Notes Tue Sep 24

5:00 p.m, Review Agenda, Public Comment-Deb Porter concerned about library move happening so fast without planning  in order to facilitate the proposed Vermont Natural History Museum rental.
Review Minutes: 9/10/2024 3:00 pm, 9/10/2024 4:30 pm, 9/18/2024
Other Business
Highway Department Update
​​Superintendent Position: A candidate was offered and did not accept the position. Robyn, Hilma, and Will all reached out to him to let him know the SB was open to discuss any concerns  he may have. Robyn will speak with the Colrain administrator about the possibility of sharing resources. The SB also discussed having a part time clerical person with the skills that may be appropriate for the administrative requirements of the position vs the mechanical requirements.  The skill combination required is  not easy to find in a single individual.
Plowing: A  person in Colrain with a CDL is interested in plowing.  Nathan Clark is also expected to plow again this year.
Schedule: SB member, Will Emmet, has been informally acting as highway  superintendent while Steve Thane is away.  Will and Jason Lively will be weed whacking on Friday.

Salt Shed Progress Update

• Remaining ARPA funds need to be transferred within the next two months most likely to the salt shed account.

Rental Licenses & Review Appraisal Process—votes possible

• Vermont Museum of Natural History lease which was time sensitive fell through. Unfortunately, the library space in Sawyer Hall was emptied quickly in anticipation of the lease. The shelves and books will be placed in the room off the current library. 
• The Hilltown Youth license is still under review.
• The Heath Historical Society has their signed license, Tim has cleaned the former Police office at Sawyer Hall, and Hilma will be providing Ned Wolf with keys.

National Grid Project 1109W1 Review and Discussion

• Robyn communicated with National Grid with a number of questions, some of which were answered.
• Elissa would like to see the evaluations of alternative routes  from more than one person at National Grid. 
• There was discussion by SB Members and Wanda Mooney about alternatives to placing a new pole that is intrusive to their unique view. This is not a replacement, but a new pole.
• National Grid has stated that they will not bury the power lines nor will they consider alternative routes. 
• Link to Robyn's questions and responses in reverse chronical order.

Town Finances/Accounting Update

• Hilma and Robyn went over the accounts. Robyn went back 3 years reviewing payroll accounts.  Payroll may not fall into account work so going forward when the current accountant resigns, this will be an issue. 
• Current accountant reports are not adequate. 

Other business that could not be anticipated 48 hours in advance
Email Requests

• There were requests for Board/Committee email addresses: Planning Board and Conservation Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Each email address will cost an additional $20 per month . Hilma recommends this to retain history and allow others to follow the email thread.  
• SB reviewed the groups that have Town email addresses and evaluated the need. Robyn feels any group supported by a clerk should have a Town email address.
• Our contract includes 13 email addresses, all of which are currently being used.
• SB approved the  Planning Board, Conservation Commission and ZBA Town email addresses.

Bulky Waste Day - Oct 19
Library Move - Thank yous to Tim Lively, Highway Dept, and Kate Barrows
East-West Rail Study - SB agreed to sign on in support 
No executive session.