08-23-2021 Selectboard Meeting
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, August 23, 2021
Call to Order: 6:00 PM. Peter Berger, Chair, called the meeting to order. A quorum was met.
PRESENT
- Selectboard Members: Peter Berger, Chair; Cathy McGrath, Vice Chair; and Lance Mills
- Town Administrator: Tad Nunez
- Chief of Police: Jason Bachus
- Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitor: Miranda Clemson.
AGENDA APPROVAL AND MODIFICATIONS:
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to accept the Agenda as written. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Zoning Administrator’s Report (8-16-21 and 8-23-21):
Brimmer reported that the Batchelder apartments landlord is working with an attorney to sort out the eviction notices and notices of violations.
Brimmer reported that four property owners from Lake Morey requesting conditional use permits (rebuilding in the same footprint) contacted his office. Brimmer noted that the State Shoreline Division seems to be taking a hands-off approach to these kinds of projects.
Brimmer is following up with Kevin Geiger at Two Rivers–Ottauquechee Regional Commission and with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) Municipal Assistance Center on the issue of a zone targeted building moratoria.
[End of Zoning Administrator’s Report]
Town Administrator’s Report
Tad Nunez provided a report on the Town Administrator’s activities and meetings during the week beginning August 16, 2021:
Town Library
Nunez met with members of the Library Trustees to discuss and review the funding for capital projects at the library and encouraged the Trustees to present their vision for a build-out of the existing library structure to the Selectboard, which is scheduled for the September 13, 2021, Selectboard meeting.
Asset Management Inventory
Nunez worked with Lance Colby and Barry Larson to complete an asset management inventory.
Water Projects
During the meeting with Colby and Larson, Nunez noted they reviewed and compiled a punch list of concerns relating to the new filtration system.
Nunez stated that Larson will be completing the remaining meter MESH hook ups by early September.
Nunez met with Colby to measure the new “flower garden” water line at the railroad station and determined what supplies will be needed for the water line installation.
Nunez began work on the revision of the water system policies. More specifically, Nunez developed a Q & A sheet for the Selectboard to review.
Recreation Council
Nunez announced that the Recreation Council and Fairlee Community Arts are collaborating in organizing a free Fall Festival on the Town Common on Saturday, September 25, 2021, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
Police Report
Chief of Police, Jason Bachus, reported on police activities during the month of July 2021:
Bachus worked 40 hours, including 8 hours of Valcour training, which has a go-live date of September 12; 4 hours at the July 4th fireworks; 20 hours on patrol; and 8 hours on administrative/paperwork duties.
Bachus stated that during the patrol hours, he conducted 10 motor vehicle stops with 6 warnings and 3 violations issued. Bachus reported on casework, including directed patrol, a background check, a NH State Police agency assist, and a theft case.
The Vt State Police had 24 calls for service of which 6 were on I-91 and other included a welfare check, death investigation, fraud, theft, a family fight, and agency assists.
VT Fish and Game responded to 4 calls for service in Fairlee and 3 on I-91.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department continues to be limited by contract and staffing and completed 17 hours of patrol resulting in VIN verification, fireworks directed patrol, and a special event patrol.
Bachus has received the body worn camera (BWC) and is getting it set up and operational using the VT Law Enforcement Advisory Board model policy.
NEW BUSINESS
Transfer Station Agreement with the City of Lebanon
Nunez reported that this service agreement is for 1 year and is only for trash and recyclables. Nunez noted that the Town residents would buy their permit online.
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to approve the Municipal Solid Waste Agreement with the City of Lebanon and to select option 2 (obtain individual permits directly from the City), page 3, 3. Permit Required. The motion passed unanimously.
Water Metering Policy Development and Review
Nunez presented to the Selectboard a frequently asked questions document related to water metering. Discussion ensued. Berger noted that the Board will come back to this discussion.
Rivendell School District and Cross Rivendell Trail Association Collaboration / VOREC Grant
The VT Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC; https://fpr.vermont.gov/VOREC) from the VT Agency of Natural Resources is now accepting grant applications, and the Rivendell School District through the Cross Rivendell Trail Association is asking the Town of Fairlee for support. The Board agreed to prepare a letter of intent to support the groups applying for the grant.
OLD BUSINESS
Rt 244 Road Safety Draft Report / Review
Nunez noted that this was not the final report. McGrath noted that a list of recommendations is needed.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Nunez announced that the ARPA funds are now in the bank and noted that VLCT will be holding a virtual Town Fair on September 29 and October 4 through 8 to discuss ARPA and other topics, including cybersecurity.
Main Street to Morey (M2M) Public Event, August 26, 2021, at 6:00 PM
McGrath presented a draft slide set for Board review. Revisions were discussed.
Review of Interim Bylaws / Set Public Hearing Date
Brimmer sent a report on the timeline for the amendment hearing and adoption for Board review. The Board and Nunez set the public hearing date for Monday, September 27, which will be warned by September 9.
NEXT SELECTBOARD MEETING: Monday, August 30, 2021, at 6:00 PM.
CORRESPONDENCE: None.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to approve the Minutes from 8-16-21 as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Board Clerk