12-06-2021 Selectboard Meeting
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, December 6, 2021
CALL TO ORDER: Peter Berger, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:04 PM.
PRESENT
- Selectboard Members: Peter Berger, Chair; Cathy McGrath, Vice Chair; and Lance Mills. A quorum was met.
Town Administrator: Tad Nunez
Treasurer: Lisa Hinsley
Town Clerk: Georgette Wolf-Ludwig
Budget Committee: Steven Bentley, Chair; Eliabeth Wilson; Dan Ludwig
Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh - Visitor: Arlene Guest.
AGENDA APPROVAL AND MODIFICATIONS:
McGrath added a discussion of ARPA projects under Old Business.
MOTION: Lance Mills/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Zoning Administrator’s Report
Brimmer reported that the Planning Commission approved a Memo of Submission to present to the Selectboard on the Bylaw amendments. Brimmer reported that the Commission is waiting for the model Flood Hazard Bylaw language, which has been delayed.
Brimmer recommended upcoming public hearing dates: a target date of January 3, which would make the last functional date to post the warning to be December 17. Brimmer noted that adoption of these amendments would accommodate the permitting requirements for pending projects.
Brimmer announced a stormwater grant with information coming from Gary Holloway at the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. Brimmer stated that the grant deadline is March 7, 2022, and the maximum awards are $200,000k and require a 20% match. Brimmer noted there is separate funding for up to $170,000 if the project can be tied to water quality related to stormwater.
[End of Zoning Administrator’s report]
Town Administrator’s Report
Nunez announced the upcoming meeting for Fairlee businesses: “Stormwater Q & A for Businesses” scheduled for Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at 6:30 PM.
Tad Nunez provided a report on the Town Administrator’s activities and meetings during the week beginning November 29, 2021:
Nunez participated in the monthly Central VT Solid Waste Management District meeting.
Nunez completed the final steps to register Fairlee opioid settlements, which have two settlement defendants: the distributor and Janssen.
Nunez indicated that he would like to discuss and to request approval of the water connect fee schedule at the December 13 Selectboard meeting.
Nunez recommended that the Town develop a vaccination policy for all current and new hires. The state guidelines for implementing such a policy are listed, as follows:
Define a municipal employee.
Make the vaccination freely available.
Pay for time getting the vaccination.
Pay for time off due to reaction to vaccination.
Development of a statement of failure to comply, which could result in disciplinary action/dismissal [not recommended].
Nunez announced that Markus Bradley, Town Forester, reported that the Acceptable Management Practices (AMP) work being completed in the Town Forest is about one-third complete.
Nunez announced that Peggy Bissell has resigned from her post as the Greeter Manager at the Boat Dock, and, for her service, a thank you letter on behalf of the Town was sent. Nunez reported that the Lake Morey Protective Association is working to find a replacement to fill the vacancy.
Nunez reported that the Cross Rivendell Trails Association is working to create trail signage along RT 5 and is working with VTrans to assure all permit requirements are met.
Nunez announced that Elizabeth Wilson of Fairlee Community Arts conducted the first of seven “Fairlee Community Corner” Zoom meetings.
Nunez reported that an updated agreement with the Bradford Veterinary Clinic was prepared, which will allow stray canines and felines within Fairlee to be brought to the clinic for spaying.
Nunez reminded the Board that a Selectboard annual report is now due.
Nunez announced that the Town Hall will be closed the week of December 27 through December 31.
The Transfer Station will be open Sunday, December 26, 2021, and Sunday, January 2, 2022, and will be closed Saturday, December 25, 2021, and Saturday, January 1, 2022.
Nunez provided the Selectboard with a list of the major projects now in progress, as follows:
VTrans Better Roads grant for culvert projects.
Town Forest management.
Close out of grants:
Class 2 Highway VTrans grant.
Milfoil grant.
Transfer Station project.
Stormwater RT 5 project.
Village septic system study project.
Water meter fee rate project.
Filtration system management (warrantee items).
Asset Management project
Lake Morey moratorium administration.
Completing water system project.
[End of Town Administrator’s report]
BUDGET COMMITTEE (6:30 PM to 7:38 PM)
The Budget Committee met with the Selectboard and the Town Treasurer to discuss the draft budget following the inclusion of department heads’ budgets. The Budget Committee addressed the cost-of-living increase for Town staff, the lack of an appropriation to Fairlee Community Arts, other nonprofit appropriations, repairs to the Emergency Services Building, the cost of a trail vehicle, highway costs and the addition of a hay bale shredder, increased costs for a Town librarian, increases in the Orange County Sheriff’s Department fees, and the village septic study cost structure. The Selectboard, the Town Treasurer, and the Budget Committee continued with a discussion about the Capital Budget.
Upcoming meetings:
Selectboard Meeting / Budget Committee Public Hearing, Monday, January 3, 2022.
NEW BUSINESS
Transfer Station Pass Rates
The Board, Town Administrator, and the Town Clerk discussed the history of the cost of the passes for the Town Beach and the Transfer Station.
MOTION: Lance Mills/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to approve the Transfer Station/Town Beach pass rate to be $10.00. The motion passed unanimously.
Planning Commission MEMO of SUBMISSION
Nunez noted that the edited draft of the Interim Bylaw was sent to the Selectboard members by email for their review.
OLD BUSINESS
Transfer Station Build-Out Draft Report for Review
Nunez introduced the draft Build-Out Report from Tata & Howard (November 2021), which summarized the findings of the Transfer Station Committee and the recommendations from Tata & Howard, engineering firm. Discussion ensued. Nunez noted that the report requires continued local review and submission to the state.
ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act)
McGrath reported on her discussion with staff from Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission and the Vermont League of Cities and Town related to the projects eligible for ARPA funding.
CORRESPONDENCE: None.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to approve the minutes from 11-29-21 as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
NEXT SELECTBOARD MEETING: Monday, December 13, 2021.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Board Clerk