Town of Brookfield
Selectboard Meeting
August 13, 2018 at 6:30 P.M.
Town Clerk’s Office
Draft Minutes
Present: John Benson (Chair), Cory Haggett, Jeff Kimmel, Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman), Teresa Godfrey (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Lynne & Scott Wakefield, Nancy Jacques
1. Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.
2. Adjustments to Agenda – None
3. Public Comment:
• The Wakefields continued discussion with the Selectboard about plans to repair Davis Acres Road. They requested a letter from the Town confirming permission for the Wakefields to perform work on the road. Mr. Benson noted that the Town would need to publish a notice in the Randolph Herald warning about the dates of the work, along with having the Road Crew post signs during the period of work. Mr. Peck will contact Administrative Assistant Kasey Peterson about placing the notice and work dates. The work will include about 1,800 feet of the road, involving installation of about 160 feet of 24-inch replacement culverts, with supporting surface and drainage repairs.
• Ms. Jacques offered comments on several topics:
She inquired whether people are using the port-o-potties at the ends of the Floating Bridge, reporting that she had seen a person relieving themself elsewhere near the West end of the bridge. The Board believed that the facilities are being used as confirmed by the service billing.
Parking at the Hippo Park end of the bridge can be congested, with people in the right-of-way and obstructing the stop sign. Mr. Benson observed that this is a continual issue, particularly during warmer conditions and weekends. He added that the road is owned and supervised by the state, and that state officials could choose to close that section of the Rt. 65 to parking.
Some people are smoking at the park: should the Town put up a “No Smoking” sign? The Board would consider doing so, and will also check the deed for the parcel to see if there are already restrictions.
The fence at the East Hill cemetery needs to be repaired/replaced. Joe Mangan (Cemetery Sexton) is aware of the problem, and is looking into contractor bids for partial or complete replacement of the fencing. Ms. Jacques offered to see if the neighbors might also contribute to the project, which the Board appreciated and acknowledged would help move the project along.
4. New Business:
A. Tax Rate: the Board consulted with Ms. Godfrey about the appropriate figures, and on motion of Mr. Haggett, Mr. Kimmel second, passed the Brookfield Tax Rate for FY 2018-2019: 3-0-0 (attached).
B. Highway:
1. Mr. Peck met with a representative from ECFiber on the question of running a fiber optic cable under East Street. The agreement was that the Town Road Crew will dig the ditch and supply materials, with the company subsequently providing reimbursement. ECFiber will have employees available for traffic control.
2. Access Permit (Susan Cameron): the proposed drive would be located on Twin Pond Road, approximately 1 mile from the intersection with state Route 14. The Board discussed conditional approval for summer use only, with no accommodation for Town maintenance of Winter access. If Ms. Cameron wishes to pursue full-year access, she will need to apply for a permit amendment. Mr. Peck will talk to Ms. Cameron about seeking an alternative location for the drive.
3. Access Permit (Matthew Gadbois): the proposed drive would be located on West Street, approximately 0.5 mile from the intersection with state Route 65. On motion of Mr. Haggett, Mr. Kimmel second, the Board voted 3-0-0 to approve the proposed permit.
4. Mr. Peck has inspected the area on Northfield Road where there has been an alleged removal of ledge without Town approval. He will continue to monitor the site and would welcome reports from local residents on any pertinent activity.
5. Mr. Peck reported that the first round of road sign repair/replacement will cost approximately $2,700. The signs will be addressed as recommended by the Public Safety Advisory Committee in their listing of priorities.
6. Executive Session: on motion of Mr. Benson, Mr. Haggett second, the Board went into Executive Session at 7:39 p.m. regarding a personnel matter: 3-0-0. The Board returned from the session at 7:50 p.m.
7. Grant Application for Bear Hill Road Culvert Work: Mr. Peck will contact a representative with the state Agency of Transportation about what culvert and drainage work will be done. Mr. Peck would also like to do some test digging to check the stability of the area affected, how much and what material is required, and what would be potential effects on water flow.
8. Mr. Peck reported that the Road Crew will be hiring 2 trucks to help with the resurfacing of a section of East Hill Road with 800 yards of material. He will confer with Ms. Peterson about budgeting, keeping in mind that the Town is still early in the FY 2018/2019 period.
9. The Board will also ask Ms. Peterson to contact Pike about completing shoulder work on Brookfield’s portion of the Chelsea Mountain Road.
C. Backup Power for the Town Offices: Green Mountain Power is offering help for installation of Tesla Powerwall battery systems. Mr. Benson will inquire with an IT person at his DuBois & King office about their knowledge and/or experience with the system.
D. Public Assemblage Permit(s): on the motion of Mr. Haggett, Mr. Benson second, the Board approved the permit applications submitted for events at the Old Town Hall and the annual trotting races on Morgan Mile Road; 3-0-0.
5. Old Business
A. Town Attorney: the Board discussed options including potential sources in Randolph and Royalton. Research will continue along with inquiries with other similar Towns.
B. Minutes of 7-23-18 Selectboard Meeting: on motion of Mr. Haggett, Mr. Kimmel second, the minutes were approved; 3-0-0.
C. Special Meeting re: Drug and Alcohol Policy: the Board briefly discussed the possibility of arranging (and warning) a meeting for late October 2018.
D. Conflict of Interest/Purchasing Policies: tabled.
6. AP/Payroll Warrants: on motion of Mr. Haggett to approve payment of warrants totaling $28,224.42 with large bills that include: Everett J. Prescott (culverts): $7,182.20; Gorman Group LLC (chloride): $3,958.76; WRVA (ambulance): $3,767.50; Mr. Benson seconded: 3-0-0.
7. Other Proper Business: Mr. Benson mentioned that he had been contacted by the Randolph Recreation organization about a potential coordination with Brookfield for planning and financing activities. He will follow up about a potential initial meeting.
8. Mr. Haggett made a motion to adjourn at 8:50 p.m., Mr. Kimmel seconded: 3-0-0.