Newport
City Council
2008
Meeting Minutes
Council Minutes
May 5, 2008
A duly warned meeting of the Newport City Council was held on Monday, May 5, 2008 in the council room in the Newport Municipal Building. Present were Mayor Ellwood Guyette, Council President Paul Monette, Aldermen Jon Wilson, Richard Baraw and Tim Delabruere, City Manager John Ward Jr., City Clerk James D. Johnson, members of the Press and Public.
Mayor Guyette called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
Mr. Monette moved to approve the minutes of April 21, 2008. Seconded by Mr. Baraw, motion carried.
Request to Waive Permit Fees on Saturday, July 5th and Sunday, September 28th
Mr. Monette moved to waive vendor permit fees for Saturday, July 5th and Sunday, September 28th. Seconded by Mr. Delabruerre, motion carried.
Consider Quitclaim Request from Gilman Housing Trust, Inc. (attached)
Mr. Monette moved to approve the quitclaim deed request with Gilman Housing Trust, Inc. Seconded by Mr. Delabruere, motion carried.
Request to Have Street Cruise on August 2, 2008 and to Waive Vendor Permit Fees
Phil Drake was present to discuss the car show and stated that everything would be the same as last year. Mr. Baraw moved to approve the request and to waive the permit fees. Main Street would be closed from 3:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Seconded by Mr. Monette, motion carried.
The event would be coordinated with the police dept.
Dawn Macie & Luke Willard, Pow-Wow Discussion
Mr. Willard asked if every organization that used city property had to have liability insurance. Mr. Ward stated yes all organizations are treated equally. Mr. Willard stated that they would seek another location next year due to the cost of insurance. Mr. Willard stated that the Cultural Center would happen this year and they would like a letter of support from the City. Mr. Baraw moved that they, the organization should compose the letter and bring it to the next council meeting for approval. Seconded by Mr. Delabruere, motion carried.
Discussion on State Boardwalk
Representative Mike Marcotte was present on behalf of the State of Vermont to offer the boardwalk to the City. He stated the state had no interest in the liability of the facility. He stated that if the City controlled the boardwalk a lot of things could happen that can’t happen under the states restrictions. Mr. Ward wondered what we could do without the state that we couldn’t with the state. The councils major concern is the cost of maintaining the boardwalk. It was suggested that the Commissioner of Buildings and General Services be present at a council meeting in June.
Request to Give Up Easement on James Whinn Property at 301 Blanchard Avenue
Not enough info. Mr. Monette moved to table until next meeting. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Discussion on Police Dept. Use of Tasers
Chief Duquette was present to discuss the cities policy on the use of tasers. Chief Duquette stated that the City has an updated policy on tasers use. (attached) They are cleaner and safer, they are effective from 20 to 35 feet, and they have only been used 6 to 8 times. All officers attend training every year and each taser has a video.
Discussion Concerning Tree Replacement on Main Street
Jennifer Hopkins felt that dead trees on Main St. should be replaced with flower boxes. Some trees are not healthy, but most trees have not done well on Main St. They interfere with the lighting on the street. Jennifer felt the trees are not maintained and the grates need to be straightened. Mr. Ward stated that the City has maintained the trees every well the last few years. The council agreed to experiment with one flower box.
Discussion on Need For Junkyard Ordinance
Charles Elliott was present to ask if the council felt the City should have a junkyard ordinance. Mr. Elliott stated that most communities deal with it as an ordinance. He wanted to know how the council felt since the issue pops up every now and then. Mr. Ward didn’t see the need for an ordinance, as it is delt with under the zoning by-laws. Mr. Monette felt an ordinance would be more pro active. Mr. Baraw felt that zoning has never been very effective on the issue and that an ordinance would be more effective and make the process quicker. It was the consensus to have the Planning Commission draw up an ordinance for review by the council.
Follow up Discussion on Box Store Development
Mr. Baraw felt the City should have party status if only to keep the City informed. Mr. Curtis stated that the Planning Commission already has automatic party status. However no one was sure if planning could do all that the council could do if it had party status. Mr. Elliott will look into the issue. Mr. Monette stated that he didn’t want Newport to be looked at as interfering with Derby.
Consider Prebuy of #2 Heating Oil
Mr. Baraw moved to approve the prebuy of #2 heating oil from Fred’s at $3.549 per gallon. Seconded by Mr. Monette, motion carried.
New Business
Mr. Delabruere will attend the Great Bay Hydro event on May 15th from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Mr. Delabruere stated that the selling native American crafts by unrecognized tribes is a federal offense. He noted that Mr. Willard had mentioned selling crafts that the Pow-Wow on June 7th & 8th. Mr. Wilson suggested inviting them back to explain what they intended to sell at the event.
Old Business
Mr. Curtis asked about the Gravel Pit. Mr. Ward stated there had been no response.
Jennifer Hopkins asked if businesses could participate in the Hazardous Waste Day. Mr. Ward stated that flyers would be put in with the water bills. The event is on May 24th. He suggested that Jennifer call Waste USA about businesses.
Next Meeting Date
June 2, 2008
Executive Session – North Country Health Systems Inc. Mitigation Agreement
In open session, Mr. Monette moved to accept the negotiated agreement that the City receives $30,000 per year for a period of ten years from North Country Health Systems Inc. as a payment in lieu of taxes. Payment to commence following construction completion on the new office building. In addition, a side letter will be written that the Police Department will patrol the hospital driveways and parking lots. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Adjournment
Mr. Monette moved to adjourn at 9:00 P.M. Seconded by Mr. Baraw, motion carried.
Attested____________________This______Day of___________2008
_____________________________________Mayor
Council Minutes
March 17, 2008
A duly warned meeting of the Newport City Council was held on Monday, March 17, 2008 in the council room in the Newport Municipal Building. Present were Mayor Ellwood Guyette, Council President Paul Monette, Aldermen John Wilson and Tim Delabruere, Richard Baraw, City Manager John Ward Jr., City Clerk/Treasurer James D. Johnson, Jan Hogan, members of the Press and Public.
Mayor Guyette called the meeting to order at 7:03 P.M. Mayor congratulated Tim Delabruere on his election to the council
Mr. Monette moved to approve the minutes of March 3, 2008. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Wilson moved to elect Paul Monette as Council President. Seconded by Mr. Delabruere, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint John Ward Jr., City Manager. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint John Ward Jr., Delinquent Tax Collector. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Wilson moved to appoint Tom Bernier, Public Works Director. Seconded by Mr. Monette, motion carried.
Mr. Wilson moved to appoint J. Paul Duquette, Chief of Police. Seconded by Mr. Monette, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint Eric Degre, Fire Chief. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint Bob Kelley, Tax Assessor. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint Jan Hogan, Recreation Director. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint William B. Davies, City Attorney. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint Harriett Hall, Alice Macie and Patricia Vinson to the Development Review Board. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint Marilyn Kelley, Health Officer. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint Rosemary Rowe and Paul Chandler to the Planning Commission. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to table the appointment of the Harbor Master. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint Sandra Chaplin and Richard Manzi to the Harbor Commission. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint Steven Edgerley, Pauline Routhier, Steve Mayo, Deborah Smith, Marcel Poulin Jr., and Todd Able to the Recreation Committee. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Wilson moved to appoint Ellwood Guyette and John Ward Jr. to the NVDA Board. Seconded by Mr. Monette, motion carried.
Mr. Wilson moved to appoint Ellwood Guyette and Paul Monette to the EDC Board. Seconded by Mr. Delabruere, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint Frank Ormsbee, Paul Curtis and John Ward Sr. to the Cemetery Commission. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint Don Hendrich, Richard Baraw and Roxanna Bailey-Bly, Fence Viewers. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint Robert Gosselin, Tree Warden. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint Royce Lancaster, Animal Control Officer. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint Richard Baraw, Weigher of Coal. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint Richard Baraw, Surveyor of Wood/Inspector of Shingles. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Consider Appointment of Alternate Members to Development Review Board. (attached)
Mr. Monette moved to appoint Gerry Coulombe an alternate on the Development Review Board. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Request by Downtown Renaissance Corporation For Free Use of Gateway on 3/26/08 From 7:30 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. and 5:30 P.M. to 730 P.M.
Mr. Monette moved to approve the request. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Jan Hogan stated a party that would like to lease the Gateway and operate it as a function facility had approached her. Both she and Mr. Ward feel it is a good idea and would like to continue looking into the proposal. Mrs. Hogan stated it is costing the City money to operate and needs to be marketed. She stated that she no longer has the staff to market or operate the facility properly. The council agreed to proceed with looking into leasing the Gateway.
Mr. Monette moved to approve the Solid Waste Implementation Plan. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Review of Causeway Bridge Inspection Report (attached)
Mr. Ward asked that the council sign the report as evidence that they had seen the report.
Mr. Monette moved to grant the allocation request. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Water/Sewer Allocation Request by North Country Hospital (attached)
Mr. Monette moved to grant the allocation request. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette asked what the $14,000 expense was in Mooring Management? Mr. Ward stated it was the purchase of a new outboard motor
Request to Approve Spring & Fall 2008 Agreement For Household Hazardous Waste (attached)
Mr. Monette moved to approve the request. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Consider Niles Fund Application
Mr. Monette moved to approve the Niles Fund request. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
New Business
Mr. Johnson had the council sign 2008 liquor licenses.
Mr. Monette requested that Paul Broome and Tim Hamblett be on the next agenda to discuss Wal-Mart and Lowes
Mr. Wilson noted that the flag out front was not up on Election Day. Mr. Ward stated he is waiting for the fire dept to fix the rope at the top of the pole.
Mayor Guyette asked if there was a sign on the Municipal Building that says City Offices? Mr. Ward said he thought there was one. Mayor Guyette felt that maybe we need a new one that people could see.
Old Business
None
Next Meeting Date
April 7, 2008
Executive Session Public Works Union Negotiations
Mr. Monette moved to enter executive session for Public works Union Negotiations. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
No action.
Mr. Monette moved to enter executive session for City Manager review. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
No action.
Adjournment
Mr. Monette moved to adjourn at 8:30 P.M. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Attested_____________________This_____Day of ______________2008
_______________________________________Mayor
Council Minutes
March 3, 2008
A duly warned meeting of the Newport City Council was held on Monday, March 3, 2008 in the council room in the Newport Municipal Building immediately following an informational meeting on the 90th Annual Warning. Present were Mayor Ellwood Guyette, Council President Paul Monette, Aldermen John Wilson and Charles Elliott, City Manager John Ward Jr., City Clerk/Treasurer James Johnson, members of the Press and Public. Alderman Richard Baraw was absent.
Mayor Guyette called the meeting to order at 7:17 P.M.
Mr. Monette moved to approve the minutes of February 4, 2008. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to approve the March of Dimes request for Sunday, May 4, 2008. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to approve the resolution for the VCDP Senior Housing grant in the amount of $350,000. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Jay Gonyaw Stated that he knew the deadline for applicants had passed but wanted to be considered as an applicant or alternate to the DRB. Mr. Elliott moved to stick with the deadline and appoint Clark Curtis to the Development Review Board and consider the alternates at a later date. Seconded by Mr. Monette, motion carried.
Mr. Monette moved to appoint Helena Hicks as Town Service Officer, Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Public Review and Comment on the City of Newport Solid Waste Implementation Plan
No Questions or comments
Discussion of Abenaki Helping All, Inc. Cultural Museum & Educational Center Project (attached)
Mr. Monette stated that he could not support taking any more property off the tax rolls. He couldn’t support the City applying for a grant in the amount of $350,00 and having property taken off the tax rolls because the organization is tax exempt. Mrs. Macie thought that part of the property would be a business and would still be taxable. Mr. Wilson agreed with Mr. Monette. Mr. Elliott felt that Mr. Kelley needed to look at the proposal to see if part of the property would remain taxable.
Consider Landfill Leachate Proposal (attached)
Mr. Monette moved to authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with Forcier Aldrich & Associates for a leachate study on land near the Airport and to see if we can treat Cassella’s leachate. Project #07098. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Request to Replace Flooring in Police Dept. (attached)
Mr. Monette moved to approve the request. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Discussion on Boat Storage at Water Tower
Mayor Guyette stated he had gotten a complaint from a citizen who felt that if city employees were allowed to store personnel property in the water tower, he should be allowed to also since he was a taxpayer. Mr. Monette stated that this was brought a few years ago and thought it was taken care of. Mr. Monette moved that there would be no storage of personal property at any city owned facility. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Request to Approve Grants Management Contract With Northeast Kingdom Learning Services Inc. (attached)
Mr. Monette moved to approve the Grants Management Contract with Northeast Kingdom Learning Services and authorize the City Manager to sign the same. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Review Income/Expense Thru January 2008
None
New Business
Mayor Guyette noted the letter from the Fire Dept about their Annual banquet. A response is requested soon.
Mr. Monette noted that one the cruisers was damaged during a police chase in Derby. Mr. Monette felt that Derby should pick up the cost since the police dept was responding in Derby. We need to send the message that they need to pay for damages that occur in Derby and that they need to consider having their own Police Dept. Chief Duquette stated they weren’t responding to derby but to the State Police. He also noted the state has a program where if convicted the city can get money from the offender to pay for the damage.
Mr. Elliott noted that the Planning Commission had been look at ways to clean up the junk some residents have in their yards. He stated that maybe the city needs an ordinance. They are getting copies of ordinances from other towns. Info should be coming soon.
Old Business
Mr. Brouchu complained about snow removal on Main St. In particular on February 14th, Mr. Brouchu stated that only one business on Main St was cleaned out. He didn’t feel it was appropriate to remove the snow for one business and not the others. Mr. Ward felt the street dept. was doing a good job removing the snow from Main St. and that they try to accommodate all businesses.
Next Meeting Date
March 17, 2008
Executive Session – Personnel Issue
Mr. Monette moved to enter executive session for personnel. Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
No Action.
Mr. Wilson Moved to enter executive session for Union Issue. Seconded by Mr. Monette, motion carried.
No action.
The executive session for the City Managers Evaluation was passed over.
Adjournment
Mr. Monette moved to adjourn at 8:30 P.M. Seconded by Mr Wilson, motion carried
Attested____________________This_____Day of March 2008
______________________________________Mayor