07-19-2021 Selectboard Meeting
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, July 19, 2021
Call to Order: 6:10 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 (absent)
- Town Administrator: Tad Nunez
- Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitors: Miranda Clemson, Meg Tropolo.
AGENDA APPROVAL AND MODIFICATIONS:
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to accept the Agenda as written. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Lake Morey Protective Association (LMPA) REPORT
McGrath reported that she attended a LMPA meeting, and the main complaint of the members was speeding on Lake Morey Road.
Library Building Committee (LBC) Meeting
McGrath attended an LBC meeting and reported that Jay Barrett was invited to attend the next LBC meeting to bring plans for future library renovations.
Animated Infrastructure
McGrath reported that the next step for the committee is to decide who of the artists who submitted samples will be invited for an interview.
Zoning Administrator’s Report:
Brimmer announced the tour of properties in Fairlee with Andrew Winter (Twin Pines Housing) and Erika Hoffman-Kiess (Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation) for Thursday, July 29, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Property owners have been contacted to join the tour.
Brimmer announced that at the July 13 meeting of the DRB, the owner of Broken Heart Burgers was heard related to a site plan for outdoor patio seating.
Brimmer reported that Nunez came up with a proposal for monitoring the cyanobacteria status at the Town Beach.
Brimmer reported that as Health Officer, he addressed a dog bite at Aloha Camp. The property of a counselor, the dog was fully vaccinated and is in 10-day isolation.
Brimmer announced a Park & Ride grant opportunity, which has an August 5 deadline.
Brimmer provided an Agenda for the Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 22.
[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 July 5, 2021:
Fairlee Community Arts (FCA)
Nunez announced that when FCA events move indoors because of rain, the Community Church food vendor requested to move inside, as well. The Board indicated the vendors should not have that option and asked Nunez to follow up.
ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) and
Two Rivers–Ottauquechee Regional Commission (TRORC)
Nunez reported that TRORC is available by contract to assist towns with project ideas and determine project eligibility related to the ARPA funding criteria.
Town Forest / Research Project
Nunez received a letter of intent for a research project from a Ph.D. student at Columbia University to study the evolution and development of ferns. Nunez will follow up with the Forest Board.
State Forester’s REPORT
Nunez announced that the forester’s report from the on-site visit on June 4 will be sent by July 23.
Town Hall Event / Tai Chi
Nunez announced that a Tai Chi program will begin this fall in the town Hall. The Town will receive 30% of the daily class revenue as listed in the new rental fee structure.
Fairlee Police Cruiser
Nunez announced that the police cruiser is back in Fairlee. The Orford Selectboard extended their sincere appreciation for the use of the vehicle. Nunez sent an invoice to Orford for mileage.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
NEW BUSINESS
Main Street to Morey (M2M) Public Event August 12, 2021, Preparations
Nunez noted that the event should be a celebration of the project. McGrath suggested a 30- to 40-minute presentation by Chris Sargent of Dubois & King highlighting the timeline of accomplishments and the community priorities. Nunez and McGrath suggested advertising widely with flyers and notices.
Adoption of Zero Tolerance of Speed Limit Enforcement
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to adopt and authorize the policy of enforcing zero tolerance of driving above the posted speed limit on Lake Morey Road, Fairlee, VT. The motion passed unanimously.
McGrath recommended adding a notice in the newspaper.
OLD BUSINESS
Review of Selectboard Goals and Objectives
Berger recommended that these goals and objects be tied to the capital plan and budget for a period of 10 years. The Board recommended further discussion at the next meeting.
ARPA Funding
Nunez presented an ARPA video from Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) moderated by Ted Brady, Williston, VT. The highlights of the video are listed, as follows:
ARPA criteria include funding of:
- Pandemic response costs
- Workforce premium pay
- Lost municipal revenue
- Water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure
- Selectboard Agendas and Communications
The Board discussed the descriptive agenda that encourages public participation, the important role of the Fairlee Newsletter, and the informative and concise meeting minutes.
NEXT SELECTBOARD MEETING: Monday, July 26, 2021, at 6:00 PM.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The Town received a Thank You note for the Memorial Service from the family of Mark Sargent who recently passed away.
The Town was invoiced for annual dues from the TRORC.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to approve the Minutes from 7-12-21 as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to approve entering into Executive Session at 8:08 PM for personnel matters. The motion passed unanimously.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 8:11 PM.
Action items:
Update performance review for Brimmer.
Discuss review with Brimmer at next Selectboard meeting on 7-26-21.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:44 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Board Clerk