Sep
10
2018

09-10-2018 Selectboard Meeting

Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT  05045

Monday, September 10, 2018

Call to Order: 6:00 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
  • Visitor: Dashiell Rae
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS

Tad Nunez added the review and approval of the Meeting Minutes from August 27

Cathy McGrath added a discussion of the grants, including the Better Connections grant

Peter Berger added a discussion of the prebudget hearing regarding roadwork

MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as amended. The motion passed unanimously.

STAFF AND PUBLIC COMMENTS

Town Administrator’s Report

Tad Nunez presented the Town Administrator’s report highlighting his activities and meetings during the week beginning September 3, 2018:

Planning Commission Meeting Follow-up

Nunez reported that the September 6, 2018, meeting of the Planning Commission was not held because there was not a quorum. There was consensus among the Planning Commission members that a second meeting of the Planning Commission be held each month as a work session on the Town Plan.

Upcoming Meetings

Nunez reported that he and Lisa Hinsley will attend the Vermont League of Cities and Towns Budget Workshop being held on Tuesday, September 11, in Montpelier.

Lisa Hinsley will attend a meeting on setting water rates on October 4.

Vendor Ordinance Public Meeting currently in comment stage is scheduled for Monday, September 24.

2018 Budget Planning

Nunez stated that the 2018 budget planning process has begun. Nunez suggested changing to an 18-month budget to anticipate a multiyear capital budgeting process.

Transportation Alternative Program

Nunez suggested applying for this grant with the assistance from Two Rivers−Ottaquechee Regional Commission.

Lake Morey Protective Association

Nunez reported that he met with Don Weaver, Chairman, Lake Morey Protective Association, to discuss the 2019 chemical treatment of 39.1 acres of Lake Morey.

Vermont State Division of Emergency Management

Nunez announced that a state-wide, full-scale emergency planning exercise will be conducted on October 23−25.

FEMA Projects

Nunez reported that he signed off on the FEMA Lake Morey Rd projects.

Railroad Station Project

Nunez reported on the scope of work to be done by structural engineers–they will examine and report on the foundation and flooring systems of the Railroad Station.

Vermont Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference: “Honoring the Past and Inspiring the Future,” October 10, 11, 2018, at the Lake Morey Inn

Nunez continued working with the group of volunteers who will refurbish Lake Morey Park to include ADA compliant paths, new wood chip ground cover, and new play structures.

Meetings Attended

Nunez noted that he attended the Central Vermont Solid Waste District meeting in Berlin, VT.

Nunez reported that he attended a Forest Board meeting and shared with the members the EAB report written by Peter Guest.

Town Hall Donor Wall Plaque

Nunez sent a thank you note to David Fracht for his work on the Town Hall donor plaque.

[End of Town Administrator’s Report]

NEW BUSINESS

Candidates’ Forum

Frank J. Barrett, Jr., suggested the Selectboard host a public Candidates’ Forum for the upcoming election. McGrath volunteered with Nunez to organize the event, and Frank J. Barrett, Jr., volunteered to moderate the discussion during the event. Date to be determined.

Open Meeting Law Review

Nunez presented information from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns regarding the process of holding Executive Sessions during Selectboard meetings. 

OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Grant Administration

Nunez presented a document listing currently awarded or outstanding grants. Detailed discussion relating to road, structures, streetscape, and Better Connections grants followed. 

Town Plan Development

Nunez suggested a joint meeting with the Planning Commission and Selectboard to discuss Town Plan updates. Frank J. Barrett, Jr., and Miranda Clemson will set the agenda for the meeting.   

Water Tank Project Updates

Nunez reported on the deconstruction and storage of the water tank roof, which are complete.

Nunez notified Dashiell Rae that she will be invited to an on-site meeting with engineers during which she can discuss her concerns.  

Purchasing Card Approval

Nunez presented a Purchasing Card Policy document for the Selectboard’s review. 

MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to approve the Purchasing Card use policy as amended. The motion passed unanimously.

Roadwork Update

Nunez reported that on Thursday of this week Mike Wright and Lance Colby will meet to discuss the roadwork for the Town going forward.

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 8-27-18 Selectboard meeting as amended. The motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to accept the minutes from the 9-6-18 Special 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 7:48 PM.       

Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk