02-26-2018 Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Tuesday, February 26, 2018
6:04 PM Call to Order
Cathy McGrath, Chair, called the meeting to order.
PRESENT
- Selectboard Members: Cathy McGrath (Chair); Peter Berger (Vice Chair); and Frank J. Barrett, Jr.
- Town Administrator: Tad Nunez
- Minutes Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitors: Annie Bickley, Peter Lange, Lisa Hinsley, Noël Walker, and Georgette Wolf-Ludwig
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr. moved/seconded the motion to accept the Agenda without modifications. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Peter Lange stated that he wishes to continue to serve on the Development Review Board in 2018, and he is in attendance at the Selectboard Meeting to hear discussion of the Town Hall renovation project.
Town Administrator’s Report
Tad Nunez, Town Administrator, reported on activities he participated in during the week of February 19, 2018:
- Fishing Derby
Tad Nunez stated that he attended the Orford-Fairlee Lion’s Club Fishing Derby on Lake Morey, which was held on Saturday and Sunday, and approximately 240 people attended overall. He wished to praise Richard Gray for his work organizing the successful Fishing Derby.
- Town Hall Renovations—Grant for Elevator
Tad Nunez reported that the Town is not eligible for a VT Community Development grant because an environmental review was not done before the elevator project started.
- Forest Board
Tad Nunez stated that he attended a meeting with the Forest Board and reviewed the updated State of Vermont statutes.
- Local Government Day, February 15
Tad Nunez noted that among the topics discussed at the meeting were highway/road issues, town websites focusing on town resident communication, and Agency of Transportation updates, including a 6% reduction in future funding.
- Aloha Foundation Proposed Expansion
Tad Nunez met with Chris Brimmer, Zoning Administrator, about the proposed building expansion on the Aloha Foundation property, including putting up a large shop space, expanding the administration building, and finding an off-site location (possibly on Rt 5) for a laundry service building.
Grand Opening of Town Hall, July 28
Georgette Wolf-Ludwig stated that a celebration of the completion of the Town Hall renovations is scheduled for Saturday, July 28, and guests may include District Senator Jane Kitchel; Frank J. Barrett, Jr.; and others. The celebration would include a ceremony of dedication, a proclamation, a Lion’s Club supper, and music.
NEW BUSINESS
Town Hall Update
Tad Nunez stated that he and Lisa Hinsley, Treasurer, reviewed invoices and payments associated with the Town Hall project. Frank J. Barrett, Jr. suggested that Tad Nunez convene a meeting with Leet Ware; Brian Newcity, Project Manager at Leet Ware Construction; Frank J. Barrett, Jr.; and Tad Nunez to discuss overage costs and timelines.
[Peter Lange left the meeting at 7:35 PM]
Water Tank Project—Moving Forward
Cathy McGrath noted that the outcome of the vote on Articles 1 and 2 of the Water System Bond will establish the direction of the Water Tank project. The Bond vote is being held on Thursday, February 28.
Town Meeting Preparation
Georgette Wolf-Ludwig noted that Bruce Taylor will act as Moderator and during Article 11 will recognize the school. Cathy McGrath suggested Selectboard assignments, as follows: Town Administrator issues (Cathy McGrath), Water Tank lawsuit (Cathy McGrath), Town Hall project (Frank J. Barrett, Jr.), the Lake Fairlee Dam (Frank J. Barrett, Jr.), and the Lake Morey Road project (Peter Berger).
OLD/UNFININSHED BUSINESS
- Connecticut River–Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Licensing Resolution
- Peter Berger stated that he will examine the issue and suggest next steps to the Selectboard.
- Town Administrator Priorities
- Tad Nunez suggested that the discussion of the TA’s priorities be tabled until after the Town Meeting, March 6.
BOARD ORDERS & CORRESPONDENCES
The orders and correspondences were presented to the Town of Fairlee Selectboard for signatures.
REVIEW OF MINUTES
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr. moved/seconded the motion to approve the Selectboard Meeting Minutes from 2-20-18 with modifications. The motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr. moved/seconded the motion to close the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN: The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 PM
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk