Brookfield, Vermont

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.

Town of Brookfield
Selectboard Meeting
April 8, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.
Town Clerk’s Office
Minutes
Present: John Benson, Cory Haggett, Jeff Kimmel, Dawn Conant, Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman), Jon Binhammer. Jim Carrien (VLCT)
1. Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.
2. Adjustments to Agenda – None
3. Public Comment –
4. New Business:
A. Jim Carrien – Drug and Alcohol Policy
The Board had highlighted sections in the draft Drug & Alcohol Policy that needed clarification. Mr. Carrien gave guidance on updates and revisions. Mr. Kimmel and Administrative Assistant Kasey Peterson will work on incorporating changes for the final version. Some of the items covered included:
• Potential coverage or exemption for Emergency Services personnel.
• The difference between volunteer and paid personnel (employees).
• The Town is required by the Federal Government to have the policy for CMV Operators
• Effect of prescription medications on testing protocols.
• Whether employees have the right to request split sample testing/retest.
• Roles of Road Crew Foreman, Road Commissioner, and Administrative Assistant in the system.
• Pre-employment screening process.
• Levels of enforcement for first and subsequent offenses, along with permissible duties during the process.
• How other municipalities respond to offenses: Mr. Carrien indicated that most towns will terminate an employee with a second offense.
B. Highway
1. Paving Grant
• Mr. Peck to look into which parts of the Ridge Road need to be paved/reclaim, etc. Have Pike work on worst parts first from Crossover Road to school and see how far money goes.
• Mr. Peck will apply for the grant and see what we can do this year.
• Mr. Haggett mentioned that Mr. Peck should look at the culverts along the road and possibly repair/remedy problems while paving work is going on.
2. TAP Grant Alternatives: Brookfield did not receive this grant.
3. Quote for replacement utility vehicle with plow and sander: Mr. Peck gave the Board an estimate amount of $12,000 +/- with a sander and plow. At the end of April Mr. Peck will review with Ms. Peterson where the Highway Budget funds stand and whether to proceed.
4. Overtime Policies: no executive session called; the Board is reviewing the information and possible alternatives.
5. Other Highway:
• Mr. Peck indicated the Town’s roads are holding up well (so far) this year. The Crew has responded to some culvert and drainage issues, and will continue to do so as weather conditions change.
• A property owner has called about Town Winter maintenance leading to rocks being deposited on their property. Mr. Peck commented that it was no more than usual for this time of year, and that the Crew is not doing this on purpose.
C. Brookfield Conservation Commission Appointees: Mr. Kimmel made a motion to accept the Appointees as submitted by Mr. Binhammer of the Brookfield Conservation Commission at the March 25, 2019 meeting (Jon Jickling – 3 years; Jon Binhammer – 4 years; Susan Shea – 2 years; Kathy Kinter – 1 year; Starr Strong – 1 year); Mr. Haggett second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
D. Cemetery Mowing Contract: the Mowing Contract will automatically renew unless the Town desires it to be revised or there were issues. Mr. Benson made a motion to allow the Cemetery Mowing Contract to renew; Mr. Kimmel second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
E. Assemblage Permit – Randolph Area Food Shelf: the Randolph Area Food Shelf submitted a revised route map clarifying the route for the Board. Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve the Assemblage Permit; Mr. Benson second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
F. VT Computing – Server Repair:
• Mr. Kimmel discussed the potential repairs with Ms. Peterson, and she confirmed the need to get the work done.
• It might be helpful to have a state person (or VT Computing rep) visit the Town Offices to report about how the cloud and NEMRC function together. Preferably when Ms. Peterson and Town Clerk Teresa Godfrey would be available for the discussion.
• Mr. Kimmel made a motion to have the server repair done (and schedule a time for VT Computing to come in and speak); Mr. Benson second; Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
5. Old Business:
Approve Minutes of March 25, 2019 meeting: Mr. Kimmel noted that the meeting minutes from the March 25, 2019 meeting will be approved at the next Selectboard Meeting.
6. Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. Haggett made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $8,167.86 with large bills that include R.E. Tucker (Gravel): $3,964.80; Rouse Tire Sales (Tires): $1,599.80; Rouse Tire Sales (Tires): $540.00. Mr. Kimmel second: 3-0-0.
7. Other Proper Business:
• Mr. Benson asked about the Stone Road survey proposal. Planned timing is that it goes out at the end of the month and have bids due in June, with no work starting until after July 1st and done by September 9th.
• Mr. Benson will have Ms. Peterson post the notice on the Town’s website and reach out to some local surveyors: one in Williamstown, Rick Bell (Barre), and Larry Swanson (Sharon).
• Mr. Benson will put together a plan to solicit construction bids for the Town Garage addition project. Need to have a list of specifications for the proposed project; when proposals come in, the proposal can be scaled accordingly. Need a cost by November 2019, so the Board could warn and present it at 2020 Town Meeting.
• The Public Safety Committee and Board need to figure out what to do with $5,000 the Town approved regarding Ash Trees and the Emerald Ash Borer problem. Kate Forrer offered to help with planning, so the Board will consult with her.
• April 22nd is the meeting regarding Montgomery Road and the mileage correction. The meeting has been warned. No site visit is needed, and it can be dealt with as part of the regular Selectboard meeting that night.
• Mr. Kimmel mentioned that there will be a Training Meeting for Emergency Operations happening in September.
8. Mr. Haggett made a motion to adjourn at 8:22 p.m., Mr. Kimmel second: 3-0-0.

Town of Brookfield
Selectboard Meeting
March 25, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.
Town Clerk’s Office
Draft Minutes
 
Present: Cory Haggett, Jeff Kimmel, Dawn Conant, Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman), Jon Binhammer. Mr. Benson was not available for the meeting.

Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.

Adjustments to Agenda – None

Public Comment –

Binhammer of the Brookfield Conservation Commission submitted a proposed list of recommended Commission appointees for the Selectboard’s approval.
Binhammer asked about the difference between Commission and Committee. Mr. Kimmel stated that a Committee would work as an advisory body to the Selectboard, while the Commission would be a formal independent body.
Binhammer says they plan to have a meeting to establish the Commision’s by-laws, Officers, etc. soon.
Kimmel recommended that the Selectboard table any decisions on the recommendations until the next meeting (April 8th), when all the Board will be there; Administrative Assistant Kasey Peterson will also be able to warn it on the agenda so that the public attend the meeting and/or comment.

New Business:
Highway

Certificate of Highway Mileage

The Board will need to put a notice in the Randolph Herald and post notices about a public hearing on the final determination of distances at the intersection of Montgomery Road and VT Route 14. The Selectboard will also notify adjoining landowners.
Work done on the intersection several years ago did not go through the final approval process at that time. The hearing will be planned for the regular Selectboard meeting on Monday, April 22, 2019. Once that happens the determination can be submitted to the state Agency of Transportation.

Other Highway Business

Peck spoke with Chris Bump (of AoT) and was told that if we are satisfied with the work on Witts Bridge then go ahead and pay Parent Construction. Mr. Haggett asked if the State had done their walk-through yet. Mr. Peck reported no, but as long as the Town is satisfied, all should be good.
Haggett is not in favor of paying until everything is all cleaned up and completed. Mr. Peck said he does not believe there is anything else left to do.
Ray stated that the chloride trailer needs some work and he would like to get a new tank for it at around $1,200 to $2,000.
Peck also spoke with Mr. Bump about state grant availability for the upcoming season, and we are #5 on the list for about $175,000 +/- of potential paving funds. Ridge Road is a likely candidate, and Mr. Haggett suggested that Mr. Peck look into where the worst portion is, how much the Town has to do, what is the likely cost for the repairs. The Board also inquired about whether the Town will reclaim material, and would the paving contractor jump around or want to do a large section at a time.
Peck noted that it is mud season, so the Road Crew is responding to those issues while continuing with normal work for this time of year. He also mentioned that they are running low on various materials.
Peck asked about the 1-ton pickup and the potential for replacement either this or next fiscal year. Mr. Haggett and Mr. Kimmel suggested that he do research regarding the purchase of a 1-ton and come to the next Board meeting to discuss his findings.

Budget Questions: Mr. Haggett made a motion that the Board wait to discuss this item until the next meeting (when Mr. Benson returns). Mr. Kimmel second: 2-0-0.

Quote from Vermont Computing: Mr. Haggett made a motion that the Board defer this item until the next meeting. Mr. Kimmel second: 2-0-0. Mr. Kimmel will ask Ms. Peterson to contact the firm regarding the estimate of time for this item.

Public Assemblage Permit – Randolph Area Food Shelf: Mr. Kimmel and Mr. Haggett reviewed the application. Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve the Assemblage Permit once the applicant provides additional information as to the routes being used. Mr. Kimmel second: 2-0-0.

Local Emergency Management Plan: Mr. Kimmel commented that both he and Mr. Benson have looked at and made markups to the document. Mr. Kimmel will talk with Ms. Peterson to complete edits and get the document in “final” form.

Old Business:

Approve Minutes of February 25, 2019 meeting: Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve the meeting minutes for the February 25, 2019 meeting; Mr. Kimmel second: no discussion: 2-0-0.

Approve Minutes of the March 11, 2019 meeting: Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve the meeting minutes for the March 11, 2019 meeting; Mr. Kimmel second: no discussion: 2-0-0.

Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. Kimmel made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $57,145.64 with large bills that include: Parent Construction (Witts Bridge): $34,680.00; Evans Group (Diesel): $16,497.80.25; BCBSVT (Health Insurance): $3,934.30. Mr. Haggett second: 2-0-0.

Other Proper Business: None

Mr. Haggett made a motion to adjourn at 7:32 p.m., Mr. Kimmel second: 2-0-0.

Town of Brookfield
Selectboard Meeting
February 25, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.
Town Clerk’s Office
Minutes
 
Present: John Benson (Chair), Cory Haggett, Jeff Kimmel, Dawn Conant, Ginny Brees, Brenda Flint, George Zebora
 

Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.

Adjustments to Agenda – None

Public Comment – None

New Business:

Town Meeting Day – Informational Meeting

Benson went over the Articles to be discussed and voted on at Town Meeting. The first item was the $5,000 to be allocated for the Emerald Ash Borer issue.

Zebora asked if this money is for a contract, has the Town looked at companies specifically and gotten bids. Mr. Benson responded that this is the number the Public Safety Advisory Committee suggested to start looking at our options, figure out where to start, and then proceed with a plan.
Flint commented that there are many trees in the ROW, which will eventually fall and hit power lines or pose other hazards. She asked if the Town knew how many miles of roadway have trees posing a potential problem. Mr. Benson responded that there isn’t a detailed inventory yet, and the Board would need to work with Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman) to gather that information.
Kimmel noted that Kate Forrer from UVM Extension would be at the Town Meeting to discuss the ash tree problem and recommendations.
The Town doesn’t yet have a plan for harvesting the trees, but that will be part of the planning process.

The Mystic Star Lodge (Masonic Temple) requested a tax stabilization for a period of 5 years. While it is a private organization, the Board noted that it has contributed its space in the past for Town functions, along with various other community functions.
On the Warning items regarding funding for proposed additions and renovations at the Town Garage: Mr. Benson indicated that the amounts requested are an attempt to initiate discussion at Town Meeting about long-term planning for the Garage site. The Town is having a contractor come up with a preliminary design/cost plan. The Town can either opt to put money aside over a few years once the cost is known or can vote (next Town Meeting likely) to spend the total amount (with a loan or tax increase) to just build the addition. At such time the Town would put the job out to competitive bid and go from there.

Zebora asked about possible money for the upgrade of Eagle Peak Road as during the winter 2 cars cannot always pass each other and mud seasons are horrible with residents having to park and walk to their houses. Mr. Benson commented that the Board and Road Crew review road priorities annually, and the Town cannot afford to upgrade all the roads every year. The Board will continue to work with Mr. Peck to figure out what can be done.
Brees asked if there was going to be a drawing and list of what the Town wants for the garage addition. Mr. Benson said they will have a drawing and a ball park idea/range at Town Meeting for discussion

Change in Town Clerk/Treasurer term of office: Mr. Benson suggested that Clerk/Treasurer Teresa research what other Towns were doing, and describe the rationale for increasing the terms to 3 years instead of 1. Ms. Godfrey will likely address the question at Town Meeting.
Survey on Stone Road: there is an ongoing issue with cars that are allegedly parked illegally, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has been asked to monitor the situation. The next step is to survey a portion of the road to determine where the centerline and Town’s Right-of-Way are located.
Up-coming Town-wide Reappraisal: the Town has accumulated the funds from an annual state contribution, and has the money already set aside for the project. Brookfield hasn’t done a reappraisal since 2007; this next one will be done in 2020.
Zebora asked if it is legal for the Town to make money, and if someone came up with an idea that the Town could use to make money, could they? Mr. Benson commented that if there is an idea, the person(s) should come to a Board meeting with research and information on the idea and the Board would look into it.

Highway
Peck was not in attendance at meeting; Mr. Haggett had information regarding Highway activities. Witts Bridge is about complete, although there still needs to be some finish work on the stonework for the bridge.
Haggett moved that the Board go into Executive Session at 7:29 regarding a personnel issue, Mr. Kimmel second: 3-0-0. The Board came out of the session at 7:32 p.m.
Benson wants to make sure that we recognize the following at Town Meeting; Dee Montie’s service to the Town, along with the work Mr. Peck and the Road Crew have done to get Witt’s Bridge repaired and back in service. Also, the Board will report on the planned reappraisal and the existing funding for it.
Winter update: the Crew has gone through the sand supply and will need to order more, so the Board and Mr. Peck will need to continue monitoring the budget funds allocated for sand and chloride.
Talk about equipment order and how we do not pay for until next fiscal year (happens once every 3 years – rotation).
Old Business:
Approve Minutes of February 18, 2019 meeting: deferred until the next Board meeting.

Certificate of Highway Mileage: deferred until the next Board meeting.

Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. Haggett made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $314.66; Mr. Kimmel second: 3-0-0.

Other Proper Business:

The Board will need to announce a search for a new (Zoning) Administrative Officer at Town Meeting.
Reminder: Annual Town Meeting on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at the Brookfield Elementary School at 10:00 a.m.

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