Brookfield Selectboard Meeting of May 9, 2016
Town Clerk’s Office on Ralph Road
Selectboard: John Benson (Chair), Jeff Kimmel
Public Attendees: Teresa Godfrey (Recorder), Ray Peck (Highway Foreman), Pat Mercier, Mary Waldo
- Call to Order:
Mr. Benson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p. m.
2. Adjustment to Agenda:
Mr. Benson made an adjustment to the agenda, moving Mary Waldo’s appointment as auditor to public presentation.
3. Public Presentation:
Ms. Mercier wanted to discuss with the Board her concerns with the road frontage and right-of-way on her property. Over the last few years, Ms. Mercier has asked for help concerning her location of her mailbox and fencing the edge of her lawn to prevent traffic from driving on it. She would like to confirm exactly where the road ends and her lawn begins. When the grader came through, she felt 18” of her lawn had been torn up. Ms. Mercier would like Ray Peck, Highway Foreman, to come over and so they can come to an agreement about the edge.
Mr. Benson said he spoke to VTrans and they have no authority on mailbox placement. The Post Office had said the new location was fine with them, but the neighbors felt it impeded their driveway. He will check with Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) to see if there is anything that can be done about her mailbox relocation.
Mr. Peck will meet Ms. Mercier Wednesday morning to measure from the center line for the edge of her lawn.
On motion by Mr. Kimmel, seconded by Mr. Benson, the Board voted to appoint Mary Waldo as an interim auditor until the next Town Meeting in March, 2017. Vote 2-0-0
4. Old Business:
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to approve the minutes of April 25, 2016 as amended. Vote 2-0-0
5. Highway Report:
Mr. Peck attended a highway safety class. Included, in the discussion, is that he is supposed to keep a log of when he has a safety discussions with the road crew and having a flagger for road maintenance. With only 3 road workers, there isn’t a real option for one of them to stand by flagging traffic. The Board discussed with him some possible options to remain in compliance with the safety standards.
Mr. Peck reported the sand pile is almost replenished. The Board is waiting for an answer from the abutting property owner about possibly purchasing ½ acre from him for the garage.
The Board approved the access permit request, after confirming with Mr. Peck his approval, for Gabriel Frietag to put in a road access from Glen Urie’s property onto Ralph Road for logging purposes.
Mr. Peck stated there was very little trash around for Green-Up Day to collect on the following Monday.
The Board tabled Mr. Peck’s annual performance review because Cory Haggett, Road Commissioner, was not able to attend the meeting.
The Board discussed with Mr. Peck his assessment of upgrading the last 300’ on Old Stage Road. He felt it would take 2-3 days to remove trees and debris. He would need an average of 2 feet of gravel added to the road surface in order for the road to be up to class 3 standard. There would be an additional amount of gravel used to complete a turn-around area large enough for the plow truck to maneuver around. He estimated it would take up to $8000.00 or more. The Board will be preparing for a site visit and have a public hearing in the future to consider reclassifying the last 300’ of Old Stage Road.
The Board signed the cemetery deed for Michael J. and Alberta Herold Jr. for their plot purchase.
The Board received a bio solids permit request from Andrew Tibbitts, owner of Barre Septic Service, submitted to Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), for certification of their wastewater treatment bio solids management activity. This application is available at the Brookfield Town Office for public inspection.
6. Policy and Ordinance Review:
The Board tabled reviewing the Drug and Alcohol Policy and Jobs for Bid Policy until a future meeting.
7. Accounts Payable:
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to pay the warrants in the amount of $9,092.13. This amount included 2 payments to Conniff’s Custom Building for $2,642.00 and $1,754.00. Vote 2-0-0
8. Other Business:
The Board received a letter from Green Mountain Development Corp. thanking the Town for their support.
Mr. Kimmel will go through the public assemblage permit requests from the Old Town Hall to see which ones will need to be approved by the Selectboard at the next meeting.
9. Adjournment:
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. until the next meeting on May 23, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Vote 2-0-0
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Godfrey, Recorder