TOWN OF CLARENDON
PUBLIC HEARING
September 27, 2021
Minutes
Attendees:
Select Board
Mike Klopchin, Chair
Bob Bixby, Clerk
Cash Ruane
Robert Congdon
Rick Wilbur
Heidi Congdon, Treasurer
Katie Nop, Secretary
William Chmielewski, PEG TV
Nicole Peterson
John Colvin
Matt Jakubowski
Call To Order
Chairman Klopchin called the hearing to order at 6PM.
Additions / Deletions
N/A
Clarendon VT, Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Input/Comments
Selectman Congdon started off the discussion by stating that he has spoken numerous times on his concerns with the Hazard Mitigation Plan including any comments on flooding or river corridors. While Selectman Congdon found the points of the Plan he wanted removed, Katie mentioned Alf Strom- Olsen’s comments. He wanted to mention the importance of including the flood chutes on the western side of the Mill River by Route 7. These chutes aid in flooding by slowing the river’s velocity, causing less erosion. The flood chutes have to remain clear to be effective. Alf thought if the importance of them were discussed in the Plan, River Management at the State level would manage them better. The Board agreed. Katie will pass along Alf’s comments to RRPC Hazard Mitigation Plan Facilitator, Steffanie Bourque. Selectman Congdon, and the Board agreed to remove bullet point #2 on page 16 under NFIP Compliance that read “adopt river corridor protection language in the flood hazard regulations bylaw.” They also requested that the wording on #3 be changed to “ensure that floodplain and river corridor maps are kept up to date.” This would remove the phrase “work with the RRPC.” Selectman Congdon asked that the first two mitigation actions that were listed on page 22 be taken out (River Corridor Bylaws and Developing Stormwater Management Plan). The rest of the Board agreed to take that out as well. Chairman Klopchin asked Clarendon Fire Chief Jakubowski about fire suppression. Matt explained that in Clarendon, they’ve been using grant funding to put in multiple dry hydrants in around Town. Selectman Congdon questioned the project timeline of establishing vegetative buffers in riparian areas, stabilizing stream banks, and removing berms and/or accumulated debris to restore flood capacity, that’s located on page 25 of the Plan. The Board decided to take that entire action out of the Hazard Mitigation Plan as well. Selectman Congdon confirmed that the Public Works Mutual Aid agreement was taken out (because Clarendon does not participate). Katie confirmed that it had. Nicole Peterson questioned if the map on Appendix B was a Town issued map. Selectman Congdon responded that it was a state level map because Clarendon has not formally adopted any river corridor bylaws.
Public Comments
N/A
Adjournment
Selectman Congdon motioned to adjourn the hearing at 6:32PM, Selectman Bixby seconded, and the motion passed unopposed.
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
September 27, 2021
Minutes
Attendees:
Select Board
Mike Klopchin, Chair
Bob Bixby, Clerk
Cash Ruane
Robert Congdon
Rick Wilbur
Heidi Congdon, Treasurer
Katie Nop, Secretary
William Chmielewski, PEG TV
Matt Jakubowski
John Colvin
Kevin Peck
Call to Order
Chairman Klopchin called the meeting to order at 6:33PM.
Agenda additions/deletions
Selectman Congdon motioned to add a short discussion on the Town Hall’s furnace and Selectman Ruane seconded. The motion passed unopposed.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Selectman Congdon motioned to approve the Regular Meeting minutes from September 13, 2021. Selectman Bixby seconded and all Board members approved the motion.
Highway
Road Commissioner Report:
- Speeding on Gravel Pit Road- There have been complaints about speeding on Gravel Pit Road. Katie has contacted the Sheriff’s Department to patrol that area extra. Road Commissioner Ruane reported that he will put speed limit signs up along that road to reinforce the speed limit.
- MRU speed limit- Selectman Congdon motioned to start the process of drafting an amendment to the Traffic Ordinance that will add a school zone speed limit of 25mph by MRUHS, effective while students are present by way of a flashing speed limit sign. Selectman Bixby seconded for discussion. The Board discussed whether they should ask the school to cover any costs. Selectman Ruane wanted to see the school pay for half of the signs and then cover maintenance thereon. Selectman Congdon said he would doubt that the school would do that, and to start drafting the ordinance, then go from there. Katie clarified what kind of flashing signs the Board would prefer. Selectman Congdon described ones that were solar operated and permanent, that would have the speed limit on them and flash during drop off/pick up times. After discussion, the Board took a vote and the motion passed unanimously.
- Access Permit- The Road Commissioner presented an access permit to the Board that was located on the southern end of East Street, near Davenport’s Farm. The Callahan’s have purchased land and would like to put in a driveway. There is no culvert needed. Selectman Congdon motioned that the Chairman sign the access permit; Selectman Wilbur seconded and all approved.
- Culvert Policy- There was confusion about the culvert policy that the Town has in place. Cash clarified that property owners are responsible for the initials costs of purchasing and installing culverts. It is at the Road Commissioner’s discretion to decide the size of the culvert needed and where it should be set. If residents want a more in-depth review, they can find the entire culvert policy at the Town Hall. Selectman Congdon motioned that a policy be given to all who apply for an access permit, Selectman Wilbur seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
The Road Commissioner also mentioned that he confirmed the gristmill off of Walker Mountain Road is Town-owned property. There’s a cistern located there that was uncovered. The material has washed away. Cash wanted approval from the Board to fill it back in for safety purposes. The Board was agreeable to whatever Cash decided was best.
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
Harry Withington-was not present.
Public Comments
N/A
Old Business
Chippenhook Cemetery maintenance- Katie explained that CJ from Johnson’s Refuse & Lawncare had sent her a text saying he had uncovered a stone on the eastern fence line of the new section in Chippenhook Cemetery. It had been covered in the brush that is starting to take over the eastern border. CJ quoted Katie $800 to clear the brush and seed the section down. Selectman Congdon motioned to have the maintenance work done at the cost of $800, Selectman Ruane seconded, and all Board members approved.
Kevin Peck, Cemetery Committee member, explained that the stone was relatively new to the cemetery. It had only been there since last fall and was already covered by debris. He agreed the brush needed to be taken care of. The stone is about the size of a paving stone and should have more permanence. He suggested putting a cinder block with adhesive to the stone to keep it up off the ground. Kevin also suggested putting fine fill in to level that section of the cemetery. Because of the fill that needs to be brought in, Selectman Congdon said to have the mowing contractor clear the brush, but wait on seeding it down.
New Business
- Grand List Correction-Treasurer, Heidi, explained on behalf of the Listers, that it’s a correction on personal property. The owner submitted a form in a large packet, and at the very bottom of the page it said that equipment had been removed from the property. This piece of information was overlooked and resulted in a very minor correction of $8.19 Selectman Congdon motioned to approve the correction with signatures from the Board. Selectman Ruane seconded and the motion passed unopposed.
- Town Hall Furnace -The furnace is due for service and the Town is looking to use a different company than they have previously. Selectman Congdon motioned to have Katie contact someone to get it inspected and maintained before winter. Selectman Ruane seconded for discussion. Selectman Bixby suggested calling Champlain since the Town uses them for oil. Selectman Congdon and Ruane had suggestions as well if Champlain didn’t work out. The motion passed 4-0.
Town Officer’s Report
Heidi, Treasurer, reminded the public that the final tax collection date is Saturday, October 16, 2021. She does accept post marks. Heidi said she will be at the office from 10am-4pm Monday-Thursday this week. The following week the Treasurer’s office will be open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm, to accept tax payments. The week of October 11, her office will be open Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. If anyone has questions, they can call Heidi at 775-4274, ext. 2.
Katie, Secretary, explained that the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan public comment period had closed today. She will be getting all the input and comments from the public hearing to Steffanie to incorporate into the Final Draft.
Select Board Member Concerns
Selectman Ruane brought up the radar speed sign that was for sale from the Town of Isle La Motte. Over the weekend, an email came over the ListServ that there was one for sale. The Board has been interested in buying one for Middle Road. Katie reached out to see if it was still available but hadn’t heard back. She also reached out to Rutland City DPW to see where they purchased their signs. She would be following up with them to find out more. Selectman Congdon motioned to offer $2,000 for the sign that would come out of the contingency fund. Selectman Wilbur seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Selectman Bixby let Cash know that he thought the weeds by the post office bridge needed to be addressed.
Adjournment
Selectman Congdon motioned to adjourn at 7:09PM, Selectman Wilbur seconded and all approved.
