Brandon Select Board Meeting
December 22, 2008
NOTE:
These are unapproved minutes, subject to amendment and/or approval at the
subsequent board meeting.
In
Attendance: Richard
Baker, Bill Hatch, Mitch Pearl, Kellie Patten
Also in
Attendance:
Tom
Schmelzenbach, Wayne Rausenberger, Janet Mondlak, Jamie Stewart
1.
Call to order
The
meeting was called to order at 7:00PM by Chair Bill Hatch.
a)
Agenda Adoption
- Motion by Richard Baker/Mitch Pearl to adopt the agenda as written.
The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero.
2.
Consent Agenda
a)
Approval of Minutes - December 8, 2008 - Select Board Meeting
Motion
by Richard Baker/Mitch Pearl to approve the minutes of the December 8, 2008
meeting. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero.
3.
Fiscal
a) Warrant - December 22, 2008
- $64,338.05
Motion
by Richard Baker/Mitch Pearl to approve the warrant in the amount of $64,388.05.
The motion passed unanimously - 4 to zero.
4. Town Manager's Report
Keith Arlund stated they are in the process of hiring two
part-time special officers, Michael Taptic and Frank Spaulding. The officers
attended the Police Academy on their own time and they will be brought on the
force for field training requirements by the staff.
Mr. Arlund
stated he copied the Board members concerning the email from the VLCT regarding
the holding of aid payments to all towns. There has been email traffic
concerning this issue and as it now stands, the 3rd and 4th
quarter payments totaling $35,000.00 per quarter are on hold and this subject
will be taken up by the legislature. Mr. Arlund will keep the board informed, as
this will create a shortfall in the highway funding if they are held too long.
Richard Baker suggested inviting the Legislative Representative to the first
meeting in January to discuss the legislative items the Board is concerned with.
He noted the town has an approved budget based on the highway funds and short of
not plowing Route 7; this is cost shifting to the local tax payers. Mitch Pearl
stated this is typical of the state administration by balancing their budgets on
the back of the local municipalities. The roads need to be plowed and we must
plow them and the question is whose pocket it comes out of.
5. Rutland Economic Development Corporation - Jamie Stewart
Keith
Arlund stated there was a discussion at the last meeting regarding a proposed ad
for an economic development consultant. In the course of doing research, he
spoke with Jamie Stewart of REDC and Mr. Stewart wished to discuss this issue
with the board. Mr. Stewart stated he is new to REDC, but not new to economic
development. Mr. Stewart was present to obtain a better understanding of the
Board's goal in hiring a paid employee. He noted between Tubbs and Nexus, the
town experienced two major hits. He stated economic development comes under a
number of definitions and he wanted to make sure that as a municipality and a
member of his organization, they are obtaining the assistance needed from REDC.
Mr. Stewart stated REDC may be able to fill that role or perhaps do a piece in
concert, if it could not be done totally by REDC. He stated REDC is marketing
the facilities that are empty and he wanted to get a clearer understanding of
why the town wished to hire an economic development contractor or an employee of
the town. If his group could fill the role, perhaps it would provide the town
the opportunity to do other things with their monies. Kellie Patten stated she
would like to make sure what the town is spending money on is not duplicating
efforts and she would like to be sure there is coordination with REDC. Mr.
Stewart stated he has been in this position for 12 years and prior to that he
worked at a small business development center, after being a business owner
himself. He stated during these tough economic times, it is difficult to get a
lot of movement going. Mr. Stewart has met with the manufacturing companies in
the region and he noted that about half of the companies have a solid future out
8 - 9 months and there are a number of businesses that are showing growth. He
stated this region is at a disadvantage as there are no major highways, but the
region does have an available workforce with quality people who need work and
who have a great work ethic. Mr. Stewart stated people recognize that Vermont
does provide a quality workforce and right now, when looking at needed
productivity we can provide that. He stated that if an area does not have
existing buildings, it is tough to draw businesses, however, this area does have
them. Mr. Stewart stated what is needed is the communication piece, as the
desire is to draw companies that pay high wages and have high technology,
however, he needs to get a better understanding of what the town wants. Mitch
Pearl stated this has been a lengthy process and it has been frustrating to the
Chamber, however, the Board has not been sure what the job description actually
entails. Mr. Pearl stated his feeling on economic development on the town level
is that the day of luring big businesses into town is over, but there should be
a way to encourage entrepreneurship and help people on a micro-level. He stated
there have been retail businesses in this town that have gone out of business
and perhaps if there had been someone at the ground level encouraging businesses
to move in, there may have been a way to get people into these businesses. He
stated there are many micro businesses that are the future of our economics and
we should encourage and nurture them to become the employers of the future.
Whether a town economic officer could do that, we need to know what they are
going to be doing. Jamie Stewart stated that micro businesses seem to be where
the majority of our economic growth is and if we focus more on the small
manufacturers, eventually those businesses grow to employ more people. Mr.
Stewart stated one of those companies is Autumn Harp in Bristol that grew to 200
people from just a few employees. Mr. Stewart stated the Economic Development
Center helps those types of businesses. He noted it is a great program that
helps businesses get off the ground. This group is co-located in the REDC
office, but is a separate program. He also noted there is a myriad of services
that fall under REDC's programs. Mr. Stewart stated if a robust strong retail
sector is desired, the best way is to have a strong economic base of jobs and he
urged the Board to concentrate on manufacturing jobs, as those will be the
economic drivers to make a viable downtown. Mitch Pearl questioned if a local
economic person could help. Jamie Stewart stated a lot of towns have a community
developer to do downtown landscaping and village designation, and this person
sometimes has a connection with economic development, however, he is unsure
whether there is enough economic development to have a person on staff. Kellie
Patten questioned if Mr. Stewart has suggestions for the wording of the job
description. Mr. Stewart stated for someone to be actively involved, it would
require someone with business experience and a financial background. Bill Hatch
stated he sees the position as a conduit to connect prospective business people
with assistance such as REDC, the bank, etc. Mr. Stewart stated this service is
available to those people today through REDC. He noted he has spent the last 16+
years doing this type of work and he knows where those programs are and it is
his job is to put people together with the right programs that help them. Mr.
Stewart stated there should be an understanding in town that people are directed
to Mr. Arlund who will get them in touch with him. Mitch Pearl questioned if
there is staffing enough at REDC, as he wants to make sure that people would be
able to get the services they need if they are sent to REDC. Mr. Stewart stated
a lot of the information falls under the SBDC and they have sufficient staffing
and are able to meet the demand. He stated his office is keeping the pace with
what is going on and because he is doing referrals, the time spent in their
office is brief. He noted when someone is doing business development that would
fall under the SBDC. Richard Baker stated the first issue is contacting Mr.
Arlund, as he already has a town to run and this is fine on an introductory
level, but if it requires specific tasking, this takes time away from his other
duties. Economic development always seems to fall to the bottom of the pile and
there is a lack of follow-up. Mr. Baker stated REDC has been good to Brandon if
it involves a large program, but otherwise, the town always seems to be at the
end of the pipeline. He stated there has not been that much payback and our
taxpayers want to get something out of it, however, this has not been the case
in the last 6 years. The town should make full use of the services, but there
should be someone who will be held accountable for doing the follow-up and
reporting to Mr. Arlund. Mr. Stewart stated Mr. Baker is correct about the
larger projects, as REDC would work directly with them, however, what the Board
is not familiar with is the number of clients who have worked with the SBDC in
accessing their services. He stated there are a number of revolving loan funds
in the area and the SBDC will work with individuals if they are willing to put
forth the effort. Janet Mondlak stated she is thrilled that REDC has new
leadership, as it has been missing but she thinks that REDC is more
manufacturing-oriented and the Chamber sees economic development as a component
of the town that assists small businesses in finding a way to fill our retail
spaces. She feels the person they need is a sales person and someone who will be
pro-active as opposed to reactive. She stated there is the ability to expand
business with the addition of fiber optic lines, the availability of space and a
downtown designation. She stated if the town remains status quo they will lose
that designation, and there are other towns who would like the spot. She stated
there needs to be facilitation and it is important there is focus on some of the
smaller projects. Ms. Mondlak feels the town needs economic development and she
wishes the board will do something soon. Jamie Stewart stated REDC is more
focused on manufacturing and if the town needs what Ms. Mondlak has described,
they need a business recruiter, which is a different skill set. Richard Baker
stated he does not see it solely the responsibility of the town to do such
things as filling the Aubuchon block, rather it is a case where there needs to
be someone to work with the owner and REDC in getting businesses in there. Janet
Mondlak stated in order to maintain the downtown designation, there needs to be
a focus on that and there needs to be someone who is hands-on. Bill Hatch stated
this provided a bit more insight of the potential duties for the person the town
would hire as the conduit with REDC. Jamie Stewart stated REDC will work with
whatever structure the town decides on and noted what is important is to see how
REDC can dovetail into the resources the town has. Mr. Stewart stated if there
is someone who can focus on the downtown, it would not hurt. He noted with this
type of workforce reduction, some people have to manufacture their own work and
there will be an increased number of activities in those types of
entrepreneurial businesses. Once the economy turns, they then become some of the
best success stories. Richard Baker stated that past performance is no
indicator and the Board is looking forward to seeing great things now that Mr.
Stewart is here. Mr. Stewart noted he wanted the Board to understand that this
is a true offer and he would prefer that he be contacted.
6.
Education Update
Kellie Patten reported the schools are on their holiday break
and they will return on January 5th. The PTO's next meeting will be
Monday, January 12th. The Neshobe School concerts were well attended
and the children did a good job. Richard Baker stated this year, more than
ever, it is important the taxpayers keep their eye on the ball. He is appalled
at the legislation in Montpelier, when something upwards of 70% of education
budgets are out of our control and we are being punished. The voters have to be
conscious of the tremendous efforts the school boards are doing in building
their budgets.
7.
Citizen's Public Forum
Wayne
Rausenberger questioned
if the town has a wish list created, if there becomes money available to apply
for. Bill Hatch stated the projects have to be viable and the Route 7 project is
at the top of the list. Keith Arlund stated Tom Schmelzenbach is developing
other local roadway and bridge projects. The Fire District is also reviewing
projects. Mitch Pearl stated Route 7 is the first priority, but there are other
plans in the works.
Richard
Baker stated there has been quite a storm event recently and even with the
constraints on the Highway Department, a good job was done.
8.
Public Works Report
Tom Schmelzenbach stated he is pursuing the Segment 6
Project, which is entering into the right of way phase. This is a good
milestone that will have to be discussed at the board level. Mr. Schmelzenbach
noted he is also putting together a list of projects for Mr. Arlund that are
ready to go on a smaller scale, which includes sidewalks and a sewer collection
system.
Tom Schmelzenbach stated he does appreciate the
support of the board with regard to the winter maintenance in allowing him to
obtain new equipment. He does want to ask for people's patience with areas such
as driveways and he recommended people secure their mailboxes, as this is a
common issue every year.
Tom Schmelzenbach stated the property owners on
Highway 22 had asked that the town not plow their road and he noted the town
does not have a legal obligation to plow this type of highway. There has been a
request to do some snow removal on this Class 4 town highway. Since this letter,
Mr. Schmelzenbach has had another request on another Class 4 town highway to
provide some winter assistance. Bill Hatch questioned if there is access from a
different direction to the property noted and Tom Schmelzenbach noted there is
not another access. Kellie Patten stated she would be concerned with what truck
is used due to the close proximity of the fences and the ability for a town
vehicle to turn around. Tom Schmelzenbach stated the citizens of the other
Class 4 road have requested assistance and he is concerned about having a
surface to accommodate plowing and at this point, he would not have the
opportunity to assure that. Kellie Patten noted concern about the town equipment
and also in setting a precedent. Mr. Schmelzenbach stated the town did plow this
in the past, however, there is an issue with turning around. He stated he will
do as the board instructs him, however, it will be difficult to plow. Mitch
Pearl stated that based on the statute, the town does not have to plow Class 4
roads and it had been requested not to plow the road for the last three years.
Tom Schmelzenbach stated part of the reason for plowing was to provide the
ability to access the recreation area in the past; however, the VAST trail on
the Leicester Hollow Road is now closed. Bill Hatch stated the Board needs to
reaffirm its stand with regard to not plowing Class 4 roads, unless otherwise
noted in the past.
9.
Committee Reports/Announcements
Mitch Pearl stated many people spent a lot of time doing tax
appeals and he would like to acknowledge the amount of work and effort by
Richard Baker in organizing and chairing the meetings, as he did an incredible
amount of work and provided a great service to the town. Bill Hatch also wished
to thank Bill Dick, all members of the BCA, Janet Mondlak and Charlene Bryant
for all of the time spent on this project.
Richard
Baker stated the appeal period for Segment 6 has expired and everything is good
to go with this project. He noted Mr. Schmelzenbach had discussed the right of
way and the town needs to continue this effort early in the new year, as there
will be rules regarding the infusion of federal dollars. The funds will be
unable to be spent on a project until the right of way for the project is under
control. He noted there will be a necessity hearing held concerning the Segment
6 project.
Richard
Baker stated he appreciated the Select Board's efforts with the tax appeals, as
there were several instances when there might not have been enough people for a
decision. All appeal hearings have been completed and there are still some
decision notices to be mailed. There was a shrinkage of about 3/10th
of a percent in the grand list, which means the shortfall will have to be made
up from the general fund. He noted it was a good process and hopefully everyone
is satisfied.
Richard
Baker stated on January 5th, Governor Douglas will hold a kick-off
Breakfast Series at South Station and people can sign up with the Rutland
Chamber of Commerce. Also on January 5th at 7:00PM, the Planning
Commission will be hosting the first public hearing on the new town plan.
