Brandon Select Board Meeting

January 13, 2010

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

In Attendance: Richard Baker, Kellie Martin, Mitch Pearl, Devon Fuller

Also in Attendance: Keith Arlund, Wayne Rausenberger, Jim Leary, Maurice Racine, Chris Brickell, Lynn Orth, Bill Orth, Jim Leary, June Kelly, Linda Stewart, Maurice Racine, Tina Wiles, Lee Kahrs, George Reilly, Ethan Swift, Judy Eve Brown, Kevin Blier

1.  Call to order 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00PM by Vice-Chair Richard Baker.

a) Agenda Adoption

Motion by Mitch Pearl/Kellie Martin to adopt the agenda as presented. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero. 

2.  Consent Agenda

a) Minutes        - Select Board Meeting - December 14, 2009

                        -  Select Board Meeting - December 28, 2009

                        -  Special Select Board Meeting - December 17, 2009

                        -  Special Select Board Meeting - January 4, 2010

Motion by Mitch Pearl/Kellie Martin to approve the minutes as noted above. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero.

It was noted there should be a correction to Ms. Zollman's first name from Melissa to Alyssa.  

b)  Consider NIMS Adoption Document

Motion by Kellie Martin/Devon Fuller to authorize the Board Chair to sign the National Incident Management System document.  The motion passed unanimously.

Keith Arlund stated there is an annual report required as to the town's progress in the use of the Incident Command System. There have been rescue, police and fire personnel who have been trained. This is a document the President and Governor have asked towns to comply with and Brandon is in compliance to the extent that they can be. The form requests progress reports on how many people have been trained. Mr. Arlund noted the emergency command center is in the Fire Station. 

3.  Fiscal

a) Warrant - January 11, 2010 - $48,468.80

Motion by Mitch Pearl/Kellie Martin to approve the January 11^th warrant in the amount of $48,468.80. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero.  

Devon Fuller questioned the invoice for Green Haven Gardens. Mr. Arlund advised the Tree Committee had acquired trees for planting during the summer and fall and the invoice has recently been received for these trees.  He noted that funds had been set aside for this invoice that had been received from a grant.

Devon Fuller questioned the euthanasia fee under the police budget. Mr. Arlund advised a dog had been hit by a vehicle and was brought to a veterinarian; however, the dog was unable to be helped and required euthanasia. It was noted because the police had brought the dog in, the payment was due from the department, however, they will seek reimbursement from the owner.

4.  Education Update

Kellie Martin advised there is no school next Monday. The 6^th grade students are participating in the DARE program, which is being taught by OV's school resource officer. The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 1^st at 7:00PM and they will be discussing the 5^th and 6^th grade fund raising. Both major fund raisers have seen a decrease this year and in an effort to boost the funds, there will be a Schwan's truck at Neshobe School from 5:00PM to 7:00PM on February 1^st, with a portion of the sales going to the school.

Jim Leary reported Neshobe School's proposed budget has an increase of less than 1%.  Articles the board will be bringing before the voters at town meeting will be to authorize the Neshobe School Board to reserve funds for ongoing maintenance and to authorize the use of funds received from the state for payment of the performance contract.

5. Town Manager’s Report

Keith Arlund reported the Solid Waste District met last week and the membership towns agreed not to change the terms of Casella's extension contact. There will be a revised extension agreement developed with some critical terms changed that were objected to, but the contract will remain basically unchanged.  

Mr. Arlund received an email from VTrans regarding the VAST request to use Route 73 from Wagner Road to Churchill Bridge Road indicating this request has been denied by the state. There are reports snowmobilers have been using this area and as of this notice, it will no longer be legal to ride there. Lynn Orth noted the snowmobile traffic is going wherever they want to on Mount Pleasant.  Keith Arlund noted he will contact VAST regarding this issue. 

Mr. Arlund provided the Board with the next working draft of the general fund budget and he recommended a final budget workshop for January 25^th.

Mr. Arlund advised he will be on vacation after tomorrow and will return on January 23^rd.  Police Chief Brickell has been designated in charge during his absence.

6.  Public Works

Keith Arlund stated Mr. Schmelzenbach provided a brief report regarding the potential work for the next construction season.  He noted this area is being incorporated into the development of the budget and $50,000.00 has been included for resurfacing, however, no decisions have been made as to specific projects for the balance of the bond funds that are not pertaining to the Segment 6 project. He noted the department will be working on a bridge on Wheeler Road and the Maple/Union Streets sidewalk project will continue with funding from a grant.  Several culverts will also be replaced during the summer construction project. The Backyard Project right-of-way is being re-evaluated for some small changes and it is hopeful to have the ramp from Kennedy Park to the municipal parking lot done this summer.

Devon Fuller asked when a firm project list will be available. Mr. Arlund advised Mr. Schmelzenbach has a list of potential projects and once the budget is approved by the voters, he will develop a work plan. The board has made the decision on specific projects and the board will establish a priority for the projects.

Devon Fuller stated as far as park maintenance, is pruning the trees under Public Works department. Mr. Arlund advised that tree maintenance is generally along roadways for overhanging and there may be some overlap between the two.  Park maintenance as far as mowing the lawns is under the Buildings and Grounds department, which is a subset of the Public Works department as a cost center for these items.  Mr. Fuller questioned who he should contact with regard to these types of requests. Mr. Arlund advised that people can contact either Tom Schmelzenbach or him, which will generate a work order by Elaine and will be forwarded to the appropriate department. 

Maurice Racine asked if the Backyard Project has been approved and what is the status of the state funding. Keith Arlund stated the town has provided a number of invoices and they are contingent upon approval by the state. He noted Curtis Johnson is reviewing this issue. Mr. Racine asked if they can do the alley way and Mr. Arlund noted he will speak with Tom Schmelzenbach tomorrow and see if he can get this information from the state. Jim Leary asked how much the grant was initially for the Backyard Project. Keith Arlund stated he does not remember the figure, however, about $50,000.00 has been spent of the grant money, which includes the match.  Keith Arlund stated he does not have the figure off the top of his head, but there have been changes made and some items have been paid. Maurice Racine stated $10,000.00 had been spent for engineering. Jim Leary stated as inflation goes up, the funds will pay for less. Mr. Racine would like to hear there is a final design and if it has gone through right-of-way process, it should have gone through design. Jim Leary stated he has brought this subject up during the last two town meetings and he does not see why it is taking so long.  Kellie Martin stated there has been difficulty getting answers back from the state and this is not the first time the town has submitted for the easement.  Richard Baker stated this is a long-standing issue and the board will expect a full report from the staff at the January 25^th meeting and this information should be available to the public the Friday before the meeting as well. Mr. Baker stated it is reasonable to get a status report on this subject, however, enhancement grants tend to take on a life of their own and he agrees with Mr. Racine that it is time to get closure on this item.

Mr. Arlund reported in the list of possible projects for the next fiscal year, it was discussed to possibly do some construction on the upper part of Union Street; however, it is unknown whether the state will provide any funding. Relative to Bridge 114 near the town office, Mr. Arlund advised he has received one quote and he spoke with Mr. Schmelzenbach concerning the solicitation of other bids for this project.  

Richard Baker stated as part of the Transportation Act, the state is soliciting municipalities who can provide a 20% match and locally manage the construction of bridges, which would include Bridge 114. Mr. Schmelzenbach had recommended including $10,000.00 for an engineering study for FY2011 and if a reasonable price quote can be obtained, the board should authorize this item as soon as possible to get to the head of the line for the grant.

7.  Committee Reports/Announcements

Kellie Martin reported it is Girl Scout Cookie time.  

Mitch Pearl stated the Friends of Town Hall have a meeting scheduled for January 26^th for the purpose of looking at a real estate work plan for additional work to be done this summer.  Work will be done on the bathrooms with funding received through donations.  They will also be developing a structure for managing a full series of events during the next warm season from May through mid-October. If anyone is interested in working on events or renovations, contact Mimi Brown, Dennis Marden, Mitch Pearl or Wayne Rausenberger.

Richard Baker reported that through a very extensive nationwide network, Brandon's Fire Chief has acquired two new trucks from Basking Ridge, New Jersey. He noted they look practically brand new and were obtained at a very favorable price. 

Richard Baker stated they will be available for viewing at the Red Cross Blood drawing tomorrow. The cost was $80,000.00 and included many optional items that Basking Ridge could not use on their new trucks. Mr. Baker also reported at Fire District #1's annual meeting, they approved a budget for fire protection that will reduce the municipal budget from $170,000.00 to $141,000.00 and will reduce the tax rate by 1 cent.  Mr. Baker noted that the town and the fire district have been working cooperatively in the past and it is hoped that in replacing the 4-inch water main from the top of Union Street to Maple Street that Mr. Schmelzenbach can complete his reconstruction on Union Street at the same time. Mr. Baker also noted if some local and federal monies are received, a new 12-inch water main may be replaced, which will allow for more economic development.

Richard Baker reported there will be a meeting of the Hawk Hill Advisory Group on January 21^st at 5:00PM at the Stephen A. Douglas House.

Richard Baker reported there will be a meeting of the Rutland Regional Transportation Council on January 28^th at the Leahy Conference Center at the Rutland Regional Medical Center.

It was noted there is a Hannaford's meeting scheduled for Monday, January 18^th at 7:00PM at OV.

Devon Fuller advised the Economic Development adhoc group met on January 5^th and the meeting went quickly from how to develop a committee to recommendations for the Select Board. The Executive Committee came up with the following four recommendations. 

Mr. Fuller read the following:

"Mission:  The Economic Development Committee seeks to discover and optimize all economic, educational and community opportunities in the Town of Brandon.

The economic development adhoc committee (EDAC) has studied the basic issues of Brandon economics and provide the following recommendations for the Brandon Select board to consider.

1. The creation and financial support of an Economic Development Committee.  The Brandon Area Economic Development Committee (BAEDC) will be a structured organization reviewing and recommending implementation of economic opportunities.  Including, but not limited to industry, downtown & retail, agriculture, educational, community.

2.  Provide immediate access to FY2010 economic development funds for professional assistance to the newly formed committee. 

3.  Commit to a minimum $50,000.00 per year budget for the next five years to the BAEDC starting with the FY2011 budget. 

4. Provide one selectman as liaison to the BAEDC."

Devon Fuller noted this information was created by the adhoc committee. He also noted the minutes from the adhoc committee meeting were also included in the board packet. 

Mitch Pearl stated the minutes only list four people present. Devon Fuller stated the initial plan was to have just an Executive Committee meeting; however, it soon turned into the development of the basic ideas. Mr. Fuller took the minutes, the proposal and the letter and sent them to everyone who had expressed interest in the committee and solicited responses from them. Mitch Pearl asked if there is a plan to have a meeting with all interested parties. Devon Fuller stated he would like to see the Select Board discuss the recommendations and if the board commits to an Economic Development Committee, it would move forward. The Executive Committee would continue serve until the first meeting and then the Economic Development Committee would be created. Mitch Pearl stated this would be a town committee and it does not address the issue of a corporate body for the designated downtown. Mr. Fuller stated this item would be determined by the Committee once developed. Richard Baker stated it appears the right members are on the Executive Committee and he proposes continuing discussion under "Other Business" this evening. Mr. Baker thanked Devon Fuller for the information provided.

Keith Arlund stated he met with the Friends of the Town Hall and representatives of the Community Development Block grant regarding a handicap accessibility project in the basement of the town hall. An application will be completed for their program.

Mr. Arlund reported the VCDP will be holding a training session on February 23^rd and he and Mrs. Rausenberger will be attending this meeting.

8.  Planning Commission Report – Interim BLUO Amendments

Ethan Swift stated the Planning Commission met on January 4th and voted to make amendments to the Brandon Land Use Ordinance (BLUO) that included Section 112 regarding compliance with state regulations and Section 5d that refers to nonconforming uses.  The Planning Commission motioned to forward this plan on to the Select Board, which had previously been submitted but not adopted by the Select Board in 2007. Mr. Swift stated the Commission determined the best process to vent the changes is under 234 VSA Subsection 2415, given the fact the Planning Commission will be working on the revision of the existing ordinance for a period of time. Richard Baker concurred with this issue noting there are a couple of economic development projects that would benefit from amending the bylaws, which is long overdue. Mr. Baker suggested warning a hearing for February 8^th to provide the public an opportunity to weigh in on the amendment and provides the 15 days to put the package together and make it available for public review. Mr. Baker also suggested placing this item as a bulleted agenda item for the February 8^th meeting. Ethan Swift stated the Planning Commission looks at these as more of stop gap measures. 

Ethan Swift stated the Committee is in the process of revising the Land Use Ordinance, however, some amendments are more time sensitive and need to be considered in the near-term because the time involved in revising the existing Land Use Ordinance may take another year. 

Mitch Pearl stated when an area is zoned for particular uses, those items are grandfathered. The problem occurs when a grandfathered use goes out of business; the zoning would then revert back to what it should be in that area. The policy of the state of Vermont is if there is going to be zoning; all non-conforming uses should be phased out. If there are problems in the zoning area, the map can be redrawn. The zoning ordinance indicates if a particular non-conforming business does not reopen in a year, it loses its grandfathered status. In a down economy, it may take longer than a year to reopen a business and the reality is although the business is grandfathered, it is in the town's best interest for it to remain, such as a neighborhood store.  This change would extend the period of time to four years to retain the grandfathered status. In a down economy, this would stymie economic development if this change were not made. Ethan Swift stated the Committee also reviewed other ordinances concerning non-conforming uses and the Committee decided to go with the four year time frame. Mitch Pearl stated it is not automatic and a permit would be required for a conditional use. Richard Baker stated this is a recommendation brought forth by the Planning Committee and supported by the Select Board.

Motion by Mitch Pearl/Kellie Martin to approve the warning of a hearing to discuss the Land Use Ordinance for February 8^th at 7:00PM. The motion passed unanimously - 4 to zero.

Ethan Swift stated the language in VSA 24 4415 indicates the municipal body can approve this and the enabling language is there to consider it. Richard Baker stated this will have to be warned 15 days prior to the hearing and if the information is obtained for the next Select Board meeting on January 25^th, it can be discussed.  

9.  Old Other Business

Mitch Pearl suggested scheduling the budget workshop just prior to the January 25^th meeting, with the goal of adopting the budget at this meeting. It was a consensus of the board to schedule a budget workshop meeting for 6:00PM on January 25^th.     Richard Baker stated this has been a difficult budget and it is the intent to have a budget that is similar to the year before last.  It was noted the deadline to post the warning is January 31^st. It is the intent of the board to also hold a budget workshop for next week as well, once the Board Chair has returned. 

Richard Baker stated relative to the grant application for the path at the recreation field, there is an indication for the Select Board to expend a local match for this project in the amount of $20,000.00. There was a letter of support provided by the Town Manager for this project. June Kelly stated the Recreation Committee provided answers concerning the pavilion building and it is hoped this is an issue for Public Works. Ms. Kelly advised they have met with the Youth Conservation Corp. and they are in support of the trail project. The Recreation Committee, with the help of Tom Schmelzenbach, have put together a draft for the trail. They have received three bids for actual costs and a potential fourth bid may be received. Some contractors would be willing to do in-kind and it would cost about $52,000.00 to do the trail. There is also another mini-grant through VTrans that would be for $8,000.00. Ms. Kelly stated with the other pieces depending on the final draft and design, all of the funds and proposal would be doable. The grant award is the contingent part of it and the Committee will have the grant application submitted by the deadline, with the review committee meeting in mid-February and the grant awards provided mid-May.  The Recreation Committee is asking for the Select Board's support.

Richard Baker asked if a letter is sufficient from the Town Manager authorizing the Committee to proceed and Ms. Kelly stated that this would suffice. Mr. Baker asked if the town's participation is proportional to the total project or is it $20,000.00 regardless of the amount of funds received from the grant. June Kelly stated the $20,000.00 will make the project doable. The grant parameters will provide up to 80%, which means the town would only have to come up with $5,000.00 for the grant. The trail is going to cost about $52,000.00 and the actual cost is going to be more because the in-kind is going to be another $20,000.00. The only other contingency is a small cost for the final design and Ms. Kelly noted the Committee may be able to get that in-kind. The maximum grant is being requested, however, it is uncertain if the full amount will be given. Some pieces of the trail have been taken out. When the contractors did the site visit, it was determine it would be too costly and some of the project was backed out. The Committee is trying to be ADA-compliant and they are trying to create a multi-use pass. The Committee is confident that they will get the grant and raise the remaining money from the residents of the town.   Ms. Kelly stated a survey of the community was done and they are very interested in a recreation path. Ms. Kelly provided a map of the project for the Select Board's review.

