Charlotte Selectboard meeting looks ahead to budget process

By Robin Reid

The July 14 Selectboard meeting was sparsely attended but some ground was duly covered and all members were present.

Roadways

Shelburne residents and orchard proprietors Nick and Cindy Cowles made a formal complaint about safety north of Orchard Road at the curve and also on Greenbush Road before the Shelburne line where there is a notorious blind spot. The Board agreed to authorize Road Commissioner Lewis to meet with Cowles and place appropriate signage to warn of the severe curve and also remind motorists of horse traffic.

Phil Carter of VTRANS sought approval to purchase easements from the town along Route 7. The state will clean up the title on several roads in order to complete the paving that “blends” the roadways. Carter says it is standard procedure to “keep it simple.” Tree Warden Larry Hamilton noted a 250-year-old heritage Sugar Maple in a proposed construction right of way. There is a meeting on how to save this tree and Carter will notify Hamilton accordingly. The Board approved the request to purchase easements. The value is determined by making a square footage estimate based on the assessed value of adjoining properties.

Town Hall Improvements

Suggestions to improve the functionality of Town Hall were raised at various times during the meeting. Resident Stephen Brooks presented a custom-built, white pine bulletin board installation for the vestibule and walls by the offices. His estimate of $2,600 includes $600 for materials with the remainder donated to the cemetery commission’s budget for much needed repairs in Charlotte’s cemeteries. The Selectboard requested that Brooks provide them with design drawings.

A sound system for meetings in Town Hall was discussed. Chair Morrison said the cost appears to be between $8,000-10,000 for an installation that would include the ability to record the meetings electronically. Specs for this project will be presented at a future meeting.

Selectboard member Charles Russell also raised the issue of soundproofing the conference room and back office in the Planning and Zoning Office. Apparently, there is the ability to eavesdrop at times when confidentiality is involved. No decision was rendered.

Budget Planning, Wastewater, Safety and other business

Town Clerk Mead explained why she felt the 8 percent penalty for late filing of the Homestead Declaration is not a fair measure. The Selectboard typically waives this penalty annually and they voted to waive the penalty again this year.

The Board authorized Town Administrator Bloch to pursue a Municipal Planning Grant to further explore the creation of a Wastewater Ordinance for Charlotte. The grant application is due Sept. 30 and will be reviewed at future meetings.

Payment for Charlotte’s Animal Control Officer was discussed. A combination of a stipend plus a certain amount for each call was considered as an appropriate way to distribute the $2,000 allocated for this detail.

Budget planning will begin in late August. Board members shared ideas about how to best achieve good working budgets with town commissions and committees. Selectboard member Krasnow said having a group meeting with the chair or appointees of each town entity would be of value. The Selectboard also considered using their Thursday work sessions for preliminary budget discussions. Thursday meetings are regularly warned and open to the public. Chair Morrison will create a timeline to help facilitate the budget process.

Bonnie Christie and Carrie Spear have expressed an interest in being on the Safety Committee. Krasnow will meet with them to get an idea of how to proceed.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 28. The July 31 meeting will include a discussion with the Town Auditor about capital assets and accrual issues.