05-22-2017 Selectboard Meeting
Town Of Fairlee Town Hall
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, Vermont 05045
Monday May 22, 2017
6:00 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: Dennis Farmer, Noel Walker
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett Jr. made a motion (moved and seconded) to approve the agenda as modified.
STAFF & PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Brian Hanson notified the Selectboard members that the Town Hall renovation project is moving forward. Ninety percent of the material for the staff offices has been moved to the temporary locations. The telephones will be installed by Tuesday. The information technology consultant will be getting the computers functioning by the end of the week.
Dennis Farmer informed the Selectboard members that the Water Advisory Committee has decided to meet on an ad hoc basis.
Brian Hanson updated the Selectboard on the status of several grant applications. The Town of Fairlee is back in the running for the $75,000 accessibility modification grant (HUD) thanks to the efforts of state senator Jane Kitchel. Peter Berger requested that Brian Hanson prepare a thank-you letter to Senator Kitchel.
Peter Berger noted that the implementation grant application for $300,000 would have been considered more favorably if the Town of Fairlee had an economic development plan in place.
The interim Zoning Bylaw will need to be voted on by section and adopted by Town of Fairlee residents. Public hearings will need to be held. A vote will be scheduled for the summer. The zoning laws are designed to protect property owners.
The next Selectboard meeting will be held on Wednesday May 31 at 6pm prior to the water bond public hearing.
Peter Berger discussed Capital Improvement Plan management and suggested that the Budget Committee (elected) could be involved in long-term management of the capital budget. VLCT has documentation describing the best approaches to financing larger projects.
Frank J. Barrett, Jr. suggested looking at the charter for the Budget Committee to see how it could be amended to incorporate these new goals.
Mark Bishop, chair of the Planning Commission, arrived at 6:30pm.
Peter Berger suggested to Planning Commission Chair Mark Bishop that the Planning Commission members prepare an economic development plan.
He suggested that the Planning Commission members reach out to local and regional groups such as the Friends of the Fairlee Forest, Upper Valley Trails Alliance, the Aloha Foundation, etc. to describe the recreational and economic development potential in the Town of Fairlee. The need for housing will be a critical component of an economic development plan.
Mark Bishop expressed interest on behalf of the Planning Commission in this opportunity. The Zoning Administrator and Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Planning Commission staff could provide technical assistance. A member of the Planning Commission could also be given a seat on the Budget Committee.
Mark Bishop departed the meeting at 7:05pm. Denis Lambert and Elizabeth Wilson arrived at 7:08pm.
NEW BUSINESS:
Denis Lambert and Elizabeth Wilson informed the Selectboard about the Fairlee Music Festival. About $ 3700 has been raised so far for a series of summer concerts. The concerts will be held at the gazebo. In the case of rain the Church of Christ will be the venue. A website has been set up and posters have been designed.
Elizabeth Wilson has been in contact with the Chief of Police to notify him about the schedule of events. The Selectboard members requested that the Fire Chief and Upper Valley Ambulance also be notified.
Peter Berger will check if funds may be available in the Parks & Recreation budget to support the music series.
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr. (moved and seconded) made motion to approve a 30-day extension on the grand list.
Noel Walker informed the Selectboard members that the contract with Leet Ware for the Town Hall Renovation project will be forthcoming. After the contract is signed work will be started on May 30.
Peter Berger expressed concern about traffic flow and access at the Town of Fairlee transfer station. Brian Hanson suggested that locked gates be installed. Brian Hanson will meet with Mike Wright and come up with a plan for the site.
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 May 15, 2017 with corrections. The motion passed unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION – Personnel
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr. (moved and seconded) made a motion to go into Executive Session at 8:20 pm.
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr. came out of Executive Session at 8:30pm. No action taken.
ACTION ITEMS:
ADJOURN: – Time 8:30 pm
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett Jr. (moved and seconded) made a motion to close the meeting.
Attest: Stephanie A. Taylor
Minutes Clerk