Marshfield public meetings in 2024
38 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met to obligate remaining ARPA funds before the December 31st deadline, approving the purchase of a dump truck and repairs to an existing one. The board adopted a resolution detailing the full allocation of $365,672.73 in ARPA funds across several town projects. The meeting was brief and focused solely on these fund obligations.
- Obligated $263,588 in ARPA funds for purchase of a dump truck
- Allocated remaining ARPA funds for repairs to the 2015 dump truck
- Adopted resolution allocating $365,672.73 total ARPA funds
- Library Porch plans and permitting: $4,159.52
- School St Bridge Repairs: $20,962.65
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met on December 17, 2024, and discussed several items, including a curb cut request on Jerusalem Road, a block grant application, and a cell tower application. The board approved an estimated 8.3% budget increase to cover flood damages and other expenses, and made several appointments and contract decisions.
- Approved estimated 8.3% budget increase (6.8% operations + 1.5% flood-related)
- Discussed curb cut request for camp on Jerusalem Road
- Approved sidewalk snow removal contract for Luke Mulligan
- Extended cemetery mowing contract with Joe Mangan at same rate
- Approved liquor license for Outer Spice Café
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission met and approved the agenda and the minutes from September 25. Members discussed and identified key priorities for the next two to five years, including a library winter festival, grant opportunities, signage, crosswalks at key intersections, sidewalk improvements, and reducing speed limits. Specific items mentioned include sidewalks along Route 2, trimming hedges, crosswalks at School Street and Cabot Road, and reducing the speed limit to 30 mph in the village's 40 mph zone. No formal decisions were made on these items; they were only discussed as goals.
- Approved the agenda for the December 13, 2024 meeting.
- Approved the minutes from the September 25 meeting.
- Discussed potential goals for the next 2-5 years, including a library winter festival, grant opportunities, and infrastructure improvements.
- Identified specific infrastructure priorities: sidewalks along Route 2, crosswalks at School Street and Cabot Road, and trimming hedges.
- Discussed reducing the speed limit to 30 mph in the village's 40 mph zone.
- Discussed the possibility of closing off access to Gilman from Route 2 (no decision made).
Meeting
The Marshfield Development Review Board approved a zoning permit for a single-family dwelling with an attached garage at 77 School Street, within the Village Residential and Flood Hazard districts. The project replaces a fire-damaged, demolished home within its original footprint, with the lowest floor elevated two feet above the base flood elevation. Approval includes conditions regarding flood-proofing, a propane tank, and a post-construction Elevation Certificate.
- Approved zoning permit #24-25 for a single-family dwelling with attached garage at 77 School Street, within the footprint of a fire-damaged, demolished home.
- Project located in Flood Hazard (FHD) and Floodway Fringe districts; lowest floor to be elevated 2 feet above Base Flood Elevation (806.4 ft).
- Requires a revised Elevation Certificate and a permit for a 500-gallon propane tank to be elevated above BFE.
- Decision includes conditions: enclosed areas below lowest floor for parking/storage only; certificate of occupancy required before use.
- Appealable to Vermont Superior Court, Environmental Division within 30 days.
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard approved moving forward with a Community Development Block Grant application for the Old Schoolhouse Common building and grounds, with a pre-application due January 22, 2025. The board also discussed the town budget (projected 9.75% increase), approved flood repair payments with a 5% retention, and scheduled a January meeting with Verizon regarding a cell tower application.
- Approved CDBG planning grant application (up to $60K, 10% match) for Old Schoolhouse Common
- Budget projected to increase 9.75%; public hearing at next meeting
- Approved payment for flood repairs at Martin Covered Bridge park and Stranahan Town Forest, withholding 5% until spring seeding
- Approved one-time library use of meeting room with conditions
- Scheduled January meeting with Verizon attorney on cell tower application
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard reviewed draft budgets showing a projected deficit requiring a 40% increase, discussed flood-related repairs and a possible new library building, and approved a contract extension for the emergency watershed project. The meeting also covered highway, fire department, and town office budgets, plus a curb cut application on Davis Road.
- Draft budget would require 40% increase due to projected deficit
- Library budget increase of 3.19% after health insurance rates
- Highway charges to Peacham and East Montpelier increased by 3%
- Fire Department budget includes two sets of gear at $4,000 each
- Notice of Award extended to January 15 for J. Merrill watershed project
Meeting
The Development Review Board continued Henry Harris's pond application to December 12, 2024, because Harris did not attend the hearing and had not submitted the required site plan or met with neighbors. If the missing information is not delivered to the Zoning Administrator by then, the hearing will be closed and Harris must pay a fee to reopen the application. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Continued Henry Harris's pond application to December 12, 2024, pending missing information.
- Warned that failure to provide information by December 12 will close the hearing and require a new application fee.
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard discussed a letter of intent from Verizon to install a cell tower on property owned by Bradley and Lynn Sue Pilette. Concerns were raised about aesthetics and health impacts on nearby homeowners. The board scheduled a special meeting for November 18, 2024, to further discuss the tower, and will coordinate with Verizon to have a representative attend. The board also noted that no proposals were submitted for a scoping study of the Old Schoolhouse Common, and approved general expenses and payroll reports.
- Verizon letter of intent for cell tower on Pilette property
- Special meeting scheduled for November 18, 2024, to discuss tower
- No proposals received for RFP for scoping study of Old Schoolhouse Common
- General expenses and payroll reports approved
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard approved several items, including appointing Lloyd Potter to the Conservation Commission and amending the town highway map to reflect that a driveway off Brook Rd is not the former TH#9. They also approved a $6,120 bid to pave Onion River Rd, discussed a contractor's performance bond delay for an emergency watershed project, and entered executive session for employee evaluations.
- Appointed Lloyd Potter to the Conservation Commission
- Amended town highway map regarding trail off Brook Rd
- Approved $6,120 bid for paving Onion River Rd
- Discussed contractor performance bond extension for Emergency Watershed Program
- Approved changes to procurement policy allowability clause
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard approved contracts for flood repairs, discussed FEMA buyouts, and handled routine business. They also approved hiring for boiler maintenance, discussed a procurement policy update, and entered executive session for a personnel matter.
- Approved contracts with Hogan Excavating for Martin Covered Bridge and Thompson Rd repairs, and Winterset for School St Bridge repairs
- FEMA approved buyouts for Berte and Drinkwine properties; kickoff meeting next week
- Approved hiring Austin Mills for weekly pellet boiler service
- Discussed procurement policy update for grants, including bonding requirements
- Approved temporary logging access on railroad bed for Mike Baril
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard approved multiple construction contracts for bridge and road repairs, including a $543,680 bid for emergency watershed work and a $215,000 proposal for School St Bridge. They also discussed a proposed 75% increase in ambulance service fees over three years, moving toward a per-capita funding model. The board accepted bids for Thompson Road and Martin Covered Bridge Park repairs, and made decisions on a new electric stove for the library and a zoning attorney consultation.
- Awarded $543,680 bid to J. Merrill Construction LLC for Emergency Watershed Protection Program
- Accepted $215,000 proposal from Winterset for School St Bridge repairs
- Accepted Hogan Excavating bids: $49,000 (FEMA-reimbursable) and $25,000 (grant) for Thompson Road repairs
- Approved $10,000 Hogan Excavating bid for Martin Covered Bridge Park work
- Discussed ambulance contract increases: $57,314.40 (2025), $67,728.48 (2026), $82,571.33 (2027)
Meeting
The Marshfield Development Review Board continued the Sehgal application to rebuild a home at 77 School Street to October 24, pending legal advice on whether the property's non-conforming status was lost due to abandonment. The board also continued Henry Harris's pond application to November 4, requiring a site plan and further review.
- Continued Rik and Abbi Sehgal's application to build a single-family dwelling at 77 School Street to October 24, pending town attorney advice.
- Continued Henry Harris's application to build a 60' x 100' pond at 1356 Ennis Hill Road to November 4, requiring a site plan.
- Approved the meeting agenda as written.
- Swore in Rik Sehgal and public attendees for testimony.
Planning Commission
The Marshfield Planning Commission continued discussion and adopted edits to the Home Act, incorporating all previously agreed-upon redlines. The minutes were approved.
- Adopted edits to the Home Act, including all previous redlines.
- Approved the minutes of the meeting.
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met on September 24, 2024, and took several actions. They authorized up to $16,000 in repairs for a town truck, granted VTrans permission to use Martin Covered Bridge Park as a staging area for river debris removal, and approved an addendum to the Martin Covered Bridge RFP. The board also discussed flood repairs, the upcoming budget, and appointed an engineer for the Emergency Watershed Protection program.
- Authorized repair of 2015 town truck, potentially costing up to $16,000
- Granted VTrans permission to use Martin Covered Bridge Park for debris removal staging
- Approved addendum to Martin Covered Bridge RFP
- Appointed Joseph Glowitz as agent for US Army Corps of Engineers permitting under EWP program
- Discussed flood repairs, including School St bridge and budget planning
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard held a public discussion about concerns regarding the Onion River Campground and an individual associated with it, after rumors of a MAP (Minor Attracted Persons) meeting circulated. The owner and State Police confirmed no event is planned, and the owner agreed to ban the individual from the property. The board also approved a grant-related hire and discussed buyout salvage, bridge projects, and FEMA funding.
- Onion River Campground owner states no MAP meeting planned, agrees to ban individual
- Vermont State Police investigating websites, no crime committed
- Selectboard votes to hire CVRPC for Better Roads Grant
- Discussion on salvaging materials from buyout properties and possible fire training
- School St Bridge scope of work developed, contractors unavailable
Meeting
The Marshfield Development Review Board approved a zoning permit for an exterior stair and deck at 9 Jerusalem Road, allowing the owners to add safe access to an accessory dwelling above an existing shop. The shop already encroaches on the side setback, and the addition increases that nonconformance, but the board found it meets the standards for altering nonconforming structures under Section 281(3). The decision was unanimous (3-0).
- Approved zoning permit #24-09 for Thomas Pearson and Karen Murray at 9 Jerusalem Road
- Addition of 8' by 16' deck and exterior stair to accessory dwelling above shop
- Project increases existing side setback nonconformance from 32' to 24' (required 40')
- Board found project addresses energy, safety, environment, and health concerns
- Permit valid for 6 years; zoning permit required before construction
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard addressed urgent flood-related infrastructure issues, including the immediate closure of the School St Bridge due to undermined abutments and the need for larger culverts on Laird Pond and Pigeon Pond roads. They also approved conditions for a property buyout, signed a grant for bridge engineering, and handled routine administrative items.
- School St Bridge closed immediately due to undermined abutment; seeking contractor estimates
- VTrans H&H studies require larger culverts for Laird Pond and Pigeon Pond roads; temporary repair at Pigeon Pond
- Buyout of flood-damaged property approved only if no outstanding taxes/water/sewer charges (~$5,500)
- Signed grant agreement for Creamery St Bridge engineering evaluation and possible redesign
- Accepted $5,000 grant from Center for Tech and Civil Life for elections
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met on August 20, 2024, to address flood recovery, infrastructure projects, and administrative matters. They authorized permit applications for the Emergency Watershed Protection program, approved RFPs for Thompson Road, Martin Covered Bridge, and Old Schoolhouse Common, and signed contracts for bridge designs. The board also accepted a resignation and approved routine expenses.
- Authorized signing of stream alteration permit applications and issuance of RFP for Emergency Watershed Protection program (contractors by Oct 1)
- Approved RFP for Thompson Road and trails improvements, with bids due Sept 24
- Approved RFP for Martin Covered Bridge repairs, with bids due Oct 1 and site visit Sept 18
- Reissued RFP for Old Schoolhouse Common exterior replacement, including engineering report
- Signed contracts for bridge designs for Creamery St Bridge and Holt Rd, Onion River Rd, Cassady Rd, and SASS Ave bridges
Meeting
The Marshfield Development Review Board held a public hearing on a conditional use permit request by Karen Murray and Thomas Pearson to build an exterior staircase at 9 Jerusalem Road. The board discussed the proposal, including setback issues and potential waivers, but took no formal action. The meeting was adjourned without a decision.
