Town of Brookfield
Selectboard Meeting
October 14, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.
Town Clerk’s Office
Minutes
Present: John Benson (Chair), Cory Haggett, Jeff Kimmel, Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman); Public Present: James Godfrey, Teresa Godfrey (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Robert Godfrey, Sam Dilcer, Gene Parent, Van Parent
1. Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.
2. Adjustments to Agenda – None
3. Public Comment (included in New Business)
4. New Business:
A. Highway
1. Horner Road Fence: Mr. Peck contacted the State Garage, and they will proceed with repairing the fence. Associated barriers and/or guard posts are the Town’s responsibility. Mr. Peck noted that the area also needs some trees to be cleared, the Town will try to clear more snow towards the end of the road, and culverts will also need to be checked and cleaned. The Town, as part of the ongoing review of traffic/road policies, will be trying to address speed and vehicle weight issues.
2. Northfield Road: TRORC placed traffic monitors on the road and will be reporting on the data collected. Appropriate signs were installed on the road, which will allow the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to conduct monitoring/enforcement activities. OCSD will also have a chance to review the TRORC data. There was continued discussion on potential approaches to vehicle regulation, including: working with the State Department of Motor Vehicles on the proper process, and limits on Town regulation of agricultural vehicles.
3. Howe Road: similar concerns were raised about traffic on Howe Road, along with the need for appropriate signs. Other issues on the road include blind corners and trees in need of trimming/removal.
4. New One-Ton Truck: Ms. Godfrey raised concerns about the purchase, including: whether the Town needed to purchase it at this time, the extent of review and testing of the vehicle, and past issues with vehicle purchases. Mr. Peck reported that, as it was a wholesale purchase, test driving was limited to the dealer’s facility grounds. Mr. Peck indicated he researched the truck and accessories; it had 30,000 miles and the frame, body, and equipment appeared to be in very good condition. He also contacted a local supplier regarding a plow/sander, which would be paid for in the next fiscal year (2020/2021).
Mr. Haggett noted that the Board directed Mr. Peck to find/research a truck for the Town; the Board agreed that Mr. Peck and Mr. Haggett have the requisite knowledge and expertise to recommend the purchase within the Town’s budgetary constraints. Mr. Peck will make arrangements to pick up the vehicle, bring it back to the Town Garage, and get it ready for the season. Ms. Godfrey can prepare the check for the final payment (at truck pick-up), and Mr. Peck will work with Administrative Assistant Kasey Peterson on registration and insurance documents.
Mr. Peck reported that the new truck is a gas truck and that the Highway Department will need to arrange for a system to track and pay for fuel purchases.
5. Fuel Policy: Ms. Peterson is looking into developing a Town policy regarding fuel (gas) purchases (such as through a bank-issued debit card). Issues will include which Road Crew members would have access to a card; keeping a log of mileage, costs, and receipts; and complying with Town Auditor standards.
6. Stone Road Site Visit: the Board is setting a tentative date of October 24, 5:00 p.m. for the visit. The Board, site surveyor, OCSD representatives, local property owner, Town Public Safety Advisory Committee, and members of the public would be invited. Public notices will be posted.
7. Equipment Grant for Hale Bale Shredder: the shredder was purchased on September 25. The Town expects to be reimbursed by the VT Agency of Transportation, with the Town paying a 10 percent share. Ms. Godfrey will be asked to verify the grant conditions.
8. Stone Road Mitigation Grant: as in the past, the Board will apply for the grant. The Board discussed the allocation of costs and reimbursement over the course of the current budget and the next fiscal year.
9. Cargill Salt Contract: the Board authorized Mr. Peck to proceed with arrangements for the contract.
B. EC Fiber Update: Mr. Childs did not attend the meeting, so the Board tabled the matter.
C. Blue Cross/Blue Shield Rate Increase: the new rate is $4,500.65, which is a 14.4% increase.
5. Old Business:
A. Personnel Policy Changes: deferred.
B. Approve Minutes of August 26, 2019 Selectboard meeting: Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2019, Mr. Kimmel second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
C. Approve Minutes of September 9, 2019 Selectboard meeting: Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2019, Mr. Kimmel second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 2-0-1.
D. Approve Minutes of September 23, 2019 Selectboard meeting: Mr. Benson made a motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of September 23, 2019, Mr. Kimmel second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 2-0-1.
6. Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. Kimmel made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $43,336.02 with large bills that include: R.E. Tucker (gravel): $12,413.10; R.E. Tucker (gravel): $9,084.60; Champlain Valley Equipment (Bale Chopper): $6,450.00; White River Valley Ambulance (October Ambulance): $3,596.25; Mr. Haggett second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
7. Other Proper Business – Town Garage renovation:
Mr. Benson will contact some architects to solicit plan and pricing proposals. The Board will then need to meet with candidate firms to review the current site dimensions and structures and discuss possible approaches. The Board needs a proposed set of numbers, based on potential levels of renovation, to present for review and vote at Town Meeting 2020. The Board has until January 2020 to prepare the proposal for the upcoming Town Meeting Warning.
The Town would like to increase the insurance assessment for the Town Garage structures. The Vermont League of Cities and Town established a value in 2018; Mr. Benson suggested that, based on the assessment, that VLCT bump it up 5% on the two buildings.
8. Mr. Kimmel made a motion to adjourn at 8:24 p.m., Mr. Haggett second: 3-0-0.