May
1
2017

05-01-2017 Selectboard Meeting

Town Of Fairlee Town Hall
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, Vermont 05045

Monday May 1, 2017

6:04 pm CALL TO ORDER

PRESENT:

  • Selectboard Members: Peter Berger (Vice-Chair), Frank J. Barrett, Jr.
  • Town Administrator: Brian Hanson
  • Minutes Clerk: Stephanie A. Taylor
  • Visitors: Noel Walker, Georgette Wolf-Ludwig, Lisa Hinsley, Dennis Farmer

AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:

MOTION: Frank J. Barrett, Jr./Peter Berger (moved and seconded) made a motion to accept agenda with modifications.

STAFF & PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Dennis Farmer spoke about the Tata & Howard technical report on the Town of Fairlee water system. According to the report the existing water tank must be demolished, the site must be cleared and the new water tank must be constructed. The upgrade of the distribution system has two phases. The report includes cost estimates.

He noted that there are several mislabelled tables in the report. The bibliography is lacking.

Mr. Farmer also noted that the Town of Fairlee water has slightly elevated sodium levels. He has never experienced taste, odor or color problems with the water and questioned the numerous complaints. He asked if these complaints may relate to localized problems within the distribution system.

Georgette Wolf-Ludwig spoke regarding the outdoor consumption permit for Samurai Soul Food restaurant. A four-foot fence will be installed around the perimeter of the seating area.

MOTION: Frank J. Barrett, Jr./Peter Berger made a motion (moved and seconded) to approve the application for an outside consumption permit for Samurai Soul Food restaurant.

Georgette Wolf-Ludwig notified the Town of Fairlee Selectboard that she would like to attend a two-day human resources training course. The course is listed in the training budget and costs $550.

MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr. made a motion (moved and seconded) to approve a two-day human resources course at a cost of $550 for Town Clerk Georgette Wolf-Ludwig.

Town Treasurer Lisa Hinsley notified the Town of Fairlee Selectboard that the auditors have started the insurance audit. They will need to have one-to-one conversations with the Selectboard chair, the Town Administrator and the Town Treasurer.

Peter Berger would like their recommendation for calculating the actual debt service and a healthy level for the future.

The Town of Fairlee Selectboard discussed the next steps following the positive bond revote.

Frank J. Barrett, Jr.  recommended that the ad hoc building committee take the lead with the Town Administrator on the Town of Fairlee Town Hall renovation project. A building permit application will be submitted on Tuesday May 2, 2017.

The Town of Fairlee Selectboard suggested that Brian Newcity and Leet Ware draft a tentative schedule/timeline of construction activities with project planning software. There will be a preliminary meeting on Monday May 8 with the Town Administrator.

Lisa Hinsley has spoken with several lenders regarding the bond for the Town of Fairlee Town Hall renovation project. She has obtained potential interest rates. She will prepare a spreadsheet with lender information.

PROGRESS/REVIEW OF OLD BUSINESS:

Gary Leach, Principal Engineer, of Tata & Howard updated the Town of Fairlee Selectboard on the Lake Morey Road project. A field survey has been done.

Peter Berger asked about measures to prevent frost damage to the road. Mr. Leach mentioned that a geo-grid will be utilized to minimize frost heaves and promote drainage. This barrier will also help with the stability of road structure. There will be an underdrain system on the upper side of the road.

Mr. Leach is continuing to work with USDA and the State of Vermont on potential grant funding for the water system upgrade.

Town Administrator Brian Hanson distributed a spreadsheet with the list of awarded grants and submitted grant applications.

Brian Hanson has contacted the state legislators regarding the need for crosswalks. Three crosswalks were removed due to parking concerns. The Town of Fairlee will need to initiate the crosswalk designation process from the beginning.

Peter Berger noted that the Town of Fairlee Library parking lot will probably be used by visitors to the new and existing restaurants. A crosswalk would increase safety in this area.

The Town of Fairlee Selectboard retreat will be held on Thursday May 4 beginning at 3pm.

Frank J. Barrett, Jr. noted that the Tri-Town Commission met on Thursday April 27. He is working with the other members to close out the construction records for the Lake Fairlee Dam project. The records will be stored in the Town of Thetford Town Hall.

At 7:15pm Gary Leach, Dennis Farmer and Georgette Wolf-Ludwig departed the meeting.

BOARD ORDERS/CORRESPONDENCE:

The orders were presented to the Town of Fairlee Selectboard for signatures.

MINUTES:

MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr. (moved and seconded) made a motion to approve the minutes of April 24, 2017 with corrections. The motion passed unanimously.

ACTION ITEMS:

  • Results of audit
  • Litigation update
  • Bid for composting/hauling food scraps

ADJOURN: – Time 7:40 pm

MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr. (moved and seconded) made a motion to close the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Attest: Stephanie A. Taylor

Minutes Clerk