11-18-2019 Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, November 18, 2019
Call to Order: 6:05 PM
Peter Berger, Chair, called the meeting to order. A quorum was met.
- Selectboard Members: Peter Berger, Chair; Cathy McGrath, Vice Chair; and Josh Hickman
- Town Administrator: Tad Nunez
- Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitors: Mark Avery and Sarah Howe (Lake Morey Resort), Mariah Keagy and Brooke Scatchard (Sinuosity), Jesse Mohr, Clement Powers, Noël Walker
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Cathy McGrath added a discussion of Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year
McGrath added a discussion concerning membership in the VT Community Development Association (VCDA)
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Town Administrator’s Report
Tad Nunez presented the Town Administrator’s report highlighting his activities and meetings during the weeks beginning November 4 and November 11, 2019:
[Mark Avery and Sarah Howe (Lake Morey Resort), Mariah Keagy and Brooke Scatchard (Sinuosity), Jesse Mohr, Clement Powers, and Noël Walker entered the meeting at 6:10 PM]
Water Projects Updates
Nunez announced updates on the water projects:
Water meters and the meter reading system: Town officials met to review the meter, meter reading, and training proposal bids received by Tata & Howard
Nunez provided the draft schedules for Tata & Howard Project Implementation for the Water Treatment facility, water meters and the meter reading system training and installation, and water main improvements
The initial draft of the Public Water Systems Construction Permit for the water treatment system project is in the final stages of approval
FEMA / Knox Rd Project
Nunez reported that the Town will receive from FEMA $11,975 for the 2017 Knox Rd project.
Better Connections Grant
Nunez reported that the first quarterly report for the Better Connections grant was sent to Jackie Cassino (VTRANS).
Forest Board
Nunez reported that the Forest Board timber sales revenue this fall was $9,735.11.
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Nunez reported that he is in the process of updating the Town Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Town will be working with Two Rivers-Ottaquechee Regional Commission.
Autumn Flame Red Maple in the Town Common
Nunez announced that a new tree was planted in the Town Common.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
Zoning Administrator’s Report
Chris Brimmer reported that the Planning Commission will be meeting on Thursday, December 5, to discuss updates to the Unified Development Bylaw and, for that meeting, the members unanimously invited a potential new member.
The Development Review Board (DRB) approved the 3-lot subdivision for Donald Newton.
The DRB will be meeting on November 26 at 7:00 for a warned public hearing to review 19-SUB-05, a lot line adjustment.
[End of Zoning Administrator’s Report]
NEW BUSINESS
Use of Town Forest
Mark Avery and Sarah Howe came to the Selectboard meeting to offer a presentation about creating mountain bike trails on their property. They also presented a concept of gaining access the Town Forest. Mariah Keagy and Brooke Scatchard of Sinuosity, a forest trail building company, spoke of the care their company takes with preserving wildlife habitats, bird watching areas, and hiking trails, so that the forest can be a multi-use area.
[Mark Avery and Sarah Howe (Lake Morey Resort), Mariah Keagy and Brooke Scatchard (Sinuosity), Jesse Mohr, Clement Powers left the meeting at 7:25 PM]
Town Hall Holiday Closings
Nunez discussed holiday closings with the Selectboard, and they approved the closings schedule for the Town offices: the day after Thanksgiving, the week of Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Close-Out Request
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Josh Hickman moved/seconded the motion to approve and sign the requisition for reimbursement of $135,463.22 related to the VT AOT Structures grant. The motion passed unanimously.
Citizen of the Year / Business of the Year
McGrath nominated a business in Fairlee and a citizen who serves the Town with many functions. Business nominees must be members of the COHASE Chamber of Commerce, Wells River, VT.
VCDA
McGrath suggested the Town should join the VT Community Development Association. Berger noted that the Town should also be a member of the VT Conservation Commission.
OLD BUSINESS
Asset Management Update
Nunez reported that the water operators in Fairlee are required take the course in order to be able to apply for state funding.
Fairlee Newsletter
Cathy McGrath provided an updated draft of the fall newsletter and requested review by the Selectboard.
Town Highway 30 / Brown Hill Lane
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Josh Hickman moved/seconded the motion to rename Town Highway 30 to Brown Hill Lane. The motion passed unanimously.
BOARD ORDERS & CORRESPONDENCES
The board orders and correspondences were presented to the Selectboard for review and signatures.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Josh Hickman/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to accept the Minutes from the 11-4-19 Selectboard meeting as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Josh Hickman moved/seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN: The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk.