Towns of Franklin & Highgate
Draft Joint Selectboard Minutes
Special Assembly on Morses Line
Saturday, September 25, 2010
A. Call to Order & Roll Call
1. The joint assembly meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. Present were:
Franklin Selectboard Members: Scott Choiniere – Chair, Peter Magnant, Harvey Bushey & Peter Kittell.
Highgate Selectboard Members: Henry Rainville – Chair, Jeff Towle – Vice Chair, & Brian Rowell.
Public: See sign-up sheet.
B. Pledge of Allegiance
Franklin Selectboard Chair, Scott Choiniere, asked everyone to rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The pledge was recited and the assembly was seated.
C. Introductions
1. Scott Choiniere opened with an introduction of the Franklin Selectboard. Henry Rainville followed with an introduction of the Highgate Selectboard and then thanked Shaun Coleman of the Northwest Regional Planning Commission (NRPC), Tim Smith of the Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation (FCIDC), and David Jescavage, Highgate Town Administrator, for their involvement in making the Morses Line Assembly possible.
2. Scott Choiniere recognized the following officials in attendance:
· Charles Ross representing U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy
· Jenny Nelson representing U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders
· Patricia Coates representing Congressman Peter Welch
· Randy Brock, Vermont State Senate
· Brian Savage, Vermont House of Representatives
· Norm McAllister, Vermont House of Representatives
· Michael Consejo, Vermont House of Representatives
· Vermont State Senator Peter Shumlin
· U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) representatives
· Real Pelletier, Mayor of St. Armand, Quebec
· Justin Rainville, Franklin County Mutual Aid
· The Morses Line Group: Chad Bouchard, Alyce Columb, Eric Dandurand,
Yvon Dandurand, Andrew Godin, Adrian Rainville & Bill Rowell
D. Assembly Moderator
1. Assembly Moderator, Tim Magnant, introduced Highgate Selectboard Chair,
Henry Rainville, to present his opening remarks.
E. Opening Statements
1. Henry Rainville referenced an announcement made earlier this year by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to close the Morses Line port of entry, and stated that the Highgate and Franklin Selectboards, the Northwest Regional Planning Commission (NRPC), and the Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation (FCIDC) were opposed to the closure. Henry Rainville reviewed standard protocol associated with closing the port and affirmed that voices from the bordering communities would be heard at this assembly.
2. Yvon Dandurand asserted that voices from a community comprised of two countries, fused together by Morses Line, were waiting to be heard, urging elected officials to listen to testimonies about to be given. Yvon Dandurand then restated his opening remarks in French.
3. Bill Rowell defined the intention to close the Morses Line port of entry, as an "unintended destination." He surmised that the effort by Clement and Elizabeth Rainville to prevent the DHS from taking their land had been misinterpreted by the federal government as a lack of support to keep the port open. In contrast, every local selectboard that was approached agreed the port should remain open. Bill Rowell then asked the DHS to reconsider its closure decision.
F. Franklin County International Mutual Aid
1. Justin Rainville of the Franklin County Fire Chiefs' Association emphasized the importance of the port remaining open for emergency response on both sides of the border.
2. A representative from the St. Armand Fire Department, speaking on behalf of its Chief, Grant Symington, also emphasized mutual dependence for rapid response.
G. Local Economic Impact
1. Bill Mayo, owner of the Franklin General Store, conveyed concern with the potential loss of tourist traffic. Mayo explained how the Morses Line crossing is utilized by cyclists riding tourist routes on both sides of the border. Mayo estimated as many as 20 customers per day come through the port and stated, "Any loss of business will have a direct impact on my family income and the viability of my business. "
H. Tourism & Culture
1. Pixley Hill, co-owner of the Tyler Place Family Resort in Highgate Springs, explained how proximity to an international border helps her resort remain competitive in the industry, detailing how the arts, crafts and foods of southern Quebec lure guests from as far away as California. Also referenced was the vast expansion in tourism over the past 15 years in southern Quebec, which Hill feels is now extending over into Vermont.
2. Dan Favreau, Trail Master of the Northwest Riders Club, brought a special snowmobiler's perspective to the discussions, as he detailed how many riders trailer their machines through the crossing.
3. While discussing important cross-border family connections, Yvon Dandurand disclosed that four generations in his family have lived in Franklin and married spouses from across the border in Canada. He stated, "A border doesn’t divide us, but a closed one will."
I. Agriculture & Commerce
1. Adrian Rainville, Franklin farmer, defined democracy and community while urging elected officials to lead by example. Rainville compared the DHS closing of the Morses Line port of entry to East Germany's construction of the Berlin Wall.
2. Andrew Godin, Franklin farmer, referenced machine shops in Bedford, Quebec with the capacity to custom-make parts, while describing crossing the border to have farm equipment repaired. Godin described Canadian farmers doing the same before adding, "Simply put, our agricultural community does not stop at the border."
3. Chad Bouchard, Franklin vegetable farmer, estimated that a third of his customers are Canadian. Bouchard then described his unique childhood experience being raised within a half-mile of the crossing, and having a Canadian as his best friend. Bouchard stated, "We will be burning a bridge to our closest neighbor."
J. Opportunity for Public Comment
1. Johanna Godin, Franklin resident, referenced bringing her son across the border for his eighteenth birthday in an attempt to convey the impact of the proposed closure on Canadian businesses.
2. A Franklin resident compared Morses Line to Ellis Island as symbols of immigration.
3. Mr. Ouellet, a Canadian resident, requested studies on the impact of closing the port while urging Americans to attend public meetings in Quebec on the port closure. Mr. Ouellet commented, "We have many, many reasons for fighting these decisions."
4. Timmy Girard, president of the Franklin County International Firefighters Association, detailed how members of his Association were firefighters from Canadian towns. Girard reiterated how closure of the port would hinder emergency response times before questioning, "Which is more important, closing the port or protecting human life & property?"
5. A Quebec resident, expressed concern over the emotional & spiritual wound that closure of the port would create.
6. Kim Gates-Maynard, Franklin resident, commented on the accessibility to Canadian culture that the port gives. Gates-Maynard, also spoke on behalf of Franklin Telephone Company, and referenced the detrimental financial impact closure of the port would have on the company.
7. Gilbert Boucher, owner of Boucher Fertilizer, explained how delays of up to two hours at the Highgate Springs port on I-89 result in increased costs if the Morses Line port is closed.
8. Robert Howrigan, Fairfield resident, expressed security concerns associated with the intention to close the Morses Line port and added that closure would be a victory for terrorists.
9. Paul Rainville, Highgate farmer, remarked how the entire community would suffer if the port was closed while advocating for the port to remain open for future generation farmers.
10. Ed Brannagan, sixth generation farmer, noted the ease of access at the Morses Line port in comparison to the Highgate Springs port on I-89. Certain farm vehicles are not allowed on the interstate.
11. Dave Gagne, owner of a general store in Highgate, reiterated concern with the potential loss of tourist traffic as he stated, "You close the border and we’re all going to lose the cyclist."
12. Real Pelletier, Mayor of St. Armand, Quebec, commented on a half-million dollar investment being made on the road leading to the Morses Line crossing. Pelletier added, "That’s how much we believe in that border." In addition, Pelletier referenced bilingual families along both sides of the border dating back to colonial times.
13. State Senator Peter Shumlin, in agreement with Robert Howrigan, commented, "If we close the border it is a victory for the terrorists."
14. Bill Rowell, of Highgate, speaking of behalf Lt. Governor Brian Dubie, conveyed strong support for the port remaining open.
15. Richard Noel, of Highgate Center, a first generation American, recalled how his Father was awarded American citizenship in exchange for fighting for the Americans during World War II. Noel added, "Closing the border would further harm the bilingual culture along the border."
16. Agnes Mercier, Franklin resident, commented on the inconvenience of prolonged delays at the Highgate Springs port on I-89 especially when traveling with small children.
17. A Franklin resident commented on the lack of business sense within the DHS.
18. A Franklin resident stated closure of the port would convey the end to freedom and democracy.
19. A Georgia resident questioned whether a retraction had been made by U.S. Senator Leahy for his initial request for closure of Morses Line.
