08-27-2018 Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, August 27, 2018
Call to Order: 6:06 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
- Visitor: Dashiell Rae
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Peter Berger added a discussion of the Better Connections Corridor grant under Old Business
Cathy McGrath added a discussion of the grant management system
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Water Tank Demolition/Construction: Adjacent Landowner’s Concerns
Dashiell Rae stated that the construction of the new water tank is adjacent to her house, and she was concerned that it will affect her property values. Rae stated that she understood that the tank will be a blue color with an aluminum roof. Rae queried if the tank could be painted green to blend in with the forest.
Town Administrator’s Report
Tad Nunez presented the Town Administrator’s report highlighting his activities and meetings during the week beginning August 27, 2018:
Water Tank Project
Nunez reported that the bid opening was scheduled for August 31 at 1 PM at the Town Hall.
Nunez stated that deconstruction of the temporary roof has begun. Nunez will notify Rae if there are any road closures relating to ingress/egress of construction materials/vehicles.
Nunez stated that Lance Colby notified him that a new permit will be needed to drain off the water from the old tank. Nunez reported that the construction permit has been received.
[Dashiell Rae left the meeting at 6:37 PM]
New Hampshire & Vermont American Red Cross
Nunez stated that the Town received informational brochures from the NH/VT American Red Cross.
Vermont Council on Rural Development/Leadership Summit
“Making It Happen: Local Leadership for the Future of Vermont Communities”
Castleton University, Castleton, VT
Nunez noted that Miranda Clemson will attend.
Weed Harvester Funds
Nunez asked the Selectboard if the money secured from the sale of the weed harvester should be rolled into the General Fund or used for milfoil clean-up activities. The Selectboard indicated that its preference is to retain the funds for lake or water-quality efforts.
Town Hall Rental Policy
Nunez stated that he will continue to work with Fairlee Community Arts to resolve joint event sponsorship concerns.
Town Hall Project
Nunez reported that an upstairs easterly window needs repair and that Alliance cited that the ADA bathroom and heater system do not comply with building regulations, which will be addressed.
Vermont Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference: “Honoring the Past and Inspiring the Future,” October 10, 11, 2018, at the Lake Morey Inn
Nunez reported that a group of volunteers is focusing on refurbishing the Lake Morey Park to include ADA compliant paths, new wood chip ground cover, and new play structures.
SOLitude Milfoil Clean-Up
Nunez reported that SOLitude will be coming to Lake Morey in August to clean up the existing milfoil.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
NEW BUSINESS
Transfer Station
Nunez stated that the $4,000 grant for greeters at the Transfer Station (to check residency) has been approved. Nunez further stated that soon a lock system will be installed at the Transfer Station gate.
Town Purchasing Card Policy
Nunez stated that a policy needs to be in place before the Town secures a purchasing card. Frank J. Barrett, Jr., asked that Nunez revise the draft policy presented to the Selectboard and present the revised document at the next meeting.
Lake Morey Boat Launch
Nunez stated that the dock installed by the State of Vermont with ADA access needs a regulatory sign to discourage fishing and swimming.
Town Hall Events: Winter Conditions
With events occurring at the Town Hall outside of business hours, the Selectboard agreed that safe entry to the building for the public during the winter months is of great importance. Frank J. Barrett, Jr., asked Nunez to look into who shovels/de-ices the library steps and sidewalks during evening or weekend hours.
OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Grant Management
The Selectboard discussed identifying and logging data into a grant management system to provide an inventory of what’s available and of upcoming deadlines for submitted grants.
Berger stated that there is a need for meetings with Kevin Geiger from Two Rivers−Ottauquechee Regional Commission and Rita Seto from VTRANS to discuss the Better Connections Corridor grant because deadlines are approaching.
Fairlee Newsletter
McGrath presented a draft of the Town newsletter for Selectboard review.
Vendor and Public Festivals Ordinances
Vendor Ordinance
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to approve the wording of the proposed document: Itinerant Vendors, Peddlers, and Food Sales Ordinance. The motion passed unanimously.
Festivals Ordinance
Frank J. Barrett, Jr., suggested that there be a $25 administration fee for the Festivals Ordinance.
Town Hall Roof Addition
Frank J. Barrett, Jr., prepared drawings of the proposed roof addition to cover and protect the ADA stairway and the exterior HVAC structures from ice damage.
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 8-20-18 Selectboard meeting as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to accept the minutes from the 8-22-18 Special Selectboard meeting as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
SELECTBOARD MEETING: UPCOMING CHANGE IN SCHEDULE
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion for the Selectboard not to meet on Labor Day, Monday, September 3, 2018, and to resume weekly meetings on Monday, September 10. The motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN: The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk