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.
Approve Minutes
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
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Monette moved to approve the minutes of March 3, 2008. Seconded by Mr.
Wilson, motion carried.
Election of Council President
Mr. Wilson moved to elect Paul Monette as Council President. Seconded by Mr.
Delabruere, motion carried.
Appointments
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.
Discussion of Interest in Leasing of Gateway Building (attached)
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.
Consider Adoption of Solid Waste Implementation Plan
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.
Water/Sewer Allocation Request by Moores Dry Cleaning (attached)
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.
Review Income/Expense thru February 2008
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.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Monette moved to approve the minutes of February 4, 2008. Seconded by Mr.
Wilson, motion carried.
Consider Approval of March of Dimes Walk America on Sunday, May 4, 2008
Mr. Monette moved to approve the March of Dimes request for Sunday, May 4, 2008.
Seconded by Mr. Wilson, motion carried.
Consider Approval of Resolution for VCDP Senior Housing Grant
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.
Consider Appointment to Development Review Board
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.
Consider Appointment of Town Service Officer
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