Plymouth Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 2, 2014
Members: Ralph Michael, Chair; Larry Lynds; Russ Tonkin
Others: Carol Ackley, Terry Bascom, Ann and Bill Cherico, Bill Cratty, Virginia Dean, Margo Marrone, Al and Sue Poirier, and Sandie Small
The Meeting was called to Order by Ralph at 6:00 pm.
· Those present were introduced.
· There were no changes to the Agenda.
· The Minutes from the Meeting of 5/19/14 were reviewed; Russ motioned to accept said Minutes; Larry seconded; so voted.
· Barbara was not in attendance as the information for the last quarter was not yet complete; Russ asked if Fema has accepted the Round Top paperwork as 6/30/14 is the deadline; Ralph said they have already responded by VTrans as they have in the past.
· Appearances by local citizens: Margo indicated she was attending to hear the TRORC presentation
· There was no mail to review.
· Warrants were reviewed, approved, and signed. The contract for maintenance of our tax maps by CAI Technologies was signed by Ralph.
· New Business: Russ stated that the setting of the new pay rate was due in June and suggested that the SB be consistent with what transpired last year, i.e., an increase of the CPI rate (1 ½%) plus one (1) percent. Russ moved that the new pay rate be set at an increase of two and one-half (2 ½ %) percent; Ralph seconded; so voted. Larry abstained from voting.
· Old and Unfinished Business:
Sue Poirier asked why a vehicle bridge cannot be built by the Tyson Library, particularly for emergency vehicles; Ralph indicated that the road had been discontinued; Sue asked if this could be re-considered; Ralph stated it could not and that a foot bridge for pedestrian traffic was deemed more essential and less costly than a vehicle bridge.
Carol Ackley inquired about the removal of concrete blocks near her home. Larry indicated he was dealing with this.
· Ellie Ray from TRORC gave a Powerpoint presentation regarding the Plymouth Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (a draft of this Plan is available on the Town Website). Ellie stated that in order to receive monies from Fema for disaster relief, a plan approved by Fema must be in effect for the Town. This plan is reviewed every five years. Once the Town approves the Plan presented, TRORC submits it to the State for approval, and then the Plan goes to Fema for its approval. Al Poirier, as the Town’s Emergency Coordinator, already has an emergency plan in place; he has provided the Fire Department and the Front Office with said Plan. Information about emergency actions is provided to our residents via our website, our database, and email; however, Terry Bascom asked how this can be accomplished should electronics no longer operate due to loss of electricity. Sue Poirier asked how the TRORC Plan can be monitored regarding the accomplishing of various preventive measures as outlined by the TRORC; Ralph indicated that this was something that needed to be set up so that deadline dates are adhered to.
· Discussion followed on the grievances submitted by the Salt Ash/Hawk owners; Ralph indicated that he had just obtained additional information. Bill Cherico spoke and made several points relative to this matter: The Salt Ash Owners Association and the Listers have been in communication; however, it appears that the Listers and the Selectboard have limited communication, which needs to be corrected. With Hawk Resort no longer fully functioning, property values have significantly decreased, which has not been reflected in the assessment values of the properties at Hawk. A reassessment is necessary for Hawk properties, and given the time restraint, Bill was hoping the Listers working with PVR could come to a decision, perhaps even an across the board cut of values. It appears that more than half the homeowners at Hawk have asked their property to be ‘flagged’ so that they will receive grievance information. Russ indicated that any homeowner, whether he has requested his property to be ‘flagged’ or not, has the right to grieve. However, if he has not asked the Listers to ‘flag’ his listing, he may not have the necessary information, particularly with the dates for action. Ralph stated that the Town may need to have a vote to raise money for a Town reassessment. Russ noted that the Listers are elected by the Town and act independently; the SB cannot control their activities. Bill also raised questions about the Listers eliminating certain Hawk properties from their calculations and why have the Listers not petitioned the PVR to reappraise properties. Russ inquired if the Town should have an appraiser rather than the Listers, as the requirements of the position seem to have grown substantially and perhaps have become overwhelming. Ralph felt that a Special or Emergency meeting needs to be warned in order to discuss the assessment/reappraisal issue as soon as possible; the SB will select a date and follow up with such a Warning.
Larry motioned to adjourn the Meeting; Russ seconded; so voted; the Meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm.
Draft written by Sandie Small
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Ralph Michael,Chair
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Lawrence Lynds
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Russ Tonkin