The Yes/No numbers at the end of the articles are the results of Australian ballot voting
which occurred on March 1, 2010.

Moderator Graham Hunter called the Annual Town School Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and he welcomed everyone.

Graham C. Hunter read the warning as follows:

The legal voters of the Weathersfield School District, Weathersfield, Vermont are hereby notified and warned to meet at the Weathersfield School in Ascutney, Town of Weathersfield, Vermont, on Monday, March 1, 2010, at 6:30 pm in the evening to transact any business not involving voting by Australian ballot or any voting required by law to be by ballot, such meeting so started shall be adjourned to Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

The legal votes of the Weathersfield School District, are further notified and warned to meet at the Martin Memorial Hall in Ascutney, Vermont, on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 10:00 in the forenoon to act on any business involving voting by Australian ballot or any voting required by law to be by ballot. Polls open at 10:00 am and close at 7:00 pm.

Moderator Graham C. Hunter said if there were on objections, he would like to allow non-residents Mario Bevaqua, Interim Principal Don Hart, and Business Manager Ed Connors to speak. There were no objections.

Article 1: To act on the reports of the School District Officers for the period from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
Roald Cann made a motion to accept the article as read; Mike Stankevich seconded the motion.
No discussion.
Voting on the Article; Unanimous, motion passed.

Article 2: To see if the School District will vote to authorize the School Board to borrow money in anticipation of taxes to meet the requirements of the School District for the ensuing year and to authorize the execution and delivery of notes or orders to the School District.
Roald Cann made a motion to accept the article as read; Betty Jo Esty seconded the motion.
No discussion.
Voting on the Article; Unanimous, motion passed.

Article 3: To elect all School District Officers as required by law. (By Australian Ballot.)
Moderator Graham Hunter read the names of people who had filed.

Election Results from the voting on March 2, 2010 appear at the end of these minutes.

Article 4: Shall the voters of the Weathersfield School district approve, by Australian Ballot, a total budget in the amount of $5,441,007.00, to provide grade k-12 education for the year beginning July 1, 2010?

YES: 484 NO: 337

Preliminary Presentation: School board chairperson Stephen Walasewicz welcomed back Principal Mario Bevacqua, Mario returned in February 2010 after an extended medical leave. Steve Walasewicz thanked Interim Principal Don Hart for the great job preformed while Mario was out. Happy to have Mario back but Don Hart will be missed. Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union extensive search failed to yield a candidate for superintendent. Donna Moyer hired as Interim Superintendent for 2009-2010, has agreed to stay on for a second year. Interim superintendent Donna Moyer could not attend tonight's annual school meeting.
Budget Presentation: Steve Walasewicz used a power point presentation to explain the proposed budget of $5,441,007.00 (a $164,285.00, or 2.93% decrease from the current year budget). The current student enrollment (K-12) for the 2009-2010 school year is 313; the projected enrollment for 2010-2011 is 317. K-8 projected class size is 15.4 students. High school tuition rates vary from $12,750-$17,585 with Springfield being the lowest and Hanover the highest.
Total construction bond payment in the proposed budget is $517,344. Savings from the consolidation ranges from $40,000-$50,000 due to changing from heating with oil to burning wood chips. Due to the school being new, maintenance cost is practically eliminated. Cost for transportation cut by $55,000 per year.
Education tax rate is based on the CLA (common level of appraisal). Weathersfield CLA for year of 2011 is 88.69% an increase from 85.83% this year.
Chairperson Stephen Walasewicz presented the pie chart for the proposed budget, most of the cost being tuition at 33.32%, wages at 30.31%, benefits at 11.68% and debt & interest at 9.69%.
To keep the education portion of tax rate down, Chairperson Stephen Walasewicz presented the additional reductions for 2011 budget. Much of the reduction came from the elimination of five positions and reduce hours on four positions, for an anticipated savings of $145,842.
John Arrison questioned Special Education budget: from $400,000 down to $50,000 doesn't seem reasonable. Business manager Ed Conners referred to pages 33,35 & 40 in the Town Report.
Budget is now broken into elementary, secondary sections also each year students needs change. John Arrison also referred to page 33, did state pay 1.5 million toward the principal on the bond loan, if so savings on interest should be around $55,000? Ed Conners stated correct amount to be 1.49 million, loan payments also include prior loans the interest saved is $23,000.
Peter Korbet asked about the design capacity for amount of students in the Weathersfield School. Allowed amount between 280-300.
Charles Horton questioned how the board arrived at the $1.70 tax rate, same as last year, with reduction of $164,285 on the budget. Chairperson Stephen Walasewicz replied that is has to due with the CLA (common level of appraisal), last year CLA was at 85% this year it is at 88% which helps on the tax rate. If at 100% CLA the town would see a decrease on the tax rate.
Marilyn Houghton questioned the superintendent and secretary wages both at $96,000 on page 50, Ed Connors replied that the chart was wrong, did not have correct figure.
John Arrison asked what the per pupil cost is, "complicated formula" Ed Connors stated.
Formula includes amount of budget, local revenues, reimbursement for special education, grants and student enrollment.
Glenn Fisher asked how the state arrives at their average per pupil cost which is listed at $8, 544. Ed Connors remarked that this is also another complicated formula, if state cost was actual average, tax rate would be $0.88. State estimates cost to educate pupil is at $12,500, state can only afford to finance $8,544 per pupil. State will reimburse school $0.57 on dollar.
Moderator Graham C. Hunter read the report of the Budget Committee.

