TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
January 22nd, 2024
Minutes
Attendees:
Selectboard
Mike Klopchin, Chair
George Ambrose, Clerk
Robert Congdon
Cash Ruane
Art Menard
Katie Nop, Secretary
William Chmielewski, PEG-TV
Joel Baker
Ed Baker
Bob Underhill
Shelly Lutz
Wayne Willhaus
Jimmy Austin
Thelicia Molaski
Kevin Dogherty
Kevin Peck
Joe Parker, Jr.
Jan McCoy
David Cioffi
Sarah Kumm
Call to Order
Chairman Klopchin called the meeting to order at 6:00PM.
Agenda additions/deletions
N/A
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Selectman Ambrose motioned to approve the Regular Meeting minutes from January 8, 2024 and Selectman Ruane seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
Highway
Road Commissioner Report-
Road Commissioner Ruane reported that people have called him and offered compliments on the road crew’s work with the past storms. They recently filled in potholes on Cold River Road. The road crew switched to a different product in order to better fix the pot holes. It seems to be working well. Jan McCoy asked how the brine project is coming along. Road Commissioner Ruane responded that he and Eddy have not gone over it yet and will follow up tonight.
Joe Parker, of the Highway Dept. and interim acting Road Commissioner, presented information for the Board to review regarding portable traffic lights. They replace the need for physical flaggers. He was looking for approval to purchase them. Selectman Congdon said his understanding is that they would be purchased out of the Highway Fund balance. Joe confirmed. Selectman Ambrose said in light of the safety factor and the dangerous position that flaggers are put in, he’s in favor of purchasing the lights. Towns of Tinmouth and Danby purchased lights that were very similar. Clarendon would be seeking to purchase the step above model that had radio control. The road crew could hold traffic from both sides. For additional $1400, there could be a countdown option, so traffic knows how much longer they have to wait. Selectman Ambrose moved to approve the purchase of the lights, and Selectman Menard seconded. All Board members approved the motion.
Joe has also been gathering information on how to fix the radio issue that the road crew currently experiences. They are not been able to communicate with each other when they are on opposites sides of the town. Adirondack Two-Way offers a plan where the town can rent radios and use their repeater. To purchase a 50-watt repeater out right it could cost anywhere between $10k-$12k. The renting option includes an initial $99 fee for installation and then $29/per radio/per month. The road crew has about 9 radios. That price includes maintenance as well- if the radio breaks, Adirondack will fix it. The Board discussed the pros and cons of renting v. buying. Adirondack does offer a demo so the town can try them out first. Selectman Menard said he spoke with the Fire Chief and he advised trying them out first to make sure there’s no dead spots. Renting the radios does not allow for the road crew to communicate with the Fire Dept. The Board was in favor of trying them out first. Joe Parker explained that renting isn’t going to be the “cheaper”
way of fixing the problem, but it is the faster option. Jimmy Austin said there was talk about having the town add a repeater in the same spot the Fire Department has on his property. He figured they should be able to reach anywhere in town. Selectman Menard noted that the Fire Dept. still experiences dead spots with that location. Joe explained the limits of the radio communications around town. There was discussion on where the old repeater was located. Ed Baker questioned when the last time the town had the radios tested. Joe Parker responded they were tested last year. The Board discussed whether it would be better to buy a repeater and it’d pay for itself in 3 years. Ed Baker commented that with electronics today, it’s almost better to rent and then if anything happens to them, the town is not liable. The Board and Joe discussed the logistics of the demo. It’s likely they’ll try out 3 radios for a month. The Board was more amiable to that first, rather than committing funds to renting right away. Selectman Ambrose moved to engage in a test with the radios and see how they work, Selectman Congdon seconded, and all approved.
Quarterline Road follow up–
Katie explained that a few of the Board members and herself attended the most recent Rutland Town Highway Committee meeting where they offered a proposal to Rutland Town regarding the Class 4 section of Quarterline Road maintenance. Katie heard from Rutland Town’s Administrator that they had decided to decline the offer. Chairman Klopchin read the rejection email aloud. The email was left that Rutland Town feels the easiest and least complicated arrangement would be for Rutland Town to pay Clarendon to plow and sand that section and they would reimburse Clarendon at an agreed upon rate. If the Board was interested in that, they were encouraged to let the Administrator know.
Chairman Klopchin asked for comments from the Board. Selectman Ruane said that they submitted a proposal to Rutland Town that he felt was very reasonable.
The trade that was proposed was:
We the Town of Clarendon would like to propose a trade of services to be as follows:
Winter Maintenance and Grading of the northern end of Quarterline Road, located in Rutland Town in exchange for hauling of winter sand during the summer season to be traded as hourly rate to hourly rate. This would be tracked on a fiscal year basis.
Values as follows:
- Plow rate: $25/occurrence
- Plow & Sand rate: $68/occurrence
- Grading $200/hour
Example: Clarendon plows and sands three times- Rutland Town would need to haul the equivalent of $204 (hauling hours). Material would be billed from the pit to Clarendon.
Wayne Willhaus commented that the trade the Board proposed had already monetized the process and that it indicated an “off the books” account would be created that would calculate cash owed and Rutland Town would draw down on it when they haul sand. Wayne clarified how the process could potentially work. He questioned why the Clarendon Board would not accept cash for a service provided.
Selectman Congdon explained for him, it sets a precedent. A group of private road residents can come to the town and ask for Clarendon to plow their road. The towns of Tinmouth or Ira could come to Clarendon and ask for them to plow their bordering roads. Selectman Congdon said that in the past the Board was okay with maintenance trades, but no exchanging of money. He still believed strongly in that. Wayne explained that they were not giving a reason as to why they won’t accept money. He questioned why cash cannot be exchanged. He further pressed that the Board is refusing to do this for the residents of Clarendon. Selectman Congdon clarified that the section of road being discussed is not Clarendon’s. Wayne said that’s irrelevant and countered that the Clarendon residents use that road. Selectman Congdon said the fact that he’s elected to represent the citizens of Clarendon, does make it a relevant factor.
Wayne continued that the Board had already monetized the process and felt there was no reason for refusing the acceptance of cash. Selectman Menard commented that there’s no reason for Rutland Town to refuse the proposal. Wayne said that Rutland Town wants it to be simpler.
Chairman Klopchin said his understanding is that sanding that section of road requires an extra trip for the road crew to come back to the Town Garage. Joe Parker explained his routes. It would take more than 20 minutes. He would have to come back for a 4th trip. He figured an extra 40 minutes if he came from Teer Road to reload and go back to Quarterline. Wayne questioned why that time couldn’t be added at the front of the trip. Thelecia Molaski commented on where she felt sections of roads were being heavily sanded versus other parts of town. Chairman Klopchin explained that was because of the steepness of roads. Wayne said that the fact that the town would have to haul all the way from the sand pile, was not a good factor; the distribution of the sand could be reconfigured. He acknowledged that sanding is a variable process. He wondered if the Quarterline section only required half a yard of sand. Joe Parker explained that there would have to be a 4th trip added because of the steepness of the roads and the need for his truck to be weighed down at certain sections of the route. He would be coming down empty on Schoolhouse to be able to do Quarterline Road in one shot. Jimmy Austin was unsure why so much sand was being used- he offered history of when he was on the town road crew and the route he did. They used to sprinkle sand on Rutland Town’s section anyway because they would go down it to turn around and come back.
Shelley Lutz added that Rutland Town’s section of Quarterline Road probably doesn’t need to be as heavily sanded as the rest of the Quarterline Road. Selectman Ambrose questioned the public if residents had been plowing the road this winter. They responded yes, that every time it’s snowed, they’ve plowed it. Ed Baker commented that Clarendon does a great job at getting the roads opened up. Rutland Town, for the tax base they have, do not. Ed said to get the media involved. He explained that Rutland Town has the money and they can get the section upgraded.
Selectman Congdon wondered what had changed in the last 2 years. He ran into a contractor that worked for Rutland Town and his conversation was that the contractor always did up to the town line. Selectman Congdon feels something has changed on the other side of the equation if this contractor has always maintained to the Clarendon town line. This contractor also had to do the dirt section on Boardman Hill. David Cioffi said that’s when they asked for the turnaround in his driveway. Selectman Congdon said that it’s safe to say that there’s been a change in the last 2 years on Rutland Town’s responsibilities. Joe Parker and Shelley said that they didn’t have to plow the road like they do now. She referenced that the last 3 Clarendon Road Commissioners were going all the way to the Rutland Town town-line. They would only dump sand if needed. Selectman Congdon asked if the picture was accurate from the contractor he spoke to. The residents did not recall there ever being a contractor up there. Thelecia Molaski recalled that Walt Tripp would make sure the section was opened up. She said at that point the road was always accessible.
Wayne Willhaus urged the Board to thoroughly reexamine their current position on money. He felt the simplest thing would be to negotiate an appropriate rate for whatever work gets done. He felt there was no precedent being set. The town can say no to others in the future.
Chairman Klopchin reread the last email from Rutland Town about them being open to reimbursing Clarendon for plowing and sanding at an agreed upon rate. Selectman Congdon thought that the other Board members felt that from their perspective at the Highway Committee Meeting that Rutland Town wasn’t concerned about plowing and sanding, it was more so the grading aspect. Shelley Lutz said the road needs to be plowed and sanded. Selectman Congdon said that his perspective of the issue was the opposite of what they’re talking about. He thought that they wanted grading, but the email only mentions plowing and sanding. Selectman Ruane confirmed and felt that the plowing and sanding wasn’t the biggest issue. Shelley confirmed that the grading is a big piece of this. She said Dave Sears says they have the plowing/sanding under control, but unfortunately, she feels Rutland Town does not. They’re maintaining it substandard to what it was 3 years ago.
Katie added that she briefly read the draft minutes from the Highway Committee meeting and towards the end of the meeting they discussed the offer more in depth. It noted that the Rutland Town employees were going to be trained in a grading class so they could take care of that aspect. Shelly also confirmed she had heard that from Dave Sears, but the issue is going to be finding an available grader for them to be able to maintain the section. He wants to train a crew but they don’t have a grader.
Wayne advised tackling this one bit at a time and start with the plowing and sanding. He urged the Board, specifically Selectman Congdon, to reconsider getting paid for the work and the issue around setting precedent. He said at this point, it’s just negotiating a price. Selectman Congdon committed to talking to his legal contacts to bounce ideas about the precedent piece.
Shelley Lutz suggested trying it for 2 months. Rutland Town would be happy and the Clarendon residents would be happy.
Chairman Klopchin asked Selectman Ruane what his thoughts were. Selectman Ruane felt that the Board was getting strongarmed. The Board had an agreement that it’s Rutland Town’s road and they should take care of it. The residents should address this issue with Rutland Town. Selectman Congdon added that Rutland Town’s portion of Quarterline Road is still classified as Class 4. Clarendon has improved the road on their end by bringing it up to Class 3. Selectman Congdon felt that Rutland Town’s response of it being a Class 4 road and they don’t have to maintain it, does not instill a give and take mentality. That will be a problem no matter as it remains Class 4. Shelley Lutz said the residents don’t need it to be upgraded or need a ton of improvement. They’re just asking for plowing/sanding and grading a couple of times a year.
Chairman Klopchin recalled that if a Class 4 road was being maintained it should be maintained to the extent that it had been done to in the past. Chairman Klopchin wondered what offer Rutland Town would give financially. Wayne said you won’t know unless you ask. Selectman Congdon thought that Rutland Town was talking FEMA rates initially. Thelecia said originally, they were willing to pay contract fees. Selectman Congdon said FEMA rates are a joke. Selectman Ambrose said price can be negotiated. Joe Parker said they will pay what’s reasonable on their end even if Clarendon offers a price. He doesn’t think they care as much about plowing/sanding as they do about grading. Shelley asked if a conversation could be had with Rutland Town to negotiate. She suggested Clarendon going to Rutland Town with a rate they would be comfortable with.
Ed Baker suggested getting Channel 3 involved. He explained that turning around in Shelley’s driving is not great for the trucks, just go to the border and turn around. Jimmy Austin added that he could almost guarantee that Rutland Town does not have sand at their shed. Selectman Congdon questioned if it’s Hubbard’s or Rutland Town doing the Class 4 section. Jimmy said he’s seen Rutland Town’s 550 plow twice but he doesn’t think they have sanded. He thought they had salt on the back and didn’t spread that.
Chairman Klopchin said that the Board agreed that if Rutland Town turns down Clarendon’s last offer, the conversation would be ended. However, he felt that Rutland Town came back and said they didn’t like the offer, but put it back in Clarendon’s court. Chairman Klopchin reiterated that they weren’t going to continue this conversation if Rutland Town turned down the last offer (which they did). Selectman Ambrose asked the Chair to define what continue the conversation meant. Selectman Congdon said that Rutland Town asked Clarendon to bring their best-case proposal and they did. Selectman Ambrose asked again what continuing the conversation meant. Selectman Congdon explained that he thought the Chair meant if this last proposal did not end favorably, the stance of the Board was that they were going to end it. Selectman Ambrose questioned what was going to end. Chairman Klopchin said this discussion. Chairman Klopchin asked what Selectman Menard’s opinion was. He responded that from the start he didn’t feel like Clarendon should be doing Rutland Town’s road. Selectman Congdon said he has gone round and round. He’s committed to reconsidering his position, but not tonight. He’s shared his thoughts otherwise thus far. Chairman Klopchin said he wants to stand up for the tax payers of this town. Selectman Ambrose agreed.
Selectman Congdon questioned what Selectman Ambrose would like to see happen. Selectman Ambrose said that the Board makes decisions throughout the year. Each time a problem comes their way they have to weigh the pros and cons. He said one thing that should be considered is if they are establishing a procedure on how to deal with those problems- he noted the Board is concerned about this all the time. If the Board looks at each issue that comes their way and they should judge it based on the merits being presented. He understands that the Board is worried about precedent in this case (ex: Weaver Hill Road). He said that if that issue came to the Board, they would have to listen to their rationale: how many people use it, how many residents live there, etc. The Board would decide at the point if they can take it on. He said the Board can take on one road but that doesn’t mean they have to do every other one. It is a consideration, but it’s not the only one, and the Board could be backing themselves into a corner.
Chairman Klopchin said that Weaver Hill isn’t a thruway like Quartline Road and doesn’t see that becoming an issue. Selectman Ambrose advised taking things on a case-by-case basis as they come to the Board. As for the issue of plowing private roads, Selectman Ambrose said if there’s enough of them asking maybe they could create the salary of a 4th road crew member.
Kevin Dougherty said his concern is that private roads are not maintained or constructed to the same standard that even a Class 4 road is. A 50,000-pound truck going on that road could open up a can of worms. Selectman Ambrose suggested that Kevin is offering a valid reason for why private roads would not be able to be maintained. Kevin suggested a resolution or policy be developed for private roads. Chairman Klopchin said there is process for private roads to be brought up to Class 3 standard (like Sunny Hill Drive). Sunny Hill was upgraded to spec and then the town took it over. Selectman Ambrose said that in the last few seconds, the Board supported the notion of judging each case presented based on the circumstances involved. Selectman Ambrose explained based on the facts involving plowing a private road, it would be very easy for the Board to say “no, we can’t do that.” Selectman Menard countered that if they tell residents they won’t do their private roads unless they’re brought up to Class 3 standards, why would Clarendon agree to maintain a Class 4 section. If Rutland Town brought it up to Class 3, then they’ll do it. Chairman Klopchin said that the Class 4 section has already been maintained to a certain level.
Shelly Lutz said that the Board is forgetting about the safety of emergency services. She said that Clarendon FD and the ambulance service are going to come up from Cambell Road, so if Quarterline Road is not maintained, it will delay response.
Chairman Klopchin asked Cash what his opinion was on that and what he would say to Rutland Town that the cost would be. Selectman Ruane reminded the Chairman that this was Clarendon’s last proposal, end of discussion. Wayne Willhaus questioned if Cash was unwilling to do the calculations to send Rutland Town a number for a rate. Wayne said they already sent numbers. Selectman Congdon expressed that he was hoping that Rutland Town would bounce back a counter proposal and alter the trade. Rutland Town wants to pay Clarendon, and that may be the easiest, but right now 3 members of the Board are not on par with that. If they wanted to bounce back a different proposal with a different trade, the Board would be open to it.
Shelley Lutz questioned if Rutland Town can be contacted and ask what they’re willing to pay cash value. Chairman Klopchin reread the email about the easiest arrangement being reimbursed based on an agreed upon rate. There were no hard numbers given. Wayne said that’s what negotiations are all about. Chairman Klopchin said that if they come back and give a number which would be a counter proposal maybe that’s something the Board would consider. Shelley said it’s worth exploring what the number is.
Selectman Congdon said there’s no counter proposal on the table. Clarendon put a proposal on the table and Rutland Town did not come back with anything viable. Jimmy Austin responded that Rutland Town did. Selectman Congdon disagreed. Selectman Congdon stated that he’s been in multiple negations and that is not a negotiation. Jimmy explained they came back that they don’t want to trade time, they want to pay directly. Selectman Congdon said the email does not say if the rates in Clarendon’s proposal were agreeable and if they would pay those or not. That’s why Selectman Congdon felt the counter proposal from Rutland Town was a joke. He said in his opinion, Clarendon has done their due diligence of putting something forward, Rutland Town did not come back with something. Selectman Congdon views the last email as a rejection.
Thelecia Molaski said that if a proposal was considered 7 months ago, maybe Rutland Town wouldn’t be playing games. She said if the Board can’t come up with a proposal money wise, she would be happy to. Chairman Klopchin asked what that cost would be. Wayne said the Board already figured it out in their proposal of trading time. Selectman Congdon agreed that rates have already been established. Wayne said to send that dollar value back as a rate to Rutland Town. Chairman Klopchin said that Rutland Town came back with the agreed upon rate idea, now Clarendon could go back and ask what cost Rutland Town is willing to pay. Wayne said the easier thing would be to say what Clarendon’s number is that they are willing to take in cash. He said to forget about grading for now. Chairman Klopchin asked what the rates were that Clarendon offered. Kevin Peck read them aloud.
Values as follows:
- Plow rate: $25/occurrence
- Plow & Sand rate: $68/occurrence
- Grading $200/hour
Selectman Menard said that Rutland Town does not want to be inconvenienced by hauling sand for Clarendon, so why should Clarendon be inconvenienced to maintain their road. The residents responded that Clarendon would be getting paid for it and profiting. The Clarendon residents said they were being inconvenienced as well as the emergency services. They discussed how Clarendon did not want a car counter put up there. Chairman Klopchin asked Joe Parker if the $68/occurrence was worth the inconvenience. Joe Parker explained how they came up with that number. He wasn’t sure what a contractor would get paid for that. Selectman Ambrose questioned what the maximum amount of time it would take to do his route and include the Quarterline section. Joe talked through possible routes to determine time but couldn’t come up with a figure without doing it. Selectman Ambrose questioned if he could do it in a half hour or 45 minutes. Parker said it’d be pushing it. Selectman Ambrose said his point is $68/occurrence is reasonable if you add a percentage on for an additional trip and that’s what price you would want to charge. Selectman Ambrose said you have to make it worth your while.
Chairman Klopchin shared that he’s charged $75 for sanding. Chairman Klopchin questioned if the Board should make a counter proposal of $70 for plowing/sanding. Selectman Congdon said that $68/occurrence had already been shared with Rutland Town (in trade). Wayne Willhaus shared that Rutland Town is paying $78/occurrence for the contractor to do the section of Creek Road that was proposed. Chairman Klopchin questioned if $70 was unreasonable to ask for. Wayne said it’s dependent on the added mileage it will take to reroute the plows in order to do Quarterline, while remaining weighted for the steep roads. Wayne explained it would be a matter of plow route rearrangement and sand density distribution.
Selectman Ambrose said based on everything he’s heard from this discussion, he moved to propose to Rutland Town, that Clarendon will consider doing the plowing and sanding at $100/occurrence. There was no second so the motion failed.
Thelecia Molaski said that it’s very disheartening for the tax payers, and the Board doesn’t care about them. Selectman Menard said that Rutland Town doesn’t care about them. Thelecia felt the Board was being closed minded. Selectman Menard told Thelecia there’s other routes to take. Thelecia explained that Quarterline Road is the quickest route for her to get to the hospital. Selectman Menard asked Thelecia if it’s his fault that Rutland Town has that section left at Class 4. Thelecia responded no, but they’re trying to work together.
Jan McCoy questioned if she could second the motion. Chairman Klopchin wasn’t sure if he could even second the motion. Thelecia explained the different ways she could get to work but they’re not the safest. Selectman Menard said he has to go up Schoolhouse Hill Road. Thelecia countered that he doesn’t have to use it in the middle of the night.
David Cioffi summarized the Board’s standing on the matter. If the motion got seconded, they’ll be back to 3-2, unless Selectman Congdon reconsiders the precedent idea. Chairman Klopchin suggested Selectman Ambrose withdraw his motion and he would ask the Board members if they object to him sending an email to Rutland Town with a proposed amount and then if they come back with a number, then it would go to a vote with the Board. Selectman Ambrose withdrew his motion.
Selectman Congdon said that he’s dealing with his precedent but he wants to see some sort of reality from Rutland Town and that they put a dollar amount to this proposal. He felt strongly this was not a negotiation, and he has negotiated many contracts in his professional career. Chairman Klopchin asked Selectman Congdon if he had an issue with the Chairman responding to the email. Selectman Congdon said he has no problem tossing something back but he does not want to see a dollar amount thrown at them. He felt all the work, numbers, and proposals have come from Clarendon’s side. Selectman Congdon said to Wayne’s point, the Clarendon Board has already put a dollar amount for the rates and they were spelled out in the service agreement. If there was true interest in this from Rutland Town, Selectman Congdon questioned why the email doesn’t read that they are willing to pay Clarendon based on the service agreement rates previously provided. Wayne Willhaus said that maybe Rutland Town overlooked the dollar amount. Wayne told Selectman Congdon he had negotiated more contracts than him and sometimes people have to be given an extra push. Wayne questioned Selectman Congdon on what difference it made if Clarendon makes the first move. Further, he asked Selectman Congdon if that diminished him as a man. Selectman Congdon responded that that was insulting and said he was “done” with tonight’s meeting. Thelecia Molaski commented that they need a whole new Selectboard. Selectman Congdon responded that his personhood will not be insulted and wished everyone a goodnight. Selectman Congdon promptly left the Board meeting.
David Cioffi asked if the Board still had a quorum and the Board confirmed. Chairman Klopchin asked Selectman Menard what he wanted to do. Selectman Menard said that he stood with Selectman Congdon and tell Rutland Town to send Clarendon a dollar figure and let Clarendon say no. Selectman Ambrose said he would try anything. The Board was in agreement that an email would be sent to Rutland Town requesting them to send over a dollar amount for plowing/sanding.
Certificate of Highway Mileage–
There were no changes in Highway Mileage from last year. Selectman Ambrose questioned if Sunny Hill was included in the mileage, Road Commissioner Ruane confirmed. Selectman Ruane motioned that the Chairman and Board members sign off on it. Selectman Ambrose seconded and all approved.
PACIF Safety Grant–
Katie explained that she’s applying for this grant on behalf of the Highway Department for road work signs. The estimated total was $2940.20 with a 50% match from the town. Selectman Ambrose motioned to approve the grant, Selectman Ruane seconded, and the motion passed unopposed.
DMV Authorization–
Katie explained that every year she does an operator record check through the VT DMV. It’s performed on all of the employees that have CDLS. The letter is giving her permission to do so on behalf of the town. Selectman Ambrose motioned to have the Chairman sign the letter and Selectman Ruane seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Engineering Bids for 2023 Flooding–
Katie explained that she received no bids for the Engineering RPF she had posted. She was looking for direction from the Board on how they would like her to proceed. Katie noted that she reached out to 5 engineering firms, posted it at the 5 locations around town, and on VLCT’s Classifieds Board. The Board decided to extend the deadline by another 2 weeks. Selectman Ambrose suggested sending a letter via mail to the engineering firms.
Approval of Select Board Warrants
All new warrants and warrants previously signed by the designated Select Board Member were approved and signed by all Select Board Members.
Guests
N/A
Public Comments
N/A
Old Business
N/A
New Business
Lister Appointment discussion–
Selectman Menard told the Chairman that the appointment should be tabled seeing as how another individual is running against the interested candidate. He said that the voters should decide. Selectman Menard motioned that the Lister discussion be tabled and let the election decide. Selectman Ambrose seconded and all approved.
The Listers were present and reported that they will be notified formally in June about reappraisal. It was suggested that they look to do a statistical reappraisal and use NEMRC. NEMRC came back and said that they cannot do a statistical reappraisal without doing a site review. They’re contracting into 2028 so they’re 4 years out. The Listers expected this since much of the State is being forced to reappraise. The Listers only have about $87,000 in the account now for reappraisal. They expect to get about $13k per year from the State. However, in 2016, the town paid around $112k for reappraisal. Bob Underhill, Lister, suspects that in 2028 it could be $150k. Bob Underhill thinks it could possibly be 10 years before reappraisal will actually happen. He hopes that in June, the letter will have better information.
2024 Warning–
Selectman Ambrose motioned to approve the 2024 Warning as presented and Selectman Menard seconded. All Board members approved the motion.
Selectboard Report–
Selectman Menard motioned to accept the Selectboard Report as written and Selectman Ambrose seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
School Consolidation discussion–
Selectman Ambrose explained that at the last meeting he was tasked with 2 things. The first was that he was to contact the Superintendent about consolidation. Selectman Ambrose did so and the Superintendent was very excited about the topic of consolidation. He was hoping talk would start at the town level first. He received a sample from the Superintendent of what kind of questions to ask. Selectman Ambrose thought he was also tasked with talking to the other district towns. Selectman Ambrose had drafted up a letter to send to other towns to get the topic of a school consolidation going. Selectman Ambrose looked to his fellow Board members for support to move ahead with sending the letter which would ask if those towns would be interested in having an exit type survey available at the polling place in March. Selectman Ambrose questioned the Board as to whether this topic of discussion would need to follow a predetermined policy that will follow every time (such as the Quarterline Road topic) or if this is a case that can be judged on its own merits. Selectman Ambrose read the letter aloud that he would like to send to the other towns. Selectman Menard said he doesn’t have a problem sending it out but requested that Selectman Ambrose talk to the School Board first so they’re not stepping on toes. If the School Board doesn’t have any issue than the Board members had no issue with Selectman Ambrose going ahead with sending his letter.
Town Officer’s Report
Katie, Secretary
Katie reported that she received an update from VTRANS on the project timeline for Kingsley Bridge. The flooding in July caused a 3-month delay so the contractors are hoping the project is completed by early July. Katie will post a notice with the update. Katie also reported that at the last meeting there was discussion about a sign installation project on Walker Mountain Road. Upon doing research, Katie came across an agreement between the Board and the State for that project. It was called the High Risk Rural Roads Program. The 3 roads mentioned in the agreement were Walker Mountain Road, Cold River Road, and North Shrewsbury Road. The Board and Joe Parker confirmed all those roads had signage installed. Selectman Ambrose asked if there was any requirement long term for that project. Katie said the agreement read that any future maintenance would be the responsibility of the municipality.
Select Board Member Concerns
Selectman Ambrose commented that if you lose your temper than you lose. He advised everyone to be mindful of that.
Executive Session- Personnel
Selectman Ambrose motioned to move into executive session at 7:45pm with the road crew, not to exceed 15 minutes, and Selectman Ruane seconded. All Board members approved. Selectman Ambrose motioned to move out of executive session at 8:05pm and Selectman Menard seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
Selectman Menard reported a conference between the Board and the road crew was had, and conflicts were resolved.
Adjournment
Selectman Menard motioned to adjourn at 8:06pm and Selectman Ambrose seconded. All Board members approved.
OWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
Monday, January 22nd, 2024
Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM
AGENDA
Call to Order
Agenda additions/deletions
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting: January 8, 2024
Highway
Quarterline Road follow up
Certificate of Highway Mileage
PACIF Safety Grant
DMV Authorization
Engineering Bids for 2023 Flooding
Approval of Select Board Warrants
Guests
Public Comments
Old Business
New Business
Lister Appointment discussion
2024 Warning
Selectboard Report
School Consolidation discussion
Town Officer’s Report
Select Board Member Concerns
Executive Session- Personnel
Adjournment
