11-01-2021 Selectboard Meeting
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, November 1, 2021
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
- Town Clerk: Georgette Wolf-Ludwig
- Lister: Nöel Walker
- Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitors: Arlene Guest, Lynne Fitzhugh, Miranda Clemson.
AGENDA APPROVAL AND MODIFICATIONS:
Berger added a discussion of the vaccine requirements for new staff.
Nunez added Executive Sessions for Wolf-Ludwig and Bligh.
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:
Chapmans Place / Lot Line Adjustment
Brimmer reported that the lot line adjustment for Chapmans Place passed through the Development Review Board (DRB) at the last meeting.
501 Main Street / Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit
Brimmer reported that the DRB recessed the site plan review of 501 Main Street, Jonah Richard, applicant. Brimmer submitted a Recess Memo, which stated the application for 501 Main Street will be re-reviewed and the DRB meeting reconvened on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at 7:15 PM.
Resignation from the DRB
Peter Lang offered his resignation from the DRB, and the alternate Bob Werthheimer may be available to fill in.
[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 October 25, 2021:
Town Forest
Nunez reported that he spent time working with the president of the Upper Trails Alliance (UVTA) and VT State to continue planning for the scheduled public session. Nunez continues working with the VT State on Town Forest compliance issues.
Bridge/Culvert Project / Lake Morey
Nunez reported that Mike Wright, Road Foreman, has completed 75% of the Lake Morey west bridge culvert project. The paving is to be done the week of November 8.
FY22 Town Budget Planning
Nunez worked on administering and scheduling the FY22 Town budget planning meetings and met with departments to review their budgets over a two-day period.
Water Main Flushing
Nunez reported that water main flushing is in progress for the week of November 1.
ARPA Funding
Nunez conducted a conference call with Sarah Wraight from Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission (TRORC) to discuss ARPA funding and to share with her the Town’s short list.
Grants-in-Aid Road Grant
Nunez submitted the close out for the Grants-in-Aid road grant to TRORC. Nunez reported that the Town is eligible to receive $7,247.55 with a local match of $1,449.50 for the Maurice Memorial Highway culvert projects (2 culverts).
Cultural Facilities Grant
Nunez submitted the close out for the Cultural Facilities grant. Nunez reported that the Town is eligible to receive $14,886.40 with a local match of $14,886.40, which will be funded by Fairlee Community Arts.
Lake Morey Resort Request
Nunez was asked by Sarah Howe of Lake Morey Resort (LMR) if the Town would have any objection to the inn hosting a collegiate (Dartmouth) rowing event on Lake Morey. The Board members were fully in support with the LMR for this event.
Recreation Economy for Rural Communities GRANT
Nunez reported that Arlene Guest shared a grant opportunity for Recreation Economy for Rural Communities planning.
Fairlee Public Library Board of Trustees
Nunez met with the Library Trustees and Director to discuss library building maintenance and confirmed that Frank Godfrey will begin assisting with routine and special building maintenance. Nunez reported that Godfrey’s time would be charged to the library.
VLCT/PACIF Insurance Renewal
Nunez completed the annual Vermont League of Cities and Towns PACIF insurance renewal.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOTION: Lance Mills/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to go into Executive Session at 6:43 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
The Selectboard came out of Executive Session at 7:14 PM.
NEW BUSINESS: None.
OLD BUSINESS
FY22 Budget Preparation
Cost of Living Salary Adjustments. Nunez provided suggestions for Board discussion about to priorities related to the FY22 Town budget, including staff 5.5% pay increase. Nöel Walker stated that the Consumer Price Index is 5.3% and the Social Security increase is 5.9%. Nunez stated that this discussion will remain on the Agenda for next week.
Capital Budget Planning Workshop Dates. Nunez recommended Wednesday, December 8, at 3 PM for the Capital Budget Workshop, and Mills confirmed the Wednesday, November 17, from 12 noon to 7 PM Budget Workshop meeting.
Personnel Policy Revision / Sick Leave
Berger suggested sick time of 7 days/year, and the Board agreed. Nunez asked about a policy start date, which was tabled until the Board confirms the policy’s final wording.
Preparation for Town Forest Special Meeting / Wednesday, November 3, at 6:00 PM
Nunez provided a draft agenda from the meeting with the UVTA who will facilitate the special meeting. The Board made a few revisions.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
McGrath provided to the Board for review a table listing the grantors and available grants as they relate to the projects considered by the Selectboard.
NEXT SELECTBOARD MEETINGS: Special Selectboard Meeting, Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at 6:00 PM and Selectboard Meeting, Monday, November 8, 2021.
CORRESPONDENCE: None.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to approve the minutes from 10-25-21 as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to go into Executive Session at 8:54 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 9:16 PM.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Lance Mills/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:23 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Board Clerk