Town Meeting Report #1: Selectboard Budget Passes, Despite Amendment Attempts
By Nancy Wood,
March 1, 2011…..

Town voters passed the Selectboard’s $2,700,420 budget on a voice vote, after lengthy discussion and several amendments. The cheerful mood of the just under 200 voters was in stark contrast to the contentious atmosphere in 2010, but continuing concerns about economic hardship and the need for financial restraint were expressed.

Selectboard Chair Charles Russell described various increases in the budget and changes in presentation. He particularly explained the Selectboard’s rationale for budgeting zero dollars for the Conservation Fund this year, due to the size of the current balance in the fund and anticipated projects to be funded in the next several years. Clark Hinsdale spoke in favor of this decision; no one spoke against it.

The first amendment, introduced by Dan Rosen, would have reduced the $40,000 budgeted for Traffic Enforcement by $25,000, level funding it with the current year. Selectboard chair Charles Russell said the purpose of the increase was to have the Shelburne police provide 30 hours per week of enforcement of speed limits, and that the anticipated income from court fines would cover $15,000 of the difference.

Rosen said he supported speed control on Route 7, but he was “loath to see we can’t govern ourselves” on local roads. Several other residents spoke of speeding problems and safety concerns near their homes on Greenbush, Mt. Philo and Charlotte-Hinesburg Roads, and Selectboard member John Owen pointed out that the extra police presence in town would have the side benefit of discouraging future burglaries. The amendment was voted down by voice vote.

The second amendment, made by Joe Blanchette, would have reduced to $0 the $5,000 budgeted for the Trails Reserve Fund. Russell indicated that the purpose of the money is to match potential grant funds, leveraging an additional $20,000 for trail development. Blanchette reiterated concerns from 2010 about using taxpayer money to support a “non-essential” amenity that private landowners provide in some parts of town and few individuals use. Town Clerk Mary Mead said that if a grant is won, there is other money that can be found in the budget for matching funds.

Russell disagreed, saying many people will benefit from the trails that are being developed, including children who would be able to bike to the Little League fields from the West Village. He said it was a “small price to pay” for the huge benefits, such as healthy exercise and getting kids outside. Jim Donovan, Planning Commission vice-chair, encouraged everyone to think of trails as a safe transportation alternative, not just as recreation.

John Limanek, chair of the Trails Committee, described the trail system that is being worked on, from Mt. Philo State Park to the Berry Farm, to the West Village, then eventually to the train station and on to the Town Beach. He said landowners along the route are enthusiastically offering easements, and that everyone, from children to elderly, will benefit. He said the Trails Committee has lowered expectations after last year’s Town Meeting defeat, and is planning lower cost construction using gravel and grass.

Clark Hinsdale added that in tough economic times we need to keep volunteers active, and should not discourage the volunteer spirit evident in the Trails Committee.

The amendment failed on a voice vote. The final amendment to the Selectboard budget, by Stephen Brooks, also failed. It would have added $5,000 to the Trails Reserve Fund.

The most hotly debated issue of the morning came with Article 4 to exempt the Friendship Lodge #24 from municipal and education property taxes for five years. The Selectboard included this item on the agenda because traditionally it is voted every five years.

Many questions were raised about what and where the lodge is, why is it exempted from taxes, and what is the cost? Several people chimed in with the location, on the west side of Church Hill Road near the intersection with Mutton Hill Road. Mead said the town is taxed for the education portion which has to be paid to the state. The cost to taxpayers for the lodge is $2,479. Ron Purdum pointed out that the Friendship Lodge is the Masonic lodge, of which he has been a member for 40 years and is the Master. He said the purpose of the Masons is to help people become better citizens, and that this lodge was organized in Charlotte in 1802. He said the Town has voted favorably for exemption ever since.

Several voters pressed for further information and justification for the exemption, and for a broader understanding of what properties are exempt in town and the process for making that decision.

Purdum added there are 49 members of Friendship Lodge, three from Charlotte, the others from Shelburne and other nearby towns. He added that it is a male organization and anybody can apply for membership. In response to several comments about gender discrimination, Mary Lighthall pointed out that the Order of Eastern Star is the Mason’s organization for women, and that there is also a children’s organization.

John Rosenthal introduced an amendment to reduce from five to one year the time of the exemption, with the expectation that there could be more information brought to Town Meeting next year. Eventually the amendment passed with a division of the house by 99 to 62 votes. Article 4 then passed, again requiring a division of the house, by 97 to 64 votes.

The following article, exempting the Charlotte Grange #398 from property taxes, passed on a voice vote with little discussion. The cost to the town for education for the Grange is $2,689. Dave Perrin said a very important role of the Grange is maintaining the 1870 school house #10. He said it is the location of a number of social functions, mentioned involvement with the Tractor Parade and said the building is an important part of the East Charlotte planning process. Heather Manning added that ¾ of the 34 members are from Charlotte, and the rest have roots in Charlotte. Donovan added that the Grange hosted most of the East Charlotte planning meetings, and Spin Richardson said Our Lady of Mt. Carmel churchgoers are allowed to park at the Grange.

The final large money issue also passed easily on a voice vote, for the $405,000 payment from the Fire and Rescue Capital Fund for a new Heavy Rescue Truck. Fire Chief Chris Davis and Ass’t Chief Dick St. George pointed out the benefits of the truck. (An article about it by Chris Davis can be found on this website.)

At the end of the meeting several advisory motions were offered. Nancy Menard, a resident for 45 years, helped count votes last fall for the first time. She proposed a motion to have the Selectboard investigate the use and cost of voting machines, saying it was time to move beyond pencils and hand calculations. After several comments for and against , the motion was voted down.

Martha Perkins offered an advisory motion for friendly signs at accesses to town roads from the ferry and Route 7 to reduce speeding, pointing out how much we love our community. The motion passed.