Putney Board of Selectmen

TOWN OF PUTNEY PO BOX 233 PUTNEY, VT 05346 802-387-5862 Putney Board of Selectmen

November 29th, 2006

Minutes

The Town of Putney Selectboard met on Wednesday, November 29th, 2006, at the Putney Town Hall at 6:30 PM.

Board Members Present: Lyssa Papazian, Scott Henry, Josh Laughlin

Others Present: Chris Ryan, Town Manager; Richard Coutant, Town Counsel; Connie Simonds, Martha Simonds, Wayne Wagenbach, Richard Hemenway, John Adams, Rachael Baran, Douglas Baskett

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 PM.

Minutes

None at this time – November 13th to be presented for approval at next scheduled meeting

Stockwell Property

Richard Coutant gave overview of tax sale legal issues in Vermont, and recommended to Board that in case of Stockwell property, best course for Town would be to allow estate to reacquire property for amount of recoverable expenses due to Town, currently approximately $16,000, as this would resolve any issues of fiduciary responsibility to estate by Town. C. Simonds again made case that Stockwell heirs should not be given any further chance to reacquire property other than by bidding against other interested buyers.

After discussion Board voted unanimously, on motion by S. Henry, seconded by J. Laughlin, to follow Town Counsel’s advice, and authorize him to negotiate a purchase and sale agreement, through Stockwell estate’s legal counsel, and that any such agreement include a deposit and a closing date for payment in full, and that the agreement be available for signature by December 13th. If no agreement is reached by that date, Board agreed that a date would be set for a public sale of the property.

Richard Coutant briefed that Board on Vermont state junkyard law, which requires that more than 4 unregistered vehicles be licensed as a junkyard. Board discussed the difficulty of enforcement, and R. Coutant clarified that Town was not responsible for enforcement, and could choose to notify State authorities if they wished.

Brattleboro Community Land Trust -

Scott Henry briefly updated Board on Nov. 15th meeting with architect (Duncan Wisnewski) and engineer ( Stephens & Assoc.). Meeting focused on several of the site limitations, such as wetlands and possible soil conditions. Progress was made in identifying buildable areas. C. Ryan will pass flood plain mapping information that has recently come through Manager’s office on to Stephens & Assoc. Next meeting will be in mid- December.

Pandemic Planning-

John Adams questioned Board on status of planning efforts that had been undertaken with WRC, and was informed that T. Goddard had followed up on tasks assigned at last meeting, such as updating succession list, and inquiring about the availability of individuals being asked to serve.

Town Hall Committee –

L. Papazian informed Board that next meeting was Dec. 4th, and that Committee intends to clear space in upper hall by removing old chairs and selling, perhaps with some decorated by local artists as a fundraising technique. Some interest has been expressed in the small town barn adjacent to Town Hall as possible site fore Historical Society building. C. Ryan will get more information on property boundaries and condition of building.

Town manager updates:

 2007 Health Insurance – C. Ryan outlined VLCT decision to switch insurance carriers, from Blue Cross to Cigna, and various possible financial impacts. On motion by J. Laughlin, seconded by S. Henry, Board voted unanimously to remain in VLCT Health Trust for next calendar year, barring any information within next several weeks indicating extraordinary savings by leaving Trust.

 Budget review – C. Ryan presented Board with draft of revenue and expense for FY 07-08 – First forecast shows approximately 4% increase in overall spending – revenue figures are still preliminary – next budget review scheduled for Dec. 13th

Warrants to Treasurer

The Board approved and signed the following warrants to the Treasurer for payment:

Payables Warrant # 16A $39,489 Payables Warrant # 18 $59,572.10

Payroll # 20 $6559.72 Payroll # 21 $4990.34

Future Meetings

 Selectboard – December 13th @ 6:30 PM

Meeting adjourned @ 9:30 PM –Submitted – Chris Ryan