11-19-2018 Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, November 19, 2018
Call to Order: 6:04 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
- Visitors: Lisa Hinsley, Treasurer, and Attorney Bill Meub
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as written. The motion passed unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to move into Executive Session at 6:05 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
The Selectboard came out of Executive Session at 7:39 PM.
No action taken.
STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to approve interim financing of $3,675,000 with a Union Bank Grant Anticipation Note to finance the Capital Improvement Project for upgrades to the town water system (interim financing is a requirement of the USDA); the loan will mature no later than December 31, 2019, and will be paid upon the receipt of the USDA grant/loan; the interest rate is fixed at 2.19%. The motion passed unanimously.
Town Administrator’s Report
Tad Nunez presented the Town Administrator’s (TA) report highlighting his activities and meetings during the week beginning November 12, 2018:
Bluehost.com
Nunez announced that Miranda Clemson is continuing work with the web host change to Bluehost.com.
Power Outage
Nunez reported that there was a power outage at the Town Hall building on 11-13-18, which caused numerous problems with the computer systems, the HVAC system, and thermostat controls.
Emergency Services Building
Nunez met with personnel at Emergency Services and discussed the exhaust ventilation system, exterior painting, and the priority of ceiling repairs in the vehicle bay.
Town Report
Nunez attended the Fairlee Auditors’ meeting and noted that Sandra Ordway will be compiling the 2018 Town Report. A timeline for the report process is forthcoming.
Municipal Septic System
Nunez attended a meeting with the Selectboard Chair Barrett and Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Chief Pollution Control Design Engineer, Lynnette Claudon, PE, to discuss municipal septic system options.
Traffic Speed Device
Nunez reported that the cost to adapt the traffic speed device from battery powered to solar is approximately $1000.
FEMA
Nunez reported that he will attend a meeting with FEMA staff on 11-29-18 to complete the close-out paperwork for all projects.
Renewal of Contracts
Nunez updated the contracts for the Railroad Station lease and Transfer Station trash and recycling services.
2018 Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant
Nunez compiled and submitted the grant close-out material. Funds will be received in a few weeks.
Eagle Scouts
Nunez reported that a ceremony to celebrate local resident Jonathan Haehnel in attaining his Eagle Scout rank was held in the Town Hall auditorium.
2018 Vermont Municipal Compensation and Benefits Report
Nunez presented a booklet from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns on the respective salaries of Vermont municipal staff.
From the Zoning Administrator’s Office (written report)
Chris Brimmer reported that the 7-Eleven store opened on Friday
Brimmer met with Peggy Willey, Chair of the West Fairlee Conservation Commission, to discuss sharing maps and data on forest and habitat block issues
Brimmer reported that the Planning Commission is now working on the Natural Resources section of the Town Plan; upcoming is a review of a survey by Virginia Reed and creating a public meeting and charrette schedule/timeline
Brimmer reported that a hearing is upcoming on a proposal for a four-unit apartment building behind the McLaughry real estate offices
Brimmer noted that the estimate for the installation of the charger at the Park & Ride is still pending
NEW BUSINESS
Community Septic System/Committee Establishment/Test Pits
Nunez reported on the meeting with the Selectboard Chair Barrett and Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Chief Pollution Control Design Engineer, Lynnette Claudon, PE, to discuss a municipal septic system. Claudon recommended forming a committee to oversee the planning of the municipal septic system, possibly considering a shared system with another town, identifying a list of state-approved engineers for design of the system, and creating a plan for the necessary septic system studies and testing. Discussion continued, and Barrett suggested that the formation of a committee be a priority.
OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Driveway Access Permit
Nunez will follow up his meeting with the landowner with a confirmation of the location identifying what is necessary to comply with the Highway Ordinance.
Water Tank Project Update
Nunez reported that during the week of November 26, Tata & Howard staff will meet with Town officials to discuss three projects—the water tank, the filtration system, and water meters.
Better Connections Grant
McGrath stated that a pre-application call with Jackie Cassino and Richard Amore is scheduled for Tuesday, November 27, in the morning to discuss economic development, recreation, safety, and community development in the Town of Fairlee.
Budget Workshop
Nunez stated that a Selectboard meeting on benefits and compensation will be held in Executive Session on Monday, December 3.
Town Hall Construction Update
Nunez reported that the office staff will put together a list of minor construction projects that remain incomplete.
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 11-12-18 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 9:16 PM.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk