Brookfield, Vermont

Minutes of the Meeting of
TOWN OF BROOKFIELD SELECTBOARD
Town Clerk’s Office
August 23, 2021
THOSE PRESENT: John Benson, Chair; Jeff Kimmel, Brenda Flint, Kate Threlkeld, Board Members; Tim Higgins, Road Crew Foreman; Betty Lord, Secretary; Ben Koren, Pete Mancauskas, and Larry Brassard. (Dennis LaRocque, Board Member, was not present at the meeting.)
ACTION ON WARNED REVISED CEMETERY POLICIES – Mr. Benson and Mr. Kimmel explained to those in attendance the changes made to the cemetery policies including, but not limited to, the ownership of the stones in the Town cemeteries. During the first 50 years of a stone being placed in a Brookfield cemetery the stone will belong to the family of the deceased. At the end of 50 years, the ownership of the stone will revert to the Town. Mr Benson made a motion to adopt the new cemetery policies as presented with the policies becoming effective as of the date of this meeting. Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. 4-0-0.

CALL TO ORDER: The Chair, Mr. John Benson called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mr. Larry Brassard appeared before the Board to discuss the damage a recent storm had made to the road in front of his house and along his driveway. Mr. Higgins assured Mr. Brassard that something would be done to correct the problem within the next two weeks.

Mr. Ben Koren and Mr. Pete Mancauskas appeared before the Board to discuss plans for Oktoberfest and the 5K race to be held in Brookfield on October 9, 2021. Mr. Mancauskas reported that he was working with the State for a permit to close portions of Route 65. Mr. Koren stated that each neighbor along the race route will be notified of the time of the race, and when the road on which they live will be closed to traffic. Once the Board was satisfied that all details, including parking, closing of roads, signage, volunteers and State Trooper support, had been handled, Mr. Kimmel made a motion to approve the proposed Public Assemblage Permit from Brookfield Community Partnership to hold a 5K race and Oktoberfest celebration on October 9, 2021. Mrs. Threlkeld seconded and the motion was approved unanimously. 4-0-0.

HIGHWAY REPORT;
Personnel Issue – At 7:22 pm the Board went in to Executive Session to discuss a personnel issue. At 7:24 p.m. Mr. Benson made a motion to come out of Executive Session. Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion which was unanimously approved (4-0-0). The nature of the session was informational, and no decisions were made.

Mr. Higgins stated that extensive ditching and grading was being done. Mrs. Peterson and Mr. Higgins will make a summary of the repair work to be done following the recent storm and will send it to VTrans so the work can be put out to bid. Mr. Higgins reported that the work on Twin Pond Road should be started in a couple of weeks. He is still waiting for the decking for the Witts bridge repair.
The Board discussed getting someone to do an inspection of the bridges that are not large enough to come under VTrans consideration. By getting the costs of repairing these bridges now, the costs can be made a part of 2022-2023 budget. Mr. Benson made a motion to authorize the use of $4,000 for the inspection by October of at least two of the five bridges that need repairs. Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. 4-0-0.
Mr. Benson and Mr. Higgins will work together on a letter to secure bids from suppliers for the purchase of sand for the next five years. The bid letter will go out to potential suppliers this Fall and will ask for pricing for sand to be delivered or sand loaded on the Town’s trucks.

NEW BUSINESS:
Adding Zoom option to Selectboard Meetings – Mrs. Peterson has mentioned to the Board that she finds it very difficult to hear when the phone is used to connect her to the Board meetings. Mr. Kimmel will contact Mrs. Peterson regarding pricing for a teleconferencing phone unit.
Public Assemblage Permit Godfrey/Robinson – Mrs. Flint made a motion to approve the Public Assemblage Permit for September 25, 2021 for the Godfrey/Robinson wedding. Mrs. Threlkeld seconded the motion which was carried unanimously. 4-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Ben Koren – Oktoberfest – See above.
Audit Letter – Mrs. Flint has been reviewing the audit letter presented by Fothergill, Segale, and Valley. It was the decision of the Board to table the audit letter review to give Mrs. Flint an opportunity to see how certain issues are addressed by other towns in central Vermont of a similar size.
SELECTBOARD MINUTES OF AUGUST 9, 2021:

Mr. Kimmel made a motion to approved the minutes of August 9, 2021 as presented. Mrs. Flint seconded and the motion carried unanimously. 4-0-0.

PAYROLL AND AP WARRANTS-:

Mrs. Flint moved to accept the accounts payable report for a total of $57,093.52 with the largest expense being payable to WB Rogers for sand in the amount of $26,950.00. Mr. Kimmel seconded and the motion was unanimously approved. 4-0-0.
There being no further business to come before the Board, Mrs. Flint made a motion to adjourn at 8:39 p.m. Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion, and the meeting was adjourned. 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Lord, Secretary

Minutes of the
Meeting of
TOWN OF BROOKFIELD
SELECTBOARD
Town Clerk’s Office
July 26, 2021
THOSE PRESENT: John Benson, Chair; Jeff Kimmel, Dennis LaRocque, Brenda Flint, Kathryn Threlkeld, Board Members; Tim Higgins, Road Crew Foreman; Mike Lints, Auditor; Kasey Peterson, Administrative Assistant (by teleconferencing); Betty Lord, Secretary
A. CALL TO ORDER: The Chair, John Benson called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
B. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: None
C. ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING: Mr. Benson explained to the new Board Members, Mrs. Flint and Mrs. Threlkeld, the way the Board is organized and the various roles that are filled by the members. He also explained the members’ working relationship with the Administrative Assistant to the Board, Mrs. Peterson.
The roles of the Board members were then assigned by vote:
• Mr. Kimmel made a motion to appoint Mr. John Benson as Chair of the Board. Mr. LaRocque seconded and the motion was unanimously approved: 5-0-0.
• Mr. Benson made a motion to appoint Mr. LaRocque as the Road Commissioner, working with the Highway Department. Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.: 5-0-0.
• Mr. Benson made a motion to appoint Mr. Kimmel as the member to oversee miscellaneous issues (including legal issues) that are not covered by the other appointments. Mr. LaRocque seconded the motion which was unanimously approved: 5-0-0.
• Mr. Kimmel made a motion to appoint Mrs. Flint as Financial Advisor to the Board. Mr. LaRocque seconded the motion which was unanimously approved: 5-0-0.
• Mr. Benson made a motion to appoint Mrs. Threlkeld as Town representative to the Mountain Alliance Solid Waste District and TRORC Transportation Advisory Committee. Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion which was unanimously approved: 5-0-0.
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
E. HIGHWAY REPORT:
a. Storm Damage Report: Mr. Higgins reported that the recent storm had done considerable damage, with the worst of it being done on Eagle Peak Road. Other roads affected were Chelsea Road, Halfway Brook Road, Kibbee Road and West Street. Mr. Higgins has met with a representative from VTrans who stated they would have grant funding available to cover 90% of the road repair costs. Mr. Higgins also stated that a new pump was needed for clearing some of the plugged culverts. Mr. LaRocque made a motion to authorize Mr. Higgins to purchase a new pump not to exceed a cost of $1,000. Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion which carried unanimously: 5-0-0.
Mr. Higgins also reported that the equipment owned by the Town was insufficient to clear out some of the roads and ditches in Brookfield. The Board asked Mr. Higgins to get some pricing for hiring an outside party to do the work.
Mr Higgins also reported that 2,142 yards of sand had recently been purchased.
Mr. LaRocque reported that an account was opened with the NAPA store in Northfield and no limit had been set on purchases. Mr. Higgins stated that a representative from VTrans had visited the Bear Hill culvert site to observe what needs to be done and will now be going forward with the project design. Mr. Benson asked Mr. Higgins to get the final figures and estimated delivery date for the planned new truck in order to set the financing interest rate with Northfield Savings Bank. Mr. Higgins indicated the likely delivery date would be between the beginning of March and the middle of April, 2022.
b. Nicom Proposal for crack sealing: Mr. Benson made a motion to have Nicom spend one day on Ridge Road sealing cracks. The amount in the budget for crack sealing is $4,350.00. Mr. Kimmel seconded the motions which carried unanimously: 5-0-0.
F. NEW BUSINESS
Auditors:
a. The Board accepted the resignation letter of Rachel Rose.
b. Mr. Mike Lints, Auditor, attended the meeting to get a better sense of how the Town business transpires. Mr. Lints pointed out that two auditors are needed int order to properly audit the accounts. Mr. Benson stated that the Town Clerk does a review of the accounts and an outside auditor firm is also hired to review the Town’s accounts.
G. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Cemetery Budget Question: Mr. Joe Mangan, Town Cemeteries Sexton, has requested that the insurance money for the repair of stones in the Ridge Road Cemetery also be used to repair the fencing. Mr. Mangan will be requested to present the Board with an overall plan for his work on the cemeteries for the remainder of the year. Mr. Mangan’s budget for the year is $26,000.
Mr. Benson, Mr. LaRocque, and Mr. Kimmel, along with Mr. Mangan, met in a special meeting on July 13 to review proposed updates and revisions to the Town’s Cemeteries Rules and Regulations. Mrs. Peterson had obtained versions from other towns and prepared a preliminary draft for Brookfield. Copies of the draft document have been given to Mrs. Flint and Mrs. Threlkeld, allowing all Board members to review it and be ready to vote on it at the next Board meeting on August 9th. The draft proposal will be posted for public review and comment.
2. ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021): The State of Vermont has earmarked $70,000 a year for a two-year period for to be used for projects supporting public health. The Town must follow certain guidelines and restrictions in order to qualify for funding. A public meeting must be held to get ideas from the constituents of Brookfield and the meeting must be facilitated by a third party. Mrs. Peterson will contact Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission to ask them about facilitating a public meeting.
G. MEETING MINUTES
1. Regular meeting of 12 July 2021: Mr LaRocque made a motion to accept the minutes of the meeting of July 12, 2021 as presented. Mr. Kimmel seconded and the motion was carried: 3-0-2. As new members of the Board, Mrs. Flint and Mrs. Threldkeld abstained as they did not attend the meeting.
2. Special Meeting 13 July 2021: Mr. Benson made a motion to accept the minutes of the Special Meeting of July 13, 2021 as presented. Mr. Kimmel seconded and the motion carried: 3-0-2.
H. PAYROLL AND AP WARRANTS: Mr. LaRocque moved to accept the accounts payable report for a total of $26,084.54 with the largest expense being Northeast Delta Dental in the amount of $4,637.92. Mr. Kimmel seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. LaRocque moved to accept the second accounts payable report in the total amount of $2,227.00 with the largest expense being payable to Radio North Group, Inc. in the amount of $1,407.00. Mr. Kimmel seconded and the motion which was unanimously approved.
I. OTHER PROPER BUSINESS: Mr. Bob (Doc) Conniff appeared before the Board to discuss repairs to be made to the roof of the Town Clerk’s Office. He reported he would do some small repairs now in the amount of $500 and would present the Board with an estimate of costs by December 2021 for repairs to be done at a later time.
J. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Benson made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Kimmel seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Lord

Minutes of the
Meeting of
TOWN OF BROOKFIELD
SELECTBOARD
Town Clerk’s Office
July 12, 2021
THOSE PRESENT: John Benson, Chair; Jeff Kimmel and Dennis LaRocque, Board members; Tim Higgins, Road Crew Foreman; Kasey Peterson, Administrative Asst. (by teleconferencing); Kate Bancroft, and Betty Lord, Secretary.
A. CALL TO ORDER – Mr. Benson called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
B. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA – None
C. PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
D. HIGHWAY REPORT – Mr. Higgins reported the Road Crew has been busy grading and ditching. To-date approximately 1,000 yards of sand has been moved and stockpiled. Culverts have been ordered but have not been received. Markers are now in place indicating utility wiring that is placed under West Street at the Taplin property. Mr. Higgins stated that he had contacted NI-COM regarding a price for paving the cracks on the Ridge Road and is waiting for an answer. Mr. Higgins was asked to look into having someone inspect the five bridges in Town with an average span of 16 ft. There may be American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funding for work done on the bridges.
Mr. Higgins will contact VTrans to get a date on when they will come to discuss the work to be done on Bear Hill Road. It was noted that the grant for the work to be done expires on December 31, 2021. Mr. Higgins was also asked to update the list of the Town’s vehicles and equipment.
E. NEW BUSINESS –
1. Justin Poulin – Driveway Culvert – Mr. Higgins reported that the culvert issue with Mr. Poulin had been resolved.
2. Zoning Board of Adjustment – Mr. Benson made a motion to appoint Mr. Dennis LaRocque and Ms. Kate Bancroft as members of the Board of Adjustment. Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. 3-0-0.
3. Auditor Appointment – Mr. Kimmel made a motion to approve the appointment of Rachel Rose to the open position for Town Auditor. Mr. Benson seconded the motion which was approved unanimously. 3-0-0.
4. CAI Technologies Contract – Mr. Benson made a motion to accept the contract presented to the Board by CAI Technologies. Mr. LaRocque seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. 3-0-0.
5. Personnel Policy Re: Juneteenth – The Board will defer making a decision on the issue of making Juneteenth a Town paid holiday until further direction is provided on the State level.
6. Sanel Application – NAPA – Action on the application from Sanel was tabled. Mr. LaRocque will ask Mr. Higgins to contact the NAPA stores in Northfield and Barre to inquire about their application process.
7. Gillespie Fuel Contracts (4) – The contracts include two for the Town fire station, one for the Town garage, and one for the Town Clerk’s office. The prices offered are $2.52 a gallon for pre-buy and $2.56 to purchase monthly for eleven months. Mr. LaRocque made a motion to pre-buy the fuel needed for the above named contracts. Mr. Benson seconded and the motion was unanimously approved. 3-0-0. Mr. Benson will sign the contracts on behalf of the Town.
8. Old Town Hall Public Assemblage Permits. – It was noted that events in Pond Village for fewer than fifty people do not require a permit. Mr. Kimmel made a motion to approve the pro-posed permit for the Community Pot Luck event to be held at the Old Town Hall on July 13. Mr. LaRocque seconded and the motion carried unanimously. 3-0-0. Mr. Benson made a motion to approve the assemblage permit for the Sprague Farm Day to be held on July 17, 2021. Mr. Kimmel seconded and the motion was unanimously approved. 3-0-0.
9. Village Dog Complaint – Mr. Kimmel will contact Mr. Dan Mason (Town Constable) to discuss the complaint in Pond Village. It was also suggested that if neighbors would keep a log of what they witness, it would be easier for the Board to act on such complaints.
F. OLD BUSINESS
l. Stone Road Parking – Mr. Kimmel will contact Mr. Mason to set a time to visit a site on Stone Road to determine whether or not a vehicle is parked in the right-of-way. Mr. Kimmel will also notify the resident that a visit will be forthcoming.
2, Sprague Farm Day – See above under assemblage permits.
G. MINUTES OF JUNE 28, 2021 Selectboard meeting – Mr. Kimmel made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the meeting of June 28, 2021 as presented. Mr. LaRocque seconded and the minutes were approved unanimously. 3-0-0.
H. PAYROLL AND AP WARRANTS – Mr. LaRocque made a motion to accept the accounts pay-able report in the total amount of $22,197.02 (closing out FY 2020/2021) with the largest payment being made to R. E. Tucker in the amount of $19,845.00. Mr. Kimmel seconded and the report was approved unanimously. 3-0-0. Mr. LaRocque also made a motion to accept the accounts payable report in the total amount of $19,755.58 (FY 2021/2022) with the highest payment being made to Gorman Group, LLC in the amount of $8,022.46. Mr. Kimmel seconded and the report was unanimously approved. 3-0-0.
I. OTHER PROPER BUSINESS – Mr. Benson reported to the Board that he would be meeting with a representative from the office of VT Senator Sanders on July 28th to discuss the possibility of funding for a new fire house.
J. ADJOURNMENT – There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. LaRocque made a motion to adjourn at 7:35 p.m. Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion and the meeting was unanimously adjourned. 3-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Lord, Secretary

