Town of Brookfield Selectboard Meeting
9 May 2022
6:30 P.M.
Town Office
Approved Minutes
Present: John Benson, Chair, Jeff Kimmel, Betty Lord, Kate Threlkeld, Dennis LaRocque (via Zoom) members; Vicki Blanchard, Administrative Assistant; Amy Ingrassia, Assistant Treasurer; Jack Zebora, Alexander and Julia Assur, Amy Borgman.
A. Call To Order – Mr. Benson called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
B. Adjustments to Agenda – none
C. Public Comments
1. Library – beautification and attracting customers – Amy Borgman, Library President reported that the Library received ARPA funds and to date they were used to purchase a new printer and computer and were now in the process of contacting furniture makers so they could purchase outdoor furniture for the Town Clerk’s Office as well as for the Town Hall for the public to use. They are also working with VTC students to come up with landscape suggestions for the Town Hall.
2. Utility Easement – Alexander and Julia Assur are planning on building on a Brookfield property that they purchased, and will need help to install an ECFiber line to the house. Mr. Kimmel recommended they talk to Mr. Tim Higgins (Road Crew Foreman) as well as a contractor; once they have a plan in place ECFiber can proceed with that installation.
D. Highway Report – Grading was done this week as well as cleanup at the Town Garage. The new truck is on its way, and there will be further updates. Mr. Higgins got a quote on a rubber tire excavator, which was $250,000 for a new one that could be used for 15 years, and he is looking to get a quote on a used one also. Mr. Higgins and Ms. Seto from TRORC are working on getting a ditching grant done for Eagle Peak. Mr. Benson would like to have W.B. Rogers get started on the grant portion. Mr. LaRocque would encourage Mr. Higgins to start attending Selectboard Meetings now that winter is over.
1. Road Crew Open Position report – Ms. Threlkeld got information about the Indeed service for advertising for and potentially hiring new employees, but you need to have an account with them to work with you. Ms. Lord looked into Seven Days also, along with the Valley News. Ms. Lord will also contact The World. Mr. Benson felt WCVR would also be a good way to get the word out about the open Road Crew position. The Selectboard will proceed with ads in the Valley News, The World, and WCVR.
2. Mr. Benson talked about what the rates for Town work done on VT 65 should be, and will send the new rates that were discussed to the State for approval.
3. Brandon Stevens Mowing contract – Mr. Benson made a motion to approve the contract with the price not to exceed $11,000 and Ms. Threlkeld seconded which carried unanimously: 5-0-0.
4. Pending Grants – There are four that are pending: the Bear Hill Project, the July 21, 2021 storm damage, the Halfway Brook Culvert project, and a Ditching Grant.
E. New Business – Public Safety (Town Traffic Ordinance) – Ms. Threlkeld said Lew Stowell seems to think that the 2017 Town Traffic Ordinance is the most recent approved version; Mr. Kimmel reported Town Attorney Mr. Monte is reviewing a proposed 2021 version. There is a Public Safety meeting coming up soon so this may be sorted out then.
F. Old Business
1. ARPA – Mr. Benson, Ms. Lord and Ms. Blanchard are meeting Wednesday on 5/11 to try once again to submit the quarterly report.
2. Mr. LaRocque mentioned reversing the former Ariel property fence so the finished portion faces the Hippo Park to make the park look better.
3. Mr. Benson said Mr. Kimmel asked about the budget on the Town Garage repairs, upgrades, and associated paperwork and fees. The cost so far is $3,600. There are other fees that will be coming up. There was $25,000 put aside from the Town. There are an architect fee and a permit fee that will have to be paid this week.
4. Mr. Benson asked Mr. LaRocque about a second, smaller tent for the Town Meeting coming up 5/21/22 and Mr. LaRocque is still working on that.
G. Meeting Minutes 25 April 2022 – Ms. Lord made a motion to accept the 25 April 2022 minutes as presented; Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion, which carried unanimously: 5-0-0.
H. Payroll and AP Warrants – Ms. Lord made a motion to approve the AP warrants as presented with a total of $16,131.35 and with the highest payment being made to DuBois & King in the amount of $2,595. Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion, which carried unanimously: 5-0-0.
I. Other Proper Business
Mr. Benson thanked both Mr. Kimmel and Ms. Threlkeld for their service on the Selectboard and that they will be missed.
Mr. LaRocque made a motion to go into Executive Session at 8:08 p.m. to discuss personnel issues. Mr. Benson seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. After the discussion, Mr. Benson made a motion to come out of Executive Session at 8:20 p.m., Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved: 5-0-0.
J. Adjournment – Ms. Lord made a motion to adjourn at 8:21 p.m., Mr. Kimmel seconded the motion and there being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was unanimously adjourned.