08-30-2021 Selectboard Meeting
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, August 30, 2021
Call to Order: 6:05 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
- Zoning Administrator: Chris Brimmer
- Treasurer: Lisa Hinsley
- Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitors: Bernice Mills, Miranda Clemson.
AGENDA APPROVAL AND MODIFICATIONS:
Berger added the signing of liquor licenses under Orders and Correspondences.
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to accept the Agenda as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Zoning Administrator’s Report (8-30-21):
Lake Morey
Brimmer reported on the cyanobacteria issues and the possibility of a development moratorium on Lake Morey:
A study needs to address the sources of nutrients that are feeding the algae blooms.
An engineering study could define the structural needs for controlling lake levels and water flows.
The moratorium is a set of regulations for remediation of current systems, vertical expansion of existing dwelling footprints, and conditional use for conversion of current dwellings to year-round use.
A moratorium will need direction regarding what will be allowed. There is no legal problem with a directed and focused suspension of new construction in the zone.
With cyanobacteria as the main reason for the building/construction moratorium, the Board is justified under public health and welfare provisions.
Municipal Planning Grant
Brimmer reported on the Municipal Planning Grant application for FY 2022, which is due at the end of September. Brimmer reported on the grant wording:
“DHCD [VT Department of Housing and Community Development] has $500,000 available to grant to municipalities for land use, development, and zoning bylaw updates in support of pedestrian-oriented development patterns that increase housing choice and affordability within smart growth areas, and in accordance with Vermont’s smart growth principles.”
Brimmer reported that the grant is up to $22,000 with a 10% match and this grant is a perfect fit for village master planning.
Permits
Brimmer issued a permit for an enclosure of a deck, an additional open deck, and a hot tub placement.
Interim Bylaw
Brimmer requested review and approval for warned language for the interim bylaw amendments.
Lake Morey Commission
Nunez announced the upcoming meeting on Tuesday, September 14, of the Lake Morey Commission, which will focus on the water quality of Lake Morey.
[End of Zoning Administrator’s Report]
Bylaw Amendment Discussion
Brimmer noted that at this point the Board can include only nonsubstantive changes to the document. Discussion ensued related to the inclusion of apartment building of 5 units or more in the village and imposing a construction moratorium on the lake shore.
Town Administrator’s Report
Tad Nunez provided a report on the Town Administrator’s activities and meetings during the week beginning August 23, 2021:
Water System
Nunez stated that the first draft of the water meter system policy has been completed.
Nunez is working to solve a few warranty issues with Penta Corporation on the filtration system.
Town Hall Windows
Nunez met with the Marvin Window technicians to review the Grange and kitchen windows, and they determined that the Grange windows can be repaired, but the kitchen windows should be replaced.
Lake Fairlee Boat Barrier
Nunez worked on the Fairlee Lake boat barrier project, which only needs to impede the ability of a water vessel from reaching the dam and may be of low cost.
CVWMD
Nunez reported on the Central VT Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD) financial committee meeting that focused on assuring that the organization can operate without fiscal constraints during the new construction of the hazardous waste facility.
VTrans Contacts
Nunez responded back to Steffanie Lemieux of VTrans and answered the questions she asked pertaining to the proposed crosswalk from Chapman’s across Route 5 to Chapman’s Place.
Nunez sent a note to VTrans district office sharing our appreciation for the road painting and our concern for the rather sloppy crosswalk painting at RT5/Bridge St. crossing.
Town Hall Steps
Nunez reported that the Town Hall front steps and the back porch railing have been reconditioned.
Road Work
Nunez reported that Mike Wright, Road Foreman, replaced the 30-mph signs on Lake Morey Road, and four new “Share the Road” signs will be installed along Lake Morey Road this week.
Nunez reported that one of two new culverts were installed on Maurice Roberts Memorial Highway, and the second culvert will be installed this week.
M2M Event
Nunez assisted in the planning and setup of the M2M event on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, and 35 people attended.
Railroad Station Construction Project
Nunez monitored the Railroad Station construction project on a daily basis during the week.
NEW BUSINESS: None.
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. The Board identified some discrepancies in the policy wording and chose to table the approval until revision can be discussed with Chief Bachus.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Nunez reported that he received grant invitations, including a stormwater grant due in October. Nunez explained the loan forgiveness funding for a community septic study. Discussion continued.
Main Street to Morey (M2M)
McGrath provided for Board review the discussion points that came from the M2M meeting, including development along and access to the Connecticut River, sidewalks, and round-abouts for Rt 5 intersections in the Village.
Water Metering Draft Policy
Nunez provided the Board with a draft of the Water Metering Policy. The Board discussed revisions, and Nunez will provide a second draft at the next meeting.
NEXT SELECTBOARD MEETING: Monday, September 13, 2021, at 6:00 PM.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Berger read from a letter from Thomas Mitchell who requested that the road near his property be restored to the status it was before the water main installation. Nunez responded that the restoration is on the plan for Lake Morey Road east side. McGrath noted she received another complaint about pavement problems on Lake Morey Road near Clubhouse Road.
A liquor license was signed by the Board for a wedding reception at Aloha Foundation, 2899 Lake Morey Road, on September 26, 2021.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting on from 8-23-21 as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to approve the Minutes of the Special Selectboard meeting on from 8-25-21 as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Lance Mills/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Board Clerk