06-04-2018 Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, June 4, 2018
Call to Order: 6:00 PM
Frank J. Barrett, Jr., Chair, called the meeting to order.
A quorum was met.
PRESENT
- Selectboard Members: Frank J. Barrett, Jr., Chair, and Peter Berger, Vice Chair
- Town Administrator: Tad Nunez
- Minutes Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitors: Bill Meub, Georgette Wolf-Ludwig, Lisa Hinsley, Noël Walker, Bill Weale, Dan Ludwig, Paul Howard, Gary Leach, Barry Larson, Lance Colby, Melissa Gahagan
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Frank J. Barrett, Jr., requested an Executive Session be added to the Agenda
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr., moved/seconded the motion to amend the Agenda as stated. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Weed Harvester
Dan Ludwig stated that he last visited the Selectboard on July 17, 2017, noting his interest in retiring from weed harvesting; however, he made a commitment to cut the lake weeds this year in Sharon, VT, at the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp (now 4-H Camp) in the Downer State Forest. Dan Ludwig asked if the weed harvester had been sold. Tad Nunez noted that the check has been received from the prospective buyer. Lisa Hinsley stated that the check sent for the weed harvester has been deposited.
[Lance Colby entered the meeting at 6:08 PM]
Tad Nunez stated that the purchasing party Aquatic Harvesting stated that they will be missing 2 months of weed work if the harvester is not sold now, which will increase the price later. Peter Berger stated that the original intent was to sell the harvester to the Sharon camp. Tad Nunez stated that the price is $7750. Frank J. Barrett, Jr., stated that the Board will take the issue under advisement.
[Dan Ludwig left the meeting at 6:14 PM]
Georgette Wolf-Ludwig presented six delinquent dog warrants for Selectboard signatures, which will be passed on to Jason Bachus, Chief of Police.
[Georgette Wolf-Ludwig left the meeting at 6:17 PM]
Peter Berger asked if the Animal Control Officer Wayne Godfrey has been notified of his appointment. Tad Nunez stated that he will be coming into the Town Offices to fill out paperwork.
Town Administrator’s Report
Tad Nunez presented the Town Administrator’s report highlighting his activities and meetings during the weeks beginning May 21 and May 28, 2018:
Terry Hill Rd. Paving
Tad Nunez stated that the meeting with Shauna Clifford, VTRANS District 7 Project Manager, to review the paving needs on Terry Hill Rd. has been postponed until June 19, 2018.
FEMA
Tad Nunez stated that he has provided FEMA with follow-up information, all projects are moving along to CRV (Contents Replacement Value) review, and now CRV has requested a stream alteration permit after-the-fact. Peter Berger stated that the Forest Board needs to be apprised.
Weed Harvester Sale
Tad Nunez is administrating the sale of the weed harvester, which is under advisement with the Selectboard.
Town Hall Facility Use Agreement
Tad Nunez reported that he met with Town staff to review the Facility Use Agreement.
Town Hall Construction Project
Tad Nunez reported that he talked to and secured the subcontractors for the completion of the Town Hall project and is monitoring day-to-day activities.
System for Award Management
Tad Nunez reported that he completed the SAM.gov letter to register to do business with the U.S. government.
Aqua Aerobics at Town Beach
Tad Nunez reported that trainer Brandi Bissonnette who has led aqua aerobics classes in previous years will not be scheduled for this summer.
Town Road Inspection
Tad Nunez stated that he and Mike Wright inspected the Town roads, culverts, and road signs.
Lisa Hinsley stated that the money for tree work includes $5,000 in the Town budget and that work on the Town Common trees is in the Capital budget.
Lake Morey Foundation Family Fun Day
Tad Nunez stated that the Family Fun Day will be held on July 14, 2018, from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Town Beach.
Police Vehicle
Tad Nunez stated that the Town’s police vehicle is currently stored at Jason Bachus’ house in Piermont and in the future will be stored in the Town Hall garage.
Municipal Planning Grant/Capital Improvement Plan Committee
Tad Nunez stated that a MPG/CIP development committee was formed by Chris Brimmer, Zoning Administrator, and included Mark Bishop, Planning Commission; Kevin Geiger, Two Rivers–Ottauquechee Regional Planning Commission; Melissa Gahagan, Finance Committee; Elizabeth Wilson, Budget Committee; Frank J. Barrett, Jr., Selectboard; and Tad Nunez, Town Administrator.
ArcGIS Software
Tad Nunez stated that he met with Peter Berger to review the ArcGIS scalable mapping software and discuss potential uses of the software program.
Town Hall Septic Tank
Tad Nunez reported that the old septic tank at the Town Hall was pumped and filled with fillable foam on June 6, 2018.
Milfoil Grant Agreement
Tad Nunez stated that he executed the Milfoil Grant agreement with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Lake Morey Work
Tad Nunez stated that he worked with the VTANR to have boulders installed at lake access and to remove the vehicle fence.
Letter of Appreciation
Tad Nunez reported that he sent a letter of appreciation to Peter Lange, Town resident and Development Review Board member, to thank him for his donated work on the back stair railing at the Town Hall.
Solid Waste Management
Tad Nunez reported that he submitted the first quarter solid waste management report.
Water Tank Project
Frank J. Barrett, Jr., stated that approximately one month ago the Selectboard approved the communication between Attorney Bill Meub and the engineering firm Tata & Howard and that, with all the parties now present, Tata & Howard will present their preliminary engineering report.
Gary Leach (Tata & Howard) stated that recently Bill Meub, John Harries (USDA engineer), and Tata & Howard engineers met and now recommend alternatives to the original report. Gary Leach continued that in May 2017, a reconstructed tank was recommended because it was cheaper at the time, and, now, after extensive consultation with contractors and with new risk assessments, a new tank is their recommendation. Regarding cost differences, Gary Leach stated that the reconstruction costs versus new tank costs were “dead even.” Gary Leach stated that the new tank (Aquastore; https://www.cstindustries.com/aquastore-glass-lined-steel-water-storage-tanks/) is glass fused to steel and that the new tank can be placed on the same footprint. Gary Leach stated that a meeting will be scheduled to expedite permitting.
Tad Nunez asked if the Bond Vote wording was correct for the new plan. Bill Meub noted that the Town could get an opinion from the Bond Council.
NEW BUSINESS
FY ’19 Preliminary Budget Preparations
The Selectboard had a communication about the purpose of the Budget Committee as a review entity. Peter Berger noted that 2% increase per year is a reasonable target.
Revisit Selectboard Priorities
Frank J. Barrett, Jr., stated that he wishes to re-review the Selectboard priorities, including the Budget Committee charter adjustment process; downtown housing; and a workshop with Kevin Lacasse, owner of New England Family Housing of New Hampton, NH and other stakeholders.
[Lisa Hinsley left the meeting at 7:48 PM]
Frank J. Barrett, Jr., stated that an afternoon meeting to initiate critical steps could be planned and include Jane Kitchel for the political aspect. Tad Nunez stated that he will speak with Chris Brimmer to move such a meeting along.
OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Town Hall Project Update
Tad Nunez stated that he has secured subcontractors, as well as contractor Brian Newcity who is accountable for weekly benchmarks.
[Noël Walker left the meeting at 8:13 PM]
BOARD ORDERS & CORRESPONDENCES
The board orders and correspondences were presented to the Selectboard for signatures, including six dog warrants and the approval of costs for the Fairlee/Orford 4th of July Parade entertainment by the Upper Valley Community Band.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr., moved/seconded the motion to accept the Selectboard Meeting Minutes from 5-21-18 with modifications. The motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr. moved/seconded the motion to go into Executive Session at 8:22 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
The Selectboard came out of Executive Session at 8:42 PM.
No action taken.
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 8:45 PM.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk