Brookfield, Vermont

Town of Brookfield
Selectboard Meeting
August 26, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.
Town Clerk’s Office
Amended Minutes

Present: John Benson (Chair), Cory Haggett, Jeff Kimmel, Dawn Conant, Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman), James Godfrey, Teresa Godfrey, Robert Godfrey, Richard Pecor, Gene Parent, Van Parent, Erik Nielson, Mike Lefebvre, Carl Bushey Jr., Steve Schaeffer, Ron Lovejoy

1.   Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.

2.   Adjustments to
Agenda – None

3.   Public Comment: a group of
residents along Northfield Road raised a series of concerns about various types
of vehicle traffic, speed limits, weight limits, and other issues:

The Public Safety Advisory Committee recommended
posting the road for 35 mph. While the state general speed limit for roads is
50 mph, the Town will need to review steps to revise the current Road Ordinance
to change the speed limit, including posting meeting and warning notices to do
so.In addition, the Town will need to assess how
many signs should be installed along the road.The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (along
with Vermont State Police , the VT Agency of Transportation, and other state
agencies) will also need to be contacted regarding proper steps ensure
appropriate posting and enforcement of speed limits. The Town should also
coordinate with OCSD to have a speed cart placed at various sites to notify
drivers about their travel speeds.The Town has to order additional signs, as we do
not just have them on hand.Weight limits for the roads also need to be
reviewed, along with measures to ensure compliance. While the Town currently
applies the 24,000 lbs. state standard, with the common permit application
process for overweight vehicles, the process and standards for Brookfield roads
need to be reassessed. This issue arises with both agricultural and commercial
vehicles.One particular concern was the transport
activities deriving from the Ridge Road quarry operation and the effect on
Brookfield roads commonly used as routes. Northfield Road appears to be one of
the major routes. The Town will need to consider additional restrictions on
commercial vehicle activities, including stricter weight limits and enforcement
of permit conditions.Landowners along Northfield Road cited instances
and continuing concerns with damage to the road and Right-of-Way, linked to
commercial and agricultural activities. They also reported problems with
sight-lines along the road; the Town will need to consider clearing obstructive
trees within the RoW.Logging trucks and oversized/overwidth vehicles
also pose a problem, particularly when they lack precautions such as warning signs,
flags, or lights.The Board will need to follow up on all these
issues, along with contacting relevant local and State agencies about
appropriate measures and the required process to institute an effective traffic
control system.

4. New Business

A. Highway

Fence on Horner Road: it is a damaged State Highway
fence. This is the second time it is down, so it needs to be fixed/secured. Mr.
Haggett will contact the State to see what the Town can do or if repair is the
State’s responsibility.Mr. Peck will proceed with work on a list of culverts
that need repair/replacement in various locations.Taylor Hill Road: the Board toured the area prior to
the meeting, observing areas where ditching and materials work needs to be done
to improve travel conditions. Mr. Peck will also review and repair potential
drainage issues along the road. The Board will try to set up a meeting with a landowner
in West Brookfield regarding agricultural vehicle activities and potential
issues with road conditions.

A. Letter from Ruth Goodale: Mr. Haggett will talk to the Garden Club to see what they are looking for. If they are requesting money, this item will need to be warned for the next Town Meeting.

B. Computer Server: Mr. Benson made a motion to authorize the expenditure of $600 towards the repair of the Town’s computer server system, Mr. Haggett second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.

C. Personnel Policy Changes: deferred until next meeting.

6. Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. Haggett made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $40,355.20 with large bills that include: Global Montello Group Corp (diesel): $15,345.00; Gorman Group, LLC. (chloride): $4,140.00; BCBSVT (healthcare): $3,934.30; White River Valley Ambulance (August Ambulance): $3,596.25; Mr. Kimmel second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0. 

7. Other Proper Business: Mr. Benson reported that he would likely be absent from the next Selectboard Meeting on September 9, 2019; Mr. Haggett and Mr. Kimmel plan to hold the meeting as scheduled.

8. Mr. Haggett made a motion to adjourn at 7:43 p.m., Mr. Kimmel second: 3-0-0.        

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.

Town of Brookfield
Selectboard Meeting
June 10, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.
Town Clerk’s Office
Draft Minutes
Present: John Benson, Jeff Kimmel, Cory Haggett, Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman), Dawn Conant, Lew Stowell (Public Safety Advisory Committee), and Sam Dilcer
1. Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.
2. Adjustments to Agenda – Mr. Dilcer will be first.
3. Public Comment: Mr. Dilcer inquired about the Board providing a letter regarding an old land records document that indicated there was an unclassified road/trail on his property. The road/trail does not show on the state’s Town Highway Map for Brookfield, and was not part of any activities in prior ancient roads reviews. Mr. Dilcer would like a formal acknowledgement from the Town that the road/trail does not exist. Mr. Kimmel will draft the letter and run it by the Town Attorney and get a copy out to the Board and Mr. Dilcer for review.
4. New Business:
A. Public Safety Advisory Committee: Mr. Stowell provided an update on what the Public Safety Advisory Committee has been up to (Status Report). He provided a brief discussion regarding items on a handout for the Board.
1. Orange County Sheriff’s Department: Contract
• OCSD may not provide full amount of patrol hours this fiscal year. We have not seen the bills for May or June yet. The PSAC would like any remaining amounts be used for signs or allocated to next year’s OCSD contract. Mr. Benson noted that due to the fiscal year ending soon, signs may not be ordered and get paid for in this fiscal year.
• The PSAC does not want to pay for having the OCSD attend Committee meetings. They recently billed the Town for 2 hours. This appears to be a change of policy; if so, then the PSAC wants to be able to choose when they would like OCSD representatives to attend meetings. PSAC would rather have the money spent on patrols than attending meetings. Mr. Benson suggested that Mr. Stowell contact the Department to verify plans for attending and billing time for meetings.
• PSAC is looking to have the Speed Cart placed at least 18 times during Spring, Summer, and Fall 2019. OCSD has been unable to provide data tallies in the last 2 years, as the resident flash drive was corrupted. PSAC suggests that they get the data from OCSD more frequently so this does not happen in the future. The Committee would like to get the information so they can focus where the cart is located and track patterns of activity.
• Mr. Stowell noted that the Town does not get charged for OCSD moving the cart.
2. Shortage of Parking in Pond Village: Mr. Stowell suggested that reconfiguring the Town Office parking lot might provide some relief; Mr. Haggett commented that the Board can look at the costs and feasibility of moving a utility pole located at the edge of the current lot. The Board can also consider the cost and feasibility of a change in the northern boundary to gain more area. Mr. Benson mentioned that we don’t want to have to do anything to trigger permitting, if at all possible. He will look at the configuration and a topo survey.
3. Emerald Ash Borer: the Committee is consulting with Kate Forrer (Town Forester) and continuing to gather information on what other Towns have done regarding this issue. The Committee will develop and recommend a plan to the Selectboard for using the $5,000 that was approved for initial EAB activities at Town Meeting 2019.
4. Stone Road Survey of Right-of-Way: the PSAC would ask the surveyor the Town picks to work with the Town Attorney to ensure the upcoming survey provides adequate support for any subsequent Town, OCSD, or State actions that might arise.
5. E-911 sign purchases: there have been 2 E-911 sign purchases so far. If we have to order more, they may cost a little more due to increased shipping fees.
6. Other PSAC Concerns: the Board does not have anything else at this time for the Committee. The Committee is working on key items now, and probably has enough issues to cover for the time being.
B. Highway
1. Training: the Town needs to arrange for training for any Road Crew employees who are hauling material, including from local sand and gravel pit sources. This would entail specifying job requirements along with associated training that’s triggered.
2. Ridge Road Paving Grant: the Town qualified for a $175,000 grant, with the Town incurring a 20% match requirement. Mr. Benson made a motion to accept the Ridge Road Paving Grant Award contingent upon Kasey Peterson (Administrative Assistant) verifying the Town’s match portion, Mr. Kimmel second; Mr. Benson asked if there was any discussion (none): 3-0-0.
3. VTrans Road Inventory Grant: the amount would be $7,120, with a Town match of $1,780. Mr. Benson made a motion that we accept the Grant amount contingent upon Mr. Peck investigating/confirming the desired amount, Mr. Kimmel second; Mr. Benson asked if there was any discussion (none): 3-0-0.
4. Two Rivers Grants in Aid FY2019/2020: it has been extended to June 30, 2020. Mr. Peck will review the Equipment Grant purchase portion and report back; the form needs to be returned in July. Mr. Benson made a motion to sign the Letter of Intent for planning purposes, Mr. Kimmel second; Mr. Benson asked if there was any discussion (none): 3-0-0.
5. Certificate of Highway Mileage: Mr. Kimmel will prepare the supporting documents and submit them to the State Agency of Transportation.
6. Other Highway Business:
• Mr. Peck needs to call ECFiber regarding line installation on McCready Road. If they plan to go across the Town (Public) ROW, he will need to review the proposal.
• Mr. Peck met with Dan Mason last week: there is significant damage on Taylor Hill Road. Ditches need digging out and the road needs to be built up.
• Witt’s Bridge Road: Kathleen Sauer has indicated that they do not want people damaging the area with inappropriate parking. The Road Crew can use the backhoe and remove 3-4 loads of material, which might be used for repairs on Eagle Peak Road.
• East Hill Extension Grant: the Town has a July 30 deadline to finish the work. The Road Crew could wait until the next fiscal year starts (July 1) to finish the project and work on getting sand trucked now. The Town could save 33% by using Town equipment; the Board recommended that the crew go ahead with trucking the material now.
• Mr. Peck will investigate purchasing a new one-ton truck for the next fiscal year. He will also consider whether and when to advertise sale of the current one-ton.
C. Orange County Sheriff Contract: Mr. Benson made a motion to approve the Orange County Sheriff’s Contract and that the contract shall not exceed $12,000 for the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, Mr. Haggett second; Mr. Benson asked if there was any discussion (none): 3-0-0.
D. Stone Road Survey: the Board received a single bid from American Consulting (ACES) of Williamstown, VT for $4,200; additional cost of $125/hr., if needed. Mr. Benson commented that we need to call the company in response to their RFP bid and make sure they are fully aware of the scope of the work we are looking for. The Board then needs to prepare an agreement and have the Town Attorney review it. Mr. Haggett will also need to notify the landowner adjoining the survey area regarding the upcoming work.
5. Old Business:
A. Approve Meeting Minutes of May 27, 2019 Selectboard meeting: Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve the May 27, 2019 minutes, Mr. Kimmel second: 3-0-0.
B. Changes to the Personnel Policy: the Board still has revisions to the Personnel Policy, including language addressing training procedures and compliance. Ms. Peterson has also been offering recommendations.
C. Drug and Alcohol Policy: Mr. Kimmel offered one revision regarding regular employee testing and pre-employee testing, which the board “shall” require. Mr. Benson made a motion to approve the Brookfield Drug and Alcohol Policy with noted revisions, Mr. Kimmel second; Mr. Benson asked if there was any discussion (none): 3-0-0.
6. Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. Haggett made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $20,974.73 with large bills that include White River Valley Ambulance (Ambulance): $3,596.25; Pike Industries, Inc. (East Hill Grant-in-aid): $3,440.55; Everett J. Prescott (East Hill Culverts): $2,343.60; Mr. Benson second: 3-0-0.
7. Other Proper Business:
• The trash collection on a particular Ridge Road property appears to be shrinking.
• Reminder: the next Board Meeting with be the final numbers/submissions for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019.
• The Board needs to find a candidate for the open Administrative Officer (Zoning) position. Mr. Kimmel is acting as interim/temporary AO.
8. Mr. Kimmel made a motion to adjourn at 8:33 p.m., Mr. Haggett second: 3-0-0.

Town of Brookfield
Selectboard Meeting
May 13, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.
Town Clerk’s Office
Minutes
Present: John Benson (Chair), Cory Haggett, Jeff Kimmel, Kasey Peterson (Administrative Assistant), Dawn Conant, Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman); Public Present: Dan Mason, Kathleen Sauer, Laura Tatro, Dennis Tatro, Kyle Doda
1. Call to Order – 6:33 p.m.
2. Adjustments to Agenda – None
3. Public Comment
• Dan Mason reported on travel conditions on Taylor Hill Road. There are drainage issues posing a challenge; Mr. Mason said he can access his property reasonably well, but some of the other neighbors are having issues. He asked Mr. Peck what steps can be taken to make the road more passable, such as new/additional culverts and grading to help with the flow, which has contributed to driveways being washed out. Mr. Mason inquired whether he also needs to purchase culverts and contact a contractor to install them. He will be there working at his father’s property. While Taylor Hill Road is a Class 4 road, he expressed discouragement that it is getting minimal maintenance while other Town roads appear to be getting much more attention.
• Mr. Benson will discuss with Mr. Peck what strategy the Road Crew wants to pursue about drainage and road conditions on Taylor Hill. Mr. Haggett noted that recent storms have contributed to the problems in the area, undermining culverts and taking out trees. Mr. Mason thanked Mr. Peck for his continued efforts to address the problems.
• Kyle Doda (Thousand Stone Farm) inquired about the status of a proposed subdivision of the Taplin property; Mr. Kimmel will review it and send along the requisite documentation.
4. New Business:
A. Dennis Tatro – Historical Sign: Mr. Tatro gave a brief history of the home site for Justin Morgan and where a proposed historic marker might be placed; Ethan Snow is willing to have the marker on his property. Mr. Benson made a motion to approve the application and the language on the sign with a couple of minor edits. Mr. Kimmel seconded. Mr. Benson asked for any discussion (none). 3-0-0. Mr. Tatro will next submit the request for State approval.
B. Administrative Assistant: Mr. Haggett made a motion at 7:08 p.m. to go into Executive Session regarding a personnel discussion, Mr. Kimmel second: 3-0-0. The Board came out at 7:28 p.m. Ms. Peterson subsequently mentioned a Municipal Employment Seminar in Stowe and suggested she go to it on June 5, 2019.
C. Highway
1. Kathleen Sauer – Eagle Peak
• Eagle Peak ditching: a 100 foot stretch in front of their house has been damaged. Spring runoff has gone around near the foundation and the basement. Ms. Sauer provided a sketch and described the water management system that they had in place. She would like to have the grading changed and be able to put back in place their water management system. Ms. Sauer also indicated that they will try to work more closely with the Road Crew in remedying the issue.
• Mr. Benson to have Mr. Peck go up and meet with Ms. Sauer to see the plan in person and figure out what they can do.
2. Overtime Policy: discussion will continue at the next Board meeting.
3. Salt Bid: Mr. Peck to investigate and figure out the quantity needed and costs. Mr. Haggett made a motion to have Mr. Peck enter into an agreement for the number of tons they need as long as it does not exceed the budgeted amount; Mr. Kimmel second. Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none). 3-0-0.
4. Route 65 Contract: Mr. Haggett made a motion to have Mr. Benson sign the VTrans Maintenance Contract CA#MU0227 for VT Route 65 for the period of July 14, 2019 through July 13, 2021; Mr. Kimmel second. Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none). 3-0-0.
5. Witts Bridge Grant
• Project is done as far as the Contractor is concerned and VTrans. Paperwork needs to be filed and the Town will get reimbursement.
• Resident Walt Garner doesn’t believe the project site is quite done yet and has asked Mr. Peck and the Board to follow up on further remedial work, including on the Garner’s property. In addition, he spoke with White River Partnership and they will work with him to put in trees etc. after the contractor cleans up the site.
• Mr. Peck mentioned that Jaron Borg from ANR has been out to the site a couple of times to see the job. Mr. Peck will visit the site and meet with Mr. Garner, along with review the situation with ANR.
6. Bear Hill Road Culvert: Ms. Peterson sent an e-mail to Chris Bump (AoT) about the project to see where they are with it. The State has been very busy with all the storm damage etc. right now. The Town can consult with an engineer it if they want the work done faster.
7. Other Highway Issues
• Grant for East Hill ditching work from last year: work needs to be done by June 30, 2019. The Town pays for it and then gets reimbursed subsequently. If needed the Town can use emergency funds to pay for current work, while waiting for money from the Witts Bridge project and this grant to come in. Mr. Peck will proceed accordingly.
• Mr. Peck wants to order the sand. If we have the Road Crew haul the sand it will be cheaper.
• Make sure all invoices (for sand etc.) are in the Thursday prior to the last Selectboard Meeting (June 20, 2019) for this fiscal year.
• Taylor Hill is still wet, but will be addressed as conditions improve.
D. Budget: addressed above, and review will continue as the Board moves to the conclusion of FR 2018/2019.
E. Public Assemblage Permits – Brookfield Community Partnership: Mr. Kimmel made a motion that we approve the Public Assemblage Permit for the Morgan Mile Road horse event on September 7, 2019, a Brookfield Community Partnership event on June 8, 2019, and an Old Town Hall event on July 25, 2019. Mr. Haggett second. Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none). 3-0-0.
5. Old Business:
Approve Minutes of April 22, 2019 meeting: Mr. Benson made a motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of April 22, 2019; Mr. Kimmel second. Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none). 3-0-0.
6. Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. Haggett made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $35,559.79 with large bills that include R.E. Tucker (gravel): $10,785.85; R.E. Tucker (gravel): $7,333.95; Kirk Yard Services, (fence down payment): $6,500.00. Mr. Kimmel second. Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none). 3-0-0.
7. Other Proper Business:
• Ridge Road Property: a dumpster appears to be at the property. The timeframe is for dumpster pickup on May 16, followed by 2 week cycles of trash removal.
• Mr. Benson has not made any progress regarding an RFP draft for the Town Garage project yet.
• Mr. Benson will follow up with Ms. Peterson regarding finding surveyors for the Stone Road ROW review.
• Mr. Benson talked with a contractor, who indicated that Ash wood is usually not used in building construction; it is more common in furniture making. A resident had suggested the Board investigate the issue for the potential Town Garage project.
8. Mr. Kimmel made a motion to adjourn at 9:00 p.m., Mr. Haggett second. 3-0-0.