Selectboard Minutes
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TOWN OF CLARENDON M INUTES
SELECTBOARD MEETING
Date: Monday, June 22, 2009
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Clarendon Town Hall
ACTING CHAIR:
Robert Bixby moved to appoint Robert Sebasky as Acting Selectboard Chair until arrival of the
Board Chair. The motion was seconded and carried unopposed.
CALL TO ORDER: Acting Selectboard Chair, Robert Sebasky, called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6: 02 p.m.
PRESENT AT THE MEETING: Selectmen: Robert Bixby, Nancy Buffum, George Ambrose, J. Robert Sebasky, and
Michael Klopchin.
MINUTES:
Nancy Buffum moved to accept the minutes of the June 8, 2009 Selectboard Meeting subject to
additions, deletions or corrections. Robert Bixby seconded and the motion carried unopposed.
There was one correction to the minutes.
ORDERS/WARRANTS: The Selectboard reviewed, approved, and signed orders presented for approval which have been
previously signed by one or more Selectboard members, and any new orders, all as listed below:
Clarendon Payroll:
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Check Warrant Report: 6-3 check date 06/16/09 to 06/16/09. Check numbers 18949through 18953. Total
Employee Gross $3,794.60.
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Check Warrant Report 6-4, check date 06/23/09 to 06/23/09. Check numbers 18955 through 18968. Total
Employee Gross $11,689.85
Clarendon Accounts Payable (Checking Account 01- General Fund)
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Check Warrant Report 6-3 all invoices for 06/16/09 to 06/16/09. Check numbers 18946 through 18948.
Purchase amount $1,426.66, discount $0, amount paid $1,426.66.
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Check Warrant Report 6-3 all manual/direct pays for 06/17/09 to 06/17/09. Check numbers 18954. Purchase
amount $186.50, discount amount $0, amount paid $186.50.
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Check Warrant Report (blank) for checks 18994 to 18994. Purchase Amount $93.98, Discount Amt. $0,
Amount Paid $93.98.
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Check Warrant Report #6-4 all invoices for 06/23/09 to 06/23/09. Check numbers 18969 through 18993.
Amount Paid $77,713.95, discount amount $30.06, amount paid $77,683.89.
HIGHWAY: The Road Commissioner was not present at the meeting and no report was provided.
Selectboard members asked the Administrative Assistant to inform the Road Commissioner that there are five
potholes
on Moulton Avenue that need to be repaired and that the Stop sign on McClellans corner on Firehouse Road
needs the brush cut away.
BRIDGE 15 LOCATED ON WALKER MOUNTAIN ROAD (TH #3) – CLARENDON BRO 1443 (39) FINAL PLANS
FOR THE REDECKING PROJECT: Following review of the final plans submitted by the State of Vermont AOT
there was a brief discussion regarding whether or not the bridge is structurally sound. The Selectboard agreed to
proceed with the Bridge 15 project as per the agreement with the state so long as the bridge is structurally sound.
George Ambrose moved to ask for an inspection report of the bridge to be provided. Robert Bixby
seconded the motion and the motion carried unopposed.
The letter included with the plans advised that the
current construction cost estimate is $714,000 including construction engineering and contingencies. Current
Preliminary engineering and right of way cost estimates total $96,500 (of which $93,125 has been spent) for an
overall project total cost estimate of $807,125. The letter also advised that the tentative project completion date is
August 2010.
MINARD LANE – CLASS 4 SECTION:
George Ambrose motioned that the town send a letter to request the
State of Vermont, AOT, Mapping Division, to put the class 4 section on to the town’s highway map.
Robert Bixby seconded the motion and the motion carried unopposed. George Ambrose motioned to
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TOWN OF CLARENDON
M INUTES
SELECTBOARD MEETING
Date: Monday, June 22, 2009
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Clarendon Town Hall
have the Selectboard Chair sign the letter. Nancy Buffum seconded the motion and the motion carried
unopposed.
GRANT – TOWN HIGHWAY STRUCTURES PROGRAM FY 2010: The Adm. Assistant advised that the town was
awarded this grant to be used to repair Bridge 26 located on TH 23 New Horizons Lane. The term of the grant
begins on May 22, 2009 and ends on May 22, 2011. The state agrees to pay Clarendon $50,640 which is based
on the detailed cost estimate of $63,300.
