Brookfield, Vermont

Town of Brookfield

Selectboard Meeting

October 14, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.

Town Clerk’s Office

Minutes

Present: John Benson (Chair), Cory Haggett, Jeff Kimmel, Ray
Peck (Road Crew Foreman); Public Present: James Godfrey, Teresa Godfrey (Town
Clerk/Treasurer), Robert Godfrey, Sam Dilcer, Gene Parent, Van Parent ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

1.  Call to Order –
6:30 p.m.

2.  Adjustments to
Agenda – None

3.  Public Comment (included
in New Business)

4.  New Business:

A. Highway

1. Horner Road Fence: Mr. Peck contacted the State Garage, and they will proceed with repairing the fence. Associated barriers and/or guard posts are the Town’s responsibility. Mr. Peck noted that the area also needs some trees to be cleared, the Town will try to clear more snow towards the end of the road, and culverts will also need to be checked and cleaned. The Town, as part of the ongoing review of traffic/road policies, will be trying to address speed and vehicle weight issues.

2. Northfield Road: TRORC placed traffic monitors on the road and will be reporting on the data collected. Appropriate signs were installed on the road, which will allow the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to conduct monitoring/enforcement activities. OCSD will also have a chance to review the TRORC data. There was continued discussion on potential approaches to vehicle regulation, including: working with the State Department of Motor Vehicles on the proper process, and limits on Town regulation of agricultural vehicles.

3. Howe Road: similar concerns were raised about traffic on Howe Road, along with the need for appropriate signs. Other issues on the road include blind corners and trees in need of trimming/removal.

4. New One-Ton Truck: Ms. Godfrey raised concerns about the purchase, including: whether the Town needed to purchase it at this time, the extent of review and testing of the vehicle, and past issues with vehicle purchases. Mr. Peck reported that, as it was a wholesale purchase, test driving was limited to the dealer’s facility grounds. Mr. Peck indicated he researched the truck and accessories; it had 30,000 miles and the frame, body, and equipment appeared to be in very good condition. He also contacted a local supplier regarding a plow/sander, which would be paid for in the next fiscal year (2020/2021).

Mr. Haggett noted that the Board directed Mr. Peck to find/research
a truck for the Town; the Board agreed that Mr. Peck and Mr. Haggett have the
requisite knowledge and expertise to recommend the purchase within the Town’s
budgetary constraints. Mr. Peck will make arrangements to pick up the vehicle,
bring it back to the Town Garage, and get it ready for the season. Ms. Godfrey
can prepare the check for the final payment (at truck pick-up), and Mr. Peck will
work with Administrative Assistant Kasey Peterson on registration and insurance
documents.

Mr. Peck reported that the new truck is a gas truck and that
the Highway Department will need to arrange for a system to track and pay for
fuel purchases.

5. Fuel Policy: Ms. Peterson is looking into developing a Town policy regarding fuel (gas) purchases (such as through a bank-issued debit card). Issues will include which Road Crew members would have access to a card; keeping a log of mileage, costs, and receipts; and complying with Town Auditor standards.

6. Stone Road Site Visit: the Board is setting a tentative date of October 24, 5:00 p.m. for the visit. The Board, site surveyor, OCSD representatives, local property owner, Town Public Safety Advisory Committee, and members of the public would be invited. Public notices will be posted.

7. Equipment Grant for Hale Bale Shredder: the shredder was purchased on September 25. The Town expects to be reimbursed by the VT Agency of Transportation, with the Town paying a 10 percent share. Ms. Godfrey will be asked to verify the grant conditions.

8. Stone Road Mitigation Grant: as in the past, the Board will apply for the grant. The Board discussed the allocation of costs and reimbursement over the course of the current budget and the next fiscal year.

9. Cargill Salt Contract: the Board authorized Mr. Peck to proceed with arrangements for the contract.

B. EC Fiber Update: Mr. Childs did not attend the meeting, so the Board tabled the matter.

C. Blue Cross/Blue Shield Rate Increase: the new rate is $4,500.65, which is a 14.4% increase.

5. Old Business:

A. Personnel Policy Changes: deferred.

B. Approve Minutes of August 26, 2019 Selectboard meeting: Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2019, Mr. Kimmel second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.

C. Approve Minutes of September 9, 2019 Selectboard meeting: Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2019, Mr. Kimmel second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 2-0-1.

D. Approve Minutes of September 23, 2019 Selectboard meeting: Mr. Benson made a motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of September 23, 2019, Mr. Kimmel second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 2-0-1.

6. Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. Kimmel made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $43,336.02 with large bills that include: R.E. Tucker (gravel): $12,413.10; R.E. Tucker (gravel): $9,084.60; Champlain Valley Equipment (Bale Chopper): $6,450.00; White River Valley Ambulance (October Ambulance): $3,596.25; Mr. Haggett second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0. 

7. Other Proper Business – Town Garage renovation:

Mr. Benson will contact some architects to solicit plan and pricing proposals. The Board will then need to meet with candidate firms to review the current site dimensions and structures and discuss possible approaches. The Board needs a proposed set of numbers, based on potential levels of renovation, to present for review and vote at Town Meeting 2020. The Board has until January 2020 to prepare the proposal for the upcoming Town Meeting Warning.

The Town would like to increase the insurance assessment for the Town Garage structures. The Vermont League of Cities and Town established a value in 2018; Mr. Benson suggested that, based on the assessment, that VLCT bump it up 5% on the two buildings.

8.   Mr. Kimmel made a motion to adjourn at 8:24 p.m., Mr. Haggett second: 3-0-0.        

Special Meeting

Town of Brookfield
Selectboard

4 November 2019

6:30 pm

Town Clerk’s Office

Call to OrderApprove a checking account for purchase of fuel for the Town Highway Dept at Bar Harbor Bank and TrustReview and Approve the Fuel Card PolicyAdjourn

Town of Brookfield Selectboard Meeting September 9, 2019 at 6:30 P.M. Town Clerk’s Office Minutes

Present: Cory Haggett, Jeff Kimmel, Lew Stowell (Public Safety Advisory Committee), Robert Godfrey, Al Wilder, Carl Bushey, Richard Pecor, Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman)­­­­­

1.  Call to Order –
6:35 p.m.; Mr. Haggett agreed to act as Chair for the meeting, Mr. Kimmel
agreed to take minutes.

2.
 Adjustments to Agenda – None.

3.  Public Comment: incorporated in the general discussion regarding Highway – Excess Weight.

4.  New Business:

A. Highway

Excess Weight

Mr. Stowell made an initial presentation regarding the PSAC and his own review of the State and Town attempts to regulate excess weight vehicles and their travel on local roads. He commented that he doesn’t have all the answers, but he contacted the Department of Motor Vehicles to start understanding the system. Areas covered included:

The current common vehicle weight
limit identified in the Town Ordinance is 24,000 lbs. on Town roads. However,
DMV and other authorities won’t enforce the limits unless/until the Town registers
with the DMV system and lists weight limits for each affected road. Mr. Stowell
commented that the Town will need further instruction on how to work with the
system.

The Town has issued excess weight
permits for years and collects administrative fees, which appears to be
adequate for insurance purposes.

Mr.
Stowell noted an issue with the Town attempting to actually catch vehicles (and
drivers/owners) who have allegedly caused damage to the roads and
right-of-ways, before any potential damages can be assessed and follow-up
compensation is sought.

Public comments included concerns
that vehicles over 24,000 lbs. (and continuing up to 80,000+ lbs.) were
currently transiting the Town. The combination of excess weight and sheer
vehicle size is a bad combination. The Town would need to widen many of the
Class 3 roads to accommodate such vehicles. In addition, if speed limits aren’t
clearly posted, many drivers simply assume that they can drive at the base
State speed limit of 50 mph. These issues have been ongoing for many years.

Additional comments were made
about the highway wear and tear created by large vehicles. This includes excess
dust and damage caused by material leeching into local brooks and waterways.
These problems are also affecting property values.

Mr. Peck reported that more speed
limit signs will be posted around Town in the next couple of weeks.

Mr.
Haggett confirmed that the signs are a priority. He also contacted the
Department of Agriculture, which referred to and provided copies of several State
statutes (23 VSA 1400, 23 VSA 1400a, 23 VSA 370), to indicate Town authority
and limits regarding agricultural and excess weight vehicles. Mr. Haggett
observed that the Town could also remove some trees in the ROW to help improve
travel lanes and line-of-sight conditions.

Other questions arose over whether
limiting Town roads to 24,000 lbs. would pose interstate commerce issues;
whether the Town could require lead vehicles for oversize vehicles; whether the
Town could restrict larger vehicles on specific portions of dirt roads (such as
Pond Village).

Northfield Road will be the subject of a traffic study within a week or so.

2. Other Highway Issues

Mr. Wilder asked if the Town could replace the
sign missing at the end of his drive. Mr. Peck said he would follow up.Mr. Stowell inquired whether the survey of a
portion of Stone Road had been finished. The Board hadn’t heard yet.Mr. Peck reported on various Highway Department
projects:Taylor Hill repairs: it will take 4 days with
Town trucks to get about 300 yards of material moved for the project. A local
landowner at the west end is amenable to the Town also shifting some berm
material for the work.Mr. Peck is getting quotes for a new loader,
including arranging for a “test run” of equipment.The Department is stockpiling material for the
upcoming Winter and mud season conditions. In addition, he is assessing the
need for new tires and chains. The fueld supply is in good condition.Pike Co. will be starting paving on Ridge Road
in early October.

B. Errors and Omissions – Listers: on motion of Mr. Haggett, Mr. Kimmel second, the Board voted 2-0-0 to approve the request to correct errors in the 2019 Grand List (Tassie property).

5. Old Business

A. Approve Minutes of 26 August 2019 meeting: deferred

B. Personnel Policy Changes: deferred.

6. Payroll/ AP Warrants: Mr. Kimmel made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $750.83, with large bills that include Freightliner of NH (Truck 4): $274.17; TENCO New England Inc. (Stock Parts): $114.73; Lowell McLeods Inc. (Truck 3): $102.04; Mr. Haggett second: 2-0-0. 

7. Other Proper Business: none

8. Mr. Kimmel made a motion to adjourn at 7:55 p.m., Mr. Haggett second: 2-0-0.

Town of Brookfield
Selectboard Meeting
September 9, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.
Town Clerk’s Office
Draft Minutes

Present: Cory Haggett, Jeff Kimmel, Lew Stowell (Public Safety Advisory Committee), Robert Godfrey, Al Wilder, Carl Bushey, Richard Pecor, Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman)

Call to Order – 6:35 p.m.; Mr. Haggett agreed to act as Chair for the meeting, Mr. Kimmel agreed to take minutes.Adjustments to Agenda – None.Public Comment: incorporated in the general discussion regarding Highway – Excess Weight.New Business: A. HighwayExcess Weight: Mr. Stowell made an initial presentation regarding the PSAC and his own review of the State and Town attempts to regulate excess weight vehicles and their travel on local roads. He commented that he doesn’t have all the answers, but he contacted the Department of Motor Vehicles to start understanding the system. Areas covered included: The current common vehicle weight limit identified in the Town Ordinance is 24,000 lbs. on Town roads. However, DMV and other authorities won’t enforce the limits unless/until the Town registers with the DMV system and lists weight limits for each affected road. Mr. Stowell commented that the Town will need further instruction on how to work with the system. The Town has issued excess weight permits for years and collects administrative fees, which appears to be adequate for insurance purposes. Mr. Stowell noted an issue with the Town attempting to actually catch vehicles (and drivers/owners) who have allegedly caused damage to the roads and right-of-ways, before any potential damages can be assessed and follow-up compensation is sought. Public comments included concerns that vehicles over 24,000 lbs. (and continuing up to 80,000+ lbs.) were currently transiting the Town. The combination of excess weight and sheer vehicle size is a bad combination. The Town would need to widen many of the Class 3 roads to accommodate such vehicles. In addition, if speed limits aren’t clearly posted, many drivers simply assume that they can drive at the base State speed limit of 50 mph. These issues have been ongoing for many years. Additional comments were made about the highway wear and tear created by large vehicles. This includes excess dust and damage caused by material leeching into local brooks and waterways. These problems are also affecting property values. Mr. Peck reported that more speed limit signs will be posted around Town in the next couple of weeks. Mr. Haggett confirmed that the signs are a priority. He also contacted the Department of Agriculture, which referred to and provided copies of several State statutes (23 VSA 1400, 23 VSA 1400a, 23 VSA 370), to indicate Town authority and limits regarding agricultural and excess weight vehicles. Mr. Haggett observed that the Town could also remove some trees in the ROW to help improve travel lanes and line-of-sight conditions. Other questions arose over whether limiting Town roads to 24,000 lbs. would pose interstate commerce issues; whether the Town could require lead vehicles for oversize vehicles; whether the Town could restrict larger vehicles on specific portions of dirt roads (such as Pond Village). Northfield Road will be the subject of a traffic study within a week or so.Other Highway Issues: • Mr. Wilder asked if the Town could replace the sign missing at the end of his drive. Mr. Peck said he would follow up. • Mr. Stowell inquired whether the survey of a portion of Stone Road had been finished. The Board hadn’t heard yet. • Mr. Peck reported on various Highway Department projects: • Taylor Hill repairs: it will take 4 days with Town trucks to get about 300 yards of material moved for the project. A local landowner at the west end is amenable to the Town also shifting some berm material for the work. • Mr. Peck is getting quotes for a new loader, including arranging for a “test run” of equipment. • The Department is stockpiling material for the upcoming Winter and mud season conditions. In addition, he is assessing the need for new tires and chains. The fuel supply is in good condition. • Pike Co. will be starting paving on Ridge Road in early October.

B. Errors and Omissions – Listers: on motion of Mr. Haggett, Mr. Kimmel second, the Board voted 2-0-0 to approve the request to correct errors in the 2019 Grand List (Tassie property).

5. Old Business: A. Approve Minutes of August 26, 2019 meeting: deferred. B. Personnel Policy Changes: deferred.

6. Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. Kimmel made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $750.83, with large bills that include Freightliner of NH (Truck 4): $274.17; TENCO New England Inc. (Stock Parts): $114.73; Lowell McLeods Inc. (Truck 3): $102.04; Mr. Haggett second: 2-0-0.

7. Other Proper Business – None.

8. Mr. Kimmel made a motion to adjourn at 7:55 p.m., Mr. Haggett second: 2-0-0.

Town of Brookfield
Selectboard Meeting
July 8, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.
Town Clerk’s Office
Draft Minutes

Present: John Benson (Chair), Cory Haggett, Jeff Kimmel, Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman), John Helfant, Robert Townsend

Call to Order – 6:33 p.m. Adjustments to Agenda – NonePublic Comment: John Helfant, a property owner on the West Brookfied/Roxbury Town line, inquired about arranging for his children to shift from the Roxbury/Montpelier school system to the Brookfield/Braintree/Randolph (OSSU) system. He believes, based on GIS mapping documents, that his residence would qualify for the OSSU system. Mr. Helfant’s property had been affected by the State legislature’s Roxbury/Brookfield Town line realignment several years ago, which led to a portion of his property being designated within Roxbury. The Board discussed the possibility of petitioning the legislature to designate the property and residence as within Brookfield, but the likelihood of success seemed small. Another avenue might be to arrange to tuition Mr. Helfant’s children into the OSSU system. There is also an option that an adult family member might lease a rental property in the OSSU area to access the schools.New Business:
A. Robert Townsend – Stone Road Survey: Mr. Benson offered a brief description of the survey area, along with the history regarding Town issues along that stretch of Stone Road. The Board reviewed the proposed Agreement for Services with Mr. Townsend’s firm (American Consulting Engineers & Surveyors), and discussed with him the various tasks involved, including: deed research, site review, identification of neighboring properties, and eventual Selectboard review of materials and site markings. The Board also asked that Mr. Townsend provide 1-week notice before work starts. Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve the contract, Mr. Benson second: 3-0-0.
B. HighwayVT ANR/AoT – Road and Bridge Standards: the Board reviewed the State letter introducing the revised road and bridge standards and the updated template that Towns are to fill out to indicate which portions are relevant. The information will be necessary for both State and FEMA emergency funding and reimbursement decisions. The existing template expires July 31, 2019, so the Town will need to complete the updated template fairly quickly.Vehicle Maintenance Report FY2019: Administrative Assistant Kasey Peterson created a report that helps track expenses allocated among the various Highway Department vehicles and equipment. Board members appreciated the document, and recognized that it would be helpful both in regular budget status review and planning equipment purchases for Town Meeting 2020.Pike Industries, Inc. Contract: Pike submitted a bid for $220,860 for paving, reclaiming, and grading on the Ridge Road. Mr. Benson made a motion to approve the contract, Mr. Kimmel second: 3-0-0.Other Highway:
• Mr. Peck and the Board discussed funding that would become available for the Town’s match for various grants. FEMA will be providing reimbursement for activities related to the April 15, 2019 storm event. Mr. Benson noted that the sooner the Road Crew completes emergency-related projects, the sooner the Town can get paid for the work.
• Mr. Peck reported that he had ordered a new pump for the chloride truck, but that it was the wrong one. He will negotiate with another Town to borrow a chloride trailer.
• The Highway Department is considering renting an excavator for ditch work. Mr. Peck will check with equipment rental suppliers for prices. Mr. Benson suggested that the Road Crew test the concept on a few roads and figure out whether the expense and efficiency pans out under the Town’s budget.
• The Board and Mr. Peck discussed starting work on clearing out and adding space to the Town Offices parking lot to open up the area.
• The Board also suggested that Mr. Peck consider whether it was time to sell off our 1-ton truck and find a replacement.

C. Conflict of Interest Policy: the Board approved a COI Policy on August 27, 2018.

Old Business:
A. Approve Minutes of June 10, 2019 Selectboard meeting: Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting, Mr. Kmmel second: 3-0-0.
B. Approve Minutes of June 24, 2019 Selectboard meeting: deferred to the next meeting.
C. Changes in the Personnel Policy: the Board will continue review.Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. Haggett made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $9,342.70 with large bills that include VLCT (VLCT dues): $2,570.00; TRORC (TRORC dues) $1,925.00; Orange County Sheriff’s Department (Fire Dispatch Service): $1,875.00; Mr. Benson second: 3-0-0. Other Proper Business:
• Mr. Kimmel drafted a letter to Sam Dilcer regarding the Board’s findings on an historic road that appeared in prior records for his property. The Board reviewed the draft; Mr. Kimmel will pass it along to Mr. Dilcer.
• A meeting about the benefits of Pond Village receiving a “Village Designation” will be held on July 15 at the Old Town Hall at 4:00 p.m.
• The Public Safety Advisory Committee (along with the Selecboard) are still awaiting word from OCSD about charges assessed for OCSD representative attendance at PSAC meetings.
• Mr. Benson reported that he attended a meeting involving representatives from Brookfield, Braintree, and Randolph (as part of the R3 project) discussing community benefit projects in the area.Mr. Kimmel made a motion to adjourn at 8:10 p.m., Mr. Haggett second: 3-0-0.