Selectboard Struggles with Flea Market Issues
by Ellie Russell,
June 17, 2010, page 1.....
Actions Discussed and Taken at the Board's June 14 Meeting

In 1982 the first permit was granted by the Town of Charlotte for a flea market to operate on the Burns property on Route 7, under a lease agreement that is renewed annually. The current lessees are Daniel and Roy Jones, father and son, from Milton. Included in the original permit was approval for a privy (outhouse) which was designed with a concrete collection tank and operates essentially as a composting toilet.

After a recent windstorm several trees fell at the flea market site and some of the tent structures were damaged. This resulted in a visit to the site by Selectman Ed Stone. While there, Ed found that some people found the outhouse locked and the porta-potty objectionable because of “the chemicals,” and therefore chose to go “au natural.” In addition Ed found that the food cart did not have a posted state approval for operation and that vehicles, including a van and a camper, were parking overnight at the site. The lease agreement does not allow any overnight parking on the site or on Route 7. The outhouse had been ordered locked by the Selectboard when they discovered its existence several months ago and before they found it to be suitable for use due to the existence of the concrete tank. However, even with a usable privy and the porta-potty, there remain concerns about sanitation, camping and the lease violation with regard to overnight parking.

With these concerns in mind, the Selectboard debated at the June 14 meeting whether the Flea Market lease should be terminated or whether the lessees should be asked to comply with the lease terms. In either case, partly also due to declining business, it would appear that the Flea Market future is in question. Would a Farmers Market be a good replacement?

Other business included an hour long session prior to the regular meeting for the Selectboard review progress on their workplan. Here is a quick update on key items:
The Town Hall repairs will go to bid once the scope of work can be determined. This work will be coordinated with the energy efficiency modifications scheduled to also go to bid soon.

The Park Management plan will be put on the back burner until the higher priority bid package for the agriculture lease can be finalized.

Traffic speeding on Greenbush Road remains an issue that needs resolving. Speed bumps or other traffic calming mechanisms and increased patrols were discussed. The Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Commission will be consulted for recommendations. A means to slow down traffic prior to a traffic study is needed because the recommendations from a traffic study regarding an appropriate speed limit are based on the average current speed results from the study.

Public access to the lakeshore at Thompson’s Point is possible at several town-owned sites on the waterfront. Public input as to design for renovation of the old dock at the end of the point and for public parking at Whiskey Bay would be desirable. The Town will be seeking individuals interested in working on this project.

A draft plan and schedule for exploring water and wastewater utilization of the wastewater capacity on the Burns property is promised by the end of June
The selectboard would appreciate public input with regard to the desirability of a more pedestrian friendly West Village via pedestrian lanes or sidewalks.

Neighbors Reach Agreement About Dogs

An agreement regarding dog control at the Claflin Farm development, signed by the dog owners, Ken and Julie Cartularo, and the neighbors, was approved by the Selectboard. The issues of future compliance, monitoring and enforcement both with regard to this situation and town-wide need more work. In the meantime the Selectboard agreed to have the constable check with the neighbors monthly for six months regarding compliance.

Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Approved

Both revenue and expenses for this year are projected to come in on target by the end of June, which is the end of this fiscal year. The budget for next year was approved with the adjustments made at the Selectboard May 24 meeting. These adjustments brought the expense budget to an amount equal (or level with) last year’s expenses, as mandated at the March town meeting. Copies of the revised budget are available in the town office.

In other business the Selectboard:

Approved a request by the Juvenile Diabetes Association to use the Lake Road ballfield and roads for a fund raising bike ride on July 17. The ride will take place in the morning and will involve approximately 150 riders. The sponsors bring all of their own equipment and facilities, including water and snacks for the participants.

Approved a request by RaceVermont to use Town roads for bicycle races on July 3, July 24, August 14 and August 28.

Appointed Richard Mann to the Trails Committee for the remainder of Brooke Scatchard’s term (4/20/12).

Approved the Pease Mountain Trail Stewardship Plan.