Motion by Kellie Martin/Mitch Pearl to designate an amount not to exceed $20,000.00 towards the Estabrook Park Trail Project and to authorize the Town Manager to sign a letter on behalf of the Select Board relative to this project.

Tina Wiles stated they have made inquiries to all of the state departments and they are trying to do the least amount of impact to the wet lands. She noted the reason they were considering going through them was for ADA compliance. The bridge would cost in the $40,000.00 range and this will be considered in the future. Ms. Wiles stated there are no costs for easements and the path would connect to the Brandon Training School roads and to the sidewalk on the east side of Route 7. 

Devon Fuller asked if the town can provide in-kind services and June Kelly stated Tom Schmelzenbach has volunteered his services, which would be used. 

Richard Baker stated this has a minuscule impact on the budget and it is available as a carry-over from previous recreation infrastructure. He would like to commend June Kelly and Tina Wiles on all their hard work, as they have put a tremendous amount of effort into this project.

The motion passed unanimously - 4 to zero.

Tina Wiles stated the Recreation Advisory Committee met last night and Ms. Wiles read the following statement:

"The Brandon Recreation Advisory Committee "BRAC" wants to ensure that the Town of Brandon is providing and encouraging the safest possible recreational and other programs for its adults, youth, and children. The Brandon Town Plan is a statement of how the Town's future development should proceed in order to promote health, safety and welfare of its citizens.  In addition, the Town Plan specifically states that its objectives are to provide a range of year-round recreational activities and opportunities for people of all ages and to continue and maintain and expand recreational facilities and the Town's Recreation Department programs.  The Town Plan also carries recommendations to support BRAC in the efforts to plan for and promote recreational opportunities, develop a capital budget for the Recreation Department that will continue to seek grant funding for programs and facilities improvements, provide appropriate staffing to support recreational programs and opportunities for residents of all ages, support the Town Hall revitalization, and support the Boys and Girls Club, and pursue opportunities to construct paths and trails for multi-use recreation, etc. 

Tonight representatives of BRAC come before you, the Select Board, to discuss the Town of Brandon's commitment to its mission statement as set out in the Town Plan, and the desires by BRAC to carry out the Town Plan objectives and recommendations relating to recreation. 

BRAC agrees that we have three top priority items as we stand before you tonight.  The first priority is receiving the grant match funds requested in connection with the Estabrook Park Multi-Use Recreation Path.  We appreciate the support of our request by the Select Board and its commitment to bringing this path to fruition.

The second priority is the funding of a full-time Recreation Coordinator position.  This is the same request we submitted to the Select Board for consideration in August.  It was our understanding that the funding of such a position would be looked into.  To date, such a position has not been instituted or funded.  The Recreation Department continues to be run on a volunteer basis by a few of the BRAC members in addition to a very part time staff person.  Although this on the surface appears to be working for the Town, it is not a long-term solution.  We also do not believe that the solution is to move all recreation programs to the Boys and Girls Club of Brandon.  We want to reiterate that BRAC is fully supportive of the Boys and Girls Club of Brandon and has and will continue to work collaboratively with the Club on programming.  I think we can all agree that what the Boys and Girls Club of Brandon provides to our local youth is outstanding and we should certainly continue to support their mission and programming.  However, the Club is not currently providing the same programming that the Brandon Recreation Department is provide to Brandon adults and youth alike.  I think it important to recognize that the programs that the Brandon Recreation Department have offered and continue to offer are done well.  Especially if you realize, which most residents don't, that since the departure of the former recreation director in May of last year the department has been run almost completely by volunteers.  I can tell you with confidence that the programs offered are financially self-sufficient programs.  Imagine how awesome the Recreation Dept. and its programs would be if we funded the department to an appropriate level, hired a full time, qualified recreation coordinator, instead of funding the Recreation Dept. to a level that makes it simply functional.  The residents of the Town of Brandon deserve a fully funded recreation department.  Including a full-time recreation coordinator according to the job description this committee has previously provided to the Select Board. 

At this point, the BRAC respectfully request that the Select Board in its commitment to the residents of Brandon to carry out the purpose of the Town Plan, commit funds to the Recreation Department in the 2010-2011 Budget.  Specifically, BRAC requests that the Select Board enter a budget line item for a Recreation Coordinator salary up to $42,000.00, and allocate $8,700.00 to support the summer camp programs offered by the Boys and Girls Club of Brandon. 

However, BRAC does not support allocating funds to the Boys and Girls Club of Brandon if it diminishes the value of funds made available to fund the Recreation Coordinator position and/or the Recreation Dept.  BRAC has also recently become aware that the Boys and Girls Club of Brandon has a petition for an appropriation of funds from the Town of Brandon in the amount of $10,000.  We are concerned that the Town of Brandon may provide funds to the Boys and Girls Club of Brandon in an amount of $18,700.00 while at the same time only funding the Recreation Department with $30,000 of funds.  Especially if the funds are granted to the Club out of the Recreation Department Budget.  The remaining $12,000.00 would not be sufficient to fund a Recreation Department. 

The third priority is assuring the future of the Recreation Department is protected.   We feel strongly that if the Recreation Department is not properly funded in the next fiscal year budget its future is in question.  Contracting out the functions of the Recreation Department is not the answer and we believe it is not what the residents of the Town of Brandon are desirous of.  Without a commitment to the Recreation Department, the future of BRAC is also at stake.  If the Town does not support the Recreation Department then the question is - does it really support the purpose, efforts and recommendations of BRAC.  We ask you, members of the Select Board, to make a commitment to the Recreation Department and BRAC by responding to our requests for funding in the 2010-2011 budget."

Richard Baker stated he does not think it would be productive to have an extensive conversation tonight, but he would request input from the public this evening.  Mitch Pearl stated there may not be as many members of the Recreation Committee at the budget meeting and if there are specific questions, it would be appropriate to ask at this time. Mr. Baker stated the Board has requested the town staff to reduce the budget and this evening's discussions are adding additional expenses which would increase the tax rate by 3 to 4 cents. Mr. Pearl stated in terms of the substantive recommendations, it is best for the board to understand them and he questioned the Committee's reasoning for a full-time director. It was noted the Committee does not feel a half-time director would be acceptable. Mr. Pearl stated it would be helpful to clarify the Committee's reason for not making the recommendation to contract more services to the Boys and Girls Club. Kevin Blier stated from the Committee's experience over the last year, it is felt the recreation programs work better with a full-time person coordinating the various efforts. It is not apparent to most how much effort goes into doing the programs, but it has become clear to the Committee that a part-time person would give us what we pay for and it would be difficult to find a quality person on a part-time basis. The Committee is asking the Select Board to level fund the budget from two years ago and build the program better than before. June Kelly stated the quality and control in contracting out services is difficult. There are governance and oversight issues in this case as well. Maurice Racine questioned whether there is any redundancy between the Recreation Department and the Boys and Girls Club. He does feel that a full-time recreation director is needed. Tina Wiles stated they have been collaborating with the Boys and Girls Club to not overlap activities and the two groups compliment each other. Ms. Wiles stated she has recently had a conversation with the student support services person at Neshobe and he is asking the Recreation Department to consider taking over basketball next year. She stated they do not have enough staff in the Recreation Department, also noting the department is primarily being run on a volunteer basis. She stated it is very time consuming to do program development and if there was a full-time Recreation Director, the Committee could then concentrate on grant writing.  Richard Baker questioned if the proposal is in lieu of seeking to work with other groups. Tina Wiles stated they are working with the Boys and Girls Club, the library and the Friends of the Town Hall in an effort to work as a community. Mitch Pearl stated Ms. Wiles alluded that a Recreation Director would be able to take over organizational programs and town hall scheduling, making sure there were not conflicts and in this capacity it would provide opportunities for the program to branch out. Ms. Wiles stated in looking at a coordinator position, they tried to focus more on administration and it is her understanding that the Recreation Director did programming, as well as the activities. Devon Fuller stated with the Recreation Department working collaboratively with the Boys and Girls Club; the Recreation Department would do the adult programming and start to take care of the Town Hall scheduling, which does not sound like a full-time position. Mr. Blier stated there is much management time to do sports and the role of the Boys and Girls Club and the role of the Recreation Department do not have a lot of cross over. Kellie Martin stated that cross over and collaboration should not be used interchangeably. There are many other organizations the Committee is collaborating with to insure non-duplication, to increase participation and to reduce costs, which is very appropriate and worthwhile to everyone. Devon Fuller stated he is not sure the Boys and Girls Club cannot be the answer to recreation, as they having staffing and they are discussing additional staffing. Linda Stewart stated perhaps this position could be hired through the Boys and Girls Club, as another full-time town employee would be not only salary, but also benefits. Jim Leary asked if the $42,000.00 included all of the costs and Richard Baker stated the costs could be as high as $77,000.00, if the person was eligible for family coverage through the health insurance plan. Lynn Orth stated these are very difficult times and we have seen our personal incomes decrease and it is not appropriate for additional costs to be added; though she does support concept. Bill Orth stated these times require some difficult choices to be made, with the lay off of teachers and increased percentages for health insurance. Maurice Racine stated there seems to be a question of what the Recreation Department and the Boys and Girls Club do and suggested having a listing what each entity does. Richard Baker stated we are not talking about either/or; this would be in addition to the Boys and Girls Club. 

Larry Bayle of the Boys and Girls Club stated they can do baseball and softball; and is one of the things they do well in Rutland.  Mr. Bayle provided a written recommendation to the Board members. He stated for the rest of the year, there would be a Recreation Coordinator hired and there would be a Summer Camp Coordinator. Mr. Bayle stated he will entertain any questions the Board may have. In terms of the supplies, it is hoped there would be no increased costs to the town or the Boys and Girls Club. Mr. Blier stated there would be no Recreation Department once the town hands over equipment assets to the Boys and Girls Club. Mr. Blier also raised the question about the validity of devoting 10 hours a week to those functions and he questions if that would be realistic. Mr. Bayle stated the people of Brandon want a quality program. Mitch Pearl stated we want a good Recreation Department for the town that the town can afford. Relative to the issue of equipment, Mr. Pearl is not sure what the issue is about equipment.  Mr. Blier stated there is a value to the equipment and if there is a collaborative issue, the sports equipment should not be turned over to the Boys and Girls Club. Mr. Bayle stated the Recreation Committee would be the steering committee for the recreation in the town; with the Boys and Girls Club and Recreation Committee working together to develop the programs. He stated the town of Randolph had instituted this several years ago and is working well.  Maurice Racine stated that a full-time recreation director is a full-time scheduler and is on site to supervise the recreation, but relies heavily on volunteers. He asked how many full-time staff people would be at the Boys and Girls Club. Mr. Bayle stated there would be 6 full-time employees during the summer with 5 being year-round, plus 2 administrators. Mr. Bayle stated there could also be recreation programs for adults and seniors as well. Jim Leary stated quality recreational programming is important to our teens, as they are exposed to risks and money going to recreation is money well spent. On the economic development side, Devon Fuller stated recreation is an important asset as people will want to come to a community that has a vibrant recreation department. Mr. Bayle asked what the time line would be relative to marketing purposes and timing purposes, particularly for summer programs. Kellie Martin stated the board will have a budget to propose to the voters, but the board cannot say prior to town meeting what they will spend until the budget is approved. Mitch Pearl stated when we adopt a budget and advocate it to the voters, it will have a number in it for recreation and in fairness to everyone who cares about this issue, the board needs to make a decision whether the budget is put together with either hiring a Recreation Director or moving forward with the Boys and Girls Club.  He stated the budget is difficult and if the board is going to present the budget in a positive way to the voters, they need to know what is being proposed. He would imagine the board will probably know what they want to do with recreation prior to town meeting. Devon Fuller stated everyone needs to have an idea, as the summer programs need to be planned early and the board should try to have an answer for everyone. Kellie Martin stated the budget has to be ready for warning by January 31^st and items will not be able to be moved on until the budget is approved. Devon Fuller stated it is important to provide the people with a definitive answer and it sounds like they will get an indication by early February. Mitch Pearl stated if it is decided to hire a recreation Director, it will reflect that and we will start advertising for someone. He stated if a figure is included in the budget for contracted services, it would be fair to say that we are going to contract out the recreation activities. Mr. Pearl stated there will be a direction once the budget is determined.

Richard Baker stated relative to the Economic Development Committee, he advocates keeping the adhoc committee for a short time longer. Devon Fuller did not believe this would be required, as the Executive Committee will provide this service. 

Richard Baker felt the subcommittees and the committee is off to a good start.  There needs to be an eye kept on the downtown designation. Devon Fuller stated now that the ordinance and the mission statement have been completed, the Executive Committee will talk to Jamie Stewart of REDC.  Mr. Fuller questioned what action is required from the Select Board to set up the Committee. Mr. Baker stated the Board had authorized a Committee open to the public and designated an Executive Committee to do that.

Motion by Devon Fuller/Mitch Pearl to formalize the standing committee to be called the Brandon Area Economic Development Committee that will consist of the initial five people on the adhoc committee.  

Mitch Pearl respects the views of the Committee and he wants to make sure it is not premature to move from an adhoc committee. Devon Fuller stated he has sent out emails to obtain information and the Committee will design and create what it needs as it goes along. He noted there is a need for a standing committee and also to have access to a budget. 

Richard Baker stated it is reasonable to establish a committee and keep the five original people as a steering committee. He stated initially they will need four or five members and if they find an adhoc committee is needed, it would be up to the Committee to determine this. Mitch Pearl stated the names of the committee members, along with specified terms, needs to be brought back to the Select Board for authorization. A recommendation was made to have an Executive Economic Development Committee consisting of Lynn Saunders, Janet Mondlak, Bernie Carr, Devon Fuller and Jim Leary. Jim Leary stated he was under the impression there will be an opportunity to develop subcommittees. He felt different people could work on where their interests lie.

Richard Baker stated the Committee has recommended the Select Board add to the town budget for an anticipated full-time Economic Development Director as of July 1, 2010. There will be a public hearing held and the by-laws will be amended as of the February 8^th meeting.

Richard Baker stated relative to Item 2, there is no formal approval required by the Select Board and if the Committee identifies someone to support their needs, they could discuss this with Mr. Arlund to make it happen.  Relative to Item 3, Mr. Baker asked if this item is over and above the full-time person. Devon Fuller advised this is a minimum pledge.

Richard Baker stated the Committee has recommended a minimum of $50,000.00 per year starting July 1^st for five years.  Devon Fuller also agreed to continue to be a liaison to this Committee.

10.  Citizen's Public Forum

Maurice Racine requested a report on the economic development funds as to how much has been spent, what remains and how the remainder is intended to be spent. Keith Arlund will provide the figures to Devon Fuller.  Mr. Racine stated there had been a $50,000.00 grant received for the expansion of broadband and he would like to know how much of this grant has been spent and how much more interest and broadband has been obtained.  Keith Arlund stated the system is in place with a few subscribers and the service is available. Mr. Racine stated there already was Internet capability in town and Mr. Arlund advised this is for wireless, not a hard line system. Keith Arlund stated this is a tie-in system and there are commercial firms that have subscribed to it. Mr. Arlund will provide a report on this subject at a subsequent meeting. George Reilly questioned how many subscribers there are. Mr. Arlund stated he did not have the figure on how many subscribers there currently are, however, the equipment the grant paid for is operational and paid for, with the underlying reason for doing this to provide better connectivity. Mr. Reilly stated if investing the taxpayers' money was going to improve Internet service, he is curious how much improvement has been made to the availability in town.  Keith Arlund stated he will provide additional information on this subject at a future meeting. 

Motion by Kellie Martin/Mitch Pearl to recess the Select Board at 9:40PM to convene as the Board of Liquor Commissioners.  The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero.

The Select Board reconvened at 9:44PM.

Motion by Kellie Martin/Mitch Pearl to enter into executive session at 9:45PM to include the Town Manager and Chief Brickell to discuss a personnel matter. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero.

11.  Possible Executive Session

The Board came out of executive session at 10:15PM.  There were no actions required.

12. Adjournment

Motion by Kellie Martin/Mitch Pearl to adjourn the Select Board meeting at 10:17PM. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero. 

Respectfully submitted,

Charlene Bryant

Recording Secretary