Brookfield, Vermont

Minutes of the Meeting of
TOWN OF BROOKFIELD
SELECTBOARD
Town Clerk’s Office
October 12, 2020
THOSE PRESENT: John Benson, Chair; Jeff Kimmel, Dennis LaRocque, Board members, Tim Higgins, Rob Wheatley, Scott Brock, Chris Bunt, Lew Stowell, Richard Doolan, Theresa Godfrey, Town Clerk; and Betty Lord, Secretary
A. CALL TO ORDER: The Chair, Mr. Benson called the meeting to order at 6:33.
B. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: None
C. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mr. Scott Brock appeared before the Board to ask his name be corrected in the minutes of September 14, 2020. His main purpose in appearing was to request that he be considered as a member on the Board of Adjustment. He agreed that he had read the by-laws of the Board. Mr. Benson made a motion to accept Mr. Brock as the fifth member of the Board of Adjustment. Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion and Mr. Brock was unanimously elected as a member of the Board of Adjustment.
D. NEW BUSINESS:
1. FY19 Audit. Ms. Theresa Godfrey, Town Clerk, reported to the Board that the paper work of the audit for 2019 was completed by the auditors after July 1st; therefore, the changes to the audit have to be put in the beginning of the 2020 audit. Payment for the 2019 audit will have to come out of the 2020 budget. Mr. Benson moved to accept these terms of a letter from the auditor, Mr. Kimmel seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.
2. Local Emergency Plan Update. Mr. Richard Doolan, Director of the Emergency Management Plan of the Town of Brookfield appeared before the Board to present changes he had made to the EMP. A copy of these changes is attached and have been made a part of these minutes. Mr. Benson introduced Mr. Lew Stowell to Mr. Doolan and stated that Mr. Stowell had considerable training in emergency management and might be of help to the committee. Mr. Benson moved to accept the emergency plan as outlined by Mr. Doolan. Mr Kimmel seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
3. Public Safety Committee – Lee Stowell appeared before the Board to present a status report from the Brookfield Public Safely Advisory Committee. He reported there were fourteen roads in town with speed limits. He stated there was $6,500 in the budget that has not been used to-date. He suggested that $4,000 of the budget line item could be used to replace destroyed or stolen signs now and the additional monies be used in May to replace those destroyed over the winter. Mr. Rob Wheatley reported there are quite a few signs in the Town Garage but that many of the signs are also missing posts. Mr. Benson asked that a plan be made to include what is needed in the way of traffic signs, what is on hand, what is needed to be purchased, and the costs of what is needed to get the post in the ground. Mr. Wheatley said it would be more cost effective to rent the equipment for the post holes rather than buying it. Mr. Benson also said replacing signs that still have poles should not be a problem, but for those requiring poles, the road crew is busy preparing for winter and those signs may have to wait for installation.
Mr. Stowell also discussed the over-weight permit processing procedure. A copy of the report for (1) Traffic Sign Recommendations and (2) for Vehicle Over-weight Permit Processing Procedures is attached and made a part of these minutes.
Mr. Stowell also reported that although the threat of the Emerald Ash Bore is still prevalent, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused most efforts to be put aside this year. The Lure/Bait kits and the traps have been stored and there are plans for a more concentrated effort in 2021.
Mr. Stowell asked that a No Parking sign be placed at the turn-around on his property as people are parking in the space making it impossible to use the turn-around . He also talked about the contract that is made with the Sheriff’s Department. Mr. Benson said the contract was coming up again in the spring and he suggested that Mr. Stowell talk with the Sheriff or his second-in-command to discuss the fee schedule to see if an increase in the contract might be necessary or to ascertain that the Town is already getting the services set out in the present contract.
E. Highway – Mr. Rob Wheatley reported the East Hill grant has been paid off. The grant requires that photographs before and after the completed project be taken.
Mr. Aaron Mace on West Street is seeking to install a driveway. Mr. Wheatley will get in touch with him to start the process.
Bear Hill Road Culvert – Mr. Chris Bunt of the State of Vermont, Agency of Transportation attended the meeting to discuss ways in which the culvert on Bear Hill might be repaired. After much discussion, Mr,. Benson asked Mr. Bunt to prepare a report of the costs for having the State do the pilings, what the other costs and the timing of the project would be.
The Board approved two license agreements for ECFiber installations within the Town right of way: one is for Old Cross Road and the other is for Bear Hill Road. Mr. Benson made a motion to approve the license agreements. Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously. Copies of both license agreements are to be held at the Town Garage and the Town Clerk’s office.
Washington Electric. A utility pole has been installed on Old Cross Road by Washington Electric. Mr. Benson stated they will be held to the same provisions as those of ECFiber, i.e., if the Town needs to have the pole moved for any reason, Washington Electric will move it and be responsible for the cost. Mr. Kimmel made a motion that it is the condition of this license that after working within the highway ROW, Washington Electric shall restore the surface of the highway ROW to its present condition, including removal of tree stump remnants created during the course of the construction . Once the utility is installed, Washington Electric shall install and maintain at the edge of the ROW on both sides of each underground line road crossing, permanent markers with the words “Underground Utility” on them denoting the utility crossing location. Mr. LaRoque seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
Mr. Benson presented to the other members of the Board a draft of a lease agreement for the sand pit project. He asked Mr. Kimmel and Mr. LaRoque to review the draft and after any changes to forward a copy to the Town’s attorney.
Executive Session: Mr. Kimball moved that the Board go into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters at 8:30 pm. Mr. LaRoque seconded the motion. At 8:48 the Board voted unanimously to come out of Executive Session.
F. Old Business
1. Amendments to the 14 September Meeting Minutes The secretary was asked to
make the necessary adjustments of changing Mr. Brock’s first name to Scott.
2. Approve Minutes of the September 28 Minutes. Mr. Kimmel made a motion to accept the Town of Brookfield, Selectboard minutes of September 28, 2020 as presented. Mr. Benson seconded the motion and the minutes were approved unanimously.
G. Payroll and AP Warrants. Mr. LaRoque moved to accept the Payroll and Accounts Payable Warrants in the amount of $13,913.70 with the largest payment being to Gorman Group in the amount of $4,107.80. Mr. Benson seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.
H. Other Proper Business. Mr. LaRoque reminded everyone the Garage Committee would be holding an Open House at the Town Garage for the General Public on Saturday, October 17, 2020.
There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. LaRoque moved for adjournment. Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote at 9:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Lord, Secretary

Minutes of the
Meeting of
TOWN OF BROOKFIELD
SELECTBOARD
Town Clerk’s Office
September 14, 2020
THOSE PRESENT: John Benson, Chair; Dennis LaRocque, Jeff Kimmel and Betty Lord, Secretary; Rob Wheatley, Jack Zebora, Julie Benedict, John Brock, Will White, Al Wilder, Jon Binhammer, and Tim Higgins
The meeting was called to order at 6:31 p.m. by the Chair, Mr. Benson.
The Board agreed to begin with Item C: Public Comments on the agenda.
Mr. Al Wilder requested that the street sign at the end of his driveway, which had been knocked down by the road crew, be reinstalled. Mr. Benson said it would be put on the Highway agenda.
ECFiber – Mr. Will White came to the Board to discuss the laying of a fiber line on Old Cross Road. Mr. Benson requested a sketch map of the whole project and that the original plan be updated if necessary. The question was asked who would own the line; the answer being ECFiber. Mr. Benson pointed out that an easement will need to be made for utilities in the public right-of-way. Mr. Dan Childs was asked to check to see if the work done on the hub on East Street was done with an easement or a license and if it was it done with an actual document in the land records. If there is a document, Mr. Childs will provide a copy to the Board. The Board approved the proposal, with the requirements that ECFiber report to the Board on the project’s progress and inform the Board of any revisions/adjustments to the proposal.
Mr. Scott Brock and Ms. Julie Benedict came to discuss the process for a variance. Mr. Kimmel will send them a copy of the Development By-Laws. They asked about the timing of the process and were told they would hear something in a minimum of 15 days from the date of filing. The application would go to Board of Adjustment for approval.
Mr. Benson welcomed Mr. Tim Higgins as the new Town Road Foreman and thanked him for accepting the position. Mr. Higgins will start around late October and one of his first duties, in addition to becoming familiar with the work of the road crew, will be to begin reviewing the FY 2020/2021 budget and starting planning for the FY 2021/2022 budget.
Highway and Storm Grant Program – The Town applied for and was awarded a grant to cover the costs of making an inventory the Town’s culverts. A motion was made by Mr. LaRocque to contract with Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission to do the inventory. Mr. Kimmel seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
FICA Tax Deferral – After some discussion noting that the employees of the Town were working and receiving their full pay, Mr. Benson moved and Mr. Kimmel seconded a motion that the Town not make use of the FICA Tax deferral; the motion carried unanimously.
LHMP – Every three to five years the Town is required to update its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Town’s current plan will expire in April 2021. This topic was tabled until the Board receives copies of all the materials needed to start the project.
Personnel Policy – The Board agreed to meet Tuesday, September 22, to finalize the Policy.
Jon Binhammer requested that the two telephone poles down in front of the McCall’s house
on Route 65 be moved by the road crew to the “pull out” on Route 65 so they could be used
in the Sunset Brook Nature Area. He also requested use of the railings from the old Floating
Bridge which are now located on the property of the Town Garage. Mr. Binhammer said the
expenses incurred to-date in working on the marsh project amounted to approximately $100
which funds would come out of the Conservation budget. Hearing that the expenses had been
recommended by the Conservation Committee, the Board also gave its approval.
Highway and Roads – Mr. Rob Wheatley reported that work would be completed on the project
on East Hill within the next two weeks. Ms. Pat Mercier on Lavender Road wants to move her
driveway. Mr. Wheatley will meet with her. Ms. Mercier will need an access permit for
moving a driveway from one place to another.
Ms. Linda Mullenstein has asked if the Town Road Crew could make a new place to turn around at
the end of Woods Road on East Hill, rather than using her driveway. Someone from the Highway Department will look it over and see if it can done before the end of the season.
Mr. Wheatley said that work was done on a culvert on Twin Ponds Road. Water is now flowing
through the culvert but another piece of culvert is needed to complete the job. Mr. Wheatley reported that the Town name was being painted on the new loader and that new tires were being ordered for some of the Town vehicles. Mr. Wheatley was asked by the Board to proceed with buying a jackhammer.
Proposed Sprague Property Sand Pit – The District Coordinator from the Agency of Natural Resources has asked for a copy of the draft of the agreement between the Town and the Spragues. She asked if the Town would have control over the site for an extended period. The Town will ask for a period
of 20 to 25 years. Ms. Kasey Peterson, Administrative Assistant, will be asked to give the Board a
summary of the cost of the project to-date.
Minutes of the Meeting of August 24, 2020 – Mr. Dennis LaRocque requested that his given
name be added to the section on Harmony Electric as there were two people named LaRocque
at the meeting. Under the Highway section, the name of the street where the washout
occurred was West Street, not Churchill Road. With these amendments, the minutes were
approved as read.
Payroll and Warrants—Mr. LaRocque made a motion to accept the Accounts Payable Warrants
in the amount of $19,498.48 with the largest payment being to Stan Wheatley in the amount of
$8,562.60. Mr. Kimmel seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Kimmel made a motion for
adjournment. Mr. Benson seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Lord, Secretary

Town of Brookfield
Selectboard Meeting
July 27, 2020 at 6:30 P.M.
Town Clerk’s Office
Draft Minutes
Attending: John Benson (Chair), Jeff Kimmel, Dennis LaRocque, Les Haskell, Laurel McEwen, Jeff Baker
A. Call to Order – 6:31 p.m.
B. Adjustments to Agenda: (none).
C. Public Comment: (none).
D. Highway:
1) Access Permits: On motion of Mr. LaRocque, Mr. Benson second, the Board voted 3-0-0 to approve the requests for access permits submitted by Joseph Twombley and Jennifer Benedict (758 West Brookfield Road), Kyle Doda (1102 Stone Road), and William R. Lund (Halfway Brook Road).
2) Amendment to Grant BR0650 – East Hill Road Ditching: on motion of Mr. Kimmel, Mr. Benson second, the Board voted 3-0-0 to approve the amendment.
3) Harmony Electric Bill: while conducting maintenance work on West Street on July 13, the Road Crew reported that an underground electrical line was damaged. Harmony Electric was called to conduct repair work. The work was done within the Town’s Right-of-Way; the Board discussed whether the property owner remained responsible for the repair work. The Board will follow up with the owner and research what easements may have existed for the affected area.
4) Green Mountain Power – Kibbee Road Power Project: on motion of Mr. Benson, Mr. Kimmel second, the Board voted 3-0-0 to approve the request of Green Mountain Power Corp. to conduct service work (locate poles, guys, and wires within the highway limits of Kibbee Road). The Board attached standard conditions for utility operations within the Town’s ROW.
E. New Business
1) Haskell/McEwen Spring: Mr. Haskell and Ms. McEwen had previously raised concerns about a proposed access permit for a property on TH14. Jeff Baker had requested the approval, and the Board was working with him to develop conditions for permit approval. Mr. Haskell and Ms. McEwen raised additional concerns at this meeting:
• Continued work on TH14 is likely to contribute to water resource issues in the area, including impacting their spring. Other problems include loss of habitat, potential damage to wetlands, and the probable impact on their property value and enjoyment. They reported that they have hired an attorney, and that a state wetlands review person would be inspecting the site. Mr. Benson suggested that they have their attorney notify Mr. Baker about the subsequent findings.
• They suggested that the Town look into whether it made more sense to have people enter from the North end of TH14. Mr. Benson noted that the option was not part of the permit request, and that TH14 remains a Class 4 road.
(Note: Mr. Baker arrived at the meeting at 8:11 p.m.; his comments are included here as part of the related discussion.)
Mr. Baker expressed frustration with the process for both obtaining an access permit and moving forward with site planning. He also noted that his surveyor (Chase & Chase) found that TH14 was identified as having a 6-rods ROW in 1793. Mr. Benson indicated that Mr. Baker may end up hiring a wetlands specialist to review the site’s hydrology, vegetation, and delineation as part of the permit process.
2) Planning Commission – Zoom Account: Gwynn Zakov (PC Chair) asked the Board about accessing PC funds to sign up for a ZOOM account for remote meetings. The Board agreed that the proposal was acceptable. Mr. Kimmel suggested that Ms. Zakov have a discussion with Administrative Assistant Kasey Peterson: the Town already has a Zoom account, and the PC might want to operate through that.
F. Old Business – Personnel Policy: Ms. Peterson provided copies of policy versions. One of the remaining issues is the potential use of a Time Clock for Crew check-in and check-out and how that would work for snow and other emergency conditions.
G. Approve Selectboard Meeting Minutes: Mr. LaRocque made a motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of July 13, 2020; Mr. Benson second. Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
H. Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. LaRocque made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $34,957.13 with large bills that include: Brandon Stevens Mowing (Roadside Mowing): $8,500.00; R.E. Tucker (Road Reconstruction): $6,247.50; and BCBS VT (Health Insurance): $4,500.65; Mr. Kimmel second. Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
I. Other Proper Business: Mr. Baker inquired about the activities of the Town Garage Committee, reporting that he had been invited to join the group. Mr. Benson and Mr. LaRocque provided a brief description of the Committee’s history, along with the various plans that have been discussed. The Committee will need to reach consensus on what approaches are feasible and affordable, which will then be submitted for inclusion on the warning for Town Meeting 2021. Town voters will ultimately decide whether to approve the measure.
J. Mr. LaRocque made a motion to adjourn at 9:15 p.m., Mr. Benson second: 3-0-0.

Town of Brookfield
Selectboard Meeting
June 22, 2020 at 6:30 P.M.
Town Clerk’s Office
Draft Minutes
Attending: John Benson (Chair), Jeff Kimmel, Dennis LaRocque, Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman), Jeff Baker, Keith LaCroix, Jon Binhammer, Will White
A. Call to Order – 6:31 p.m.
B. Adjustments to Agenda: none
C. Public Comment:
Mr. Binhammer asked the Selectboard to authorize reappointment of members to the Brookfield Conservation Commission. On motion of Mr. Benson, Mr. Kimmel second, the Board voted 3-0-0 to reappoint Starr Strong and Kathy Kinter to 4 year terms to the Commission.
Mr. Binhammer reported that the bridge and boardwalk at the nature trail on Route 65 are deteriorating and in dire need of repair. Mr. Binhammer noted that the biggest issue will probably be figuring out how to reset the bridge. One option is to ask the local Boy Scouts troop to help with the work, as they had in the past. Also, there’s been an offer of donated spare telephone poles for the project. It would be helpful if the Road Crew could help move the poles.
D. Highway Report:
1) Gravel/Sand Pit: Mr. Peck has been discussing a proposed plan with Keith Sprague to obtain sand for the Town; Mr. Sprague may have a site that could be opened up as a sand and/or gravel pit. Mr. Peck will be reviewing the site on June 23. Mr. Benson suggested that he also contact the Vermont River Management Section to confirm conditions and potential restrictions. Mr. Peck said that a bridge to the south of the site will likely need work.
2) Ridge Road: the Town received a report from Chris Bump (VT Agency of Transportation) and other AoT personnel regarding degrading conditions on the road. Mr. Kimmel will forward a copy of the report to the Town Attorney, asking for his recommendations.
AoT addressed 3 sections of the road, the conditions they observed, and potential responses to the problems. Mr. Peck will re-mark the problematic sections for ease of identification.
3) Baker Access Permit: Baker Access Permit: Jeff Baker submitted an application for an Access Permit to upgrade a 700 feet portion of TH14 (starting at the junction with Twin Pond Road) along with creating a driveway off of TH14 into a parcel that Mr. Baker intends to develop.
A neighboring property owner (Les Haskell) had expressed concerns about the proposed road work, including appropriate drainage and culvert construction, impact on local water resources, proper continuing maintenance on the improved portion, and the potential for increased traffic on TH14.
Mr. Baker reported to the Board about how he intended to proceed with the TH14 repairs and then access to the property. Mr. LaCroix and his wife currently own the subject parcel; he also offered a brief description of the site and their history with it. Mr. Peck noted that TH14 is a public right-of-way, and the Town remains concerned about drainage and water flow issues. Mr. Benson indicated that the Town will not plow the road, and that maintenance would occur every couple of years. Mr. Baker said that he has considerable construction experience, and would work with the Town on project configuration.
Mr. Benson said that the Town appreciated Mr. Baker’s coordination with the Road Crew and Board. He added that he believes the best approach is that the Town and Mr. Baker work towards a written agreement that would detail the specifications of the proposal along with Mr. Baker’s responsibilities and the Town’s conditions for the project. Mr. Peck will also participate in review of the proposal and conditions.
4) Other Highway Business: Mr. Peck reported that ECFiber seeks to install an 893 ft. cable along Old Cross Road. He reviewed the proposal, and has concerns that the cable placement may pose potential problems with Town highway maintenance work. Mr. Peck noted that there is also a lot of ledge in the area. ECFiber would need to provide proof of insurance and plans for appropriate safety measures. Mr. Benson suggested that ECFiber should pursue easement agreements with affected landowners; Mr. White indicated he and one other affected landowner had already reached such agreements. Mr. Peck will follow up with ECFiber about plans and precautions.
