Brookfield Selectboard Meeting of May 11, 2015
Town Clerk’s Office on Ralph Road
Selectboard: John Benson (Chair), Jeff Kimmel, Cory Haggett
Public Attendees: Teresa Godfrey (Recorder), Ray Peck (Road Foreman)
1. Call to Order:
Mr. Benson called the meeting to order at 7:08 p. m.
2. Adjustments to Agenda:
No adjustments were made to the agenda.
3. New Business:
Mrs. Godfrey reported, James Godfrey, VFW member, was asked by the VFW if the Selectboard would approve placing a plaque at the Memorial for Gordon Pettingell. He was a long-time Brookfield resident and was involved in the Battle of the Bulge. His name is on a Memorial at his home town in Massachusetts.
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Haggett, the Board voted to allow the VFW to put a plaque at the Memorial in the Village commemorating Gordon Pettingell and his involvement in World War II. Vote 3-0-0
On motion by Mr. Kimmel, seconded by Mr. Haggett, the Board voted to accept the minutes of April 27, 2015 as written. Vote 3-0-0
4. Highway Report:
Mr. Peck reported he will need to replace the truck bed/body for the 2007 truck to prolong its life. Doug Haggett will crush the gravel needed for this year and next year simultaneously. Mr. Peck would like to hire trucks to haul the gravel to Cemetery Street for road repairs. He would like to order the culvert needed for the Old Cross Road repair.
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board authorized the Road Foreman to purchase the above items and hire the trucks to haul the gravel. Vote 3-0-0
Mr. Peck questioned the maintenance on VT Route 65. The Town has not been paid by the State for the maintenance and whether we should continue doing the work. Mr. Benson suggested he contact the District Engineer to see when we will be paid and Mr. Benson will contact Kim Lewis from the State. The Road Crew can grade the road as soon as we get paid for the last 2 years.
Mr. Peck met with the State concerning the Taylor Hill Bridge. The structure damage is on the edge of the right of way. He might be able to get rocks from a rock slide in Braintree to build up the edge of the waterway.
Mr. Peck said they have put a “cold” patch on the Brookfield portion of Chelsea Mtn. Road and they will keep an eye on it.
5. New Business:
The Board received several public assemblage permits from the Brookfield Community Partnership for the Old Town Hall and one from the Brookfield Floating Bridge Celebration Committee.
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to approve the public assemblage permits as listed below. Vote 3-0-0
May 23/24 Brookfield Floating Bridge Celebration
June 6 Community Potluck Dinner
June 11 Cheese Tasting Event
June 14 Family Fun Day – Nature Exploration
June 17 Community Bingo Night
June 22 Energy Fair
June 24 Community Bingo Night
June 27 Square Dance
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to go into executive session at 8:00 p.m. for a personnel matter.
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Haggett, the Board voted to come out of executive session at 8:05 p.m.
On motion by Mr. Haggett, seconded by Mr. Benson, the Board voted to adjust Arnold Chase’s pay 50 cents per hour, retroactive to the start of the new grading season. Vote 3-0-0
The Board received a rate payment plan from Gillespie Fuels. The Board would like Kasey Peterson to research other fuel oil companies for comparisons.
6. Accounts Payable:
On motion by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to pay the warrants in the amount of $7,027.66. This amount included a payment to Clarks Trucking for $1,250.41 and Power Plan for $2,250.31. Vote 3-0-0
7. Other Business:
The Board briefly discussed the Floating Bridge Celebration.
The Board signed a letter to be sent to a resident concerning barking dogs and not having their dogs registered. A copy of the Dog Ordinance will be sent with the letter.
8. Adjournment:
On motion by Mr. Haggett, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. until the next meeting on May 25, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Godfrey, Recorder