Brookfield Selectboard Meeting of March 23, 2020
Draft Minutes
Town Clerk’s Office on Ralph Road
Selectboard: John Benson (Chair), Jeff Kimmel, Dennis LaRocque
Public Attendees: Teresa Godfrey (Recorder), Steve Schaefer
- Call Meeting to Order: J. Benson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
- Loader:
J. Kimmel reported that he had talked to Ray Peck, Road Foreman, concerning the bids and trade-in value for the loader. J. Kimmel provided a chart and information with the results of the 4 bids. R. Peck had previously reviewed the bids and tested some of what was offered with the Road Crew. They were all in agreement that the loader presented by Milton CAT was the preferred purchase. Quotes included the following:
A. Beauregard (CASE 621G Wheel Loader)-$166,075-Trade-in $38,600=$127,475 Payments of $21,039/7 yr. annual payment
B. Beauregard (CASE 721G Wheel Loader)-$196,175-Trade-in $38,600=$157,575 Payments of $25,852/7 yr. annual payment
C. NORTRAX (John Deere 544L Wheel Loader)-$197,900-Trade-in $49,000=$148,900 Payments range from $32,019.94-5 yrs. /$27,163.76-6 yrs. /$23,699.79-7 yrs. annual payment
D. NORTRAX (John Deere 624L Wheel Loader)-$215,900-Trade-in $49,000=$166,900 Payments range from $35,890.72-5 yrs. /$30,447.46-6 yrs. /$26,564.77-7 yrs. annual payment
E. NORTRAX (John Deere 544L Wheel Loader)-$193,338-Trade-in $39,500=$153,838 Extended Warranty + Preventative Maintenance Options Inc.
F. NORTRAX (John Deere 624L Wheel Loader)-$213,619-Trade-in $39,500=$174,119 Extended Warranty + Preventative Maintenance Options Inc.
G. Anderson Equipment (KOMATSU WA 270-8 Wheel Loader 3V)-$186,926-Trade-in $60,000=$126,926 Payments range from $33,397-4 yrs. / $27,144-5 yrs. / $22,979-6 yrs. annual payment
H. Milton CAT (CATERPILLAR 930M Wheel Loader)-$200,000-Trade-in $60,000=$140,000 Payments of $22,300/7 yr. annual payment
J. Benson said Milton CAT would not require any payment until after the July 1, 2020 fiscal year began. S. Schaefer questioned if the Highway Department was going to adjust hours or have lay-offs due to COVID-19. J. Benson said no, they will continue to operate.
T. Godfrey, Treasurer, presented to the Board the current financial balance of $1,069,635.49 in the checking accounts. Her concern was, with the financial difficulties families are having with the current situation, the balance would just cover the payment to OSSD for the May 22, 2020 school payment, leaving little in the accounts to run the Town. Other towns are also looking at this issue, Randolph included.
After further discussion, the Board decided they should delay the agreement with Milton CAT.
On motion by J. Benson, seconded by J. Kimmel, the Board voted to postpone actual enactment of the agreement as provided by Milton CAT until we have further information on the economy. Vote 3-0-0
- Review and approval of Warrants:
On motion by D. LaRocque, seconded by J. Kimmel, the Board voted to pay the warrants in the amount of $4,091.14. This amount included the payment of $3,425.00 to White River Valley Ambulance. Vote 3-0-0
- Review and approval of March 9, 2020 Selectboard meeting minutes:
On motion by J. Kimmel, seconded by D. LaRocque, the Board voted to approve the March 9, 2020 minutes with some minor amendments. Vote 3-0-0
- Other business:
J. Benson said they have requested that Kasey Peterson, Admin. Asst. write a RFP for Cemetery Sexton and mowing for the upcoming year.
The Board each received additional information from both Jon Binhammer and Stuart Edson concerning the Conservation Commission purchasing the development rights from a portion of land owned by Theresa & Charlie Taplin as discussed in the March 9, 2020 Selectboard meeting minutes.
J. Benson received a call concerning 4-wheel ATV’s being driven on the Town roads. He said he suggested the concerned citizen try to get pictures of this and report it to the State Police for them to investigate.
The Board discussed the ever changing directives from the Governor’s Office and how we will proceed with future Selectboard meetings and Open Meeting Law concerns.
D. LaRocque submitted his resignation as Town Auditor dated March 23, 2020 due to being Selectboard member and being Auditor are not being compatible offices per State Statute.
6. Adjournment:
On motion by J. Benson, seconded by D. LaRocque, the Board voted to adjourn at 7:00 p.m. Vote 3-0-0
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Godfrey, Recorder