Article 5: Shall the voters of the Weathersfield School District approve the purchase of a new school bus for $88,202, to be funded through additional educational spending of $41,702 to be raised by taxes, $6,500 from the Transportation Bus Fund and $40,000 from a grant received by the district from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation? (By Australian Ballot.)
Chairperson Stephen Walasewicz explained the need to purchase bus, the School District currently has a grant of $40,000 toward a new school bus, if the grant is not used by June 30, 2010 will lose the funding. Cost to the town would be $41,702. Stephen emphasized the need to purchase a new bus every two years in order to keep the buses in safe and proper working order. Proposed school budget offers a 3% reduction; if school budget passes, tax rate would be set at $1.69. Approving the bus purchase increases the tax rate to $1.70.
Discussion: Elisha Jenks questioned the board if they looked into replacing buses with the more fuel efficient models. Would help in reductions of diesel fuel
Chairperson Walasewicz replied the board has yet to look into that style of buses.

YES: 472 NO: 349

Article 6: Shall the voters of the Weathersfield Town school District, pursuant to the provisions of16 VSA Sec. 562(7), Authorize the Board of School Directors to sell, or otherwise dispose of the school building and site known as the former Weathersfield Elementary School?

Chairperson Stephen Walasewicz stated right now the school district is responsible for maintaining the Perkinsville school, architectural study determined the building is suitable for Town Offices. The School Board needs the town approval to either dispose of property or explore other options.

Discussion: Moderator Graham C. Hunter re-read Article 6, he explained that the Town of Weathersfield had voted several years ago that all money articles are to be voted by Australian ballot, articles that do not involve money are to be a floor vote. Article 6 is not a money article, and yet it appears on the ballot that the voters shall be voting on tomorrow.

Discussion: Nancy Nutile-McMenemy questioned about making a motion to accept the Australian ballot voting. Susan Hunter stated that it is not allowable to be voted on Australian ballot and is needed to vote at a public meeting, should vote to postpone.
Michael Todd made a motion to postpone indefinitely, Susan Hunter seconded the motion.

Voice vote results: The motion to postpone indefinitely passed by voice vote, and consideration of Article 6 was postponed indefinitely.

Article 7: Transact any other business which may properly come before the meeting.
Discussion: Dave Fuller spoke on how he had not supported the consolidation of schools, but two weeks ago he finally took the tour of the school. The school is the future, very impressed with the building. Dave remarked he was wrong in not supporting the consolidation, everyone should take a tour. The school is fascinating.

Roald Cann made a motion to adjourn the Annual School meeting, Michael Todd seconded the motion.
The vote was unanimous, annual school meeting adjourned 7:30 p.m

Moderator:1 year Graham C. Hunter, II 733
School Director: 3 year Gloria J. Ballantine 714
School Director: 1 year Nathalie T. Whitney 685
School Director: 1 year Kelly Murphy 683

Respectfully submitted,

Marion J. Ballam, Assistant Town Clerk

Stephen Walasewicz, School Board Chairperson

Graham C. Hunter, Moderator

The Yes/No Numbers at the end of the articles are the results of Australian ballot voting which occurred on March 2, 2010.

Select board Chairperson, John Arrison, recognized Norman Abbott for the Service Award.
Norman Abbott was not present at the meeting. John commended Norm for his diligence and loyalty for many years of service at the transfer station..
Select board Chairperson, John Arrison, also recognized Town Manager Laurence Melen for his ten years of service. Larry started out as an interim manager in 2000, brought Weathersfield financial into excellent condition, great leadership skills. John presented Larry with a plaque from the town. John Arrison also introduce the incoming Town Manager, Jim Mullen.
Moderator Graham C. Hunter read the warning as follows:

The legal voter so the Town of Weathersfield, Vermont, are hereby notified and warned to meet at the Weathersfield School, 135 School House road in Ascutney, in the Town of Weathersfield, Vermont, on the first day of March, 2010, at 7:30 o'clock, P.M., to act on the following articles:

Article 1: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield accept the reports of the Town's officers for the period from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009?

Roald Cann made a motion to accept the article as read; Michael Todd seconded the motion. There was no discussion. The vote was affirmative and the motion passed.

Article 2: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield authorize the Select Board to borrow money, if necessary, to pay current expenses in anticipation of taxes in accordance with the provisions of Title 24, Section 1786, of the Vermont Statutes Annotated?

Michael Todd made a motion to accept the article as read; Alicia Jenks seconded the motion. There was no discussion. The vote was affirmative and the motion passed.

Article 3: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield authorize the Select Board to expend such grant monies, gifts, or bequest which may be received by the Town of Weathersfield, in accordance with the terms of said grants, gifts, or bequests?

Barry Newton made a motion to accept the article as read; Grace Knight seconded the motion. There was no discussion. The vote was affirmative and the motion passed.

Article 4: Shall the voters of Town of Weathersfield direct that the Town Manager collect all taxes due to the Town and to perform all the duties now conferred by law upon the collector of taxes, in accordance with the provisions of Title 24, Section 1236 (10) of the Vermont Statutes Annotated?

Roald Cann made a motion to accept the article as read; Grace Knight seconded the motion.
Graham C. Hunter asked the Town for permission to allow non-resident Town Manager Larry Melen to speak. Larry announced that as of Wednesday Jim Mullen will be taking over as Town Manager, this article will appoint him to perform this duty. If the article does not pass will revolve back to the Town Treasurer.
The vote was unanimous, the motion passed.

Article 5: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield authorize collection of interest on overdue taxes from the due date of each installment in the amount of one per cent (1%) per month, or fraction thereof, for the first three (3) months and thereafter one and one-half per cent (1 ½% ) per month or fraction thereof, in accordance with Title 32, Section 4873, of the Vermont Statutes Annotated?

Michael Todd made a motion to accept the article as read; Alan Hudson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. The vote was unanimous, the motion passed.

Article 6: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield authorize collection of a penalty, not to exceed eight per cent (8%), on all delinquent taxes collected after the due date established in accordance with Title 32, Section 1674 (2), of the Vermont Statutes Annotated?

Michael Todd made a motion to authorize the collection of a penalty, to be set at eight per cent (8%); MaryAnn Allcroft seconded the motion. There was no discussion. The vote was unanimous, the motion passed.

Article 7: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield direct that the annual Town and School auditors' reports be available to the public at the Town Clerk's office, in lieu of mailing, and that a "Notice of Availability" be published in the designated newspaper of record for the Town no less then thirty (30) days prior to the annual meetings, as required by Title 24, Section 1682, of the Vermont Statutes Annotated?

Christopher Harris made a motion to accept the article as read; Alan Hudson seconded the motion.
Discussion: Susan Hunter asked what the designated newspaper will be? TM Melen replied the Select Board will determine the designated newspaper at the organizational meeting.
Barry Newton raised concern on the cost and size of the publishing of the Town Report. TM Melen explained that the Town is required to publish the Auditors report, certified audit from Town and School, publish warning for School District meeting and Town meeting. $8,000 is the cost for publishing and mailing Town Report. Chairperson John Arrison felt it important to mail reports so voters could be informed. Jane Sandleman asked if report could be in electronic format. TM Melen responded that it is already on the Town website, however by state law the town is required provide in written form. Neil Daniels spoke against the motion, feels Town Report is a necessity and should be mailed.
TM Melen advised the voters if the article is adopted, books will not be mailed to you, notice will be printed in newspaper of choice then you will have come to Town Office to pick up the report. Roald Cann feels that the Report is important way to keep public informed. Michael Todd asked for confirmation that the report cost $0.003 on tax rate to publish and mail.
The vote was in the negative, motion defeated.

Article 8: To transact any other business deemed proper when met.

Discussion: Graham C. Hunter recognized Representative Ernie Shand , Ernie discussed the legislative report.

Voting by Australian ballot will be conducted in Martin Memorial Hall, on U.S. Route 5, in Ascutney, on second day of March, 2010 [ the polls will be open at 10:00 o'clock A,M, and will close at 7:00 o'clock, P.M.., on that date], to act on the following article:

Article 9: To elect all Town officers as required by law. [By Australian ballot]

Moderator One (1) Year Graham C. Hunter, II 745
Selector-Three (3) Years Daniel E. Boyer 344
Gordon S. Eglintine 401
Selector-Two (2) Years John Arrison 681
Lister-Three (3) Years Carolyn A. Hier 749
Trustee of Public Funds-
Three Years (3) ____________ ___
Trustee of Public Funds
Two Years (2) ____________ ___
Town Agent-One (1) Year Flo-Ann Dango 738
Town Grand Juror-One
Year (1) Carolyn A. Hier 736
Cemetery Commissioner-
Five (5) Year
Library Trustee -Five (5) Year Nancy Nutile-McMenemy 704

Article: 10: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield approve the expenditure of Nine Hundred Sixty-five Thousand, Nine Hundred Forty-eight Dollars ($965,948.00) for the support and operation of the Town's General Fund? Six Hundred Twenty-six Thousand, One hundred Thirty-four Dollars ($626,134.00) shall be raised by property taxation, allowing the Select Board to set the appropriate tax rate. [By Australian ballot]
Yes: 529 No: 292

Article 11: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield approve the expenditure of One Million, Forty Thousand, Six Hundred Nineteen Dollars ($1,040,619.00), for the support and operation of the Town's Highway Fund? Seven Hundred Eighty-nine Thousand, Seven Hundred
Fifty-fine Dollars ($789,755.00) shall be raised by property taxation, allowing the Select Board to set the appropriate tax rate, [By Australian ballot]

Yes: 518 No: 306

Article 12: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield approve the expenditure of Two Hundred Thirty-three Thousand, Nine Hundred Forty-one Dollars ($233,941.00), for the support and operation of the Town's solid waste management facility? These monies shall be raised by the collection of fees, allowing the Select Board to set the appropriate fees for the services. [By Australian ballot]

Yes: 648 No: 175

Discussion: Town Manager Laurence Melen presented a power point presentation. Town and Highway tax rate are going down slightly, also reduced fee for solid waste by $5.00, down to $35.00 for the coming year. Larry presented the pie charts to show the town where the money a goes, with the majority going for the highway department. TM Melen explained what was included in the general fund expenditures: Administration and property, public safety, Weathersfield-Proctor Library, County and other agencies. Town general fund revenues include property taxes, state payments and other general revenues. Highway General fund expenditures pays for maintenance of town highways, operates the two town gravel and sand pits and maintains all town and school vehicles. Highway fund revenues include taxes, state aid and general revenues. Revenue for solid waste include payment from other towns, utility fee, disposal fee and recycling revenue which varies according to the market.
Projected tax rates:
General Fund tax rate: $0.1990
Highway Fund tax rate: $0.2970
Appropriations: $0.0420
Highway Equipment
Reserve Fund: $0.0100
Fire Apparatus
Reserve Fund: $0.0050
Reappraisal Reserve Fund: $0.0100
Aid for Needy: $0.0025

Projected Town Tax Rate: $0.5655
Projected County Tax Rate: $0.0095
Fiscal Year 2009 General
Fund Deficit $61,974
Deficit Elimination: $0.0227
Projected Total Town
Tax Rate $0.5977

TM Melen also explained the town is responsible for paying the State Education Taxes on those properties which the Town Meeting has voted to exempt from taxation. This includes the Connecticut River and Hawks Mountain Granges as well as the veterans' exemption in excess of $10,000.00 in valuation. State Education tax on those exemption amount to $15,344.00, which is an equivalent of a local agreement education tax rate of $0.0060.
Peter Korbet asked about the equivalent of the one cent amount on tax collection. TM Melen responded with one cent equals $32,000.00 in tax collection. Mr. Korbet enquired on the burden on the tax payers with property owners putting their land in current use, TM Melen projects it is about $22,000.00 the town will have to make up if no new parties register this year.
Michael Todd stated that the budget reflects on all articles passing. TM Melen budget reflects on absolute maximum.

Article 13: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate funds, not to exceed Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000.00), from the undesignated fund balance for the Weathersfield-Proctor Library? These monies shall be used to automate the Weathersfield-Proctor Library catalog of publications and usage.[Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: Cheryl Cox representative from the library explained this is money they already have, just need permission to use it, may not need to use all the library has applied for grants.

Yes: 528 No: 246

Article 14: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield authorize the Select Board to borrow funds not to exceed the amount of Twenty-eight Thousand Dollars ($28,000.00) for a period not to exceed two (2) years for the purpose of purchasing a marked police vehicle? This will replace a 2001 Ford F150 pick-up, with one hundred twenty-eight thousand, eight hundred twenty-four (128,824) miles. [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: Chip Cobb explained that the 2001 Ford F150 did not pass inspection, body is starting to rust thru, transmission and muffler system has been replaced. Truck is marginally safe. Ed May stated that a four wheel drive would be better for the Town roads. Michael Todd stated that he had looked at the truck, and he feels that it is definitely a safety issue, brakes are a concern, and should the truck be used in a high speed chase, it would be a safety concern. Michael Todd advises the town to replace the vehicle.

Yes: 478 No: 352

Article 15: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield authorize the Select Board to borrow funds not to exceed the amount of Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000.00) for a period not to exceed three (3) years for the purpose of purchasing a truck/snowplow for the maintenance of Town highways? This will replace a 1993 Mack truck/snowplow, with one hundred ninety thousand, six hundred twenty-five (190,625) miles. [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: John Arrison stated that the actual amount for new truck with plow and sander is around $150,00.00, $90,000.00 is what we are asking town for, $60,000.00 we are applying for state revolving loan fund thru the state at 2% interest.

Yes: 523 No:312

Article 16: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield authorize the Select Board to borrow funds not to exceed the amount of Fifty-six Thousand Dollars ($56,000.00) for a period not to exceed three (3) years for the purpose of purchasing a truck/snowplow for the maintenance of
Town highways? This will replace a 2002 Ford F550 pick-up, with eighty-three thousand, four hundred forty-eight (83,448) miles. [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: SB Chairperson spoke of behalf of this article, right now this truck has a good resale value, has no record of mechanical failure, used mainly for plowing. Recommends replacing truck now.

Yes: 338 No:490

Article 17: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield authorize the Select Board to borrow funds not to exceed the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) for a period not to exceed five (5) years for the purpose of paving town highways? This includes Town Highway 40 [Tenney Hill Road], a Class III Town highway. [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: SB Chairperson John Arrison discussed article 17 & 18 together. Both articles are not included in this year tax rate, will be in next year. Weathersfield Center Road has a lot of cracks and bumps, newest pavement ten years old, to maintain subbase need to re-pave the road. Tenney Hill Road pavement was dug up couple years ago and left as a dirt road, town is obligated to the residents of Tenney Hill to re-pave the road. Cost of paving roads will keep increasing in years to come. Money borrowed interest will be just under three percent, chance of interest increasing each year, the Town would be obligated to pay the loan off within five years. A larger project will bring in better bids for paving. TM Melen noted that on page 83 of the town report, bottom half of the long term debt schedule was cut off in the printing process. Representative Ernie Shand reminded the town that there is $161 Million in A.R.R.A. (American Recovery Reinvestment Act) reserved for capitol projects for which town could apply by the end of year; the money is to be used in three years. TM Melen explained that Vtrans has designated four highways that qualify for the Town of Weathersfield, of the four, three are state highways and the other is the Weathersfield Center Road, maybe. None of the class three roads will qualify. These articles will add three cent to the tax rate for fiscal year 2011. The Town has applied for class II paving grant.

Yes: 398 No: 428

Article 18: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield authorize the Select Board to borrow funds not to exceed the amount of Two Hundred Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($275,000.00) for a period not to exceed five (5) years for the purpose of planing and paving town highways? This includes Town Highway 1 [Weathersfield Center Road], a Class II Town highway. [By Australian ballot]

Yes: 447 No:373

Article 19: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), to be deposited in the Weathersfield-Proctor Library Capital Improvements reserve fund? [By request] [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: Trustee Cheryl Cox money will be used to expand the services at the library.

Yes: 413 No: 394

Article 20: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield assess One-half Cent ($0.005) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) of valuation on the Town's Grand List, said funds to be deposited to a reserve fund for the future acquisition of motorized fire apparatus? [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: SB member Dan Boyer spoke on article, if passed money to be used to offset the cost of fire apparatus. Within a year a West Weathersfield Truck will need replacement.

Yes: 494 No: 328

Article 21: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield assess One Cent ($0.01) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) of valuation on the Town's Grand List, said funds to be deposited to a reserve fund for the future acquisition of highway maintenance and repair equipment? [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: SB Chairperson John Arrison stated that this would bring around $32,000.00 dollars. Would help offset the cost when the Town needs to purchase new equipment in the future.

Yes: 497 No: 322

Article 22: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield assess One Cent ($0.01) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) of valuation on the Town's Grand List, said funds to deposited to a reserve fund for the future reappraisal of the Town as required by Title 32, section 4041a (b) of the Vermont Statutes Annotated? [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: Moderator Hunter noted there was a reference to Article 24 in budget committee report, should be corrected and referenced to this Article 22. TM Melen explained reappraisal is controlled by the State of Vermont, if CLA goes below eighty percent or discrepancy of valuation a reappraisal is required. Last appraisal cost $148,000.00, State give $8.50 per parcel per year which has been place in a reserve fund, total amount is said fund is $37,000.00.

Yes: 412 No: 401

Article 23: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield assess One-quarter Cent ($0.0025) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) of valuation on the Town's Grand List, said funds to be deposited to the "Aid to Residents in Need" reserve fund? [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: SB Dan Boyer spoke about article, fund to be used when residents need assistance. Been request for fuel assistance, food. This is an emergency fund for Weathersfield residents.

Yes: 451 No: 360

On Articles 24, 25 and 26 Moderator Graham C. Hunter is stepping down as moderator, he is also the Zoning Board Chair. Town Meeting can elect acting Moderator for these articles. Dave Fuller made a motion to elect John Arrison as acting Moderator for Articles 24, 25 and 26. Dan Boyer seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous the motion passed. (After the discussion of Articles 24 and 25, Moderator Hunter resumed his role as Moderator, as Article 26 did not involve the Zoning Board in any way.)

Acting Moderator John Arrison read Article 24:

Article 24: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield repeal the zoning bylaws enacted by the Town Meeting on March 5th, 1974, and all subsequent amendments, revisions, and re-enactments of said bylaws? [By petition] [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: Roald Cann has concern for the well being for the Town of Weathersfield. Need to carefully design zoning regulations, protect rural areas would help struggling farmers get a good price for large house lots, also provide small house lot in hamlets/villages which would make it more affordable for young and elderly residents.
Debbie Graham stated that we need to come together as a community and vote out zoning and subdivision. Struggling farmers and Senior Citizens need to be able to subdivide and sell their land in order to survive financially. Local couple who would like to put in Commercial storage shed in order to prepare for retirement. Need to make things work for the community and move forward. Ginger Wimberg feels what makes Weathersfield a wonderful community is the zoning laws. When regulations were written everyone had a opportunity to have their voice heard. Place for development in town, voting out zoning would change town drastically. Jeff Spurr feels pre Town Meeting panel was adamant in stating lack of zoning regulations is undesirable. Town will exist without zoning. Purchased house forty years ago, started a business and raise four children in the town. If he wanted to do the same now, he would have no business, and no means to provide for his children. The State of Vermont has plenty of rules and regulation. Town zoning creates hardship for people and business. Zoning also creates hardship and disappointment. Need to eliminate zoning and subdivision regulation. Voting out zoning would add new business and new homes to create a new tax base for the Town. Frustration arise when trying to deal with boards regarding zoning. Time to create simple livable laws and regulations. Time for Weathersfield citizens have more control over their lands and property. TM Melen stated to the voters that two of the panel members at the pre town meeting were there as a specific request from the petitioners. TM Melen also stated that zoning also preserves land value. Local zoning is your choice, if something wrong with bylaws you can change them.

Yes: 298 No: 536

Article 25: Shall the voters fo the Town of Weathersfield repeal the subdivision regulations enacted by the Town Meeting on March 7th, 1989, and all subsequent amendments, revisions, and re-enactments of said bylaws? [By petition] [By Australian ballot]

Specific to this article (Acting Moderator Arrison had indicated that Articles 24 and 25 were being discussed simultaneously, and there were no comments made that were directed specifically at the question of repeal of the existing Subdivision Regulations.)

No Discussion

Yes: 309 No: 527

Graham C. Hunter noted that this Article 26, the revision of the Subdivision Regulations, was the result of the regular work of the Planning Commission, and had been prepared before Article 24 & 25 were placed on the Warning by petition.

Moderator Graham C. Hunter read Article 26

Article 26: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield approve the revised subdivision regulations as proposed by the Weathersfield Planning Commission on October 19th, 2009 and accepted by the Weathersfield Select Board on December 3rd, 2009 [By Australian ballot]

No Discussion

Yes: 398 No: 387

Article 27: Shall the voters fo the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) to support the activities a A Community Resource Network (ACORN)? ACORN is a community service organization which provides HIV testing and counseling, Hepatitis C testing and counseling for all individuals at risk for contracting these diseases. Direct services for individuals and their family members who are living and coping with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C, support groups, emergency financial assistance, transportation to medical appointments, nutritional support, financial support for housing cost and professional one on one counseling services. [By request] [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

TM Melen stated that appropriations used to be on a five year cycle, but due to the economic downturn the Select Board has put them all on the ballots as individual articles this year and last year so the voters can decide on each and every one.

Yes: 348 No: 479

Article 28: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of Two Thousand, Two Hundred Fifty ($2,250.00) to support the activities of Connecticut River Transit, Inc.? C.R.T. is a not-for-profit company servicing the Windham and Windsor County areas, providing commuter bus service five (5) times daily at the Exit 8 Park and Ride, plus Medicaid vans and volunteer drivers. [By request] [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: Representative for C.R.T. , whom is also a dispatcher and driver explained services provided. Service many people in Weathersfield.

Yes: 603 No: 229

Article 29: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of Three Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($375.00) to support the activities of the Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont, Inc.? The Council on Aging is a private not-for-profit organization providing services to elders in Windsor and Windham Counties. [By request] [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: Dave Fuller questioned if next year any money article under $3,000.00 could become a floor vote instead of voting by Australian ballot. TM Melen responded that under Vermont law the voters have the choice either having all money articles voted by Australian ballot or on floor vote at Town Meeting. Select Board would have to put that out for the voters next year at Town Meeting.

Yes: 612 No: 218

Article 30: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of Four Hundred Dollars ($400.00) to support the activities of The Green Mountain RSVP and Volunteer Center?
R.S.V.P. is a non-profit organization providing volunteer services to community agencies and programs.[By request] [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: Donna LaGrow and Gail Boardman spoke on behalf of organization. Volunteers for the Literacy America reads program at the school and library.

Yes: 463 No: 356

Article 31: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of Two Thousand, Six Hundred Eighty-three Dollars ($2,683.00) to support the activities of Health Care and Rehabilitative Services of Southeastern Vermont? Health Care and Rehabilitative Services is a private not-for-profit agency providing community health services to residents in Windsor and Windham Counties. [By request] [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: Bart Mair spoke on behalf of Health Care and Rehabilitative Services. Appreciates support.

Yes: 433 No: 283

Article 32: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of Seventy-five Dollars ($75.00) to support the activities of Maple Leaf Farm? Maple Leaf Farm is a community service organization that provides medical detoxification and residential treatment for Vermont men and women addicted to alcohol and drugs. [By request] [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

No Discussion

Yes: 446 No: 384

Article 33: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) to support the activities of New Beginnings, Inc.? New Beginnings is a private not-for-profit agency providing crisis services to victims of domestic and sexual violence, and community prevention education on these issues. [By request] [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

No Discussion

Yes: 507 No: 322

Article 34: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of One Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) to support the activities of Southeastern Vermont Community Action, Inc.? S.E.V.C.A. is a community service organization that assists Weathersfield in responding to the emergency needs of the community and providing all available and applicable services. [By request] [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: Jennifer Tucker, Head Start Teacher, called attention to the S.E.V.C.A. report on page 144 of Town Report, which gives a list of services provided for the Town of Weathersfield.

Yes: 492 No: 327

Article 35: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00) to support the activities of the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired? The V.A.B.V.I. is a private not-for-profit agency providing comprehensive vision rehabilitation, training and support services for visually impaired Vermonters of all ages. [By request] [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

No Discussion

Yes: 533 No: 243

Article 36: Shall the voters fo the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of One Hundred Eighty-five Dollars ($185.00) to support the activities of the Vermont Center for Independent Living? V.C.I.L. is a private not-for-profit agency providing information and referrals, and ‘Meals on Wheels' for people under the age of sixty (60) with disabilities. [By request] [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

No Discussion

Yes: 576 No: 249

Article 37: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of Twelve Thousand, One Hundred Dollars ($12,100.00) to support the activities of Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of Vermont and New Hampshire? Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice is a community service agency providing home health, maternal and child health, and hospice care provided in patients' homes and community settings. [By request] [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: Marilyn Houghton spoke on behalf of Visiting Nurse Association, this non-profit home health care is needed for residents regardless of ability to pay.

Yes: 603 No: 226

Article 38: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) to support the activities of Volunteers in Action? V.I.A. is a private non-profit agency providing neighbor-to-neighbor service, mostly to elderly, including transportation, short-term respite, and companionship. [By request] [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

No Discussion

Yes: 543 No: 280

Article 39: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) to support the activities of the Windsor Connection Resource Center? Windsor Connection Resource Center is a Community service organization providing social and educational services to the Town of Weathersfield. [By request] [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

No Discussion

Yes: 333 No: 464

Article 40: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of Six Hundred Dollars ($600.00) to support the activities of Windsor County Partners? Windsor County Partners is a community service organization providing one-on-one youth mentoring for Weathersfield children aged ten (10) to seventeen (17) years old. [By request] [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: Non-resident Laura Page representative for Windsor County Partners urged voter to support this article. Need youth mentors more than ever.

Yes: 474 No: 335

Article 41: Shall the voters of the Town of Weathersfield appropriate the sum of Six Hundred Dollars ($600.00) to support the activities of the Windsor County Youth Services? W.C.Y.S. is a private not-for-profit agency providing services and shelter to runaway and homeless youth in Windsor County. [By request] [Not in Budget] [By Australian ballot]

Discussion: TM Melen spoke on article, as of now there are three facilities which all full. Youths from Weathersfield have used facilities.

Yes: 467 No: 322

Nancy Nutile-McMenemy is asking incoming Town Manager and Select Board to include the appropriations in line items within the budget this would help eliminate these huge ballots. TM Melen remarked most town require them to petition, Weathersfield does not require petitions.

Barry Newton made a motion to adjourn Town Meeting, Alan Hudson seconded the motion.
The vote was unanimous, the motion passed.
Town Meeting ended 9:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Marion J. Ballam, Assistant Town Clerk

Graham C. Hunter, Moderator

John Arrrison, Select Board Chairperson