02-22-2021 Selectboard Meeting
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
(Most staff and all public attendees were remote using ZOOM.
Selectboard members, the Treasurer, and the Town Manager were in-person.)
Monday, February 22, 2021
Call to Order: 6:09 PM
Peter Berger, Chair, called the meeting to order. A quorum was met.
PRESENT
- Selectboard Members: Peter Berger, Chair; Josh Hickman, Vice Chair; Cathy McGrath
- Town Administrator: Tad Nunez
- Town Clerk: Georgette Wolf-Ludwig
- Lister: Noël Walker
- Treasurer: Lisa Hinsley
- Chair, Forest Board: Dan Ludwig
- Zoning Administrator: Chris Brimmer
- Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitor: Jonah Richard.
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Lisa Hinsley added an additional budget discussion.
Tad Nunez added a discussion of the Zoning Administrator’s hours.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Forest Board
Dan Ludwig requested permission from the Selectboard to post warning signs and gate certain roads in Town Forest during mud season.
Ludwig addressed the Trails Grant noting that it is not the place to debate Town Forest policy. Policy should be discussed at public meetings.
I-91 Underpass Art Grant
Cathy McGrath stated that the grant is in process, and VTrans may look at the underpass site. McGrath noted that working on the application with Miranda Clemson and Denis Lambert is a benefit.
Absentee Ballots
Georgette Wolf-Ludwig reported to the Selectboard that 679 ballots were mailed, and 115 have been received as of February 22.
Zoning Administrator’s Report
Chris Brimmer conferenced with Geoff Martin, Energy Coordinator from TRORC, about Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards [30 VSA §51] and Compliance Certificates, which will be required for all new residential construction, additions, and conversions.
Brimmer reported that the State has transferred the regulations related to private helipads to local zoning boards.
Brimmer announced that there is a possible funding source for a revolving loan fund of $30,000 through the Rural Development Business Grant Program. The grant is due March 31.
Brimmer stated that the AARP has announced its Community Challenge Grant for 2021.
Brimmer reported that Nancy Anderson wishes to be reappointed to the Development Review Board and that there is a need for alternates.
Brimmer reported on some properties on Main St. that have had a change in ownership, and there is a possible ministorage building project south of the Village.
Brimmer communicated with Nick Clark, Thetford, VT Selectboard, regarding the specifics of Fairlee’s subdivision draft.
[End of Zoning Administrator’s Report]
Zoning Administrator’s Hours
Hinsley stated that the Zoning Administrator should work no more than 60 hours per pay period.
Liquor Licenses
Georgette Wolf-Ludwig requested that the Selectboard approve and sign the following liquor licenses:
Apple Green
Champlain Farms
Lake Morey Resort (First Class, Third Class, and Outside Consumption)
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Josh Hickman moved/seconded the motion to approve the above Liquor Licenses. The motion passed unanimously.
Town Administrator’s Report
Tad Nunez reported on the Town Administrator’s activities and meetings during the weeks beginning February 8 and February 15, 2021:
Rivendell School District
Nunez announced that there are School District meetings scheduled for Tuesday, February 23 at 6:30 PM and Tuesday, March 9 at 6:30 PM. School Annual Reports will be delivered to the Fairlee Town Hall on March 5, 2021.
Water Project Updates
Water Treatment Facility: The Certificate of Compliance has been received, final start-up and training will be completed the week of February 22, and Perry’s/Patten Gas testing has been completed with a report to follow.
Meters and Meter Reading System: A balance of $9,977.50 remains from Zenner invoices to date.
Water Mains: Tata & Howard, engineers, have completed the Fairview Street design drawings, and Nunez will send the application for Permit to Construct to the State the week of March 1.
Marathon Road Race
Nunez reported that Charles Savage III would like to conduct a road race around Lake Morey on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Library Building Committee
Nunez is in the process of developing an RFP for the razing of the Library outbuilding, which is a project being administered by the Town, and the Friends of the Fairlee Library will be reimbursing the Town for any and all expenses related to the project.
Informative Data on Community Policing
https://vtdigger.org/2021/02/18/look-up-town-police-budget/
Upper Valley Ambulance
Nunez queried the Selectboard members relating to the request to post the Upper Valley Ambulance’s subscription program on the Town’s website. The Board declined the request.
FY21 VT Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant
Nunez reported that this grant was completed and submitted.
Salt Application Policy
Nunez noted that as Road Commissioners, the Selectboard should review the salt application policy for Town roads.
Transfer Station Site Supervisor Position
Nunez requested permission from the Selectboard to hire Frank Godfrey for the position of Town Hall maintenance laborer and the Transfer Station Site Supervisor.
COVER Home Repair
Nunez met with the staff from COVER who will be renovating the kitchen area to better accommodate the Food Pantry.
Transfer Station Grant Project
Nunez announced that he met with Tata & Howard staff to kick off the Transfer Station Grant Project.
Forest Recreation Trails Grant
Nunez assisted with the wording of the Trails Grant as requested by the Forest Board Chair.
VASA (Vermont ATV Sportsman’s Association)
Nunez met with VASA Executive Director Danny Hale to discuss how their organization could help the Town with trail maintenance in the Town Forest.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
NEW BUSINESS
2021 Water Rates
MOTION: Josh Hickman/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to approve the increase in water rates by 5% from what is actually billed and to send out water bills quarterly. The motion passed unanimously.
Budget Update
Hinsley noted that USDA professional fees were received in January, and the loan information was missing from the warrant. With the Selectboard’s agreement, Hinsley will deduct the difference when setting the tax rate.
OLD BUSINESS
Town Meeting / Informational Session Preparations / February 25, 2021
The Selectboard discussed the logistics of the virtual informational meeting and revised the PowerPoint slide set to be presented at the meeting. Nunez noted that a monitor could let in viewers and forward CHAT or hand-raised questions from the viewers to the Selectboard.
8:41 PM Technical Difficulties
COMMENTS
Informational Meeting logistics: Nunez will have each Selectboard member a cohost.
NEXT SELECTBOARD MEETINGS:
Special Meeting, Thursday, March 25, at 1:00 PM
Monday, March 1, 2021, at 6:00 PM
CORRESPONDENCE: None.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Peter Berger/Josh Hickman moved/seconded the motion to accept the Selectboard Meeting Minutes from 2-8-2021 as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Josh Hickman/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Board Clerk