09-18-2017 Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Library
221 US Rte 5 N
Fairlee, Vermont 05045
Monday, September 18, 2017
6:08 PM CALL TO ORDER
PRESENT
- Selectboard Members: Cathy McGrath (Chair); Frank J. Barrett, Jr.
- Town Administrator: Laura Zubryd
- Visitors: Barbara Duncan, Don Weaver
- Minutes Clerk: Joanna Bligh
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
MOTION: Cathy McGrath and Frank J. Barrett, Jr. made a motion (moved and seconded) to accept the agenda without modifications. The vote passed unanimously.
STAFF & PUBLIC COMMENTS
Barbara Duncan owns property on Flower Hill and three trees fell on her property causing a power outage. Barbara Duncan stated that there would be two to three days of work and significant brush to dispose of. Selectboard asked Barbara Duncan to have the tree company communicate directly with Jason Bachus, Chief of Police. Cathy McGrath stated that the Selectboard has been informed.
[Barbara Duncan left the meeting at 6:22 PM]
NEW BUSINESS
Water Tank Project
USDA Rural Development has a budget similar to last year’s. The Town of Fairlee could have a water bond vote at the 2018 Town meeting should we have a plan. The Selectboard came to a preliminary agreement that next year’s work should focus on water quality.
Town Letterhead
Cathy McGrath stated that she would like to have permission to look at redesigns of the town letterhead. Laura Zubryd, Town Administrator, stated that Peter Lange sent a redesigned letterhead sample, as presented. Laura Zubryd continued that once approved, consistent use across the entire organization is important. Frank J. Barrett, Jr. suggested providing a digital template for all staff to use.
Grants
Cathy McGrath stated that Chris Brimmer was unable to attend this meeting, but she had grant information from Chris, including a sheet naming the grants, goals, objectives, dollar value, and author of the grants. Frank J. Barrett, Jr. stated that an outline of all the grants gives a chance for management and oversight. Cathy McGrath suggested that Chris Brimmer check in with the Selectboard three times—at the start of writing the grants, part way through, and before submission. Frank J. Barrett, Jr. suggested that Town Administrator, Laura Zubryd, provide oversight with a quarterly report on grant submissions.
OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Municipal Planning Grant
Cathy McGrath stated that the municipal planning grant would fud a capital study. Two Rivers will do production of the capital grant. (Laura Zubryd stated that there is an open slot on the Planning Commission.)
[Don Weaver entered meeting at 7:00 PM]
Church Update
Laura Zubryd announced that the Church Trustees have declined the septic system offer. Don Weaver stated that he will get four bids from propane companies for in-ground propane tank placement.
Town Hall Construction Update
Cathy McGrath asked how the construction schedule is going. Don Weaver replied that the construction is behind schedule. Frank J. Barrett, Jr. stated that the work needs to be completed by the Town Meeting date of March 6, 2018.
Fairlee Newsletter
Cathy McGrath stated that the edits to the September newsletter have been completed. Production and mailing will be done next week.
“Loose Ends”
Cathy McGrath noted:
- The sign on Avery Rd has been ordered
- Granite posts are wrong height
- Lake Morey Rd still has storm residue from July rain
Frank J. Barrett, Jr. suggested that Mike Wright be invited to attend the next Selectboard meeting to meet Laura Zubryd.
Lake Morey
Don Weaver presented an update on the deep-water survey. No treatment for next year is needed. No permit is needed. Mark Blood, President, Solitude, submitted a contract for 2018, which needs to be signed. Cathy McGrath stated that the Selectboard will sign the contract.
Public Heath Order
Cathy McGrath announced that a public health order was prepared and the affected landlord contacted. Frank J. Barrett, Jr. suggested that the notice is on record even though the issues are not rectified.
BOARD ORDERS/CORRESPONDENCE
Laura Zubryd, Town Administrator, presented an office flow calendar, financial reports, appropriation requests, and budget dates for signing and approval. Laura Zubryd also presented two bids on tree trimming for the hazardous tree limbs in the Town Common. Frank J. Barrett, Jr. suggested that all town sites have a systematic tree audit using a report and visual map. Cathy McGrath approved the $100 tree limb trimming and asked Frank J. Barrett, Jr. to write up a request for a town tree audit.
Cathy McGrath stated that a traffic count is to be completed on Maurice Roberts Rd adjoining the towns of Bradford and Fairlee. Frank J. Barrett, Jr. noted that paving money can be used on that road if it is a Class 2 road.
ADJOURN: Time was 8:10 PM
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Frank J. Barrett, Jr. (moved and seconded) made a motion to close the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk