Board of Selectmen’s
Meeting Minutes
December 3, 2018
5:45 P.M.
Rutland Public Library
Present: Sheila Dibb, Wayne Walker, Skip Clark, Leah Whiteman, Jeff Stillings
Others: Robert Reed, Interim Town Administrator and Abby Benoit, Administrative Secretary
Ms. Dibb opened meeting at 5:51, taped for cable and YouTube.
Pledge of Allegiance Recited
Bernie Lynch, Town Administrator Search
Mr. Lynch provided information to the Board and Town Administrator, he spent time talking to people and they have been working on the search since October. They have compiled information on what Rutland is looking for in the next Town Administrator. There were twenty-two applicants and approximately eight or nine qualified candidates. They spoke to seven and narrowed it down to four applicants to recommend for interviews. Mr. Lynch discussed the candidates and their credentials, Joseph Laydon currently in Grafton, Michael Nicholson, Executive Aid to Gardner, Shane O’Keefe with history in NH and VT, Dori Vecchio from Worcester. Reference checks have been completed on all finalists, all spoke highly of the final candidates.
The Board agreed to complete interviews on December 17th at 4:30 p.m.
Ms. Whiteman and Mr. Stillings joined the meeting at 5:57 p.m.
License Renewals
Kustom Fabrication & Auto Rebuild, Dave Szcurko.
Mr. Stillings moved to approve the license renewal for Kustom Fabrication, Mr. Walker 2nd. Vote unanimous.
Greg’s Restorations, Greg Ward
Mr. Stillings Moved to approve the license renewal for Greg’s Restoration. Mr. Clark 2nd. Vote unanimous.
Modern Classic, Kevin Lazaros
Mr. Stillings moved to approve the license renewal for Modern Classic. Mr. Clark 2nd. Vote unanimous.
Ms. Whiteman moved to sign treasury warrant #12 and payroll.
Ms. Whiteman moved to approve minutes from October 29, 2018, Mr. Clark 2nd. Vote unanimous.
Ms. Whiteman moved to approve minutes from November 5, 2018, Mr. Stilling’s 2nd. 4-0-1
Ms. Whiteman moved to approve minutes from November 19, 2018. Mr. Stilling’s 2nd. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Reed advised Mr. Buckley has agreed to the contract as the Director of DPW.
Ms. Whiteman moved to sign the employment agreement between The Town of Rutland and Joseph Buckley effective December 26, 2018-June 30, 2021. Mr. Walker 2nd. Vote unanimous.
Mann’s, Fred Wozniak
Mr. Stillings moved to approve the license renewal for Mann’s RV. Mr. Walker 2nd. Vote unanimous.
Mal’s Auto Sales, Malcolm Papaz
Mr. Stillings moved to approve the license renewal for Mal’s Auto Sales. Mr. Walker 2nd. Vote unanimous.
Public Comment:
Dick Williams, Overlook Road. Mr. Williams discussed the OPEB fund and plans for the future. Mr. Reed said there are few communities that will be close to meeting the target numbers for OPEB. He also discussed a parcel of land owned by the town on Whitehall and discussed possibly using the land to obtain the dam or fix the dam. He also discussed the watershed line for the solar project.
Tax Classification Hearing.
Diane Peterson discussed the option of shift the tax base or keeping the tax rate consistent and set at one rate. She discussed the new growth in town. The average increase to the tax bill is $224.27 annually, but realistically the average home tax rate will increase approximately $350.00. The average single home value increase between 3% and 10%. Ms. Peterson discussed exemptions available to seniors and information is available online and in the assessor’s office.
Ms. Peterson read the tax allocation page. Ms. Dibb discussed putting the information online and discussed the history of the tax rate increases in Rutland.
Mr. Reed stated he supports what is in front of the Board.
Mr. Stillings moved to approve the single tax rate of $17.89 per thousand for an excess capacity of $6935.85. Mr. Clark 2nd. Vote unanimous.
There was discussion about delinquent tax payers and programs available for seniors. The tax rate is pending DOR approval.
Department Updates
Robert Reed
Mr. Reed discussed solar arrays on Naquag and Glenwood, there are a number of requirements that the board put on the vendor before the license agreement would be met. Mr. Reed believes most have been met. The three contingencies on district legal review, CTMS roof, and solar committee beginning negotiations for a pilot agreement. The Board asked if Rutland will see the electricity savings in their assessment or it will be shared by the district. Rutland is the only town without a Municipal Light District.
Mr. Reed discussed an issue with mortgages on a few of the Roads that were accepted at STM, there will be cost involved which will be incurred by Mr. Blair. The school Lease amendment regarding the soccer field for recreation. Rutland Youth Soccer understands that this is going to be a public process and it will take some time. The Lease Amendment can take time before it goes before the School Committee, the RFP can be prepared at the same time, but not release. Mr. Reed has names of firms that can do the study for the Community Center. Mr. Reed will begin the process and of putting together preliminary numbers.
Ms. Dibb discussed the Draft policy for Agricultural Field Planning it will be brought back to a future meeting for review and discussion.
Abandoned Housing Initiative
Mr. Reed stated that these properties can be turned over to the AG Office for contact if they are non-responsive to the town. The AG can turn it over to the receiver and ultimately be put up for auction. The fire chief and building inspector were in favor of joining the program. The AG office will take over once the referral is sent and it can help resolve issues with abandoned or distressed properties. There was discussion about payment from the sale of the property. There is no cost to the town to join.
Ms. Whiteman moved that the Board authorizes the Town Administrator to continue with the Abandoned Housing Initiative. Mr. Stillings 2nd. Vote 4-1-0.
Ad Hoc BY Law Committee
There was discussion after the special town meeting to separate the zoning board from general by laws and complete the codification. The Board can now set an ad-hoc by law committee. Would first need to set a number and begin advertising then they can set a specific charge. Peter Craine stated the typical size is a five member committee.
Mr. Stilling moved to form an ad hoc by law subcommittee with five members. Mr. Clark 2nd. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Craine will put together the framework of the charge.
The Town of Princeton would like to start the process with Rutland for a town perambulation. We are currently in the fifth year or the year that it is supposed to be done. Mr. Stillings has volunteered
Ms. Whiteman moved to name Mr. Stillings as the Town Perambulator. Mr. Walker 2nd. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Stillings has done research and found that this is an old law from the 1700’s for the towns to locate their corner stones. The Town Clerk has provided some research. Mr. Stillings located the first stone on Turkey Hill Trail.
Mr. Stillings will work on locating the first 9 stones in the spring, he will also reach out to the troops to see if they are interested in assisting with the project.
Street Sign Request, Campbell Street and Glenwood Road
A resident said the brushes should be cut and additional signs are not needed. Mr. Clark is opposed to the placement of additional signs at the intersection. Ms. Whiteman is concerned it would cause accidents.
Mr. Clark moved to leave the intersection as is and not add additional stop signs. Mr. Walker 2nd. Vote unanimous.
DPW Super, Gary Kellaher
Grinder Pump Policy and Water/Sewer Drainage Specs
The policy will be reviewed and brought back.
Mr. Kellaher asked for building permits fees to be waived for the roof replacement at the library and public safety building.
Mr. Stillings moved to waive the building permit fees for the roof replacement at the library and public safety building. Ms. Whiteman 2nd. Vote unanimous.
DPW New Hire, Mr. Kellaher recommended hiring an applicant for the current open and funded Equipment Operator position. He has been a contractor for the town and plowed in the past. It would be a town administrator appointment without Board vote.
Rutland Heights Way, the department is working with Quinn to get pricing for the awarded grant. Mr. Kellaher discussed needing to go through the school as the roadwork may impact the lease. There was discussion about adding the road to the town accepted inventory to receive chapter 90 funds.
Maple Ave, complete streets are supposed to begin work in April of 2019, Mr. Kellaher believes this is a realistic start date.
The department has received complaints from Charnock Hill residents requesting truck restriction. A truck restriction would need to go through the Board or the Police Department. The bridge can handle the truck traffic. The culvert is not classified as a bridge because of the span. Mr. Kellaher said the road meets all of the specs and the road is in pretty good shape.
Playground fence replacement will start this week. Measurements need to be done for Bear Hill and Glenwood Place.
Ms. Dibb stated it is Mr. Kellaher’s last meeting before retirement, she spoke of Mr. Kelleher’s accomplishments. The Board presented citations to Gary Kellaher from the State Senate, House of Representatives.
Ms. Dibb read a proclamation naming December 4, 2018 Gary Kellaher Day.
Ms. Whiteman moved to accept that the Town accept December 4, 2018 as Gary Kellaher Day. Mr. Stillings 2nd. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Kellaher said this has been his home and it means a lot to him. He appreciates the town and has been honored to serve Rutland. The DPW employees are the best, he will be available for help and thanked everyone.
Mr. Stilling’s moved to adjourn. Ms. Whiteman 2nd. Vote unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Abby Benoit
Administrative Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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