09-24-2018 Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, September 24, 2018
Call to Order: 5:59 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
- Zoning Administrator: Chris Brimmer
- Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitors: Chris Overtree, Russ Collins, Dan Ludwig, Georgette Wolf-Ludwig, Paul Naughton, Noël Walker, Martha Vetal, Leni Johnston
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Tad Nunez added discussion regarding the funds remaining from the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District grant
Peter Berger added a discussion of the budget for the Emergency Services building
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
Recess of the Selectboard meeting: 6:01 PM
Frank J. Barrett, Jr., Chair, called a meeting recess.
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to approve a meeting recess. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Hearing: Vendor Ordinance
Barrett recognized the Zoning Administrator Chris Brimmer to begin the discussion of the Vendor Ordinance.
Brimmer stated that the Ordinance will regulate food cart and food truck sales that set up in vacant lots in the Town of Fairlee. The Ordinance will not regulate farm stands or any children’s play. A member of the public asked if the Ordinance related to yard sales. Brimmer replied that selling used household items does not apply. The Town resident asked if homemade craft items for sale would apply. Brimmer stated the sale of homemade craft items is considered a home business and is covered under other zoning regulations.
Discussion continued regarding flea markets, catered events, Town-sponsored events with food trucks, and State of Vermont health permits.
[Don Weaver entered the meeting at 6:20 PM]
McGrath contributed that the objective of the ordinance was public safety and the intention of the Selectboard was to encourage entrepreneurial activity. There was a consensus by the Selectboard that the ordinance required more specificity.
Barrett stated that after the close of the Public Hearing, the Selectboard will examine the issue.
Public Hearing closed: 6:44 PM
Frank J. Barrett, Jr., Chair, closed the Public Hearing.
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to close the Public Hearing. The motion passed unanimously.
[Chris Overtree, Russ Collins, Dan Ludwig, Georgette Wolf-Ludwig, Martha Vetal, Leni Johnston left the meeting at 6:45 PM]
Meeting Reconvened: 6:45 PM
Frank J. Barrett, Jr., Chair, reconvened the Selectboard meeting.
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to approve reconvening the Selectboard meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Vendor Ordinance
The Selectboard discussed the Public Hearing comments and revisions to the draft Vendor Ordinance. Brimmer stated that he will work on the edits, and that the Selectboard should consider holding another public hearing.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Lake Morey/Milfoil
Don Weaver, Lake Morey Foundation (LMF), reported on Lake Morey milfoil concentrations and chemical treatment for 2019. Weaver reported that milfoil concentration in Lake Morey in 2016 was 1% and 2017 was 6%, and the LMF plans to initiate chemical treatment in 2019 with appropriate permitting.
[Paul Naughton left the meeting at 7:15 PM]
Town Administrator’s Report
Tad Nunez presented the Town Administrator’s report highlighting his activities and meetings during the week beginning September 17, 2018:
Water System Issues
Nunez reported that the water line repair on Fairview St is complete with costs to be shared with the homeowner.
Water Tank Project
Nunez reported that he has been visiting the water tank construction site daily. Berger questioned whether hearing protection was being used by the contractor, Manosh Corporation, Morrisville VT, per OSHA requirements.
Town Hall and Other Projects
Nunez reported that a few projects need to be completed, such as a new side door, repairs to the balcony windows, a new back roof, and repairs to the old fire station roof.
Emergency Planning
In a meeting with Lance Colby, Nunez reported that Colby suggested the Town purchase a generator and install a mobile radio base unit as a central command center in case of an emergency. Berger suggested the Town look for grant money for this request.
Other
Nunez reported that the Railroad Station lawn will be reseeded this fall.
Last Saturday, Nunez worked with the Recreation Committee on the Town Beach Clean-Up Day.
Nunez announced that he is administering the Town Hall rooms rental schedule, and he is working with Fairlee Community Arts to schedule the Town Hall space for FCA events.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
Zoning Administrator’s Report: Priorities
Brimmer discussed the revisions to the Economic Development section of the Town Plan, including adding the positive demographic of a 1% growth of residents 18 to 34 years of age.
Brimmer summarized that the Zoning Office priorities include editing the housing study, conducting research for and managing the Town Plan, and identifying grant opportunities for the Town of Fairlee.
[Chris Brimmer left the meeting at 8:23 PM]
NEW BUSINESS
Candidates’ Forum
McGrath announced that the Candidates’ Forum is scheduled for Monday, October 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and is being held in the second-floor auditorium at the Town Hall. McGrath stated that the candidates will receive questions in advance. Promotions for Candidates’ Forum will be planned by McGrath and Nunez.
Frank J. Barrett, Jr., suggested that the candidates give a brief opening statement, the Selectboard members will then ask questions, and afterwards the forum will be opened to the audience.
Central Vermont Solid Waste District
Nunez reported that there is money remaining on the grant award, and he would like the Selectboard to consider using it for a personnel shelter at the Transfer Station. There was consensus from the Selectboard that the second round of funding be used for a shelter at the Transfer Station.
Barrett suggested that Nunez arrange for the Transfer Station contractor to meet with the Selectboard for a budget discussion.
OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Water Tank Project Update
Nunez reported that the deconstruction of the water tank roof was videotaped. Nunez stated that Gary Leach, Tata & Howard, is now focusing on the water filtration system.
Emergency Services Building
Noël Walker stated that the painting of the building was a distinct line item in the 2018 budget.
Town Hall/Leet Ware Construction Update
Nunez reported that he will send a response to the recent communication from Leet Ware Construction.
[Noël Walker left the meeting t 9:08 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 the 9-17-18 Selectboard meeting as amended. 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 9:20 PM.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk