Brookfield Selectboard Minutes
Brookfield Selectboard Meeting of April 9, 2012
Town Clerk's office on Ralph Road
Selectboard: Mike McPhetres, Martina Rutkovsky
Public Attendees: Teresa Godfrey (Recorder), Ray Peck (Highway foreman), G. G. LaRocque
Mr. McPhetres called the meeting to order at 7:58 p. m. The meeting was delayed due to illness and prior commitment of the board members.
1. Call to Order:
Mr. McPhetres called the meeting to order at 7:58 p. m.
2. Highway Report:
Mr. Peck reported that the crew is dealing with the mud, replacing
culverts, and the rear end of the truck has been repaired.
3. New Business:
Mr. McPhetres received a letter from Mike Lefebvre, through KC Peterson
for coats and hats for the Constables. It included the cost of "pressing
patches" on to identify them as Constables. The Board would like KC
to send a letter to Mr. Lefebvre questioning him about what the patches
say and that there isn't a line item in the budget for the coats and hats. It
will come out of the mileage or salary in the Constables budgets. The
invoice was for $69 for heat pressing 2 jackets, 1 liner, and 2 hats.
The Board tabled the Town lawn mowing bids until Mr. Benson is better.
There will either be a special meeting to discuss the bids or the decision
will be made at the next meeting. The Town received 5 bids.
Mr. McPhetres made a motion to call Freightliner, NH to accept their bid
for the new town truck. The cost is $96,141 minus $20,000 trade for the
Mack truck. It will have a 7 year, 250,000 mile warrantee covering the
Electronic Engine Emissions Systems. Mrs. Rutkovsky seconded the
motion. The motion was put to vote and the motion carried. Mr. Peck
will bring quotes for truck bodies and plows to the next meeting.
4. Accounts Payable:
On motion by Mr. McPhetres, seconded by Mrs. Rutkovsky, the Board
voted to pay the warrants in the amount of $15,464.96. Motion carried.
5. Other Business:
The Board received an application from Ariel's Restaurant for their liquor
license renewal. On motion by Mr. McPhetres, seconded by Mrs.
Rutkovsky, to grant Ariel's Restaurant a liquor license for the next year.
Motion carried.
Mrs. Rutkovsky reported that about 20 volunteers turned out for the initial
cleanup of the cemetery on Ridge Road. She has been working with the
town website and will be having 3 pages concerning the cemeteries on it.
The first page will advertise current news, pictures, and what is coming
up. The second page will have rules and regulations. The third page will
have downloads for forms to apply for a plot. The Cemetery Committee
has before and after pictures of the cleanup that was done and they will
be posted on the website in the future.
The Board received a letter from the State of Vermont that the Town is
being sued by the Vermont School Board Trust Insurance for damage
done to the roof of the Brookfield School last winter by the road crew
removing excess ice hanging off the roof. The cost of the damage was
$93,700. The letter was forwarded to Pam Stafford, Brookfield's Attorney
to be given to the Town's insurance, Vermont League of Cities and
Towns.
The Board tabled the minutes from the March 26, 2012 meeting because
Mr. Benson was not at this meeting and Mrs. Rutkovsky wasn't at the
previous meeting.
6. Adjournment:
On motion by Mr. McPhetres, seconded by Mrs. Rutkovsky, the Board
voted to adjourn at 8:50 p. m. until the next meeting of April 23, 2012
at 7:00 p. m.
Respectively submitted,
Teresa Godfrey
Recorder
Brookfield Selectboard Meeting of March 26, 2012
Town Clerk's office on Ralph Road
Selectboard: John, Benson, Michael McPhetres
Public Attendees: Teresa Godfrey (Recorder), Evangeline Parent, Gene Parent, Paula Gills, Edward Richards, Melanie LaRocque, G. G. LaRocque, Jane Stone, Henry Connolly, Nancy Jacques
Mr. McPhetres called the meeting to order at 7:05 p. m.
1. Call to Order:
Mr. McPhetres called the meeting to order at 7:05 p. m.
2. New Business:
Mrs. Parent presented the Board with a written statement "Problem with 911
on Route 12, Brookfield, Vermont". (attached to minutes in the Town Clerks
office). The Board read the written statement and Mr. McPhetres commented
that the Board is looking into the ambulance issue with Williamstown,
Northfield, and White River Valley Ambulances (WRV Ambulance). Mrs.
