Brookfield, Vermont

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
July 13, 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), Caleb Connor (Pike Industries)
A. Call to Order – 6:39 p.m.
B. Adjustments to Agenda: Mr. Connor called in to participate in the meeting. He will be included in Public Comment (below).
C. Public Comment:
Mr. Connor reported on Pike’s response to prior concerns raised by the Town of Brookfield and the VT Agency of Transportation regarding degrading pavement conditions on the Ridge Road. Mr. Peck had previously marked a series of problem areas on the road. Mr. Connor acknowledged there are issues with the work that was performed in Fall 2019, and wanted to work with the Town on a mutual resolution. By late Fall and early Winter, the weather conditions were poor for addressing the problem, and further delays occurred with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early Spring 2020.
Mr. Benson noted that the Town still owes money to Pike, and that the current discussion about potential repairs and follow-up by the Town and Pike would help with determining appropriate financial measures. The Board and Mr. Connor agreed that it would be best if Mr. Peck, Board members, and Pike representatives re-walked the affected Ridge Road portions and address each of the problem areas. The tentative dates for the review would be July 21 or July 22, weather permitting.
D. Highway:
1) Highway Report – Bear Hill Road Resurfacing: Mr. Peck said that the Town would need at least 2 more trucks to take on the resurfacing with gravel from the R.E. Tucker pit. Stan Wheatley had helped with trucking material in the past, but has recently retired.
2) Ridge Road: (see above)
3) Kibbee Road Power Line Relocation: Mr. Peck will work with Green Mountain Power on pole(s) location and potential issues within the Town’s right-of-way. Any plans and/or agreement on the line and pole locations should also include stipulations on GMP’s need to provide notice and get Town approval for ROW activities.
4) Vehicle Maintenance Report: the Board and Mr. Peck reviewed the report on costs associated with various repairs and maintenance activities with Town vehicles. The Board will consult with Administrative Assistant Kasey Peterson regarding questions and/or clarifications on the numbers.
5) Town Garage – Time Clock: Mr. Peck and Ms. Peterson had discussed use of a time clock to keep track of Road Crew employees’ hours and job times. Other aspects for consideration include how to account for employees’ check-in times and subsequent time for on-site arrival. Time accounting issues would also occur responding to heavy snow conditions during the middle of the night, or emergencies such as trees blocking road access. The Board and Crew would need to figure out a fair and equitable way to address these situations. Mr. Peck also suggested that he (and possibly other Crew members) could be paid a salary rather than hourly wages.
6) Other Highway Business:
• Bear Hill Culvert – Mr. Peck will confer with Chris Bump (AoT) on plans and funding for the proposed repair/replacement of the culvert.
• Sprague Sand Pit Proposal – Mr. Peck checked with the State River Management Office, which indicated that there was no issue or conflict with the initial pit proposal and a river nearby. Mr. Benson suggested that Mr. Peck follow up with the State and get written confirmation. Mr. Benson also submitted a draft agreement between the Town and DuBois & King for the company to prepare a Base Map of the site for a cost not to exceed $1,000. On motion of Mr. Kimmel, Mr. LaRocque second, the Board voted 2-0-1 to approve the proposal.
• 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. The Board indicated that it would prepare a written agreement memorandum that would detail the specifications of the proposal along with Mr. Baker’s responsibilities and the Town’s conditions for the project. The proposed agreement was presented at this meeting: on motion of Mr. Benson, Mr. LaRocque second, the Board authorized Mr. Kimmel to sign the agreement on behalf of the Board (2-0-1). Mr. Kimmel will mail the proposal to Mr. Baker for his signature (and return of the document to the Town Clerk’s Office).
E. New Business – Budget FY2020
a. Audit: after some delay, the outside accounting firm is ready to begin the review process.
b. Garage Fund Question: Ms. Peterson inquired about where to post funding requests by the Town Garage Committee in the budget: the Board suggested that the Highway Building and Grounds account would be appropriate.
c. Lister Update on Reappraisal: deferred.
F. Old Business – Personnel Policy: Ms. Peterson will circulate an annotated recent version of the proposed policy for review and comment by Board members.
G. Approve Selectboard Meeting Minutes: Mr. Benson made a motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of June 22, 2020; Mr. LaRocque second. Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
H. Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. LaRocque made motions to pay the FY2020 and FY2021 warrants totaling $40,356.39 with large bills that include: R.E Tucker (Gravel): $29,997.00; Simply Ford Auto & Tire (Vehicle Equipment): $2,711.80; and R.E. Tucker (Road Reconstruction): $2,320.50; Mr. Kimmel second. Mr. Benson asked for discussion (none): 3-0-0.
I. Other Proper Business: none
J. Mr. LaRocque made a motion to adjourn at 8:26 p.m., Mr. Kimmel 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.