Waterbury Municipal Meeting - September 1, 2026 - Selectboard

Uh this is the meeting of the Waterberry Select Board for September 1st, 2026. And we will open the select board meeting uh with a review and approval of the agenda. I have a amendment I'd like to make with if we could just we won't have to make that action on the current status on the makers. >> Can you speak just a little bit? Yeah. Sorry. Can we get the current status of the makers here lease? I think that's going to be addressed. >> All right. >> U question. Uh sheriff update is on there, but I haven't seen any statistics posted anywhere yet. You have to talk a little bit louder. >> The sheriff update is on the agenda. I haven't seen statistics posted anywhere on them yet. >> So that is my fault. Uh out of the office today, so >> um I could send them around here. >> Yeah. Would you help? >> So he was asking the sheriff. I heard that. >> So um one of our teammates was out of office today. So maybe remember that um perfect. >> All right. Uh I still would look for a my friend the motion maker. >> Um noting the two comments made, I'll move to approve the agenda as presented. All second. >> All those in favor say I. I. >> Uh the next item on the agenda is the introduction of our new town manager, Gracie Zigger. Um in that introduction, I just want to say thank you to the community, to the staff, the process that we followed in terms of interviewing and going through the selection. I'll say it again. We had uh 16 applicants and narrow it down to five inter uh calls and then narrowed it down to three in-person meetings and uh and we are very fortunate to have Gracie join us. Um you want to say a few things? >> Yeah. So for those of you who don't know me, I hell from Iowa and you may be wondering how does someone from Iowa get all the way up here? Um and the answer to that is um we knew we wanted to move for our family and find a community we wanted to be a part of and that became very clear it was going to be more during job searches and whatnot very selecting me and the staff decided I was the right person for the job. Um with that I have uh almost a decade in public administration work mostly at the state level. Um but I also have my masters in public administration and I have done work with budget as high as 24 million and I have also done a lot of roles developed power through nonprofit and so while that doesn't lead a straight line to municipal work I feel like it does give me a lot of skill sets I can be successful here um and with that everyone's been so helpful in my first week um and so welcoming that I have been able to hit my Um, one I am getting to know all the staff and their roles and everything that they do. Um, also some of the priorities I've started is focusing on the natural disaster preparedness stuff and making sure that I build those connectors as well as getting connected with a lot of the organizations. um handling some great stuff that came up of course. Um and then in general just learning from women who's been an amazing for all and this is the bane of his existence but that is my husband Scott. Uh him and my son came with me and did our uh four fur babies. Um, so you may see them on design those first. >> So I have four rescues. So they're all mixed with something. Um, I joke I have 450 pounds of dogs. >> So they're very friendly, very fluffy. Um, and if you see that I have fur on my pants if you want to just >> Thanks. Thank you. You're welcome. All right, I'll open the time for public comment. Is there any public comment? Mike, come on up. Introduce yourself. Mike Border Center. We know each other from the process. Um first of all I just want to uh on behalf Tom immediate past president of the Waterberry Rotary we want to thank you and welcome you to Waterberry. Anything you need from Rotary be glad to help but I do have one request that the public is involved with all the select board. I know and I can't I can't know exactly how long it's been down, but we used to have a banner on the banner pole for the Declaration of Inclusion. It's been gone for a while >> look into it. >> What? >> We'll look into >> Okay, that that's what I was wondering because it's been missing and I thought that was a nice welcoming way to for people coming into our town. >> Okay, thank you. Thanks. Anyone else? Roger. >> I'll just notice note that the uh banner was starting to sag and you couldn't read it anymore. So I think in consultation with Bill put it down there. >> Okay. >> All right. Um next item on the agenda is to approve the previous minutes of August 6 18. I would like to make an amendment to the minutes from the last meeting during the discussion about this week's agenda. Um it was the question was asked whether or not we would get the survey results before this meeting and we were told that we would get them the following week but we did not. So because this the answer for the answers were supposed to come up with on um better connections and our spokes on that. I just wanted that noted in >> So what do you want to change specifically in the agenda? >> I want noted that we were promised the u the we were promised the survey the following week and we did not get it. So, we did not get a week to review it. >> Okay. The minutes reflect what the conversation was at that time. We can have these minutes reflect that it didn't. Huh. But you can't change. >> We hadn't We hadn't adjourned at that point. So, was there still a valid meeting? >> Wait. Um, how do I explain this? What you're asking to amend is an event that didn't happen until after the meeting. >> No, the meeting was still valid. No, you're not getting it. So, you're asking for the minutes to say that we didn't get the survey. I agree with that. But, but we we didn't um you don't get the minute you don't get the survey until this meeting. >> I know, but it's not noted in there that we asked for it. >> Okay. That >> and that we were told we would get it the following week. That's what I'm >> But that's where you got to stop. >> Okay. >> Right. That's what we said. That's what we talking. >> Okay. >> And then you can have these minutes reflect that when we get to the better connection section, you can have them reflect that we didn't get the survey >> if you want. Um, all right. Roger. >> Uh, I'll move to approve the minutes as amended. >> Second. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. I. I. All right. Um, approve the consent agenda items. Any questions on the consent agenda items? I take a motion to approve them. >> I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda items as listed on the agenda. Second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All right. Thank you. Um, we'll move to the discussion of the discussions with the town boards and committees. Um, do you want you want to go first? >> I really want to thank you for the last minute addition. So, I appreciate your interview. We'll ask you to introduce yourselves and then umly speak. >> Yeah, speak loudly. We're going to make that improvement. You'll see Don's got a secret. >> Um um we have 10 minutes and um whatever's on your mind. Ask us questions. We may ask you questions. Go for it. Introduce yourselves, please. >> I'm Pam E. I think for a one-year term and then I ran for a three-year term this year. I'm Theo Hannah. I um was elected to finish out a three-year term last March. This was my only year. I'm Jill Zach. I filled in your name again. Sorry. Jill. Um, I just started feeling jer. >> I'm gonna actually ask you folks if you would mind sliding your trainers a little bit over that way so that the people in the room can see you a little bit better. I don't know if we maybe need some light. >> Yeah. And then I'll ask you to speak very loud because I'm deaf, too. >> So, um, the school board did we just started school last week. We're back in session. So, that's great. Last year, we approved our school budget, which again is great. Um, but now we are at a point where our school board is facing some tough discussions. Um, and we'd encourage any and all Waterbury residents to come to schoolboard meetings to hear what we're talking about because the big question that the school board is looking at this year is how can we continue to provide the high quality education we want for our children under the pressures we're feeling from a declined enrollment population, budgetary pressures from the state, and um not a failing infrastructure, but an infrastructure that is subject to a $100 million deferred maintenance fund. So with those questions in mind, the school board's ready to get started on our hard work for this year. Um and we're here to tell you a little bit about that. >> Yeah. So um basically the more about the situation we're facing is um the vast majority of the major cost drivers are continuing to rise largely out of our control like healthcare, special ed, mental health, um utility costs. So health care, for example, um as I'm sure you're all well aware, Vermont has some of the highest in the country. Uh it's gone up 35% in the past three years and makes up about 12% of our total budget. Um and continuing to rise as the um legislation that was passed by this legislature last session to help cap it uh was vetoed. So um those costs are rising and then at the same time it's spread across fewer and fewer students u because as Pan said our population is aging like so much of the country and uh we have declining enrollment so our fixed costs are still there just spread across fewer students which makes our per pupil cost um go up and that is hurting. And then also the legislature just passed a measure to cap it to lower the cap. So if we spend over the cap per pupil, then we're taxed. We have face a penalty tax above and beyond um the normal education tax. So that has been lowered and is going to continue to be lowered in future years. So, we're trying to figure out how to continue to do more with less um and still maintain a really high quality education system that will attract young families to move here. Um because that will help our per pupil cost under control. I think that um some of the questions we've been getting as a school board as I walk around the town are, well, what have you considered? What are you looking at? What are your options? And I think that historically our our towns have gone through questions about consolidation over the past few years, 10 years. We've talked about getting rid of more than that. In the Waterberry roundabout today, there's been an article from a gentleman who talked about historic um education in Waterberry and how there used to be 17 school districts in Waterberry itself. It was a really fascinating read um and I encourage everyone to check it out. Um but it's one of those things where we're looking at various schools and the school buildings themselves and how many um students are in each classroom in the school. We're looking at this to a pretty granular level to understand what's actually occurring in our communities. I think I might have mentioned this fact. It really struck me at um one of the schoolboard meetings last We're looking at the birth rate in the various towns and in 2024 Warren had one child and it's really hard to sustain a school when there was one child. Not saying other kids can't move in or not saying other kids can't move out but when that's your birth rate it's really hard to figure out longterm planning for schools and what they're going to look like in the future. So keeping all of that in mind we're looking at all of the options and what to do what what we can consider. questions from the board. I have one. I saw Harwood in the news the other day or the district. Um, can you share anything about the cabin building or is that too early or that was brought up? >> Yeah. So, there's a building and use committee for the school board. And one of the things we're looking at is um it's kind of a multi-tered plan, but one of the possibilities and it's just that it's a possibility. The potential I guess at this point is could we consolidate the four valley schools into one in that motion? And what would that look like? What retro fits would need to occur? It's been an office building. Could it be converted to a school building? We don't know the answers to that yet. So, we're still in the is it possible phase maybe. I don't know. So, it's still um a ways out before we have any information on that, but something that's being looked at. >> Is there a schedule time for the public to comment on this or is it >> we >> or you just comment and email everything you just >> You're always welcome to email us. Our email addresses are on the bottom of the schoolboard website which I believe is getting reworked a little bit too to make it a little bit more user friendly because as you can imagine there's a lot of information um to dig through and so we're trying to make it more user friendly. Always email us and then one of the other committees the school board has is a public relations communications committee. they have a outreach >> outreach and so they are um working on this um beautiful presentation that um really covers the history of how we got to where we are today and what we can do moving forward to try to help bring the community together to really understand what's important to the community and how we can make sure we we put the right emphasis value on what the community wants as we're making these plans moving forward. There's going to be a series of um events as I understand it where we're going to be showing up here where we're going to be showing up to probably Rotary at some point and other other groups in the area talking about what's going on because we really do need community support and community commitment to with that with the presentation. are bringing together the whole student feed information for everyone so that you know all the information all the work that's being done can provide a platform for questions and for discussion and for values and for so that it's not just unidirectional the birection conversation but with the full the front of it being here's the information now >> nice and um if anyone we are looking for opportunities to share the slide deck have that conversation. Um, so if anyone, you know, has a community meeting, community events coming up, want to invite us, we we want to spread this far and wide. Um, and really make sure that community is kind of growing the same direction. >> Perfect. >> Roger. Are there plans to present uh the advantages of closing Brookside and moving all the kids to cross Brook? >> That's going to be part of the presentation, but some of it's already available um through some of the TRX colons reports that are out there. Um I think one of their reports I'm going to blank on which the title is called but there's a um look at the work that needs to be done to Brookside and the work that needs to be done across the book and one of the categories was they didn't call it emergency work but they called it urgent work that needs to be done for the health and safety of the children and it's maybe $10 million$10 point something million dollars for Brookside and it's less than like there's still I think a total of $12 million that needs to be done to Brookside but 10 million of it was like considered urgent profit book has I think $10 million that needs to be done but much much less considered urgent for that student so there is some of that already out there for some of those considerations and then other things just when you're talking to um school administrators for how do you take kids through lunch and that cafeteria in Brookside is fairly small if you put more kids in it becomes a lot harder to get kids eating lunch at a lunch appropriate time. So instead of eating lunch at 11 to noon, you're having kids eating lunch at 10:30 to 1:30 because there's the cafeteria is actually quite small. >> Thank you. >> So um I will be contacting you. I'm I'm in a unique position. I was principal for for two years and I've been principal of six small schools. I've entered in one. So I've got six small school experience in one large school. So I contact we can do a partnership at the hill between the school down per Thank you because I think that's we want everybody to know we want your ideas. We're not We are here to advocate for our students, for all of them, our students, all our students. So, we want the idea. It's not like we want them to all work. >> Who owns the Brookside building, >> school district, >> the school district owner, >> but Island Pond said send pretty interesting example about selling their school for a dollar. >> Oh, >> I'm just saying so that they could use it for a community. That's right. I haven't >> Oh, Roxberry. >> Well, maybe Roxberry, too. >> John Brook. >> Yeah. But but I It's owned by the school district. That's what I'm wondering. Yeah. >> Other questions. Thank you. Oh. Oh, there's one back here. Mary, you have to come up to the front. Sorry, Mary. to be affordable. We're getting one more meeting. >> Nice segue. >> Comment my question. >> First, sorry, I'm Mary Cohen and um also elementary school principal for 16 years in the state of Vermont and your answers. Thank you. um have some strong opinions like uh but my question is you said the schoolboard site is that separate from the school district website. >> Now the school board has like a web like if you go to the school district website there's like a tab for the school board. >> It just takes like clicking like 29 times to get >> 25 instead of 29. I just want to be sure that if there was a shorter way, >> right? >> Um and my comment is I thank you for serving and I know some of you stepped up when there was a big um vac, you know, several vacancies across the Harwood district. I read something and I know there's been a lot of advocacy by your um teachers, administrators, other folks, the school board and we were all quite disappointed with some of the other decisions that were made in the last legislative session. But I um I guess I guess I caught my around that time last spring, we I I saw someone in Norwich who had is a data guy and he's been compiling a lot of the um financial information for schools around Vermont and I don't know if you've you know you've connected with that but it seems a good source but one of the things that was very clear between that and some of the roundabout reporting is just by combining schools to become instead of a unified district where one district we didn't save any We have that comment. >> No, that's just that's comment. And yeah, and and I just want to be sure that this is not a tunnel down the road. >> No, without looking at sort of >> I know I don't think it is. I just want to say that publicly. >> Thank you. >> Mike, do you have a quick one? We got to get to our other committees. >> In fairness to them. We are the most fun committee though. >> You are, you know, and you brought three representatives. I do. >> Thank you for coming. I always admire people who want to serve on the school board person. My question is I'm glad Mark brought this up about the cabin building. I just wanted I know it may be too early in the game to to know this. is by looking at purchasing that cabin building is that going to be an overall cost savings versus just shuttering of a few of the schools you know that's that's what I think all the taxpayers in the district want to know because school costs are getting you know our taxes are you know I think the town's done a good job maintaining taxes and school taxes are you know really becoming a burden and as we could see more and more verters are fleeing the state so we need to control so I'm looking at Ken is a cab building a solution for the lesson >> I'm sure that's part of their study >> right >> thanks for reminding them thank you >> all right we'll take one more Chris >> five seconds I'll try to make it quick >> awesome >> yes I met with one of our >> Introduce yourself please. >> Christians water center and met with one of our candidates for governor Amanda Juno for a couple of hours here month ago talked to her about her run as governor. During the conversation, I said to her the same thing I've said to many of our legislative leaders, very vocal to the I've got in contact with people by phone, the radio. Nobody wants to acknowledge it. I'm going to say it loud and clear. This state is bankrupt. You talked about school district. It's estimated six to8 billion dollars statewide. We can't solve any of our problems in this state from healthcare to homeless to affordability, you name it. The governor just bought down the property tax rate this year because they don't have any solutions. I commend you people for trying to to do what you're trying to do. But as I told Amanda, somebody in the governor's seat and the legislators are going to have to make some real hard choices. If you don't make them yourself to try to control what's going to happen, they're going to the choices are going to be made for you. >> Thanks, Chris. >> All right, we're gonna >> One more question. >> There's one more question. >> Come on up. >> I'll pass. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you, school board representatives. >> Very go to their website. >> Thank you so much for coming in. Very much appreciate it. >> Um Amy or Jay, who wants to know next? Bite it out, ladies. >> All right, James up closer. >> Okay, more ready. >> Okay. Would you mind sitting over there by Don? I'm gonna pitch this set up so that people can see and hear each other better. >> Absolutely. >> There you go. Thank you for coming in. >> My name is James Brown. I'm the chair of the library tree board and the tree board's been around for about 15 years. Our um goal is to try to maintain tree health in public spaces in town. Um I occasionally plant new trees where there are vacant spots to for beautifification and to create an even tree canopy. Um we try to plan for the future identifying potential areas for trees and uh we coordinate with the cemetery commission. We've done a lot of coordinating with them on tree pruning. We've had tree pruning workshops in the cemetery and um both cemeteries, Maple Street Cemetery and the Hope Cemetery in the village and um also on Main Street and um we have uh prioritized tree pruning in recent year and were able to um with the town's help get trees that were planted 2019 as part of the main street reconstruction. They're like 45 trees. Um now they've so now they're like seven years in the ground there and they were approved this spring. Um we came to the select board and were approved for some additional funding this year which would also include uh street tree inventory. Uh in 2016 the town was able to participate with 19 other towns in something called um oh caring care care of the urban landscape which was using this um software that the state had created for street tree inventories with satellite mapping. But you could identify trees and put in the quality of the trees and the types of trees and then create um inventory downtown. Well, we did it was done but we never did anything with the data. So here we are 10 years later and we um we have been able to um get somebody on board a team on board of aris and there's been some issues with updating that software but we're getting it going. So, um that's just getting underway. >> Is that the uh the grant money that you the money that was allocated last year for this year? That's what that does is update that database. >> Yes. not only to update it but we need to be more involved and be able to extract um from that database you know what are the what are the percentage of species of trees you know so that we can plan what are the percentages of of good trees trees poor tree where are the trees that I need some removal or >> where does that live where does that data live in in >> it it lives the tree board. >> What is it? >> Well, it's it's part of a municipal tree program that's managed by the Vermont urban community forestry program through a statewide website. So, if it does the tree board, this question I just don't know. Does the tree board have a web a page on our website that would have that link to it? >> We're not there yet. >> Okay, that's what I was >> I think that's a good idea. Yeah. >> What we're trying to do, and we're not maybe as geeky as we should be, but trying to figure out, and this will be our our goal for this update, >> possibly, >> is to add trees in the center, and water center, but also be more adept at um pulling information out of this so it's not just collected and done, >> right? I think it'd be nice if we could get it into the website, our town website, so people could go look at it if they want. Straight ahead. Thanks. Thank you for coming. >> Question change. 45 trees planted half the main street. >> Yeah. >> How are they doing? I didn't >> I think they're doing quite well >> and some of them are so big. >> Too good. >> Yeah. I think I think we did pretty well. Um there were a few ash trees that um in hindsight maybe should have had removed seven years ago because now we have emerald ash. >> Thank you. Thank you for >> all right our conservation commission is here. >> Yeah. Come on up so we can know each other. Please join us. Okay. >> Well, introduce yourself. >> Yes. So, I'm Amy Marshall Carney, the conservation commission chair. >> My name is >> All right. Okay. Thanks, Levi. All right. So, today we just have two main topics. We've been pretty focused on natural resources inventory and then um some updates and follow-ups from the last meeting we had. So just wanted to cover those. So here this came from Aaron at Arowwood. He divided out the sections of work that that team is under right now. What you can see here is um they've got some phases already complete. So the land cover and forest block mapping's done. Upland and wetland natural communities mapping is done. Um they're uh starting the wildlife habitat corridor modeling. They're already midway through what they call a windshield survey field assessment. Just driving around and seeing some things. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, they might. Um so and then um they'll be focusing on that reporting and online mapping as well as the continuing through you know traditional administration product administration >> and the detailed field assessments. We've already gained four uh members of our community that are willing land owners that would like to have them come and assess their their land their parcels. We are also looking at um other parcels that we may want to target. So areas that they aren't able to access because they're in public lands or maybe they're not in parts of the town that we haven't really have fully mapped out. So that workload action thinking point on that with another member Josh selfide as well. So that work feels really good. One of the pieces I didn't pop up here but we know we have to do and we'll be focusing on it over the next two months. We'll start to plan out our engagement plan. And so this is where I want to make sure that we're not overcommunicating to the community, but maybe consolidating some opportunities. I know the municipal plan itself has to go out and be communicated and shared. So we want to be mindful of that. Any ideas anybody has, please let us know where we can join appropriately. That would be better for the digestion of the community. So >> but we do need to make sure that we have this information, excuse me, available. Any questions about the natural resources inventory? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I'm going to suggest you go through the whole thing after Billy, but you go through your whole thing and then we'll ask questions. Okay. >> I guess I just ask what is the geographic scope of Arrowwood's work? Are they like doing the whole town? They get parts of it. >> Good. >> The entire wall to wall. >> Great. >> Y Thanks, Billy. and they're leveraging um I know that they requested information from the UVM master's class for the refra property so that they didn't duplicate GIS. Okay. And then the other topic that we um we talked about the last meeting but I thought we'd bring it here. So the better connections project which is a project but we were listed as a conservation commission in that project as a key stakeholder we did not get involved in that project not to say that we wouldn't um and not to say that we can't but we wanted to make sure that we're really clear that um because that went to a funding agency that we do not want to be sending a signal of playing a role that we did not play. So, we sought out some advice, got some guidance on how best and to really clarify that, navigate that, make sure that we're still letting everyone know that we're still available to support in this capacity, and I know I've been working with Bill. Um, and this of course started, these conversations started before Bill took over as intern, which I recognized, and now Grace is on board. She's been looped in, so she's starting to get a little more familiar with that. Um, so I think we have a clear understanding at least from the grant arms angle. They they're like, you know, this is still in process. So you can request, which we have done, um, that there's just an amendment that goes on or appendex that goes on to report that states that these didn't actively play a role during this part. And then as we work going forward that we just want to get clear about what role, if any, we can play within our, I'll call it skill set. So I know that for example we're not the storm water experts but we could connect and we could learn and we can make sure we understand and fulfill our role. So here it's more about your awareness and as you think about the final report as it comes to you just you know understanding that's why we've made that request and what we're going to be willing to support going forward. >> Questions about that part? No. Okay. Um, as a as an aside, I will tell you that I have shared with Neil, and I don't know if it's made it to you all yet, but um, this is where it gets a little weird. I wear a couple hats. So, I am the conservation commission chair. I also have some professional background. And when I pursued this conversation with Neil, I shared, you know, there's I think we could have managed this a little differently if we had got, you know, there's a stakeholder process that engages everybody at at the beginning. this particular project didn't I don't think follow that process cleanly so he goes well we don't have one said I can create one for you if you'd like and I did so I sent that along to Neil don't remember if I copied you Bill I might have if not um I know I mentioned it to Evan so I recently shared it with him and I'm happy if that did not make its way to you but what I designed and the reason why I came through this conservation lens is because of this particular interaction it's not okay but I'm gonna I'm going to keep you focused on just the conservation commission actions. >> It Yeah, it is. And so it was presented from the conservation commission. Okay. >> Because of this as a proactive way to kind of avoid that question >> particularly as we might be >> a proactive way to avoid for us as a stakeholder or any stakeholder quite frankly um could benefit from being moved into plan. So that that was a proactive solutioning recommendation that shared do with it what you will. All right. So um we do still have three open seats. One we have one person entertaining the idea of meeting with them next week. So we might only have two open seats which would be great. But if you all can continue to keep that awareness and talk about it. They're a fun group too. Um the other two pieces here are we're still not clear. So very similar to this particular project about connections. We are referenced in the flood hazard bylaws. We are referenced in the local hazard mitigation plan as having pretty firm rules. It's been pointed to us by CPRPC. We don't know what we're doing, why we're doing it, or when we're doing it. We're happy to do it, but I think we just need a little direction here and clarity on what that looks like. So that's a task to you all. And then the last is just if you know of anybody that want would like to participate in the Arrowwood land assessment, let us know. They have a great process we can explain. Lot lot has done a great job of helping them understand steps to step. That's all. >> Thank you. Questions got the front row next time. members that on the conservation committee >> right now there's six. We have availability for nine. Would you like to join? >> No, but >> why do you think so many? >> It's pretty standard for these boards across our boards. Actually, it got a little tricky when we only had five because you can't have four of them. If two people can't come, you can't have a meeting. >> So, you're looking for just more body to continue >> and experiences. So one person we're meeting with now actually they have a depth in native plants. One person on our board has a DEC background. So environmental so the more breth we have I don't have any environmental background but I do have program management change management skill set. So we're looking to diversify >> anyone else. >> Katie Gallagher you want to turn on your camera join us? >> Sure can. Hi. Um Amy, I was just wondering just for my own edification because I wasn't sure where you were referencing the conservation commission was was reference as a stakeholder and just want to make sure that we have that that settled. Just wondering if you could point me to where that is. >> Yeah, it's in your application for the grant. I think it's on page two of the clean water fund funding request, which is the second part of the overall application. the application >> also references friends of I think the reservoir or reus I have to remember I didn't >> okay thank you >> y thanks Katie anyone else thank you very much for coming in very much appreciate the update >> I just wanted to say that doesn't want opening as well we're very My job rocks, you know. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> We're going to go on to the town manager and public works director matters. Um I ask that um Gracie and Woody work together for this month. So you'll see them again at the next meeting, but Gracie, you want to take a stab at it? Sure. Um right here. Perfect. Um, so one, uh, the sheriff's data reported. Um, as mentioned earlier, I did not get that on quick enough, but it is available and we'll be getting it up within the next 24 hours so people can access it and look at it. Uh, what do you anything you want to add on that? >> Uh, no. We ask came in to be for it to be prepared before the meeting. U by the time the sheriff's got it to us, it was Monday or whatever. So, >> and then I'll let you take the next one, too. And the next one is >> uh the state annual financial plan. >> Oh, that town highways. That thing we're supposed to sign. >> Yes. So, it's it's a routine paperwork from the state of Vermont, agency of transportation that we fill out um with regards to how we're spending some of our aid that the state gives us to highways. This along with road and bridge standards and other things are paperwork the state uses to make sure we're in compliance and that makes us eligible for grants and and puts us in good standing with them. >> Um it's signed every year. It's a routine document. >> So this is the money they send the town >> estimated. It it's a form that tells how much they send us, how much we spend, >> and that we spend it enough >> enough to get what they send us. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Can I go back to the sheriff's report? >> Yep. >> So, this uh report shows all they were doing data for speeding. It shows all the hours of the day and who speed limit. I went shocked that somebody had 1400 hours, which is two in the afternoon. Correct. >> Yeah. >> Right. Yeah. Yeah. that somebody was going between 70 and 75 miles an hour on the flat road. >> On where? >> On the flat 2 in the afternoon. I mean, >> really. Anyway, so >> that one collect ticket. >> What's that? Did that one collect a ticket? >> It's just >> it's the cart recording people. >> It's ridiculous. Sorry. >> All right. Uh uh final thing. I think Sandy wanted clarification on something earlier. >> Yeah. Uh the Makers lease. >> Oh. >> Yep. So I've been meeting with Makersphere and I have some feelers out to people who own rental property in the community to get a feeling for what the square footage cost is for rental property. That's loosely similar to the ambulance old ambulance bar. There is nothing that's that sad. >> Yeah. >> So, it's still in the works. >> Yeah. >> Did you need a motion before I said that? >> Um, what's the question? >> The the plan. >> No, it's a required thing that we have to I just felt that it would be >> required. >> But, uh, it's important to share the information. So I just wanted to post it with the >> um one thing is today's September 1st. So I don't make sure that expired again because we allowed 30 days last month. >> Uh it was month to month. >> It's month. >> Did we Is that when we approved? I thought we >> No, that was his meeting. >> And just for the nature been reaching out to me. So >> yeah. Okay. >> Get your act together. Do you want to uh do you uh want to give an update on is anything changed with these other >> I I have one small question about the sheriff's >> oh >> contract >> they've been issuing some tickets people have been taking notice which is I think largely good people to go a little less than 70 miles an hour on flats um but where does that money go when the tickets get paid? There is a line item in the budget that we accept money for pickets aid. I'm not sure it's happening in this case, but I can check. Will the chair >> um you want to give is there any changes or updates for the project? >> The only big updates we're meeting this week on um Woody Avenue Housing. We will be meeting I believe weekly on this uh as we move forward. Um and last night we were notified that three other properties are now progressing in the FEMA buyout. Um third I think it's 38 and 42 Union and 1634 US Route 2 are progressing to the appraisal stage where they will get an appraisal value to those owners to see if they'd like to continue with the buy out process. So the other ones are We'll sit again. >> Yeah. >> Um, Cheryl, side note, in the minutes, can you spell out um W what? Lampman what? >> Wyman Lampman. Yeah, it was WL and I just thought it last be helpful to spell out. Sorry, >> I forgot about >> question about Union Street. Is 40 uh already gone or is it scheduled to go? >> Uh, we're gone. Two more just got approved. >> Okay. So >> So all all four in a row are >> at least >> at least in process. >> Yeah. >> 36 and 40 are gone. >> Yeah. >> All right. All right. Uh can we move on to the select board matters? >> What was the question? >> We having a side we are having a sidebar on very interesting topic on how to bend the grass on this board. That's good. >> We're going to move on to the select board matters unless you have other things that you too would like to talk about. >> No. >> All right. Uh BR correspondents on the speed limit reductions along Vermont Route 100. Don, I think this is yours. >> Right. So being involved in the better connections grant and last spring they did the walkthrough. They met at the Yes. at day park. We were down a 100 looking at that fabulous intersection at Howard Avenue 100. Um and living up the road from there I've always been strangely curious about the speed limits. I don't know how many years ago, Bill, we changed the speed limit at Cider Mill for 35. It's been a while. It's been there. Um, so looking at 100, there are two 50 mph signs. One heading north, one heading south in the whole stretch from the interstate past near the call where the coffee place is just pass. >> Yeah. So there's only one one south that's 50 and one half hour. The other thing is if you come down by assignment shop that's 40 miles an hour you get to the bottom of that dangerous intersection where the state park is and it says it turns at 35 at the top of the hill cider bill. I made a request typed up got some maps together gave it to Bill right to the beach rams the highway division to say please change the speed limit as one get rid of the single 50 mph signs. They're like there's only one going each way. It doesn't make any sense. just make that all 40 the whole way and start 35 the top of the hill where the consignment shop is then keep 35 down through the reservoir to dip the hollow up to the cider mill. So um to the highway division of VR wrote a letter and said they are going to extend they requested to extend the 35 mph speed limit from the cider mill to the top of the hill to the south which is up near the consignment and to eliminate the 50 mph zone and put 40 mile per hour zones there. They're going to do an engineering study to accomplish this and they will make a decision in December of this year and they'll be notified of the date time and I claim to go back. So that's >> it took a month to get that letter back, right? >> Yeah. It's pretty fast. >> I was surprised. >> The fact that they're doing the study this year is >> I know I would be curious to see what year >> for sure. All right. Thank you. Uh, D. Oh, is there a question? Um, come on up, J. >> Um, okay. I worked for the transfer from three years when I was in the planning division for a few years, the beginning. So, I, you know, I don't know how it works right now, but when I was in the planning division, I attended several of these hearings. And so it's important um it's it's good if more than one person from the town shows up to show support and to really advocate for this change. >> I'd be happy to >> because I think this is long overdue and I totally support. I just say it really helps if the town really does. We don't have a date for >> you know they're let us know. They'll let us few people to advocate for business owners, some letters, some photographs, whatever. That would be great. Yeah, very good. Thanks, Dave. What a good suggestion. Um, all right, Don, you're still on. >> All right, so getting back on the select board, one of the reasons I did get off the select board was attending meetings and panic with stakeholders who my hearing is extremely terrible and I just got so frustrated trying to hear things, hit meetings. Uh that was one of the reasons. So when I got back on I told Martha and the board that this is thing I want to focus on to make the hearing better individual in these meetings. As you saw today it's very difficult. Um so um I started with it and I got way laid by hiring a new town manual manager. That took a lot of time. I personally had a wedding at my house this summer. I was so involved with I mean it just got away from me. Martha did a great job contacting whatever buzz buzz buzz buzz >> buzz which is a >> buzz buzz you can't buzz buzz >> yeah so Peter came this week and he and his company actually installed everything here from this mun this building was built so he knew instantly about this building and so we talked about the sound system uh changing this this I can't read it's just awful about getting a large TV screen up here and make this function better so he said, "Well, you don't have to worry about system because it already exists." Which I said, "Oh, yeah. I already >> So, they do have fun. If you can hear me, is it working?" >> No. >> Is the green light on? >> Yeah. >> So, it worked. >> So, what happened was I talked to Annov about these microphones. >> You have to hold it up. This is the issue with them and why because Ann used to set them up for the meeting. You get all the microphones lined up and whatever. And that when we were on the select board back in the day, the trouble is you have to keep it real close, right? And you have if you're talking, you say, "What was that bill?" You got to move the microphone around. So, it just got to be very frustrating. And then people put it away and of course select more changes that people don't bother can hear. So, uh, I think we're going to put these out and work them, see how good or bad they are, and talk to Peter about, I think, upgrading the sound system to maybe a lot better, like a mic that you can attach to your shirt or something. But, uh, we're going to work on it. Another piece is I want to reorganize um these tables. As you can see, it's a fiasco here trying to have people's backs not to the public. If you remember last meeting when the uh state police came uh the state police sat and there was no way he was having his back flip and turn. All right. So I want to reconfigure these tables and I'm talking Gracie and the SL. So we're going to try these microphones. See how they work. >> We have them on the stand too. >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean they'll be for everybody. We'll have some for the public. But if they don't work and maybe it's a system need to be turned up. Then we're going to talk to Peter and see what else can do. These don't these are just real funky questions. >> All right, questions. >> Why are you all in the dark? >> Might be a little problematic here in the winter