Parents concern is the length of time it takes the rescue services for Brookfield
to respond to needs on the Route 12 side of Brookfield. Northfield Ambulance
is 5-10 minutes away.
Per Mr. Benson, Chuck Barnum has volunteered to talk to the other towns
about the 911 issues. The Board is checking on how to change the process. A
concern is that a lot of the ambulances are manned with volunteers and people
are not home during the day.
Mr. Richards brought up a recent article in The Herald concerning people
leaving WRV Ambulance as a concern.
Mr. McPhetres said the Board will continue investigating the ambulance and
fire truck dispatch issues for Brookfield.
Ms. Stone questioned what service the ambulances provide. If they are first
responder, what training, knowledge, and experience do they have?
Ms. Stone is the representative for WRV Ambulance. The WRV Ambulance
has switched to Barre Town to do the billing. Gifford Hospital wasn't billing
in a timely manner. Things are going smoother with the cash flow.
Mr. Benson would like Ms. Stone to provide the Board with a copy of the
document/contract the town signed so the Board will know where the town
stands. What would the issue be if the Town split by 911 address?
He would like to know what "District 8" means and what are the district
boundaries.
3. Old Business:
Mrs. LaRocque spoke for the Cemetery Committee. They will begin cleaning
the Cemetery on the Ridge Road in the back corner on Saturday, March 31st
from 9-12. They are looking for volunteers to help. Mr. LaRocque will bush
hog the back parts of the cemeteries and will use Steve Hills wood chipper to
help remove branches. The Committee hasn't decided about what type of
fences they would like to have.
4. Treasurer Report:
Mr. Benson spoke with Jane Woodruff and she said she has spoken with 3
Auditors to have them submit a bid to audit the Town accounts.
KC Peterson, asst. town clerk, would like to purchase 2 shelving units from
Home Depot to have installed in the attic. The cost is $59.87 per unit. The
total will be $119.74. The Board approved the purchase.
5. Accounts Payable:
On motion by Mr. McPhetres, seconded by Mr. Benson, the Board voted to
pay the warrants in the amount of $9,821.16. Motion carried.
6. Other Business:
The Board appointed Chuck Barnum to the Stage Coach Board of Directors.
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. McPhetres, the Board voted to
accept the minutes of March 12, 2012 with the amendment adding "Received
by April 5th "to Section 5, paragraph 2. Motion carried.
7. Adjournment:
On motion by Mr. McPhetres, seconded by Mr. Benson, the Board voted to
adjourn at 8:45 p. m. until the next meeting of April 9, 2012 at 7:00 p. m.
Respectively submitted,
Teresa Godfrey
Recorder
Brookfield Selectboard Meeting of March 12, 2012
Town Clerk's office on Ralph Road
Selectboard: John Benson, Michael McPhetres, and Martina Rutkovsky
Public Attendees: Teresa Godfrey (Recorder), G. G. LaRocque, Melanie LaRocque, Michael J Herold Jr, Nancy Jacques, Lora Churchill, Robert R Conniff Sr, Ray Peck (Highway Foreman)
Mr. Benson called the meeting to order at 7:15 p. m.
1. Call to Order:
Mr. Benson called the meeting to order at 7:15 p. m.
2. New Business:
The Public was invited to be a part of the Cemetery Committee. Ms.
Churchill would like to remove the fences and put stones in as fences
at all 5 Brookfield Cemeteries. Mr. Benson had an estimate for wood
fences at $20,000 to start. The Board would like a Commission to create
a plan to maintain the cemeteries. The Town purchased software to put the
plots on to make it easier to maintain the locations and availability of
remaining plots. A schedule of what needs to be done needs to be created.
The Commission is an appointed position from the Board. Mr. Conniff said
the East Hill cemetery is full unless the Town takes the property back from
the old Church. He has a Scout to work on the Ridge Road for his Eagle
project. The Scout would need to know what needs to be done before May
because he turns 18 in the fall.
The following people would like to be involved in the Committee: Melanie
LaRocque, Michael J Herold Jr, Nancy Jacques, Lora Churchill. Mr. Conniff
would like to be "in the loop" to help his Scout Troop with their community
service hours.
The Cemetery Committee will meet Wednesday, March 21st, at 6:30 at the
Town Clerk's office.
3. Other Business:
Mr. Benson nominated, with a second from Mrs. Rutkovsky, to have Mr.
McPhetres as Chairman of the Selectboard. Mr. McPhetres nominated, with
a second from Mr. Benson, to have Mrs. Rutkovsky as Town Services Officer.
Mr. Benson said the Town Clerk has contacted a couple of Auditors to have
the Treasurers books audited.
4. Highway Report:
Mr. Peck reported they were dealing with the mud season.
An estimate came in to replace the garage door with a steel door including a
track, springs, install, etc. for approximately $2000. Replacing the damaged
door closest to Route 65 for approximately $500.
Mr. McPhetres made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Rutkovsky, to replace the
door and repair the damaged door closest to Route 65. The motion carried.
Mr. Peck will pick up applications for Class 2 & 3 roads for Grants from the
State to help repair Ridge Road and East Hill.
5. Other Business:
Payroll increases approved at Town Meeting: The Listers $2 increase staying
within the approved budget of $20160. Administrative Assistants and
Assistant Town Clerk a 3% increase from Town Meeting forward.
The Board needs to draft an advertisement for Cemetery mowing for bids for
a 2 or 3 year contract. It will include spring and fall clean-up. It will also
include mowing Hippo Park, Town Office, and trimming around the Veterans
Monument. Bids need to be received by April 5th.
Mr. McPhetres made a motion, seconded by Mr. Benson to appoint John
Tassie as 2nd Constable, not to exceed $500 unless authorized explicitly by
the Board. The motion carried.
6. Accounts Payable:
On Motion by Mr. McPhetres, seconded by Mr. Benson, the Board voted to
pay the warrants in the amount of $14,521.59. Vote 3-0-0
7. Other Business:
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. McPhetres, the Board voted to
approve the minutes of February 27, 2012. Vote 3-0-0
8. Adjournment:
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. McPhetres, the Board voted to
adjourn at 9:25 p. m. until the next meeting of March 26, 2012 at 7:00 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Godfrey, Recorder
Brookfield Selectboard Meeting of February 27, 2012
Town Clerk's office on Ralph Road
Selectboard: John Benson, Michael McPhetres, and Martina Rutkovsky
Public Attendees: Teresa Godfrey (Recorder)
Mr. McPhetres called the meeting to order at 7:10 p. m.
1. Call to Order:
Mr. McPhetres called the meeting to order at 7:10 p. m.
2. Old Business:
The Board discussed the Brookfield Cemetery presentation for Town Meeting.
Mrs. Rutkovsky presented a power point of all 5 cemeteries showing the
fences in disrepair, falling and broken headstones, and trees growing amongst
the stones. The Board would like to have volunteers from Town Meeting to
form a cemetery commission to create a plan on preserving the cemeteries.
3. Other Business:
The Board received a copy of the recommended plan for the Town from Two
Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission. The plan is a draft to be put in
the Planning Commissions box for their review.
Mr. Benson has the Class 3 & 4 road listings to present to the State. The list
includes the "missing" road off Halfway Brook and Parker roads. It was listed
in the past as TH 72 and is .35 miles long. It needs to be reinstated.
The Board received employee insurance estimates from Dennis Hill to
improve the policy cost for the Town. There were 3 different estimates.
No immediate decision was made.
The Board discussed changing the Town fiscal year to correspond with the
State and School tax year. The fiscal year would be from July 1- June 30.
The tax bill would be for 18 months for the first year then return to a 12
month tax year. This would need to be warned to the Town for approval at
the 2013 Town Meeting.
4. Accounts Payable:
On motion by Mr. McPhetres, seconded by Mrs. Rutkovsky the Board voted
to pay the warrants in the amount of $40,695.99. Vote 3-0-0
5. Other Business:
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. McPhetres, the Board voted to
approve the minutes of February 13, 2012. Vote 3-0-0
6. Adjournment:
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. McPhetres, the Board voted to
adjourn at 8:10 p. m. until the next meeting of March 12, 2012 at 7:00 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Godfrey
Recorder
Brookfield Selectboard Meeting of January 25, 2012
Town Clerk's office on Ralph Road
Selectboard: John Benson, Michael McPhetres, and Martina Rutkovsky
Public Attendees: Teresa Godfrey (Recorder), Anita Kelman, Pam Stafford (Atty), Ray Peck (Highway Foreman)
Due to inclement weather, the meeting of January 23, 2012 was postponed until January
25, 2012 at 7:00 p. m.
Mr. McPhetres called the meeting to order at 7:05 p. m.
1. Call to Order:
Mr. McPhetres called the meeting to order at 7:05 p. m.
On motion by Mrs. Rutkovsky, seconded by Mr. McPhetres, the Board voted
to go into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation at 7:07 p. m.
Executive Session ended at 7:45 p. m.
2. Other Business:
Ms. Kelman presented the Board with information concerning Property
Assessed Clean Energy District (PACE District). She would like the Board
to warn the Town at Town Meeting to have Brookfield become a PACE
district. PACE is a funding mechanism for people who want to improve the
energy efficiency of their home. PACE could be under the Efficiency
Vermont program. The warning would read: Do we participate with the
PACE District program? Upon approval from the town, the Board
would investigate that there is no way it can come back on Brookfield for any
liabilities. If there are no underlying liabilities, the Town would sign up to be
a PACE District.
On motion by Mr. McPhetres, seconded by Mr. Benson, the Board voted
to warn the Town at Town Meeting in March.
3. Highway Report:
Due to the ice, the town is using a lot of sand. It was decided to add gravel to
the sand to help the sand go farther.
Bob Coniff has finished the work on the repair of the garage from the furnace
replacement.
The Board discussed with Mr. Peck the embankment repair on East Hill from
Tropical Storm Irene. FEMA wants a plan put together to have approval only
on right of way.
The 2012 highway budget was discussed to propose to the Town at Town
Meeting.
Mr. Peck provided the Board with estimates for a new truck.
4. Other Business:
The Board went over a check list for internal controls from the Vermont
League of Cities and Towns. The Board decided to independently review the
list and discuss at the next selectboard meeting.
5. Accounts Payable:
On motion by Mr. McPhetres, seconded by Mrs. Rutkovsky, the Board voted
to pay the warrants in the amount of $7103.91. Vote 3-0-0
6. Other Business:
On motion by Mr. McPhetres, seconded by Mr. Benson, the Board voted to
approve the minutes of January 9, 2012. Vote 3-0-0
7. Adjournment:
On motion by Mr. McPhetres, seconded by Mrs. Rutkovsky, the Board voted
to adjourn at 10:30 p. m. until the next meeting of February 13, 2012 at 7:00
p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Godfrey
Recorder
Brookfield Selectboard Meeting of January 9, 2012
Town Clerk's office on Ralph Road
Selectboard: John Benson, Michael McPhetres, and Martina Rutkovsky
Public Attendees: Teresa Godfrey (Recorder), Jane Woodruff (Treasurer)
Mr. McPhetres called the meeting to order at 7:12 p. m.
1. Call to order:
Mr. McPhetres called the meeting to order at 7:12 p. m.
2. Treasurers Report:
Mrs. Woodruff presented the Board the current Treasurers report. There is
$8000 budgeted for an outside audit. Mrs. Woodruff is going to get recommendations from NEMRC for
auditors to bid on auditing Brookfield's accounts. Mrs. Woodruff would like to appoint Teresa Godfrey as an
assistant treasurer. Mrs. Godfrey would be working 8 hours a month plus 2 full days at
each tax paying date.
3. Budget:
The Board discussed the budget to present to the Town at Town Meeting in
March.
4. Highway Report: Due to illness, there is no report.
5. Accounts Payable:
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. McPhetres, the board voted to pay
the warrants in the amount of $25,764.05 and current warrants in the amount
of $8,657.63 Vote 3-0-0
6. Other Business:
Mr. McPhetres would like to dedicate the 2011 Town Report to Richard
Mallary. Mrs. Rutkovsky will write the dedication.
Mr. McPhetres will write the Selectmans report to put in the Town Report.
The cover of the Town Report will be a picture of the Floating Bridge.
Mrs. Rutkovsky will write a Cemetery report to have in the Town Report.
On motion by Mr. McPhetres, seconded by Mrs. Rutkovsky, the Board voted
to approve the minutes of December 26, 2011. Vote 3-0-0
The Board would like to have the approved minutes posted on the Town
website. Mrs. Godfrey will forward them to Stuart Edson to have them posted.
7. Adjournment:
On motion by Mrs. Rutkovsky, seconded by Mr. Benson, the Board voted to
adjourn at 9:45 p. m. until the next meeting of January 23, 2012 at 7:00 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Godfrey
Recorder
These minutes are for reference only. To obtain an official copy, contact the Town Clerk's office at 276-3352 or stop by the Town Office at 40 Ralph Rd.