- No decision was made on the conditional use permit request for the exterior staircase at 9 Jerusalem Road.
- The board discussed the possibility of a waiver, variance, or treating the structure as non-conforming, but did not vote.
- The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 pm without any formal action.
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard approved a contract with East Engineering for all five bridge projects, including four replacements and the Creamery Street evaluation, at a cost not to exceed $50,000 for Creamery Street. They also discussed a resident's concerns about ditching on Maple Hill Road, authorized the town attorney to respond to Henry Harris's motion, and allowed the steam engine association to stay overnight at the Old Schoolhouse Common.
- Contract with East Engineering for Creamery Street evaluation, not to exceed $50,000
- Contract for four bridge replacements, not to exceed FEMA schedule costs
- Resident concerns about ditching on Maple Hill Road
- Authorization for town attorney to respond to Henry Harris's motion
- RFP for repairs to Thompson Road in Stranahan Town Forest
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met on July 30, 2024, and approved purchasing an air conditioner for the meeting room, approved the FY25 grant agreement, and approved conditions for a special appropriation. They opened bids for the Creamery St Bridge and four bridges, but received no bids for the Old Schoolhouse Common project. The board also discussed new flood maps and a potential engineering study for the Martin Covered Bridge, but decided there is no money for the study at this time.
- Approved purchasing an air conditioner for the meeting room
- Approved FY25 grant agreement and letter of interest for FY26
- Opened bids for Creamery St Bridge from New England Consulting Engineers and East Engineering
- Opened bid for four bridges from East Engineering
- No bids received for Old Schoolhouse Common project
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met on July 16, 2024, to handle flood-related business, set the 2024 tax rates, and approve various contracts and repairs. They authorized emergency repairs for flood damage, set up a debris cleanup site, and discussed future flood mitigation. The board also entered executive session to discuss a legal matter.
- Set 2024 municipal tax rate at .7014 and local agreement rate at .0049
- Authorized emergency repairs at Laird Pond Rd, Holt Bridge, Pigeon Pond Rd, and Railroad Bed with Mangan Excavation LLC and Giroux Masonry LLC
- Approved Joe Mangan for Eaton Cemetery repairs
- Set up debris cleanup site at Old Schoolhouse Common for flood debris
- Tabled mowing contract at Martin Bridge until flood debris is cleaned
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard discussed a zoning enforcement lawsuit against Henry Harris, who asked the board to drop it. The board declined but authorized the town attorney to discuss a clause preventing future camps. The board also authorized a letter to the Vermont Attorney General regarding the Goddard College sale, and approved contracts for land records software and a truck loan.
- Zoning lawsuit against Henry Harris discussed; board declines to drop it
- Board authorizes letter to Vermont AG about Goddard College sale
- Approved 3-year land records contract with Cott Systems at $295/month
- Approved $110,000 truck loan from Municipal Equipment Loan Fund at 2% interest for 5 years
- Approved accessible raised bed for community garden
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met on June 17, 2024, and approved several actions, including hiring a closing attorney for the buyout program, authorizing an RFP for bridge replacements, and discussing energy usage at town buildings. The board also approved minutes, a community garden project, and a grant agreement for the Stranahan Town Forest. The meeting included an executive session on a legal matter and updates on the Henry Harris zoning case.
- Approved RFP for four bridge replacements and authorized drafting Creamery St Bridge RFP
- Hired Law Office of Fred Peet as closing attorney for buyout program
- Approved purchase of 16-channel DVR for security system at Old Schoolhouse Common
- Authorized Bobbi to sign Northern Forest Center grant agreement for Stranahan Town Forest
- Discussed energy costs rising from ~$3,700 in 2022 to ~$7,300 in 2023
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard held a special meeting to review and finalize a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a scoping study on flood remediation at the Old Schoolhouse Common. The RFP will be published on June 11, with bids due July 30 and a consultant selected by September 3. No other business was discussed.
- Finalized RFP for flood remediation scoping study at Old Schoolhouse Common
- RFP to be published June 11
- Bids due July 30
- Consultant selection by September 3
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met on May 21, 2024, and took several actions, including approving a $42,000 engineering contract for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program, amending leases to require first, last, and security deposits, and deciding to bill Twinfield for school revote costs. The board also discussed trail policy, maintenance issues at the Old Schoolhouse Common, and received a FEMA update on flood reimbursements.
- Approved hiring New England Consulting Engineers for $42,000 for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program
- Amended all leases to require first, last, and security deposit
- Decided to bill Twinfield for school revote costs
- Discussed trail policy, including adding curb cut requirement
- Received FEMA update: $1,868,333 submitted, $915,719 obligated, $547,757 received
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met and adopted a new Culvert Policy, discussed a draft Trails Policy, and considered an engineering study for the Old Schoolhouse Common grounds and building. They also discussed temporary community gardens, cemetery fencing, and approved a contract for flood debris removal.
- Adopted Culvert Policy
- Discussed draft Trails Policy
- Requested scoping study for Old Schoolhouse Common grounds
- Approved contract with Gideon Mangan for foot bridge removal
- Quoted under $1000 for library lighting
Meeting
The Development Review Board finalized a decision regarding Henry Harris's application for an Accessory On-Farm Business. The board corrected factual errors in the previous decision and revised language concerning municipal review for future expansions.
- Approval of single and multi-day agricultural events at 1356 Ennis Hill Road
- Limit of 200 people per event
- Maximum of 10 overnight events per calendar year
- Requirement for tent sites to be at least 100 feet from neighboring properties
- Condition that multi-day events shall not exceed eight nights in duration
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard approved reissuing the Emergency Watershed Protection RFP without two completed sites, authorized purchase of a tree mulcher for $25,977, and discussed culvert policy, cemetery flags, and appointments. They also adopted the Local Emergency Management Plan and discussed flood repairs at the Old Schoolhouse Common.
- Reissued EWP RFP with bids due May 17, decision May 21
- Authorized $25,977 purchase of tree mulcher, plus $1,800 hauling if needed
- Draft culvert policy: no town-installed driveway culverts, permits required
- Authorized Mo Cerutti to place flags on veterans' graves
- Reappointed multiple officials; appointed Mary Perchlik to Conservation Commission
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met to handle routine business and several notable items. They appointed a traffic control person for the eclipse, discussed fire department equipment needs and funding, and reviewed highway grant applications. The meeting also covered property management issues and dog complaints.
- Appointed Kate Smith for traffic control on Jake Martin Road and to block field access for eclipse viewing
- Fire Department applied for $78,000 grant for SCBAs; discussed potential budget increase of $10,000
- Board asked to apply for engineering grant for Creamery Bridge and Class 2 roadway grant for Cabot Rd
- Discussed replacing propane stove with electric at Old Schoolhouse Common due to VOSHA recommendation
- Received dog abuse complaint at Hollister Hill Apartments; Animal Control Officer following up
Meeting
The Development Review Board approved a request by Roald and Shirley Walesch to subdivide 1029 John Fowler Road into two lots: a 37.2-acre undeveloped lot and a 7.24-acre lot with the existing house. The board also reviewed a request by Henry Harris to correct factual errors in a prior decision for 1356 Ennis Hill Road, including parcel ID, acreage, and ownership, and to amend Condition #7 to read "applicable municipal review." The board closed the hearing on the Harris request without making a decision in this meeting.
- Approved the Walesch subdivision of 1029 John Fowler Road into two lots (Parcel ID JF017)
- Reviewed Henry Harris's request to correct factual errors and amend Condition #7 in the Ennis Hill Road decision (Parcel ID EN023)
- Closed the hearing on the Harris request; no decision was made in this meeting
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard is deciding on several policies and approvals. They discussed a new curb cut and culvert policy, a trail policy, and a dog complaint. The board approved applying for an energy resilience mini-grant and authorized hiring a janitor on a trial basis.
