Town of Panton Selectboard Meeting
Monday July 11, 2005
Panton Town Offices
Minutes

UNAPPROVED

Selectboard	Administration	Guests/Visitors
R. Atkins	S. Torrey	T. Chase	S.Davis
A. Sullivan		D. Hartenstein	R. Hartenstein
		S. Hofmann	J. Nelson

Call to Order: Chair R. Atkins called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Minutes:  Motion by A. Sullivan, seconded by R. Atkins to approve the minutes of June 28, 2005 as written. So voted. (Note: minutes of June 14 could not be approved as R. Atkins was not in attendance at that meeting and J. Moulton not in attendance at this meeting).

Public Communication:

A.  Jeff Nelson; delegate from Addison and Chair of the Addison County Transportation Advisory Committee, spoke to the Board about appointing a Panton delegate to their Committee. He explained that there are many highway projects being considered and it is important that towns become involved. He explained that there are many highway projects being considered and the town delegates who attend have the best chance for their projects being done. The Board will take this under advisement.

B.  Robert & Deborah Hartenstein:  Mr. Hartenstein again asked the Board why the Bogan property is assessed at less than their property (for more information refer to the Selectboard minutes of May 9, 2005). They asked for the Selectboard to put themselves in their situation and also expressed their displeasure with the landscaping that was not completed by the Bogan’s as stipulated in their permit. They added that they shouldn’t have to spend their money to pursue this and that they don’t believe they have been dealt with fairly. Chair Atkins explained that the next process it to appeal the decision to the Zoning Board and that legal council is not required. Mr. Hartenstein said that in one of the meeting minutes it stated that they would be responsible for any legal fees incurred. Chair Atkins clarified that the Selectboard does not have control of this situation and although sympathetic to their situation there is nothing more the Board can do. Mr. Hartenstein referred to the minutes of the December 13, 2004 Selectboard meeting whereby Clerk S. Torrey was directed not to pay any further legal fees in connection with the Hartenstein’s. The Board explained to the Hartenstein’s that if they contact our town attorney then the town will not be responsible for paying the fees incurred. In this case however, it was a letter sent by the Hartenstein’s to our attorney which was filed by our attorney in which the town was charged. Mr. Hartenstein reiterated that the town should do its own policing and not make homeowners do it. It was discussed that appraisals are very subjective and that some requirements are State mandated. There was discussion on the BCA granting the Hartenstein’s appeal in 2004 and Mr. Hartenstein stated that at that time they had been led to believe the Bogan property would be revisited this year to further evaluate the property appraisal. S. Torrey explained that this was done and read the changes to the Hartenstein’s. A date for the appeal hearing will be set by the Zoning Board and the Hartenstein’s will be notified.

Gerard Vorsteveld:  Gerard explained that he had been contacted by John Whitney regarding the bill for the road damage that was sent by the Selectboard. Discussion ensued on the road damage to Panton Road and how to resolve the problem. Gerard said that he thought the roads weren’t in the best shape to begin with and that the roads were starting to erode before the haulers began hauling. Chair Atkins agreed this was the case. The possibility of using a truck vs. wagon was discussed and also negotiating the bill. Chair Atkins said that Mr. Whitney should have stopped when he noticed what was happening to the road. Gerard said that Mr. Whitney is interested in meeting with the Board to discuss this further and Chair Atkins said this will be arranged. Gerard also commented about the trees near Panton Bridge blocking the visibility of oncoming vehicles when he is on a large piece of farm equipment. 

Steve Hofmann: Mr. Hofmann advised the Selectboard that at their June 16, 2005 Planning/Zoning meeting, they voted to change from a two board [Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission] to a one Board DRB (Design Review Board). He asked that the Selectboard also consider adopting a DRB. Mr. Hofmann advised that S. Torrey will no longer be typing their minutes and recommends Janice Moulton as a replacement who has agreed to do this. Motion by A. Sullivan, seconded by R. Atkins for J. Moulton to type the Planning/Zoning minutes; salary to be negotiated. So voted.  Mr. Hofmann also reminded the Selectboard of the decision to charge Daniel Bourgeois the old permit rate as his permit was in process before the new rates took affect.

Garage Repair: Mr. Chase, of Neagley & Chase, advised the Board that all the repairs have been made to the garage and photos taken as documentation (which have not been developed as yet).

Remaining fees were discussed and with regard to Engineering Ventures it was agreed that N/C would absorb $750.00 of the fees. Final payment to Neagley & Chase will be made when photos of the repairs have been received. S. Davis stated that she is happy with the repairs made to the roof.

Road Foreman Report: No report as P. Bodington not in attendance.  A. Sullivan mentioned that there have been complaints about the poor condition of Hopkins Road and after driving on the road she agreed it is bad and should be graded. Chair Atkins will contact the road foreman tomorrow regarding this. It was mentioned that people have complained about the roadsides not being mowed and it was discussed that many of the towns are not doing it either. The Selectboard asked S. Torrey to refer complaints to them.

New Business:  Motion by A. Sullivan, seconded by R. Atkins to combine the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment to a Design Review Board (DRB). So voted.

S. Torrey’s letter of resignation from typing the Planning/Zoning minutes was accepted. Motion by A. Sullivan, seconded by R. Atkins, to recommend J. Moulton for the position. Salary to be negotiated at a later date.

Old Business:  Chair Atkins advised that he had spoken with Jeremiah Parker and the date for work to begin on the Town Hall/Offices will be August 1, 2005.

The need for a Town Health Officer was discussed and A. Sullivan made the motion to recommend Bill Clark to the Commissioner of Health, seconded by R. Atkins. So voted.

Action Items:  The City of Vergennes Fire Protection contract was reviewed and signed. Correspondence was reviewed and check warrants were signed/approved in the amount of $367,293.16.

Motion by A. Sullivan to adjourn meeting at 9:45 p.m. Seconded by R. Atkins. So voted

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