02-12-2018 Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, February 12, 2018
6:07 PM
Call to Order
Cathy McGrath, Chair, called the meeting to order.
PRESENT
- Selectboard Members: Cathy McGrath (Chair), Peter Berger (Vice Chair)
- Visitor: Clement M. Powers
- Town Administrator: Tad Nunez
- Minutes Clerk: Joanna Bligh
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Peter Berger would like add to the Agenda the appointment of Tad Nunez, Town Administrator, as the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District representative and as signatory and agent of the Selectboard
Cathy McGrath would like to add to the Agenda under New Business a discussion of staff evaluations and a discussion of a possible interim Zoning Administrator during Chris Brimmer’s medical leave
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to accept the Agenda with modifications. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Audit Board
Clement M. Powers, accountant and Chair, Town of Fairlee Audit Board, stated he spent 25 hours from January 6 to February 12 auditing and compiling the Annual Report and wished to discuss his role. Clement Powers stated that only a small amount of time was spent auditing, and most of his time was spent compiling the report using Adobe Professional software including approximately 75 individual files. Peter Berger stated that he is willing to help with compilation of the report, so that Mr. Powers’ role could possibly be changed to that of fiscal auditor only.
[Clement Powers left the meeting at 6:33 PM]
Town Administrator’s Report
Tad Nunez, Town Administrator, reported on activities he participated in during the week of February 5, 2018, including organizing weekly meetings regarding Town Hall renovations with the contractor and key office staff and requesting permission from the Selectboard to approve a change-order for the installation of a steel carrying plate on the stairwell. Cathy McGrath stated that permission was granted.
Connecticut River Water Levels
Tad Nunez stated that Town resident, Walt Gladstone, visited the Town Offices asking for a commitment from the Town to address water level fluctuation on the Connecticut River upstream from the Wilder/West Lebanon dam owned by TransCanada Northeast. Peter Berger suggested that Tad Nunez follow up with agencies in the Upper Valley, including Connecticut River Byway, Connecticut River Joint Commissions, and others to request information on their policies/regulations related to Connecticut River water level fluctuations.
Fishing Derby
Tad Nunez stated that he met with Matt Jung, Recreation Committee, to discuss the Lion’s Club–sponsored Fishing Derby on February 20, 2018, which has a staging site on the Lake Morey Town Beach. Tad Nunez stated that a certificate of insurance is required from the Lion’s Club to protect the Town from liability during the event.
Fireworks Permits
Tad Nunez asked about the Town Ordinance for fireworks use. Cathy McGrath stated that the permit is available at the Town Offices, which is signed and required by the Fire Chief. A copy is then sent to the Police Chief.
NEW BUSINESS
Zoning Administrator’s Medical Leave
Cathy McGrath stated that Chris Brimmer, Zoning Administrator, will be out on medical leave for 2 to 3 weeks in March/April. Cathy McGrath suggested that Chris Brimmer attend a Selectboard meeting to propose interim coverage and follow-up on pending zoning issues.
OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Review of Water System Bond/2-8-18 Public Hearing
Prepare for Water System Bond/2-20 Public Hearing
Cathy McGrath stated that the Public Hearing of 2-8-18 went well. Peter Berger and Cathy McGrath suggested that articles and letters-to-the-editor be submitted to the Journal Opinion and Valley News, which would encourage participation for the next Public Hearing on 2-20-18. Peter Berger stated that the speakers for the next Public Hearing should include Lance Colby, Patrick Smart, and Lisa Hinsley.
Update on Current Grants/Projects
Tad Nunez stated that after a call to Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission, he was notified that all road grants are due by April 15, 2018. Peter Berger suggested that a road project inventory be prepared.
Fairlee Arts Council
Tad Nunez noted that the FAC is incorporated as an organization. Cathy McGrath stated that the Selectboard is expecting a memorandum of agreement and asked for information from the FAC about their grant submissions.
Town Meeting Relocation
Cathy McGrath stated that the delivery of the elevator for the Town Hall has been postponed. The Town Hall project will not be available for use for the Town Meeting, Tuesday, March 6, 2018. Tad Nunez suggested that the Selectboard thank the Principal of the Samuel Morey Elementary School for use of the school for the 2018 Town Meeting.
BOARD ORDERS & CORRESPONDENCES
The orders and correspondences were presented to the Town of Fairlee Selectboard for signatures.
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to approve Tad Nunez, Town Administrator, as representative to the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District. The motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to approve Tad Nunez, Town Administrator, as agent and signatory for the Selectboard of the Town of Fairlee. The motion passed unanimously.
REVIEW OF MINUTES
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to approve the Selectboard Meeting Minutes from 2-5-18 with modifications. The motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to close the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN: The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 PM
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk