Town of Vernon, Vermont

Accepted as Printed: _____________
Accepted as Corrected: ___________

VERNON SELECTBOARD MEETING
JUNE 16, 2008

MEMBERS PRESENT:                   OTHERS PRESENT:          OTHERS PRESENT:
Robert Miller Jr                                 Cindy Turnley 7:50     David Rinfret 7:20
Mike Ball                                            Kevin Turnley 7:50                Nancy Durborow
Michael Courtemanche                    Tom Hendricks Sr.
Chris Howe                                        David Andrews                      Eleanor Allen
Annette Roydon                                 Sally Brassor             Tom Fox 7:25 PM                                                                             Frank Wetherby                     Tom Hendricks Jr.
Susan Miller

At 6:30 PM Chair Robert Miller called the meeting to order and following the Pledge of Allegiance welcomed those present:

MINUTE(S) APPROVAL
June 02, 2008 - Page 2 Fire Department up-date should read “Town Counsel “
Page 4 should say “Rescue 1 not available “
Page 6 “Tires not tire”.

CHRIS HOWE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF JUNE 2, 2008 WITH CORRECTIONS MADE. Mike Ball seconded. MOTION PASSED.

TREASURER – Bills and Warrants
Chris Howe expressed concern with the SS Auto bill, that there was a discrepancy in the figures of the bid and the actual bill figures. Chairman Miller explained that there was an unseen problem with removing a bolt and that accounted for the extra. MIKE BALL MADE A MOTION TO PAY THE NEW AMOUNT OF $2973.48 TO SS AUTO FOR THE WORK DONE TO THE DODGE DAKOTA PICK-UP TRUCK. Chris Howe seconded. MOTION PASSED.

CHRIS HOWE MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE AND SIGN THE FOLLOWING BILLS AND WARRANTS: #27SG; #24S; AND #25S. Mike Ball seconded. MOTION PASSED.

were short staffed; however, June 25th they are bringing on a new person who could do this. It would take a couple of months to bring the new person on board. Joe Little gave Sally a company’s name out of Boston, Olney Associates (John Butzel) and VLCT recommended Harry Snyder from Professionals In-Tune out of Burlington Vermont. Sally has contacted both companies and informed them as to what the town is looking for, and has e-mailed them 2 spreadsheets of our employees pay and where they are on the grid to date, the newest grid and also the grid from 1993. Sally told them she would like them to have an initial meeting with the board and the employees, and also to come and interview employees about their jobs to get a feel and understanding about each position.

Treasurer Brassor reminded the board that they awarded the employees the COLA raise for this year starting July 1st and asked if it is the Board’s pleasure to implement these on July 1st rather than wait for the pay-grid to be compiled and approved. Mike Ball felt that the employees should not have to wait because of the board’s inefficiency in getting this done. MIKE BALL MADE THE MOTION TO AWARD COLA INCREASES JULY 1ST TO THE EMPLOYEES. Chris Howe seconded. MOTION PASSED. More Discussion Followed.

Chairman Miller spoke to the audience that this pay grid project is not necessarily to give anybody a huge raise, but rather to give the board a starting point so when raise time does come around, the board has an up-dated grid and baseline to work from. Discussion Followed
Treasurer Brassor stated that this will be an objective fair way to deal with salaries within the Town. David Andrews addressed the board to recommend that there should be a liaison from the board working on this and all of the work should not fall onto the Treasurer. Mike Ball and Chris Howe volunteered to work with both the Treasurer and the company that will be hired to complete this project.

PACKAGE INSURANCE
While e-mailing back and forth between VLCT and the Richards Group, Sally feels that the ultimate decision of which company to go with is the Board’s. Mike Courtemanche called VLCT about the opinions that Massamont had sent to the town concerning Vernon going with VLCT. Since VLCT was very concerned with the things Massamont was stating about VLCT’s program they are planning to forward Massamont’s opinions on to the Vermont Department of Banking and Insurance Securities. VLCT was concerned and wanted the board to note that Massamont was only providing $100,000.00 for Personnel Liability Defense Costs and that this needed to be rectified no matter who the town goes with for a carrier as most cases today cost the town between $200,000.00 to $300,000.00 dollars. Discussion Followed. Richards lowered the premiums first presented, after their discussion with Treasurer Brassor about what VLCT was offering, by $13,000.00. Annette Roydon noted to remember that with PACIF VLCT there are many free perks that Richards doesn’t offer.

ANNETTE ROYDON MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT VLCT PACIF INSURANCE PACKAGE FOR THE TOWN OF VERNON. Mike Ball seconded. MOTION PASSED.

Treasurer Brassor stated that she had received the bill already for the Select Board room’s new tables ordered from CSN Stores through Google. Sally called about the order and they explained that Google monies are required up-front and then the vendor is paid and the item shipped. Delivery is to be July 1st to 22nd. CSN explained that we could cancel the order through Google and then order directly through the store. Discussion Followed. Purchasing the table has already been approved by the previous motion of the bills and warrants.

Highway Department – David Walker
Paving Bids
David Walker presented the board with the following bids :
          Tri-State Asphalt Sealing Inc. - $4,158.00
                      Cleaning cracks of dirt and sealing the Hot Applied Sealant #3405 crack
                       filler. From intersection of Pond Rd and Newton Rd. to the new asphalt change.

All State Asphalt Inc. – Asphalt rubber surface treatment. Newton Road
$3.90 per square yard –Newton Rd 14,198 Square Yards - $55,372.20
Noting that only one vendor replied to both bids, Mike Ball read the bid policy clarifying that David Walker had tried to meet the requirements of the bid policy to the best of his ability and that the intent of the policy was satisfied. Discussion Followed.

MIKE BALL MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE BID FROM TRI-STATE ASPHALT SEALING INC. FOR CLEANING AND FILLING CRACKS TO THE DESIGNATED AREA FOR $4,158.00. AND TO ALSO ACCEPT THE BID FROM ALL STATES ASPHALT INC. FOR $55,372.20. Mike Courtermanche seconded THE MOTION CARRIED.

Sak Road- Road Commissioner Walker
Road Commissioner Walker had spoken with Steve Zaluzny about Sak Road. David said in order to keep trucks off the road and to set overweight requirements, an ACT 250 renewal would need to be obtained on SaK Rd. David Walker said we would have to contact VLCT on the verbiage to use to post the road and it would have to be up-dated every year.
Road Commisioner Walker stated the second thing we could do is get Zaluzny’s to help bring the road up to specs for trucks to drive on it. Discussion Followed.
Chairman Miller stated that the residents on the road do not want trucks to be coming and going on it. Chris Howe questioned if the road would be brought down, as the middle is humped up, David Walker said he would fill the ditches with stones. Mike Ball asked if the road would be brought up to the town’s specifications and policies. Chairman Miller said that he had put off talking to the residents until he knew exactly what direction the board would be going with this.

David stated there would need to be a fifty foot right of way. Chairman Miller said he would proceed and bring the information back to the town and would also, at Annette Roydon’s request, talk to the Farmland Committee about a field on Sak Rd.

FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATE – SOPS AND REVIEW PROCESS

Annette first asked Chief Tom Fox if he was set with the meeting Wednesday night with Connie Faulkner for the CPR training. She also noted that it would now be held at the Town Office downstairs, not the Fire Department, at 6:30 P.M.

David Andrews reported on the progress of implementing the new Fire Department \Association. Mike Ball spoke of his concern that they were moving too fast and he was interested in building community with this change and that maybe they would lose people on the way. David Andrews explained that they had a time line for implementation which was more of a task line. David explained that they had their first meeting with the fire company on June 12th and covered the first round of SOPs and that they were very well received. The firemen have until July 3rd to bring back their written comments with their names on them for discussion and then to be presented to the board at the meeting of July 7th.
Chief Tom Fox and David Andrews had to leave for a Fire Call. This was tabled until their return.

JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Chris Howe started by going over her recommendations for changes. Chris also stated that she in no way had intended for any of these Job Descriptions to be approved at this meeting, she said they needed to be gone over by department heads and then discussed by the board.
Chris started with the Recreation Assistant – Rec-Director Seth Deyo relayed to her that by law the pre-school directors need to have certification from the state. The present Director and Assistant now are grandfathered, and are receiving the required training for their certification. It should be job specific.
Police Department - Polygraph testing and also Psych consult be added to Police Department job requirements.
Custodian – Job Title had been changed June 21, 2005 to Maintenance Foreman and after discussion his assistant will be Maintenance Assistant.
Selectboard Secretary – Chris suggested that this position had been stated in the description to be part-time hourly and so should be that. More discussion followed. Chris wanted clearly for people to understand that her suggestions were in no way meant to be personal but that the board at this time was cleaning up the job descriptions and this had to be also. Mike Ball stated that the position had never meant to be a salaried position. Treasurer Brassor said that it would be easiest to pay as they are now thru June 30th and then move to hourly pay beginning with the new fiscal year July 1, 2008,

Chris Howe stated that she had looked through the minutes to find where the Board had changed job title to Administrative Assistant and that there had never been a motion made to that or discussion in the minutes. Discussion Followed.

Chris Howe said that she thought that the SelectBoard Secretary should be the one to notify individuals who were on the meeting’s agenda to attend and tell them what they were coming for. Discussion Followed. Annette Roydon stated that she felt that the board member who was bringing someone to the agenda should be the notifying party. After discussion it was thought to be a joint effort and that the Selectboard secretary would be directed to notify individuals on the agenda by request of the board.
Chris asked that the ability to construct professional business letters and send them should be added. Chris stated that was all the recommendations she had.

Mike Ball’s recommendations- Director of Recreation, page 2, third down, “living in town or make a reasonable effort to do so” should be stricken.
Mike Courtemanche said he saw a lot of things in the job descriptions that would fit better in the Personnel Policy handbook which he would like to see done over again. He brought a copy of Brattleboro’s Personnel Policy which he believes is very comprehensive and that being said, a lot of this stuff could be in the personnel policy handbook rather then duplicating verbiage in the Job Descriptions and therefore be a lot more job specific.

Chris Howe stated maybe everybody that can, be on hourly pay and it should be implemented with the use of time clocks. Chief Turnley said that it wouldn’t work for the Police Department. Chris answered that for some it wouldn’t work. Discussion Followed. Mike Ball stated that if nothing is happening right now to warrant the use of time clocks, why fix the system if it isn’t broken? Chairman Miller suggested that this be spoken to at another meeting. Much Discussion Followed. Mike Ball stated that the personnel policy should state who are to be State Reporters and who should have background checks. ANNETTE ROYDON MADE THE MOTION TO PASS OVER THE JOB DESCRIPTIONS TO THE JULY 21ST MEETING WITH DEPARTMENT HEADS. Chris Howe seconded. MOTION PASSED.

DAVID RINFRET – ACT 250 VIOLATION COMPLAINT
Mr. Rinfret apologized for his letter to the board about the operation of Cersosimo’s Gravel Pit and the fact that he hasn’t been able to follow through with this letter until now. It is not the gravel pit that bothers him it is the operation of the pit that has been a hardship to his family. He stated that he wished the board would become more involved with any more activity that is going to be happening there, and should give more consideration to its residents and how these things will affect them. Mike Ball stated that he was familiar with this project and was on a previous board that had dealt with Cersosimo. Mike Ball stated that they had never put in row of trees to form a wind break that was a requirement of their permit, and he was concerned that Cersosimo had not followed through with all of its requirements as stated in the permit.

Mike said they should acquire a history of the permits that have been issued and any amendments made to them. Mr Rinfret stated that he was not aware that any of the requirements as presented in the original permitting had been followed through.
Mr. Rinfret stated that he believed back in the beginning that the original board had been influenced to change OSHA regulations and open pit and quarry requirements. Mike Ball said that he wanted to make sure Cersosimo was held accountable for what they had done and had not done according to the Act 250 requirements. Discussion Followed. Bob Miller stated he will get information together on Act 250 permits obtained by Cersosimo regarding this area. Mike Ball and Bob Miller will work together checking the permitting on this area.

POLICE DEPARTMENT – TOM HENDRICKS, OFFICER BRUCE GAULD AND CHIEF TURNLEY
Tom Hendricks apologized for once again bringing this matter to the Selectboard time and time again; he doesn’t feel that his issue is being processed in a timely manner. Mr. Hendricks stated he feels it is highly unprofessional for officers in the town to go around discussing charges that haven’t been met; he feels his rights under law have not been upheld.
Mr. Hendricks stated that the wheels seemed to have fallen off from the Police Department and something needs to be done about this situation. Hendricks stated that the letter from Chief Turnley had not gotten to him in a timely manner and he couldn’t believe he had been charged while the investigation is still going on. Chief Turnley stated that there had been two investigations that had come out of this incident, April 23, 2008. On May 24, 2008 Chief Turnley sent a letter to Mr. Hendricks referencing the investigation that was going on and that additional interviews would be needed before his conclusion to this investigation. Also Mr. Hendricks was querying about the criminal complaint stemming out of the same incident of April 23, 2008. Chief Turnley stated that as of 5:00 P.M today he had finished his investigation on an officer’s conduct. Mike Ball stated that what they are talking about is that Chief Turnley gives the perception that things aren’t getting done in the police department because there is a delay in the process and that puts the department in a bad light. Chief Turnley stated that ideally he would like it all to get done in a timely fashion but it doesn’t always work like that. Mike Ball stated that the perception Chief Turnley has put out to the public and Mr. Hendricks, is that nothing is getting done, because the Police Department hasn’t given forth any communication to Mr. Hendricks or the Board and the fact the public’s perception of the police department and their confidence has been affected. Discussion followed. Tom Hendricks questioned about the missing car. Mike Ball questioned Chief Turnley if he had reported the car missing, put out an APB and followed the correct procedures. Chief Turnley said that he had done all that, however he didn’t have any idea where the car was. Chief Turnley and Chairman Miller will meet Wednesday to discuss this further.

Chief Kevin Turnley
Chief Turnley asked that the Board allow him to open up the hiring process again. JJ Jones has resigned. We do have personnel in training still. Chief Turnley stated he would like to offer $16.00/hr for the pre-probationary time. MIKE BALL MADE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE CHIEF TURNLEY TO OPEN UP THE HIRING PROCESS AND IF HE FINDS A FULLY CERTIFIED PERSON THAT COMPLIES WITH THE VT CRIMINAL JUSTICE COUNCIL, HE IS AUTHORIZED BY THE SELECTBOARD TO HIRE HIM IMMEDIATELY FOR $16.00/HR. PRE-PROBATIONARY PERIOD AND $17.00 AFTER, AND HE SHOULD BRING BACK THE OTHER PERSON WHOM HE IS PROPOSING TO HIRE AT A LATER DATE. Annette Roydon is concerned that in the past there had been a police liaison in the police hiring process and she is a little hesitant to not have a select board liaison not meet this person. Mike Ball read from the appointment roster that he and Bob Miller are the liason individuals to the Police Department. MIKE BALL AGREED TO ACCEPT THIS AS A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT. Chris Howe seconded. MOTION PASSED.

CHRIS HOWE MADE THE MOTION AT 9:10 P.M TO BREAK FOR 10 MINUTES. Annette Roydon seconded. MOTION PASSED

MEETING RESUMED AT 9:20 P.M.

Annette Roydon asked Chief Turnley why the Police Report was not in the last issue of the Vernon Newspaper and that Vernon residents like to know what their police department is doing. Chief Turnley noted that with the other work being done in his office there hadn’t been time to get a report together, he hoped to in the next issue.

ANNETTE ROYDON MADE THE MOTION TO GO TO UNFINISHED BUSINESS POSTPONING PERSONNEL AGENDA ITEM TO THE MEETING OF JULY 21, 2008. Mike Ball seconded. THE MOTION PASSED.

CHIEF TOM FOX AND DAVID ANDREWS RETURNED.
FIRE DEPATMENT UPDATE RESUMED.
David Andrews went over the working Task Line with the board and it is as follows barring any glitches or set-backs.

June 12th – First round of S.O.Ps Fire Mtg.
July 3rd - Comments written and signed.
July 7th- Comments brought to board for review.
Physically working the next three weeks to update security at the Fire Station and install new keypad.

July 8th – 2nd round of S.O.P’s Fire Mtg. - Comment time for members - August 4th to the Board.

July 24th 3rd round of S.O.P’s Fire Mtg. - Comment time for members -. August 18th to the Board

June 30th – July 5th Perform interviews for Assistant Chief Fire - Bring to the Board July 7th Meeting candidates name.

Next two weeks fill the other officer’s positions. August 13th thru 19th assess Fire Companies Assets.
JULY 20th – AUGUST 9th File Documents with the State to initiate Vernon Fire Association.
August 5th – Meet with Fire Company-resolve remaining issues.
August 28th – Present New Officers to the Department
August 31st – Move to Fire Department/ Association
Mike Ball was surprised of the presentation of the officers to the board, he would like to only have the Chief report to the board and the rest of the officers should be picked by the Fire Chief only at his discretion. Discussion Followed. David Andrews noted the Board had requested this roster to be presented back to the Selectboard. Chris Howe noted to share it with the Board is a purely introductory procedure as the decisions are ultimately the Fire Chief’s.

Chris Howe stated that she received an e-mail regarding the lawn mowing at the Fire Department. Chris had them looked up in the minutes and it was noted that Chief Parker felt it was the responsibility of the Fire Company. David Andrews noted that the Fire Company was no-longer, so the motion was not still in order. Chris stated that the Fire Department should be responsible and the Selectboard should ratify the previous decision to that. Much discussion Followed. There has been money found by Treasurer Brassor to buy a new mower in three different places. Chris Howe reported she had spoken with Howe’s Lawn Care would charge $45.00 per mowing. More discussion followed. David Andrews asked if anyone knew what the school was doing with their old mower as they had just purchased a new one. Annette Roydon said that she had a Poulin Riding Lawnmower that she would give to the Fire Department, and maybe Bob could do some minor repairs and then bring it to the Fire Station. Chairman Miller said that he spoke to some of the fireman and that if they had a lawnmower they would mow the lawn.

David Andrews stated that the AED that has been purchased for the school / rec area is here and that the one for the recreation area needs to be positioned there, before the Town Picnic, as a large crowd is expected. Invoice has been received and given to Sally to process it through. David Andrews also said he had sent e-mails to the board as to the status of AED’s in the police department. Chairman Miller stated that they had two, but now they actually only have one. Mike Ball urged the need to have some formality here to come from the people who have the knowledge and are experts in this arena. The AEDS, the public access defibrillators that are coming through district 13 come under the license of the medical advisor for the district Dr. Backus. JJ Wheeldon is the Head of Service for the Fire Department and is the rep to District 13 and is knowledgeable about the common communications that have occurred with AED’s and the responsibility that the district has put on Public Access Defibrillators, so Mike feels JJ should be the one coordinating the Defibrillators within the town. More Discussion Followed.

David Andrews stated that the Police Department knew they had no functioning AEDs and had not made the Selectboard aware of it. JJ was not made aware of it. The Chief went to Rescue Inc to see what was wrong with them: one was fixed and brought back to the department and the dead unit was left. Connie Faulkner called to see what to do with the dead one that she had her office for some time. David Andrews brought it back to the Chief. There had been no communications with the Chief or the town that they only had one working at the Police Department. Mike felt if it was JJ’s responsibility for the AEDs in town the problem with the ones at the Police Department would never have happened. He would be doing periodic tests of these. Discussion Followed. At this point David Andrews stated that the conversation he had with the Police Chief is that he wanted to get back to having two AEDs. David Andrews asked if the AED that is in the Fire Chiefs office should be given to the police department. Mike Ball still feels there should be one person that should be responsible for the AEDs. More discussion followed, The Police Chief stated to David Andrews he wanted the AED but did not have enough money in his budget to pay for it, and the fire department had paid for it and would be expected to be re-imbursed by the police department. Chairman Miller stated that the Police Department does have enough money in their budget and David Andrews said “exactly” so what is the Boards pleasure? Chairman Miller asked if the Police Chief wishes to have two AEDS, why would we need JJ Wheeldon to oversee when the Police Chief should be responsible for them. Mike Ball stated that pure and simple this hasn’t occurred in the past and that is why you had two dead AEDs. It was stated that the Police Department is trained in using this equipment and so also would have been trained in taking care of it. More Discussion Followed. David Andrews will contact Chief Turnley about the police department getting the AED from the Fire Department.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Selectboard Room- Air Conditioners
Chris Howe stated she had talked with Mike Coughlin and he said it would be much cheaper to buy individual units for the Town Office Downstairs than a central unit. Mike Coughlin has the monies to purchase these and Chris will speak to him in the morning about going ahead with this.

Selectboard Room Sound System – It was discussed and not needed at this time.

Letter From Sandy – Chris Howe stated the board had received a letter from Sandy Town Clerk about paying an invoice for Assistant Town Clerk Susan Miller to go to the Clerk’s Institute.

After discussion, ANNETTE ROYDON MADE A MOTION TO PAY THE INVOICE PRESENTED FOR THE ASSISTANT TOWN CLERK SUSAN MILLER TO ATTEND THE CLERK’S INSTITUTE JULY 13th thru 19th. INVOICE TO BE PAID ON JULY 1, 2008 Mike Ball seconded. MOTION PASSED

Recycling-
Mike Courtemanche presented a flyer he had gotten from Windham Solid Waste to be distributed in our next Town Paper. Mike stated he had only a few hundred copies and did anyone know where he could get more color copies made, as the color is pertinent to the effectiveness of the flyer. Mike Ball was asked if he would ask if VY could help us
with making more copies. Mike displayed a picture of a Recycling Information Booth that would be set up at The Town Picnic if the board so desired to educate the public more about the process of recycling. It had hundred percent approval from the Board.

Comcast – Mike Courtemanche stated that there were still some people who have Comcast service who couldn’t watch the Board meetings.. There will be a representative to try to rectify this problem so if there are any people in the audience who are experiencing this difficulty to contact Mike Courtemanche ASAP.

Selectboard Room
Chris Howe mentioned that she noticed the statutes in the Selectboard room needed to be updated and what was the board’s pleasure concerning this. After discussion it was decided that now the Statutes could be accessed on the Web so it wouldn’t be necessary. Chris Howe placed an Employee’s Handbook in the Boards room and is trying to acquire all the different Town Position’s Handbooks.
Treasurer Brassor left a note to say that the table had not been included in the Warrants and Bills as thought,so what should she now do about the table bill. After discussion it was decided to leave it at her discretion.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Nancy Durborow wanted the minutes of June 2, 2008, to read that Mike Ball had already received the materials concerning the van and that Eleanor Allen was just giving him a replacement copy. More Discussion followed.
Cookie asked the status of back-up van drivers and had letters been sent or an hourly wage been determined. Discussion Followed.
Nancy Durborow asked the status of the letters being sent to the different committee’s appointments. Discussion Followed.

MIKE BALL MADE THE MOTION TO ADJOURN AT 10:35 PM. Chris Howe seconded.
MOTION PASSED.

ADJOURNED

Accepted as Printed: _____________
Accepted as Corrected: ___________

VERNON SELECTBOARD MEETING
JUNE 16, 2008

MEMBERS PRESENT:                   OTHERS PRESENT:          OTHERS PRESENT:
Robert Miller Jr                                 Cindy Turnley 7:50     David Rinfret 7:20
Mike Ball                                            Kevin Turnley 7:50                Nancy Durborow
Michael Courtemanche                    Tom Hendricks Sr.                Peggy Frost.
Chris Howe                                        David Andrews                      Eleanor Allen
Annette Roydon                                 Sally Brassor             Tom Fox 7:25 PM                                                                             Frank Wetherby                     Tom Hendricks Jr.
Susan Miller

At 6:30 PM Chair Robert Miller called the meeting to order and following the Pledge of Allegiance welcomed those present:

MINUTE(S) APPROVAL
June 02, 2008 - Page 2 Fire Department up-date should read “Town Counsel “
                             Page 4 should say “Rescue 1 not available “
                             Page 6 “Tires not tire”.
CHRIS HOWE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF JUNE 2, 2008     WITH CORRECTIONS MADE. Mike Ball seconded. MOTION PASSED.

TREASURER – Bills and Warrants
Chris Howe expressed concern with the SS Auto bill, that there was a discrepancy in the figures of the bid and the actual bill figures. Chairman Miller explained that there was an unseen problem with removing a bolt and that accounted for the extra. MIKE BALL MADE A MOTION TO PAY THE NEW AMOUNT OF $2973.48 TO SS AUTO FOR THE WORK DONE TO THE DODGE DAKOTA PICK-UP TRUCK. Chris Howe seconded. MOTION PASSED.

CHRIS HOWE MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE AND SIGN THE FOLLOWING BILLS AND WARRANTS: #27SG; #24S; AND #25S. Mike Ball seconded. MOTION PASSED.

Treasurer Brassor reminded the board that they awarded the employees the COLA raise for this year starting July 1st and asked if it is the Board’s pleasure to implement these on July 1st rather than wait for the pay-grid to be compiled and approved. Mike Ball felt that the employees should not have to wait because of the board’s inefficiency in getting this done. MIKE BALL MADE THE MOTION TO AWARD COLA INCREASES JULY 1ST TO THE EMPLOYEES. Chris Howe seconded. MOTION PASSED. More Discussion Followed.

ANNETTE ROYDON MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT VLCT PACIF INSURANCE PACKAGE FOR THE TOWN OF VERNON. Mike Ball seconded. MOTION PASSED.

Highway Department – David Walker
Paving Bids
David Walker presented the board with the following bids :
          Tri-State Asphalt Sealing Inc. - $4,158.00
                      Cleaning cracks of dirt and sealing the Hot Applied Sealant #3405 crack
                       filler. From Int of Pond Rd and Newton Rd. to the new asphalt change.

All State Asphalt Inc. – Asphalt rubber surface treatment. Newton Road
$3.90 per square yard –Newton Rd 14,198 Square Yards - $55,372.20
Noting that only one vendor replied to both bids, Mike Ball read the bid policy clarifying that indeed all of the bid requirements had been met. Discussion Followed.

MIKE BALL MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE BID FROM TRI-STATE ASPHALT SEALING INC. FOR CLEANING AND FILLING CRACKS TO THE DESIGNATED AREA FOR $4,158.00. AND TO ALSO ACCEPT THE BID FROM ALL STATES ASPHALT INC. FOR $55,372.20. Mike Courtermanche seconded THE MOTION CARRIED.

Sak Road
Steve Zaluzny- In order to keep trucks off the road and to set overweight requirements, an ACT 250 renewal would need to be obtained on SaK Rd. David Walker said we would have to contact VLCT on the verbiage to use to post the road and it would have to be up-dated every year.
Road Commisioner Walker stated the second thing we could do is get Zaluzny’s to help bring the road up to specs for trucks to drive on it. Discussion Followed.
Chairman Miller stated that the residents on the road do not want trucks to be coming and going on it. Chris Howe questioned if the road would be brought down, as the middle is humped up, David Walker said he would fill the ditches with stones. Mike Ball asked if the road would be brought up to the town’s specifications and policies. Chairman Miller said that he had put off talking to the residents until he knew exactly what direction the board would be going with this.

FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATE – SOPS AND REVIEW PROCESS

JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Chris Howe started by going over her recommendations for changes. Chris also stated that she in no way had intended for any of these Job Descriptions to be approved at this meeting, she said they needed to be gone over by department heads and then discussed by the board.
Chris started with the Recreation Assistant – Rec-Director Seth Deyo relayed to her that by law the pre-school directors need to have certification from the state. The present Director and Assistant now are grandfathered, and are receiving the required training for their certification. It should be job specific.
Police Department - Polygraph testing and also Psych consult be added to Police Department job requirements.
Custodian – Job Title had been changed June 21, 2005 to Maintenance Foreman and after discussion his assistant will be Maintenance Assistant.
Selectboard Secretary – Chris suggested that this position had been stated in the description to be part-time hourly and so should be that. More discussion followed. Chris wanted clearly for people to understand that her suggestions were in no way meant to be personal but that the board at this time was cleaning up the job descriptions and this had to be also. Mike Ball stated that the position had never meant to be a salaried position. Treasurer Brassor said that it would be easiest to pay as they are now thru June 30th and then move to hourly pay beginning with the new fiscal year July 1, 2008,

Chris Howe stated that she had looked through the minutes to find where the board had changed job title to Administrative Assistant and that there had never been a motion made to that or discussion in the minutes. Discussion Followed.

Chris Howe said that she thought that the Board Secretary should be the one to notify individuals who were on the meeting’s agenda to attend and tell them what they were coming for. Discussion Followed. Annette Roydon stated that she felt that the board member who was bringing someone to the agenda should be the notifying party. After discussion it was thought to be a joint effort and that the Selectboard secretary would be directed to notify individuals on the agenda by request of the board.
Chris asked that the ability to construct professional business letters and send them should be added. Chris stated that was all the recommendations she had.

Chris Howe stated maybe everybody that can, be on hourly pay and it should be implemented with the use of time clocks. Chief Turnley said that it wouldn’t work for the Police Department. Chris answered that for some it wouldn’t work. Discussion Followed. Mike Ball stated that if nothing is happening right now to warrant the use of time clocks, why fix the system if it isn’t broken? Chairman Miller suggested that this be spoken to at another meeting. Much Discussion Followed. Mike Ball stated that the personnel policy should state who are to be State Reporters and who should have background checks. ANNETTE ROYDON MADE THE MOTION TO PASS OVER THE JOB DESCRIPTIONS TO THE JULY 21ST MEETING WITH DEPARTMENT HEADS. Chris Howe seconded. MOTION PASSED.

DAVID RINFRET – ACT 250 VIOLATION COMPLAINT
Mr. Rinfret apologized for his letter to the board about the operation of Cersosimo’s Gravel Pit and the fact that he hasn’t been able to follow through with this letter until now. It is not the gravel pit that bothers him it is the operation of the pit that has been a hardship to his family. He stated that he wished the board would become more involved with any more activity that is going to be happening there, and should give more consideration to its residents and how these things will affect them. Mike Ball stated that he was familiar with this project and was on a previous board that had dealt with Cersosimo. Mike Ball stated that they had never put in row of trees to form a wind break that was a requirement of their permit, and he was concerned that Cersosimo had not followed through with all of its requirements as stated in the permit.

POLICE DEPARTMENT – TOM HENDRICKS, OFFICER BRUCE GAULD AND CHIEF TURNLEY
Tom Hendricks apologized for once again bringing this matter to the Selectboard time and time again; he doesn’t feel that his issue is being processed in a timely manner. Mr. Hendricks stated he feels it is highly unprofessional for officers in the town to go around discussing charges that haven’t been met; he feels his rights under law have not been upheld.
Mr. Hendricks stated that the wheels seemed to have fallen off from the Police Department and something needs to be done about this situation. Hendricks stated that the letter from Chief Turnley had not gotten to him in a timely manner and he couldn’t believe he had been charged while the investigation is still going on. Chief Turnley stated that there had been two investigations that had come out of this incident, April 23, 2008. On May 24, 2008 Chief Turnley sent a letter to Mr. Hendricks referencing the investigation that was going on and that additional interviews would be needed before his conclusion to this investigation. Also Mr. Hendricks was querying about the criminal complaint stemming out of the same incident of April 23, 2008. Chief Turnley stated that as of 5:00 P.M today he had finished his investigation on an officer’s conduct. Mike Ball stated that what they are talking about is that Chief Turnley gives the perception that things aren’t getting done in the police department because there is a delay in the process and that puts the department in a bad light. Chief Turnley stated that ideally he would like it all to get done in a timely fashion but it doesn’t always work like that. Mike Ball stated that the perception Chief Turnley has put out to the public and Mr. Hendricks, is that nothing is getting done, because the Police Department hasn’t given forth any communication to Mr. Hendricks or the Board and the fact the public’s perception of the police department and their confidence has been affected. Discussion followed. Tom Hendricks questioned about the missing car. Mike Ball questioned Chief Turnley if he had reported the car missing, put out an APB and followed the correct procedures. Chief Turnley said that he had done all that, however he didn’t have any idea where the car was. Chief Turnley and Chairman Miller will meet Wednesday to discuss this further.

Chief Kevin Turnley
Kevin asked that the Board allow him to open up the hiring process again. JJ Jones has resigned. We do have personnel in training still. Chief Turnley stated he would like to offer $16.00/hr for the pre-probationary time. MIKE BALL MADE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE CHIEF TURNLEY TO OPEN UP THE HIRING PROCESS AND IF HE FINDS A FULLY CERTIFIED PERSON THAT COMPLIES WITH THE VT CRIMINAL JUSTICE COUNCIL, HE IS AUTHORIZED BY THE SELECTBOARD TO HIRE HIM IMMEDIATELY FOR $16.00/HR. PRE-PROBATIONARY PERIOD AND $17.00 AFTER, AND HE SHOULD BRING BACK THE OTHER PERSON WHOM HE IS PROPOSING TO HIRE AT A LATER DATE. Annette Roydon is concerned that in the past there had been a police liaison in the police hiring process and she is a little hesitant to not have a select board liaison not meet this person. MIKE BALL AGREED TO ACCEPT THIS AS A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT. Chris Howe seconded. MOTION PASSED.

CHRIS HOWE MADE THE MOTION AT 9:10 P.M TO BREAK FOR 10 MINUTES. Annette Roydon seconded. MOTION PASSED

MEETING RESUMED AT 9:20 P.M.

ANNETTE ROYDON MADE THE MOTION TO GO TO UNFINISHED BUSINESS POSTPONING PERSONNEL AGENDA ITEM TO THE MEETING OF JULY 21, 2008. Mike Ball seconded. THE MOTION PASSED.

CHIEF TOM FOX AND DAVID ANDREWS RETURNED.
FIRE DEPATMENT UPDATE RESUMED.
David Andrews went over the working Task Line with the board and it is as follows barring any glitches or set-backs.

July 8th – 2nd round of S.O.P’s Fire Mtg. - Comment time for members - August 4th to the Board.

July 24th 3rd round of S.O.P’s Fire Mtg. - Comment time for members -. August 18th to the Board

June 30th – July 5th Perform interviews for Assistant Chief Fire - Bring to the Board July 7th Meeting candidates name.

Next two weeks fill the other officer’s positions. August 13th thru 19th assess Fire Companies Assets.
JULY 20th – AUGUST 9th File Documents with the State to initiate Vernon Fire Association.
August 5th – Meet with Fire Company-resolve remaining issues.
August 28th – Present New Officers to the Department
August 31st – Move to Fire Department/ Association
Mike Ball was surprised of the presentation of the officers to the board, he would like to only have the Chief report to the board and the rest of the officers should be picked by the Fire Chief only at his discression. Discussion Followed. David Andrews noted the Board had requested this roster to be presented back to the Selectboard. Chris Howe noted to share it with the Board is a purely introductory procedure as the decisions are ultimately the Fire Chief’s.

David Andrews stated that the AED that has been purchased for the school / rec area is here and that the one for the recreation area needs to be positioned there, before the Town Picnic, as a large crowd is expected. Invoice has been received and given to Sally to process it through. David Andrews also said he had sent e-mails to the board as to the status of AED’s in the police department. Chairman Miller stated that they had two, but now they actually only have one. Mike Ball urged the need to have some formality here to come from the people who have the knowledge and are experts in this arena. The AEDS, the public access defibrillators that are coming through district 13 come under the license of the medical advisor for the district Dr. Backus. JJ Wheeldon is the head of service for the Fire Department and is the rep to District 13 and is knowledgeable about the common communications that have occurred with AED’s and the responsibility that the district has put on Public Access Defibrillators, so Mike feels JJ should be the one coordinating the Defibulators within the town. More Discussion Followed

David Andrews stated that the Police Department knew they had no functioning AED’s and had not made the Selectboard aware of it. JJ was not made aware of it. The Chief went to Rescue Inc to see what was wrong with them: one was fixed and brought back to the department and the dead unit was left. Connie Faulkner called to see what to do with the dead one that she had her office for some time. David Andrews brought it back to the Chief. There had been no communications with the Chief or the town that they only had one working at the Police Department. Mike felt if it was JJ’s responsibility for the AEDs in town the problem with the ones at the Police Department would never have happened. He would be doing periodic tests of these. Discussion Followed. At this point David Andrews stated that the conversation he had with the Police Chief is that he wanted to get back to having two AEDs. David Andrews asked if the AED that is in the Fire Chiefs office should be given to the police department. Mike Ball still feels there should be one person that should be responsible for the AEDs. More discussion followed, The Police Chief stated to David Andrews he wanted the AED but did not have enough money in his budget to pay for it, and the fire department had paid for it and would be expected to be re-imbursed by the police department. Chairman Miller stated that the Police Department does have enough money in their budget and David Andrews said “exactly” so what is the Boards pleasure? Chairman Miller asked if the Police Chief wishes to have two AEDS, why would we need JJ Wheeldon to oversee when the Police Chief should be responsible for them. Mike Ball stated that pure and simple this hasn’t occurred in the past and that is why you had two dead AED’S. It was stated that the Police Department is trained in using this equipment and so also would have been trained in taking care of it. More Discussion Followed. David Andrews will contact Chief Turnley about the police department getting the AED from the Fire Department.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Selectboard Room Sound System – It was discussed and not needed at this time.

Letter From Sandy – Chris Howe stated the board had received a letter from Sandy Town Clerk about paying an invoice for Assistant Town Clerk Susan Miller to go to the Clerk’s Institute.

After discussion, ANNETTE ROYDON MADE A MOTION TO PAY THE INVOICE PRESENTED FOR THE ASSISTANT TOWN CLERK SUSAN MILLER TO ATTEND THE CLERK’S INSTITUTE JULY 13th thru 19th. INVOICE TO BE PAID ON JULY 1, 2008 Mike Ball seconded. MOTION PASSED

Comcast – Mike Courtemanche stated that there were still some people who have Comcast service who couldn’t watch the Board meetings that have Comcast. There will be a representative to try to rectify this problem so if there are any people in the audience who are experiencing this difficulty to contact Mike Courtemanche ASAP.

Selectboard Room
Chris Howe mentioned that she noticed the statutes in the Selectboard room needed to be updated and what was the board’s pleasure concerning this. After discussion it was decided that now the Statutes could be accessed on the Web so it wouldn’t be necessary. Chris Howe placed an Employee’s Handbook in the boards room and is trying to acquire all the different Town Position’s Handbooks.
Treasurer Brassor left a note to say that the table had not been included in the Warrants and Bills as thought,so what should she now do about the table bill. After discussion it was decided to leave it at her discression.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Nancy Durborow wanted the minutes of June 2, 2008, to read that Mike Ball had already received the materials concerning the van and that Eleanor Allen was just giving him a replacement copy. More Discussion followed.
Cookie asked the status of back-up van drivers and had letters been sent or an hourly wage been determined. Discussion Followed.
Nancy Durborow asked the status of the letters being sent to the different committee’s appointments. Discussion Followed.

MIKE BALL MADE THE MOTION TO ADJOURN AT 10:35 PM. Chris Howe seconded.
MOTION PASSED.

ADJOURNED

Accepted as Printed: _____________
Accepted as Corrected: ___________

VERNON SELECTBOARD MEETING
JUNE 16, 2008

MEMBERS PRESENT:                   OTHERS PRESENT:          OTHERS PRESENT:
Robert Miller Jr                                 Cindy Turnley 7:50     David Rinfret 7:20
Mike Ball                                            Kevin Turnley 7:50                Nancy Durborow
Michael Courtemanche                    Tom Hendricks Sr.                Peggy Frost.
Chris Howe                                        David Andrews                      Eleanor Allen
Annette Roydon                                 Sally Brassor             Tom Fox 7:25 PM                                                                             Frank Wetherby                     Tom Hendricks Jr.
Susan Miller

At 6:30 PM Chair Robert Miller called the meeting to order and following the Pledge of Allegiance welcomed those present:

MINUTE(S) APPROVAL
June 02, 2008 - Page 2 Fire Department up-date should read “Town Counsel “
                             Page 4 should say “Rescue 1 not available “
                             Page 6 “Tires not tire”.

CHRIS HOWE MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE AND SIGN THE FOLLOWING BILLS AND WARRANTS: #27SG; #24S; AND #25S. Mike Ball seconded. MOTION PASSED.

Update on Grid Research –
Treasurer Brassor stated she had spoken with Larry Lanata about the payroll grid project and he said he wasn’t at all interested and gave Sally Joe Little’s name from Park Place Financial and Joe Myers name from Pieciak & Co. Joe Little is not interested and Joe Myer did not return her call.
Sally stated she had contacted VLCT about the project and they said at this time they
were short staffed; however, June 25th they are bringing on a new person who could do this. It would take a couple of months to bring the new person on board. Joe Little gave Sally a company’s name out of Boston, Olney Associates (John Butzel) and VLCT recommended Harry Snyder from Professionals In-Tune out of Burlington Vermont.

Sally has contacted both companies and informed them as to what the town is looking for, and has e-mailed them 2 spreadsheets of our employees pay and where they are on the grid to date, the newest grid and also the grid from 1993. Sally told them she would like them to have an initial meeting with the board and the employees, and also to come and interview employees about their jobs to get a feel and understanding about each position.

Treasurer Brassor reminded the board that they awarded the employees the COLA raise for this year starting July 1st and asked if it is the Board’s pleasure to implement these on July 1st rather than wait for the pay-grid to be compiled and approved. Mike Ball felt that the employees should not have to wait because of the board’s inefficiency in getting this done. MIKE BALL MADE THE MOTION TO AWARD COLA INCREASES JULY 1ST TO THE EMPLOYEES. Chris Howe seconded. MOTION PASSED. More Discussion Followed.

ANNETTE ROYDON MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT VLCT PACIF INSURANCE PACKAGE FOR THE TOWN OF VERNON. Mike Ball seconded. MOTION PASSED.

Highway Department – David Walker
Paving Bids
David Walker presented the board with the following bids :
          Tri-State Asphalt Sealing Inc. - $4,158.00
                      Cleaning cracks of dirt and sealing the Hot Applied Sealant #3405 crack
                       filler. From Int of Pond Rd and Newton Rd. to the new asphalt change.

All State Asphalt Inc. – Asphalt rubber surface treatment. Newton Road
$3.90 per square yard –Newton Rd 14,198 Square Yards - $55,372.20
Noting that only one vendor replied to both bids, Mike Ball read the bid policy clarifying that indeed all of the bid requirements had been met. Discussion Followed.

FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATE – SOPS AND REVIEW PROCESS

Chris Howe stated maybe everybody that can, be on hourly pay and it should be implemented with the use of time clocks. Chief Turnley said that it wouldn’t work for the Police Department. Chris answered that for some it wouldn’t work. Discussion Followed. Mike Ball stated that if nothing is happening right now to warrant the use of time clocks, why fix the system if it isn’t broken? Chairman Miller suggested that this be spoken to at another meeting. Much Discussion Followed. Mike Ball stated that the personnel policy should state who are to be State Reporters and who should have background checks. ANNETTE ROYDON MADE THE MOTION TO PASS OVER THE JOB DESCRIPTIONS TO THE JULY 21ST MEETING WITH DEPARTMENT HEADS. Chris Howe seconded. MOTION PASSED.

Chief Kevin Turnley
Chief Turnley asked that the Board allow him to open up the hiring process again. JJ Jones has resigned. We do have personnel in training still. Chief Turnley stated he would like to offer $16.00/hr for the pre-probationary time. MIKE BALL MADE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE CHIEF TURNLEY TO OPEN UP THE HIRING PROCESS AND IF HE FINDS A FULLY CERTIFIED PERSON THAT COMPLIES WITH THE VT CRIMINAL JUSTICE COUNCIL, HE IS AUTHORIZED BY THE SELECTBOARD TO HIRE HIM IMMEDIATELY FOR $16.00/HR. PRE-PROBATIONARY PERIOD AND $17.00 AFTER, AND HE SHOULD BRING BACK THE OTHER PERSON WHOM HE IS PROPOSING TO HIRE AT A LATER DATE. Annette Roydon is concerned that in the past there had been a police liaison in the police hiring process and she is a little hesitant to not have a select board liaison not meet this person. MIKE BALL AGREED TO ACCEPT THIS AS A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT. Chris Howe seconded. MOTION PASSED.

CHRIS HOWE MADE THE MOTION AT 9:10 P.M TO BREAK FOR 10 MINUTES. Annette Roydon seconded. MOTION PASSED

MEETING RESUMED AT 9:20 P.M.

ANNETTE ROYDON MADE THE MOTION TO GO TO UNFINISHED BUSINESS POSTPONING PERSONNEL AGENDA ITEM TO THE MEETING OF JULY 21, 2008. Mike Ball seconded. THE MOTION PASSED.

CHIEF TOM FOX AND DAVID ANDREWS RETURNED.
FIRE DEPATMENT UPDATE RESUMED.
David Andrews went over the working Task Line with the board and it is as follows barring any glitches or set-backs.

July 8th – 2nd round of S.O.P’s Fire Mtg. - Comment time for members - August 4th to the Board.

July 24th 3rd round of S.O.P’s Fire Mtg. - Comment time for members -. August 18th to the Board

June 30th – July 5th Perform interviews for Assistant Chief Fire - Bring to the Board July 7th Meeting candidates name.

Next two weeks fill the other officer’s positions. August 13th thru 19th assess Fire Companies Assets.
JULY 20th – AUGUST 9th File Documents with the State to initiate Vernon Fire Association.
August 5th – Meet with Fire Company-resolve remaining issues.
August 28th – Present New Officers to the Department
August 31st – Move to Fire Department/ Association
Mike Ball was surprised of the presentation of the officers to the board, he would like to only have the Chief report to the board and the rest of the officers should be picked by the Fire Chief only at his discression. Discussion Followed. David Andrews noted the Board had requested this roster to be presented back to the Selectboard. Chris Howe noted to share it with the Board is a purely introductory procedure as the decisions are ultimately the Fire Chief’s.

David Andrews stated that the AED that has been purchased for the school / rec area is here and that the one for the recreation area needs to be positioned there, before the Town Picnic, as a large crowd is expected. Invoice has been received and given to Sally to process it through. David Andrews also said he had sent e-mails to the board as to the status of AED’s in the police department. Chairman Miller stated that they had two, but now they actually only have one. Mike Ball urged the need to have some formality here to come from the people who have the knowledge and are experts in this arena. The AEDS, the public access defibrillators that are coming through district 13 come under the license of the medical advisor for the district Dr. Backus. JJ Wheeldon is the head of service for the Fire Department and is the rep to District 13 and is knowledgeable about the common communications that have occurred with AED’s and the responsibility that the district has put on Public Access Defibrillators, so Mike feels JJ should be the one coordinating the Defibulators within the town. More Discussion Followed

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Selectboard Room Sound System – It was discussed and not needed at this time.

Letter From Sandy – Chris Howe stated the board had received a letter from Sandy Town Clerk about paying an invoice for Assistant Town Clerk Susan Miller to go to the Clerk’s Institute.

Selectboard Room
Chris Howe mentioned that she noticed the statutes in the Selectboard room needed to be updated and what was the board’s pleasure concerning this. After discussion it was decided that now the Statutes could be accessed on the Web so it wouldn’t be necessary. Chris Howe placed an Employee’s Handbook in the boards room and is trying to acquire all the different Town Position’s Handbooks.
Treasurer Brassor left a note to say that the table had not been included in the Warrants and Bills as thought,so what should she now do about the table bill. After discussion it was decided to leave it at her discression.

MIKE BALL MADE THE MOTION TO ADJOURN AT 10:35 PM. Chris Howe seconded.
MOTION PASSED.

ADJOURNED

To Print Specific Minutes - Cut and Paste - otherwise you may get many pages of minutes you didn't want.

Accepted as Printed: _____________
Accepted as Corrected: ___________

VERNON SELECTBOARD MEETING
June 2, 2008

MEMBERS PRESENT:                   OTHERS PRESENT:          OTHERS PRESENT:
Robert Miller Jr.                                 Tom Fox                                 Sally Brassor
Christiane Howe                               Paul Miller                              David Andrews
Michael Ball                                       Mary Miller                             Chris Garofolo
Michael Courtemanche                    Richard Carroll 6:23             David Walker
Annette Roydon                                 Jon Hall 6:30                          John Whipple
                                                            Victoria Hall 6:30                  Tom Hendricks Sr. 6:30
OTHERS PRESENT:                       Fred Sage 6:42                     Kevin Turnley 7:02
Eleanor Allen 7:12                            Frank Wetherby 6:42            Cindy Turnley 7:02
Bruce Gauld 7:37                              Lynda Starorypinski 8:00     Brandi Brow 8:00
Tom Hendricks Jr. 9:00                    Nancy Durborow 9:42
Sandra Harris

Chairman Robert Miller called the meeting to order at 6:05 and welcomed those present following the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

ANNETTE ROYDON MADE THE MOTION TO TAKE THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT OUT OF ORDER AND DEAL WITH THAT ITEM FIRST. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion THE MOTION CARRIED.

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT –
Annette Roydon updated the Board on the situation with Peter Crossmon being unable to work due to doctor’s orders. Treasurer Brassor explained that Peter has 5-weeks between sick, remaining vacation, and personal time and is due for 5 more weeks as of his anniversary date in July. The sick pool will be tapped into for the remaining 3-weeks to bring him to his 13-weeks for long term disability to “kick in” pending Board approval.
CHRIS HOWE MADE THE MOTION TO ALLOW PETER C TO USE HIS 5-WEEKS VACATION THAT IS DUE HIM PRIOR TO HIS ANNIVERSARY DATE. Mike Ball seconded the motion. THE MOTION CARRIED.

PACIF
Treasurer Brassor reviewed the information received from VLCT PACIF representative Dan Roda and the 7 replies she received from other Towns that have their insurance with VLCT PACIF. There were no negative responses from those Towns. It was most of the deductibles through PACIF were lower by $500.00 to $2,000.00; the limits are different but are there; if an omission happened and a building was inadvertently no listed, it would be covered up to $1,000,000.00; questions on the “Agreement to Participate” resulted in learning that there is a $13,000,000.00 reserve and since 1987 they have never had to ask for extra contribution; VLCT does not participate with the property guaranty association; and that the costs of the VLCT workshops would significantly be reduced if the Town was a member of PACIF. It was also noted that VLCT PACIF offers sovereign immunity which a commercial group cannot offer.
Mike Courtemanche stated that, on paper, VLCT PACIF looks better than what the Town currently has.

Treasurer Brassor will email Scott from Richard’s Insurance to see if they could match VLCT PACIF’s benefits/costs.

TREASURER
BILLS & WARRANTS
CHRIS HOWE MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING BILLS AND WARRANTS: #26-S/G; #22/S; and #23/S. Annette Roydon seconded the motion. THE MOTION CARRIED.

NEW VISION PLAN OPEN ENROLLMENT
Treasurer Brassor presented information regarding VLCT Health Trust’s offer to member municipalities to extend vision coverage to employees effective July 1, 2008 as requested by Chairman Miller. The deadline for enrollment in the program is June 13th. Discussion followed. The yearly cost to the town would be $3,633.72 and funding could come from other liability insurance if the health insurance line item got overspent.
MIKE BALL MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE VLCT STANDARD VOLUNTARY VISION PLAN OFFERING EFFECTIVE FOR ENROLLMENT ON JUNE 13TH. Chris Howe seconded the motion. THE MOTION CARRIED.

FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATE – CHIEF TOM FOX
Fire Chief Tom Fox and David Andrews met with the Board and presented an update on the steps to implementation of the municipal fire department, listed the standard operating procedures (sop’s) they would like to have in place prior to and following the implementation. Their plan is to prepare a draft of the sop’s, and present them to the following: the Chief, the Officers of the Fire Company, the membership, Town council, then the Selectboard for final approval. Their best estimate for “cut over date” would be 60-days depending on the various entities involved. Questions were raised regarding the items that were at the Fire Station and owned by the Fire Company (e.g. the pool table and the large screen television) and it was noted that whether they were offered to the Fire Department would be up to the Fire Company.
Much discussion followed.
Mike Courtemanche read the email he had received from Secretary of State Deb Markowitz who stated that, even if there was no established Municipal Fire Department, the establishment of one can be done by the Selectboard.
Also referred to was an email from Attorney Richard Carroll stating that the Town has a Municipal Fire Department and the town has voted money for it every year. The Board also received a copy of a newspaper article from May 12, 1959 that Phil Nelson had found noting the designation of the Vernon Memorial Fire Department.

The Review process will be presented at the June 16th meeting with the draft forwarded to the Board prior to that meeting for review. The Fire Company will be presented the draft at their meeting on June 3rd.
MICHAEL BALL MADE THE MOTION TO TAKE THE AGENDA OUT OF ORDER AND MOVE ITEMS #4 (PERSONNEL/CONTRACTUAL) AND #5 (POLICE DEPARTMENT REVIEW) UNTIL AFTER ITEM # 12 (JOB DESCRIPTIONS). Chris Howe seconded the motion. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH 3 AYES AND 2 ABSTENTIONS.

SAK ROAD
Noting THE Board’s plans to upgrade the Sak Road, Chairman Miller presented some concerns raised by residents living on Rocky Ledge Court in regards to the possibility of the road repairs leading to heavy truck traffic to the gravel pit.
Road Commissioner Walker will research this matter and report back to the Board.

CEMETERY DEEDS
MIKE COURTEMANCHE MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE AND SIGN THE FOLLOWING CEMETERY DEEDS FOR THE NORTH CEMETERY: LOT #143C, SITE A TO HENRY M. ALLEN; AND LOT #110, SITE A TO DAVID R. MONROE. Chris Howe seconded the motion. THE MOTION CARRIED.

Town Clerk Sandy Harris referred to the minutes of May 7th and explained that the check for the cemetery deed buy back had not been paid because the complete deed to the lots had not been received and she, the Town Clerk, did not feel that the $600.00 should be expended until the Town had the actual deed.

PUBLIC FIREWORKS PERMITS
Discussion on whether or not to have and ordinance and offer public fireworks permits followed. Jon Hall expressed his confusion on why the Board would be permitting illegal activities since fireworks are not legal in the State of Vermont. Barre Town and Montpelier both offer these permits. Also noted was the need for enforcement of the present laws regarding fireworks and the fact that some brush fires have been started from the fireworks. Research will be done on levying fines for illegal burns and fires started from illegal use of fireworks.

LISTERS – GRAND LIST EXTENSION
MIKE BALL MADE THE MOTION THAT THE BOARD APPROVE AND SIGN REQUEST OF THE VERNON BOARD OF LISTERS FOR AN EXTENSION TO LODGE THE GRAND LIST. Mike Courtemanche seconded the motion. THE MOTION CARRIED.

OLD VAN/NEW VAN
Discussion was held on the feasibility of utilizing the old town van for emergency management, the school bus at the Highway Garage, and disposal of the emergency management bus. Guilford has just purchased a van for emergency management purposes. Following a suggestion of utilizing the rescue ambulances for special needs, Michael Ball received a call from a resident who reminded him that, in an emergency, the rescue ambulances probably wouldn’t be available. Much discussion followed.

JOB DESCRIPTIONS – CHRISTIANE HOWE
Chris Howe reported she had met with all the Department Heads and reviewed the old job descriptions. Chris re-typed the job descriptions in the format suggested by VLCT and presented each Board member with copies for review and action at the next Board meeting.

MICHAEL BALL MADE THE MOTION TO AUTHORIZE TREASURER SALLY BRASSOR TO CONTACT LARRY LANATA TO SEE IF HE WOULD BE INTERESTED IN REVIEWING AND UPDATING THE PRESENT WAGE GRID AND WHAT HIS CHARGE WOULD BE. Annette Roydon seconded the motion. THE MOTION CARRIED.

ANNETTE ROYDON MADE THE MOTION TO HAVE A 5-MINUTE BREAK. Chris Howe seconded the motion. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Miller reconvened the meeting at 8:19 P.M.

PERSONNEL/CONTRACTUAL
MICHAEL BALL MADE THE MOTION FOR THE BOARD TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON A CONTRACTUAL MATTER, THE DISCLOSURE OF AT THIS TIME WHICH MIGHT BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE TOWN AND/OR INDIVIDUAL(S) INVOLVED. Chris Howe seconded the motion. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH 1 ABSTENTION.
The executive session lasted from 8:36 to 9:00 when Chairman Miller stated the Board had met in executive session and no action had been taken.

POLICE DEPARTMENT REVIEW – CHIEF TURNLEY & OFFICER GAULD
Concerns were raised regarding the following:

Tires – Chairman Miller got a call today from SS auto that one of the snow tires on the Crown Vic was down to bare cords. Shane Shippee told Chairman Miller that the Chief knew about the problem. Chief Turnley responded that he knew about it one day before it went in for repairs. Mr. Shippee indicated he had informed Chief Turnley when the vehicle was in for repairs.
Front end alignment – Mr. Shippee indicated he had indicated a front end alignment was needed on the vehicle a “couple oil changes ago.” Officer Gauld responded that they were aware of that but there were parts that needed to be replaced before the front end alignment and as soon as those parts were replaced the alignment would be scheduled.
Oil Changes – concern was expressed on the timing of oil changes. They are not done regularly and have gone “anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 miles” between changes. Chairman Miller stated the oil needs to be changed between 2,000 and 2,500 miles. Chief Turnley responded that they generally have it changed around 3,000 miles but Chairman Miller said it should be sooner due to the idling time and noted that GM recommends changing oil by engine revolutions not by mileage. Annette Roydon expressed the Board’s concern over the apparent discrepancy between 7,000 to 2,000. Kevin had been following the manufacturers book. The Chief was instructed to move the oil change schedule up to 2,000 to 2,500 miles between changes. It was also recommended that each vehicle have a sheet in it with its own specific maintenance requirements.
Chief Turnley indicated that the new schedule will increase the budget but the Board stated their concerns when the individual/company, who is also a taxpayer maintaining the vehicle, reports that it is not being done on a regular basis and the tires are not being cared for. When the Board receives concerns or issues they will bring them up, but they are not “hunting for things.”

Officer Gauld responded that he does not normally drive the Crown Vic and he had noticed the need for an alignment the first day he drove it.
Officer Marybeth Hebert normally drives the Crown Vic and the Board was informed that the vehicle is not going back and forth to Putney.
Shane Shippee will be documenting everything on paper for the Chief so he can refer to it and situations shouldn’t become “emergency”
At the next oil change the perceived maintenance stuff can be taken care of
Selectboard member Michael Ball asked if a “walk around” and testing of all lights and equipment is done prior to the start of a shift, noting that if this had been done, and a form filled out, it would have been noticed and documented that there was a frayed tire. Officer Gauld responded that “nobody would have picked that up unless the wheel was turned because it was so far in on the other side.” He further indicated that he would have had to get down and look under the vehicle to have noticed it. He, Bruce, has been on police departments for 30-years and he has never seen anyone get down and look under a vehicle (although, he said, he was sure that Mr. Ball would). It was noted that it would only have been visible if the wheels had been turned. The Board stressed the heightened sight of awareness needs to be brought into play, especially with today’s litigations being brought against towns. .Further that there needs to be a policy indicating this is what is expected prior to using a vehicle like that.

Chairman Miller reported that the truck is almost done and the need to institute practices that will help keep this vehicle in service longer. One suggestion is to only utilize the truck one day a week in the summer and using it full time in the winter. The opposite would be the practice for the Charger. Chief Turnley agreed to consider this plan, but expressed his concerns that this would result in a “bulk up of miles” on each vehicle during that season, but the Board responded they were trying to keep the mileage down on the more expensive to run 4-wheel drive vehicle to retain it longer.

Officer Gauld asked how the Board could justify putting money into repairing the Dakota if they were only going to use it 4 months of the year.

The tire on the Dakota have less than a year on them but, according to Chairman Miller, are already more than half way worn out.

OLD / NEW BUSINESS
NEWSPAPER COMMITTEE
Lynda Starorypinski, David Andrews, and Brandy Brow met with the Board regarding the new printer for the Newspaper. Mr. Andrews contacted 8 different vendors for pricing, but only 4 of the companies carried what they were asking for. The bids were as follows:
Buy Dot Com for $2,136.99 with no shipping charges
Provantage for $2,059.43 plus shipping charges
PC Connection for $2,074.88 with no shipping charges and
HP Direct for $2,040.00 with no shipping charges.

MIKE BALL MADE THE MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE VERNON NEWPAPER COMMITTEE TO PURCHASE THE PRINTER FROM HP DIRECT AFGTER JULY 1, 2008 FOR THE SUM OF $2,040.00. Chris Howe seconded the motion. THE MOTION CARRIED.

TOWN VAN POLICY
Mike Ball reported he had met with Eleanor Allen and Nancy Durborow to update the Van Policy and will provide the proposed policy in the standard format to the Seniors to review and then to the Board for approval.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS
There have been no Finance Committee or Planning Commission meetings to date and letters will be re-sent