MINUTES OF THE DUXBURY SELECTBOARD
April 14, 2008


Members Present:  JoAnn Berno, Kym Andrews, Richard Charland, Todd Liberty

Others Present:  Alan Quackenbush, Al Quesnel, Ken Scott, David Quenneville, Richard Avery, Katherine Gjessing


Townspeople to Address the Board:  

Alan Quackenbush, representing the Duxbury Land Trust, spoke to the board concerning a tract of land that lies behind the proposed subdivision on the Dowsville Road.  The Land Trust would like to see that land remain as forest land.  He was there to talk to the selectboard about their interest because such a campaign to save a tract of land like this would take much time and work to put together.  The land he refers to is the Green Crow property.  After some discussion about this, Richard Charland stated that there is time to do the proper preparation in order to talk with the taxpayers about the possibility of this project at town meeting next year.  Mr. Quackenbush said that he would write up something for the board on the details of this proposed project.

Richard Avery attended the meeting to discuss an Act 250 meeting on the Cameron property.  At this time there are concerns about the town right-of-way on Camel’s Hump Properties.  The selectboard will look into this issue.


Opening of Bids for Loader:

The bids for the Allis Chalmers Model 645 Loader were opened.  Following this, JoAnn Berno made a motion to accept a bid for $5,800 for the Allis Chalmers Model 645 Loader from Mike Spinelli.  Todd Liberty seconded the motion and all were in favor of it.


Town Clerk/Treasurer:

Ken Scott had the board sign off on a document for Charlie Pelkey to be the fire warden.  At this time the board also signed off on the liquor license for the Duxbury Store.

After a short discussion regarding the cell phone bill, JoAnn Berno made the motion that the reimbursement to David Quenneville for use of his cell phone will be included in his last pay check of the month.  Richard Charland seconded the motion and all were in favor of it.

At this point the board had some questions for Ken on the budget.  Following this, JoAnn Berno made a motion that the minutes of the March 10, 2008, meeting be accepted.  Richard Charland seconded the motion and all were in favor of it.


Town Plan Amendment Hearing:

Katherine Gjessing, representing the Planning Commission, reported that there was a public hearing in February with no one in attendance.  The purpose of the hearing was about correcting an error in the Town Plan and the meeting was duly noticed.

The purpose of tonight’s meeting is to approve the amendment.

Richard Charland made a motion that we amend the Town Plan to be as originally written in 2001 Town Plan on Page 42, which changes the recommendation that the Development Review Board carefully examine any development with more than 5 units to 10 units.  Kym Andrews seconded the motion, and all were in favor of it.

Ms. Gjessing announced that there is currently a vacancy on the Planning Commission.  At this point two people have expressed interest in this position, and the board will post this vacancy.


Road Report:

The mud situation is under control!

There was a short discussion about personnel in regards to how many improvements could be done this year.

The board then went into executive session at 7:50 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue.  They came out of executive session at 8:05 p.m.


New Business:

JoAnn received a call regarding discharge of firearms in the gravel pit.  She went up there, and there were two people shooting.  She had David lock the gate on Friday.  There was some discussion regarding a possible firearms ordinance and liability issues.  Following this, JoAnn Berno made a motion that David Quenneville hire someone to make some “no trespassing” signs for the gravel pit.  Richard Charland seconded the motion and all were in favor of it.

The Historical Society has requestd to put two file cabinets from Alice Delong’s estate into the town meeting room.  Richard Charland made a motion to allow the Historical Society to put the cabinets in the meeting room.  JoAnn Berno seconded the motion and all were in favor of it.

JoAnn announced that Jeff Poitras has resigned from the State Police Advisory Committee.


Old Business:

JoAnn will ask Craig about the 3rd quote for the shelving in the town office. and Richard Charland will contact the other two companies to see if their quotes are still valid.

Richard Charland said that the H/Vac system unit is in, and he will bring it up here soon.

Regarding Ancient Highways, Kym will contact all the individuals on the sign up sheet and the consultant regarding a meeting.

Regarding the Energy Committee audit, JoAnn will call Jay Zisgrout.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.  The next meeting will be held on May 12, 2008, at 6:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Pam Dever