VERMONT COMMUNITY WIND FARM, LLC: Present at the meeting to speak to this matter were town residents: Bruce
Anderson and Douglas Bradley. Bruce Anderson asked the Selectboard to vote on and to advise their stance on both the
test tower and the regular wind turbines. Mr. Anderson advised that he did not want to give the impression that he and
Douglas were opposed to a renewable energy source but they are of the opinion that the proposed met tower (test tower)
197 ft. tall and the 495 ft. towers to follow will be a significant project. He noted that 25 ft. of concrete ledge is necessary to
hold the wind towers which require 5 acres per tower per the lease. He noted that this project has a 25-year commitment
and a 2-year time frame to install the towers. They noted the unknown factors as to the effects the wind turbines have on
the health of humans and animals and the potential for reduction in property values on properties within close proximity to
the turbines. The Selectboard was polled
and Selectboard members Ambrose, Buffum, and Bixby noted that they are opposed to the project.
Upon arrival of the Selectboard Chair, Michael Klopchin. Acting Selectboard Chair Robert Sebasky relinquished the Chair
to Michael Klopchin at 6: 42 p.m.
George Ambrose moved to have the towns Planning Commission review the Town Plan. Robert Sebasky
seconded the motion and the motion carried without opposition.
The Selectboard received a petition with 56 signatures .
Robert Bixby moved to definitely have the town Planning Commission initiate talks
with the other Planning Commissions in area towns effected by the project and with the Rutland Regional
Planning Commission. George Ambrose seconded the motion and the motion carried without opposition. George
Ambrose moved that the Selectboard send a letter to the Public Service Board stating that the Selectboard is
opposed to any and all towers MET or industrial wind towers given what information has been presented so far.
Nancy Buffum seconded the motion and the motion carried. Robert Sebasky voted in opposition for reasons
previously presented. Robert Sebasky moved to have the Selectboard Chair sign the letter. The motion was
seconded and carried.
TOWN HALL ENTRANCE – SOUTH SIDE: Present was Nathan Potter from Adam Construction. He advised that the
project was complete and a new door had been installed. He advised that new commercial door closures would be costly
and noted that the door closures the town presently have are adequate and could be adjusted. The Selectboard made the
decision to keep the existing door closures for the present time.
TOWN OFFICER REPORTS:
Animal Control Officer – Robert Minckler was present at the meeting and reported on his ACO activities for the past two
weeks.
Clarendon Community Center – George Ambrose a member of the Grange Board reported that contractor, Peter Coppola,
has completed work on the fire escape doors and that improvements and maintenance are progressing and that roof work
is ongoing.
Constables Report: The Selectboard received a written report dated 6/8/09 from First Constable, Richard Wilbur.
Town Treasurer, Rebecca Mandolare, reported that she has spoken to the auditor and he will be submitting letters on both
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TOWN OF CLARENDON
M INUTES
SELECTBOARD MEETING
Date: Monday, June 22, 2009
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Clarendon Town Hall
a one-year and a three-year audit. She asked as to the status of the compactor purchase before FY 09 close. The
Selectboard discussed it and made the decision not to spend the money budgeted for this purchase.
OLD BUSINESS:
LOWER CLARENDON GORGE STATE FOREST: The State of Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Jay Maciejowski,
Forestry District Manager, sent the town a Schedule of Planned Stewardship Activities. The list of activities for the Lower
Clarendon Gorge State Forest included law enforcement, brush hog work, and installation of a gate to control/prevent
winter parking. The Selectboard received this material and it was placed on file.
PARKING ORDINANCE: The Administrative Assistant advised that the town’s attorney has not provided comments on his
review of the draft as yet.
REPORT OF VALUE ON THE HULL’S CHICKENS:
Robert Sebasky motioned to have the Selectboard Chair sign the
report of value as signed by R. Brownson Spencer and David Seward. Nancy Buffum seconded the motion and
the motion carried unopposed.
PRE-DISASTER MITIGATION PLAN: The Selectboard each received a copy of the plan and asked that a copy be sent to
the towns fire department asking that they review and comment as soon as possible.
NEW BUSINESS:
UNIFORM MUNICIPAL EXCESS WEIGHT PERMIT (FLEET):
Robert Sebasky moved to have the Selectboard Chair
sign the fleet permit for Allen G. LaPorte. George Ambrose seconded the motion and the motion carried
unopposed.
E911 SITE NUMBER CHANGE (SUNNYHILL DRIVE – SHERRI LANE): The Selectboard received a letter from town
residents Dawn C. Van Dyck and Barbara B. Van Raden. Dawn and Barbara were also present at the meeting and
discussed with the Selectboard their request to be assigned 255 Sunny Hill Drive in place of 5 Sherri Lane. Their driveway
entrance is at the junction of Sherri Lane and Sunny Hill Drive.
Robert Sebasky motioned to change them to 255
Sunny Hill Drive. Nancy Buffum seconded the motion.
Discussion followed.
Robert Sebasky moved the motion
and the motion and the motion carried unopposed.
