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Town of New Haven Selectmen’s Meeting

7:00 pm Town Clerks Office

Tuesday April 18, 2006

Present: Paul Audy, Burt Allen, Amos Roleau III, Barb Torian

Others: Nina Bacon, Polly Darnell, Candy Davidson, Mike and Christine Dunbar, Gail Smith, Phil Busier, Tim Bouton, Jerry Smiley, Maryann and Harold Tricou, Doug Weber, Susie Leonard, Cris Messerle, Suzy Roorda

AGENDA:  Results

Read and approve minutes make corrections if needed. 

ROADS

• Phil Busier - Would like to carry monies over to next year if there is a surplus – This is already happening.
• Would like to increase his expense amount to $1000.00. – Selectboard O.K.
• Will be getting planks for Rattlin’ Bridge. – Will be ordering – Should check with the State for funding of any repairs and when they plan to do this project. 
• Had tree removed on Twitchell Hill saved boards for the garage. 
• Palmer / Right of way – nothing yet
• Route 17 / East Street intersection – Phil Busier is working on changing the estimate and working out the curb cut with the State.  The intersection to the East will be removed and the intersection to the West will be modified. 
• Culverts – Grant funds will need to be returned. – Phil Busier is working on.
• Munger St. – Trees in road by Freidin / Mud on Road from Stowe Farm. – Phil Busier will take care of it.
• Over Wt . Permits - signed

Katie Reilley has been hired to help with paper work.

NEW BUSINESS  7:30

• Fire Dept. – Dave Heisler – Presented a letter that the Fire Dept. will use to send to home owners when there are driveway issues.  Looks good to Selectboard.  Presented a draft ordinance for lock boxes – Cris Messerle will look over and discuss with the Planning Commission.
• Draft burn permit.  O.K. to get carbonless forms made up after determination of whether an ordinance would be needed.    

Select Board will look into and get back to him.

            Discussion of height requirements for buildings.  Hinesburg is currently looking into purchasing a Fire Truck that will reach tall buildings due to some of the new buildings that have been built in town.

• Sidewalk / Traffic Calming – Susie Leonard project manager and Doug Weber the engineer are here to provide an update on the project and to make sure the Selectboard would like to proceed with the project.  Discussion of turning radius for big trucks  - Trucks would need to use both lanes to make the turn and should not be traveling on Town Hill Road.  Smaller trucks will not have any problem.    Snow removal, sidewalk maintenance – the Road crew has agreed to take it on or will find someone to do it.  Discussion of the road in front of the store being an access road not part of Town Hill Road.  Candy Davidson requested that the sidewalk portion in front of her house be removed.  Agreed to do so.  Discussion of moving the sidewalks 3-5ft away from the road.  Will be looked into and try to do unless cost restrictions are too big in which case they will come back to the Selectboard..  Also requested that the 35 MPH sign be moved further to the West. Will contact the State to move the sign.
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• Mike Dunbar – Zoning issues – Christine and Mike Dunbar are operating Middlebury Fence Co.  They were given a variance by the Zoning Board of Adjustment to operate a home occupation and store materials in the big red barn.  The business has grown very fast.  They would like / need to be in a commercial zone.  Currently in violation of the variance / zoning regulations.  They have outside storage of materials and a retaining wall that are not in compliance.  They are very confused about what direction to go in and what to do next. 

Amos Roleau – This is not a selectboard issue.  Will need to go back to the zoning board.

Planning Commission has said they are not interested in changing the zoning at this point in time. 

Discussion of spot zoning and what would be allowed and what would be illegal for a location to have the zoning changed.

Burt Allen – We know your business has grown and we don’t want to tell you that you have to move.  You might be breaking the law today but that can be fixed.

Cris Messerle – As zoning administrator he has to follow the zoning regulations as they were voted by the town.  There is commercial land available on Route 7.

Amos Roleau – Would like to see the Planning Commission increase the amount of commercial land on Route 7.  The boards should be looking and planning for 50 years in advance.

Suggested that the way to change the zoning district where they are is to petition the town. 

• Nina Bacon – King House – There have been two yes votes and surveys that have directed the board to save the house, she would like to know what the board is planning for the house.  What plans are there for a community center?  265 people voted in favor of the proposal.  There are many different interpretations of why the bond was defeated. 

Burt Allen – There were 3 votes that said no.  Jerry Smiley came to the Selectboard with some drawings for a new one story building. 

Amos Roleau – He has received many phone calls saying that people are not willing to spend money on the King House.  Voice votes have said yea and Australian Ballot votes have said no.

Nina Bacon – Would like to make sure that the Selectboard takes some things into account.  Would like to make sure that a proper valuation of the 1860 house as it is part of the village scape of 22 houses built prior to the 1820’s.  People are paying good money to be part of the historic architecture on main street.  Please do not make a hasty decision on what to do with the house. There are many options  - a private foundation could own and operate something from the house.  Another plan to renovate the house might be approved. 

• Jerry Smiley – has drawings for a potential new building.  Available for viewing at the Town Offices.  Suggest that there be 3 different articles – 1 for the new building: 1 for repairing the foundation to the King House:  1 for the parking.
• Polly Darnell – Library – Since it is late she will plan on going back to the library with the current information.  The Library will be creating a new strategic plan in May.  They continue to be interested in being part of the town project.  Discussion of the Library moving into the King House.
• Al Karnatz – Planning Commission – unable to attend

• Appointments –  No action

Planning Commission    

Energy Coordinator

Conservation Commission

                        Addison County Transit Resource Board

                        Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)

• Tax Anticipation Note – 3.9% $500,000.  Will Arbitrage at  4.75% - Signed

 Warning for special Town Meeting  - Meeting will be held on Thursday May 25th at 7:30.

MISC. Correspondence

• Addison County Regional Planning –  By laws /  Annual Work plan and Budget
• Vermont State – Agency of Natural Resources – Peter Norris – Act 250
• State of Vermont – Rattlin Bridge – Letter putting bridge on hold.
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Addison Eagle – would like to be the paper for Legal notices.

Old Business

VELCO

Dana King House

Pay Orders

Sign Documents

Adjourn:  10:00 pm

Respectfully submitted:

Barbara Torian