Video recorded on March 23, 2015 by SAPA TV. (1 hour, 36 minutes)
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TOWN OF SPRINGFIELD
SELECTMEN’S HALL – 96 MAIN STREET – THIRD FLOOR
REGULAR BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 @ 7:00 PM
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MEETING MINUTES
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Chairman, Kristi Morris, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and Roll Call taken.
Board Members Present: George McNaughton, Chairman, Kristi Morris, and Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson. Also noted, Walter Martone and Peter MacGillivray were absent. However, there was the possibility Peter MacGillivray would call into the meeting.
Also Present: Town Manager, Tom Yennerell, Comptroller, Jeffrey Mobus, and Town Clerk, Barbara Courchesne
B. ANY REQUESTED ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: None
C. MINUTES:
a. Regular Board of Selectmen, Meeting Minutes, March 9, 2015 – Copies were not distributed to the Selectboard Members, therefore, the Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2015 will be reviewed at the next Selectboard Meeting on Monday, April 13, 2015.
D. LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION
ITEM 1: Liquor License Renewals – Liquor Control Opened at 7:05 PM. Town Manager, Tom Yennerell, turned the meeting over to Town Clerk, Barbara Courchesne, who provided a brief explanation of the businesses requesting liquor license renewals. Town Clerk Courchesne pointed out there was also a new liquor license request for Table 19 for a First Class Liquor License and Outside Consumption Permit.
Chairman, Kristi Morris, read the list of Liquor Licenses for the renewals and the new licenses out load. Chairman Morris also pointed out “Sheri’s Place” was the former “Hole in the Hill Bar and Grill”.
MOTION: Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson, moved to approve the following Liquor License Renewals:
Annis Equities, Inc. d/b/a Black River Kwik Stop for a Second Class License, Midway Oil Corporation d/b/a North Springfield Mobil for a Second Class License, Quality Deli, LLC d/b/a Route 106 N. Market & Deli for a Second Class License, Riverside Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Riverside Restaurant, Inc. for a First Class License, Sunshine, LLC, d/b/a Sheri’s Place for a First Class License, Veterans of Foreign Wars, CKA, Robert Johnson #771 d/b/a Veterans of Foreign Wars, Springfield Club for a First Class License, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, CKA, Robert Johnson #771 d/b/a Veterans of Foreign Wars, Springfield Club for an Outside Consumption Permit.
Seconded by George McNaughton
Vote: 3 Yes, passed unanimously
MOTION: Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson, moved to approve the new Liquor License request for Table 19 and authorized the Town Clerk to sign the new Outside Consumption Permit for Table 19.
Chairman Morris introduced the owner, Joe Evans, of the Table 19 Restaurant and thanked him for attending tonight’s Selectboard Meeting. Mr. Evans took the opportunity to thank the Selectboard for the approval of his Liquor License and Outside Consumption Permit. He shared that he and his wife immediately fell in love the Crown Point Country Club. The building has been remodeled from the basement up. This coming weekend Table 19 will be hosting two private parties; Saturday night a “Thank You Dinner” for all of those involved in the remodeling and Sunday will be a function for the Board Members of the Crown Point Country Club. The Official Opening will be Easter Weekend, in which Table 19 will be serving Easter Brunch.
Vote: 3 Yes, passed unanimously
Liquor Control Closed at 7:14 PM
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E. NEW BUSINESS:
ITEM 2: VTrans – Certification for Town Road & Bridge Standards and Annual Financial Plan for Town Highways –
Town Manager Yennerell explained the Board of Selectmen previously signed the “Certification for Town Road & Bridge Standards”, however, the Department of Transportation, (DOT), for the State of Vermont has revised their form to include “and Network Inventory”. The “Annual Financial Plan for Town Highways” is an annual form the Department of Public Works completes and submits to DOT showing the estimated amount of funds the Town spends roads.
MOTION: George McNaughton moved the Selectboard execute the “Certification for Town Road & Bridge Standards” and the “Annual Financial Plan for Town Highways”.
Seconded by Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson.
Vote: 3 Yes, passed unanimously
ITEM 3: Loan Document Approvals – Water & Sewer Projects – Town Manager Yennerell explained not all of the documents for the Pine, Myrtle, J&L and Valley Streets projects have been executed. There are four, (4), forms for the Board to sign.
MOTION: George McNaughton moved to authorize the Town Manager to be the Authorized Representative and to sign the Loan Amendment Request Memorandum on the behalf of the Town of Springfield for an additional $290,000.00 for Pine and Myrtle Streets sewer, water and sidewalk project.
Seconded by Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson.
Vote: 3 Yes, passed unanimously
MOTION: George McNaughton moved to approve the Application for Revolving Loan Funds for the Valley Street Sewer Improvements for the amount of $220,000.00.
Seconded by Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson.
A brief discussion took place regarding this form. Mr. McNaughton and Vice-Chairman Thompson agreed to amend their previous motion.
MOTION: George McNaughton moved to approve the Application for Revolving Loan Funds for the ValleyStreet Sewer Improvements for the amount of $220,000.00 and authorize the Town Manager to be the Authorized Representative and sign the application for the revolving loan fund.
Seconded by Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson.
Vote: 3 Yes, passed unanimously
MOTION: Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson, moved to approve the application for Revolving Loan Funds for Preliminary Engineering Planning, Step 1, of the J&L CSO Sewer and Storm Assessments for the amount of $63,300.00 and authorize the Town Manager to be the Authorized Representative and sign the application for the revolving loan fund.
Seconded by George McNaughton.
Walter Clark, resident, questioned if the owner of the J&L Building, (the Springfield Regional Development Corporation – SRDC), was obligated to provide any financial assistance to the Town. Town Manger Yennerell explained SRDC is fully aware of the project, but they are not required to provide any funding. However, SRDC, has been very helpful and has met with the engineers regarding the design.
Vote: 3 Yes, passed unanimously
MOTION: Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson, moved to adopt the Town of Springfield Resolution for the J&L CSO Sewer and Storm Assessments Preliminary Engineering.
Seconded by George McNaughton.
Chairman Kristi Morris read the resolution out loud.
Walter Clark, resident, wanted to know what the difference was between the last two forms. Chairman Morris stated the previous form was a Revolving Loan Fund for Preliminary Engineering Planning, Step 1 and the form being discussed now is to adopt a Town of Springfield Resolution for the J&L CSO Sewer and Storm Assessments Preliminary Engineering. Comptroller, Jeff Mobus pointed out the main reason for the Resolution is the statement pointing out the Town of Springfield shall incur this indebtedness without public authorization at this time pursuant to Title 24, Chapter 120, Paragraph 4756(e).
Vote: 3 Yes, passed unanimously
ITEM 4: Toonerville Trail Permit – Town Manager Yennerell stated the Town received an application from Nina Honeycutt on behalf of the Honeycutt Family to hold a Fundraising Walk on the Toonerville Trail on Saturday, June 13, 2015 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. The walk is entitled “The 6th Annual Walk for Shriners Hospitals for Children”. Ms. Honeycutt has sponsored this walk for several years and there have been no problems in the past.
MOTION: Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson, moved to approve the Trail Permit for Saturday, June 13, 2015 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM for a fundraising walk entitled, “The 6th Annual Walk for Shriners Hospital for Children”.
Seconded by George McNaughton.
Vote: 3 Yes, passed unanimously.
ITEM 5: Local Emergency Operations Plan Approval – Town Manager Yennerell stated Fire Chief, Russell Thompson has prepared and submitted the Annual Local Emergency Operations Plan. He suggested the Selectboard acknowledge receipt and adopt the Annual Local Emergency Operations Plan and authorized Selectboard Chairman, Kristi Morris to certify the adoption of the plan.
MOTION: Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson, moved to acknowledge receipt and adopt the Annual Local Emergency Operations Plan as submitted.
Seconded by Chairman, Kristi Morris.
Char Osterlund, resident, questioned what the plan was and if the public should know about it. Chairman Morris explained the Local Emergency Operations Plan answers the questions like, whom, what and where. Town Manager Yennerell said the plan would be posted on the Town’s website.
It was pointed out the Annual Local Emergency Operations Plan also needed authorization from the Selectboard Chairman to certify adoption of the plan by signing the plan. Vice-Chairman Thompson and Chairman Morris agreed to amend their previous motion.
MOTION: Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson, moved to acknowledge receipt and adopt the Annual Local Emergency Operations Plan as submitted and authorize the Selectboard Chairman to certify adoption of the plan by signing the plan.
Seconded by Chairman, Kristi Morris.
Vote: 3 Yes, passed unanimously.
ITEM 6: Boards & Appointments – George McNaughton explained at the last meeting of the Springfield Energy Committee held on March 19, 2015, there was quite a lot of discussion and debate with the changes to the Committee. A large majority of the Committee would like to change the composition of the Committee.
MOTION: George McNaughton moved to amend the composition of the Energy Committee by changing the size to eight individuals including the Co-Coordinators and six other persons, no more than two of which may be members of the Springfield Selectboard, who are voting members, and having such number of advisory non-voting members as the Committee shall nominate to the Springfield Selectboard and the Springfield Selectboard shall approve. All members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Selectboard for terms as the Selectboard shall determine in such a manner as to cause the terms to be staggered in their expirations with no terms in excess of three years.
Seconded by Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson.
Town Manager Yennerell asked George McNaughton if he had considered what will happen when there is a tied vote. Mr. McNaughton stated the Board had discussed that very fact and decided if there was a tie, the motion would die. The Board also believes it would be a very high possibility for a tie.
Vote: 3 Yes, passed unanimously.
MOTION: George McNaughton moved to appoint David Yesman for a three, (3), term on the Energy Committee.
Seconded by Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson.
A short discussion followed over who the Committee Members are and length of their terms. It was decided to post the committee members for all of the various Boards and Committees on the Town’s website.
Vote: 3 Yes, passed unanimously.
MOTION: George McNaughton moved to appoint David Yesman and Char Osterlund as Co-Coordinators ofthe Energy Committee.
Seconded by Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson.
Vote: 3 Yes, passed unanimously.
F. OLD BUSINESS:
ITEM_7: Unsafe Buildings Update & Revision – Town Manager Yennerell stated this topic was requested to be on the agenda tonight because of the recent approval of funding that will be available as of July 1, 2015.
From the 2013 List of Properties five, (5), remain on the list. Very shortly two, (2), more will be gone; 9 Furnace Street is a pile of debris and the demo and hauling away of 23 Valley Street will be coordinated with the removal of debris from 9 Furnace Street. The combined demo and disposal cost of both of these buildings is $20,500.00 plus the cost to reduce the cellar hole hazard, which is unknown at this time. This expense was not budgeted for this year.
42- 44 Union Street – a couple of sections still need to be removed.
105 Clinton Street – the owners have appealed the Order. A meeting of appeal has been scheduled for May 11, 2015.
129 Tarbell Road – There is now a new owner as of early March. They were very disappointed to learn about the Demo Order. Town Manager Yennerell has spoken with the new owner and requested a letter explaining what they intend to do with the property. The Selectboard Members were surprised with the news. George McNaughton suggested recording Demo Orders as soon as they are approved by the Selectboard. Town Manager Yennerell explained the new owners do not need permits because they are not changing the footprint of the building and doing the renovations themselves. Chairman Morris wants to decide how to handle this situation once the letter from the new owner is received. George McNaughton wants to request the new owner come before the Selectboard to request an extension of time because of the Demo Order. This debate was discussed for a while. The lack of funding was pointed out. However, by the time the property could be reviewed by a Structural Engineer, it would be later in the year.
188 Wall Street – Demo Order issued on 2/29/2015. The 60 day notice period ends on 4/27/2015.
Town Manager Yennerell moved along to a possible New Building List. Fire Chief, Russell Thompson has visually inspected and/or communicated with owners on the building listed below. These buildings were inspected based upon responses received from Selectboard Members or per Chief Thompson’s recommendations.
69 Park Street Consider demo after a Structural Analysis completion.
57 & 59 Wall Street Allow new owner to renovate.
29 Reed Street Removal or Repair of C/D side porch
15 Furnace Street Consider demo after a Structural Analysis completion
Again the topic of no funding came up. However, as of July 1, 2015 there will be more funds available.
