BENNINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING BENNINGTON FIRE FACILITY 130 RIVER STREET BENNINGTON, VERMONT 05201 MONDAY, JUNE 28, 2010 MINUTES BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Lodie Colvin-Chair; Jason Morrissey-Vice-Chair; John Zink; Chris Oldham; Sharyn Brush; Joseph Krawczyk and Matt Maroney. ALSO PRESENT: Stuart Hurd-Town Manager; Peter Ornierna-BCIC; Doug Vogue-TD Bank; Neal Goswami-Bennington Banner and Nancy Lively-Recording Secretary. At 7:00 P.M., Lodie Colvin called the meeting to order. 1.MINUTES - JUNE 14, 2010 Sharyn Brush moved and John Zink seconded to approve the Minutes of June 14, 2010 as submitted. The motion carried unanimously. 2. WARRANTS The warrants were circulated for signatures. 3. CITIZENS None. 4.BENNINGTON COUNTY INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION PRESENTATION The Select Board had invited Mr. Ornierna from the Bennington County Industrial Corporation (BCIC) to do an informational presentation on the status and future of the area. Mr. Orneirna stated that the 'Challenges for Change' proposal put forth at the State "dramatically restructures the way that economic development is performed in the State of Vermont". It called for the merger of the Regional Development Corporations (RDC) and the Regional Planning Corporations (RPC) primarily for the consolidation of administrative departments, as well as, the reduction of the current twelve regions to nine, or fewer, with a goal of five. It is Mr. Ornierna's opinion that the administration issue is a moot point here and scoping down the regions isn't practical when you're dealing with forty chambers of commerce throughout the State. Due to the protests of the BCIC, the BCRC, and others, this will not be taking place this year. However, there will be a 5% reduction in State funding this year, and a projected 10% reduction next year. Mr. Vogue, Vice-President of TD Bank and the President of the BCIC, stated that the BCIC has formed a Strategic Planning Committee to explore ways to solve the funding needs. The BCIC is the only RDC in the State that does not have members that pay dues or receive financial support from the towns that it serves. The BCIC can function at the current deficit of $30,000/year for 20 to 30 months. There are properties for sale that, if sold, would replenish the coffers. Mr. Orneirna noted that the BCIC has an "opened door policy" that allows any interested party to partake of. Resources, however, given that he is the only full time employee plus one part time employee, don't allow person-to-person contact with every select board member of every community that they serve. On the subject of industrial zoned property, Mr. Orneirna stated that the BCIC has always had, and will continue to have, the policy of retaining the industrial zoned properties as such. The Johnson Control site, however, continues to have environmental issues that need to be addressed before it is developed at all, albeit industrial or commercial. Rail, although a potential boost to the tourism trade, doesn't have the supporting infrastructure to make it a viable asset to industry. The economic recovery is still in process nationally. The auto industry and housing need to further rebound before it is clear that a complete recovery has been achieved. Locally, we have "dodged the bullet" of complete plant closures and there are signs that those that were laid off are being called back to work. "The real excitement in our communities is in the composites and materials clusters" such as Vermont Composite and Plasan. Weight and structural integrity are driving the composite world while the cost of doing business and access to labor are the driving forces of economic development. The cost of energy, such as our cost of electricity tripling or high oil prices, is a major concern, while cash incentives from the State for startup businesses, is a plus. There are also other companies such as NSK, Abacus, etc. that are also in a good position which overall translates into Bennington being in a good position. These companies generally offer educational benefits so opportunities to advance up the ladder are available. In addition, the entire infrastructure is in place on the Shields Drive/Maneely Park 38 undeveloped acres, making that "shovel ready" to anyone who is interested. The BCIC is presently in the talking stage with potential habitants of the park, which makes Mr. Ornierna "cautiously optimistic" for the future. 5. PARK & RIDE GRANT APPLICATION - GREEN MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY NETWORK Ms. Brush recused herself on this agenda item and will present the request as the President of the Green Mountain Community Network. Ms. Brush stated that the Green Mountain Community Network, under the umbrella of the Town of Bennington, would like to apply for the $50,000 State of Vermont Municipal Park & Ride Grant. The Park & Ride area must be owned by the municipality, near or on a State highway, available to commuters year round, provide more than 10 parking spaces, and be maintained by the municipality. The proposal is to do some improvements to the parking lot adjacent to the Green Mountain Community Network Transit Center by striping it, lighting it, clarifying where to park, and putting up signage for use of the buses and that it is a designated Park & Ride area. Since southern Vermont has never received a Park & Ride Grant, the thought is that we have a good chance at being successful. Joseph Krawczyk moved and Chris Oldham seconded to approve that the Town of Bennington apply for the Vermont Municipal Park & Ride Grant in the amount of $50,000.00 as presented. The motion carried unanimously. 6. MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Hurd reported that we received the necessary financial support from Price Chopper, Casella Waste Management, Walmart, the Town of Shaftsbury, and GVH Studios for the 4th of July fireworks that will be equal to those of last year. Thank you to all for their generosity. Mr. Hurd circulated three pole permits - the tennis bubble under construction, replacement on Tel Road, and replacement on East Main Street - for signatures. Jason Morrissey moved and Sharyn Brush seconded to approve the request to serve liquor outside at the American Legion for their annual clambake as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Hurd reported that the owners of the pit bull on Maple Street will muzzle the dog whenever he/she is out on a leash, will make provisions in their house so that the dog cannot break through the screen, and will pay for the injuries to the dog that was attacked. They are putting this in writing, and upon receipt, Mr. Hurd will present that to the Board so they can issue the official order. The dog is only aggressive to other dogs and not to humans. The Town has no liability if they do not comply to the order. 7. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Krawczyk requested that a Certificate of Appreciation be given to Price Chopper, Casella Waste Management, and Walmart for always stepping up when the need is there. Mr. Hurd will do that. Ms. Colvin was contacted that there was a missing stop sign in the Price Chopper parking lot, and Mr. Hurd will see if that was a requirement of the Development Review Board approved plan. Mr. Zink noted that the presence of a stop sign, regardless of its location, should be included in our ordnance for enforcement purposes. 8. EXECUTIVE SESSION A.CONTRACT B.REAL ESTATE At 8:04 P.M., Sharyn Brush moved and John Zink seconded to go into Executive Session to discuss a Contract and Real Estate. The motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Nancy H. Lively Secretary