Selectboard Meeting May 20 2009

The Clifton Selectboard held a fairly long meeting, as far as selectboard meetings are concerned, almost to 10pm. The majority of the time was spent listening to a citizen on shoreland zoning concerns. A bid was given to Harris for Spring Clean Up on June 6 & 7 to be held at the town office. The board (4 to 1) voted to hold a public hearing and special town meeting regarding shoreland zoning ordinance in June. 10th for hearing, 17 for special meeting. See blog report below for more information, this is a bad idea. I felt completely blind sided by this, with no information prior and really none given, just the citizen expressing the view to hold special meeting - with out endorsement of planning board. Also have questions about why we are just getting a letter that was dated in Jan from MMA regarding shoreland map saying we don't have map and map is stronger than text. So do we have an ordinance now without a map? Interesting thoughts for a landowner discussion. Discussion that there have been no planning board minutes on file for several months. Voted to spend up to $75 on the ACO for ID and badge. Discussion on the number of properties sent lien notices. School board member reported on school and lands that Holden would like to transfer. Discussion to make sure cemeteries are mowed and markers/flags are put out - great crew going this, with many thanks. Trash contract is out for bid. Letter from Bradley on dumpster, would like to let them put dumpster and pay a land rent fee. Report on trying to get DOT to cut Route 180 so some sun gets on road in winter to melt the ice. Discussion roads: If the grader operator needs gravel when grading, then allow them to get up to $3,000 for all roads. General discussion on roads, Getchel to get grinded and needs gravel, Pleasent to get paved ($24K), thoughts on putting a fence along road to stop ATV traffic - will view and think about. Need work projects for the SO and work gang. Discussion on help for recycling, voted (4 to 1) to hire PT to help for summer. Questions about funding this, since board decided not to include in budget at spring meeting. Will take from special fund - I thought this was for emergencies only! Discussion on budget, loss of income from various sources and the 9% school budget increase - what is the mill rate going to be? What do we do if the mill rate takes a big jump? About the only thing in the budget that is big money is funding a full time town office. You can view the complete minutes at the town office.