Town of Brookfield
Selectboard Meeting
April 8, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.
Town Clerk’s Office
Minutes
Present: John Benson, Cory Haggett, Jeff Kimmel, Dawn Conant, Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman), Jon Binhammer. Jim Carrien (VLCT)
1. Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.
2. Adjustments to Agenda – None
3. Public Comment –
4. New Business:
A. Jim Carrien – Drug and Alcohol Policy
The Board had highlighted sections in the draft Drug & Alcohol Policy that needed clarification. Mr. Carrien gave guidance on updates and revisions. Mr. Kimmel and Administrative Assistant Kasey Peterson will work on incorporating changes for the final version. Some of the items covered included:
• Potential coverage or exemption for Emergency Services personnel.
• The difference between volunteer and paid personnel (employees).
• The Town is required by the Federal Government to have the policy for CMV Operators
• Effect of prescription medications on testing protocols.
• Whether employees have the right to request split sample testing/retest.
• Roles of Road Crew Foreman, Road Commissioner, and Administrative Assistant in the system.
• Pre-employment screening process.
• Levels of enforcement for first and subsequent offenses, along with permissible duties during the process.
• How other municipalities respond to offenses: Mr. Carrien indicated that most towns will terminate an employee with a second offense.
B. Highway
1. Paving Grant
• Mr. Peck to look into which parts of the Ridge Road need to be paved/reclaim, etc. Have Pike work on worst parts first from Crossover Road to school and see how far money goes.
• Mr. Peck will apply for the grant and see what we can do this year.
• Mr. Haggett mentioned that Mr. Peck should look at the culverts along the road and possibly repair/remedy problems while paving work is going on.
2. TAP Grant Alternatives: Brookfield did not receive this grant.
3. Quote for replacement utility vehicle with plow and sander: Mr. Peck gave the Board an estimate amount of $12,000 +/- with a sander and plow. At the end of April Mr. Peck will review with Ms. Peterson where the Highway Budget funds stand and whether to proceed.
4. Overtime Policies: no executive session called; the Board is reviewing the information and possible alternatives.
5. Other Highway:
• Mr. Peck indicated the Town’s roads are holding up well (so far) this year. The Crew has responded to some culvert and drainage issues, and will continue to do so as weather conditions change.
• A property owner has called about Town Winter maintenance leading to rocks being deposited on their property. Mr. Peck commented that it was no more than usual for this time of year, and that the Crew is not doing this on purpose.
C. Brookfield Conservation Commission Appointees: Mr. Kimmel made a motion to accept the Appointees as submitted by Mr. Binhammer of the Brookfield Conservation Commission at the March 25, 2019 meeting (Jon Jickling – 3 years; Jon Binhammer – 4 years; Susan Shea – 2 years; Kathy Kinter – 1 year; Starr Strong – 1 year); Mr. Haggett second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
D. Cemetery Mowing Contract: the Mowing Contract will automatically renew unless the Town desires it to be revised or there were issues. Mr. Benson made a motion to allow the Cemetery Mowing Contract to renew; Mr. Kimmel second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
E. Assemblage Permit – Randolph Area Food Shelf: the Randolph Area Food Shelf submitted a revised route map clarifying the route for the Board. Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve the Assemblage Permit; Mr. Benson second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
F. VT Computing – Server Repair:
• Mr. Kimmel discussed the potential repairs with Ms. Peterson, and she confirmed the need to get the work done.
• It might be helpful to have a state person (or VT Computing rep) visit the Town Offices to report about how the cloud and NEMRC function together. Preferably when Ms. Peterson and Town Clerk Teresa Godfrey would be available for the discussion.
• Mr. Kimmel made a motion to have the server repair done (and schedule a time for VT Computing to come in and speak); Mr. Benson second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
5. Old Business:
Approve Minutes of March 25, 2019 meeting: Mr. Kimmel noted that the meeting minutes from the March 25, 2019 meeting will be approved at the next Selectboard Meeting.
6. Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. Haggett made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $8,167.86 with large bills that include R.E. Tucker (Gravel): $3,964.80; Rouse Tire Sales (Tires): $1,599.80; Rouse Tire Sales (Tires): $540.00. Mr. Kimmel second: 3-0-0.
7. Other Proper Business:
• Mr. Benson asked about the Stone Road survey proposal. Planned timing is that it goes out at the end of the month and have bids due in June, with no work starting until after July 1st and done by September 9th.
• Mr. Benson will have Ms. Peterson post the notice on the Town’s website and reach out to some local surveyors: one in Williamstown, Rick Bell (Barre), and Larry Swanson (Sharon).
• Mr. Benson will put together a plan to solicit construction bids for the Town Garage addition project. Need to have a list of specifications for the proposed project; when proposals come in, the proposal can be scaled accordingly. Need a cost by November 2019, so the Board could warn and present it at 2020 Town Meeting.
• The Public Safety Committee and Board need to figure out what to do with $5,000 the Town approved regarding Ash Trees and the Emerald Ash Borer problem. Kate Forrer offered to help with planning, so the Board will consult with her.
• April 22nd is the meeting regarding Montgomery Road and the mileage correction. The meeting has been warned. No site visit is needed, and it can be dealt with as part of the regular Selectboard meeting that night.
• Mr. Kimmel mentioned that there will be a Training Meeting for Emergency Operations happening in September.
8. Mr. Haggett made a motion to adjourn at 8:22 p.m., Mr. Kimmel second: 3-0-0.