12-17-2018 Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, December 17, 2018
Call to Order: 6:02 PM
Frank J. Barrett, Jr., Chair, called the meeting to order.
A quorum was met.
- Selectboard Members: Frank J. Barrett, Jr., Chair, and Peter Berger, Vice Chair
- Town Administrator: Tad Nunez
- Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
- Visitors: Georgette Wolf-Ludwig, Jason Bachus
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Frank J. Barrett, Jr., added under Old Business a discussion of the Town Hall construction project
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr. moved/seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Closure of Town Hall Offices during the Holidays
Georgette Wolf-Ludwig stated that the upcoming holiday hours of the Town Offices are as follows: closed December 24 to January 1, and opened December 27, 28, and 31, 9 AM to 12 PM.
Police Chief Returned from Training
Jason Bachus announced his return from police chief training and discussed the scheduling of the deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s office for the budget year of 2019. Additional items under New Business.
Town Administrator’s Report
Tad Nunez presented the Town Administrator’s (TA) report highlighting his activities and meetings during the week beginning December 10, 2018:
2019 Milfoil Treatment — Lake Morey
Nunez reported that the State of Vermont will decide in the spring of 2019 between the herbicides Renovate or ProcellaCOR for the 2019 milfoil treatment of Lake Morey.
Annual Report Printing Schedule
Nunez reported that the Annual Report (750 copies) will be sent to the printer on February 1, 2019, with a posting date of February 19.
Emergency Services Building
Nunez reported that the exhaust system in the Emergency Services building is not working, and a meeting is planned for January to resolve the problem.
FEMA
Nunez noted that he submitted a letter to FEMA to ask for an extension of the Lake Morey Rd projects.
Town Web Site
Nunez reported that the Town’s web site domain transfer is complete, and the new web site is up and running.
Town Hall Back Porch/HVAC Roof
Nunez reported that the roof structure will be completed by the week of December 25.
Aquatic Nuisance Grant
Nunez reported that the Town received the Aquatic Nuisance grant application from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to treat milfoil in 2019. The final chemical application to be determined.
Water Tank Project — Monthly Meeting
Nunez reported that he participated in the monthly water tank construction project progress meeting.
Seeking Contractor
The Town of Fairlee is seeking a contractor to complete odd jobs at the Town Hall.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
NEW BUSINESS
Forecasting 2019 Appointments/Open Elected Positions
Barrett opened discussion of the position of Constable. Bachus stated that the Constable can exercise law enforcement if certified. After detailed discussion, Barrett suggested that further discussion on this topic be added to the next meeting’s agenda.
[Jason Bachus left the meeting at 6:56 PM]
OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Water Project Updates
Nunez reported on the water tank construction project updates.
Nunez presented the water filtration report, Water Treatment Pilot Test Report, from Tata & Howard/Blueleaf, Inc. for the Selectboard’s review.
Retirement Policy
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr., moved/seconded the motion to accept the Retirement Policy (revised 12-17-18) as follows: “As a retirement benefit, the Town of Fairlee, Vermont, will compensate the employees 5% of their budgeted annual salary. The employees may elect to either choose to deposit the funds into the Town’s tax-exempt Vt deferred compensation plan (457B) or elect to receive funds directly with taxes withheld. The employees eligible for the benefit include the Town Clerk, the Town Treasurer, and the Town Administrator. This policy can be altered at the discretion of the Selectboard.” The motion passed unanimously.
[Georgette Wolf-Ludwig left the meeting at 7:25 PM]
Vendor Ordinance ─ VLCT Review
Tabled.
Better Connections Grant
Berger stated that he and Cathy McGrath, grant co-chairs, will meet with Rita Seto this week and will write up suggestions for the Planning Commission January 17 Public Hearing.
Planning Commission
Nunez reported that Mark Bishop resigned from the Planning Commission.
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr., moved/seconded the motion to accept Tim Danen to fill the vacant position on the Planning Commission until the position’s term expires in March 2019. The motion passed unanimously.
Selectboard Report for the Town of Fairlee Annual Report
Barrett stated that the Selectboard needs to prepare a draft for the Town’s Annual Report. Berger suggested the report include accomplishments, such as the completion of the Town Hall construction and water tank projects. Nunez noted adding a description of the grants that were awarded in 2018.
BOARD ORDERS & CORRESPONDENCES
The board orders and correspondences were presented to the Selectboard for signatures.
MINUTES REVIEW
MOTION: Peter Berger/Frank J. Barrett, Jr., moved/seconded the motion to accept the Minutes from the 12-10-18 meeting with corrections. 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 8:00 PM.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk.