09-13-2021 Selectboard Meeting
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, September 13, 2021
Call to Order: 6:01 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
- Treasurer: Lisa Hinsley
- Lister: Noël Walker
- Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitors: Jonah Richard, Miranda Clemson, Bernice Mills, Ray Coffin (All Access Infotech).
AGENDA APPROVAL AND MODIFICATIONS:
MOTION: Lance Mills/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to accept the Agenda as written. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jonah Richard presented for Selectboard review a modified site plan for the 501 Main St. property, which Richard is attempting to reconstruct for housing. Richard stated that the plan is for a 3-story building within the 35-foot height limitation, but with a shed-type roofline, which is prohibited in the Town of Fairlee bylaw.
Discussion ensued. Berger stated that the Planning Commission will review the preliminary site plan.
Zoning Administrator’s Report:
Brimmer reported on an application dated September 28 to replace an existing seasonal structure on Lake Morey, and Brimmer confirmed that this application was submitted prior to the development moratorium.
Brimmer reported on the Planning Commission meeting of September 1, 2021, in which Kevin Geiger was present discussing lake water quality and shoreline zoning. Geiger also discussed mapping in which no-go development areas will be identified.
Brimmer reported that he will attend the qualification criteria webinar related to Historic Preservation grants and intends to write a grant for the Town Hall second-floor windows.
Brimmer visited Bald Top and expressed concern about run-off and erosion issues.
Brimmer reported that in an attempt to design 3 full floors in the redevelopment project at 501 Main St., Jonah Richard is concerned about the Town’s building height and roof-line limitations.
Brimmer announced that the Public Hearing for the Lake Morey development moratorium and the Interim Bylaw have been warned.
Brimmer reported that he issued a permit for a shed.
[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 September 6, 2021:
Lake Fairlee Dam Boat Barrier
Nunez investigated the Fairlee Lake boat barrier options with consideration of the private shoreline properties and boating access near the dam. Nunez recommended that a V-shaped barrier may be the best option.
Water Project
Nunez met with a BlakTop representative to review paving repairs to the Fairview driveway aprons ($2,460) and water valve curb cuts ($1,170) and noted that the driveway apron costs will be shared with Alliance.
Rivendell School Board / Fairlee Representatives
Nunez announced that the Fairlee representatives and Rivendell School Board Chair are available to meet with the Selectboard on Monday September 20, 2021.
Fairlee Library Trustees
Nunez announced that Charlotte Williams, Library Trustee, would like to be on the September 20 Selectboard agenda to discuss the library build-out plans.
Trustee Williams wrote:
“In order to allow for increased and more varied use of the Town’s library, [which is] already viewed as a community gathering place, we [the Board of Trustees] propose:
A modest expansion of the building’s area.
General renovations of the existing structure.
Improvements in accessibility and efficiency.
This project will be accomplished through grant writing and fund raising without an increase in taxes.”
Fairlee Fall Festival
Nunez announced that the Fairlee Fall Festival scheduled for September 25, 2021, includes support from the following Town organizations: Recreation Council, Fire Department, Library, Historic Society, Lions Club, Fairlee Community Arts, and Fairlee municipal staff and town leaders.
Swampguana Diving, LLC
Nunez announced that the divers have begun the contracted milfoil harvesting on Lake Morey.
Highway Work
Nunez announced that the two culvert installations on Maurice Roberts Memorial Highway are completed.
Nunez reported that the Lake Morey east project will start this week with the first phase of grinding up the road surface and ditching. Nunez noted that notices were sent to all Lake Morey (east) residents.
Railroad Station Project
Nunez noted that the construction crew at the Railroad Station project is keeping the driveway clear and working within the designated work zone.
Cyanobacteria Research
A Dartmouth graduate student, Katie Squires, who is working at Dr. Kathryn Cottingham’s laboratory, will be taking water samples to study cyanobacteria, and Greg Allen will be assisting.
VTrans Road Safety Audit
Nunez reported that the Town received the final Road Safety Audit Report for VT Route 244.
Nunez listed the short-term recommendations from the report, as follows:
Town — Consider using a portable speed radar feedback sign to manage speeds and initiate the permit process, and consider installing a stop bar (limit line) at the intersection of Blood Brook Rd.
VTrans (Traffic Operations) — Consider the installation of the sign upgrades provided, which include in the area of Blood Brook Rd., new curve warning signs with advisory speed plaques, new side-road signs with street name plaques, new chevrons, and an updated stop sign. Evaluate the need for a school bus stop-ahead sign for the area west of the Blood Brook Rd. intersection.
VTrans (District 4) — Consider inspecting the reflectors along the guardrail near Blood Brook Rd. and replace as needed.
Homeowners and Town – Consider removing tree limbs to help with sight distance on the inside curve at Blood Brook Rd.
Town Beach
Nunez announced that the Town Beach waterfront is closed for the season, and the lane lines were brought in with the volunteer assistance of Greg Allen. Nunez reported that the Town is now contracting with High Country Docks to have the docks and float removed and installed each season.
Lake Morey Greeters
Nunez met with the 2021 Lake Morey Greeters at a season-end gathering. Nunez found out from the greeters that the VT State boat landing and the parking area have been very popular, and a wayfaring kiosk should be upgraded in the parking area for visitors to include places to eat, swim, hike, and fish and to answer other common seasonal questions. Nunez announced that the greeters’ hourly salary will be increased from $13/hr. to $15/hr. in 2022.
Pine Grove Brook / Water Quality
Nunez received a notice from the VT Department of Environmental Conservation that silt-laden water was flowing into Pine Grove Brook as reported by Arlene Guest. Nunez will be meeting with VT State officials this week to review this concern.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
NEW BUSINESS:
Cybersecurity
Walker introduced Ray Coffin, All Access Infotech, to discuss cybersecurity for the Town of Fairlee. Walker noted that numerous criteria should be put in place to secure the Town’s files, including malware for emails, a password manager, multifaceted authentication, annual staff training, and cybersecurity assurance to maintain municipal insurance. Nunez provided a Best Practices statement on cybersecurity from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT). Coffin discussed the criteria in detail and answered Selectboard members’ questions.
The Selectboard agreed by consensus that All Access should move forward with implementing their cybersecurity program for the Town.
Appoint Planning Commission Member / Matt Walker
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to appoint Matt Walker as a member of the Planning Commission to serve out the term of the recently resigned member. The motion passed unanimously.
Appoint Voting Member of VLCT / Peter Berger
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to appoint Peter Berger as a voting member of VLCT. The motion passed unanimously.
Grant Funding / American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Nunez reported that some grants are connected with or augmented by ARPA funding, and he provided the Selectboard with a list of seven categories, including Public Health, Negative Economic Impacts, Services to the Impacted communities, Infrastructure, and Administrative costs. Discussion ensued.
OLD BUSINESS
Police Body Worn Cameras / Policy Review
Chief of Police Jason Bachus sent to the Selectboard a policy for Body Worn Cameras for their review, and the Selectboard reviewed the policy for a second time. The Board identified some discrepancies in the policy wording and chose to table the approval until the draft can be discussed with Chief Bachus.
Water Metering Draft Policy
Nunez provided the Board with the revised Water Metering Policy document.
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to approve the Water Metering Policy with amendments. The motion passed unanimously.
NEXT SELECTBOARD MEETING: Monday, September 20, 2021, at 6:00 PM.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Liquor license was presented for the Board’s information for the Stetson’s wedding, 2899 Lake Morey Rd, for the 802 Cocktails company, S. Burlington, VT.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting on 8-30-21 as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:22 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Board Clerk