Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Town Meeting Articles topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hartland Selectboard reviews town meeting articles, discusses sale of North Hartland School and library MOU
Summary
The Selectboard reviewed town meeting articles including proposed sale language for the North Hartland School, heard public questions about lead and asbestos testing at that school, discussed a draft MOU with the Hartland Public Library (next meeting Jan. 15), and received a VLCT briefing that dirt-road speed limits are not enforceable without an ordinance.
At its Jan. 5 meeting the Hartland Selectboard reviewed warrant articles for the upcoming Town Meeting and took public comments on several community concerns.
During public comment, resident Sherry Clarke asked about signs on Station Road, whether lead and asbestos testing has been done at the North Hartland School, lighting in the Three Corners area and the town's sidewalk tractor. The board did not record any testing results during the meeting.
On the warrant review, Town Manager John opened discussion of the Culvert Fund and the unencumbered fund balance. Board members also discussed article five, which would authorize selling the North Hartland School; members debated the proposed wording but did not take a final vote during this meeting.
Chair Phil Hobbie provided an overview of a draft Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and the Hartland Public Library intended to formalize responsibilities and business processes. Hobbie said both sides were exchanging line-by-line edits and another meeting on the MOU was scheduled for Jan. 15. Meredith Liben, representing the library, told the board she supports the MOU as a way to ensure continuity as trustees and directors change.
Town Manager John reported he had consulted the Vermont League of Cities and Towns about complaints of speeding on dirt roads and relayed that VLCT does not recommend adopting speed limits unless the town enacts an enforcement ordinance. The board discussed the enforcement implications but took no ordinance action.
On personnel matters, Hobbie said staff filed complaints in early and late December; the Selectboard sent a letter to the Hartland Public Library trustees, and the Library Director is expected to present that letter at the trustees' January meeting.
What happens next: the Selectboard will continue refining warrant language and will meet again to prepare for Town Meeting; the MOU discussion continues with a scheduled Jan. 15 meeting between town and library representatives.
