Town of Brookfield Selectboard Meeting August 12, 2019 at 6:30 P.M. Town Clerk’s Office Minutes Present: John Benson (Chair), Cory Haggett, Jeff Kimmel, Theresa Godfrey (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman), Scott Wakefield
Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.Adjustments to Agenda – None.Public Comment Mr. Wakefield inquired about a right-of-way issue that had arisen regarding paths for their farm equipment, along with a related question about excess weight vehicles on the Town roads. Mr. Benson asked if there was damage: as of now only grass was trampled down. Mr. Benson mentioned that if damage is done to the right-of-way by loggers, etc., they must pay for it to be fixed, hence the need for the weight certificate. Mr. Peck will review whether the road has been posted and what weight restrictions apply.New Business: A. Highway
1. Certificate of highway
mileage: Mr. Kimmel reported that the documentation was submitted to AOT
several weeks ago; he will contact the agency to confirm the status.
2. Excess Weight Permits: the
Town has been issuing the permits once applications are submitted along with
the proper fee. Administrative Assistant Kasey Peterson provided of the written
description of the process along with permit samples from other towns. The Town
should check with VLCT to see what they recommend for permit protocol. Mr. Peck
can also check with Chris Bump (AOT) to verify the posted limit for Northfield Road.
There is also a question as to who would administer and enforce the weight
limit policy. The Board will review the material and continue discussion at a
subsequent meeting.
3.
Other Highway
Mr. Peck received a call from a concerned citizen asking that the Road Crew
clear and open up a Class 4 road. The cost (preliminary estimate to make it up
to standards) could be upwards of $100,000. Mr. Peck will begin reviewing the
Town’s Class 4 roads and inventory which need to be cleared and possibly opened
and the potential costs for doing so.
The sand pile will be done before long. The Crew plans to tackle ditch work
next.
The Board would like to meet
with Mr. Grady on East Hill to review and discuss culverts and ditch lines at
the eastern end of Taylor Hill Road. Mr. Peck will contact
Town of Brookfield Selectboard
Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 2 August 12, 2019
Mr. Grady about arranging a meeting on August 26, prior to
the regular Board meeting.
Mr. Benson and Mr. Peck will also meet regarding the Town
Office parking lot and potential improvements, which will also be discussed at
the next Selectboard meeting.
Mr. Benson asked if the Town had advertised the 1-ton truck for sale yet. Mr. Peck will work with Ms. Peterson to get the process going. Mr. Benson mentioned that the Town needs to sell the old truck before we can purchase a “new/used” truck for the Town.
B. Records
Management and Retention Policy: Ms. Godfrey reported that the Town needs to
have a policy in place in order to shred/recycle paperwork. Ms. Godfrey
submitted copies of a potential records retention policy provided by the VT
Secretary of State’s office for the Board to review and discuss at the next
meeting.
C. Set the Tax Rate: Ms. Godfrey Theresa presented a proposed listing and calculation of municipal and total rates for Fiscal Year 2019/2020. Mr. Kimmel made a motion to approve the tax rates for FY 2019-2020, Mr. Haggett second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0. The Municipal rate is $0.5040. Education rates are: Homestead rate: $1.4649; Non-Homestead rate: $1.4862. D. Town Office Building Repair: the Town received an invoice for $2,250, which was approved in the warrants.
D. Town Office Building Repair: the Town received an invoice for $2,250, which was approved in the warrants.
5. Old Business:
A. Approve
Minutes of July 22, 2019 meeting: Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve the
Meeting Minutes of July 22, 2019 as amended, Mr. Kimmel second; Mr. Benson
asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
B. Personnel Policy Changes: Mr. Kimmel will review with Ms. Peterson.
6. Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. Kimmel made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $20,030.21, with large bills that include R E Tucker (road reconstruction): $9251.20; Pike Industries Inc. (paving): $2,264.27; Arcadia Restoration LLC, (building maintenance): $2,250.00; Mr. Haggett second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
7. Other Proper Business:
Trash issue at Ridge Road property: trash is now filling
the shed and dumpster. Letter from the Town attorney was sent.
Mr. Benson
requested comments from Mr. Kimmel and Mr. Haggett regarding the RFP for the
Town Garage project. Would like to get it posted by this Friday or the timing
will get pushed back and not allow enough time for the Selectboard to warn the
project for Town Meeting 2020. The Board decided to allocate up to $15,000 for
this RFP Design/Build Phase.
8. Mr. Kimmel made a motion to adjourn at 7:54 p.m., Mr. Haggett second: 3-0-0