Selectmen S Hall 96 Main Street Third Floor

TOWN OF SPRINGFIELD SELECTMEN’S HALL – 96 MAIN STREET – THIRD FLOOR REGULAR BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2014 @ 7:00 PM

* * * MINUTES * * *

A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL:

Chairman, Kristi Morris, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Board Members Present: David Yesman, George McNaughton, Chairman, Kristi Morris, and Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson. Peter MacGillivray arrived later in the evening.

Also Present: Town Manager, Tom Yennerell, Comptroller, Jeffrey Mobus, Town Clerk, Barbara Courchesne, Police Chief, Douglas Johnston, and Former Town Manager, Robert Forguites. Town Attorney, Stephen Ankuda, arrived later in the evening.

Appointed Budget Advisory Committee Members Present: Terri Benton, Everett Hammond, James Soucy, Tina Rushton, Hugh Putnam, and Gay Mobus. Ritva Burton arrived later in the evening. Marilyn Thompson was absent.

B. ANY REQUESTED ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: None

C. MINUTES: a. Regular Board of Selectmen, Meeting Minutes, November 24, 2014

MOTION: Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson, moved to adopt Regular Board of Selectmen, Meeting Minutes, November 24, 2014 as submitted; without any corrections or changes. Seconded by David Yesman Vote: 4 Yes, passed unanimously, (Peter MacGillivray not present)

D. 2015 – 2016 PROPOSED BUDGET: ITEM 1: Distribution of Proposed 2015 – 2016 Budget and discuss future Budget Workshop start times.

Town Manager, Tom Yennerell, commented the proposed 2015 – 2016 Budget Books were distributed to Members of the Selectboard and the Budget Advisory Committee. The Operating Budget is increased by 3.8%, which is approximately $390,000.00. From the increase; $191,000.00 is due to Bond Payments for the CSO Project and about $137,000.00 for labor costs due to new Contracts.

BOS Chairman, Kristi Morris, also explained there had been a request from a Member of the Board of Selectmen to start the Budget Workshop Meetings at 6:30 PM. After a very short discussion, the Members of the Budget Advisory Committee also agreed to 6:30 PM.

E. LOCAL CONTROL COMMISSION: ITEM 2: Liquor License

Local Control opened at 7:08 PM.

Town Clerk, Barbara Courchesne, introduced Mr. Julien Lavoie, the new owner of the Hartness House Inn. Mr. Lavoie has worked with Town Clerk Courchesne to complete and submit a Liquor License for 2014.

First Class Liquor License Minimax Four Houses, LLC d/b/a Hartness House Inn

MOTION: David Yesman moved to approve a First Class Liquor License for Minimax Four Houses d/b/a Hartness House Inn. Seconded by Vice Chairman, Stephanie Thompson

Mr. Lavoie addressed the Board of Selectmen and gave a brief history of his background. He purchased the Hartness House Inn within the last few months. Mr. Lavoie’s whole career has been in the hospitality field. He is looking forward to being involved ______Board of Selectmen Meeting 12-08-14 Meeting Minutes Are Not Approved Page 1 in the Springfield Community; he is already a Rotarian, hopes to join Springfield on the Move and the Chamber of Commerce in the near future.

Chairman Morris thanked Mr. Lavoie for offering the information and congratulated him on the purchase of the Hartness House Inn.

Vote: 4 Yes, passed unanimously, (Peter MacGillivray not present)

Local Control closed at 7:10 PM

F. CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD: ITEM 3: Union – Park Street Neighborhood Association Request.

Town Manager Yennerell explained why Lori Claffee requested to come before the Board of Selectmen. Town Manager Yennerell mentioned to the Union Park Neighborhood Association the property in question is in the process of being sold. There will be ads in the local newspaper to sell this lot and others. The Town expects to see bids on this property by December 29, 2014.

Lori Claffee, Member of the Steering Committee for the Union Park Neighborhood Association, came before the Board of Selectmen with a petition of approximately forty signatures requesting the Town of Springfield to consider making the vacant lot at 21 Cottage Street a Pocket Park for children and adults to enjoy. A copy of her letter and simple sketch of the Pocket Park were sent to the Selectboard Members.

George McNaughton asked if the property owners abutting the lot were in agreement with this request.

Dick Andrews, resident, stated the abutting properties were not occupied. Lori Claffee commented the property owners of the closest house were interviewed and signed the petition. The majority of the property owners on the block would like the Pocket Park.

MOTION: Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson, acknowledged the receipt of a petition from Lori Claffee on behalf of the Union Park Street Neighborhood Association requesting 21 Cottage Avenue becomes a Pocket Park. In addition, she moved to table the discussion to the first meeting in January 2015, once the bids have been received and we know where we stand. Seconded by David Yesman

George McNaughton inquired if the Planning Commission would be meeting before the January Board Meeting. Executive Secretary, Donna Hall, stated she thought they would be. Mr. McNaughton asked the Administrative Officer what the Town Plan had to say regarding this request. Administrative Officer sent information to Mr. McNaughton; he assumes the information came from the Recreation Section of the Town Plan. Mr. McNaughton went on to explain out of the seven goals, five of the goals are highlighted indicating they have to do with the Pocket Park. In the objectives section, one out of four was highlighted. Mr. McNaughton stated the Town Plan does not, but should have criteria in it for locations of Parks and give some kind of guidance.

Budget Advisory Committee Member, Ritva Burton, arrived at 7:18 PM.

Mr. McNaughton would like to request the Planning Commission and Andy Bladyka to review the request of a Pocket Park at 21 Cottage Avenue. He would like the Planning Commission and Andy Bladyka to prepare reports to be submitted to the Board of Selectmen for the first January 2015 meeting. Mr. McNaughton said he supports the Neighborhood Alliances and has encouraged the groups to be active and come before the Selectboard; now they have. He hopes their request will have as much detailed consideration as the Board can possibly provide.

Dick Andrews, resident, lives at the corners of Center and Cottage Streets. He strongly urged the Board of Selectmen to give the request serious consideration. He understands the need to place the property on the market and get it back on the tax role as a way of having a modest beneficial impact on taxes in town. He also pointed out, that Springfield in terms of reducing taxes can get the biggest bang for their buck, by attracting more families with children in Town. The State’s support for schools is based on the pupil count. The school tax rate is proportional to the amount of money spend on each student. Mr. Andrews supports the Pocket Park and feels it is a positive way of attracting families with children.

Mr. McNaughton inquired about the advertising of the Town properties. He wanted to know if there was anything in the ad requiring the Town to accept a bid. Town Manager Yennerell confirmed there was nothing in the ad requiring the Town to accept a bid. Mr. McNaughton wanted to also know how long the Town could sit on the bids. Town Manager Yennerell didn’t think the Town ______Board of Selectmen Meeting 12-08-14 Meeting Minutes Are Not Approved Page 2 had until the next meeting to deny the bid. Town Manager Yennerell stated if the Board wants to review the Pocket Park request in January and we do receive an acceptable bid, he is sure we could negotiate with the buyer and explain what is happening.

Mr. McNaughton inquired if the Town did not receive a bid above the minimum amount what would happen. Town Manager Yennerell said nothing would happen.

Erica Emerson, a student in Town, stated she thought the Pocket Park would be very benefial to the people in Town. She explained she knows the area pretty well because she used to live on Union Street. She stated there really isn’t a lot to do for teenagers or families without cars in this Town. Most of the people go to School Playgrounds or Riverside Park, but those get kind of boring and old after a while. She liked the idea, of the Pocket Park at 21 Cottage Avenue.

Vote: 4 Yes, passed unanimously, (Peter MacGillivray not present)

MOTION: George McNaughton moved to request the Planning Commission to consider the petition and any other information the Union Park Street Neighborhood Association wants to provide in regards to the proposal and report back to the Board of Selectmen by the first meeting in January 2015 as to proposal and also to start formulating criteria with regards to siting of Parks. In addition, he proposed a hold on the acceptance of any bid until we have the report and the meeting in January. Seconded by Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson

Tina Rushton, resident, wanted to know how much this Pocket Park was going to cost the Taxpayers to maintain and police the park. Ms. Rushton also pointed out the Union Street School Playground is very close by.

Lori Claffee indicated she didn’t think you could access School Parks on Saturdays and Sundays.

David Yesman wanted to know what there was to stop anyone from going to the School Playgrounds. Mr. Yesman agrees with Tina Rushton. Mr. Yesman doesn’t think there is a need to get the Planning Commission and everyone all worked up. The property at 21 Cottage Street needs to be sold for the tax base.

George McNaughton doesn’t agree with Mr. Yesman. He needs information from the Planning Commission and Andy Bladyka.

Town Attorney, Stephen Ankuda, arrived at 7:30 PM.

Dick Andrews, resident, understands Mr. Yesman’s opinion and reasons for it, but he disagrees that thinking carefully about the subject is a waste of time.

Everett Hammond, resident, inquired if having Pocket Park added value or devalued properties. David Yesman stated that Freedom Park and the Commons are the only parks that have any great population around it. The parks are handy and attractive to have for people that are looking to buy if they have children. Mr. Yesman also cautioned there are not many jobs in Town, therefore, properties are not being purchased and adding to the Grand List Value. Mr. Yesman said the short answer is Yes.

Vote: 3 Yes, 1 No (David Yesman) (Peter MacGillivray not present)

G. OLD BUSINESS: ITEM 4: Police Vehicle Purchase.

Town Manager Yennerell indicated Police Chief, Doug Johnston, was present to discuss information that was provided to the Board of Selectmen at their request. The Police Department has a 2006 Durango with a blown transmission. At a previous Board Meeting Chief Johnston proposed leasing a new four-wheel drive vehicle from Springfield GMC Buick. The Board requested information on used four-wheel drive vehicles from the area. Unfortunately, there were not a lot of used vehicles to choose from. Again, the Board asked for more information. Chief Johnston prepared and submitted a usage report of the Police Department vehicles. Chief Johnston stated each day the usage varies; there is something different every day.

George McNaughton stated he has thought about all the information provided and has taken into consideration what he has heard from others. He said he could not support the purchase of a new or used vehicle. He supports repairing the blown engine for the 2006 Durango.

Chairman Morris, Vice-Chairman, also pointed out the 2006 Durango is one of the nine vehicles in the fleet at the Police Department. ______Board of Selectmen Meeting 12-08-14 Meeting Minutes Are Not Approved Page 3 David Yesman and Doug Johnston discussed the number of employees on staff at the Police Department. They finally settled on 14 employees on Staff. They also discussed the amount of officers working on the various shifts. Also discussed was the vehicle known as the K-9 vehicle, EQ4. This vehicle is used by the K-9 Police Officer. The vehicle is not set up like the other police vehicles.

MOTION: David Yesman moved to follow through with the replacement of the blown engine on the 2006 Durango, known as EQ8. Seconded by George McNaughton

Vice-Chairman Thompson wanted to know the mileage on the Durango and asked if there were any other major issues in the past with the Durango. Chief Johnston stated there were approximately 62,000 miles on the Durango and doesn’t have any other major issues at this time.

Vote: 3 Yes, 1 No (Chairman, Kristi Morris) (Peter MacGillivray not present)

Chairman Morris pointed out the K-9 vehicle; EQ4 is not really set up to be used by another Police Officer that doesn’t have a dog. The backseats are removed and there is a dog cage in the back. Chief Johnston confirmed that to be true. He also stated there is a lot of dog hair in the vehicle.

H. NEW BUSINESS: ITEM 5: Budget Advisory Committee Appointments.

Town Manager Yennerell shared there are two applications to be considered for appointments on the Budget Advisory Committee. Mr. Michael Knoras and Mr. Walter Martone, who are both present tonight.

MOTION: Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson moved to appoint Michael Knoras and Walter Martone to the Budget Advisory Committee. Seconded by George McNaughton Vote: 4 Yes, passed unanimously (Peter MacGillivray not present)

ITEM 6: Alternative Meeting Packet Delivery Methods.

Town Manager Yennerell reminded us there was a request made to consider different methods of delivering the Board packets. Two alternative methods were suggested:

1. Email PDF’s, an example PDF was provided for this meeting to all of the Selectboard Members. 2. Purchase electronic tablets for each Board Member. Packets would be emailed to the Board Members and the tablet would be brought to the meeting. The cost of each tablet would be approximately $225.00, totaling $1,125.00. Information could be stored to be reviewed again if necessary.

George McNaughton liked receiving the emailed PDFs and a delivery to his house from the Police Department was not necessary. His hard copy of the packet was held at the Town Office until tonight.

