DUMMERSTON — The town's representatives to the Windham Regional Commission told the Selectboard on Oct. 16 that it was their hope that bridges 29 and 36 on the East-West Road would be slated for “fast track” repair or replacement.
According to draft meeting minutes, Lew Sorenson spoke about the Interstate 91 bridge replacement project and the increased traffic this will bring to several roads in town. He reportedly urged the Selectboard to request additional coverage from the Sheriff's Department when that stretch of Route 30 is shut down.
Meanwhile, the WRC is acknowledging what Sorenson called “a widespread need” for Planning Commission and Development Review Board trainings. He and Roger Turner, the town's other WRC rep, said that they are willing to organize these sessions.
Gravel pit noise complaint
Road Foreman Lee Chamberlin and the Selectboard on Oct. 16 reviewed Kelly McCue's email regarding the noise level at the Poplar Commons from the Renaud Bros. gravel pit.
According to draft minutes of the meeting, both McCue and Claudia Teachman complained about “incessant noise” from construction vehicles audibly signaling as they back up. McCue requested that the towns enforce compliance with Act 250 noise restrictions no later than Nov. 1.
McCue will now act as the liaison for Poplar Commons and will email any concerns to Selectboard Assistant Laurie Frechette.
That said, Chamberlin reported that the gravel crushing for this season has been completed.
He added, as part of his report to the Selectboard, that the leaf blower on the new mower/blower is working very well.
Planning Commission notes
Planning Commission Chair Sam Farwell presented ideas about proposed changes to the Town Plan at the regularly scheduled Selectboard meeting. He suggested that should the Selectboard plan to make any additional changes, it do so before holding a public hearing.
Farwell said the Planning Commission plans to address the Selectboard's request to change the zoning bylaws.
The Selectboard had voted unanimously Oct. 2 to ask the Planning Commission to amend its bylaws to strike a requirement that calls for a member of the Planning Commission to serve on the Development Review Board and vice-versa.
The change came at the request of DRB chair Jack Lilly, who forwarded a letter of interest from Alan McBean to serve on the DRB as an alternate.
The Planning Commission had a full roster, so there wouldn't be any way to accommodate a new dual member without the change to the bylaws.
Meanwhile Oct. 16, according to draft meeting minutes, Selectmen voted 5-0 to accept with regret Bill Schmidt's resignation from the Planning Commission. Selectboard Assistant Laurie Frechette will post the vacancy.
Odds and ends
The Selectboard took up a variety of chores at their meeting Oct. 16, according to draft meeting minutes:
• On a motion from member Lewis White, seconded by Bill Holiday, the Board voted 5-0 to appoint Jane Sbardella to the Social Services Advisory Committee.
• Holiday agreed to contact the Vermont League of Cities and Towns regarding the large increases in some property valuations for the property insurance renewals.
• Steve Glabach moved to accept the budget meeting schedule as presented, but to change the Nov. 27 meeting to Tuesday, Nov. 26, and to cancel the Dec. 25 meeting. White seconded the motion; it passed 5-0.
• On a motion by Holiday and seconded by Glabach, the Board voted 5-0 to reappoint Mark Brown as 2014 Green-up Day Coordinator.
• White talked about the expenditures of the Recreation Board exceeding the amount approved at the previous meeting. Board Chair Zeke Goodband will contact Sarah Evans, chair of the Dummerston Recreation Board, about this matter.
• Selectboard members entered entered executive session to discuss a personnel matter and a legal matter. Town Clerk Pam McFadden and Frechette were invited to stay for this session, which reportedly closed with no decisions reached.