Town of Brookfield
Selectboard Meeting
April 22, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.
Town Clerk’s Office
Draft Minutes
Present: John Benson, Jeff Kimmel, Dawn Conant, Steve Schaeffer. Cory Haggett and Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman) not in attendance tonight.
1. Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.
2. Adjustments to Agenda – None
3. Public Comment
• Mr. Schaefer brought in a letter about the proposed Town Garage addition and Ash Tree removal, which were discussed at Town Meeting. He explained his letter, suggesting the possibility of using the removed ash trees as a possible building material in the Town Garage project.
• Mr. Benson commented that the Board will certainly looking into that option, but cautioned that many of the trees are on private landowners’ property and if there is any value at this time, the landowner might want it. In addition, the final building plan will have to be reviewed for fire and safety compliance.
• Mr. Schaefer said he hoped his suggestion would be included in the process and asked to Board to keep him informed if he can be of any assistance.
4. New Business:
A. Public Hearing – Montgomery Road Mileage Determination
• Mr. Kimmel reported that a Notice of the Hearing for the Montgomery Road Mileage was both published and posted. The Board needs to confirm the previous mileage determination made by the state Agency of Transportation, and then submit the Board’s ruling to AOT.
• Mr. Benson made a motion to accept the revised layout/mileage as discussed. Mr. Kimmel second. Mr. Benson asked for any discussion – (none): 2-0-0.
B. Highway
1. Pike Construction Quote for Paving: the Board needs to check with Mr. Peck to see if he submitted paperwork in support of a grant for this work. Work cannot proceed until this is confirmed.
2. Overtime Policy: this item will be tabled until Mr. Haggett is back and able to discuss with the rest of the Board.
3. Witt’s Bridge Repair: the Town is awaiting official VTrans confirmation and state approval for the completed work on the bridge. The Board assumes it will be coming soon, but with recent flood emergencies in the State it could get delayed. Either Mr. Peck or Administrative Assistant Kasey Peterson can confirm the project’s status.
4. Other Highway Business: Mr. Peck was not present, but the Board will follow up with him regarding recent storm damage in Brookfield and where we are with repairs.
C. Budget Questions:
• Town Meeting Article 5: $5,000 for development of Ash Tree response plan will be a Highway budget item.
• Town Meeting Article 6: $5,000 for survey for Stone Road will be a General budget item.
• The Board decided to table the rest of the budget questions, until Mr. Haggett is back and the Board has a chance to review budget status as we approach the close of the fiscal year (June 30).
D. Administrative Officer/Administrative Assistant: Ms. Peterson is considering taking on the (zoning) Administrative Officer position for Brookfield, which would be in addition to her work with the Board as Administrative Assistant. The Board will follow up with her to see if there are any questions and whether she has decided how to proceed.
E. Damage to entrance alcove of the Town Library: Mr. Kimmel and Mr. Benson inspected probable water damage in the front hall of the library. They also looked downstairs (basement) and upstairs (attic) to see if similar issues showed there.
5. Old Business
A. Approve Meeting Minutes of March 25, 2019 meeting: Mr. Benson made a motion to approve the March 25, 2019 meeting minutes. Mr. Kimmel second: 2-0-0.
B. Approve Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2019 meeting: Mr. Kimmel made a motion to approve the April 8, 2019 meeting minutes. Mr. Benson second: 2-0-0.
C. Drug and Alcohol Policy
• Mr. Kimmel brought up that there was still one item to figure out; regular employee testing and pre-employee testing and the board “shall” require.
• Mr. Benson made a motion to approve the Brookfield Drug and Alcohol Policy with noted revisions. Mr. Kimmel seconded. Mr. Benson asked if there was any discussion. No discussion. 2-0-0
6. Payroll/AP Warrants: Mr. Kimmel made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $11,033.43 with large bills that include White River Valley Ambulance (Ambulance): $3,596.25; BCBSVT (Health Insurance): $3,934.30; Goodrich’s Maple Farm (Chlorine tank): $1,364.71. Mr. Benson second: 2-0-0.
7. Other Proper Business:
• Mr. Benson stated that a Road Crew member will be undergoing surgery, so Mr. Peck will likely be performing grader operations along with other Crew members taking on additional tasks. Mr. Benson mentioned that the Board might consider creating a 4th full-time position next year, based on increasing workloads and time demands facing the Crew.
• A Government Audit Symposium is scheduled for May 22, 2019, if anyone is interested.
• The Board agreed to ask Town Clerk Teresa Godfrey send a warning letter by certified mail regarding continuing trash issues at a Ridge Road property.
• Mr. Kimmel will ask Ms. Peterson to prepare a listing of budget status and remaining funds as the Town heads into the close of FY 2018/2019.
8. Mr. Kimmel made a motion to adjourn at 7:30 p.m., Mr. Benson second: 2-0-0.