Richard
Baker stated the original deadline on the rail spur was December 23rd
and it is a voluminous package and copies are available in the town office. He
stated the new due date is December 30th.
10. Update on Town Strategic Planning Effort
Richard Baker
stated it is his intention to have something at the next meeting to circulate to
the Board members for their review for the town report.
11.
Old/Other Business
Keith Arlund stated with regard to the economic development, he
has revised the ad and questioned if the Select Board would like to go with it,
or take it under advisement based on the conversations this evening. Kellie
Patten stated she would like to take it under advisement to make sure that what
is being advertised is what is really wanted. Mitch Pearl would like to review
the draft again in light of the conversation this evening. Richard Baker stated
the Chamber provided valuable input and the Board should discuss it in more
detail. Kellie Patten stated she would like to look at the suggestions the
Chamber has made and then review the ad again. Mitch Pearl stated based on
information today, the Board could focus more on the ad.
Keith Arlund stated there was a previous discussion about adding
or deleting some pages in the town report. He questioned if the Board had made a
decision. He stated petitions and reports have been received for the town
report. Kellie Patten stated even if items do not make it into the report, they
should be placed on the web site. Mr. Arlund will provide a copy of last year's
town report for the Board's review and for their input. Richard Baker stated we
do need, in this time of fiscal constraints, to think about the format and cost
of meeting the statutory requirements of keeping the public information. Mitch
Pearl stated the town report is a tradition and a historical document; and
before making major changes he would like to get the voters sense of how they
feel about the town report and whether they would be happier to read it on the
web or other means. Richard Baker stated some towns mail a notice indicating if
people want a report, they can contact the town office for a copy.
Keith Arlund stated he was unable to attend the walk-through of
the J and K buildings at the old Brandon Training School and he has requested
information on those buildings. He is also trying to get an update on the
administration building, as there has not been a formal acceptance that he is
aware of.
Keith Arlund stated he did provide a draft budget to the Board,
along with a memo associated with it. Mr. Arlund suggested scheduling a budget
workshop at some time in the near future. The deadline for posting the full
warning is February 2nd and the last day for nominations is January
26th. Mr. Arlund also has a draft warning. He noted he has not
received any requests for tax exemptions for the new year and stated if there is
anyone who is looking for a tax exemption, they should contact the town office.
He stated he has made some assumptions in the revision of the budget and would
like to schedule a meeting to discuss the budget. Richard Baker proposed
scheduling a budget meeting at 6:00PM on January 5th, since perhaps
one or more Board members will be attending the Planning Commission hearing on
that evening.
Richard
Baker stated he felt it is appropriate to have a conversation with our
legislator, as they will be convening in early January. Mr. Baker stated it is
time to have a resolution regarding infrastructure to encourage the state's
actions with regard to the federal monies. He noted there have been delays with
the Route 7 project and the town has it's share. It appears it will be a 2-year
funding plan and at the least, it will come with a waiver. There is a debate
whether the match will be waived now or later. With regard to the right of way
discussion, the Board should coordinate with the Fire District in making a
contingency plan to lay the new water line, which is a precursor to ripping up
everything downtown. Mr. Baker noted there is no reason this could not be built
in the next construction season, but the right of way needs to be completed to
make it happen, and because it is a locally managed project, there is no reason
we can't make it happen.
It was
suggested to change the date of the next regular Board meeting, as it is
scheduled for January 12th, which is the same date as the annual Fire
District meeting. Once the meeting date is determined, the legislative
representative will be invited to discuss what the Town of Brandon needs to be
sure that they are included in the infrastructure funding and to discuss the
possibility of getting the new loop for the water system. Tom Schmelzenbach
stated relative to the fiber optic line, this work has to be completed in
advance of the Route 7 project and the utility companies are doing work in
anticipation of this project. Mr. Baker stated Mr. Schmelzenbach should check to
see if they have called DigSafe, as they were very close to the sewer line in
installing the poles.
Mitch Pearl questioned with regard to the letter from Property
Valuation regarding the CLA, if the Board felt this was a good number or if it
should be appealed. Richard Baker stated there was a 7% appreciation in the
grand list and a response would be required within 30 days. Mitch Pearl stated
the appraisal appears to be where it should be, but he would like someone to
take a closer look at this.
12.
Executive Session
There was
no executive session held.
13. Adjournment
Motion
by Kellie Patten/Richard Baker to adjourn the Select Board meeting at 8:40PM.
The motion passed unanimously - 4 to zero.
Respectfully submitted,
Charlene Bryant
Recording Secretary
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