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Selectboard Meeting Minutes 26 March 2018

Town of Brookfield

Selectboard Meeting

March 26, 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), Dawn Conant

 

  1. Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.

 

  1. Adjustments to Agenda –

 

  1. Public Comment – No public attended meeting.

 

  1. New Business:

 

  1. Vermont Security Proposal – Jesse Harper

 

  • Harper presented his firm’s proposal which is 4 channel unit (1 camera at Town Office) and 8 channel unit (4 cameras at Town Garage). The proposed systems would incorporate both camera and alarm systems, which would be accessible off-site through the Town’s internet service and by cell phone. The system would be relatively easy to maintain and upgrade as the need arises.
  • Peck noted that there are 4 cameras at the garage now.
  • Benson inquired about an annual fee, which Mr. Harper indicated could include several levels of coverage. Hardware, installation, and configured remote or local access are included.
  • Board members raised several questions about operation and pricing for the alarm system(s). Topics covered included: a) what activities could trigger the alarm system; b) Town Office and Town Library potential access points could be included, along with external property monitoring; c) remote arm/disarm from anywhere can be used; d) activity detection is triggered by passive infrared, not motion; e) cameras can be permanently active or placed on a timer.
  • Plan pricing options include: $35.99/monthly for land line (no text/e-mail), $44.99/monthly for cellular (with limited code access to the system), $52.99/monthly for unlimited access and more codes, which Mr. Harper noted was the most comprehensive.
  • Benson mentioned that a lot of people use the Town Office space/library for meetings etc. and the need to install a system that would efficiently handle such situations.
  • Benson asked about the life expectancy of the equipment, which Mr. Harper indicated was years and could be repaired/replace/upgraded virtually forever. Mr. Peck commented that the Town Garage’s current system was originally installed in 2010/2011.
  • Proposed price for a 2-camera system would be $5,273.
  • Benson thanked Mr. Harper for the presentation, and suggested that the Board review the proposal and consult with Town Clerk Teresa Godfrey and Administrative Assistant Kasey Peterson.

 

  1. Highway Department:

 

  1. New Truck: Mrs. Peterson has additional paperwork for the Board to review and complete before submitting for bank review. One of the long-term options offered includes a buy-back plan (which involves a trade every 7 years), which Mr. Benson suggested is worth consideration.
  2. Certificate of Highway Mileage: Mr. Kimmel will track down relevant information, including documents relating to Montgomery Road.
  3. Road and Bridge Standards: Mr. Haggett made a motion to adopt the state Road and Bridge Standards, Mr. Kimmel seconded: 3-0-0.
  4. Highway Maintenance Plan
  • Benson spoke with Rita Zeto (TRORC), who had sent materials for the Town to use in updating the plan. The plan will also need to incorporate FEMA requirements to help with funding/reimbursement with the agencies. Ms. Zeto will meet with Mr. Peck after mud season to help figure out what the Town can do to comply with state and federal requirements.
  • Zeto has a grant to do repairs on East Hill but has a time limit for doing the work by June 30, 2018 for $12,000.
  • Peck has another location (at an estimated cost of $10,000) in May/June for the Road Crew to repair.
  • There is another agreement pending with the state Agency of Transportation addressing Stone Road to be executed by July 1st to start (for 1 year).
  1. Town Garage Property: Mr. Benson mentioned the survey firm is ready to set pins. Mr. Peck indicated he wants to be present to see where the pins are set. Ms. Baier (adjoining landowner) is going to send paperwork so it can get signed. Mr. Benson made a motion to sign the Town of Brookfield Selectboard purchase and accompanying documents, Mr. Haggett seconded: 2-0-1.
  2. Peck said that, with regard to replacing the security system at the Town Garage, he would like to review and consider other options for systems and pricing. This might include motion detection lighting that could be completed in this fiscal year.
  3. The Road Crew has used a lot of material during the recurring mud seasons over the last few months. The Town still has sand, but the pile is frozen in places.
  4. Peck also raised the need to clear excess sand off Northfield Road. This could include renting a sweeper in the future; perhaps the Town can get one from Pickett’s or coordinate with Williamstown when they do theirs since this is such a short stretch.

 

  1. Town Meeting Minutes: Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve the Town Meeting Minutes, Mr. Kimmel seconded: 3-0-0.

 

  1. Estimate for outside lights at the Town Offices: Harmony Electric offered an estimate of $675 ($275 labor, $400 for fixtures). The new fixtures might not exactly match the existing ones, and lights with globes might pose a hazard. Mr. Kimmel made a motion to approve the Harmony Electric proposal to remove/repair the outside lights at the Town Library/Town Office, Mr. Haggett seconded: 3-0-0. The Board will also consult with Harmony about adding motion detection lighting for the rear of the building.

 

  1. Local Emergency Operations Plan: Mr. Benson made a motion to adopt the LEOP, Mr. Kimmel seconded: 3-0-0.

 

  1. Old Business: approve Minutes of March 12 meeting: Mr. Haggett made a motion to approve the March 12 Selectboard meeting minutes as amended, Mr. Kimmel seconded: 3-0-0.

 

  1. Warrants: Mr. Kimmel made a motion to pay the warrants totaling $14,596.13. Large bills include BCBSVT (health insurance): $3.759.60; Capital One (Town Report): $2,196.30; White River Valley Ambulance (March): $3,425. Mr. Benson seconded. 3-0-0.

 

  1. Other Proper Business:

 

  • Kimmel mentioned that there are two property owners on Northfield Road are considering installing solar panels on their adjoining parcels. There could be zoning issues as there are 2 parcels and 2 property owners. The contractor would like to meet with the Selectboard and discuss the proposal, and the contractor will need to review both the Town’s Development Bylaws and state laws/regulations as part of the discussion along with indicating what role the Selectboard might play.
  • Starr Strong is willing to stay on as Town Health Officer. Joy Kacik declined to be 911 coordinator as she currently lacks the time. Mr. Benson made a motion to reappoint Ms. Strong as Town Health Officer, Mr. Haggett seconded: 3-0-0. Kimmel to see if Stuart Edson willing to do 911 Coordinator, he is already doing building.

 

  1. Adjournment: Mr. Kimmel made a motion to adjourn at 8:23 p.m., Mr. Haggett seconded: 3-0-0.

 

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