SELECTBOARD MINUTES
December 6, 2022
Board Members: Ivan Beattie, Heidi Chamberlain, Jan Nolan, Greg Cutler. Absent: Laurie Kunz
Town Staff: Leslie Perra, Interim Town Manager
Attendees: Bill Drunsic, Sylvia Jolivette, Greg Sukiennik
Attendees via Zoom: Paul Carrociao Jr. ; Michael DeCubellis, Finance Director; Chrissy Haskins, Town Engineer; Gordon Black, Assessor; Anita Sheldon, Town Clerk
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Cutler called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM.
Jolivette lead the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes from November 15, 2022
Nolan moved, seconded by Chamberlain, to approve the minutes from November 15, 2022. Motion carried 5-0-0.
North Road Line Painting
Paul Carrocio Jr. expressed concern regarding the loss of the line painting budget for FY23 and the painting needs for North Road. Discussion regarding number of "close calls" and only one reported accident with a fatality in recent years, which was from a medical issue. Perra stated the budget line was not cut and that there was still money in the budget for line painting. This road will be reviewed for painting in the spring. Discussion regarding increasing the line paving budget for FY24
Winter 2023 Bond Application
Mike DeCubellis recommends applying for a 1.1 million dollar bond this winter for the phase 1 & 2 sewer line extension for Main Street. Haskins feels the phase 1 and 2 of the sewer line extension could cost about $1.9 million. Having a bond of 1.1 million will show a need for grant funding.
Chamberlain moved for a 1.1 million dollar bond for the sewer line extension on Main Street, to include phase 1 and 2, seconded by Chamberlian, Seconded by Nolan. Motion passed 5-0-0.
Municipal Parking Lot Behind Walgreens
Discussion on the funding for the municipal parking lot, which also went into a discussion on the Riverwalk. DRB has approved the parking lot project. The cost estimate is $370,000. This would be split between the lot owner and the town. We also have $62,000 in our parking mitigation fund. The town's remaining portion is about $123,000. There may be some grant money available. We are looking for grant funds from the state to help with this project as this is a flooding issue, even if it is not flooding from rivers. If we cannot find grant opportunities we could consider ARPA funds for this project. There was discussion on the ARPA fund balance and CIRC fund balance. Also discussion regarding $160,000 request for the Riverwalk. Jolivette feels the Riverwalk bridge should not be a priority. Tabled vote to allow time to determine if grant money is available.
Other Business
Signature Requirement for Appropriations
Does the Northshire Day School need to meet the signature requirement as this is the first time for petition since the COVID waiver.
Chamberlain motioned to require the Northshire Day School to get the requisite number of signatures as if they were applying for the first time for voted appropriations. Seconded by Kunz. Motion passed 5-0-0.
Town Manager Job Description
Ivan has been working with VLCT on the Town Manager Job Description, which needs to be approved. Once approved it will be put on the website. Ivan provided a brief overview of the job description. Position will be advertised around 12/11/22. It was decided that the final interviews will not be a public process. The selectboard will most likely interview for the 1st and 2nd round of the interview process. The selectboard has proposed a salary range of $95,000 and $125,000.
Kunz motioned to approve the Town Manager job description as presented. Seconded by Nolan. Motion passed 5-0-0.
RFP Depot Street Properties
Gordon prepared a draft for the Depot Street Properties RFP. It is an open request for all ideas. Chamberlain talked about the previous discussion on these properties. We identify that workforce housing will be given a priority, but we are open to all suggestions. It is deliberately vague, but also clear that we would like housing.
Chamberlain motioned to approve the RFP as presented by Gordon and authorize the posting of the RFP, and allow Gordon to make changes as deemed necessary. Seconded by Kunz. Motion passed 5-0-0.
Town Website Funding
Perra requesting that we use an additional $4,500 up to a total of $11,500 for the development of the new town website.
Chamberlain motioned to approve an additional $4,500 up to a total of $11,500 for the development of the new town website from ARPA funds. Kunz seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0-0.
Budget Hearing Date
Budget hearing will be on Friday, January 6, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. at the Park House.
Adjournment
Nolan motioned to adjourn the meeting. Kunz seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
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Approved by the Board, Board Clerk Jan Nolan