08-09-2021 Selectboard Meeting
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, August 9, 2021
Call to Order: 6:03 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
- Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitors: Miranda Clemson, Arlene Guest, Lisa Hinsley, Georgette Wolf-Ludwig, Miranda Clemson.
AGENDA APPROVAL AND MODIFICATIONS:
Nunez stated that Chief of Police Bachus is on vacation and will not be reporting tonight, but will attend the next meeting.
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to accept the Agenda as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Town Forest
Arlene Guest addressed the Selectboard noting that she read the Forester’s report, and she felt that the report addressed the most egregious places on the trails that are in need of refurbishing before winter. Guest also responded to the Forest Board’s recommendation to close specific trails, and, in the short term, she suggested a public meeting.
Zoning Administrator’s Report:
The Housing Tour. Brimmer reported that it went well. The attendees were interested in different areas:
Kevin Geiger (Two Rivers–Ottauquechee Regional Commission) was interested in brownfields and the large, unused capacity of the water system.
Andrew Winter (Twin Pines Housing) was interested in the existing buildings, but was also interested in developable vacant property.
Erika Hoffman-Kiess (Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation) was interested in the Chapmans’ project.
Brimmer noted that the proximity of the gas plant excludes HUD money for building development within 500 feet.
Brimmer reported that the PC approved language for EV and solar-ready provisions in the Unified Development Bylaw, and on the agenda for the September meeting will be revisions to the enforcement and administration sections to enable Judicial Bureau enforcement and expanded Certificate of Compliance authority to require documentation of the energy provisions. Brimmer noted that at the September meeting, the subdivision provisions and mapping should be ready for final approval.
Brimmer announced that the 2022 Park and Ride Grant application has been submitted.
Brimmer issued two permits this week: an above ground pool with deck and another permit for a garage.
[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 2, 2021:
Water Projects
Nunez met with an Alliance contractor to review the Fairview water project, and the contractor will complete the necessary work to repair the driveway aprons and water ponding issues.
Nunez conducted preconstruction valve replacement meeting with the contractor to replace six values in the water system.
Transfer Station Steering Committee
Nunez reported that the second Transfer Station Steering Committee meeting was held Thursday, August 5. Nunez announced a site visit by the Selectboard of the Transfer Station will occur on Monday, August 16 at 6:00 PM.
Town Beach
Nunez reported that as of August 20, all beach staff will have left, and that the beach front will be cleaned three times a week by Frank Godfrey.
Railroad Station Culvert
Nunez met with the Cassella Construction (Mendon, VT) general contractors hired by the VTrans to repair the RR Station culvert drainage under the tracks. Nunez discussed the placing of the Cassella job trailers and equipment next to the north side of the building.
Town Hall Windows
Nunez met with a Marvin window representative to discuss the replacement or repair of the Grange Room and kitchen windows.
Grant-in-Aid Road Agreement
Nunez reported that the Town received the 2022 grant-in-aid road agreement from the State for continued culvert replacements: $6,700 state funds with a 20% local match of $1,340.
Upper Valley Trails Alliance (UVTA)
Nunez reported that Russ Hirschler, Executive Director of UVTA, indicated that his organization could be available in October to facilitate a community Town Forest meeting.
Milfoil Treatment Survey
Nunez reported that a post ProcellaCOR treatment survey of the entire Lake Morey treatment area was completed by Solitude, with no evidence of milfoil. Nunez reported that the Dept. of Environmental Conservation did an inspection and noted similar results. Nunez continued that a late season survey is planned.
Main Street to Morey (M2M)
Nunez completed the draft of the M2M August 26 event press release, which was sent to the Valley News and Journal Opinion.
Water Tank Access Road
Nunez inspected the Water Tank access road and found the water bars are in good shape with no immediate discharge into the stream, and the check dams are working as designed. Nunez noted that the grass planted in 2020 along the disturbed project areas is growing.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
NEW BUSINESS
Set Municipal Tax Rate
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to approve the municipal tax rate of 0.5971. The motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to approve a 3% penalty for HS122 late filing (May 15 to October 15) and 8% penalty for late filing after October 15. The motion passed unanimously.
Mills asked where with penalty funds go, and Hinsley responded in the general fund.
COVID Variant / Town Hall Procedures
Nunez noted that the Town Hall staff discussed procedures at a meeting and agreed that masks should be worn, and social distancing put in place at the Town Hall; however, the front door could still be in use. The Board agreed.
OLD BUSINESS
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Nunez received an email that the ARPA money will be available soon and suggested inviting the public to offer input for spending options. McGrath suggested spending some time at the M2M meeting to discuss ARPA.
Main Street to Morey (M2M) Public Event, August 28, 2021, at 6:00 PM
McGrath discussed the proposal she prepared for review by the Selectboard, which includes sections focusing on celebrating the progress in Fairlee and soliciting input from the residents about the use of ARPA funds.
NEXT SELECTBOARD MEETING: Monday, August 16, 2021, at 6:00 PM, which will include a tour of the Transfer Station and a project on Lake Morey Road.
CORRESPONDENCE: None.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to approve the Minutes from 8-2-21 as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Board Clerk