12-03-2018 Selectboard Meeting
Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Monday, December 3, 2018
Call to Order: 6:05 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: Georgette Wolf-Ludwig, Lisa Hinsley, Noël Walker
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Cathy McGrath added to New Business a short discussion about this year’s nomination of Citizen/Business of the Year
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 (TA) report highlighting his activities and meetings during the week beginning November 26, 2018:
FEMA Projects
Nunez reported that the work with FEMA is now closed out with the funds of $29,566 obligated to the Town. The Lake Morey projects (box culvert, retaining wall) will require an extension.
State of Vermont Emergency Relief Assistance Fund
Nunez stated that the Town will be receiving an additional $5, 174.02 from the Emergency Relief Assistance Fund, which will be paid to the Town once the Lake Morey projects are completed.
2019 Town Budget
Nunez reported that he worked with the Treasurer to complete a review of the proposed Town budget.
“Caution” Signs at Town Hall
Nunez ordered “Caution: Snow/Ice Falling Off Roof” signs to post on the exterior of the Town Hall.
Transfer Station
Nunez reported that he visited the Transfer Station to observe operation during open hours.
2018 VT Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant
Nunez reported that he continued to work with Don Weaver on the VT Aquatic Nuisance Control grant.
Water Projects
Nunez stated that he visited the water tank construction site, and concrete was being poured at the time of his visit.
Nunez stated that he contacted Ray Clark about serving on the Waste Water committee.
Tree Removal
Nunez reported that he inspected and supervised the removal of the large tree on the Town Hall Green and the two large trees in Fairview Square; stump removal on the Green will take place in the spring. Nunez recommended replanting one 4″ to 6″ caliber tree.
Town of Fairlee Website Domain Transfer
Nunez reported that the transfer of the website to Bluehost will occur this weekend.
[End of Town Administrator’s Report]
Zoning Administrator’s Report (written)
EV Charger Park & Ride
Chris Brimmer reported that the grant has been submitted for the EV charger.
Subdivision 18-SUB-02
Brimmer reported that the subdivision of a 77-acre parcel has been approved.
Planning Commission
Brimmer reported that the Planning Commission work sessions are ongoing, including a public workshop scheduled for January 17 to gather input from Town residents.
Property Sale
Brimmer reported that the property housing the fireworks retailer has been sold.
[End of Zoning Administrator’s Report]
NEW BUSINESS
Executive Session
MOTION: Peter Berger/Cathy McGrath moved/seconded the motion to go into Executive Session (personnel) at 6:28 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
The Selectboard came out of Executive Session at 7:06.
Action taken: To continue to examine the retirement policy for Town staff.
MOTION: Cathy McGrath/Peter Berger moved/seconded the motion to approve a cost-of-living salary increase of 3% for Town staff. The motion passed unanimously.
Selectboard Review of FY19 Proposed Budget
Lisa Hinsley facilitated the budget discussion for the Selectboard by reviewing the Town Budget department by department. Hinsley stated that the budget as proposed will include a tax rate increase of 2.97 cents.
After detailed discussion, the Selectboard prepared for continued review of the Budget with the Town’s Budget Committee who are scheduled to attend the Selectboard meeting on December 10.
OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Water Project Updates
Nunez reported that the water tank structure is being put up this week.
Better Connections Grant
McGrath reported that she and Berger had a preapplication conference call on Wednesday morning with Richard Amore and Jackie Cassino, and the Town was invited to apply for the grant. McGrath noted that public comments are needed for grant completion.
COHASE Chamber of Commerce: Citizen of the Year/Business of the Year
McGrath presented a nomination for Citizen of the Year, which was reviewed by the Board.
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 11-26-18 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 9:45 PM.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk.