12-27-2018 Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Call to Order: 6:03 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
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Frank J. Barrett, Jr., added under Old Business a discussion of the Town Hall construction project
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Lake Morey Foundation Grant
Tad Nunez reported that the Town received a letter from the Lake Morey Foundation that provided a grant of $5,250 for the milfoil greeter program at the Lake Morey boat launch ramp.
Town Administrator’s Report
Nunez presented the Town Administrator’s (TA) report highlighting his activities and meetings during the weeks beginning December 17 and 24, 2018:
FEMA
Nunez has follow-up from the submission letter to FEMA asking for an extension of the Lake Morey Rd project. The Town has to update the grant to FEMA because of the engineering upgrade to the culvert work.
I-91 Drainage
Nunez contacted the VtAOT to express concern over the poor drainage from I-91, which affects the Railroad Station property.
Alliance Mechanical Meeting
Lisa Hinsley, Noël Walker, and Nunez met with Alliance to do an overall review of the Town Hall HVAC system and how to reset thermostats after power outages.
Local Emergency Planning
Nunez attended the local emergency planning meeting on December 20, during which the members reviewed and updated the emergency management plan.
Bay State Elevator
Nunez reported that he met with a representative from Bay State Elevator to review elevator operations.
Hampshire Inspection Company
Nunez reported that the Hampshire Inspection Company was onsite for the annual sprinkler and alarm systems inspection.
Wastewater Committee
Nunez requested planning the first meeting to discuss the purpose and objectives of the committee. Frank J. Barrett, Jr., suggested Wednesday, January 2, at 5 PM, which he will attend.
Health Officer
Nunez submitted the Health Officer paperwork to the State of Vermont naming Chris Brimmer as Health Officer as of January 1, 2019.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
Zoning Administrator’s Report (written)
Health Officer Appointment
Chris Brimmer reported that he has been named and accepts the position as the Town’s Health Officer and that he will take training as available.
Planning Commission Updates
Brimmer reported that the mailings and postings have been sent out inviting the Town residents to a public meeting on Thursday, January 17.
The Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, January 3, will focus on facilitation training for the subsequent public meeting. Selectboard members are recommended to attend.
Lot Adjustment
Brimmer reported that that lot line adjustment between Gray’s Field and the Town cemetery qualifies for an Act 250 waiver.
Railroad Station
Brimmer reported that the Town has received a revised structural assessment of the depot based on whether foam insulation can be used on an historic structure.
Hearing Schedule
Brimmer posted the Planning Commission schedule for 2019.
[End of Zoning Administrator’s Report]
NEW BUSINESS
Health Officer Appointment
Barrett appointed Chris Brimmer as the Town’s Health Officer beginning January 1, 2019.
OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Water Project Updates
Nunez reported on the water tank construction project updates, including electrical conduit installation and the process of beginning to fill the tank.
Nunez reported that the water filtration building continues to be reviewed by Gary Leach (Tata & Howard).
Vendor Ordinance ─ VLCT Review
Nunez presented for Selectboard review the Vendor Ordinance document with suggested revisions by VLCT.
Nunez stated that 15 days following the necessary updates and Selectboard approval, a warned public meeting will be held.
Town of Fairlee Constable Position and Recreation Council Terms
Nunez reported that the position is required by Statute and described the options to fill a vacancy of that office.
Barrett indicated that it is probable that the Recreation Council has neither bylaws or a charter, so term lengths can be made by the Selectboard.
Better Connections Grant
McGrath stated that the grant write-up is on schedule and, at this time, they are requesting support letters, which will be directed to the Town Administrator.
Town Hall Construction Project Follow-Up
Nunez announced that a meeting will be held on Thursday, January 17, at 2 PM to discuss change orders.
BOARD ORDERS & CORRESPONDENCES
The board orders and correspondences were presented to the Selectboard for signatures.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to accept the Minutes from the 12-17-18 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 7:52 PM.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk.