Brandon Select Board Meeting

February 9, 2009

NOTE:  These are unapproved minutes, subject to amendment and/or approval at the subsequent board meeting.

In Attendance: Richard Baker, Bill Hatch, Mitch Pearl

Also in Attendance: Keith Arlund, Tom Schmelzenbach, Ken Rausenberger, Chris Brickell, Lee Kahrs

1.  Call to order

The meeting was called to order at 7:00PM by Chair  Bill Hatch.

a) Agenda Adoption - Motion by Mitch Pearl/Richard Baker to adopt the agenda with the change noted below. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero. 

Richard Baker stated there is an additional warrant, a1, to be added to Item 3 - Fiscal. 

2.  Consent Agenda

a)  Approval of Minutes - January 19, 2009 - Select Board Meeting

Motion by Mitch Pearl/Richard Baker to approve the minutes of the January 19, 2009 Select Board meeting. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero. 

b)  Approval of Minutes - January 26, 2009 - Special Select Board Meeting

Motion by Mitch Pearl/Richard Baker to approve the minutes of the January 26, 2009 Special Select Board meeting. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero. 

c) Approval of Minutes - January 19, 2009 - Board of Sewer Commissioners

Motion by Mitch Pearl/Richard Baker to approve the minutes of the January 19, 2009 Board of Sewer Commissioners meeting. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero. 

3.  Fiscal

a)  Warrant - February 9, 2009 - $53,546.69

Motion by Mitch Pearl/Richard Baker to approve the warrant in the amount of $53,546.69. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero.

a1) Warrant - February 9, 2009 - $21.00

Motion by Mitch Pearl/Richard Baker to approve the warrant in the amount of $21.00 for the VT State Treasurer Dog License fees. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero.

b)  Purchase Order - #50857 - $6,000.00 - Street Sweeping

Motion by Mitch Pearl/Richard Baker to approve the Purchase Order #50857 in the amount of $6,000.00 for street sweeping. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero. 

Richard Baker questioned if the roadside mowing document was for information purposes only. Keith Arlund confirmed this was for information purposes only. 

c) Purchase Order - #50856 - $9,318.40 - Chloride Flake

Motion by Richard Baker/Mitch Pearl to approve the Purchase Order #50856 in the amount of $9,318.40 for chloride flakes. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero. 

d) WWTF USDA Bond Payment - $16,550.00   

Motion by Mitch Pearl/Richard Baker to authorize the payment of $16,550.00 for the USDA Bond Payment.  The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero.

Richard Baker stated the staff should advise the USDA that the bank and routing number has changed for this payment. 

4.  Town Manager's Report

Keith Arlund stated he provided the Select Board with an answer concerning the rental code ordinance that he had received from the VLCT. He noted there can be a fee charged for the regulation to offset the cost for that department. Mr. Arlund advised the VLCT's Government Day is scheduled for February 18^th. Mr. Baker and Mr. Arlund are registered to attend this program. Mr. Arlund advised if anyone else is interested in attending this event, they should contact Anna Scheck by February 11^th. Mr. Arlund emailed the auditors today concerning the final draft of their overdue report; however, he has not received an answer yet.  He noted the closing has taken place on the 22 Middle Road property and it is now on the tax list again. Mr. Arlund stated he attended the Planning Commission meeting, which included a presentation by Hendel and Noyes concerning the workforce initiative. He noted he still has not heard from anyone as to why they made a special appropriation. Mr. Arlund advised he provided the Board with a current revenue and expenditure report. He noted the town is ahead on revenues and is doing well on expenditures, which are currently on target. Mr. Arlund stated there has been discussion of a possible Town Energy Committee and he advised there is a VLCT interactive presentation on this subject scheduled for March 5^th. Mr. Baker noted the Board received an email from Mr. Swift concerning this item.    

5.  Education Update

Francis Martin stated Neshobe School's Primary Grades concert will be held on February 11^th at 6:30PM.  The school's winter break will be from February 16^th through the 20^th. On January 16^th, Neshobe School held its Geography Bee and the school wished to congratulate Hunter Birchmore as the winner of the Bee.  During the week of February 2^nd through the 6^th, there was a school-wide silent reading event.   This event, along with the school's book fair in December, was supported by Brigg's Carriage Bookstore and the school wished to thank them for their efforts. Mr. Martin noted this is a good example of the support the school receives from local businesses. Tomorrow evening the Neshobe School Board will be discussing the school budget, which will have a decrease from last year's budget of 1.46%. There will be a newsletter sent home to the parents concerning this subject and Mr. Martin stated this is an example that the local school boards are doing their best to keep local budgets in check. He encouraged the public to attend the meeting.  Mitch Pearl stated there was a very good article in the Rutland Herald today featuring the OV Pep Band.   

6.  Citizen's Public Forum

Ken Rausenberger stated at a prior meeting; there had been mention of a piece of used public works equipment that would be advertised for bids and he questioned the status of this item. Tom Schmelzenbach stated the discussion concerned the  550 truck, which they received four bids on and in discussing this matter with the Town Manager, the decision was made to do some repair work on the truck and re-advertise it for bids again; as it was not advantageous to sell the truck for the bid amount received.

7.  Public Works Report

Tom Schmelzenbach pointed out the chloride authorized this evening is a different application than used in the past. They are going to use a flake to address the gravel roads, due to the fact when using a liquid form, there has to be a large amount prepared ahead of time. He also noted that in the past, the cost had been $16,000.00 and in trying a different application, it will reduce the cost. Mr. Schmelzenbach noted with the actions taken tonight, the department will be prepared to do the mowing, sweeping, pavement marking and painting in the spring. Mr. Schmelzenbach advised that he has a C.E. permit and plans for the Churchill Bridge.

Mitch Pearl questioned if Mr. Schmelzenbach has had a discussion with Blane Cliver concerning the portico issue on the town hall. Tom Schmelzenbach stated he will measure the thickness of the slab and provide Mr. Cliver with the information. He is aware the information is necessary for the bidding process; however, there has been a scheduling issue.

8.  Committee Reports/Announcements

Richard Baker stated there is a new business in town, Contrary Mary's, which will be located where the business, Every Wear, had been.  Mr. Baker stated the Town Manager will be processing two applications for the Revolving Loan Fund and it is good to see that people are taking advantage of the Community Development Block Grant. 

Richard Baker stated that on 2:12PM on February 12^th, people are encouraged to ring bells across the country in honor of the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. He noted it would be nice if the town clock could be programmed to play some patriot songs. Mr. Baker wished to remind everyone that the first of two hearings on the draft Town Plan will be held on February 23^rd at 6:30PM at the Fire Station. He noted the Planning Commission solicits public input and the Select Board is doing the same, as this document will be around for a few years. 

Richard Baker stated people who will be attending the Town Meeting on March 2^nd and all those who will be voting on Tuesday, March 3^rd, are encouraged to bring some non-perishable food items to donate to the local food shelf.  The Girl Scouts will be collecting the items for donation to the Brandon Food Shelf. 

9.  Old/Other Business

Mitch Pearl questioned if the highway mileage certificate was amended and Keith Arlund stated it was presented at the last meeting, but was not approved.

Motion by Mitch Pearl/Richard Baker to remove the motion made at the last meeting relative to the highway mileage certificate from the table for discussion. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero.  

A vote was taken to approve the highway mileage certificate motion.  The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero.

Mitch Pearl questioned Mr. Arlund if there has been progress on the town hall water connection. Keith Arlund stated he thought there was, but he will look into this item and provide an update to the Board.   

Richard Baker stated it is that time of year again and it would be nice to have the road posting certificate signed by the Select Board.  Tom Schmelzenbach noted he would have this certificate available for signature at the next Select Board meeting.  

Richard Baker stated it would be a good idea to advertise the various appointed officials prior to town meeting, so that the public is aware of them.  

Keith Arlund stated there have been several meetings with MT Associates concerning the Mobil Station. They now have a new plan to remove the old building and build a new one. Mr. Arlund noted the earlier discussion had taken place regarding the need for a storm drain outlet. Mr. Arlund noted the owner did inquire about tax stabilization, however, since there is not a full board this evening, he will include a draft agreement in the Board packet for discussion at the next meeting; as MT Associates wants to confirm that the essence of the stabilization agreement is still in place. Mr. Arlund noted along with this agreement is the transfer of the parcel of land behind the current building for town parking, as there is a subdivision in place for this issue.  

Mr. Arlund stated a letter from the Parade Committee has been received. The fire works have been straightened out and there is a contract for the 4^th. He noted the town has participated heavily in this event and he does not know how much more the town can do. They do not have a chairperson for the event, but the town does not have the wherewithal to run the parade. Richard Baker stated in having been involved in this process, there have been various iterations of the group, but if they do not have a Chairperson, it is the Parade Committee's decision whether to hold the parade. He noted this is a volunteer group and it is not the responsibility of the Select Board to be in charge of this project. The tax payers have subsidized this program in the past and they are being asked to subsidize it for $5500.00 for the upcoming year.

Keith Arlund stated he has learned from Chief Brickell that the new cruiser is ready for delivery.  He noted this item has been discussed at a prior meeting and was approved for purchase; however, it was not placed on the warrant for approval of the check. He noted this will replace the Crown Victoria.  Mr. Arlund stated he would like the board's permission to cut the check for $19,724.00, as it is ready for delivery.

Motion by Richard Baker/Mitch Pearl to authorize the Town Manager to cut a check in the amount of $19,724.00 for the new police cruiser.  The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero. 

Richard Baker stated there was a special select board meeting held on January 26th to discuss the proposed budget.  In reviewing the budget there were errors in the calculations discovered. The corrected budget for FY2009/2010 will be $1,931,433.00, which is less than the amount of current fiscal year and is less than the year prior to that. He noted the Board has met its objective to not stress the taxpayers with this budget. Mr. Baker stated the Board should also acknowledge that they have challenged the town manager and the staff; however, it is believed to be a budget that can work. 

10.  Possible Executive Session - Personnel/Contracts

There was no executive session held.

11. Adjournment

Motion by Richard Baker/Mitch Pearl to adjourn the Select Board meeting at 7:41PM to convene as the Board of Liquor Commissioners. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero. 

Respectfully submitted,

Charlene Bryant

Recording Secretary