06-28-2021 Selectboard Meeting
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, June 28, 2021
Call to Order: 6:03 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
- Zoning Administrator: Chris Brimmer
- Chief of Police: Jason Bachus
- Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitors: Arlene and Peter Guest, Bruce Durgin, Alex Nuti de-Biasi (Journal Opinion).
AGENDA APPROVAL AND MODIFICATIONS:
Nunez added a liquor license request for approval.
Nunez added a letter of action from the Listers Office.
McGrath suggested tabling the Review of Board Goals and Objectives.
McGrath noted that Monday, July 5, is the July 4th holiday, and the Board should not meet.
MOTION: Lance Mills/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to accept the Agenda as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Zoning Administrator’s Report:
Brimmer reported that the Development Review Board (DRB) approved the ministorage site plan for Don Newton at the June 22 meeting.
Brimmer announced at the July 13 meeting of the DRB, the owner of Broken Heart Burgers will be heard related to a site plan of outdoor patio seating.
Brimmer noted the increase this year in commercial administrative permitting.
Brimmer reported that Bridget O’Brien, toxicologic analyst from the cyanobacteria program at the Vt Department of Health, sent information about the test strips that have a cost of $800 per species, and there are three species of cyanobacteria to test. Brimmer noted that the costs are prohibitive. Brimmer stated that Nunez has provided a resolution to the testing issue.
Brimmer announced that a tour of properties in East Thetford with Andrew Winter (Twin Pines Housing) and Erika Hoffman-Kiess (Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation) is scheduled for Friday, July 1, 2021, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 PM. The group will meet at Isabell’s Café at 3052 US-5, Thetford, VT 05043.
Brimmer provided an Agenda for the Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 7.
Brimmer noted that the agendas for meetings in the future will be more descriptive based on internal discussions.
[End of Zoning Administrator’s Report]
NEW BUSINESS
Speed Limit Lowering on Lake Morey Road
Jason Bachus, Police Chief, discussed with the Selectboard the community complaints about vehicles speeding on Lake Morey Road. Bachus expressed support for reducing the speed limit to 25 mph. Nunez provided history of the establishment of a speed limit of 30 mph on Lake Morey Road in 2004 and found that the ordinance can be amended by the Selectboard during a warned public meeting. Bachus noted that the speed sign recorders are in place and collecting data. Discussion continued. Bachus stated his suggestions: 1) increase the number of mph signs and implement speed recorders to collect data; 2) paint the roadways for bicycles and walkers; 3) consider enforcement to be objective and consistent; and 4) issue tickets for speeding at 10 mph or more above the speed limit, and warnings for speeding less than 10 mph over the speed limit. Methods of traffic calming assessed by the Board included installing new speed-limit signs, discussing a seasonal reduction of the speed limit to 25 mph, using speed bumps, and gathering data on speeding.
Mutual Aid / Orford, NH, Use of Fairlee’s Police Cruiser
Chief Bachus reported that his Orford police cruiser was hit by a moose, sustained damage, and will be out of use for one month. Bachus requested the use of Fairlee’s cruiser during that down time for his duties in Orford. There was consensus from the Board.
Nunez stated that the Town of Fairlee will be lending the Town’s police cruiser to the Town of Orford, and a letter of agreement will be drafted outlining the conditions of use of the vehicle, including the insurance, timeline for use, and vehicle mileage reimbursement.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS, cont.
Town Administrator’s Report
Tad Nunez provided a report on the Town Administrator’s activities and meetings during the week beginning June 21, 2021:
Zebra Mussel Identified
Nunez reported that a zebra mussel was identified on the hull of a boat by a greeter at the Boat Launch.
ProcellaCOR Treatment
Nunez provided a video of the administration of ProcellaCOR on the lake.
Sample of Current/Outstanding Projects
Nunez provided a list of projects:
Emergency Service Building: window sashes, overhead doors, ventilation system, ceiling repairs.
Highway: culverts and Lake Morey east project.
Town Hall: floor refinishing, replacement windows, front step repairs, auditorium outlets.
Transfer Station: Planning grant management.
Water System Project: Fairview St project, filtration system project, meter system project.
Water 100% loan forgiveness Request for Qualifications.
Water System Project
Nunez reported that the filtration system change order for internet lines will be taken off the Pentra contract and be completed by a subcontractor.
The water main hook-ups are beginning on Fairview St., and water testing is in progress.
Town Beach
Nunez reported that the Town Beach driveway was refurbished and graded.
Library Outbuilding Demolition
Nunez reported that the demolition has been completed, and there was one field change order: to add additional fill material to bring the foundation hole to grade level before applying topsoil.
Annual Audit
Nunez assisted with the annual audit review on Wednesday, June 23 and Thursday, June 24, 2021.
Auditorium Lighting Project
Nunez reported that the auditorium lighting installation has been completed, but there are a few corrections and alterations to be made to the new lights, and a training session will be scheduled.
Central VT Solid Waste Management District
Nunez attended the Central VT Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD) meeting. The City of Barre, VT, turned down CVSWMD’s purchase and sales offer for a site for the new household hazardous waste facility.
Chapman’s Place
Nunez reported that Chapman’s Place has secured three permits: itinerant vendor, peddler, and food sales.
Fairlee’s Crosswalk Request to VTrans
Nunez reported that the letter of intent by the Town to ask the State to begin the process of review to reinstate a crosswalk in Fairlee was sent on June 23, 2021.
GRPorked Food Truck Request
Nunez reported that the GRPorked food truck company would like to set up an off-site serving location at the Town Common during the FCA Tuesday night concerts. Discussion ensued. The Board recommended requesting a new Itinerant Vendor permit for the new location.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
NEW BUSINESS, cont.
Cyanobacteria: Town Protocol / Procedure
Nunez presented for Selectboard review a cyanobacteria protocol document, which stated that the Town will conduct visual monitoring and not toxin testing for cyanobacteria at the Town Beach, guidance will be posted on the Town’s website, and the beach front will be posted CLOSED if cyanobacteria is seen and until it subsides. Nunez suggested that the Health Officer or the Town Administrator be the point persons for calls to the State.
Board Agendas
McGrath received an email from a resident requesting that the meeting agendas be more descriptive. The members asked to see a copy of the email.
OLD BUSINESS
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding
Lisa Hinsley, Treasurer, stated that she had questions when filling out the online form to approve ARPA funding because the form asked for “top line” budget information. The Board discussed possible uses of the funds.
NEXT SELECTBOARD MEETING: Monday, July 12, 2021, at 6:00 PM.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The Board approved a liquor license for Broken Heart Burgers.
The Board approved a 15-day extension for the 2021 Grand List.
Berger read an anonymous letter from a resident about the perceived preferential treatment for the Chapman’s project. Discussion continued. The Board noted that with no signatory, the Board cannot address the letter; however, McGrath noted that anyone who needs help should come before the Board.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to approve the Minutes from 6-7-21 as written. The motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to approve the Minutes from 6-21-21 as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Lance Mills moved/seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Board Clerk