Brookfield Selectboard Meeting of June 22, 2015
Town Clerk’s Office on Ralph Road
Selectboard: John Benson (Chair), Jeff Kimmel, Cory Haggett
Public Attendees: Teresa Godfrey (Recorder), Ray Peck (Highway Foreman), Stuart Edson (EC Fiber, Lister), Dan Childs (EC Fiber)
1. Call to Order:
Mr. Benson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p. m.
2. Adjustments to Agenda:
There were no adjustments to the agenda.
3. Public Presentation:
Mr. Edson, EC Fiber representative, gave the background information about the new utility district for EC Fiber. The new district is now known as a Communications Utility District (CUD). The CUD cannot use taxpayer’s money to support building the fiber network. They are setting up the East Central Communications District that would be approved by the Selectboard. The Interlocal Contract (ILC) is still active until it can be dissolved.
On motion by Mr. Kimmel, seconded by Mr. Benson, the Board voted to approve the Town Clerk signing the “Resolution requesting membership in the East Central Vermont Telecommunications District and appointing a representative to the governing board thereof”. Vote 3-0-0
The Board appointed Daniel Childs as the representative with Stuart Edson as the alternate to the East Central Vermont Telecommunications District.
Mr. Edson, Brookfield Lister, wanted to discuss doing a town-wide reappraisal in 2 years. The State and the Lister’s District Advisor recommend doing one every 10 years with the last one having been done in 2007. It would cost approximately $100,000.00 and we will need to put it out to bid. Mrs. Godfrey said there is just over $60,000.00 saved up from the State payments for reappraisal. Mr. Benson would like to know if Vermont League of Cities and Towns has a basis for a proposal and if there is a list of 3 or 4 businesses that we could send it to. The Lister’s would like to present it to the Town for the 2016-2017 tax year. Mr. Benson would need to know the cost by early December so it can be warned for Town Meeting 2016.
Mr. Edson asked the Board about the road maintenance and grading for VT RT 65 and where the road agreement stands.
Mr. Benson said they are trying to get an agreement with the State. They are trying to get something that the Town can manage without having to request permission every time something needs to be done.
4. Old Business:
On motion by Mr. Haggett, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to approve the minutes of June 8, 2015 as amended. Vote 3-0-0
5. Highway Report:
The Board asked Mr. Peck if he was getting use from the laptop purchased a couple of years ago. There is no Wi-Fi at the garage but Mr. Peck is able to keep the road maintenance information on it up to date working at home. He is able to use the program from Two Rivers Ottauquechee to maintain the locations of drainage pipes and culverts. He also uses it for emails.
The concern with the laptop is because in January 2017, the Town Clerk will be required to have one for online access during elections for voter registration.
Mr. Peck reported Treeworks is done with the FEMA work and Treeworks will be paid on July 1st.
Mr. Benson signed the FCC application.
The roadside mowing will be done by Glen Goodrich from Danville this year.
The new truck body is in from Tenco for the 2007 truck. The Board discussed with Mr. Peck the new truck delivery date and the payment plan.
6. New Business:
The Board received public assemblage permit requests from the Old Town Hall for July.
On motion by Mr. Haggett, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board approved the 7 public assemblage permits listed below for the Brookfield Partnership. Vote 3-0-0
-July 10, 2015 Bear Mountain Jammers
-July 12, 2015 Family Fun Day
-July 14, 21, and 28, 2015 Yoga Series
-July 16, 2015 Sabra Field presentation
-July 18-19, 2015 Community Indoor Yard Sale
-July 23, 2015 Emerald Ash Borer presentation
-July 27, 2015 Rachel Brownstein presentation
The Board received a fuel oil quote from Gillespie Fuels for oil for the Town Office and Fire Station. The Board decided to use option 1 with 11 equal payments at $332.00 per month for 1400 gallons.
7. Accounts Payable:
On motion by Mr. Haggett, seconded by Mr. Benson, the Board voted to pay the warrants in the amount of $183,503.31. This amount included the end of the fiscal year payments to Orange County for $36,851.56, to RE Tucker for $34,999.85, and to Municipal Emergency Services for $27,484.08. Vote 3-0-0
8. Adjournment:
On motion by Mr. Haggett, seconded by Mr. Kimmel, the Board voted to adjourn at 9:50 p.m. until the next meeting on July 13, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Vote 3-0-0
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Godfrey, Recorder