The Town of Brookfield
Selectboard Meeting
26 September at 7:00 PM
Town Clerk’s Office
Draft Minutes
Present: John Benson, Jeff Kimmel, Cory Haggett, Ray Peck, Thomas Young, Starr Strong
1. Call to Order: 7:01 pm
2. Adjustments to Agenda – Starr Strong – Health officer report
3. Public Presentation or Comment – Letter from Paula Gills and Ted Richards thanking Starr Strong for doing a great job with their water quality questions and thanking the highway crew for the good work they recently did on Howe Road.
4. Old Business
A. Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve minutes of 26 September Meeting as amended. Mr. Kimmel seconded. 3-0-0
B. Mr. Benson explained to Mr. Young the options regarding boundary line adjustments around the Town Garage property. Mr. Peck has spoken to another adjoining landowner who is also willing to discuss a boundary line adjustment. Discussion included water rights, town zoning issues, and inclusion of a right of way to Mr. Young’s property. Further consideration is needed before any plans are made.
C. Starr Strong was present to report on the court proceedings regarding the rental issue between Douglas and Diane Haggett and their tenants, Jennifer DuBois and Nick Earborn. Cory Haggett recused himself. The Haggett’s have served their tenants with an eviction notice so no further action by the Board is required at this time; however, if the facility is to be used as a residence in the future, further investigation may be necessary.
5. New Business
A. Highway Report
1. Braintree recently had some difficulties regarding tree removal. The Town of Brookfield’s policies on tree removal were discussed. Currently the landowner is contacted, and any wood from the trees in question is offered to the landowner first. The Selectboard saw no reason to change the way tree removal is handled in Brookfield as long as the town is compliant with state statutes.
2. Road Access Permits – Mr. Peck explained that at the Keefe property there is an existing driveway culvert that is outside the town right-of-way. Mr. Peck noted on the back of the permit that the Town of Brookfield will not be responsible for the maintenance or replacement of that culvert. Mr. Haggett made a motion to accept the access permits for the Keefe and Christensen properties with Mr. Peck’s recommendations. Mr. Benson seconded. 3-0-0.
3. Eustis Cable has requested permission to install a power line under East Street. Mr. Benson will write a set of stipulations that must be met before installation. Including but not limited to: requirements to contact Dig Safe, depth of the wire, use of conduit, traffic control on the installation date, a certificate of insurance, and notifying the highway department of the work in advance.
4. The Selectboard agrees with Mr. Peck that a seasonal employee for the summer months may be beneficial. This person could be utilized as a flagger, run errands for parts, use the loader, and fill in for year-round employees who are on vacation. It was suggested by Mr. Haggett that the town might want to contact VTC to see if they have students in their diesel program that would be looking for summer work. This question will also affect upcoming budget considerations for fiscal year 2017-2018.
5. Mr. Peck will measure Davis Acre road and the Selectboard will proceed with a public hearing regarding the use and classification of that road.
6. Mr. Peck received a quote from Poulin Lumber for the materials to build the addition to the garage. The $3200.00 total did not include concrete or electricity. Mr. Peck will get another quote from Bethel Mills.
7. Mr. Haggett moved to enter executive session to discuss a personnel issue. Mr. Kimmel seconded. Executive Session commenced at 8:16.
At 8:28 Mr. Benson made a motion to exit executive session. Mr. Kimmel seconded. 3-0-0
Mr. Benson made a motion to give David Flint a wage increase of .75/hour effective for the pay period beginning 19 September 2016. Mr. Kimmel Seconded. 3-0-0
B. The Selectboard signed a letter to Mr. Fink and Ms. Duberman outlining the town’s agreement with Ariel’s restaurant regarding parking.
C. The personnel policy was vague on the percentages that the town covers and who is eligible for coverage. Research will be done on the State of Vermont’s policy on eligibility and changes to the personnel policy will be presented for consideration.
6. Payroll/AP Warrant
A. Mr. Haggett made a motion to accept the accounts payable warrants in the amount of $21352.24. Mr. Kimmel seconded. 3-0-0 Including bills for Stan Wheatley for $9352.50, Blue Cross Blue Shield for $3283.15 and R.E. Tucker for 2638.10
B. Mr. Haggett moved to accept the payroll warrants as presented. Mr. Kimmel Seconded. 3-0-0
7. Mr. Kimmel made a motion to adjourn at 8:54. Mr. Haggett seconded. 3-0-0