20. Hugh Gates, Franklin resident, respectfully requested Leahy’s office field the question posed by the Georgia man.
21. Chuck Ross, a representative for Leahy responded, "The senator is willing to work with the community to find a way to keep the port open that works for everyone."
22. Patricia Coates, speaking on behalf of Congressman Peter Welch, referenced protocol leading to the port closure defining it "as wrong from the beginning." In addition, she offered to hand deliver minutes of the meeting to the DHS.
23. Jenny Nelson, speaking on behalf of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, read aloud a passage from a letter addressed to the towns of Franklin and Highgate from Senator Sanders in favor of keeping Morses Line open.
24. A Franklin resident proposed that the port remain open and be expanded.
25. Mrs. St. Armand, a Quebec resident, stated her son is a first responder and commented on the importance of the port remaining open to protect lives.
26. A Canadian resident and owner of a camp on Lake Carmi, verified buying vegetables from Chad Bouchard and shopping at Franklin General before humoring the audience with what her friends say about the states, "I still have friends who say, 'Wow, you go the states? Aren’t you afraid of them?'"
27. A Franklin resident, and owner of a camp on Lake Carmi, reminded the audience of the crossing's importance to commerce in East Franklin.
28. Mike McCarthy, owner of Cosmic Bakery in St. Albans, stated that the impact of the proposed closure would extend to St. Albans.
K. Closing
1. Yvon Dandurand gave his closing remarks in French and repeated them in English. Yvon Dandurand again referenced the negative impact closing the port would have on the Franklin economy and concluded that the port remaining open is more than a want, it’s a necessity.
2. Bill Rowell in his closing statement concluded, "If we’re an island, we’re done."
L. Adjournment
1. Harvey Bushey made a motion to adjourn the meeting of the Franklin Selectboard at 11:58 a.m. Peter Magnant seconded the motion. – Approved.
2. Henry Rainville made a motion to adjourn the Highgate Selectboard meeting at 1:00 p.m. Jeff Towle seconded the motion. – Approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nicole Burnell/Secretary
Draft Joint Selectboard Minutes
Special Assembly on Morses Line
Saturday, September 25, 2010
A. Call to Order & Roll Call
1. The joint assembly meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. Present were:
Franklin Selectboard Members: Scott Choiniere – Chair, Peter Magnant, Harvey Bushey & Peter Kittell.
Highgate Selectboard Members: Henry Rainville – Chair, Jeff Towle – Vice Chair, & Brian Rowell.
Public: See sign-up sheet.
B. Pledge of Allegiance
Franklin Selectboard Chair, Scott Choiniere, asked everyone to rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The pledge was recited and the assembly was seated.
C. Introductions
1. Scott Choiniere opened with an introduction of the Franklin Selectboard. Henry Rainville followed with an introduction of the Highgate Selectboard and then thanked Shaun Coleman of the Northwest Regional Planning Commission (NRPC), Tim Smith of the Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation (FCIDC), and David Jescavage, Highgate Town Administrator, for their involvement in making the Morses Line Assembly possible.
2. Scott Choiniere recognized the following officials in attendance:
· Charles Ross representing U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy
· Jenny Nelson representing U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders
· Patricia Coates representing Congressman Peter Welch
· Randy Brock, Vermont State Senate
· Brian Savage, Vermont House of Representatives
· Norm McAllister, Vermont House of Representatives
· Michael Consejo, Vermont House of Representatives
· Vermont State Senator Peter Shumlin
· U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) representatives
· Real Pelletier, Mayor of St. Armand, Quebec
· Justin Rainville, Franklin County Mutual Aid
· The Morses Line Group: Chad Bouchard, Alyce Columb, Eric Dandurand,
Yvon Dandurand, Andrew Godin, Adrian Rainville & Bill Rowell
D. Assembly Moderator
1. Assembly Moderator, Tim Magnant, introduced Highgate Selectboard Chair,
Henry Rainville, to present his opening remarks.
E. Opening Statements
1. Henry Rainville referenced an announcement made earlier this year by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to close the Morses Line port of entry, and stated that the Highgate and Franklin Selectboards, the Northwest Regional Planning Commission (NRPC), and the Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation (FCIDC) were opposed to the closure. Henry Rainville reviewed standard protocol associated with closing the port and affirmed that voices from the bordering communities would be heard at this assembly.
