VILLAGE DISTRICT OF EIDELWEISS
Commissioners Meeting
Thursday April 15, 2021
The Board of Commissioners met by phone at 9:00 am on Thursday April 15, 2021.
In attendance for the full meeting were Commissioners Jay Buckley (JB) and Paula Doyle (PD), Administrator Donna MacKinnon (DM) and Treasurer Dinah Reiss (DR). Kelly Robitaille (KR), Commissioner Kathy Koziell (KK), property owner Kathleen O’Keefe (KO) and Septic planner Mark McConkey (MM) attended part of the meeting. The meeting was recorded (audio).
At 9:00 am Commissioner JB calls the meeting to order.
JB made a motion to approve the agenda. PD seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
JB made a motion to approve the minutes from the Commissioners public meetings on 4/1/21 and 4/8/21 and the sealed minutes from the non-public meeting on 4/8/21. PD seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
DPW
KR reported that the DPW was finished with road blowing having used a 3-day rental blower. KR to be on vacation starting Wednesday of next week so will do grading week after that.
DPW found 2 trash bags with books inside bus stop and some canned goods too. DM to notify Sharon Monroe and Adam Leiser who are responsible for maintaining Little Library.
Discussion on request from property owner Andrew Harteveldt for letter to waive road ban for a Home Depot delivery on Friday 4/16.
PD made a motion to provide letter to A. Harteveldt allowing delivery. JB seconded. Motion failed 1-1.
Discussion reflected disagreement between allowing exception for Andrew given his volunteerism for the district vs. the potential problem with allowing exception for one person and not for others. KR had planned to lift ban by Friday 4/16 but delaying until next week due to storm expected on 4/15-16.
Discussion on WiFi booster approved last week for garage and who will install. Concern expressed that a property owner installing on ceiling could be a liability issue. PD suggested mounting on wall instead of ceiling. Agreement this would likely be acceptable solution.
Discussion on water level and dam. PD recommended that given low water level so far this spring, we should maintain boards in dam to keep level from getting lower.
PD made a motion to have the DPW put a board in the dam today. JB seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Discussion on Little Loop potential warrant article informing KR that BOC was leaning towards pulling this warrant article for this year. Discussion and agreement that the BOC work with DPW to put together a 5 year road plan prioritizing the roads that need work.
SCHEDULED APPEARANCE
At 9:34 AM, KO and MM joined the meeting.
MM provided information on a waiver he is pursuing with Madison Zoning Board for property at 10 Huttwil. The house will be a small modular with septic near road meeting NHDES wetlands setback but not Madison/Eidelweiss setbacks. Zoning mtg scheduled for 5/21. KO explained her opposition to the plan due to being told and under the impression for many years that the property was “unbuildable” and is especially concerned about trees and view. JB explained that property is buildable only if property owner can obtain zoning waiver.
At 9:53AM, KK joined the meeting.
JB makes motion to not oppose waiver. KK seconded. KK and PD agree in discussion that board should not make motions to ‘not’ do something. JB withdraws motion.
MM states that he also has an upcoming issue with a property on Oak Ridge and will return to a meeting in future to brief BOC.
At 10:10 AM, MM leaves the meeting.
JB makes a motion to approve driveway permit for 51 Oak Ridge. KK seconded. Motion passes 3-0.
At 10:13AM, KO leaves the meeting.
ADMINISTRATION
Discussion on 2 water hookup applications at 13 East Bergamo and 51 Oak Ridge that will be sent to Ian Hayes for review.
JB makes a motion to approve accounts payable manifest of 18 checks totaling $15,626.63. PD seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
JB makes a motion to approve water project manifest of 1 check for $686.25. PD seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
DM asks BOC about Town of Madison request to post dump permit information on VDOE website. All agree to do this. KK to complete.
Discussion on asset management information and need to sign new version with updated exhibit. DM to complete.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
JB to contact homeowner about small boulder removal on property near Reinach Construction zone that was not completed in fall.
KK reviewed clarifications on 2021 budget proposal. Discussion on powerpoint and word documents for meeting with need to place copies in mailbox. Additional discussion on warrant article for potential sale of the lodge.
Agreement to schedule a meeting for Friday 4/23 at 9 AM to review feedback from Public Hearing on 4/22. PD to work with DM to post meeting and add to website today.
PD makes a motion to allow her to call Attorney Chris Boldt for a 15-30 minute phone meeting to discuss and clarify 91-A requests of email communications. KK seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Discussion on Andrew Hartveldt proposal to add SMS texting service for district. Agreement to pass for now particularly given limitations on cell phone information for property owners.
PD brings up employment issue and open Administrator position and all agree that non-public not necessary at this time to discuss.
KK makes a motion for PD to repost and screen candidates for the Part Time Administrator position. JB seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
DR asked for clarification on water hook-up applications and why being approved by Ian Hayes. KK explained that he reviews initially but that hydrotest would also be done prior to final approval.
DR asked if asset management being funded from unassigned fund balance which it’s not.
DR referenced earlier discussion on 5 year road plan and noted that a 5 year plan has been done before and should be reviewed.
ADJOURNMENT
JB makes a motion to adjourn the Public Meeting at 11:23 AM. KK seconded. Motion Passed 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Paula Doyle
Commissioner