- Approved applying for MERP mini-grant for energy resilience projects
- Discussed curb cut and culvert policy; Chris volunteered to write it
- Discussed trail policy for upgrading trails to driveways
- Dog complaint: will send letter to owners and notify game warden
- Authorized hiring janitor on 90-day trial basis
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met and handled routine organizational business. They approved prior meeting minutes, set meeting dates and posting locations, accepted a Conservation Commission grant for fruit trees, authorized hiring an Assistant Town Clerk/Treasurer, and approved a 3-year elevator inspection contract.
- Accepted Conservation Commission grant for fruit trees
- Authorized offering Assistant Town Clerk/Treasurer position to Brittany Chouinard
- Authorized 3-year contract for elevator inspections
- Set meeting dates: first and third Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
- Approved general expenses and payroll reports
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard discussed and approved a request to put a driveway and power poles off Davis Road, a legal trail, and will formalize a trail policy. They also reviewed a $32,000 proposal to address water issues at the Old Schoolhouse Common, approved providing daycare at Town Meeting, and authorized the Zoning Administrator to contact the Town Attorney about a subdivision issue.
- Davis Rd driveway and power poles request approved
- $32,000 water issue proposal at Old Schoolhouse Common
- Daycare at Town Meeting approved
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program letters of interest discussed
- RFP for engineering services approved
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met on February 6, 2024, to discuss the withdrawn mountain biking proposal for Stranahan Forest, focusing on improving the public comment and application process. They also addressed parking on Peacham Pond Road, flood repairs, and approved several grants and licenses.
- Stranahan Forest bike trail proposal withdrawn; process review discussed
- Peacham Pond Road parking concerns; possible ordinance considered
- Energy grant application approved for air-to-water heat pump
- Martin Covered Bridge engineering assessment approved
- Liquor and tobacco licenses approved for Maplefields and Marshfield Village Store
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard discussed and voted on several items, including adding a second warning article to let voters decide on the library's requested budget increase. The board also addressed ongoing issues with the elevator and gym at the Old Schoolhouse Common, both closed due to water damage, and approved a tax anticipation note and maintenance contracts.
- Voted 2-1 to add a second article for the library's requested 10.68% budget increase, after Budget Committee recommended 5%
- Approved borrowing $557,000 from Union Bank at 4% interest as a tax anticipation note
- Approved generator maintenance contracts with Yankee Generator for Old Schoolhouse Common, Town Garage, and Fire Station
- Authorized sale of four cemetery lots to Doreen Gilmore and one lot to Donald Conn Sr.
- Decided not to include Green Mountain Transit appropriation on the warning
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard held a special meeting to discuss and decide on several administrative and financial matters. They approved a budget with a 5.5% tax increase, authorized signing a Memorandum of Understanding for property buyouts, and agreed to pay a new payroll tax for childcare. The board also discussed a draft scope of work for a municipal planning grant, a letter for an emergency watershed program, and other routine items.
- Budget with 5.5% tax increase, including $75,000 for bridge engineering, $215,000 ARPA funds, and $25,000 for Old Schoolhouse Common
- Authorized signing MOU with Vermont Emergency Management for two property buyouts
- Agreed to pay 0.44% payroll tax for childcare, split 0.33% employer and 0.11% employee
- Approved letter to add 692 Holt Road to Emergency Watershed Program application
- Library Board vacancy to be posted after resignation of Kara Casey
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met on January 2, 2024, to handle routine approvals and discuss several policy and budget items. They approved paying a $713 overage on a new truck, discussed using up to $7,000 in MTAP funds for grant administration, and agreed to have the Budget Committee participate in future budget discussions. The board also made decisions on the town budget, including a 5% library appropriation increase and a 4% raise for most employees, and modified the personnel policy regarding health insurance, vacation, and sick time accrual.
- Approved paying $713 overage on new truck purchase
- Discussed MTAP program with $7,000 available for grant administration
- Budget Committee recommended 5% library appropriation increase, Selectboard agreed
- Set Assistant Clerk/Treasurer pay at $25 per hour
- Modified personnel policy: part-time employees ineligible for health insurance, vacation cap 120 hours, sick time cap 480 hours