|

Selectboard Meeting Minutes 23 April 2018

Town of Brookfield

Selectboard Meeting

April 23, 2018 at 6:30 P.M.

Town Clerk’s Office

Draft Minutes

 

Present: John Benson (Chair), Jeff Kimmel, Cory Haggett, Ray Peck (Road Crew Foreman), Heb and Sandy Cutler, Stan Wheeler

 

  1. Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.

 

  1. Adjustments to Agenda – Mr. and Ms. Cutler first (as Public Comment), Mr. Wheeler next (regarding Town Offices painting/repair).

 

  1. Public Comment:

 

Mr. and Ms. Cutler, residents on Ferris Road, inquired about the Town Road Crew’s operations in the Ferris Road/Halfway Brook Road area. In particular, they were concerned about snow removal activities, the use of a turnaround near their residence, and whether Brookfield or Randolph were responsible for clearing the roads. Mr. Benson commented that a new employee may have used the Cutlers’ driveway as a turnaround, but that would be corrected. As for road clearing, the Cutlers had thought that Randolph seemed to do more coverage in the area, and that it also seemed that the two Towns had a system of “first to arrive, first to plow.” Mr. Peck said that if the Brookfield Crew sees that the area needs clearing, they will continue past the Town Line; he will remind the Crew as preparation begins for the next Winter plowing season.

 

The Cutlers also mentioned that it appears one of their neighbors has a burn pile going. Mr. Benson said that he would get in touch with Fire Warden Jeff Brassard to follow up.

 

  1. Old Business: Painting the Town Office Building

 

Mr. Wheeler discussed his interested in offering a bid for TO work, and had some questions regarding the offer. He asked whether the Town would be willing to authorize the pre-buy of paint and materials prior to the work. Mr. Benson indicated that this would be acceptable, and that all invoices relating to the project would need to be submitted by June 25 and paid by June 30 (the end of FY 2017/2018). Mr. Wheeler said he had discussed the project with Town Clerk Teresa Godfrey and previewed the building: there would likely be clapboard repairs and spot-painting of rusty nailheads, along with moisture damage repair. He will submit his bid quickly. Mr. Benson noted that the Town has received one bid, so far.

 

  1. New Business:

 

  1. Highway:
  • Forms TA-65 and TA-66 for Northfield Road Repair/Paving projects: The Town is requesting reimbursement from the Vermont Agency of Transportation and FEMA for paving and repair projects on Northfield Road. Mr. Haggett made a motion that the Board approve and submit the requests pending Mr. Peck and Administrative Assistant Kasey Peterson verifying the numbers and associated information, Mr. Kimmel second; 3-0-0.
  • Peck reviewed the current Highway Budget and reported that the following projects/costs would be pursued before the end of the fiscal year:
  • The crew will be continuing with erosion control work on East Hill, which will include placement of $6,000 of stone. There is the potential for partial reimbursement through TRORC. Stanley Wheatley would be hired to do excavator work.
  • While $4,500 remains in the budget for bridge work, Mr. Benson recommended delaying the work until after July 1.
  • MSHA/OSHA certification classes are coming up, which all four crew members should attend at a total cost of $200.

The Selectboard will continue review and monitoring of the budget as the Town proceeds towards the end of FY 2017/2018. This will include working with Ms. Godfrey and Ms. Peterson to verify account balances and clarify income, expenditures, and reimbursements that may overlap budget years.

  • Peck reported fewer complaints about conditions in the Taylor Hill Road area; he had inspected the area and noted that the road was slowly drying out and improving. In a related matter, a resident located near the intersection of Taylor Hill and Hopkins Roads had inquired about improved plowing and access to the camp; as the camp is physically located in Chelsea, the Board recommended that the owner address concerns to the appropriate officials in Chelsea.
  • Peck observed that the state and local media have reported the looming invasion of the emerald ash borer, with likelihood of widespread damage to ash trees. The Town will have to monitor the problem and work with state, regional, and county authorities to develop a response.

 

  1. Personnel: the Board is continuing review of a proposed Drug and Alcohol Policy.

 

  1. Old Business:

 

  1. Approve Minutes of April 9, 2018 SB Meeting: deferred.
  2. Town Office Painting: addressed previously.

 

  1. Payroll/AP Warrants: Haggett made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $11,492.05. Large bills include White River Valley Ambulance: $3,425.00; Pike (gravel): $1,620.30; Pike (gravel): $624.96; Mr. Kimmel seconded. 3-0-0.

 

  1. Other Proper Business: none.

 

  1. Mr. Kimmel made a motion to adjourn at 8:17 p.m., Mr. Haggett seconded: 3-0-0.

 

Similar Posts