MOTION: George McNaughton moved for the April 27th Selectboard Meeting to prepare paperwork and to designate a Committee of a qualified Structural Engineer, the Fire Chief or a Deputy and the Health Officer or a Deputy to review the buildings at 69 Park Street and 15 Furnace Street.
Seconded by Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson.
Walter Clark, resident, suggested the Town discuss an “Extended Payment Schedule” with Structural Engineer to be paid after July 1, 2015. Comptroller, Jeff Mobus, stated that could not be done because he needs to recognize the expense when the work is actually done.
Vote: 3 Yes, passed unanimously.
George McNaughton questioned the comments for 57 and 59 Wall Street. Town Manager Yennerell stated the new owner shared his schedule of renovations. He plans on renovating 59 Wall Street this year and 57 Wall Street in 2016. Town Manager Yennerell shared the new owner and Fire Chief, Russell Thompson, feel the buildings do not meet demo requirements.
Vice-Chairman Thompson stated the new owner of 57 and 59 Wall Street has not shown much progress on one of his other properties in Town and that concerns her. Chairman Morris suggested asking for benchmarks of his progress regarding 57 and 59 Wall Street.
George McNaughton requested Town Manager Yennerell request Fire Chief, Russell Thompson, to attend the Selectboard Meeting scheduled for April 27, 2015.
George McNaughton stated the building at 29 Reed Street looks like a porch problem. He also shared one of the Neighborhood Alliances requested this property be reviewed.
G. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT: - Chairman Morris stated copies of the Town Manager’s Report and all of the items listed under H. OTHER MINUTES & CORRESPONDENCE could be picked up at the Town Manager’s Office or viewed on the Town’s website.
H. OTHER MINUTES & CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Springfield Energy Committee, Meeting Minutes, February 27, 2015
2. Springfield Energy Committee, Agenda, March 19, 2015
3. Springfield Fire Department, Monthly Report, February 2015
4. Springfield Library Board of Trustees, Agenda, March 9, 2015
5. IMMEDIATE RELEASE, March 16, 2015 – Charlestown Bridge #29801
6. Storm Water Expo 2015 – Entitled: Slowing the Storm Surge – April 18, 2015
Please note comment typed under G. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT.
I. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM PROPOSALS: Chairman Morris asked for future agenda items from the Selectboard Members. George McNaughton reminded everyone there should be a discussion concerning a Code Enforcement Officer. Vice-Chairman Thompson and Chairman Morris did not have any request.
J. CITIZEN’S COMMENTS:
Dick Ambrose, resident, wanted to correct a statement he had made at a previous Selectboard Meeting regarding the State initiative to identify areas where the Black River might change its course and destroy developments. He said that probably the State would not consider the North Springfield Flood Control Dam a guarantee against a flood that could change the course of the river because if my memory was right the spill way had been over topped in the past and could be again in the future. Mr. Ambrose went on to say his memory failed him. There has been flood control dams in the State that have been over topped and he still thinks the North Springfield Flood Control Dam could be over topped. Therefore, the State is probably still not going to consider a guarantee it gets from not flooding downstream. A short discussion between Mr. Ambrose, Chairman Morris, and George McNaughton followed regarding Act 250 and problems that it could make. George McNaughton urged the Town not to slow down and keep after the State.
Walter Clark, resident, was back before the Selectboard and started out by stating, “This was the last time he was going to bring this topic back to the Selectboard”. He asked the Selectboard to consider approaching the Springfield Hospital Board of Directors again regarding the topic of the agreement with the Southern Vermont Recreational Center. Mr. Clark would like the agreement opened up to discuss sharing the funds generated by the Civic Improvement Fund with Town of Springfield. He suggested the funds could be shared with the Parks and Recreation Department of Town, thus sharing the funds with the Tax Payers.
The Board of Selectmen did not make any comments.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: ITEM #8: Law Suit Settlement. The Executive Session was cancelled because there was not a forum of four, (4), members available.
K. ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: George McNaughton moved to close the Selectboard Meeting of Monday, March 23, 2015.
Seconded by Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson.
Vote: 3 Yes, passed unanimously.
Meeting closed at 8:38 PM.
Submitted by:
Donna M. Hall,
Recording Secretary
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Regular Board of Selectmen, March 23, 2015 Minutes Are Not Yet Approved
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