2. Yvon Dandurand asserted that voices from a community comprised of two countries, fused together by Morses Line, were waiting to be heard, urging elected officials to listen to testimonies about to be given. Yvon Dandurand then restated his opening remarks in French.
3. Bill Rowell defined the intention to close the Morses Line port of entry, as an "unintended destination." He surmised that the effort by Clement and Elizabeth Rainville to prevent the DHS from taking their land had been misinterpreted by the federal government as a lack of support to keep the port open. In contrast, every local selectboard that was approached agreed the port should remain open. Bill Rowell then asked the DHS to reconsider its closure decision.
F. Franklin County International Mutual Aid
1. Justin Rainville of the Franklin County Fire Chiefs' Association emphasized the importance of the port remaining open for emergency response on both sides of the border.
2. A representative from the St. Armand Fire Department, speaking on behalf of its Chief, Grant Symington, also emphasized mutual dependence for rapid response.
G. Local Economic Impact
1. Bill Mayo, owner of the Franklin General Store, conveyed concern with the potential loss of tourist traffic. Mayo explained how the Morses Line crossing is utilized by cyclists riding tourist routes on both sides of the border. Mayo estimated as many as 20 customers per day come through the port and stated, "Any loss of business will have a direct impact on my family income and the viability of my business. "
H. Tourism & Culture
1. Pixley Hill, co-owner of the Tyler Place Family Resort in Highgate Springs, explained how proximity to an international border helps her resort remain competitive in the industry, detailing how the arts, crafts and foods of southern Quebec lure guests from as far away as California. Also referenced was the vast expansion in tourism over the past 15 years in southern Quebec, which Hill feels is now extending over into Vermont.
2. Dan Favreau, Trail Master of the Northwest Riders Club, brought a special snowmobiler's perspective to the discussions, as he detailed how many riders trailer their machines through the crossing.
3. While discussing important cross-border family connections, Yvon Dandurand disclosed that four generations in his family have lived in Franklin and married spouses from across the border in Canada. He stated, "A border doesn’t divide us, but a closed one will."
I. Agriculture & Commerce
1. Adrian Rainville, Franklin farmer, defined democracy and community while urging elected officials to lead by example. Rainville compared the DHS closing of the Morses Line port of entry to East Germany's construction of the Berlin Wall.
2. Andrew Godin, Franklin farmer, referenced machine shops in Bedford, Quebec with the capacity to custom-make parts, while describing crossing the border to have farm equipment repaired. Godin described Canadian farmers doing the same before adding, "Simply put, our agricultural community does not stop at the border."
3. Chad Bouchard, Franklin vegetable farmer, estimated that a third of his customers are Canadian. Bouchard then described his unique childhood experience being raised within a half-mile of the crossing, and having a Canadian as his best friend. Bouchard stated, "We will be burning a bridge to our closest neighbor."
J. Opportunity for Public Comment
1. Johanna Godin, Franklin resident, referenced bringing her son across the border for his eighteenth birthday in an attempt to convey the impact of the proposed closure on Canadian businesses.
2. A Franklin resident compared Morses Line to Ellis Island as symbols of immigration.
3. Mr. Ouellet, a Canadian resident, requested studies on the impact of closing the port while urging Americans to attend public meetings in Quebec on the port closure. Mr. Ouellet commented, "We have many, many reasons for fighting these decisions."
4. Timmy Girard, president of the Franklin County International Firefighters Association, detailed how members of his Association were firefighters from Canadian towns. Girard reiterated how closure of the port would hinder emergency response times before questioning, "Which is more important, closing the port or protecting human life & property?"
5. A Quebec resident, expressed concern over the emotional & spiritual wound that closure of the port would create.
6. Kim Gates-Maynard, Franklin resident, commented on the accessibility to Canadian culture that the port gives. Gates-Maynard, also spoke on behalf of Franklin Telephone Company, and referenced the detrimental financial impact closure of the port would have on the company.
7. Gilbert Boucher, owner of Boucher Fertilizer, explained how delays of up to two hours at the Highgate Springs port on I-89 result in increased costs if the Morses Line port is closed.
