Town of New Haven Back to Home
Town Meeting Minutes 2007
245th Annual Town Meeting of New Haven, Vermont
Moderator Lanny Smith introduced himself, the Selectboard: Paul Audy, Burt Allen and Keith Hall and the Town Clerk: Barbara Torian.
The warning was read and a basic overview of how to proceed was presented.
Al Karnatz jokingly commented about making sure the meeting was over by 12 am. Lowell Nottingham asked if he would introduce the candidates running for Select board. Candidates :Lisa Sanchez, Keith Hall and Pat Paquette were introduced.
The meeting was called to order and the warning was read at 5:15 pm
The legal voters of the Town of New Haven are hereby warned and notified to meet at the Town Hall in New Haven, Vermont on Monday March 5th, 2007 at 4:00 pm to act on Articles 1 through 7; and on Tuesday, March 6th, 2007 from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM to vote by Australian Ballot on Articles 8 through 31.
Motion to amend the order of discussion of Article One to later in the meeting. Warren Whitcomb and John Madden. Passed
ARTICLE 2. Shall the Town of New Haven vote to allow the use of vote tabulating machines?
The question was moved and seconded by Pam Marsh and Tim Bouton.
Pam Marsh: Has been a BCA member and Justice of the Peace for many years. With the Help America Vote Act, there is currently grant money available. There might not be later. Ann Watson: Is this the same as a voting machine? Tim Bouton: Do we have to use it for all elections? Dennis Woos: Free is not the best reason to do something.
Keith Hall: We will be told we have to in the future. Bill Barnard: Has heard negative reports about voting machines from past elections in other parts of the country. What is the error rate. Barb Torian: This is a tabulating machine, it functions like a scanner. It is not a voting machine. The machine is not cheap and would need to be programmed. We would only be required to use it for federal elections. Many of the surrounding towns are using them. They appear to be quite accurate. Some towns report problems with miss-feeds and jams. Mary Pratt: There would still be a paper trail. Yes. Discussion of how will we know if the count is accurate. Many spoke of enjoying the community spirit of counting votes but that the tabulator is probably more efficient and a time saver.
Passed
5:45 The meeting was recessed until 7:00 pm for dinner.
The meeting was re-opened at 7:00 pm
ARTICLE 1. Shall the voters of the Town of New Haven vote to allow all future questions regarding the Dana–King house (located at 116 North Street) to be voted by Australian Ballot?
Sue Ford moved the question. Suzy Roorda seconded. Tim Bouton: Wondered what the select board was trying to ask. Paul Audy: Would like to have an opportunity for the whole town to have a say on the topic. Sue Ford: What is the status of the King house? Lanny Smith: Would like to discuss the topic under other business. Eldon Sherwin: Would we have to have a special meeting with a second day to vote? Yes. Rick Shappy: Would like to see people make an informed decision rather than vote by Australian ballot. Hopes people will vote against. Linda Horn: How much does it cost to hold an election. Barb Torian: Between $200.00 and $1000.00. Poll workers are paid $5.00 per hour. Ballot counters are paid $10.00. Ballots cost $100.00 or so to be printed. Nina Bacon: There are too many variables, how can we decide without a discussion. This is a complex subject. How can this work. Keith Hall: There are strong feelings about the house. We have heard burn it – tear it down – It is a historic building we should keep it. Jerry Smiley has been drawing a plan for a new building. The board would like to know what people want to do with the house before spending more money in another direction. Roger Boise: We have voted on the house several times it is a dead issue. We need to let the select board move on. They have been talking about a questionnaire to determine what to do. It is no good to discuss, should be voted on by Australian ballot. Susie Leonard: Wondered if this would include minor repairs / maintenance or would this only be for big items? This would not be for minor repairs. Kathy Barrett: Is this only the house? Yes only the house. Ann Watson spoke in favor of voting at Town Meeting. Andy Dykstra spoke in favor of everyone having a chance when the polls are open for 12 hours. Fred Napoleon spoke of the hassle over how to vote for the last few years and there are still plenty of people here. More discussion. Tim Bouton Would like to amend the article to say the Dana King house property. George Jaeger seconded. This would not include items in the budget or minor repairs. Show of hands 97 yes 35 no.
Passed as amended.
ARTICLE 3. Should the Town of New Haven expand the size of the Selectboard
from three (3) to five (5) members effective in March, 2008?
Linda Horn and Don Perdue moved the question. Linda Horn: Appreciates the job that
the select board does. It is a huge job and people get burnt out. She hopes that
people will vote to increase the size of the board. Larry Maier: What does the select
board think? Burt Allen: If 3 can’t do it in 2 ½ to 3 hours 5 will take twice as long. Keith
Hall: Has worked on many boards of various sizes. Either way is O.K. with him.
Jim Gallott: How would we vote on this? Lanny Smith: terms would be staggered.
Would start next year. Paul Audy: The article could be amended anyway you would
like. Paul Horn: We discussed this 10 years ago and it was only defeated by a few
votes. This is not just about showing up for a meeting, there are lots of things to do.
None of the boards that went to five have gone back to three. Dave Peck: Where did
this question start? Susie Leonard: Signed a petition. The select board has a steep
work load. It would be good to divide it up. Nina Bacon: Do you have help paid or
unpaid? How does work get done prior to meetings? Is the select board able to do the
work? Paul Audy: The Town Clerk has done most of the work in the past. Now we
have hired Pam Kingman to do the mail, agenda and minutes. Keith Hall has done a
lot, being retired he has more time. It can be demanding at times, I’m sure one could
put in as much time as they had and were willing to spend. Andy Dykstra: Has been on
the board before. With five you will have five different ideas, it might be hard to make
a decision. What if only four show up you would have a tie vote. Leave it as it is.
Margaret Carothers: If three can’t do the work. Would it not be easier with five. She
remembers a VELCO meeting when Amos was not there and the board couldn’t
function. She can’t believe that five ideas are not better than three when intelligent
people discuss ideas. Kathy Barrett called the question.
Passed
ARTICLE 4. Shall the voters of the Town of New Haven vote to increase the
Veterans exemption from $10,000.00 to $40,000.00?
Jim Gallott and Kathy Barrett moved the question. Jim Gallott What does this mean.
Barb Torian explained that this was for veterans who are more than 50% disabled. The
amount of the exemption would come off the appraisal of the property.
This would be the same for a spouse. Linda Horn: We owe it to our veterans. Vote in
favor.
Passed
ARTICLE 5. Shall the Town of New Haven vote to pay real estate taxes to the
Town Treasurer on October 1, 2007; delinquent taxes will be subject
to interest charges of one percent per month, and an eight percent
penalty charged against them from October 1, 2007?
Moved by by several people. No discussion.
Passed
ARTICLE 6. Shall the voters of the Town of New Haven accept the Auditor’s Report for the year 2006?
Moved by Sue Ford and Suzy Roorda. Suzy Roorda: The auditors did a great job. They put a lot of time in and made sure it is accurate. It’s a good town report.
Accepted
ARTICLE 7. To transact, vote and act upon any further non-binding business, which may legally come before this meeting.
Marie Jewett is a write in candidate for Beeman School director.
Pam Marsh: Looking for a Library Trustee.
Discussion of when to start Town Meeting. 57 people at 4:00 pm 85 around 5:15 and 157 at 7 pm.
The Town will be first next year.
The break for dinner was too long.
John Peters: You set the time and we’ll complain. Laughter.
Discussion starting at 5 would be better. Some don’t get out of work until 5 can’t get here until 6 pm. Most people like the idea of a dinner and agree that 4 pm might be too early.
Keith Hall: Has been looking into options for the Dana-King House. He has spoken with salvage people, realtors, and movers. He has found a person who is interested in taking the house. She has 15 acres and would pay to have it moved. She would build a cellar, keep it in good repair and would be willing to open the house for historical review occasionally. Town would get $1.00. Deb Fortier: I love the house and I can’t see it not being used. This would be a win win situation. Rick Shappy: Would like to see the house reused. We have a fare amount of money invested in it. Would there be stipulations about town use of the house? Not sure this is a good idea. What about auction. The house has some value. Not apposed to the idea, but would like more information. Lots of discussion about the value of the house and that this would be a good compromise. Discussion of the house dragging the office issue down. Discussion about the value and maybe the historical society would like to do something with the house. Discussion: Don’t get rid of the house until can compare other options. Jerry Smiley has been working on a proposal for new offices and library that priced out around 1 million. Previous plan was 1.3 million. More discussion,
Russ Reilly: Addison County United Way survey, please fill out, they are trying to determine needs for the area.
ARTICLE 8. To elect the following Town Officers by Australian Ballot:
Auditor 3 years
Beeman School Director 3 years
Delinquent Tax Collector 1 year
Grand Jurors (2) 1 year
Library Trustee 3 years
Lister 3 years
Moderator 1 year
Mt. Abe School Director 2 Years
Selectman 3 years
Town Agent 1 year
Town Clerk 3 year
Town Treasurer 3 year
Trustee of Public Funds 1 year
Candidates for select board were introduced. Pat Paquette, Lisa Sanchez and Keith Hall.
ARTICLE 9. Shall the voters of the Town of New Haven vote to spend up to $5,000.00 from the Computer Fund to network the office computers? By Australian Ballot.
No discussion
ARTICLE 10. Shall the Town vote to appropriate $25,000.00 to be added to the Truck Replacement Fund for the Fire Department? By Australian Ballot.
Mike Dykstra, Fire Chief: Thanked the town for all their support at the Dog Team fire everyone brought food and drink; And for coming to all their fundraisers.
Burt Allen: Applauded the fire department for doing a good job.
ARTICLE 11. Shall the voters of the Town of New Haven adopt the proposed Road Fund Budget in the amount of $1,097,685.65 a portion thereof in the amount of $586,272.71 to be raised by taxes, for the purpose of maintaining town roads for the year 2007? By Australian Ballot.
Warren Whitcomb: Spoke of a time when Plank Road was in need of being graded, when he asked where the grader was he was told that it was in Panton. Why was our grader in Panton? Did an operator go with it? Are we insured? What is the liability? Was the grader in good shape when it came back? No it came back with an injector that needed to be repaired, which would have cost around $395.00 if it had been fixed then. Burt Allen: It was an O ring hydraulic leak. The grader is up at “Woods” getting repaired. He does not have an estimate for the repair.
Warren Whitcomb: Called “Woods” and was told it was going to cost $7,500.00 to repair the grader. The roads are not being overseen properly. The board should appoint someone to do so. They need to check in first thing in the morning and set a work schedule. The costs are out of control. Need to have a manager for the roads.
Burt Allen: Panton’s grader was down and we were asked to help grade their roads. They helped us with their tandem truck. More discussion of the roads being out of control. Pam Marsh: Spoke of there being a huge increase in the road budget this year. And wondered if any of that money might be used to finish Twitchell Hill Road which she has been requesting for over a year. Paul Audy: Most of the money is being funded by grants the increase is actually only 1.8 %. Tim Bouton: Discussed money about the other projects and why there was money proposed for projects that weren’t listed. Can’t see how we have time to do more projects and what is the money for? Discussion of conveyor - will be used for moving sand in the shed. Rick Shappy: concerned about the Bristol gravel pit and the edge of the pit is getting very close to where the high school sits. What is our liability for the school if there is a major washout. Where, when and how will it end. Lanny Smith: There is so much gravel under the high school that is valuable. If it ever got to the point that the school was in danger, we could sell the land that the school is on for gravel and there would be more than enough money to purchase another piece of land and build a new school. Rick Shappy: Also concerned about the road caving in. Lanny Smith: didn’t think it would be a problem. Dean Gilmore: Wondered if New Haven has complied with the the State requirements to inventory culverts and road surfacing. The State funding will go up to 90%, when that is complete Burt Allen: Yes. More discussion on the grader being in Panton. Denise Martin: Wondered who will be maintaining the sidewalks from that project. Earl Bessette: Who took care of the old sidewalks? Randy Boise: Discussion about who makes certain decisions – cutting edges for $20,000.00 is this made by the Selectboard or someone else? Paul Audy: Everything has to be approved by the Selectboard. Dean Gilmore: Inquired about the $26,000.00 in the budget for the 99 International truck. Paul Audy: New body for truck. Dean Gilmore: Why doesn’t this come out of the equipment fund? Paul Audy: Would like to build up the equipment fund.
ARTICLE 12. Shall the voters of the Town of New Haven vote to adopt the proposed General Fund Budget in the amount of $510,142.63 a portion thereof in the amount of $257,878.12 to be raised by taxes. This amount to be increased by any additional monies voted affirmatively by other articles of this Annual Meeting or voted affirmatively by Australian ballot on March 6, 2007. Tax rate to be determined by the Selectboard. By Australian Ballot.
Karen Gallott: What are the miscellaneous items for the generator for $2,000.00. Paul Audy: Didn’t finish everything last year. Karen Gallott: Discussion about the computer fund. Seems to be a rather generous amount. Thinks we should lower it. John Peters: spoke about the changes in the office and the cost of technology. This article is really quite low. Should have been more like $7,500.00. The remaining members of the technology committee have requested that the select board continue to put money in this fund. The way things are going it is good to have enough money to fund a new system. Discussion on networking computers, and how secure documents and information are as technology continues to advance. Would like to increase the funds available and have a reasonable amount set aside. The proposal for networking has been read and reviewed. Kathy Barrett: Commented on the increase in payroll for the Town offices, seems high.
ARTICLE 13. Shall the Town of New Haven amend the future land use map of the Town Plan to include a portion of lands along Ethan Allen Highway (U.S. Route 7) described as follows: beginning on the westerly side of Ethan Allen Highway at a point 800’ (eight hundred feet) north of the New Haven River continuing northerly for a distance of 1955’ (one thousand, nine hundred fifty-five feet), thence westerly along the surveyed line of Town Map number 12 Parcel number 689 for a distance of only 342’ (three hundred forty-two feet), thence southerly keeping the line located 200’ (two hundred feet), easterly from Dog Team Road (keeps housing area intact) through Parcel numbers 689, 688 and 687, thence returning easterly along the southern boundary of Parcel number 687 back to the point of beginning; in the highway commercial district. Keeping 200’ deep along Dog Team Road in the RA-2 District? By Australian Ballot.
Christine Dunbar petitioned the article. Described the area where they want to have zoning changed and offered maps of the property for viewing. Presented the situation and steps involved so far. How they had been to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment. Mike Dunbar: Spoke of the process they have been through and that they are working with different boards to try to make this work. Jim Gallott: Strongly opposed the article, but not to the Dunbar’s. He is concerned that a blanket change to hwy commercial would then allow anything to be at that location. What will the future would hold for the town if this is allowed. Are there other ways to allow the Dunbar’s to be a home based business? Zoning should not be changed because you want to be nice to someone. This would be a permanent change to the highway commercial district. Dean Percival: Is 100% for business and 200% for small business but was worried about the future and the potential for law suits. This would be spot zoning, and others will be able to do the same thing. There is a right way to do this, but don’t approve this article. Al Karnatz: Passed out maps of property for better understanding. Introduced the members of the Planning Commission and thanked people for coming to the public hearings. More discussion of other options for the Dunbar’s. Eugene Charlebois: Stated that there have been businesses in that location before and didn’t understand why the Dunbar’s should be different. Are they looking out for everyone or just themselves. Nina Bacon: Talked about restrictions and conditions and whether the Dunbar’s have met regulations for the log cabin they built. Mike Dunbar: The building has met regulations as it was to replace a previous building. The use of the building is in question, if it were to be used as an office it would need to be attached to the house. Discussion on spot zoning and how many other people are going to want to change the zoning where they own property. Nina Bacon: Worried about there being too much commercial business on Rt 7. Denise Martin: Discussion on playground and how it was all the small businesses in New Haven that came forward and donated time, supplies and employee help. Businesses help pay the taxes. Larry Maier: Wants to avoid Shelburne Road syndrome, but wants small businesses, but that it is unfair to operate under a set of rules that aren’t solid. Julie Olson: Discussion on regulations – are they clear or loosey goosey. Need more clarity. Milo Schaefer: Discussion on Rt 7 and development of scenic byway. Taxes will not go down if there are more commercial properties. Need to find a place for new businesses and a way to contain them. Paul Audy: called to close discussion. Seconded by Susie Leonard. Yes 39. No 26. Lanny Smith: Not enough to stop the discussion, debate still open. Francine Caccavo: These are all important issues, each project should be on its own merit. John Madden: More discussion on regulations. Steve Dupoise: If they can’t use Rt 7 for their business then how much will it cost the Town to take care of roads etc that they will be using. Paul Meacham: No where in New Haven that you can have a small business. Town needs to be able to provide guidance. John Madden: Discussion on using the junction for any new businesses as there is space there. Susannah McCandless: called to close discussion.
There was no discussion on the following articles:
ARTICLE 14. Shall the Town appropriate $1,700.00 for the Addison County Community Action Group? By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 15. Shall the Town appropriate $1,753.25 for the Addison County Home Health and Hospice, Inc.? By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 16. Shall the Town appropriate $1,800.00 for the Addison County Parent/Child Center? By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 17. Shall the Town appropriate $500.00 for the Bristol Family Center?
By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 18. Will the Town of New Haven vote $2,200.00 to be paid to the Bristol Parks, Arts and Recreation Department for support of its programs, including the Pottery Studio, Skate Park, Bike Park, Ice Rink and The Hub/Youth Center, which have been found to serve the Five Town area? Said sum to come from the General Fund. By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 19. Shall the Town appropriate $2,000.00 for the Bristol Rescue Squad? By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 20. Shall the Town of New Haven appropriate $700.00 for the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging? By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 21. Shall the Town appropriate $1,750.00 for the Counseling Service of Addison County? By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 22. Shall the Town appropriate $700.00 for the Elderly Services Inc.?
By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 23. Shall the Town appropriate $400.00 for the Hospice Volunteer Services? By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 24. Shall the Town appropriate $1,075.00 for the John W. Graham Emergency Shelter Services, Inc.? By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 25. Shall the Town appropriate $887.00 for the Middlebury Volunteer Ambulance Association Inc.? By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 26. Shall the Town appropriate $500.00 for the Open Door Clinic?
By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 27. Shall the Town appropriate $390.00 for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program? By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 28. Shall the Town appropriate $300.00 for the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad, Inc? By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 29. Shall the Town appropriate $525.00 for Vermont Adult Learning?
By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 30. Shall the Town appropriate $215.00 for the Vermont Center for Independent Living? By Australian Ballot.
ARTICLE 31. Will the Town of New Haven appropriate the sum of $800.00 to WomanSafe, Inc. to support their mission to: work toward the elimination of physical, sexual and emotional violence against woman and their children through direct service, education and social change? Said sum to come from General Funds. By Australian Ballot.
Motion to adjourn. Adjourn 10:00 p.m.