MINUTES OF THE CABOT SELECTBOARD (SB)

January 7, 2009

 

The Cabot Board of Selectpersons did meet as warned at the Willey Building on January 7, 2009 at
7:00 p.m.

 

Attending were:  Caleb Pitkin (SB Chair), Ted Domey (SB Clerk), William Walters, RD Eno, Jules & Kate Chatot, Mark & Bridge Codling, Ken Gokey, and Tara Rogerson (Town Clerk & Treasurer).

                                                                                                                                       

Caleb called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

 

1.      Agenda Item (AI) 1 – Approval of Minutes.

 

Ø            AI 1a.  Ted moved to postpone the approval of minutes of December 3rd and 17th, 2008; Caleb seconded.  No discussion, motion passed unanimously.

 

2.      AI 2 – Public Comment.

 

Ø            AI 2a.  The UDAG Committee has further questions regarding the $1,400 additional 2007 audit expense and base audit percentage reimbursed to the Town; SB discussed same.  RD asked if the UDAG funds could be audited separately, and if cycling auditing agencies is feasible?  Caleb said that as a Town owned fund, UDAG must be audited in conjunction with all Town funds, and that the current auditing firm should be kept for the next year for continuity due to the change in Town Treasurer appointments over the past year.  Caleb suggested RD contact the auditing firm to answer any remaining questions regarding the 2007 bill.

Ø            AI 2b.  Jules & Kate Chatot expressed concerns regarding the permit issued to Ronald Forant in November 2008, and feel the permit should be revoked for a misrepresentation made on the permit application; SB discussed same.  Caleb will speak with Carlton and will notify the Chatots’ of any change.

Ø            AI 2c.  Mark and Bridget Codling expressed concerns over the actions of Town Constable, Ken Gokey, while investigating the events of November 15th.  The Codlings feel that the constable demonstrated unprofessional conduct and made false and damaging statements while performing his duties, and request that the SB 1) publish a letter to all local newspapers retracting statements made by the constable, vindicating Mark’s actions; 2) require an additional bond for Town Constable; and 3) hold a Special Town Meeting to determine performance expectations and limit a Town Constable’s authority; SB discussed same.  All elected municipal officials are currently bonded for $500,000.  Caleb said that the SB is not prepared to issue a letter regarding the constable’s actions, asked that Tara investigate additional bonding, and suggested that a petition to limit constable authority could be submitted for the March Town Meeting, as a special meeting would be held within the same time frame and at additional expense.

 

3.   AI 3 – Administrative Duties.

 

Ø            AI 3a.  The Equalized Education Property Value for FY 09 has been set at $155,881,000; and the coefficient of dispersion (COD) is 13.15%; SB discussed same.  No action taken.

Ø            AI 3b.  Certificate of Highway Mileage.  Ted moved to table discussion until Larry can review the certificate; Caleb seconded.  No discussion, motion passed unanimously.

Ø            AI 3c.  2009 Tax Anticipation Note; SB discussed same.  Ted moved to approve and sign the note; Caleb seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

Ø            2009 Budget; SB discussed same.

 

4.   AI 4 – Correspondence.

 

Ø            A health complaint was received regarding Cabot property owners; SB discussed same.  Caleb will speak with Gary Gulka.

Ø            The Chiefs of Police Association is holding a luncheon; SB discussed same.

Ø            The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, on behalf of VAST, has requested a jurisdictional opinion from the District #7 Environmental Commission, and providing the Town with a copy of their filing.

 

5.   AI 5 - Legal.

 

Ø      The Rt.2 Construction and Cabot Creamery permit updates will be reviewed at the next SB meeting.

 

6.   AI 6 - Other Business

 

Ø            AI 6a.  Caleb mentioned that he received a complaint regarding fireworks set off on New Year’s Eve and a burn barrel being utilized in town. 

 

3.      AI 7 – Ted moved to adjourn the meeting; Caleb seconded. No discussion, motion passed unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 11:35 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

Tara Rogerson

Cabot Town Clerk