4) Personnel: On motion of Mr. Kimmel, Mr. Benson second, the Board voted 3-0-0 to go into Executive Session at 7:28 p.m., for a personnel discussion. The Board exited the session at 7:56 p.m.
E. New Business – Budget: the Board reviewed the budget summary and discussed remaining balances and expenditures for FY 2019-2020, along with planning for costs associated with developing proposals for the Town Garage.
F. Old Business – Personnel Policy: deferred.
G. Approve Selectboard Meeting Minutes: Mr. LaRocque made a motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of June 8, 2020; Mr. Kimmel second. Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
H. Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. LaRocque made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $29,843.33 with large bills that include: Municipal Emergency Services (Fire Department): $15,024.00; Gorman Group LLC (Chloride): $4,173.12; and WRVA (Ambulance Service): $3,425.00; Mr. Benson second. Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
I. Other Proper Business: none
J. Mr. LaRocque made a motion to adjourn at 8:43 p.m., Mr. Kimmel second: 3-0-0.

Town of Brookfield
Selectboard Meeting
May 11, 2020 at 6:20 P.M.
Town Clerk’s Office & Remote Locations
Draft Minutes
Attending: John Benson (Chair), Jeff Kimmel, Dennis LaRocque, Kasey Peterson (Administrative Assistant), Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman); Lew Stowell and Michael Rutkovsky (Public Safety Advisory Committee)
A. Call to Order – 6:22 p.m.: Mr. Benson offered initial comments about the change in Board meeting format, based on introduction of teleconferencing technology.
B. Adjustments to Agenda – Personnel review is moved to the end of the meeting.
C. Public Comment: Mr. Stowell offered several reports produced by the PSAC addressing on-going review of potential standards for Town road and bridge weight limits, highway speed limits, highway sign updating and costs, and emerald ash borer impacts and response.
In a follow-up to the April 27 Board discussion of activities at the Floating Bridge, Ms. Peterson reported that the portable toilet had been ordered and set up on the West side of the bridge. Mr. Benson reported that he had contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and they had increased patrols at the bridge and park area. Mr. Stowell suggested that the Board should inquire with the VT State Police about monitoring activities. Concerns were also raised about increased traffic as Summer activities escalate. One perennial issue is that, technically, diving/jumping off the bridge violates State restrictions: this is commonly ignored. Mr. Rutkovsky noted that the Town has been through this discussion before, such as when the new bridge opened in May 2015.
The next Board meeting is scheduled for May 25, which is Memorial Day. After a verbal poll, the Board agreed to move the meeting date to Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. Depending on State guidance, the meeting will hopefully be held at the Town Clerk’s Office.
D. Highway Report:
1) Loader: Mr. Peck reported that Milton Cat submitted a revised price for a new loader, which was $15,000 lower than the prior quote. Ms. Peterson noted that property tax receipts seemed to be in good shape; Town Treasurer Teresa Godfrey submitted budget status reports indicating that Town finances are doing well.
On motion of Mr. LaRocque, Mr. Kimmel second, the Board voted 3-0-0 to approve the lease/purchase of a Caterpillar Model 930M Loader, payable over a 7-year period with annual payments of $19,953. Mr. Benson will sign the agreement on behalf of the Town, and Mr. Peck will deliver the signed contract to Milton Cat.
2) Grading: Mr. Peck reported that the Road Crew is trying to catch up with grading Town-wide, particularly after the previous week of rain and snow conditions. The Crew proceeded from West Brookfield eastward, and is planning to be on East Hill later this week.
3) Other Highway Business: Chris Bump (VT Agency of Transportation) is planning a site visit this week to review conditions on the Ridge Road; he expects additional AoT personnel will also attend. Mr. Peck indicated that there were several problems with the paving work performed by Pike Industries last Fall, so the Town will need help assessing what remedies are available and associated costs. Mr. Kimmel will contact the Town Attorney about the situation.
Mr. Peck also reported the following activities:
Bear Hill Road needs more surfacing material, and there is a culvert on Cemetery Street that is undermined and needs to be repaired. Mr. LaRocque inquired about gravel and sand supplies, along with budget status. Current amounts are: Gravel – $3,340.62; Sand – $60,000.00; Road Reconstruction – $34,880.31. The Crew is currently hauling sand from a local supplier. Ms. Peterson noted that the Town will be eligible for further grant reimbursements in the next fiscal year.
There is also a long-term issue with a degrading culvert on Bear Hill Road; when Mr. Bump is visiting, he will review the culvert and offer suggestions for replacement. That issue is part of a State grant, as is reconstruction work along Taylor Hill Road. Ms. Peterson would like to get confirmation on plans for the projects from AoT.
Mr. Peck has been discussing a potential plan with Keith Sprague to obtain sand; Mr. Sprague may have a site that could be opened up as a sand pit. That would be subject to cost analysis for opening and operating the site. Mr. Benson said that the site would be subject to VT Agency of Natural Resources regulation, and that Mr. Sprague (and possibly the Town) would have to develop site plans and project descriptions. Ms. Peterson suggested that Mr. Peck and Mr. Sprague consult with the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission about the proposal. The location would be near the second branch of the White River in the East Brookfield valley. Mr. LaRocque noted that the site could offer relatively easy materials transport.
All Road Crew members have completed State-mandated COVID-19 training. Due to high demand, Mr. Peck is having some problems getting cleaning supplies. He will continue checking local sources. In the meantime: he has some masks, and the Crew is practicing social distancing.
E. New Business
1. Gillespie Fuels Contract: Gillespie submitted 3 sets of proposed agreements for providing propane and heating fuel for Brookfield Town buildings. After review and discussion, the consensus was that the Fixed Plan (Option 2) offered in each contract appeared to be the best deal for the Town’s purposes. On motion of Mr. Kimmel, Mr. LaRocque second, the Board voted 3-0-0 to approved signing the contracts, using Option 2. Ms. Peterson observed that fuel usage at the Town Offices seemed to be high; the main culprit appears to be the dated insulation used in the aging building.
2. Town Garage Committee: the Board discussed potential candidates for the committee. Several people have expressed interest, and Board members will follow up. In addition, it would probably be wise to include a member from the Road Crew and one of the Town’s financial personnel.
Mr. Benson said that he had contacted several banks about potential financing scenarios. As an example, he requested rates on approximate financing of $1 million over a 30 year period. The Town would need to consider several factors including initial costs, subsequent fees, and interest rates (including adjustable rates). This information will also be essential for the committee’s review.
Mr. Benson mentioned that he had contacted Connor Construction, which had prepared several versions of plans for the garage project. Connor has not requested payment for the work they’ve already done; Mr. Benson indicated that they are interested in the construction phase of the project, which would be paid.
F. Old Business
1. Cemetery Mowing: On motion of Mr. Kimmel, Mr. LaRocque second, the Board voted 3-0-0 to approve the hiring of Joseph Magnan (Kirkyard Service) for the annual contract for mowing at the Town Cemeteries.
2. Cemetery Sexton: On motion of Mr. LaRocque, Mr. Kimmel second, the Board voted 3-0-0 to approve the hiring of Joseph Magnan (Kirkyard Service) for the annual contract for Town Cemeteries Sexton services.
G. Approve Selecboard Meeting Minutes: Mr. Benson made a motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of April 27, 2020; Mr. LaRocque second. Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
H. Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. Kimmel made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $12,759.36 with large bills that include: BCBS VT (Health Insurance): $4,500.65; White River Valley Ambulance (May Ambulance): $3,425.00; Orange County Sheriff Department (Sheriff): $1,551.00. Mr. Benson second. Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
I. Other Proper Business: Employee Performance Review. On motion of Mr. Benson, Mr. Kimmel second, the Board voted 3-0-0 to go into Executive Session at 7:43 p.m., for a personnel discussion. The Board exited the session at 8:25 p.m.
J. Mr. Kimmel made a motion to adjourn at 8:28 p.m., Mr. LaRocque second: 3-0-0.