08-20-2018 Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, August 20, 2018
Call to Order: 6:01 PM
Frank J. Barrett, Jr., Chair, called the meeting to order.
A quorum was met.
- Selectboard Members: Frank J. Barrett, Jr., Chair; Peter Berger, Vice Chair; and Cathy McGrath
- Town Administrator: Tad Nunez
- Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitors: Clyde Blake, Russell Collins, Lisa Hinsley, Noël Walker, Elizabeth Wilson, Denis Lambert
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Cathy McGrath suggested adding an Executive Session with the water tank update
Tad Nunez requested adding a legal update in the Executive Session
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Golf Cart Crossing
Clyde Blake stated that the golf cart crossing on Lake Morey Rd near the intersection of Brennan Rd is dangerous with vehicles approaching too fast. Blake requested that the Chief of Police or the Orange County Sheriff Department monitor that area. Frank J. Barrett, Jr., stated that the Selectboard will take that under advisement.
[Clyde Blake left the meeting at 6:09 PM]
Town Administrator’s Report
Tad Nunez presented the Town Administrator’s report highlighting his activities and meetings during the week beginning August 13, 2018:
Water Tank Project
Nunez reported that the first water tank addendum was issued, with questions solicited by 8-22, the final addendum by 8-24, and the bid opening on 8-29 at 3 PM at the Town Hall.
Nunez reported that the contract with Brian Newcity (Newcity CM) was completed and signed, with work starting today and to be completed by 9-8-18.
Nunez reported that Walt Gladstone agree to the use of his property for the storage of the water tank roofing material and trusses and a hold harmless agreement dated 9-2018 to 6-2019 was signed.
Nunez stated that he has continued to secure permits for the draining of the water tank.
Milfoil Divers
Nunez reported that the milfoil divers will return to Lake Morey in the first week of September according to Don Weaver, and a SOLitude Lake Management report will be available soon.
Railroad Station Grant (Robert Sincerbeaux Preservation Trust)
Nunez reported that the Town was awarded a $500 grant ($750 match) for engineering to assess the condition of the Railroad Station.
End-of-Month Financial Report
Nunez reported that beach pass revenues are up 173%, scrap metal income is up 129%, and, overall, Town expenses are within the +/- 51% range.
Paving Projects
Nunez reported that the paving projects to date have been under the $20,824 cited in the contract.
Structures Grant Project
Nunez reported that the engineering and surveying work has begun, and Tata & Howard met with the Barbieri’s to review the project, which is adjacent to their property.
Trees in Town Right-of-Way
Nunez reported that he met with residents of Fairview Sq and determined that there is no way to salvage the trees in the Town’s right-of-way.
Municipal Septic System Feasibility Study
Nunez reported that he met with Nathan Cleveland, Vermont Community Development, to discuss septic build-out, a crucial factor in commercial/housing development in Fairlee.
Nunez stated that federal or state agencies, including USDA, HUD, or the Vermont Rural Water Association can possibly assist with funding.
Town Hall Rental Policy/Form
Nunez stated that he worked with Miranda Clemson to develop an online, fillable form for the rental of Town Hall spaces.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
NEW BUSINESS
Setting Tax Rate
Lisa Hinsley reported on the 2018 tax rate calculations and Homestead Declaration penalties/late fees.
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to waive this year’s Homestead Declaration penalties/late fees. The motion passed unanimously.
[Lisa Hinsley and Russell Collins left the meeting at 6:52 PM]
Fairlee Community Arts
Vermont Arts Council Grant Agreement
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to sign the Cultural Facilities Grant Agreement from the Vermont Arts Council. The motion passed unanimously.
OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Water Tank Project Update
Nunez reported that a new electrical conduit may not be needed for the new water tank and that they may be able to use the current conduit.
Vendor and Public Festivals Ordinance
Nunez presented a draft ordinance. Discussion ensued, and the Selectboard asked to have further discussion at the next meeting. Nunez noted that a Public Hearing will be required for adoption of this ordinance.
Town Hall Construction Projects Remaining
Nunez reported that a few tasks remain, including floor finishing, ancillary plumbing, and slate roofing.
Other
Elizabeth Wilson stated that she will attend the October 1 community leaders’ meeting at Castleton State University, Castleton VT.
[Denis Lambert and Elizabeth Wilson left the meeting at 7:40 PM]
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 8-6-18 as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to accept the minutes from 8-13-18 as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to move into Executive Session at 7:50 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
The Selectboard came out of Executive Session at 7:50 PM.
Action taken: Nunez will send a letter to the lawyer representing Leet Ware Construction.
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN: The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk