Selectboard Meeting Minutes 9 October 2017

 Town of Brookfield

Selectboard Meeting

October 9, 2017 at 6:30 PM

Town Clerk’s Office

Draft Minutes

 

Present: John Benson (Chair), Jeff Kimmel, Corey Hagget, Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman), Bill Behuniak

 

1. Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.

 

2. Adjustments to Agenda – none.

 

3. Public Comment – none.

 

4. New Business:

 

1. Bill Behuniak – Blanchard Road: Mr. Behuniak was not present at the start of the meeting, so the issue was postponed pending his arrival.

 

1. Highway Department

 

1. The personnel discussion was tabled, pending completion of necessary paperwork.
2. Cargill contract: Mr. Peck reported that the contract was ready to be signed, and that questions regarding pricing options had been resolved. On motion of Mr. Benson, Mr. Kimmel second, the Board voted unanimously to approve the purchase of 250 tons of deicing material at $72.33 per ton for a total of $18,082.50.
3. Pike Industries contract: on motion of Mr. Benson, Mr. Haggett second, the Board voted unanimously to approve the contract for road surfacing services for a total of a $46,342.50.
4. VTrans paperwork on Bridge 23 (Old Post Road): Mr. Peck explained that the Town needs to certify compliance with various state VTrans requirements, including proper posting of weight limits on Old Post Road and the bridge. After discussion, on motion of Mr. Benson, Mr. Haggett second, the Board voted unanimously to certify that the Highway Department was in compliance with the requisite VTrans standards as of October 9, 2017.
5. Lucky’s Trailer estimate for potential sander for the 1-ton truck: Mr. Peck reported that he had obtained an estimate of approximately $6,500, but he would also look into other options, including purchase of a used sander. As the Board is currently reviewing applicants for a part-time Highway Department position, the sander issue will be tabled until the new position is resolved.
6. Other Highway Department Items:

 

1. Peck said that he would be meeting with FEMA on October 11 to observe and discuss the status of the continuing Northfield Road project. One of the issues will be to determine whether work will be done this construction season or next year.
2. Peck will also be meeting with Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission on October 13 to discuss the status of grant funding for storm repairs.
3. The Road Crew will be tackling ditch cleanup and repair over the next week, as winter road preparation looms.

 

(Return to Item A. Bill Behuniak – Blanchard Road): at this point, Mr. Behuniak had arrived and was invited to present his issue. He reported that questions have arisen about the status of Blanchard Road (West Brookfield), and that one of the landowners along the road may be trying to subdivide portions of their property. One of the issues for a potential subdivision could be the road’s status and access to any subdivided parcels. The state’s Highway Map for Brookfield indicates that a 0.06 mile portion of TH 43 (Blanchard Road) is designated Class 3, and the remaining 0.64 mile is designated Class 4/Impassable or Untravelled. Mr. Peck reported that the road’s condition was consistent with the state map. The Board suggested that the Town could send a letter to the landowners to confirm the road’s status. The Board also noted that, if the landowners intended to pursue a subdivision, they would need to contact the Town’s Administrative Officer and submit the appropriate zoning application and supporting documentation.

 

5. Old Business

Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 25, 2017 meeting, Mr. Kimmel seconded. 3-0-0

 

6. Warrants: Mr. Haggett made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $28,308.65. Large bills include White River Valley Ambulance: $6,460.00; R.E. Tucker (gravel): $6,210.44 and $3,973.20. Mr. Benson seconded. 3-0-0. A subsequent motion was made by Mr. Benson to authorize the Town Treasurer to pay a $200.00 fee to the Vermont State Treasurer regarding “Civil Marriage License Quarterly Return,” Mr. Haggett seconded. 3-0-0.

 

7. Other Proper Business

 

1. Benson reported that Town Attorney Pam Stafford is continuing work on the documents pertaining to the purchase and transfer of additional land for the Town Garage. Ms. Stafford is working with the two adjoining landowners towards completing the process.
2. The Board reviewed the proposed Town Highway Ordinance submitted by the Public Safety Committee. Areas discussed included road and bridge load limits, enforcement authorities, and including Town Highway numbers in the listings. Further review will occur at the next Board meeting.

 

8. Mr. Kimmel made a motion to adjourn at 7:51 p.m., Mr. Haggett seconded. 3-0-0