03-22-2021 Selectboard Meeting
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
(The Selectboard and the Town Administrator were in person, and most staff and all public attendees were remote using ZOOM.)
Monday, March 22, 2021
Call to Order: 6:02 PM
Peter Berger, Chair, called the meeting to order. A quorum was met.
PRESENT
- Selectboard Members: Peter Berger and Cathy McGrath
- Town Administrator: Tad Nunez
- Lister: Noël Walker
- Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitors: Miranda Clemson, Kyla Suarez, Arlene Guest, Bonnie Payne, Alex Nuti-de Biasi, Charles Savage, J.C. Santa Theresa, Travis Noyes, Berne Traendly
AGENDA APPROVAL AND MODIFICATIONS¶
Nunez added to the Agenda a liquor license permit.
McGrath added an item under Public Comment.
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to accept the Agenda as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Meeting Etiquette
Cathy McGrath expressed how Selectboard meetings sometimes generate misunderstandings and the important aspect of being a Select Board member is to listen carefully and not be critical.
Zoning Administrator’s Report
The mini-storage project south of the Village is in the process of Act 250 permitting.
The Development Review Board will meet on Tuesday, March 23, and hear the continuation of the March 9 meeting for a lot merger. Also, on the docket are pre-application discussions about a lot line adjustment and a subdivision.
Rural Development Grant vs. the revolving loan fund needs a decision from the Selectboard because of the upcoming March 31 deadline.
Project Dedicated TIF Proposal: Megan Sullivan got back to the Zoning Office with details about the interstate school district and TIF funding, and she stated that the Division of Property Valuation and Review, Tax Office, does not foresee any issues.
Batchelder Road complaints:
There is a travel trailer with a 28-day permit.
There is a junk and trash complaint, which is becoming a neighborhood issue.
[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 March 15, 2021:
Telephone Number Changeover
Nunez reported that beginning October 2021, telephone customers will have to dial 10 digits even for local calls, which is to accommodate the change by the FCC to make 988 the single access number for the National Suicide Hotline.
Town Hall Repairs
The roof above the vault is leaking. A request for quotes has been issued.
The front window in the Town Clerk’s Office is cracked. Estimates for a replacement window have been solicited.
The slate roof has pieces falling off on the south side.
VTrans
Nunez reported on a meeting with the VTrans District 7 managers to discuss the town highway funds and other projects.
Boards and Committees
Nunez completed the solicitation notices for volunteers to serve on the town’s boards and committees.
Transfer Station
Nunez continues to work with Frank Godfrey on the education of patrons. New signs for plastic bag barrels have been posted.
Nunez reported that the Quinttown hauler is honoring their contract obligations.
Tri-Town Commission
Nunez reported that the insurance for the Tri-Town Commission has not been paid, and he will investigate.
North Star Fireworks
Nunez announced that a private party has asked to conduct a fireworks display on the Town Beach on July 31, 2021, to celebrate a wedding.
EV Charger Station
Nunez has located a technician who can assist the electrical contractor in activating the charger.
Berger asked about a charger lease program from GMP.
NEW BUSINESS
Mountainside Chiropractic at Milldale Farm Center for Wellness / Vermont Be True (NPO)
Nunez reported on a Wellness Center opening in West Fairlee, and the owner Bonnie Payne addressed the Board. Payne presented the concept of her chiropractic clinic and how she can help people achieve wellness. Kyle Suarez presented information about her Vermont Be True project for alternative health care and the Milldale Farm Wellness center, which provides mental health services.
Local Emergency Management Plan
Nunez noted that this is twice-a-year training.
Chapman’s Redevelopment / Quitclaim Deed
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to approve and sign the Quitclaim Deed for the Chapman’s LLC, which will remove the reverter clause in their deed. The motion passed unanimously.
Tata & Howard
Nunez announced the addition of GPS mapping and data base products as an addendum to the engineering contract.
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to approve the Tata & Howard addendum Section 2, paragraph 2.7 of their contract. The motion passed unanimously.
HR 1319 America Rescue Plan
Nunez announced that $100,000 will be available for water, sewer, broadband, and more for municipalities responding to the Covid pandemic. The funds will come in two installments – one in 60 days and the second in one year.
Fairlee Newsletter
Berger requested a robust update of Fairlee’s natural resources, including the Town Forest plan and Lake Morey’s upcoming milfoil treatment.
OLD BUSINESS
Half-Marathon Event Around Lake Morey
Nunez noted that the date requested for the half-marathon event is Wednesday, May 19, 2021. The organizers were in attendance and presented for the Board the logistics of the event. Charles Savage stated that there will be more than 65 runners with a start/end at Lake Morey Resort. The organizers will have volunteers for flagging and traffic flow. The Sheriff’s department and medical personnel will be on site.
The Board approved the half-marathon event scheduled on Wednesday, May 19, 2021,
NEXT SELECTBOARD MEETING: Monday, March 29, 2021, at 6:00 PM
CORRESPONDENCE:
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to approve the liquor license for the Lake Morey Resort. The motion passed unanimously.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to accept the Selectboard Meeting Minutes from 3-15-2021 as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:06 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Board Clerk