02-04-2019 Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, February 4, 2019
Call to Order: 6:00 PM
Peter Berger, Vice Chair, called the meeting to order.
A quorum was met.
- Selectboard Members: Peter Berger, Vice Chair, and Cathy McGrath.
- Town Administrator: Tad Nunez
- Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitors: Denis Lambert, Elizabeth Wilson
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Cathy McGrath added an Executive Session related to personnel
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Municipal Self-Governance Pilot Program from VLCT
Nunez reported on an e-mail received from Vermont League of Cities and Towns relating to a self-governance project, which will be discussed at Local Government Day, February 14, 2019, in Montpelier.
Broad-Based Fuel Tax in Vermont
Nunez reported on an e-mail received from the Waterbury and Strafford Selectboard members to address highway infrastructure underfunding in Vermont by supporting a proposal to institute a broad-based fuel tax.
Pinwheels for Prevention of Child Abuse
Nunez announced a way for towns to show support for the April 2 National Symposium for Child Abuse Prevention is by purchasing pinwheels and staking them out in town gardens. Peter Berger suggested purchasing some pinwheels and notifying the Fairlee Gardeners.
Town Administrator’s Report
Tad Nunez presented the Town Administrator’s (TA) report highlighting his activities and meetings during the week beginning January 28, 2019:
Old Water Tank Mediation
Nunez presented a list of expenses incurred by the Town relating to the failure of the water storage tank in preparation for the mediation meeting February 21.
VLCT Government Day, February 14
Nunez will attend the Montpelier meeting.
Tata & Howard Meeting
Nunez reported that a progress meeting related to the water projects will be held on Wednesday, February 13.
VTAOT–Retaining Wall
Nunez reported that the Town received permission from AOT to proceed with construction of the new retaining wall on Lake Morey Rd.
Rt 244 Culvert Work
Nunez reported that the culvert work on Rt 244 that requires road closures is scheduled to begin Friday, June 18, at 6 PM and to be completed by Monday at 6 AM. The Selectboard suggested moving the culvert repair project to late September because summer traffic is in full swing by mid-June.
Orford Lions Club Annual Ice Fishing Derby
Nunez reported that the Ice Fishing Derby is being held on Saturday and Sunday, February 23, 24, at the Town Beach. The bathhouse and the beachfront will be used as a staging area. Berger suggested the club sign a liability release form for use of the Town facilities.
Lebanon Landfill Rule
Nunez researched the issue relating to items taken away from the Transfer Station. In Lebanon, he reported, removal of items is prohibited because of liability concerns.
Fairlee Community Arts
Nunez is continuing to work with FCA regarding scheduling of events and helping with the audio grant project.
Municipal Roads Grant Permit Report
Nunez stated that he has completed the MRGP annual planning report.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
Zoning Administrator’s Report (written)
Town Hall Window Replacement
Chris Brimmer reported that Jenna Lapachinski, Preservation Trust of Vermont, recommended that the Town apply for the Sincerbeaux grant for window replacements in the Town Hall. Follow-up: The PTV window assessment will be done at the end of spring.
Planning Party
Brimmer prepared a report of the Planning Party event data. Brimmer suggested scheduling another community event in March.
Planning Commission Meeting February 7
Brimmer stated that the Planning Commission will meet Thursday, February 7, with contractors Kevin Geiger and Kimberly Gilbert from TRORC to go over updates to the Town Plan.
Capital Budget Steering Committee
Brimmer reported that the next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for March 14.
[End of Zoning Administrator’s Report]
NEW BUSINESS
Conference Call with Bill Meub
The Selectboard discussed topics related to the old water tank mediation in preparation for a conference call on February 11, at 6:20 PM with lawyer, Bill Meub.
[Denis Lambert and Elizabeth Wilson entered the meeting at 6:58 PM]
OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Water Metering Project Update
Nunez reported that a Water Meter Survey will be distributed to water users, and Town representatives will visit those who do not respond.
Better Connections Grant
McGrath stated that the writers did a good job on the grant, which was submitted last week.
Municipal Waste Water/Septic Concept Update
Nunez reported that the Committee has a vacancy to fill.
Fairlee Community Arts
Denis Lambert presented a request to cater malt, vinous, or spirits for the Catamount Arts event (Mardi Gras party) at the Town Hall auditorium February 23. Nunez noted that Catamount Arts has a permit on file with the Town.
Vermont Pond Hockey Championship at Lake Morey
Berger stated that Justin Bonnett of the Lake Morey Resort said that the resort prepared 18 rinks on the lake. The Championship had parties competing from throughout the East.
BOARD ORDERS & CORRESPONDENCES
The board orders and correspondences were presented to the Selectboard for signatures.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to accept the Minutes from the 1-28-19 meeting as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
Executive Session (personnel)
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to go into Executive Session at 7:33 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
The Selectboard came out of Executive Session at 8:15 PM.
Action item: Tad to give Chris Brimmer a new self-evaluation form to complete.
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN: The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk.