| Annual Town Meeting Minutes 3-1-2010 |
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TOWN OF WEATHERSFIELD ANNUAL TOWN MEETING March 1, 2010 MINUTES WEATHERSFIELD SCHOOL ASCUTNEY, VERMONT 7:30 P.M. 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. 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? 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. 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? 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. Article 8: To transact any other business deemed proper when met. Article 9: To elect all Town officers as required by law. [By Australian ballot] Moderator One (1) Year Graham C. Hunter, II 745 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] 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 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 Town Tax Rate: $0.5655 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. 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 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] 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] 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. 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
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? 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
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.
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