8. Robert Howrigan, Fairfield resident, expressed security concerns associated with the intention to close the Morses Line port and added that closure would be a victory for terrorists.
9. Paul Rainville, Highgate farmer, remarked how the entire community would suffer if the port was closed while advocating for the port to remain open for future generation farmers.
10. Ed Brannagan, sixth generation farmer, noted the ease of access at the Morses Line port in comparison to the Highgate Springs port on I-89. Certain farm vehicles are not allowed on the interstate.
11. Dave Gagne, owner of a general store in Highgate, reiterated concern with the potential loss of tourist traffic as he stated, "You close the border and we’re all going to lose the cyclist."
12. Real Pelletier, Mayor of St. Armand, Quebec, commented on a half-million dollar investment being made on the road leading to the Morses Line crossing. Pelletier added, "That’s how much we believe in that border." In addition, Pelletier referenced bilingual families along both sides of the border dating back to colonial times.
13. State Senator Peter Shumlin, in agreement with Robert Howrigan, commented, "If we close the border it is a victory for the terrorists."
14. Bill Rowell, of Highgate, speaking of behalf Lt. Governor Brian Dubie, conveyed strong support for the port remaining open.
15. Richard Noel, of Highgate Center, a first generation American, recalled how his Father was awarded American citizenship in exchange for fighting for the Americans during World War II. Noel added, "Closing the border would further harm the bilingual culture along the border."
16. Agnes Mercier, Franklin resident, commented on the inconvenience of prolonged delays at the Highgate Springs port on I-89 especially when traveling with small children.
17. A Franklin resident commented on the lack of business sense within the DHS.
18. A Franklin resident stated closure of the port would convey the end to freedom and democracy.
19. A Georgia resident questioned whether a retraction had been made by U.S. Senator Leahy for his initial request for closure of Morses Line.
20. Hugh Gates, Franklin resident, respectfully requested Leahy’s office field the question posed by the Georgia man.
21. Chuck Ross, a representative for Leahy responded, "The senator is willing to work with the community to find a way to keep the port open that works for everyone."
22. Patricia Coates, speaking on behalf of Congressman Peter Welch, referenced protocol leading to the port closure defining it "as wrong from the beginning." In addition, she offered to hand deliver minutes of the meeting to the DHS.
23. Jenny Nelson, speaking on behalf of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, read aloud a passage from a letter addressed to the towns of Franklin and Highgate from Senator Sanders in favor of keeping Morses Line open.
24. A Franklin resident proposed that the port remain open and be expanded.
25. Mrs. St. Armand, a Quebec resident, stated her son is a first responder and commented on the importance of the port remaining open to protect lives.
26. A Canadian resident and owner of a camp on Lake Carmi, verified buying vegetables from Chad Bouchard and shopping at Franklin General before humoring the audience with what her friends say about the states, "I still have friends who say, 'Wow, you go the states? Aren’t you afraid of them?'"
27. A Franklin resident, and owner of a camp on Lake Carmi, reminded the audience of the crossing's importance to commerce in East Franklin.
28. Mike McCarthy, owner of Cosmic Bakery in St. Albans, stated that the impact of the proposed closure would extend to St. Albans.
K. Closing
1. Yvon Dandurand gave his closing remarks in French and repeated them in English. Yvon Dandurand again referenced the negative impact closing the port would have on the Franklin economy and concluded that the port remaining open is more than a want, it’s a necessity.
2. Bill Rowell in his closing statement concluded, "If we’re an island, we’re done."
L. Adjournment
1. Harvey Bushey made a motion to adjourn the meeting of the Franklin Selectboard at 11:58 a.m. Peter Magnant seconded the motion. – Approved.
2. Henry Rainville made a motion to adjourn the Highgate Selectboard meeting at 1:00 p.m. Jeff Towle seconded the motion. – Approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nicole Burnell/Secretary
TOWN OF HIGHGATE, P.O. BOX 189, HIGHGATE CENTER, VT 05459
Telephone: (802) 868-4922, Extension 203
FAX: (802) 868-3064
PHOTOS (C) 2009-10 BY DAVID JESCAVAGE
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