BENNINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
BENNINGTON FIRE FACILITY
130 RIVER STREET
BENNINGTON, VERMONT 05201

MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2010

MINUTES

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Jason Morrissey-Vice-Chair; Chris Oldham; John Zink; Joseph Krawczyk and Matt Maroney.  

ALSO PRESENT: Stuart Hurd-Town Manager; Scott Murphy-Community and Economic Development Director and Nancy Lively-Recording Secretary.

At 7:00 P.M., Jason Morrissey called the meeting to order.
          
1.MINUTES - AUGUST 9, 2010
 	Joseph Krawczyk moved and John Zink seconded to approve the Minutes of August 9, 2010 as submitted.  The motion carried unanimously 

2. WARRANTS 
	The warrants were circulated for signatures after Mr. Hurd answered a Board question on painting the snowplows.      

3. CITIZENS
	None.

4. TRAFFIC CONTROL ORDINANCE AMENDMENT - TIME RESTRICTED PARKING
	Mr.Hurd explained that presently the Select Board can only limit parking for two hours.  Therefore, he has presented two options to amend the existing ordinance.  One is specifically for 30 minutes, and the other is broader with the possibility of varying time limits of less than 2 hours.  The Manager, after consultation with the Board, is authorized to set the time limits.  The signs that were the Bennington Elementary School's concern have been put up on the westerly side of Park Street.  This ordinance amendment would cover the easterly side of Park Street, as well as, any other place in Town.  
	Joseph Krawczyk moved and John Zink seconded to amend the Traffic Control Ordinance 10-5.05 No Parking Regulations: the Town Manager is authorized to: "c. Limit the duration of parking to not less than 30 minutes in designated areas after consultation with the Select Board at a regularly scheduled or special meeting.  Said areas shall be properly signed once so designated."  The motion carried unanimously.  

5. MANAGER'S REPORT
	Mr. Hurd reported that the Fire Department had decided not to request a new pumper vehicle during budget discussions.  Recently, it was discovered that a demo vehicle exists with a 20-year frame life which exceeds our normal spec of 15 years.  The price is $357,239.  The Department believes it can sell the current pumper for $85,000 and we could use $132,239 from reserve (leaving approximately $2,200 in reserve), making the purchase price $140,000.  A 12-year lease/purchase program would create annual payments of $14,340.  10-year and 15-year lease programs were also researched.  Leases do not go beyond 15 years.  
	Board comments and concerns were as follows:
1. This is a lot of money that could be used to pave 3.5 miles of road instead.
2. The Fire Department should present to a full Board why they "need" this vehicle vs. "want" this vehicle.
3. Even though it may be a good deal, it is still too expensive.

Joseph Krawczyk moved and John Zink seconded to table this discussion until the next meeting and have the Fire Chief justify the purchase of a new pumper vehicle for $357,239.  The motion carried unanimously.

	Mr. Hurd reported that we have renegotiated our Life and Disability Policy for a reduction in premium of $580.00/month, and a total savings of $5,800.00 for the remainder of this budget year.

	Mr. Hurd reported that a Fillmore Pond resident is concerned about the speed on Route 9, and noted that the State sets the speed limit and any speeding fines are sent to the State.  We can ask the State to do a study to change the limit, but at 50mph, it is doubtful that it will be changed.  

6. OTHER BUSINESS
	Mr. Maroney asked if the crosswalk grant had been closed out, and Mr. Hurd answered yes.  Mr. Maroney requested that reconsideration of the stamp machine costs be put on a future agenda.  Mr. Hurd will see that that is done.
	Mr. Zink expressed his pleasure that the Car Show will be coming back to Bennington next year and thanked everyone involved to make that happen.
Mr. Zink also thanked the Chief of Police for enabling the retired police officers to get handgun re-certified.  
Mr. Krawczyk thanked the town staff for the many cards they sent him during his recent illness.




At 7:22 P.M., Joseph Krawczyk moved and Chris Oldham seconded the adjournment of the meeting.  The motion carried unanimously.




Respectfully submitted, 
Nancy H. Lively 
Secretary