Brookfield Selectboard Meeting of November 23, 2015
Town Clerk’s Office on Ralph Road
Selectboard: John Benson (Chair), Cory Haggett, Jeff Kimmel
Public Attendees: Teresa Godfrey (Recorder), James Godfrey, Ray Peck (Road Foreman)
- Call to Order:
Mr. Benson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
- Adjustments to Agenda:
There were no adjustments to the Agenda.
- Old Business:
On motion of Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Haggett, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the November 9, 2015 meeting as amended. Vote: 3-0-0
The Board discussed completing the transfer of the “Wheatley Gravel Pit” to the current property owner from the sale of the Janet Wheatley Estate.
The Board signed the paperwork appointing Starr Strong as the Town Health Officer to be sent to the State.
Mr. Benson received a call from Stuart Edson, Lister, concerning the Listers budget. He wanted to confirm whether the Listers should continue having the cost for NEMRC services in their budget since it isn’t specific to the Listers. Mr. Benson would like to have the Listers keep it in their budget. They also discussed when to begin the town-wide reappraisal. The Listers are going to ask for an estimate from 3 companies and see if the reappraisal can begin after July 1, 2017. The start date is contingent on the availability of an outside appraisal company.
- Highway Report:
Mr. Peck reported they have completed ditching in West Brookfield, on Bear Hill Road, and West Street. They will be working in the Kibbee area next.
The salt company needed a copy of the contract faxed to them to begin salt delivery.
The 2015 truck went back to Freightliner to have some minor adjustments made. The Board discussed when they might look into getting a new grader. The old one has a $35,000-$39,000 estimated trade-in value.
Mr. Peck said Arnold Chase, grader operator, would like to work 2 days a week next year instead of 4. Mr. Benson will include this in the new budget.
Mr. Peck will be meeting with the State concerning the intersection of VT RT 65 and West Street on Tuesday. He also mentioned that the lower part of Kibbee Road needs to be wider. The banks are getting high.
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to accept and sign the offer from the Agency of Transportation for a State Paving Grant to complete paving on the north end of Ridge Road. Vote 3-0-0
- New Business:
The Board worked on updating the Assemblage Permit ordinance and have a draft available for review by the Town for comments on the website and at the Town Office. The Selectboard will be acting on it at the December 14th meeting.
The Board received a letter concerning a continued issue with barking dogs from a neighbor. Mr. Kimmel will address the issue.
Mr. Benson stated he attended a meeting with the Public Safety Committee and the use of the Sheriff’s Department for the town. Lewis Stowell is taking over as Chair from Kevin Joyal, Constable. They will be setting up meetings with the State Police, Game Warden, and Motor Vehicle Department to confirm the role each plays in covering town issues. They are working on creating a report for Town Meeting, 2016.
- Accounts Payable:
On motion by Mr. Haggett, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to pay the warrants in the amount of $41,560.83. This amount included all of the Town contributions voted on for the budget at Town Meeting, 2015. This also included a payment to CAT for $13,677.98 for the loader lease and a payment to WRVA for $6,457.85. Vote 3-0-0
- Adjournment:
On motion by Mr. Haggett, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to adjourn at 9:35 p.m. until the next meeting on December 14, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Vote 3-0-0
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Godfrey, Recorder