Brookfield Selectboard Meeting of April 25, 2016
Town Clerk’s Office on Ralph Road
Selectboard: John Benson (Chair), Jeff Kimmel, Cory Haggett
Public Attendees: Teresa Godfrey (Recorder), Ray Peck (Highway Foreman), J. Keith Sprague
- Call to Order:
Mr. Benson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p. m.
2. Adjustment to Agenda:
No adjustments were needed.
3. Public Presentation:
Mr. Sprague came in to sign any paperwork needed to officially turn the gravel pit over to him from the Town now that the restoration is complete. Mr. Kimmel has the new “deed” to send to Pamela Stafford, Town Attorney, for her to complete before being signed. Mr. Sprague hired an excavator to help with the completion at a cost of $4,500.00. He would like to be reimbursed for all or part of the bill if the Selectboard will approve it. He will provide the Board with an invoice. Mr. Benson said they would look at the year-end budget to see how much is available to help with reimbursement because it helped expedite the restoration.
4. Old Business:
On motion by Mr. Haggett, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to approve the minutes of April 11, 2016 as amended. Vote 3-0-0
The Board discussed the Town website and having links to area events. The Board may require a request form, updated annually, indicating the applicant acknowledges the Board’s policy for having a link from the Town website and maintaining their own site. This would help prevent outdated links.
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to adopt the Local Emergency Operation Plan, LEOP, as updated. Vote 3-0-0
The Board discussed the possible purchase of ½ acre of land behind the Town garage.
On motion by Mr. Kimmel, seconded by Mr. Haggett, the Board voted to approve the proposed letter of inquiry with amendments. Vote 3-0-0
The Board discussed the update for worker’s comprehensive insurance required for contractors. For each contractor, they need to have worker’s comp insurance or sign a “non-employee hold harmless” agreement.
5. Highway Report:
Mr. Peck reported the line item for vehicle maintenance is over budget because of repairs on the trucks but there is still money available in the total highway budget.
He also reported some minor issues he has been having with the new 2015 truck. One of the harnesses wore a hole in the radiator, the radio has a crackle noise when on, and the installed armrest won’t stay attached. He has a list of issues. He would like a letter sent to Freightliner Inc. of NH concerning these issues to see if they can be resolved.
Mr. Peck is happy with the grading work Rich Hamblin, one of the road crew, is doing. The Highway Department has started summer hours of 4 x 10 hour days.
The Board will be sending a letter to Vermont Tree Experts and Green Mountain Power concerning the debris left from their tree clearing for the power lines last fall/winter along Bear Hill Road.
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board approved the minutes of April 5, 2016 for the special meeting for the intersection of VT RT 65 and West St. Vote 2-0-1 Mr. Haggett abstained because he was not able to attend the meeting.
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Haggett, the Board went into executive session at 8:45 p.m. to discuss performance reviews. Vote 3-0-0
The Board came out of executive session at 8:55 p.m.
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board adopted the VTrans Roads and Bridges Standards. Vote 3-0-0
6. Policy and Ordinance Review:
The Board tabled reviewing the Drug and Alcohol Policy and Jobs for Bid Policy until a future meeting.
7. Accounts Payable:
On motion by Mr. Haggett, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to pay the warrants in the amount of $15,944.45. This amount included a payment to BC/BS for $3,283.15, to WRVA for $6,457.85 and to Orange County Sheriff‘s Dept. for $684.00 Vote 3-0-0
8. Other Business:
Mr. Benson said he spoke to Jessie Devilen, a representative from VTrans, concerning using a shingle/gravel mix on VT RT 65. He said he would like Brookfield to participate in an evaluation review at 1 year and 5 years on how it is holding up. Mr. Devilen agreed that it would be a good idea.
9. Adjournment:
On motion by Mr. Haggett, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to adjourn at 9:45 p.m. until the next meeting on May 9, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Vote 3-0-0
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Godfrey, Recorder