Town of Manchester Selectboard
Meeting Minutes for 5/23/23
Manchester Town Offices – Kilburn Room
Selectboard Attendees: Ivan Beattie (Chair), Greg Cutler, Laurie Kunz, Jan Nolan,
Heidi Chamberlain
Town Employees: Scott Murphy (Town Manager), Gordon Black (via Zoom).
Public Attendees: William Drunsic, Sylvia Jolivette, Norma Will, Joe Will, Megan Amundson, Richard Heilemann. Zoom Attendees: Steve Nichols, Mark Anders of BCRC.
Meeting called to order by Beattie @ 7:01 PM
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Cutler
Approval of Minutes
Nolan motioned to approve the Selectboard Meeting minutes from 5/9/2023, seconded by Kunz, All in favor 5-0.
Appointment of Tom Ragland to the Conservation Committee
Cutler reviewed the letter of interest sent by Mr. Ragland to be appointed to the Conservation Committee. Chamberlain endorsed Ragland for the position. Motion by Cutler, seconded by Chamberlain to appoint Ragland to the Conservation Commission, All in Favor, 5-0.
30 Day Extension to file Grand List Abstract
Black discussed the need for the Town to ask the State for a 30-day extension to file the Grand List Abstract. He explained that this is partly due to the State’s new reporting system not being fully functional. He said the Reappraisal letters will be going out next week, informal hearings will be held June 13 -17, the Abstract will be ready by June 19th and published by June 20th, and Grievances can start in early July.
Nolan motioned to approve the request to ask the State for a 30-day extension for filing the Grand List Abstract, seconded by Chamberlain, All in Favor, 5-0.
Grant Application for Joint Village/Town Transportation Alternatives application
Anders from BCRC explained the proposed Project. This is a Scoping Study application for bike safety improvements along Main St between the Village and the Town. The Town and Village will share the 20% Grant Match ($6,000 each) for the $60,000 grant. Heilemann, speaking on behalf of Manchester Village, explained the background of the Project, the intentions of the application, and the reasoning of the connection between the Village and Town. Amundson, representing the Town Planning Commission, said the PC fully supports the Scoping Study and endorsed the application. Jollivette suggested the Town tread lightly. Nichols questioned how the Town was going to pay for its share. Beattie explained why pedestrian transportation is considered a higher priority than vehicular transportation due to pedestrians being a vulnerable population. Drunsic spoke on behalf on Bike Manchester and urged the Board to support the application. Beattie reminded the Board of Wendy’s Way , a short bike loop that could possibly be connected. Amundson spoke of the need for a safe bike path through Manchester. Chamberlain mentioned that this is just a Scoping Study and would provide the Boards with valuable information.
Chamberlain motioned to approve the submission of the grant application, seconded by Cutler, All in Favor, 5-0.
Heilemann thanked the Town for their support.
Town Manager Updates
Murphy reviewed the receipts of the Local Option Tax for FY 23 and several previous years. Beattie explained the LOT and how the funds fit into the budget and how any excess funds are distributed. Drunsic asked about the timing of the payments from the State.
Murphy spoke of the search for a new Zoning Administrator (ZA). We had ended up with two finalists but neither had zoning experience. The Town would like to have the current Interim ZA be appointed and assume the role with some adjustments to the position while we search for an Assistant ZA/ Planner type of person.
Murphy said the construction of the new wastewater line along Main St is going smoothly so far. Property owners along the line were sent letters last week explaining the Project and how they could connect.
Other Business
Nichols thanked the Police Dept and Rescue Squad for a quick response last week to a call he was involved with. Drunsic asked about the Street Fest dates (6/23 & 7/21).
Adjournment
Nolan motioned to adjourn the Selectboard Meeting in honor of long time Manchester resident Howard Wilcox who recently passed away, Kunz seconded. All in favor. 5-0
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
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Approved by the Board Date