02-11-2019 Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, February 11, 2019
Call to Order: 6:00 PM
Frank J. Barrett, Jr., Chair, called the meeting to order.
A quorum was met.
- Selectboard Members: Frank J. Barrett, Jr., Chair, and Peter Berger, Vice Chair.
- Town Administrator: Tad Nunez
- Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitor: Jason Bachus, Chief of Police
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr., moved/seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as written. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Planning Commission Member’s Resignation
Tad Nunez reported that he received a letter from Margaret Gladstone announcing her resignation from the Planning Commission.
Town Administrator’s Report
Nunez presented the Town Administrator’s (TA) report highlighting his activities and meetings during the week beginning February 4, 2019:
Municipal Complete Streets Compliance Form
Nunez reported that the Compliance form was completed as required by State of Vermont Act 34 effective as of July 1, 2011.
Electric Vehicle Equipment Grant
Nunez reported that the electric vehicle grant was not awarded to Fairlee; however, the Town can apply again in April 2019.
Rt 244 Bridge/Culvert Work
Nunez contacted the Project Manager and he stated that the project may be done in early June. Nunez stated that the Town Hall area can be used as field office space for VTrans.
Lake Morey Milfoil Treatment 2019
Nunez reported that the Renovate OTF herbicide permit application is in review; however, the Vermont Fish and Game Department suggested that no chemical treatments be performed on Lake Morey before July 1 because of the impact on fish spawning.
New Generator
Nunez reported that to obtain a generator for the Town Hall, there are two grants available – Hazard Mitigation and Pre-Disaster Mitigation grants – both of which are FEMA funds with a 25% match.
Municipal Roads Grants-in-Aid
Nunez announced that he received the material for applying for the Grants-in-Aid program from VTAOT with a deadline of April 15.
Water Meter Questionnaire
Nunez has begun working on the questionnaire and will meet with Tata & Howard to discuss this and other projects on February 13.
Fairlee Community Arts
Berger asked if alcohol would be served at the FCA events in a restricted area and suggested that signs stating “No alcohol beyond this point” be posted. Jason Bachus stated that if alcohol was planned on being served at the Town Hall, he suggested a uniformed Orange County deputy be on site.
Highway/Road Ordinance and Access & Right-of-Way Ordinance
Nunez reported that he began the review of these two above-mentioned ordinances.
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. Follow-up – Nunez sent e-mails to our legislators requesting their opinions regarding this Pilot Program to increase fuel taxes for highway infrastructure repair.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
Zoning Administrator’s Report (written)
Newmont Farm Solar Array
Chris Brimmer reported that problems with paperwork and land record entries relating to the Newmont Farm solar array are being addressed.
Planning Commission Meeting February 7
Brimmer stated that the Planning Commission met Thursday, February 7, with contractors Kevin Geiger and Kimberly Gilbert from TRORC to go over updates to the Town Plan. A supplemental meeting of the Planning Commission will be held on February 21 in which energy, infrastructure, and housing will be addressed.
[End of Zoning Administrator’s Report]
NEW BUSINESS
Highway and Road Access Ordinances
Nunez stated that both ordinances need to be brought up to date, and VLCT needs to review them to address engineering plans.
Vermont Pond Hockey Championship at Lake Morey
Bachus noted that during the tournament, 14 vehicles were parked on Club House Rd, and with the aid of the Town and the Lake Morey Resort owner, he wishes to have permanent “No Parking” signs posted in that area.
Town Beach Access
Bachus noted in a related matter that “No Parking” signage at the Town Beach would preclude liability for the Town.
OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mediation Statement by Attorney
Nunez announced that the conference call with Attorney Bill Meub will be held on February 19 at 6:30 pm to discuss the mediation statement prepared by his office.
BOARD ORDERS & CORRESPONDENCES
The board orders and correspondences were presented to the Selectboard for signatures.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr., moved/seconded the motion to accept the Minutes from the 2-4-19 meeting as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr., moved/seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN: The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 PM.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk.