Town of Panton Selectboard Meeting
Monday September 12, 2005
Panton Town Offices
Minutes
UNAPPROVED
Selectboard
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Administration
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Guests/Visitors
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R. Atkins
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S. Torrey
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S. Hofmann
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J. Moulton
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J. Kuhn
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| A. Sullivan
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P. Valois
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Call to Order: Chair R. Atkins called the meeting to
order at 7:07 p.m.
Minutes: Motion by J. Moulton, seconded
by A. Sullivan, to approve the minutes of August
2, 2005 as written. So voted. Motion by A. Sullivan, seconded by J. Moulton,
to approve the minutes of August 16, 2005. So voted.
Public Communication:
J. Kuhn expressed his concern regarding the town’s loss of David
Raphael and Paul Bodington. S. Hofmann, Chair of the Panton Planning/ZBA,
advised Mr. Kuhn that many errors were made under the previous Planning/ZBA
Chairmanship which has led to the necessity of retaining legal council. He
added that he cannot say more due to pending litigation. Chair Atkins also
expressed that the Selectboard still stands by their decision in not
reappointing Mr. Raphael and reminded Mr. Kuhn that J. Moulton abstained from
voting. With regards to Paul Bodington, Chair Atkins reminded Mr. Kuhn that he
resigned and was not fired. A. Sullivan added that she was distressed by some
of the rumors circulating around town, specifically that the Selectboard would
not give him a raise (he received a 4% increase) and that he was not allowed to
hire help. She added that the Board had never been approached for help by Mr.
Bodington. It was agreed by all that Paul did great work for the town but he
was not a good communicator.
P. Valois asked the Board if this was why they wouldn’t give details
regarding David Raphael at the special meeting and said that it should have
come out as it may have helped to diffuse the situation at the time. Chair
Atkins said that things are coming out and will continue to as time goes on. A.
Sullivan said that because the discussion took place in Executive Session that
the public is not privy to the information. Chair Atkins asked that Mr. Valois
look at the changes being made as a positive thing as they are acting in the
best interest of the town.
P. Valois advised that Climate Systems will be installing the air
exchange system in the town office. S. Torrey will make the necessary arrangements
with them. Mr. Valois mentioned that the only change order necessary is the
penetration to the inside of the vault. He will transport the unit to the
office and also touch base with Climate Systems.
S. Hofmann mentioned that the curve by his house on Lake Road should have
gravel and a piece on Basin Harbor Road. Advised the
Board that there is a Planning Grant available to update zoning regulations and
wondered what expense would be required. S. Torrey mentioned that grants
require minute administration. Mr. Hofmann will forward a copy of the grant to
the Selectboard for their review and comments.
S. Hofmann stated that Attorney Carroll will be forwarding the
necessary information for implementation of the DRB. He said the Attorney
Carroll was amazed that the current Planning/ZBA is comprised of nine (9)
members. A. Sullivan asked if the new board would consist of the same members
as the current board and Mr. Hofmann stated that it is at the discretion of the
Selectboard how many members are appointed.
The Vorsteveld violation was discussed and it was mentioned that they
will probably receive a fine for the building violation. It was discussed that
Zoning Administrator E. Hanson is looking into the situation with Whispering
Pines Campground. It is zoned as a campground however there are at least twenty
(20) full time residents.
Motion by A. Sullivan to go into Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue inviting S. Torrey
and S. Hofmann to attend. J. Moulton seconded the motion. So voted. The Board came out of Executive Session at 8:15 p.m. with no action taken.
Restoration: Chair Atkins has been in contact with Jeremiah
Parker and the project is currently under budget. The fascia board on the east
side of the town hall is in great need of repair and the Board agreed this
should be repaired as it will be a short one day job. S. Torrey expressed
concern about the ‘orange peel’ on the tops of the new walls in the office. It
appears that the paint did not cure before applying another coat. Chair Atkins
will speak to Jeremiah regarding this. J. Moulton asked if the handicap ramp
was useable and Chair Atkins said that he directed that it be closed off as it
is better not to use it than to have someone get hurt. S. Torrey explained that
she cut the boards blocking the ramp so the furniture could be moved from the
town hall down to the office.
New Business: Road Foreman Search
The job application from Robert DeGraaf was reviewed. Discussion about
additional advertising. A. Sullivan spoke to Larry Miner about contracted
services and he was not sure he could do it for us and that it wouldn’t be
cheap. She also mentioned that Alroy Aunchman has a great deal of expertise and
may be available to help us out in the interim as he is currently on
disability. Chair Atkins will call Mr. DeGraaf to see when he is available to
meet with the Board.
Old Business: The
recommendations from the Planning Commission for delegate and alternate to the
ACRPC were reviewed. The Planning Commission nominated David Raphael as
delegate and Michael Hermann as alternate. Motion by A. Sullivan to
appoint M. Hermann as delegate to the ACRPC, seconded by J. Moulton. So voted.
No alternate was appointed. The Board asked S. Torrey to correspond with Mr.
Hermann about also serving as delegate to the Transportation Advisory
Committee.
Action Items: The
recycling contract with the City of Vergennes was reviewed and
signed. The budget versus actual was reviewed. Check Warrants were signed in
the amount of $7,409.60 for Payroll and $134,806.22 for Accounts Payable.
Miscellaneous correspondence was reviewed.
Chair Atkins adjourned the meeting at 10:10
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
S.
Torrey, Clerk