Town of Royalton
Selectboard Meeting – December 9, 2003
Minutes
Town Office Building

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Joshua Powers, John Dumville, Rosemary McLaughlin, and Peter Chap

Public Attendance: Janice Aitken, Bev Thomas, Ralph Hein, Bob Graham, Marc Nemeth, Bob Hull, Walter Hastings, Lester Corwin, Everett Lyon, John Coogan, Scott McLain, Bill Murray, Wayne Manning, Steve Young, and Jackie Higgins

Chairman: Joshua Powers called the meeting to order at 7:31 PM, and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

Everett Lyon – ATV’s – requested that the decision to remove Johnson Hill Road from ATV use list be reversed. After considerable discussion Motion made to rescind early decision to allow ATVs on any roads in the Town of Royalton and the ATV group should build a private off road trail system (McLaughlin/Chap) this motion was then amended to: Follow Planning Commission’s recommendations to close all class 2 and 3 roads until an off road trail system is established for ATV use, and if the motion passes a resolution to change Section 10 of the Highway Policy to ban ATVs on Class 2 & 3 roads. (McLaughlin/Dumville, Yes-Powers, Chap, McLaughlin, Dumville, NO-Lewis)

Scott McLain – expressed his concerns with his neighbor on Carney Road. They are living in camper with small children. There isn’t a septic system on site.

Bill Murray – concerns with Kenny Broadwell camper trailer that is very close to his property. No septic system on site for this camper. Chap stated that the Henderson’s who own the property would be willing to move Kenny’s camper to their farm on Tiger Mountain in White River if he will go to rehab for his substance abuse.

Steve Young – requested increase in their rates form $12.50 to $15.00. Motion to increase to $15.00 per hour. (Lewis/Dumville, unanimous)

Meeting minutes – approved 11/24/03 Selectboard Minutes.

Highway Department

Grader – Manning has prices from two distributors the CAT is $187,500.00 and the Volvo is $153,400.00. Manning needs to check with distributors on plow types. No action taken until Manning tries out the graders.

Hiring of new road crew member – need to develop a job description for road crew.

New Garage – Lewis to check with Breadloaf on insulation issues.

Old Business

Business Block Project – nothing new to report.

Junkyard Ordinance – tabled again.

Community Betterment Agreement – Hasting to schedule a meeting with committee and Randy Foose after the holiday break.

New Business

Parking Tickets Appeal – motion to deny request for waiver on parking ticket. (Dumville/Lewis, unanimous).

Old Bank Building – Selectboard needs to add a line item for utilities for this building in the budget.

Christmas Pageant Bon Fire – Sherry Collins requesting use of the green for pageant on December 21, 2003. Motion to approve use of green (Dumville/Lewis, unanimous)

Meeting adjourned 10:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Jacqueline M. Higgins

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Town of Royalton
Selectboard Meeting – November 24, 2003
Minutes
Town Office Building

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Joshua Powers, John Dumville, Rosemary McLaughlin, and Peter Chap
Public Attendance: Janice Aitken, Bev Thomas, Ralph Hein, Bob Graham, Phil Gates, Marc Nemeth, Bob Hull, Ron Cavanaugh, Shirley Kennisen, Walter Hastings, Linc Farnsworth, and Jackie Higgins
Chairman: Joshua Powers called the meeting to order at 7:31 PM, and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

Ron Cavanaugh – various complaints dealing with a neighbor of Eaton’s Trailer Park, rubbish being dumped and unregistered vehicles going up and down their road. Cavanaugh remarked that the Constables were not doing their job. Constable Hull stated that if owner of the park owns the trailer he is responsible for the trash or enforces the removal of trash under the lease agreement. Selectboard requested that Mr. Cavanaugh put his complaints and concerns in writing to the Selectboard.

Meeting minutes – approved 11/10/03 Selectboard Minutes.

Highway Department

Old Business

Business Block Project – Brenda Cohen is meeting with Mrs. Crawford.

ATV Ordinance – received revised draft ordinance from Gates for review. Tabled again.

Junkyard Ordinance – tabled again.

Community Betterment Agreement – VLS/Royalton Committee to meet with the Selectboard on 12/9/03 to discuss agreement. Hastings to ask Randy Foose for response by letter.

Brothers – Motion to approve the letter from town council. (Dumville, Chap, Yes-Powers, Chap, McLaughlin and Dumville, NO-Lewis

New Business

Parking Tickets Appeals – motion to deny Turnbill’s request for waiver on parking ticket. (Dumville/Lewis, unanimous). Motion to waive Honigford parking ticket (Dumville/Lewis, unanimous)

Access Permit – Clark’s access permit approved with conditions, permit to be recorded in Highway Book for future upgrade.

Tax Appeal – Motion to enter executive session on McCullough Appeal 9:12 p.m. Motion to exit executive session 9:18 p.m. Motion to accept a settlement between the Town of Royalton and McCullough’s Quik Stop with new evaluation of $370,000.00 for a three year period (through 2004) (Dumville/Lewis, unanimous)

Historic Grant Application – Motion to send letter of support and grant application from the town for new roof for old schoolhouse on the common in Royalton village. (Chap/Lewis, unanimous)Meeting adjourned 10:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Jacqueline M. Higgins

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Town of Royalton
Selectboard Meeting – November 10, 2003
Minutes
Town Office Building

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Joshua Powers, John Dumville, Rosemary McLaughlin, and Peter Chap
Public Attendance: Janice Aitken, Bev Thomas, Ralph Hein, Bob Graham, Wayne Manning, Everett Lyon, Phil Gates, Marc Nemeth, John Coogan, and Jackie Higgins
Chairman: Joshua Powers called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM, and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

Everett Lyon – Lyon has started an ATV Club in Royalton they will be known as the Royalton ATV Advocates, Officers are Everett Lyon, President, John Coogan, Vice-President, Sherry Rogers, Treasurer and Elizabeth Britch, Secretary. Lyon would like to see the Ordinance passed. The ATV Committee has worked really hard to come up with an Ordinance. Selectboard requested an opinion from Stitzel, Page and Fletcher on the 12 year old driver issue. McLaughlin doesn’t feel the need to move forward. There are legislative issues that need to be addressed. McLaughlin believes that the open road policy is wrong.

Phil Gates – Planning Commission want to revamp the ATV Ordinance and come back with their version.

Meeting minutes – approved 10/14/03 Selectboard Minutes as amended.

Highway Department

Town Garage – heating sensor bad on furnace will be replaced the end of the week. Chimney had been raised 4 tiers. Open House, 2/5/03 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Long Range Projects – Royalton Hill Road and New Street, McLaughlin asked if the Royalton Hill Road’s deep ditch on left side going up is venerable to erosion. Manning stated it depends on Mother Nature.

Old Business

Business Block Project – Chuck Weiss from Two Rivers attended the meeting held November 3rd. McLaughlin to contact Leonard on shared metered underground tanks. Discussed a communal dumpster for garbage.

ATV Ordinance – tabled again.

Junkyard Ordinance – tabled again. Gary Hobart working on changes, Planning Commission will come back with and opinion at a later date.

Community Betterment Agreement – no response from the VLS yet. Higgins to contact Hastings on update.

New Business

Parking Tickets Appeals – motion to deny request for waiver on parking ticket. (Dumville/Lewis, unanimous)

Access Permit – Clark’s access permit tabled until Phil Gates and Wayne Manning can meet with them on the design.

Hope House – When the Roy’s move out the water will be drained and the heat will be turned off.

Recycling Program – VLS has a recycling program for all the construction debris that is very interesting and Chap would like to see a link to their website from the town website.

Meeting adjourned 11:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jacqueline M. Higgins

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Town of Royalton
Selectboard Meeting – October 14, 2003
Minutes
Town Office Building

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Joshua Powers, John Dumville, Rosemary McLaughlin, and Peter Chap
Public Attendance: Janice Aitken, Bev Thomas, Ralph Hein, Bob Graham, Wayne Manning, Bob Hull, Pat Read, Leslie Staudinger, Duncan Brettell, Kathleen London, Ryan Newswanger, and Jackie Higgins
Chairman: Joshua Powers called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM, and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

Ryan Newswanger – presented demonstration of the Town Website. Newswanger will attach to his website for review on line for any corrections that may need to be fixed.

Kathleen London – representing Back River Road concerned citizens on Brother’s Issues. Would like to know what the Selectboard is going to do about the access violation. Inspector Callahan has contacted London on Motor Vehicle progress report. Motion to review with council from Stitzel, Fletcher and Page with a time frame on how to bring Brothers into compliance with town policy. (Dumville/Lewis, unanimous) Motion to notify Kathleen London after next Selectboard meeting on Stitzel, Fletcher and Page’s legal response to Brothers Issues and what the town will do to bring him into compliance with town policy. CC to London and Brothers on legal response. (McLaughlin/Chap, unanimous)

Lewis stated that McLaughlin and Chap need to be careful of a conflict of interest with regards to Brothers Issues. McLaughlin responded with "my opinion of what is going on would be the same on any other road in Royalton. All the back roads have their character and the neighbors have a genuine concern. Hitching Post Farm doesn’t have the trauma that the other neighbors are experiencing."

Meeting minutes – approved 9/23/03 Selectboard Minutes.

Highway Department

Gee Hill Runoff – Higgins received a complaint of water runoff going into Churchill’s driveway and into their house. Manning stated that landowner is required to purchase and install a culvert as it is not a town road issue.

Garage Loan Papers – approved and signed for the bank.

Old Business

Business Block Project – McLaughlin had a meeting with the Business Block owners on October 3, 2003. Discussion consisted of deliveries in the back of the block, tenant parking, plowing snow issues, snow banks in front of the block and occasional lack of support by the Selectboard. They will do a study of sharing underground propane tanks for all businesses with separate meters for use. Will continue to work with business and block owners on this project on follow up of amount of gas used, safety issues with the fire marshal.

Junkyard Ordinance – Motion to have legal council review on opinion of proposed deletion of section F or leaving it in for sounder ordinance. (McLaughlin/Chap, unanimous)

ATV Ordinance – to be reviewed by legal council.

Community Betterment Agreement – no response from the VLS yet.

New Business

Parking Tickets – Motion to Waive Michelle Barnaby’s parking ticket (Dumville/Lewis, unanimous)

Access Permits – Motion to approve Jeanne McCullough’s access permits with conditions (Dumville/Lewis, unanimous)

Resignation – Motion to accept Jacques Tremblay’s resignation from the Planning Commission with regret. (Dumville/Lewis, unanimous) Higgins to post notice of vacancy in the newspaper.

Chittenden Bank Paper work – signed and approved for transfer station

Library Expansion update – Higgins to send a letter stating Town Offices will need another year to find suitable housing.

Corner Stop Mini Mart – approved Liquor and Tobacco License (Powers/Chap, unanimous)

Budget Meeting Schedule – 10/22/03, 11/4/02, 11/24/03

Selectboard Meeting Schedule – 11/10/03, 11/25/03 (no meeting 11/11/03)

Wheeler Dog Issue – Higgins to contact Hull on whether cage/pen has been installed for dogs.

Meeting adjourned 11:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jacqueline M. Higgins

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Town of Royalton
Selectboard Meeting – September 23, 2003
Minutes
Town Office Building

Member Attendance: David Lewis, Joshua Powers, John Dumville, Rosemary McLaughlin, and Peter Chap

Public Attendance: Janice Aitken, Bev Thomas, Everett Lyons, Ralph Hein, Wayne Manning, Holly Wolff, Bob Hull, David Brandau, Marc Nemeth, Rebecca Beguin, and Jackie Higgins

Chairman: Joshua Powers called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM, and conducted the following business.

PUBLIC CONCERNS/APPOINTMENTS

Holly Wolff, presented a petition from users and residents of Johnson Hill Road requesting that Johnson Hill road not be used for ATV

Everett Lyons (ATV Committee Representative) – explained that the charge of the committee was to create an ordinance based on the State of Vermont Rules and Regulations. At the ATV Committees last meeting they voted to restrict 7 more roads from the proposed ordinance. David Brandau expressed his concerns with the ATVs using Royalton Hill Road. As one of the people that wrote the original policy he stated that ATVs were like snow machines using the roads as an access from trail to trail. He wants to know what roads are needed not what roads are not good for ATVs. Brandau would like to see them develop trails like the snowmobile trails this would reduce the use of town roads. Motion to add Johnson Hill to the list of roads restrictive to ATVs and to change the 9:00 p.m. curfew to sunset. (Dumville/McLaughlin, Yes-Dumville, Powers, Chap, McLaughlin, Abstained-Lewis) Motion to give a copy to the Planning Commission and to legal consul for review. (Dumville/Chap, Yes-Dumville, Powers, Chap, McLaughlin, Abstained-Lewis).

Meeting minutes – approved 9/9/03 Selectboard minutes as amended.
Orders – signed and approved.

Highway Department

Orders – signed and approved.

Storage Box – Motion to purchase box for $2200.00 (Lewis/Chap, unanimous)

River Bank Project – Manning to deal with hiring an excavator for project.

Old Business

Business Block Project – McLaughlin scheduling meeting.

Access Ordinance – Motion to adopt Ordinance (Dumville/Chap, Yes-Dumville, Chap, Powers, McLaughlin, NO-Lewis)

Junkyard Ordinance – Motion to adopt Ordinance (Dumville/McLaughlin) Motion to amend the Ordinance to read as part of passing the Junkyard Ordinance we will institute two weekends of free junk car (free metals) disposal with an appropriation of and amount not to exceed $2000.00 (Yes-Chap, McLaughlin, Dumville, Powers, NO-Lewis) TABLED AGAIN.

Burn Ordinance – Motion to adopt Ordinance (Lewis/Dumville, unanimous)

Brothers Issues – Higgins to send letter on access violations.

South Royalton House Project – still pending.

New Business

Fitz Vogt Catering Permit – approved 1 permit.

PAF – Motion to purchase a new blower for the sewer plant. (Dumville/Lewis, unanimous)

Trash Cans – Motion to purchase new trash cans for park and business block (Dumville/Lewis, unanimous)

Parking Tickets – Motion to deny 2 parking tickets (Dumville/Lewis, unanimous)

Access Permits – Motion to approve Churchill, Rikert, and Murphy access permits with conditions (Dumville/Lewis, unanimous)

Meeting adjourned 11:55 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jacqueline M. Higgins
Unapproved version.

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