Zoom Meeting   https://zoom.us/j/97227911757?pwd=TEd4YmdKMzJUd3NaTERhVUFOWWsydz09

Meeting ID: 972 2791 1757   Passcode: 352680 (Expires Sept.20^th)

One tap mobile +13017158592, 97227911757#, *352680# US (Washington D.C)

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:

               Angela Sanborn, Ann Golob, Shelly Huber, and Mike Fitzpatrick (phone.)

Absent: Katy Johnson-Aplin.

OTHERS PRESENT:

Jay Wilson, Ken Estey, Jeryl Julian Cisse, Kate Gehring, Thomas Abbotts, Cris White, Mary Carson, Patty Johnson, Wannetta Powling, and Austin Rice –BCTV.

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Selectboard Chair Angela Sanborn.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: 

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Shelly Huber made a motion to go into Executive Session at 6:02 pm.

Citing 1V.S.A. 313(a)(2) The negotiating or securing of real estate purchase or lease options.

Mike Fitzpatrick seconded the motion.

Wannetta Powling, Administrative Assistant, and Jay Wilson Road Foreman were invited to attend.

Motion passed 4/0

 Ann Golob made a motion to leave Executive Session at 6:32 pm. Mike Fitzpatrick seconded the motion.

Motion passed 4/0

 Decision: Signed

Angela Sanborn nominated Shelly Huber to speak with the attorney and seller regarding terms of sale and the letter of intent to purchase a piece of property for the Town of Newfane and report back to the Selectboard.  Ann Golob seconded.

Motion passed 4/0

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

1. August 16, 2021, Regular Meeting

Ann Golob made a motion to accept the Minutes of the August 16 regular meeting.

Shelly Huber seconded the motion.

Motion passed 4/0.

ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:

1. River Rd. bridge had minor emergency work done last week to prevent further damage after an additional slide on Thursday night exposed more of the bridge abutment.  

“I had a 6;30 am meeting with Mark Pickering of VTrans; we are finalizing the scope of work before sending it out to bid.”

2. We have bid to open for the repair of the bank slide on Dover Rd. Work to follow State of V.T. River Engineers and VTrans designs and specifications. Repair work to be completed by September 30, 2021 –the only exception is the paving to allow proper time for work to settle.

Selectboard Chair opened the sealed bid from A.S. Clark.

• S. Clark & Sons                            Bid  $107,120.00

We do not know who will make reimbursements yet, but we think there will be some form of Emergency FEMA Funds.

Mike Fitzpatrick made a motion to accept the bid from A.S. Clark.  Ann Golob seconded.

                 Motion passed 4/0

3. I am writing up the bids for the other flood repairs, which would be River Rd. Bridge rip rap, River Rd bank slide, Grout Rd. Repair, and the South Wardsboro Rd. bank slide.

I am waiting to confirm the recommendations with the River Engineer before starting this work.

4. We are finishing up roadside mowing probably tomorrow.

5. The rest of the repairs have been going well, with damage on 34 roads.

Shelly Huber made a motion to approve the Road Foreman’s report. Ann Golob seconded the motion.

Motion passed 4/0

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT: 

Who should contact A.S. Clark and inform them of the Dover Road Bid?

The Selectboard directed the Administrative Assistant to notify the Clarks and verify their Insurance is current and on file.                 

• Kindle Farm School has requested that Newfane complete a “Municipal Impact Questionnaire” for the act 250 building permit to create a new classroom in the main building on the campus. They are going to be removing one of the yurts.

The Selectboard completed the municipal impact questionnaire after pay orders.

• Rescue Inc. has invited two representatives of Newfane to an informational meeting Thursday, September 16, at @6:30 pm. The discussion will cover the Emergency Medical Coverage and our Town & Contract Terms and Rates. They are requesting the name and title of the persons who will attend the meeting as Newfane’s representative.

 Shelly Huber commented that Jay Wilson would be an ideal representative, Shelly Huber and Angela Sanborn would also attend and represent the Selectboard. 

•  Road Foreman Jay was informed that FEMA was not able to help with the private damage. Alyssa Sebetto at Windham Regional Commission in Brattleboro suggested contacting Jason E. Gosselin, Emergency Management Director, Vermont Agency of Human Services, to help homeowners with flooding damage. We have directed everyone to contact 211 to report/register their damage; I should hear something (positive, I hope) tomorrow. I prefer to avoid frustrated residents demanding to know WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN help is coming.
• Elise Schadler, Program Manager from Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, sent an email notification that the emerald ash borer (EAB) was recently confirmed in Wilmington. Newfane is now within the 10-mile Infested area of that confirmed detection. Planning Resources encourage all Vermont towns to prepare for and manage the impacts of EAB and the loss of ash trees in our communities. Dead and dying ash trees along the public right-of-way and in public places, such as parks and schools, pose a risk to public safety. Municipalities will bear the responsibility and costs of removing and or treating public ash trees that may be a risk to public safety, as well as any replanting efforts.
• The State of Vermont Cannabis Control Board has sent a Municipal Input Survey, and this needs to be completed by September 18, 2021. Will the Town of Newfane add this as an Article on the Ballot for Town Meeting to make this product legal to sell in Newfane, VT?

 The Selectboard completed the municipal impact questionnaire after pay orders.

The Selectboard is requesting a report from Windham County Sheriff and Animal control.

The Administrative Assistant will ask this from the Treasure when the bills are submitted.

Ann Golob made a motion to accept the Administrative Assistant’s report. Shelly Huber seconded.  

Motion passed 4/0.

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 PLANNING COMMISSION – Ken Estey

The Planning Commission will be mailing a Town-wide Outreach letter in the next couple of weeks   asking for the public to provide their input and prioritize the following four categories:

1. Affordable Housing
   1. Shared Living
   2. Senior Housing
   3. Assisted Living
2. Transportation
   1. Public Transportation
3. Community Revitalization
4. Jobs

The Planning Commission would then give the Selectboard the information with recommendations by early to mid-October.

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:  

WRVMA & LGHS Kate Gehring, Jeryl Julian Cisse, and Rory O’Donald proposed a partnership with the local government in Newfane to engage, inspire and educate the students.

Goals

• Political Structures
• Impact
• Support
• Civic Engaging our Students
• Empowerment
• Ideas
• Engage
• Inspire to Making a Change

The Format

The aim of the project is to explain the job responsibilities of the Selectboard (and other Boards) and to introduce the students to various local government officials. These meetings will also provide an opportunity to express the students’ concerns about our community’s well-being, youth centers, candidate forum, global warming, pollution, and recycling.  By getting involved, their voices can be heard.  We should try to help inspire our future leaders that they do make a difference.

During the conversation, it was noted that free speech does not start when you turn eighteen. There are healthy ways to protest and there are consequences for standing up for your beliefs and fighting for what you think is right.

Ken Estey commented that we should get behind this teaching democratic participation and involvement.

Discussion Ensued.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

None

OLD BUSINESS:

County funds have been received by the Treasurer this week—no other updates at this time.

NEW BUSINESS:

Fund Collaboration with ARPA & WRC – Shelly Huber

Having worked with the Windham Regional Commission, it is essential to remember that we can pull matching funds from other resources, including historic preservation grants once we finalize our ARPA projects.

The Consultant Job Description has not ready for the Selectboard approval.  It is a suggestion that we make our project selection and then look for someone who has experience in this area.

CORRESPONDENCE:

Lance Lindgren expressed continued concerns about the speeding on Dover Road and suggested that the Town increase the Law Enforcement budget to provide more patrolling.

Front Porch Forum (Newfane) has had multiple discussions regarding the speeding concerns.

Katy Johnson-Aplin invited those residents wanting to make recommendations on the budget to attend the meetings.

PAY ORDERS:

1.  Payroll Warrant   No #11528                                  Amount $ 5,243.39
2. Payroll Warrant No #11529                                    Amount $  5,266.49
3. Payroll Warrant No #11531                                    Amount $  5,929.14
4. Account Payable No # 22004 A                              Amount $ 1,000.00
5. Account Payable No # 22005                                 Amount $ 997,811.05
6. Account Payable No # 22005 A                              Amount $ 15.01

 Ann Golob made a motion to approve pay orders. Shelly Huber seconded the motion.

Motion Passed.3/0

ADJOURN:

Ann Golob made a motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:22 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Administrative Assistant

Wannetta Powling

Zoom Meeting   https://zoom.us/j/97227911757?pwd=TEd4YmdKMzJUd3NaTERhVUFOWWsydz09

Meeting ID: 972 2791 1757   Passcode: 352680 (Expires Sept.20^th)

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BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:  Angela Sanborn, Ann Golob, Mike Fitzpatrick, Shelly Huber, and Katy Johnson-Aplin.

OTHERS PRESENT: 

Jay Wilson, Jane Douglas, Ken Estey, Nancy Ryzs, Apple Gifford, Dan Dewalt, Jeryl Julian, Frank Crowley, Kate Gehring, Thomas Abbotts, Johanna Gardner, Jennifer C., Bahman Mahdavi, Piet van Loon, and Austin Rice –BCTV.

CALL TO ORDER:  

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Selectboard Chair Angela Sanborn.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: 

Mike Fitzpatrick made a motion to move the Road Foreman’s report & the Administrative Assistant’s Report to the top of the agenda. Shelly Huber seconded.

Motion Passed 5/0

ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:

1. The Arch Bridge project was awarded to Renaud Bros. Construction. I had a meeting with them on Friday to discuss their plan as they move forward.
2. The undermined pavement and bank slide on Dover Rd. near the fire station technically is not covered by FEMA because it’s a Federal-Aid Highway. We are working on seeing who will assist us with paying for this project. The Old Mill retaining wall may not be strong enough to hold the repairs.
3. For the rest of the repairs, we are awaiting word that a disaster declaration has been declared. Once we have a go-ahead, there are several sites that we could put the project out to bid. I tried to get an update today, but it was a holiday for VTRANS.
4. VLCT Insurance Prevention installed sensors in the Williamsville Hall to maintain and alert if the temperature for water freezes up. And a sensor in the furnace room, with motion detectors at the door locations.

Michael Fitzpatrick made a motion to approve the Road Foreman’s report. Shelly Huber seconded the motion. Motion passed 5/0

 5.  Thom Dahlen Access permit for Cemetery Hill Road and Dewitt Road. There is a      recommendation for approving this permit.  A 15″ diameter culvert needs to be installed to allow for drainage away from the road.

 Michael Fitzpatrick made a motion to approve the access permit with the Road Foreman’s recommendation. Shelly Huber seconded the motion. Motion passed 5/0

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT:  (Presented by Angela Sanborn)

• Any residents with personal property damage from the flood will still need to report it by calling 211, then option #5. The United Way is set up to take all the information for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency.) Vermont Emergency Management director Erica Bornemann said, “To qualify, Vermont must show there is at least a million dollars worth of damage and recovery costs. Without federal assistance, the taxpayers in those communities will experience a serious hardship. FEMA has to verify the damage before the governor can request a disaster declaration.”  Here in Newfane, we are still waiting to hear the damage estimates from FEMA.

Shelly Huber needed to clarify that reporting thru 211 will help to emphasize the total impact of damages to qualify for the one million dollars.

•  With the current COVID issues in the News, does the Selectboard want to impose the COVID Safety Procedures for inside the buildings? An email from Cor Trowbridge at BCTV was read to the Board and Public.

 Katy Johnson-Aplin made a motion to impose the COVID Safety Procedures for inside Town Office buildings.

Ann Golob made a motion to re-establish the Safety Procedures for the Town Office.  Katy Johnson-Aplin seconded. Motion passed 5-0

• I had a conversation today with Merle Tessier; he shared that he will be attending follow-up appointments in Dartmouth for newly discovered health concerns. The Selectboard could appoint an assistant to fill in as Zoning Administrator. The Town Clerk has had several calls asking for information that we are unable to answer.  If the board feels it is necessary to fill the position, Piet van Loon has the experience and knowledge; this recommendation comes with Merle’s blessings.

       Michael Fitzpatrick made a motion to approve Piet van Loon as acting Zoning Administrator.  

      Shelly Huber seconded the motion. Motion passed 5/0

• Kindle Farm School has requested that Newfane complete a “Municipal Impact Questionnaire” for their proposed building permit.

Discussion (clarify information with Wannetta before finishing the questionnaire).

• I will be taking vacation days from August 23-27.

Mike Fitzpatrick made a motion to accept the Administrative Assistant’s report. Ann Golob seconded.  Motion passed 5/0.

 APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

1. August 2, 2021, Regular Meeting

Katy Johnson-Aplin made a motion to accept. Mike Fitzpatrick seconded the motion.  Motion passed 5/0.

 2.   August 5, 2021, Special Meeting Opening Bids.

Shelly Huber made a motion to accept. Ann Golob seconded the motion. Motion passed 3/2

Mike Fitzpatrick and Katy Johnson-Aplin abstained.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Mike Fitzpatrick made a motion to go into Executive Session at 6:22 pm.

    Citing 1V.S.A. 313(a)(1)(E) pending or probable litigation of prosecution.

 Mike Fitzpatrick made a motion to exit Executive Session at 7:12 pm, Katy Johnson-Aplin seconded the motion.

Decision: Recommendations given.

COMMITTEE REPORT: 

 Planning Commissioner Ken Estey – Planning Projects for ARAP Funds.

The Planning Commission will continue to meet in regular and special meetings, and in these meetings, we will discuss and prioritize the following:

1. Affordable Housing
   1. 1. Shared Living
      2. Senior Housing
      3. Assisted Living
2. Transportation
   1. 1. Public Transportation
3. Community Revitalization
4. Jobs

Residents will be allowed to provide input.  The Selectboard would be given the recommendations and determine what the priorities are.

Thursday, August 26, 2021, starting at 4-6 pm at the NewBrook Fire Department, a public needs assessment for Route 30 from Brattleboro to Stratton for public transportation. There is a survey available www.surveymonkey.com/r/VTRT30

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

None

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

None

 OLD BUSINESS:

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) -Ann Golob & Ken Estey Planning Commission  

• Municipal Planning Grant Training on Wednesday – Ann Golob and Shelly Huber will be attending the webinar.
• Job Description for Hiring a Consultant, Ann Golob and Shelly Huber will work together to finalize the draft for board approval for the next meeting on September 7^th with local parameters and expectations for the advertising process. To complete the hiring process for consultants, there are funds available to meet this contracted position from ARPA.

Discussion ensued.

 NEW BUSINESS:

Fund Collaboration with ARPA & WRC – Shelly Huber

WRVMA Banner Raising Concerns- Shelly Huber

Request made to table until the September 7 meeting

CORRESPONDENCE:

Erica Walsh – Thank you for Flood Work

PAY ORDERS:

1.   Payroll Warrant No #11527                          Amount $ 4,592.19
2. Payroll Warrant No #11526                            Amount $  6,616.58
3. Account Payable No # 22004                         Amount $ 75,047.93

Ann Golob made a motion to approve pay orders. Shelly Huber seconded the motion.     Motion Passed.5/0

ADJOURN:

Mike Fitzpatrick made a motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm

Respectfully Submitted

Administrative Assistant

Wannetta Powling

 To join (Zoom) information

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BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:    Angela Sanborn, Ann Golob, and Shelly Huber (via Phone)

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:  Katy Johnson -Aplin and Michael Fitzpatrick.

OTHERS PRESENT:   Jay Wilson and Wannetta Powling.

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:43 p.m. by Chair Angela Sanborn.

MINUTES:

The purpose of the meeting is to award the bids to make the Grout Pond Road accessible.  Angela Sanborn opened the bid, they were as follows: (only one bid was received)

Fitzpatrick Excavating                                                     $4,200.00   

Angela Sanborn requested that there should be a condition that the work to be completed by Friday, August 13^th, 2021.

Shelly Huber made a motion to accept the bid from Fitzpatrick Excavating; Ann Golob seconded the motion.

Motion passed.

ADJOURN:

Ann Golob made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:46 p.m.

Respectfully,

Wannetta Powling

Zoom Meeting   https://zoom.us/j/97227911757?pwd=TEd4YmdKMzJUd3NaTERhVUFOWWsydz09

Meeting ID: 972 2791 1757   Passcode: 352680 (Expires Sept.20^th)

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BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:  Angela Sanborn, Mike Fitzpatrick, Shelly Huber, Katy Johnson-Aplin, and Ann Golob.

OTHERS PRESENT:  Jay Wilson, Doris Knechtel, Ken Estey, Thomas Abbotts, Nancy Ryzs, Melissa Brown, Paul H.  Mike Fontaine, Henriette Mantel, Austin Rice -BCTV, and Wannetta Powling.

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Selectboard Chair Angela Sanborn.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: 

None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

1. July 19, 2021, Regular Meeting

Katy Johnson-Aplin made a motion to accept. Ann Golob seconded the motion. Mike Fitzpatrick abstained.  Motion passed 4/1.

 ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:

• The storm on Thursday night did a fair amount of damage around Town. It affected approximately 28 roads. We worked through the weekend, so every house is accessible by car.  As of now, only one bridge needs some rip rap work on one abutment. We will continue to look at all the bridges for other problems.  We have had two meetings with VTRANS to assess the damage and a dollar figure is not available yet. We have several projects that need to be put out to bid. Can we do a quick turnaround to get the work started?

Discussion: There are 26 sites with flood damage, each of these will need to be separated into its own FEMA tracking and documentation projects.  There is significant damage on Dover Rd with pavement undermining, and the road has been reduced to one lane near the Fire station in Williamsville. VTrans has advised us that this will need to go out to bid.

• This week, I want to get the Selectboard’s permission to implement Emergency procedures and get immediate bids for the repair on Grout Road so we can start immediately with the restoration work. Would the Board be available to open bids Thursday or Friday?

Mike Fitzpatrick made a motion to allow the Implementation of Emergency Procedures. Shelly Huber seconded. Motion passed 5/0

• I would like to publicly acknowledge the Dover Highway Department for assisting us following the storm and the Dispatchers with the Vermont State Police for their constant contact with updating information.
• The Depot Rd Culvert update: Nothing to report.
• The Sand/Salt shed update: Nothing to report.
• I was disappointed to read the article in the commons regarding the work that’s being done in Newfane Village to help with speed. It seems like things have progressed fairly well. VTRANS was quick to get the signage in place, we have the permit to install the radar signs, and we have purchased one radar sign. On Friday, we were awarded the grant for the pedestrian scoping study for sidewalks and crosswalks.
• The Arch Bridge bids were due Friday; it looks like there were two bidders listed so far, one for 3.4 million and one for 4.9 million

Katy Johnson-Aplin made a motion to accept the Road Foreman’s Report. Shelly Huber seconded the motion. Motion passed 5/0.

•  The Selectboard reviewed the access permit for Rebecca Mayer – Mayer Road.

 Discussion with Jay Wilson for application approval which should include his recommendation to the landowner is to install a 10’-12′ ditch to direct water runoff in a direction that would not endanger the town road.     

 Michael Fitzpatrick made a motion to approve the access permit with the Road Foreman’s recommendation. Ann Golob seconded the motion. Motion passed 5/0

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT:

• I have put together information, including emails from 2019. The photographs that were taken then showing Baker Brook behind the home of Nancy Ryzs.
• There are emails from Michael Lapointe, a Civil Engineer with the United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Conservation Service. USDA- NDRCS. On July 27^, in an email, he suggested, ‘Having an outside consultant do analysis this may have a better chance of being accepted by Mrs. Ryzs than our analysis.

Discussion – Katy Johnson- Aplin and Mike Fitzpatrick will work together to find information to resolve the possible flooding concerns at 65 Baker Brook Road.  They will report back to the Selectboard at the August 16^th meeting. Plans to schedule a site visit with Scott Jensen and other Environment Agency officials to review the recommendation needed.

• We have received a refund of $1,379.00. From the recent workers’ comp audit of This is from our VLCT insurance.
• Friday afternoon Angela & I took photos of the flooding damage: this will document FEMA reimbursements. Anyone wishing to share the pictures that they have is welcome to send them to a tnewfane@newfanevt.com

Mike Fitzpatrick made a motion to accept the Administrative Assistant’s report. Katy Johnson- Aplin seconded.  Motion passed 5/0.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

• This past month has been extremely busy with the end-of-the fiscal year tasks that need to be calculated and entered into the system. I have been forwarding the end of the year reports to everyone as they are At this point, I only have to complete the property tax reconciliation and the deferred revenue for taxes and grants, but this can’t be done until just before the auditors come. The auditors will be coming on August 23 and 24th•. I have completed the extremely long list of items to gather and calculate for the audit. The next few weeks, I will continue to go through every account and make sure it’s balanced and correct before the auditors arrive.
• The end-of-the-year budget looks great, and we stayed well within budget for expenses, slightly below budget, The revenues were higher than anticipated due to various grants and a few other line items going over along with reimbursements.
• Tax bills were successfully mailed out on time, and payments have already been coming
• I still haven’t heard from Attorney Bob Fisher in regards to when the tax sales will be, but all the information has been forwarded to There are only four properties in the tax sale. All other property owners that were in jeopardy of going into tax sale either paid in full or are on payment plans. So far, nobody has missed any payments. There are currently eight people on payment plans. Most of them have already paid at least 1-2 years of back taxes on their properties.
• I still have not received any money for I will notify you all as soon as I do receive the money.
• A section on the Internal Control Audit checklist needs to be completed by the Selectboard, and a signature is required.

Shelly Huber made a motion to authorize the Chair to sign. Mike Fitzpatrick seconded. 

Motion passed 5/0

 Shelly Huber made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Mike Fitzpatrick seconded.

Motion passed 5/0

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 Lister Doris Knechtel – Errors and Omissions

• Southern VT Cable B 149.1 tax bill is for a shed that used to be used by Southern VT Cable when they were in existence. Now that the company has closed and all cable TV and equipment dishes and antenna have been removed from the shed, the bill should be corrected (removing $11,000) to reflect zero due.
• The Listers will add the storage shed to Neil Pelsue – B-151; the shed is on his land.

Shelly Huber made a motion to approve the correction. Ann Golob seconded.  Motion passed 5/0

• There is a state statute that allows towns to assess a Penalty for Late filed Homestead In the past, the Town has NOT assessed a penalty of 8% on the Homestead Education taxes. However, the box did not get checked before printing the tax bills. So far, it has affected four (4) taxpayers who may have not have filed for an extension, which was due May 15. In one case, both of the property owners are deceased. There is another date of October 15 for those filing for an extension. In double-checking, the information reported from the state at least one was filed by the correct date. The penalty money goes to the education fund. The Town DOES NOT receive any of the funds.

My recommendation is that the Town NOT assess a penalty of 8% on the late-filed Homestead Declarations, in keeping with past practices.

Shelly Huber made a motion not to assess the 8% Tax penalty. Ann Golob seconded.  

Motion Passed 5/0

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

None

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

• Thomas Abbotts, a resident of Eddy Road, requested consideration from the Highway Department to find an alternative way to divert the water from the road so it does not flow onto personal property. In years past, the rain has caused the gravel to wash across his yard, increasing the level against the building and steps, causing additional damage to the structures of the buildings.

Mike Fitzpatrick made a motion to do a site visit with Jay Wilson and Chris Williams to look at the water channeling. Shelly Huber seconded.  Motion passed 5/0

• Henriette Mantel, a resident of Cemetery Hill Road, was concerned with work done on Cemetery Road before the storm and asked where the (5-7) five to seven truckloads of dirt were removed before the storm on Thursday (July 29) went. Henriette Mantel is concerned that the muddy mess is more than 16′ from the center of the road and around the corner. There is a large tree that now has its roots exposed that will fall; she also has concerns with the start of Dewitt Road which could be affected because of the work that has been done.

Jay Wilson explained that this work was from cleaning out the ditches and the runouts. Regulations now require us to have (4) four-foot ditches with a swell back from the road rather than have it filled with stone.  The Highway foreman and Christopher Williams will review this concern with the property owners.

OLD BUSINESS:

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) -Ann Golob & Ken Estey Planning Commission  

• Ken Estey Planning Commission reported that there would not be in-person meetings to hear from residents at a planning party/celebration to collect information for spending the ARPA money. The Planning Commission made this decision due to concerns with the insurgent of the new Delta Variant. Perhaps a future outdoor event could keep the fires burning and not lose sight of our plans.
• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) -Ann Golob, discussion of the job description for a business consultant – tabled until August 16. As more information comes in, we may want to consider other job responsibilities to add to the job description. I welcome your feedback

• Ann Golob reported on a recent DRB informational meeting that, there is interest from a potential buyer in creating an Eco Village on Augur Hole Road.

Discussion ensued.

 Office Renovations Plans –Tabled until a future meeting

NEW BUSINESS:

Annual Employee Evaluation – Tabled until September 20

Discussion about moving September 6^th meeting to Tuesday, September 7^th (Holiday – Labor Day)

CORRESPONDENCE

• RUCK-UP – Thank you for allowing the Coin Drop. This helps all the Veterans to receive their service.
• Brattleboro Area Hospice- Thank you for supporting us with your generous appropriation.
• Aids Project of Southern Vermont – Honored by Newfane’s support with your generous appropriation.
• American Red Cross- Grateful for generous gift/ appropriation.
• Windham County Humane Society – Thank you for generous support.
• Statewide Memorial Service – To honor Vermonters lost to COVID 19.

Development Review Board (DRB) Appointment:

• Email from Erica Walsh requesting that she be considered as an alternate to the DRB.

 Shelly Huber made a motion to appoint Erica Walsh as an alternate. Mike Fitzpatrick seconded.

Motion passed 5/0

 PAY ORDERS:

1.  Payroll Warrant No #11524    Amount $ 4,489.69
2. Payroll Warrant No #11525     Amount $  7,136.08
3. Account Payable No # 22003  Amount $ 94,252.03

Ann Golob made a motion to approve pay orders. Shelly Huber seconded the motion.     Motion Passed.5/0

ADJOURN:

Mike Fitzpatrick made a motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm

Respectfully Submitted

Administrative Assistant

Wannetta Powling

Zoom Meeting   https://zoom.us/j/97227911757?pwd=TEd4YmdKMzJUd3NaTERhVUFOWWsydz09

Meeting ID: 972 2791 1757   Passcode: 352680 (Expires Sept.20^th)

One tap mobile +13017158592, 97227911757#, *352680# US (Washington D.C)

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:  Angela Sanborn, Ann Golob, Shelly Huber Katy Johnson-Aplin

(via phone).

Absent: Mike Fitzpatrick.

OTHERS PRESENT:   Jay Wilson, David Cotton, Kate Gehring, Austin Rice -BCTV, and Wannetta Powling.

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Selectboard Chair Angela Sanborn.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

1. July 6^th, 2021, Regular Meeting

Katy Johnson-Aplin made a motion to accept the minutes as amended for the July 6^th, 2021, regular meeting.

Ann Golob seconded the motion.  Motion passed 4/0.

ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:

1. We received the $175,000 reimbursement from VTRANS for the Monroe Bridgework.
2. The Depot Rd Culvert update: Still awaiting easement.
3. The Sand/Salt shed update: We had the meeting last week, and everything is in order. They have suggested we request additional funds from a grant to increase costs and put it out to bid this winter to get the best price.
4. The weather over the last couple of weeks has been challenging; we have recorded over fourteen (14″) inches of rain; however, the damage has been relatively minor so far. The damage could have been much worse with that much rain.
5. We received the permit from VTRANS today for the radar signs in Newfane Village. I will still have to provide them with a certificate of insurance, get a Dig Safe ticket, notify the VTRANS underground utility person and notify District 2
6. The Arch Bridge is out to bid; so far, seven construction companies are looking at the work. The bids are due July 30^th, and then VTRANS will award the work by the end of August.

Ann Golob made a motion to accept the Road Foreman’s Report. Shelly Huber seconded the motion.  

Motion passed 4/0.

 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT:

• This past week has been busy with routine office responsibilities.
• The Selectboard forgot to ask me, but I assumed the Board would have wanted to send a Thank you letter to Myra Fassler for her work as a volunteer.
• Carol and I assisted Melissa with stuffing envelopes and mailing the 2021-2022 tax bills.
• Sheriff Anderson is still awaiting the Animal Control MOD finale documents from the department’s attorney; he said they had expedited the process. Sheriff Anderson will let us know as soon as he receives them.

(This delay was – waiting for Windham’s to approve their budget due to COVID.)

• I have been researching documents from Hurricane Irene. It is necessary to determine if the Town assigned the “Operation & Maintenance “over to the landowner after five years. This will determine if the Town is responsible for the maintenance at 65 Baker Brook Road.  (Due to the recent high rain in the past few weeks, the resident is highly concerned that the work done after Irene was not done correctly.)

Discussion ensued.

• Sullivan, Powers & Co – Scope of Services contract as agreed with previous correspondence from a partner the current fees will remain the same as last year, $ 16,800.
• Windham County Humane Society (WCHS) – Annual Services contract

Katy Johnson-Aplin made a motion to authorize the Chair to sign the contract with WCHS. Ann Golob seconded. 

Motion passed 4/0.

Ann Golob made a motion to accept the Administrative Assistant’s report. Shelly Huber seconded.  

Motion passed 4/0.

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

None

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

None

OLD BUSINESS:

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) -Ann Golob & Planning Commission

                 Office Renovations Plans

Scope of Services – Sullivan, Powers & Co

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA Status) -Ann Golob / Kate Gehring

As of June 22^nd, 2021, the Town of Newfane applied for ARPA funding and is estimated to receive $154,414.44. This amount will be distributed in two equal payments (50% each time) at least 12 months apart.

This represents the funds that the federal government has allocated to the towns directly. There is a second fund of monies that the federal government has allocated to the counties. It is estimated that we will receive approximately $90,000 but as of yet there is no decision on how these funds will be distributed in Vermont since we do not have a countywide government.

As part of our reporting requirements for receiving the $154,414.44, two signed letters are due to the federal government making assurances that we are spending the funds in accordance with the law. Copies of these letters are attached. We will need to have both documents signed and available to provide to the US Treasury at their request at the end of November 2021 as part of our initial reporting.

Kate Gehring – The Planning Commission will be scheduling a series of community meetings asking for public input on what projects are considered important. The first one will be by Zoom, the other two in person.  Residents can expect the information to be mailed from the Planning Commission in the next few weeks regarding the meetings.

Development Consultant Suggestion

We have discussed the option of hiring a development consultant to work with us on managing the reporting to the government for the ARPA funds and applying for grants to realize a variety of projects that will be proposed by the Planning Commission in the coming months. In order to move that process forward, I wrote the first draft of a job description that can be posted and shared. I would welcome your feedback. I am also attaching two job descriptions for similar positions in Dover and Northfield, VT that I used as a framework.

 Discussion ensued.

NEW BUSINESS:

None

CORRESPONDENCE:

David Lucido – Request for DRB Appointment

Ann Golob made a motion to appoint David Lucido to the Development Review Board. Shelly Huber seconded.

Motion passed 4/0.

COMMITTEE REPORT: DRB – David Cotton / Piet van Loon

·         EXECUTIVE SESSION 1 V.S.A   313(a) (1)(E) pending or probable litigation.

 Ann Golob made a motion to enter Executive Session. Shelly Huber seconded. Motion passed 4/0.

Board entered Executive Session at 6:28 pm

 Ann Golob made a motion to exit Executive Session. Shelly Huber seconded. Motion passed 4/0.

Board exited Executive Session at 7:11 pm

 No decision was made.

PAY ORDERS:

1.  Payroll Warrant No #11522                          Amount $ 4,897.43
2. Payroll Warrant No #11523                           Amount $  5,200.15
3. Account Payable No # 22002                        Amount $ 72,145.98

Ann Golob made a motion to approve pay orders. Shelly Huber seconded the motion.

Motion Passed. 4/0

ADJOURN:

Ann Golob made a motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm

Respectfully Submitted

Administrative Assistant

Wannetta Powling