youth Baseball would pay for the construction and provide the maintenance of the structure. It was agreed that the structure needed to be located outside the new septic system, to be build in the fall of 2012. 

Bell moved, seconded by Lattuga, to approve the batting cage to the east of the so-called old baseball field located at the Rec. Park.

Chamber of Commerce Request for Additional Sidewalk Sale

Maginness stated that she would like another sidewalk sale this year due to the roundabout project. The Board and Maginness discussed the request.

After a brief discussion, Nichols moved, seconded by Lattuga to approve another sidewalk sale. 

Listers Partial Reappraisal

The Listers (Moore, Scribner and Green) and the Board discussed a proposed partial reappraisal.

The Selectboard requested that the Listers provide a proposed budget for the reappraisal. The Listers agreed. Beattie stated that the Board would authorize O'Keefe to release the money at a later date.

Roundabout Update

Hayes updated the Board on the ongoing Roundabout project. The Board took no action.

Parks and Recreation Department Fundraising and Parks and Recreation Committee

The Board and O'Keefe had a tentative discussion about fundraising for the Rec. Park, notably the skateboard park and the pool. The Board also discussed reformulating the Parks and Recreation Committee. The Board agreed to discuss the matter at a future meeting.

Suspension of the Rules

Bell moved, seconded by Nichols, to suspend the Rules so that the Board may meet until no later than 10PM. Motion carried 5-0.

Disbursement of Funds from Police Vehicle Reserve Fund

O'Keefe and the Board discussed a proposed vehicle and equipment purchase from the Police Vehicle Reserve Fund by the Police Department. 

Bell moved, seconded by Lattuga, to authorize the Town Manager to release up to $18,000 from the Police Vehicle Reserve Fund to purchase the proposed vehicle.

Other Business

Vending License for Craft Fair: Nichols moved, seconded by Lattuga, to approve a vending license for the Craft Fair. Motion carried 5-0.

Introduction of Dylan Baker, reporter for the Manchester Journal: Andrew McKeever introduced Baker to the Board.

Unsung Hero Award: Bell announced that the Town is accepting applications for the Unsung Hero Award through November 1.

Route 7 Signage for Manchester: Bell asked about the status of the signage on Rt. 7 in Bennington that currently omits Manchester. O'Keefe stated that he was working with AOT on the issue but it has not been resolved yet.

Boat inside Town Right of Way on Jennifer Lane: Hill stated that a boat has been parked on the shoulder of the road on Jennifer Lane. O'Keefe stated that Town officials, including the Chief of Police, have attempted to address the issue with the owner. O'Keefe also stated that the owner appears to be intentionally creating a traffic hazard. O'Keefe stated that he will talk to Chief Hall about future enforcement beyond steps already taken. 

Planning Grant: Nichols moved, seconded by Bell, to approve a planning grant application for a study of Depot Street and name O'Keefe as the authorizing official, Souls as the alternative and Krohn as the administrator. Motion carried 5-0. The Board signed necessary documents.

Executive Session

Bell moved, seconded by Lattuga, to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations (the premature disclosure of which may place the Town at a significant disadvantage) and appointment of a public official. Beattie stated that the Board would not be taking any action after Executive Session. Motion carried 5-0. O'Keefe was invited to attend a portion of the Session.

Suspension of the Rules

The Board came out of Executive Session briefly, at which point Bell moved, seconded by Nichols, to suspend the Rules so that the Board may meet until no later than 11PM. Motion carried 5-0.

Adjournment

The meeting expired without a vote to adjourn.