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO THE TOWNS PLANNING COMMISSION: Following review of a letter of interest in
appointment to the towns Planning Commission from town resident Bruce Anderson:
George Ambrose moved to appoint Bruce Anderson for a four-year term
(term to expire 2013)
. Robert Bixby seconded the motion and the
motion carried unopposed.
TOWN’S REPRESENTATIVE TO RUTLAND REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION: The Selectboard asked that the
Planning Commission poll its members for a recommendation for appointment to this Commission.
ESTATE OF JOHN G. WEHSE: The Clarendon Board of Cemetery Commissioners (who presently are also the Clarendon
Selectboard) received a letter from Attorney Norman Cohen. Attorney Cohen was asking for a letter from the Board of
Cemetery Commissioners stating that arrangements have been made for the perpetual care of Lot 34 in the West
Clarendon Cemetery. The Adm. Assistant advised that the price paid for the lot when sold included perpetual care. The
Adm. Assistant was asked to send a letter to Attorney Cohen to advise him of this information.
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TOWN OF CLARENDON
M INUTES
SELECTBOARD MEETING
Date: Monday, June 22, 2009
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Clarendon Town Hall
WILK PAVING PROPOSAL TO LINE THE PARKING AREA:
George Ambrose moved to authorize the Administrative
Assistant to proceed with negotiations to line the parking lot as presented by Wilk’s paving. The motion was
seconded and carried without opposition.
ACT 250/AGENCY OF NATURAL RESOURCES MATERIALS FOR BOARDS REVIEW: The Selectboard received the
following:
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Joseph P. Carrara & Sons Wetland Hydrology Monitoring Program CUD #94-306 for May 2009.
MISCELLANOUS MATERIALS FOR BOARDS REVIEW: The Selectboard members passed and reviewed for
informational purposes a file containing meeting notices, advertising materials, copies of correspondence, etc.
VERMONT SALES TAX EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE FOR RESALE AND EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS FOR APPLIED
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES: The Selectboard gave approval for the Road Commissioner, Norman Bowen, to sign this
form.
VERMONT CONSERVATIONS COMMISSIONS PARTNERSHIP DRIVE 2009 DONATION REQUEST: The Selectboard
received this request and placed it on file.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS REPORT: Administrative Assistant Linda Trombley had nothing to report.
SELECTBOARD MEMBER CONCERNS: The Chair asked if there were any Selectboard members concerns:
Selectman Klopchin: Advised that he had received a letter from town resident Jeffry Taylor regarding the Vermont
Wind Farm project. Michael asked the other Selectboard members as to what he should do with the letter. The
Selectboard members decided to keep the original letter and to provide the towns Planning Commission with a
copy.
Selectman Buffum: Mentioned that she approved of the new door installed at the Clarendon Grange Community
Center.
Selectman Bixby: Noted that the Towns ACO is issuing tickets and asked if the Selectboard should take the tickets
to
court for payment. The Board agreed to pursue tickets in the future. On another matter he noted that the Road
Commissioner had repaired holes on the railroad tracks on Alfrecha Road and Depot Hill on the North Shrewsbury
Road.
Selectman Ambrose: Asked that appointment of a new member to the Grange Board be placed on the agenda for
the next meeting.
Selectman Robert Sebasky recused himself from participation in the Executive Session matter and left the meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
George Ambrose moved to enter into executive session. The motion was seconded and
carried.
The Selectboard entered into executive session at 8:10 p.m. with the towns Animal Control Officer, Selectman:
M. Klopchin, R. Bixby, N. Buffum, and George Ambrose and Adm. Assistant Linda Trombley.
Robert Bixby moved to
come out of executive session at 8:16 p.m. The motion was seconded and carried.
The Selectboard decided to
send a letter to the towns First Constable, Richard Wilbur, to advise him that the Selectboard is happy and satisfied with
Robert Minckler as the towns Animal Control Officer.
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TOWN OF CLARENDON
M INUTES
SELECTBOARD MEETING
Date: Monday, June 22, 2009
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Clarendon Town Hall
PUBLIC COMMENTS: The Selectboard Chair asked if there were any public comments. There were none.
ADJOURNMENT: At 8:25 p.m.
on a motion made by Robert Bixby, which was seconded by Nancy Buffum and
carried by unanimous vote of the Select Board.
MINUTES APPROVED: July 13, 2009.
SIGNED: Michael Klopchin, Chairman SIGNED: Nancy Buffum, Clerk
*Note: These minutes were taken and prepared by LindaTrombley, Adm. Asst., and are unofficial minutes until approved
at the
July 13, 2009 Selectboard Meeting.
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