Selectboard Round-Up: Flore and Stone Take on New Responsibilities

by John Hammer

Spring road restrictions considered.

The Selectboard began its March 24 meeting talking about roads. Junior Lewis, the Road Commissioner, was present to discuss the biennial Bridge Inspection Report just received from the Vermont Agency of Transportation. This report notifies the town of bridge repairs needed to ensure their safety. Charlotte’s bridges received an “Overall Satisfactory” rating. Lewis will review the listing and prioritize candidates for the $10,000 allocated for bridges in the town budget.

Lewis also discussed with the Selectboard a request from VELCO to run heavy trucks on posted roads. All town roads except Route 7 are annually posted in the spring to reduce damage done by heavy vehicles due to the warming of the underlying ground frost. Vehicles carrying heavy loads must obtain permission from the road commissioner in order to transit town roads.

VELCO needs to travel along Ferry Road between Route 7 and the entrance to the railway station to support the construction of its new substation. VELCO is also considering transit from the Four Corners south along Greenbush to the Mack Farm. The Selectboard expressed a desire to seek compensatory payment from VELCO to repair any damage which might be done. Proposed remedial work would include a one-half-inch “shim” which fills the wheel ruts and provides a level surface on which a 1-inch topcoat would be laid.

Recreation Coordinator

Carlie Krolick, of the Charlotte Recreation Commission, and Deb Stone, Recreation Coordinator, came before the board to discuss the Recreation Coordinator’s job description. It is now understood that the coordinator will manage the beach and supervise the beach attendants as part of the job. Due to this increase in the coordinator’s responsibilities, the position will now continue with its present pay structure until the third week in July, after which it will be reviewed in light of the experience of the summer season.

Appointments

Josh Flore, current Town Constable and volunteer firefighter, was appointed to the position of Animal Control Officer.

Miscellaneous

This past year, Charlotte received a check for $1,250 from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns for excelling in the Leader Program. This program encourages physical and workplace fitness and rewards towns for excellence. The Selectboard voted to sign a letter of intent to join again next year.

Voters at Town Meeting voted down an attempt to match a $9,000 grant from the National Incident Management System to install an emergency generator at the Senior Center. The Selectboard continues to investigate the potential for its placement in another part of town. An informal inquiry has been made to the Charlotte Central School and the Selectboard will approach the school board to get its input.

The annual land maintenance and brush hogging specifications were the subject of some discussion. This year’s specifications will include a note that “preference may be given to contractors using four-cycle equipment.” This is an effort to reduce air pollution.