months with illnesses going around. Massive, one person to have >> nine of them in the closet. I know we were surprised. All right. >> I just wanted to thank you. Appreciate it. >> I wanted to add that this was also a topic of much discussion at last Wednesday's town meeting study committee meeting. Uh Amy did a lot of research about different options that could be usable at town meeting for this exact same reason. >> Yeah. >> Good. Don't know if you've talked yet, but maybe you should compare notes. >> I did share. >> Yeah, I have. Yeah. So, that's all part and the goal is to have a Zoom meeting after town. Sorry. >> What? >> To have Zoom during town meeting so that people can access it for all kinds of reasons why they can't. I remember in the old days at town, two little kids ran around microphones and if somebody got up in an aisle and wanted to speak, they walked the other mic over to somebody rather than have one mic. Right. >> All right. Uh, anything else? Any questions? We'll move on to approval of new road lampson Lane off of South Main Street at 104 South Main. So, both of the new private road um names, these have come about due to um the the density that that is happening in certain areas of town as we have been um trying to promote both through the planning commission and the the housing task force. And so, especially on properties that are are deep from the road, as people put in other um either ADUs or duplexes or triplexes back there, we're probably going to see a lot more of the the private driveways becoming private roads. Um because again, um three residential units is kind of buildings, residential structures is sort of the trigger for turning a driveway into a road. Um and so the first is here um the driveway of 104 South Main Street is um is to become a private road with the proposed name of Lamson Lane. >> Making it a private road is this date doesn't give us a choice on that because we've got um we've got a triplex just behind 104 South Main Street. We've got the commercial building um out back which also there are two apartments in there. And then where the red line ends, um there is it's supposed to be a triplex. It might now be a duplex. Um but there are two more basically residential units back there. And I'm running out of numbers because they're pretty squeezed. So if I can steal 112 from the commercial building and give it to the ADU on 110, that would help me a lot. The new road name. So I think the one thing to reflect in these not in your minutes is that these are private roads. So the town's not maintained. I didn't appreciate that to be honest. I just didn't. >> So thank you for doing that. >> These are private roads. >> Yep. All right. >> Does that road go through a parking lot? >> Put it where it turns or is >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. Entertain a motion. >> It's possible. Um there are talks of further developing space in that parking lot. Um, so it will it is unlikely to look like that large of a parking lot. >> I'd entertain a motion. >> Roger. >> I'll move to approve uh the naming of lampson lane. >> Can we put in there the private >> uh the proposed private road lamp? >> There a second. >> Second. >> Thanks. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. All right. Um, approve new road, small hill road off Howard A. >> Um, >> oh, same same thing. Um the original plan that was um that was considered uh had the drive coming off of Route 100, but they decided for a number of reasons including safety sake and the layout of the property itself um to shift it over to Howard Avenue. the uh owner is um intending I believe there there is um a subdivision going on and so two new um shovel ready sites uh was >> wasn't approved PUB >> no longer yeah that when that expired that was from posted >> yeah I showed you how old I >> yeah well and and zoning permits for all variety of things um the work has to be done for two years. >> Yeah. Okay. >> So, the property is up for sale. Is it a person's selling the property owns the road and is going to sell with all >> I believe he I believe he is planning on staying in the existing house and selling off the newly subdivided parcels. >> Oh, okay. That's >> Yeah, >> cuz that road doesn't exist, >> right? No, but they they have um they have received the the cur permit. Um and so the the road the driveway slash road is now um ready for development >> and it's been subdivided. >> Yeah. Yes. >> Okay. Roger. >> Uh is the name uh due to the stature of the hill or is there some family involved? >> No, this is the the stature stat stature of the the hill on plant. Yeah, it's full. >> All right, come on up. >> Isn't there a major over there or something? >> Yeah, just to the right of the curb cut. There's a big culvert right there. Y >> Sandy, nice job. >> Um, yes. So, what's the >> They won't be impacting it. They're as close as they can be without impacting the wetlands this way. >> Yeah. And they have permits. >> Any type of retainage here? My cousin owns >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. There's going to be a little bit of rotating. They squeezed it as far this way. And we wanted it as far this way just for sight distances from the So, they've got to do something there a little bit. >> All right. >> I figured that beard. >> Any other questions? >> No, I'm just excited about how this intersection is getting more. >> It's getting good. >> All right. turn on to Howard Avenue and all of a sudden there's a car. >> I know. Entertain a motion here. >> Move to approve the proposed private road small road. >> I'll second. >> Any further discussion? >> Question. >> Come on up, James. >> Approve. How about that? >> Well, you know, I live on Howard Avenue and is that minimum sight distance and met them to have a driveway pulling out at so close to the intersection? >> Yeah, they they got the permit from the from Celia, the highway supervisor, and Celia um approves the where driveways go. Um, so I can't speak to that specifically, but the parcel itself is large enough um to meet the zoning requirements with regards to subdividing it into three. >> Okay. I just have serious concern as a resident of that road >> about people turning the corner off 100 and having somebody pulling out. >> Yeah. Do you think they would be safer pulling out there or on route 100? >> Neither. >> Thank you. >> All right. Uh any further discussion, questions? I would all those in favor say I. I. >> All those opposed. >> So noted. Uh motion passes. Uh all right. We're moving on to the better connections demonstration projects program recommendations for the triangle elements to remain modified andor removed. Uh there was a better connections steering committee demonstration project recommendations posted with the meeting minutes and I think we have some uh >> that's not it. Um >> there you go. She's got it. >> Um Duncan or Katie, is there anything? Are they both on here? Yes, we're both on here. >> Yes, we're on. You >> guys have any introductory comments or anything you want to say before uh we start walking through this? Um I think maybe I'll just note the steering committee there's you know the 14 member steering committee met last Wednesday uh August 26th to discuss the um what the group thought should be kept or changed removed based on the survey results you know inerson conversations many of the steering committee members live you know within the area and are are direct neighbors ers um with the project. Um we had the summer um event where we heard a lot of feedback and have had direct uh email uh exchanges with with many residents. So uh that's where these recommendations came from. Um, we included both the kind of uh short-term recommended actions as well as considerations for longer term adjustments um that would uh change the shorter term recommendations a little bit. So, we would be happy to answer um any questions about uh any of those written recommendations. And I also have and can share um with the select board as well. And I'm sorry I didn't have time to to present it earlier, share it earlier. Um, but we have some kind of visualizations of what some of those changes could look like if that's if that's helpful for folks. But also, I'm not a graphic designer, so take that with a grain of salt. >> Um, so I I'll just put it out here. I my understanding this is my understanding and correct me if it's not accurate um is that we agreed that at this meeting September 1st we would decide on the demonstration projects the elements to remain remove or modify at the triangle where and so that would be my interpretation personal but my interpretation is that's the shortterm uh actions that we would be talking about primarily tonight. And then in October after you guys have after the final report is done, um there'll be another meeting in our first meeting in October that will include sort of um I might need some help here summarizing or you're we'll have this the final recommendations. we can I would say talk about longer term considerations um and where you guys might go from where the better connections effort group might go from there. So, I guess my point is those were some bumbly words to say. We're only talking about making a decision on the shortterm triangle demonstration project tonight and then we'll meet again in October to talk about the future elements. Does that sound correct or want to modify it? Roger. Uh I agree and just wondering if uh you want a vote on each of the five items or you want to talk about the whole thing and then take a >> pleasure question. >> Okay. >> Um I just wanted to know if the committee itself was allowed to see the entire survey results in order to come up with these recommendations. Katie or Duncan, that's a question to you folks. the committee um saw the final report done by Stantech and was given a overall summary of the results. So we put together we read through all I think 370 uh and as you saw we shared it with you as well. What were the most common comments for people who did not uh like the project? What were their concerns? What were the modifications they wanted? And then for the people that did like the project, what were their concerns, etc. So just we simplified that and summarized that for for that group as well. >> So the answer is yes. >> You the committee was >> they got they got the same information you got. >> So they did weren't allowed to see all the comments. >> Well, it's not that we prevented them, but we didn't think that they would want to read 370 comments. So we went through and we summarized them for them just as we did for you. We're talking. >> I never know. I'll try. Um Lisa from the water roundabout. Um Katie Duncan. Um and and to the board, I would propose that this is public information that was gathered, the 370 comments from community members. Um I know I'd be happy to crack open a cold beverage and read through those myself. Um I'm sure a lot of people would. Um a Google form that this that was used to collect these is an easy thing to download as a spreadsheet. You could delete names if you want to delete names and their email addresses. Um, couple years ago when the school budget went down, the Water Roundabout and Valley Reporter did a survey in the community asking people how they voted and why. We got over 400 comments and we did exactly that. We just we posted all of them and it was fascinating. Um, it would be great to be able to read the actual feedback and see what people had to say. >> Um, how about I'll make a suggestion to the U committee program. I don't know what to call you guys. Thank you. Thank you. The steering committee um uh why don't you post it on the Better Connections web page? Um um my understanding I do have one question about the survey. Was it you could only comment once or was it you could you could comment as many times as you wanted. So like entering a lottery or something. It's there there are no names or emails attached to the survey. So theoretically people if they felt strongly they could comment many times and there were some responses as you'll see because we will we're happy to post it. Uh we're just trying to save people time. Uh you'll see some some responses are the same over and over again. So you know it may be that that's the same person. >> Um but no there's no name, no email. Um so there's no you can't tell who who responded to anything. Um but h happy to post them. People are welcome to open up a cold brevage and re and read 307. >> I think that would be helpful. U I don't think it precludes us from making some decisions tonight or are we postponing that effort? >> I I don't agree with that. We were told and we told the public that we would base our decision on that survey and we were we were not we didn't get to look at it. We only got the graphs or we didn't get those until I mean I got it Sunday because Duncan sends it to me. But if I looked at the what we got 90 well actually almost all these answers are negative. So, if I was just looking at this and not looking at the comment, my thought would be get rid of it all because and that's not my thought. But I don't I don't have any way to find out what the the public suggested. I don't have any way to look at that. And I feel like that should have been my decision based on what we told the public. And we told the public, fill out the survey. We'll do the we will make our decision based on the survey. and and this survey has nothing to do with the five elements that you're asking us to make a decision on. It says, "Do you feel safer?" Well, that doesn't say because of the sign or what? I I just don't feel like this survey can gives me enough information to make a decision on five elements that are very controversial on some of them. I don't feel comfortable making a decision with the information that I have and I don't know if anybody else is. I do know that I'm not the only one that asked for the survey results at the last meeting and we were told we would get a week to review them. Even if we only I mean this wouldn't have been enough for me to make a decision anyway. But I feel like in if we had given a been given a week if we had been given them a week ago I could have said no I want the rest of the survey but not getting it till Sunday that wasn't happening. So, we're not going to uh consider the steering committee, the advisory committee, and the program uh recommendations, the folks that have been managing this project from the get-go. >> I'm not saying I'll listen, but I'm not making a final decision. When I was told I could see that service, >> okay, how does the rest of the board feel? I wasn't under the impression we were making a final decision tonight anyway. This was presented as we don't want to pull some tear something out that we are going to want to put back later. So this is a preliminary discussion about what definitely needs to go or definitely needs to stay not the final decision on anything and I feel like we have at least a decent amount of information to make that decision. Roger. Uh, I think we're voted into office to uh protect the the health and well-being of the community. Um, I wouldn't base all of that on any particular survey, particularly one that people can vote on a million times if they so choose. So, I think we use our eyes, our ears, our brain to make these decisions. We had a hearing in here in which a number of people from the community came forward and stated their opinions, those for those against a variety of these things. I attended the steering committee meeting uh last week and heard all the steering committee people uh actively debate and deliberate on all of these issues. So, I feel perfectly capable to make a decision about which of these things we're going to uh decide to keep and which we're going to eliminate. And that's not a permanent decision. That's just a an immediate decision as to what the general consensus is on which of these elements are working a charge. >> Don, >> um I appreciate that, Roger. And part of me looking at this whole project, I don't see any harm in delaying it two weeks. The stuff is already there. You know, I would love the ballards to come down. I don't see anywhere where that says that they're coming down in here. >> Well, anybody point out where they say I know it says get rid of the yellow. >> Oh, I think it does say get rid of the ball. the ballard. There's supposed to be remove removal of the ballards and traffic cones on >> road. >> I think they forgot to mention it in here. >> Well, we can make that decision. >> Yeah, I mean there >> I have no problem with making decisions to get rid of things, but to permanently to make them a permanent thing, I don't feel like I have enough information to make a decision to keep things permanent. But I think waiting two weeks now that we've requested well we've asked again to get the final results of the entire survey. I think that's a re reasonable request because I don't think this work can get done this year anyway. I I think the the point for uh the request was that the demonstration project ended as of August. So there's a question of if there's things to be removed particularly i.e. the ballards um that that decision should be made and to allow public works time. Um I you know I think we should we made a commitment a month ago to make this decision or to have this decision process occur tonight. Um, you know, I guess I would suggest and to Roger, having Roger attend that meeting, have him having him be knowledgeable that uh to bring that information in addition to the steering committee's recommendations. I I am fine going through and seeing going through these lists, the list of stop signs, parking spaces, crosswalk, going through the shortterm immediate action items and either and to your point, I vote individually on them if you want and see if this can be whittleled down to help improve this process. I don't see waiting two more weeks. I mean, I agree with Roger. We had the hearing. We've uh had the recommendations from the committee that have been deeply involved in this. I think it's time to make a decision. >> Well, I do have another statement. When we had our first select board meeting, we had consent agenda items. We refused to sign those because we didn't know what that was all about. We didn't have any knowledge of it. This is a lot more serious than consent agenda item that we're voting on. I mean, this is a major thing enough so that we had a special meeting. I don't feel like we >> you promised that we would get the the and and make any promises. >> You want me to come back? All right. >> I'm just saying that it's I don't understand how we're expected to make this decision. I understand Roger. I can see it. That's great. I didn't Roger also could have said at that meeting, I want to see all of the answers, but you know, I don't know if he did, but I was told I would base my decision on this survey. >> Okay. And we've heard you and you've had your opinion. I guess I would ask the rest of the board, do you want to table this thing for two more weeks or do you want to make some decisions? >> Well, I just want to add I mean, when if you look at the long-term redesigns, I mean, there's some that's not what I'm just saying. Okay. When you look at the long-term redesigns, that's I was going to push and say that for public works director to make that make sure it happens within two years or it certainly can't happen in 27 because it's just too quick. But certainly in 28 I'd like to see some of these intersections be redesigned as this proposal so on doesn't mean as that two-year goes when we do the redesign we can't see how effective these have been for two years. When you say these are permanent I mean nothing's permanent. I'm just saying it's so I don't see a big yank about, you know, all the information we have to go ahead and approve these as it's listed and still take into consideration as we move forward for two years when we do the the more involved projects that we make those adjustments and that gives us two years of data and how it's been used, you know, moving forward. >> Well, yeah, I don't want to commit on any of these longer term considerations. That's not what >> I understand. Okay. But there something's going to happen long term. has got to >> but my perspective that's what happens in October's meeting all right because then we have their whole report we have the recommendations I don't think that um making short-term decisions of taking out father should be delayed I agree >> if I understood Sandy correctly uh she's interested in making decisions about things that should be removed So, I'll move that we just vote on what should be removed at this meeting and leave the rest of it for subsequent meetings. >> I'll second in two weeks. >> Subsequent meetings or whatever. >> I might as well wait till October. >> I'll second that. >> Any further discussion? >> Second or can I discuss? >> Yes, please. Um, to the best of my knowledge, the ballards ballards are rent are loaners from regional planning. They're expected to go back soon. Um, and from a public works standpoint, as I wrote in my memo, the balls were non-negotiable on my point where I thought they needed to be and acting could just cover that. The rest of my memo stands on its own, but the balls were, I believe, expected to be removed. They're temporary. >> Yes. >> And we we have a volunteer lined up if if the board decides to remove the ballards, which was a common comment in the survey. Um and which our steering committee recommended. Um we have a volunteer lined up to be able to remove all the ballards in the next day or two. Uh if that is the decision and I think >> hi. >> Hi Dan Snder. I'm on the steering committee as well. Um, we did meet last week. Um, we almost all unanimously agreed that the ballers uh weren't going to stick around. Uh, and if you look at the list of recommendations, it's it's less than permanent. It's mostly pain on roof. Um, it's uh it's this was agreed upon by the local residents of that area um who experience the traffic in that area every single day. um and business owners that also are subject to having themselves and staff drive through that area. Um I have staff walking from that triangle cream to the mill on a daily basis. It's dangerous. Hear about it from them every single day. Um and these are kids. Um this is frostwalks and paint on a road. Uh if it doesn't work out in a year, two, it's probably going to wash away. I get my blinds painted every single year uh by Scott. They do a great job. They did a good job here. They can do a good job in the triangle making these little improvements. But this is small, less than permanent stuff. I think almost anyone looking at this and reading down this list, it's it's almost all for the public good and safety. I don't see anyone getting harmed by any of these things. Uh, and the one thing that maybe there could be an argument that it could be harmful to the volumes. We all agree that they they didn't really work out. So, um, I don't think anyone disagrees that they should probably go. Uh, and it's a pretty quick removal. So, >> thank you. >> And did they ever get out and look at that drainage? >> Uh, they did. It's It's taken care of. Thank you. >> Was there We hired a sheriff this year to try to slow traffic down. I can't hear you. Sorry. See, >> that's why I was going to say earlier there. That's why I usually speak so loud that I made sure people tried to call me down a little bit. People think I'm yelling. >> I already used it. He can't use it. >> I'm chair this year to try to calm traffic down. I'm wondering what possible implications that this this hiring may have to do with with uh this street along with others. Uh my concern is that parts of our neighborhood are being how do I say it's not taking over but changed that are impacting the entire town and beyond. if the change are too drastic. Um, since the changes had been made to this gentleman's point, two people that live right in that triangle were nearly hit. One was a young girl and the other one was a gentleman. Uh the only thing that never got talked about on any of this project was taking part of the right of way that the town owns so that we don't infringe on the traffic pathways. I know that part of this was to possibly slow down the traffic. It was talked about in the memo I >> Okay. I talked about it to you. It never went anywhere, I guess, right? It never got part of the to be part of the consideration because it would have been >> Did you answer the tanked the minute >> Did you answer the survey? >> I did not. >> Okay. >> Okay. I did not because I felt like I was wasting my time. Uh the fact that the survey is not being released certainly doesn't incentivize people to fill out surveys later on. All right. Thank you, Chris. >> Anyway, >> I got it. >> I just I want to know it's almost like we're trying two different changes. Not only hiring a sheriff, but also instituting this these changes. >> This is a demonstration >> when the sheriff may have >> Okay. >> proven, you know, their worth, >> right? >> All right. We're going to um we're going to go through these and >> there's a motion on the table. >> Oh, that's right. Sorry. >> Correct. >> Correct. A motion by Roger Clap to vote only on elements to be removed tonight. Seconded by Sandy S. >> All right. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All right. All right. Any oppose? >> Okay. All right. Roger. I'm going to ask you to lead us down this list since you're the most familiar with it. >> Um, sure. >> Thank you. Uh first one is stop signs. Uh the recommendation is to keep all the signs. Uh and uh the only thing to be removed is vegetation around the southbound sign on roads. >> So uh >> I was under the impression it was the northbound vegetation. Uh >> that was done. >> That was pre the project on removal vegetation northbound. The southbound one could add more vegetation. It doesn't have the best sight. >> I don't think anyone's arguing that one. >> All right. We can vote on all those in favor of stop signs immediate action keep all new stop sign. >> No, we can't keep it. >> But we can talking about what needs to be removed. >> We can remove the vegetation. vegetation. So, the motion I can't take the motion. >> Well, we're just going through here of what's being recommended to remove. >> So, >> yeah, stop signs weren't recommended to be removed. >> No, but the vegetation is recommended. >> So, I'll move to remove the vegetation around the stop signs. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay. Next. >> Next is parking spaces. Immediate action is to keep the parking spaces but reduce the width by blackening out the vertical striping. So what's to be removed is uh the stripes so that uh more more parking spaces can be created along the building. >> Now let me redefine that. What's going to be removed is the long stripe on the that faces the road to because they're way wider than a normal parking space. And I think what you mentioned the fact that it's hard to tell where the curve is as you're partly in the park. There's no designated. So they're way too wide. So it's to remove the line that's in the road, the long line because it's too wide. And and put T's and I believe we >> we're only removing >> I know we're gonna remove that. That's it. Just to make them so they're not so wide. >> I think I just I'd like to verify with public works that that's uh what is being >> Yes. Just be aware there's a cost to removal >> as opposed to just leaving them in >> letting them wear wherever. >> Yeah. >> So to blacken them there >> and also >> if I may add the diagonal the diagonal parking spaces are also very long and we were going to shorten those a little bit. So those are again about eight or nine feet instead of 12 feet. the the whole goal is to widen, have more space on the road for people backing out, etc. >> Um, >> what's the motion? >> Well, I'm just a little clarification is uh because uh the suggestion has been made that we could just let winter do its thing and then uh start over next spring. Uh it's going to be cheaper and uh >> you consider it out rather than paying for it. >> Right. All right. There's no removal. I have a question. Yeah. Okay. I live nearby. Um does the pave corner of Howard um which is technically ductal road goes by the old TJ store down to the corner where Maple branches off is in much poorer condition than the other two sides of the green. >> Correct. When is the town planning to repay that? Because that would also >> that's going to be in the longer conversation. >> Yes. >> On 2027 where you have the crosswalk now. It's pretty >> 2728 somewhere in there. Yeah, that was the original plan. >> Okay. My request sooner rather than >> because there are holes in the pavement that crosswalk. >> Okay. >> Thanks. >> What's the motion? The motion is to do not to do nothing. >> Okay. All right. >> Public works specializes in gold star. >> All right. Crosswatch. >> Crosswalk. >> Okay. Here we've got a few gal in the house. Immediate action is to keep the crosswalk. Well, can't do that. Uh implement uh Bill Woodruff's proposed intersection design. Can't do that. Um, is there anything to be removed? Remove tactile warning pads. >> Yes. Uh, remove the white line curving tur curve turning right onto how does that make sense? >> Is that where the >> or is that maybe that's one of those things doesn't have to be done. Well, um, okay. The issue with that one is uh if you remove the ballards and and I know um in Duncan Duncan or somebody took the bales of hay and the planters out. So now people want to go to the grains and we heard that from Peter in his testimony. They're just going to drive right over the mural. It's kind of wide open like it's always been. It's really a hazard. So what a suggestion would was to paint a yield yield right lane where to the right of the telephone. So that's a designated lane. Some people isn't just freelance. So that's sort of an additional thing, an additional cost, >> right? >> So, but the white line never would go because that's a weird angle to turn around that telephone. >> Well, we just agreed that we're only going to be talking about what needs to be removed. >> So, I'll move to remove the tactile warning pads. >> Second. >> All those in favor say I. >> All right. If you vote standing, I hope. >> All right. Uh, Granger and Park immediate action remove the tactile pads. >> Take a motion. >> I'll move to remove tactile pads at Granger and Park. >> Second. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay. Howard Maplea. Um, add remove center yellow line south of crosswalk. Uh, I'd like to get a clarification from uh, public works on uh, how feasible that is. And if you remove the yellow line, what's going to happen? >> Yeah, it's confusing there now. I don't know that people are really going to fall off the yellow. I think they're just >> It seems like a little herky jerky. >> Yeah. Um, and the yellow line is removed already now towards towards gal. So, and when you paint black over the existing yellow to remove it, it gives it just makes it look like black box. >> So, >> how about do nothing? >> I like it. >> Okay. >> All right. >> I'll I'll move to do nothing. >> We're not We're not >> not gonna vote on that We're going to That's not a removal. >> Okay. Uh pedestrian lanes. Howard. Uh keep pedestrian lane, remove ballards. I'll move to remove ballards. >> I'll second it. >> Well, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> All right. >> Uh last one, Maple Street. Um remove yellow center line as mentioned above. Uh again, I'll question my public works on >> I thought that was already gone. Isn't that already blackened out? >> They blackened out some of it. Yeah. And in a perfect world, the state comes and Pat paints our yellow lines and they might straighten some of this out for us. >> So, >> so down. >> They might. >> That's nothing. >> So, we do nothing. >> All right. Yeah. What about the pedestrian lane on Maple? Because in my opinion, that was the biggest issue anywhere in this whole project. I I walked that I felt very unsafe, >> you know. Um on Maple Street. >> Yeah, that was discussed quite a bit during the uh um the steering committee. Uh Duncan Katie, do you have comments on that? >> I was really surprised to see it in the recommendations that it stays Yeah, it was it was committed either way, but uh let's let's hear what the uh facilitators of the meeting have to say about that. >> So, we definitely, as you know, took down the Ballards on Maple Street. That was uh a a concern that a lot of people mentioned and we did it very quickly. Uh but in discussions with Bill, um he was in support of keeping the walkway uh on Maple Street and the crosswalk. So, uh, that was something that we recommended as well. >> And the steering committee did have some varied responses, but generally were in support of keeping them and felt like as with the other pedestrian lanes that um, overall it was a positive safety feature. Although there were some comments about feeling less safe without the ballards, but again there was agreement about removing the ballards. Um and with the pedestrian lane, there's some kind of accessibility um uh considerations as well where not everybody can walk on um the grass as much as they can walk on pavement. So it still provides a level of safety for them and that's why it was decided to be included. What I was saying was I think it's a good idea. I think if we expand our rightway or utilize more of our rightway so that the road lane width stays at 10 or 10 and a half and then we give the pedestrians four or five ft on the right. That would involve removing some trees from the within the rightway. Probably not a popular decision with the homeowner. Um, but I support the idea of getting people safely from there up to Hope Baby Park. I don't think there's enough room to do it with what we got laid out. I think we have the right away to do it, but like I said, we have to cut trees a little more. >> But I feel like that would be part of the long term. >> Oh, absolutely. here. >> I think that having people walking there, especially without the ballers, does not >> last night. I >> I walked the whole triangle and did everything just because I'm with my dogs to see what it was like and how I felt. Um, after work, so there's a little bit more traffic and walking. There was a lot of places I maybe did feel a little bit better. That was not one of them because I felt I walked against the traffic. When I was walking to Hope Davey, I just it's hard for me to walk with the traffic and feel comfortable no matter what lines. >> Yeah. >> And that's and that's you know, normally I would go to the other side of the road and come, but now that drives the traffic closer in and >> it's hard to do. And Sandy, you know, in in my head of talking with some folks about redesigning that intersection is square off that T where Maple Street and Howard Avenue meet because right now it's called a slip lane. They just fly around that round corner and so take the walkway in front of the branch hall and make it be on that side of the so you cross over there and not open. No one goes up Howard Avenue to the far right across to go up. They always go to the left to go that way. But that's a long turn. That's part >> you should have saw what it was like before that was put in. >> I just have a point of order. We agreed we're only going to talk about what's going to be removed. And so and I don't have a dog in this fight. So I could either say let winter do its thing and do nothing or we can move to uh have that white lane blocked up. I'll move to remove the street on street lost if you want to direct me to limit cost whatever. >> Yeah. >> Just this little I think doesn't having a pedestrian then they made an area designate some state requirements. So by leaving mother nature to let it happen, it's then it's a required pedestrian. >> I think we just have a motion on the table to remove it. >> Oh, I didn't hear it. Sorry. I thought it >> You have to talk louder. >> Thank you. Thank you. Wanted to make sure next time we'll have microphone. >> And I'll second that. >> So there's a motion on the table to remove the pedestrian lane on M Street. >> Correct. >> At as low cost as possible. as low cost as possible, >> especially without the balls there. >> Yeah. Uh any further discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay. >> All right. I think that's uh it. What the next >> Well, it's not I mean what's left on set is we want uh the public and the select board to go through all the data that Duncan and Katie are going to provide, you know, with all the comments, all 300 and whatever. And I would like to revisit this to see what else we want to do. I mean, all we agreed to is through the >> So, there might be some other decisions we haven't gotten to yet, >> long term. Shortterm, right? >> Yeah. I'm going to ask that we wait until the October time. Okay. So, um Duncan and Katie will work to get the survey posted, survey results posted, please on the Better Connections website. um that has been has all the process and the steering comm you know that page that I'm talking about >> and then we'll still keep the October 4th date. Um when will you have the final stand report in in September sometime? >> That's already been released and is posted on the town website. >> Okay. All right. So that's there >> and the select board meeting is October 6th by the way, not the 4th. >> 6. I keep doing that. Thank you, Duncan. >> Y >> uh Roger, do you have something? >> Yeah, at that uh steering committee meeting, um one of the um members uh asked about because the original viewpoint was to look at larger uh issues around uh traffic and pedestrian safety uh in Waterbury Center. One of the uh participants asked about a uh sidewalk study uh to extend from Stow Street uh Stow Street Bridge to uh uh Billings Mobile and Shaw. And uh so I went and talked with the uh public works director about uh the status of that study uh and he agreed. He's here right now. um that uh it had been mothballled pending the uh completion of the Stow Street Bridge which is now complete and that it was time to pull it out of mothballs. Uh so that did get some action Mike and uh so I think it's been move forward. Do you want to make that an agenda item? >> Uh I just I'm just uh a little bit of a related observation on this issue. Can I speak a bit? Mike Hedges. Um, what state is the feasibility study? What? >> We had grant money to do a study. Um, we narrowed things down to getting us across once the bridge was completed. Um, and the sidewalk terminated on 100, getting us across 100 and perhaps up as far as Billings Mobile. Uh the grant money does not cover getting that constructed. Um we've had the the initial discussions. Um we probably have enough money in the grant and etc to get us across 100 to terminate on a small piece of sidewalk on the west sidewalk and on that gas station side at Flush Hill. >> Yeah, that's it. We've got we don't design plans. >> Uh we've got like uh we've got some Yeah, we've got them across the other side. >> Nothing up as far as buildings. >> So point of order, you know, this isn't on the agenda. There might be people very status of this. We'll put it on the agenda next meeting and do a more formal. Well, I think if we look back um I brought this up >> months ago, >> April >> and said, "What's the appetite?" And I think let's get moving forward. So, thank you everyone. >> All right. We have a motion on the table. >> Oh, go ahead. Who's on that? Was that Duncan? >> Yes, please. I just wanted to clarify. Um so, I'm going to ask our volunteer to take down all the ballards and the yellow tactile pads. My question for Bill is the hope was to establish a right turn from Guptal Road to uh Howard Avenue. If we take down the Ballards, is that okay? Because that that right turn would not have been marked yet. Do you want us to wait or should we just go ahead and take down all the ballards? take down what you got and um we'll see if we can make that easier for people to understand with some markings or >> so once and aware of it wasn't ever anything there anyway. So, >> okay, >> the next day or two they'll all be gone. So, maybe they won't park. >> All right, let's um take a vote on uh what's our motion here? Motions are done. Motions are done. >> The next steps though you the next steps for this topic will be addressed on October >> 6. >> That's the shortest and >> short and long term >> and I will I will post the full survey and all the responses. I'll send that to Cheryl who will hopefully very kindly put that up on the website. >> Thank you, Jonathan. No problem, Duncan. >> Sorry. Sorry to have generated that. We thought that the survey summary would be easier for you guys to digest, but we're happy to give you everything. So, we'll do that. >> Thanks, I do think Katie has to post it, right? Aren't you posting it on the Better Connections page? >> No. And and actually I think Martha I'm not sure if you're talking about the like the story map page >> that we have >> um that was created by the consultants and so I think from now the uh the rest of the materials will be posted on the town website. So we'll work with Cheryl. >> Yeah. Yeah. Everything all the information is there. >> All right. Thank you folks. Thank you >> one comment >> again. Um when I was on the select board, which was between 2015 to 2020, uh I was on a a small sub committee that um reviewed a um scoping it was a scoping study with funding from heat transit consulting for a sidewalk from the corner of Stow Street on along Route 100 up to approximately Laurel Lane. Um, does anybody have any recolle? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. Is that what you're talking about? >> Yeah. The first phase of that I mean I think we had the grand scheme to get us to Ben & Jerry's. >> Um, and then it all paused and said the choke point is bridge 36. >> Just wanted to make sure that was. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> All right. All right. Um, next agenda item is to discuss the next meeting date and the potential agenda items. Um um I do I was uh remiss in not announcing that um we would like to have a town manager welcoming openhouse on uh September 23rd from 4 to 6:00 p.m. here in the steel room. It's really nice. Maybe we can be outside. Um, and we'll put that on the agenda so it'll be announced. Um, Evan and Sandy, would you want to add um a presentation for appointed versus elected town clerk and treasurer positions? >> Sure. >> Be ready to go with that anytime. Yeah, we'll need um an audio visual update. Maybe hopefully Peter will have that proposal for next time. >> Well, you're going to have a set up with with >> I'll have it set anyway in the speakers, but again, you know, as far as the >> Okay, >> all right. And I'd like to uh I'm going to probably I think it'll be a revisiting of the select board rules of procedure and potentially utilizing PLCT's template for requesting agenda items and presentation materials. Um, I think we need to we'll begin to work with um with Gracie, with Wes, town manager, and the clerk to gather information in a timely fashion so that this stuff is either posted uh ready to be posted on Fridays or taken off the agenda and postponed because I can't do this. The stuff coming in late is just not going to work. And I will be sure that when I send the notice to the committees in the town uh committees and boards that if they have information they want to post they have to have it in by Wednesday so that uh the board can review this stuff that gives you Wednesday or Thursday Friday and then it can be agreed upon to post but it can't get stuff on Thursday or on Friday and then expect it to get posted and then I don't think it's fair to to the public, to the staff, uh to the select board to be trying to post things on the weekend. It just is not fair. Um so it'll probably be on the agenda and um natural disaster preparedness crew and the fire department are scheduled to be here. And the other item is introducing uh the budget discussion. Okay. So, is those going to be here for that? >> Uh, I don't know yet. I haven't I haven't got confirmation. >> All right. Anything else? >> Yeah, >> Roger. >> Yeah. Um the uh Waterberry has been working with the National Park Service uh on a uh uh resiliency project and uh recreation and floodprone areas uh for the past year. And uh uh I'd like to have the uh Waterbury Pathways Steering Committee, which is sort of an ad hoc committee, uh present uh what they've been working on with the National Park Service uh and introduce a proposed design shet uh scheduled for the 23rd of October. >> How much time do you need for the the 15th for September 15th? September 15th, uh, 10 minutes. >> Okay. >> Larry, do you want a baller to for just for porch decoration or >> do you want a baller porch decoration or just kind of alone? >> Okay. >> I just want to point out to Gracie that her first meeting all those committees that have that say they have fun doesn't have way more fun. Well, we stop. >> How much fun? >> Oh. Oh. Oh. All right. All right. Then I take a motion to adjourn. >> Roger. >> I'll move to second. All those in favor say I. I. I.