Brookfield Selectboard Meeting of September 22, 2014
Town Clerk’s Office on Ralph Road (edited)
Selectboard: John Benson (Chair), Cory Haggett, Jeff Kimmel
Public Attendees: Teresa Godfrey (Recorder), Ray Peck (Highway Foreman), Ted Elzey, Perry Kacik, Aaron Adler (Planning Commission Chair)
1. Call to Order:
Mr. Benson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p. m.
2. Public Presentation:
Mr. Kacik wanted to be sure the 2 assemblage permits for the Old Town Hall rentals were all set to be signed. The Selectboard was concerned with parking and Mr. Kacik was able to confirm all the parking needs were covered.
On motion by Mr. Haggett, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to approve the assemblage permits for the Old Town Hall rentals for October 4th and 11th, 2014.
Vote 3-0-0
Mr. Adler presented the Board with a grant application for updating the Municipal Plan. The grant, if fully awarded would be $9,806.00 and the Town match would be $902.00. Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission (TRORC) will help with the grant application. A few specific issues included will be readopting a new town plan and flood resilience plan. An economic development plan must be included. There are some lesser issues that are also required. Mr. Adler would like the Selectboard to approve the grant request and designate 1 or 2 of the Board as officials. Mr. Adler said Chris Sargent (TRORC) is proposing to be the administrator for filling out the application.
Mr. Benson had no reservations to having Mr. Sargent as the administrator.
Mr. Adler said it is a competitive grant and the Town may be awarded all, some, or none of the grant. If Brookfield does not receive the full award amount, then the Planning Commission will have to prioritize which part of the Town Plan will be updated. With Mr. Kimmel having experience with the Zoning Board, Mr. Benson asked him to be the alternate administrator.
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Haggett, the Board voted to move forward with the Resolution FY2015 Municipal Planning Grant application with Mr. Benson as the first authorizing official and Mr. Kimmel as the alternate. Vote 3-0-0
The Selectboard received a letter from TRORC stating the Hazard Mitigation Plan also needs to be updated. The Board will be attending the Planning Commission Meeting on October 14, 2014 at 7:00 p. m. to discuss the plan.
3. Highway Report:
Mr. Peck has attempted to contact Lynford Wheatley concerning the completion of the gravel pit restoration. He has not heard back from him.
The 2008 International is back at the dealership. He has voiced his displeasure with the service. With the Road Crew down to 2 trucks again and trying to resurface the roads, he would like to hire Stanley Wheatley for hauling gravel to West Street because the quarry will be closing on October 15th. He would be hired at a rate of $75/hour for 3 days. The Board approved hiring Mr. Wheatley to haul for the 3 days. If Mr. Peck needs him longer, he will speak to Mr. Haggett prior to extending the number of days.
Mr. Peck will be meeting with Tom Anderson to begin the paperwork requesting an extension for the replacement of the culvert/bridge on Old Cross Road. He will be looking at how Bear Hill and East Hill Roads were completed. Mr. Anderson would like to tie into the 30” pipe that goes up the center of the street on Stone Road in Town. The Board agreed they didn’t see any reason he couldn’t do that.
Mr. Peck asked who the Town uses for an electrician because he has some lights in the garage that need work. The Board suggested he contact James Infurna.
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board went into executive session at 7:50 p. m. for a personnel matter.
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board came out of executive session at 7:55 p. m.
The Board would like Mrs. Godfrey to put an ad in the Herald, Times Argus, on the Town website, and on Front Porch Forum that Brookfield is looking to hire someone to work on the Road Crew with applications or resume due on October 27, 2014.
The Board received 2 bids for plowing the 4 Town locations that the Road Crew doesn’t plow. After deliberating, the Board accepted a bid from James Godfrey for the 2014-2015 winter plowing season.
4. Accounts Payable:
On motion by Mr. Kimmel, seconded by Mr. Benson, the Board voted to pay the warrants in the amount of $9,912.06. This amount included a payment to Blue Cross/Blue Shield for $2,803.22 and to R. E. Tucker for $1,359.60. Vote 3-0-0
5. Adjournment:
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to adjourn at 8:45 p. m. until the next meeting on October 13, 2014 at 7:00 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Godfrey, Recorder