Stephanie Thompson agreed with George McNaughton. She likes the idea of having the information on tablets and it brings the Board up to the current century, but she doesn’t want to spend taxpayer money on them. Vice-Chairman Thompson suggested the tablets could be purchased with grant money.

David Yesman likes the hard copy in hand. He doesn’t want to be tied to the computer or a tablet. He files the packets in a 4-Draw file cabinet. When he wants them later, he goes to the cabinet. Mr. Yesman also agrees with Vice-Chairman Thompson about not spending taxpayer money.

MOTION: George McNaughton moved the Executive Secretary will scan the Board of Selectmen Packets and email it to the Board Members. In addition, if there are Board Members that desire to continue to have a hard copy delivered to their residence by the Police Department they may do so. Otherwise the hard copy packet will be available for members to pick up or held for the night of the meeting. Seconded by Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson. Vote: 3 Yes, 1 No (D. Yesman) (Peter MacGillivray not present) ______Board of Selectmen Meeting 12-08-14 Meeting Minutes Are Not Approved Page 4 ITEM 7: Unsafe Building Demolition Fund Creation.

This topic was requested at the last Board Meeting. Town Manager Yennerell wrote a DRAFT Article and passed it along to the Board for review and comment.

George McNaughton took ownership of the topic. He feels all of the Neighborhood Associations have indicated there are problems with dilapidated buildings. Mr. McNaughton feels the public needs to know that it just isn’t the Board or the Town Manager sitting on stuff. The problem is if the property owner doesn’t teardown the building, then the Town has to teardown the building and files a lien to recoup some of the money. That money could go back into a fund. Mr. McNaughton feels if the Selectboard becomes aggressive more property owners will voluntarily do it. If the property owners can possible scrape enough money together; it is cheaper for them to teardown a building rather than the Town performing the teardown. Currently, there is a problem that demolition liens would be subordinate to mortgages. However, we have been promised by our elected legislatures there will be a bill presented at the next legislative session to change that. Giving demolition liens super priority so they will jump in front of mortgages. The Town needs to be prepared by having funds. The Town has some funds donated by Mr. William Mosher, but those are restricted to the downtown area. There are a lot of buildings that need to be torn down that are not in the downtown area. The Town simply does not have the funds to teardown these buildings. The price of teardowns also varies in cost depending if the building has asbestos, what has been stored in the buildings, etc. If the Town is ever going to move ahead the unsafe dilapidated buildings should be torn down. At the same time, the Town needs to know the community is behind the concept. His feeling is if the Town has a separate Article that appropriates money for that purpose the Town is achieving two things:

1. We have the potential to create the money needed and a fund that will revolve.

2. Have the money for the Town to go forward.

At a previous Board Meeting, Mr. McNaughton questioned Mr. Forguites on how much money would be needed to finish up with the properties currently on the Dilapidated and Unsafe Building list. Mr. Forguites stated that approximately $100,000.00 would be needed to finish up the list, which is less than Mr. McNaughton expected. Mr. McNaughton feels the DRAFT of the Article submitted by Town Manager Yennerell should be reviewed by the Town Attorney, Stephen Ankuda.

MOTION: Vice-Chairman, Stephanie Thompson, moved to have the Town Attorney review the DRAFT Article submitted by the Town Manager to be checked for any proprietaries, to include the appropriate wording and the setup of a fund to be used for demolition expenses and funds recouped from liens. The Article will be placed on the warrant in January 2015. Seconded by George McNaughton

David Yesman wanted to know what the demolition cost was for 21 Cottage Avenue. Mr. Forguites said $10,000.00 for the demolition, $900.00 for the asbestos testing, and $6,500.00 for the asbestos cleanup. Comptroller Mobus estimated $25,000.00 to $30,000.00 for each property.

David Yesman suggested using the State Economic Revolving Loan for the demolitions. Comptroller Mobus and Town Manager Yennerell both voiced their concerns that the State Economic Revolving Loan would not be an option. Comptroller Mobus stated the funds were for commercial properties, job creation and job retention. Town Manager Yennerell didn’t feel the State would change the criteria of the loans. In addition, the money is probably coming from the Federal Government, HUD. He will ask the question, but is not optimistic the Town will get an answer.

Board of Selectmen Member, Peter MacGillivray, arrived at 8:14 PM.

Dick Andrews, resident, stated he could not comment on the DRAFT of the proposed Article because he has not seen it. However, he is pleased to see the Board of Selectmen taking aggressive action on this issue. He also stated that maybe people don’t realize it, but properties that are unsafe are almost always an eyesore as well. That has the effect of lowering property values.

Chairman Morris read the DRAFT article.

Shall the Town vote to appropriate $100,000.00 to be used for the demolition of unsafe buildings and to authorize the Selectboard to create a fund which would receive and expend any related revenues that may be created in relation to the demolition of unsafe buildings?

Peter MacGillivray also commented the Grand List is also affected. ______Board of Selectmen Meeting 12-08-14 Meeting Minutes Are Not Approved Page 5 Chairman Morris wrapped up the discussion by stating the Town Charter is pretty clear on what the Board of Selectmen can do.

VOTE: 4 Yes, 1 No (David Yesman)

I. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT:

Town Manager Yennerell shared he has always prepared a Town Manager’s Report on a routine bases and he plans to do so. He doesn’t intend to read the report out load; however, in further meetings he may provide copies for the audience. He asked for questions.

A short discussion followed over the method of payment for the Electric Vehicle Charging Unit. Town Manager Yennerell thanked the Board for pointing out their concerns. He will check into the method further.

Another discussion followed with reference to dilapidated and unsafe buildings. Questions were asked about 42-44 Union Street because the property has a mortgage. There is not much the Town can do right now, however, area Legislative Representatives are in the process of proposing a DRAFT Bill for the next legislative session. Town Attorney has not been able to check in with the property owner of 105 Clinton Street yet. The property at 188 Wall Street has been inspected by the Structural Engineer and a report submitted. The report is being reviewed by the Town Attorney. Town Manager Yennerell commented the information would be available at the next Board meeting.

Chairman Morris noted and thanked Mr. Forguites and Town Manager Yennerell for the Unsafe Building Demolition Time Line that was provided in the Board of Selectmen packets.

J. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM PROPOSALS:

David Yesman and George McNaughton didn’t have any requests. Vice-Chairman Thompson is requesting a meeting between the Board of Selectmen and the School Board Directors. Chairman Morris said he would contact the School Board Director. Peter MacGillivray questioned the new placement of the Bike Path once the Park & Ride is redone next year. Town Manager Yennerell said he has plans available for Mr. MacGillivray to review and shared the construction work for the Bike Path would be done first. Mr. MacGillivray also shared a citizen had contacted him about the potential expenses from the Muckross Project in regards to a damn on the property. The concern is the cost might be incurred from the Springfield Taxpayers and State Taxpayers. Mr. MacGillivray would like the Town Manager to provide regular follow ups to the Board.

Mr. Forguites pointed out the Selectboard agreed to the concept of Muckross proposed by the State of Vermont. The Selectboard did not agree to any expenses.

Vice-Chairman Thompson shared she is a Member of the Muckross Project Group. She also commented the group would be contacting the Town Manager to appear on the agenda of December 22, 2014.

K. OTHER MINUTES & CORRESPONDENCE: a. Springfield Library Board of Trustees, Meeting Minutes, November 10, 2014 b. Springfield Library Board of Trustees, Agenda, December 8, 2014 c. Springfield Senior Center, Monthly Newsletter, December 2014 d. Park Street School Joint Committee, Meeting Minutes, November 6, 2014 e. Park Street School Joint Committee, Agenda, December 4, 2014 e. Press Release: Vermont Beer Shapers

Chairman Morris noted copies of Meeting Minutes, Agendas, Newsletters and Press Releases may be picked up at the Town Managers office.

MOTION: David Yesman moved to close the Regular Board of Selectmen Meeting of Monday, December 8, 2014 In order to go into Executive Session to discuss the Library and Public Works Contracts. Seconded by Peter MacGillivray Vote: 5 Yes, passed unanimously

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EXECUTIVE SESSION: Library and Public Works Contracts ITEM 8: The Selectboard will reconvene in Regular Session after Executive Session.

L. ADJOURNMENT:

Regular Board of Selectmen Meeting closed at 8:45 PM.

Submitted by:

Donna M. Hall, Recording Secretary

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