THETFORD SELECTBOARD MINUTES
September 12, 2005
Present: Mark McMahon, Mike Brown, John Bacon, Doug Stone, Mary Spata, Marilyn Cook (clerk)
Guests: Jack Candon, Attorney; Ken Robinson
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by Mike Brown
Police Department Report was postponed to next week at 7:30 PM, as Chief Anthony was involved in police
business.
Watson’s Automotive has stopped work on the Ford Explorer, recommending a new engine. Mark McMahon will
follow up with them; the Selectboard will discuss further next week.
Police department’s mileage log was reviewed; Selectboard requests current logs.
Police activity report was reviewed.
Dave Dempsey, Gordon George and Marilyn George joined the meeting at 7:15 PM.
Ken and Chris Gulick and Jay Barrett joined the meeting at 7:20 PM.
Motion to adopt the amendments to the Thetford Dog and Pet Ordinance (Bacon/Spata) Unanimous
Town Road #50 discussion was postponed.
Vermont Rail Systems/Washington County Railroad:
Eric Benson, Attorney for Vermont Rail System; Charles Lemieux, Dave Penland, Michelle Billings, Carol
Penland, Bill Frost, George Morris, Helen Drew, Mrs. Benson, Jim Masland, and Patricia Blake joined the meeting
at 7:30 PM.
Jack Candon, Attorney representing the Town of Thetford, introduced topic. The State of Vermont leases the
railway that goes through Thetford to the Railroad Company. The Railroad Company is planning to build a salt
shed in North Thetford, which has raised concerns among residents. Federal Government Laws preempt state and
local laws, and the permitting process, in many instances. Mr. Candon reviewed two railroad cases in the state.
Public Health and Safety issues are not exempt and should be addressed. Since there has been no communication
between Vermont Rail Systems and the Town, Mr. Candon asked what the activities are related to the Benson
Railroad property and the associated issues with those activities.
Eric Benson spoke about the history of railroad regulation. He regrets a lack of proactive discussions with Thetford
community regarding the Railroads plan with the property in North Thetford. He noted the concern with the salt
shed and residents’ well water and stated that the Railroad would pay for well testing of abutters.
Charles Lemieux explained the drainage system to the drywells.
Residents stated concerns about the location of the planned salt shed, as it is in very close proximity to the George’s
residence and well. Contamination of wells is a concern.
Jay Barrett, Fairlee Selectboard and abutter to property, spoke about conditions and agreements the Town of Fairlee
made with the Railroad.
Thetford needs to address Emergency Response Plans and school bus turnaround conflicts. Requests to the
Railroad include a mitigation plan for the George’s well, tree planting or a buffer placed between residential
properties, and increasing the size of the planned berm.
The project is expected to be completed in the next month. The Railroad will respond to concerns by the end of this
week.
Jack Candon, Eric Benson, Charles Lemieux and residents left at 9:00 PM.
Recycling Committee meeting Tues 9/13 at 7:00 PM at town office.
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THETFORD SELECTBOARD MINUTES
September 12, 2005
Selectboard reviewed proposal for development and maintenance of website.
Motion to approve up to $3000 to develop a Thetford Town Website (Spata/Bacon)
4 in-favor. Mark McMahon abstained.
Central Vermont Public Service has provided the town of Thetford with rate information about street light options.
Motion to approve the minutes of August 22, 2005, as amended (Spata/Bacon) Unanimous
Position of Zoning Administrator is being readvertised. The vacancy on Planning Commission/Zoning Board needs
to be advertised.
Motion to approve the minutes of August 29, 2005 as amended. (McMahon/Stone) 3 in-favor. Doug Stone and
Mike Brown abstained, as they were absent from that meeting.
Received initial design for renovation work on the Sayre Bridge. Plans are available at Town Hall during regular
business hours.
Motion to approve Check Warrant Reports as noted:
#18.3 Special Funds $3,831.75
#27.2 Highway $7,341.11
#17.4 Payroll $11,624.10
#31.1 General $62,043.71
#28.2 Highway $7,673.98 (Bacon/Stone) Unanimous
Motion to approve Driveway Permits for Eric and Bonnie Maxfield at 470 Whippoorwill Rd. and Andrea Alsup at
945 Picknell Rd (Spata/Bacon) Unanimous.
Selectboard will talk with Listers about the consultant fees.
Yellowwood Associates will meet with Doug Stone on Friday, September 16 at 1:00 PM.
Motion to enter Executive Session to discuss personnel at 10:00 PM. (Bacon/McMahon) Unanimous
Marilyn Cook left at 10:00 PM.
Out of Executive Session at 10:30 PM.
Selectboard agreed to terminate a town employee.
Selectboard signed the Listers’ Errors and Omissions’ statement.
Meeting adjourned at 10:37 PM (Bacon) Unanimous.
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