Selectboard Meeting Minutes 28 May 2018

Town of Brookfield

Selectboard Meeting

May 28, 2018 at 6:30 P.M.

Town Clerk’s Office

Draft Minutes

 

Present: John Benson (Chair) Cory Haggett, Jeff Kimmel, Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman), Connie Karal

 

1. Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.

 

2. Adjustments to Agenda – (none)

 

3. Public Comment:

Ms. Karal raised concerns about problems with dust accumulation in the Pond Village area, due to dry conditions on the unpaved portion of Route 65 through the village and the relatively high volume of traffic, including farm and other equipment trucks along with vehicles commuting on a main travel artery in Town. The resulting dust tends to coat houses, trees, and virtually everything else in the village. In addition, the dust poses a problem for residents with health and/or breathing issues in the area. Mr. Benson noted that the VT Agency of Transportation hasn’t yet signed off on acknowledgement that their work on Rt. 65 is completed. Mr. Peck reported that he had spoken with the State District Engineer such that the Road Crew can apply chloride to reduce the problem, and can bill AoT subsequently accordingly.

4. New Business:

 

1. Highway Department:

 

1. Route 65: covered above.

 

2. Personnel:

 

• Performance Review: Mr. Peck will prepare the employee’s review and submit it for the Selectboard’s approval at the next meeting.

 

• Insurance Invoice: Mr. Haggett made a motion that the Board go into Executive Session at 6:41 p.m., Mr. Kimmel seconded: 3-0-0. The Board returned at 6:55 p.m., with instructions to Administrative Assistant Kasey Peterson to pay the invoice and post it to the Highway Department’s Safety Account in the 2017/2018 budget.

 

3. Grants-in-Aid: Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission sent information and an application for the Municipal Roads Grant-in-Aid Program for 2017, which is offered in conjunction with the VT Department of Environmental Conservation The program is intended to “provide funding for municipalities to implement best management practices (BMPs) on municipal roads in compliance with the DEC Municipal Roads General Permit (MRGP).” On motion of Mr. Haggett, Mr. Kimmel second, the Board voted 3-0-0 to approve submitting the application (with the help of Mr. Peck and Ms. Peterson).
4. Access Permit – Childs/Donner: Daniel Childs and Marda Donner requested a permit to add an access to their property at 1148 Kibbee Road. On motion of Mr. Benson, Mr. Haggett second, the Board voted 3-0-0 to approve the permit.
5. Conduit under East Street: Eustis Cable (355 East Street) and ECFiber seek Town permission to run a cable/conduit under East Street to access a proposed equipment installation at the Eustis site. Mr. Benson suggested that two options be offered to the companies: either they can directional drill at least four feet below the road for the installation, or the Town Road Crew can prepare a trench. If the Town does the work, the Road Crew should be reimbursed. Mr. Benson recommended directional drilling, which might be less likely to disturb the road. Mr. Benson will convey these options to the Town’s ECFiber representative. In addition, warning tape and signage should be placed in preparation for the work.
6. Budget Information for the State: the State has requested a detailed listing regarding the Town’s annual Highway Budget. Mr. Benson is continuing to prepare the paperwork.
7. Mailboxes on Route 65: Mr. Peck reported that a part-time resident on Rt. 65 complained that a pair of mailboxes were damaged during the Town’s winter snowplow operations. While Mr. Peck expressed some doubt based on the setback of the boxes, the Board suggested that he assess the claim and go ahead with whatever repairs he deemed necessary.

 

1. Security Camera: Ms. Peterson had reported to the Board about a new security camera that was recently installed at the Town Offices. The system allows for alerts and monitoring, with access from remote locations. The Board was unclear as to the recording capabilities of the camera, and requested further information including annual fees that might apply. The Board will also review potential upgrades to the systems at the Town Garage, with Mr. Peck’s and Ms. Peterson’s recommendations.

 

1. Washington Electric Permit: WEPCO seeks a permit to do line work along an approximately 0.25 mile section of Eagle Peak Road. On motion of Mr. Kimmel, Mr. Haggett second, the Board voted 3-0-0 to approve the proposal with conditions relating to tree removal and subsequent Town activities in the Town’s Right-of-Way.

 

30. Other Highway Issues: the Board and Mr. Peck discussed priority projects in preparation for the close of the FY 2017/2018 budget year on June 30. At this point, approximately $90,000 remains available in the Highway Budget. Mr. Peck suggested the following items for consideration:

 

• Repair/replacement of brakes on the backhoe.
• Bridge repairs.
• Updating Town speed signs and replacement of road name signs.
• Repair and paving of Brookfield’s portion of the Chelsea Mountain Road.
• Culvert and drainage work on East Hill Road.
• Culvert repair/replacement on Blodgett Road.
• Fuel purchases.

 

Mr. Peck reviewed potential costs for each item; he will follow up with Ms. Peterson, clarify estimates, determine which project costs are feasible, and coordinate with the Board accordingly.

 

5. Old Business:

 

1. Approve Minutes of May 14 meeting: Mr. Kimmel made a motion to approve the minutes; Mr. Haggett seconded: 3-0-0.

 

1. Drug and Alcohol Policy: Mr. Kimmel reported that he had reviewed the VLCT model version, made adjustments to reference the Town and relevant personnel, and would provide Board members with the most recent version. As there are several additional issues that VLCT recommends the Town consider, it might be best to call a Special Meeting of the Selectboard limited to a working session on the draft policy.

 

6. Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. Haggett made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $8,635.22. Large bills include White River Valley Ambulance: $3,425.00 (ambulance services); Barre City Treasurer (ambulance dispatch): $1,895.08; Vermont State Treasurer (dog licenses): $780.00. Mr. Kimmel seconded: 3-0-0.

 

7. Other Proper Business:

 

• Trash and sanitary issue at Ridge Road residence: the Board will follow up with the Agency of Natural Resources regarding response to the problem.
• The Brookfield Historical Society has proposed placement of a memorial bench (commemorating Jackie Wilder) on Town property. The Board suggested BHS consult with Mr. Peck to see how the Town could help with the proposal.

 

8.       Mr. Haggett made a motion to adjourn at 8:18 p.m., Mr. Kimmel seconded: 3-0-0.