04-19-2021 Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Town Hall
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, April 19, 2021
Call to Order: 6:03 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
- Town Clerk: Georgette Wolf-Ludwig
- Treasurer: Lisa Hinsley
- Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitors: Peter and Arlene Guest, Miranda Clemson, Alex Nuti-de Biasi, Bob Wertheimer, Lance Mills.
AGENDA APPROVAL AND MODIFICATIONS:
Nunez added liquor license approvals.
McGrath added Volunteer Approval Week under New Business.
Berger added the Connecticut River Joint Commission to New Business.
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to accept the Agenda as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Zoning Administrator’s Report
Brimmer stated that the moratorium on conditional use permits for camp conversions to year-round residences needs clarification. In the Unified Development Bylaw, the conditional use provision states, “Conditional Use Approvals for year-round use shall be issued only to conforming lots.” This provision is in place and disqualifies 90% of most conversations.
Brimmer registered for the May 11 webinar for the 2021 Downtown and Village Center Tax Credit program.
Brimmer stated that the Development Review Board (DRB) approved a lot line adjustment in their recent meeting but had to recess a minor subdivision because of nonattendance of the applicant.
The Planning Commission will be meeting twice monthly. The next meeting is April 22 at 5:30 PM.
The 2021 VTrans Bike-Ped Grant has been announced and applications are due by June 4.
Brimmer noted that some property owners have placed shipping containers on their property without permits, and he has done some direct outreach to business owners.
DRB has a site plan review for the April 27 meeting.
[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 April 12, 2021:
Fairlee Water Project
Nunez reported that the meter company representative is due back in Fairlee on
April 26.
Nunez announced that water bills will go out the week of April 23, 2021.
Nunez reported that a notice was sent to all Fairview residents inviting them to the onsite informational meeting on Wednesday, April 28, at 5:00 PM.
Fairlee Town Library
Nunez completed the request for proposal (RFP) for the demolition of the library out building. An onsite pre-bid meeting is set for Wednesday, April 28th.
Maple Leaf Marathon
The Maple Leaf Marathon organizers have made suitable arrangements with all necessary services as requested by the Town, including notification of the ambulance service and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and posting signage.
COVER Home Repair (White River Jt., VT)
The organization COVER would like to conduct a “Stuff-A-Truck” event for electronics and furniture at the Fairlee Transfer Station.
Community Solar Array
The Town was approached by Sea Oak Capital, an investment fund, to participate in a community solar array program. Nunez passed the information to Geoff Martin for review and comments.
Route 244 Safety Study
Nunez reported that the Rt 244 Safety Study meeting was postponed until July 7, 2021, because of Covid protocols. All stakeholders have been notified.
Fairlee Recreation Council
Nunez attended the Fairlee Recreation Council meeting on April 14, and the Council voted that only residents/taxpayers will be eligible to use the Town Beach. The Council voted that no day passes will be issued, and only seasonal passes will be allotted to residents/taxpayers. The Council will discuss the implementation of swimming lessons at their May meeting.
Fire Station Exhaust Fan System
Nunez met with Brian Hardiman of Murphy’s Specialties and Kenny Champagne and Barry Larson to review and inspect the Fire Station exhaust fan system, which included the ceiling ventilation system. Hardiman will follow up with a report.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
NEW BUSINESS
VT Tax Credit Program
Nunez announced the Village Tax Credit Program, and Berger asked to get the information out to business owners.
“The Downtown and Village Center tax credit is designed to stimulate private investment, create jobs, restore historic buildings, and jumpstart the revitalization seen in Vermont’s Designated Downtowns and Village Centers.” https://accd.vermont.gov/historic-preservation/funding/tax-credits
Water Meter Seasonal Installation / Disconnect Fees
Nunez presented to the Board a policy document revision.
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to adopt the Town Meter Policy as revised. The motion passed unanimously.
Hinsley noted that the water users need to understand the policy and expectations. McGrath suggested creating a booklet of policies. Berger agreed.
Permission to Sell Town Culvert
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to approve the sale of the Town’s squash culvert. The motion passed unanimously.
Volunteer Appreciation Week
McGrath will be sending out Thank You emails to the Town’s volunteers.
Connecticut River Joint Commission Subcommittee
Berger announced that the Commission Subcommittee is seeking new members.
OLD BUSINESS
Recreation Council Appointment
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to appoint Bonnie Payne to the Recreation Council. The motion passed unanimously.
Development Review Board Appointment as Alternate
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to appoint Bob Wertheimer to the Development Review Board as an alternate. The motion passed unanimously.
Vacant Selectboard Position
Lance Mills introduced himself as a long-time resident of Fairlee. Georgette Wolf-Ludwig as Town Clerk noted that as a Selectboard member he would be on the Board of Civil Authority, which involves election assistance and tax appeal decisions.
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to appoint Lance Mills to the Selectboard. The motion passed unanimously.
Wolf-Ludwig stated that Mills will need to take the Oath of Office.
Fairlee Newsletter
McGrath discussed the topics to insert into the spring Newsletter with the Board and Town Administrator.
NEXT SELECTBOARD MEETING: Monday, April 26, 2021, at 6:00 PM.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Liquor License
Nunez provided the Board with a name amendment for Samurai Soul for the approval of their liquor license. The liquor license was signed by the Board.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to accept the Selectboard Meeting Minutes from 4-12-2021 as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:42 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Board Clerk