Minutes of the
Meeting of
TOWN OF BROOKFIELD
SELECTBOARD
Town Clerk’s Office
June 28, 2021
THOSE PRESENT: John Benson, Chair; Jeff Kimmel, Dennis LaRocque (Board Members); Bet-ty Lord (Secretary); and Kasey Peterson (Administrative Assistant) by telephone.
A. CALL TO ORDER: The Chair, John Benson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
B. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: None
C: PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
D. Highways: Mr. Tim Higgins, Road Crew Foreman, is on vacation. Mr. LaRocque gave the highway report. He stated that the road crew continues to do grading, ditching, and replacement of culverts. He also reported that roadside mowing should be completed by the 4th of July.
1. Access Permit for James Infurna: Mr. Higgins had reported it appears that no culvert will be necessary and the property needs to be leveled up in order to allow access from School House Road. Mr. Benson made a motion to approve an access permit for Mr. Infurna with conditions as noted by the Road Foreman. Mr. Kimmel seconded and the motion carried unanimously. 3-0-0.
E. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Town Report Budget Item: The question was asked whether the $2,000 approved at the Town Meeting for contracting for the preparation for the Town Report should be listed under salaries or the Town Report budget item. It was agreed that the $2,000 should be listed as a sub-item under the Town Report and that if a salaried person was hired to prepare the Town Report, that person would be contracted to do so and the work on the report would be done separate and apart from any work required by a salaried position.
2. Stone Road Property: It was agreed that one or two members of the Board will join with the Sheriff and a deputy to meet with Mr. Cushing to discuss whether or not his truck is parked in the right-of-way or traveled way. A survey map will be used and a measurement will be taken to determine the answer to this question. If it is not parked in the RoW or traveled way, no action will be taken. If it is in the RoW or traveled way, Mr. Cushing will be notified (including the potential for fines) and then offered the opportunity to move the truck. If the truck is not moved, further action will be taken.
3. Personnel Policy Addendum for COVID-19 – Mr. Kimmel made a motion for the Selectboard to approve the addendum regarding COVID-19 and carried over as an addendum to the Personnel Policy, Mr. Benson seconded and the motion passed unanimously. 3-0-0.
4. Brandon Stephens Contract – Mr. Benson made a motion to execute the contract with Bran-don Stephens for roadside mowing. Mr. Kimmel seconded and the motion passed unanimously. 3-0-0.
5. Schedule Cemetery Special Meeting – A special meeting for the review of the cemetery policy has been set for Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. Mrs. Peterson will contact Mr. Joe Mangan to ask if he is available to attend the meeting on that date.
F. Old Business – No action taken.
G. Minutes – Mr. Benson made a motion to accept the minutes of the Special Meeting of June 10, 2021 as presented. Mr. LaRocque seconded and the minutes were unanimously approved. 3-0-0.
Mr. Kimmel made a motion to approve the minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 14 as pre-sented. Mr. LaRocque seconded and the minutes were unanimously approved. 3-0-0
Mr. LaRocque made a motion to accept the minutes of a Special Meeting of the Board on June 22, 2021. Mr. Kimmel seconded and the minutes were approved. Mr. Benson abstained as he did not attend the meeting. 2-1-0.
H. PAYROLL AND AP WARRANTS – Mr. LaRocque moved to accept the accounts payable report for a total of $11,034 payable to Kirkyard Services – Cement and Stone. Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. 3-0-0.
Mr. LaRocque moved to accept the accounts payable report for a total of $20,309.99. with the largest expense being paid to R. E. Tucker for gravel in the amount of $6,993.00. Mr. Benson seconded and the motion was unanimously approved. 3-0-0.
I OTHER PROPER BUSINESS – Mr. LaRocque reported that the Board of Adjustment had met last week. Ms .Kym Anderson was sent a letter by the Chair, Mr. Tom Allen, asking her to commit to meetings or to resign. Ms. Anderson stated that she was sorry not to have been able to honor her commitment but that she needed to resign at this time. Mr. LaRocque will send her an email and ask for her resignation in writing.
Mr. LaRocque stated that he has been an interim member of the Board of Adjustment and re-quested that he now be made a permanent member of the Board. His name will be warned for the next meeting stating his interest in being appointed to a permanent position on the Board of Adjustment.
Mr. Benson made a motion to make an application to the American Rescue Plan Act in the amount of $70,000 with himself as the Authorized Representative and Mrs. Peterson as the Primary Contact; authorizing Mrs. Peterson to file the application on the part of the Town of Brookfield and indicating the Town’s interest in pursuing money from the fund. Mr. LaRocque seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 3-0-0.
There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Kimmel made a motion to adjourn at 7:40 p.m. Mr. LaRocque seconded the motion which was carried unanimously. 3-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Betty Lord, Secretary

The Town of Brookfield
Special Selectboard Meeting
10 June 2021 at 6:30 PM
Town Office and Zoom
Present: John Benson (Chair), Dennis Larocque (Road Commissioner), Jeff Kimmel (Selectman), KC Peterson (Administrator)
1 – Call to Order – 6:35
2 – Public Comment – none
3 – Personnel Issues
The Board entered Executive Session at 6:40 to discuss Highway Personnel issues.
At 8:00 p.m. the Board ended their executive session.
A. While changes to Mr. Higgins rate of pay were discussed at length, no official change in wage will be made until Mr. Higgins has had his performance review in October.
B. Mrs. Peterson was tasked with writing an addendum to the personal policy which will give Full-time employees one discretionary day off if they become ill from a Covid vaccine or booster shot. Any subsequent days will be deducted from the employee’s accrued sick time.
4 – Other Proper Business – none
5 – Adjournment – 8:30 p.m.