BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:

Marion Dowling, Mike Fitzpatrick, Shelly Huber, Christopher Williams and Angela Sanborn

OTHERS PRESENT:  

Jay Wilson, Melissa Brown, Ken Estey, Dan Dewalt, Kate Gering, Margaret Sterns, Deborah Luskin, Jane Douglas, Galen -BCTV and Wannetta Powling

CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Marion Dowling.

ADDITIONS/ AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: None.

MINUTES: December 21st, 2020 Regular meeting, Ms. Sanborn made a motion to accept the minutes. Ms. Huber seconded. Motion passed. 4/1 Mr. Williams abstained.

ROAD FOREMAN’S AND ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

1. The town experienced huge amounts of rain and melting snow in the Christmas Day storm and we had damage on many roads. We reviewed the damage with VTRANS and have qualified for an emergency grant; they will cover 90% of the repairs. We are doing as many of the emergency repairs as we can now and the rest will be fixed in the spring.
2. The Depot Rd Culvert update: We are still waiting on the foreclosure sale to happen on the 19^th of January
3. The Newfane village speed committee had to reschedule the Zoom meeting for the Traffic Safety Audit that has been completed for Newfane Village. The garage had no internet that day.
4. The Sand/Salt shed update: Bell Engineering is now working on the next phase of the plans and he has staked out the building.
5. The Arch Bridge did not go out to bid as planned and has been delayed until June ’21 to be put out to bid with work happening summer of 2022.

Mr. Williams wanted the Board to be aware that he had given Mr. Wilson permission to take time off, after being informed that Jay’s mother had passed.  On behalf of the entire Selectboard, the chair extends sincere condolences for the Wilson Family for their loss. Other members also express their sympathy.

The Selectboard acknowledges him for his dedication while enduring person tragedy.

Mr. Fitzpatrick Recused himself from the following order of business

6. Sealed Bids for Adams Hill Repair – 2 Bids were received and opened by the chair.
   1.   A. S. Clark & Sons submitted a bid of $16,980.00 with proof of Insurance.
   2.   Fitzpatrick Excavating submitted a bid of $10,500.00 (insurance of file.)

Further clarification was provided by Mr. Wilson that all the work needing to be completed by Friday January 8^th, 2021.  This would allow access for fuel trucks and emergency equipment.

Ms. Sanborn made a motion to award the bid to A. S. Clark & Son.

(There was no Second)  Motion Failed.

Ms. Huber made a motion to award the bid to Fitzpatrick Excavating for the being the lowest bidder.  Ms. Dowling Second.

There was further discussion regarding the incomplete work on the Dover Rd.  Mr. Fitzpatrick confirmed that there were still guardrails that needed to be reinstalled along a small section of the road.

Vote was called for 4/1 (Mr. Fitzpatrick Recused himself.)

Motion Passed.

ADMINISTRATIVE AS SISTANT’S REPORT:

1. A reminder for those committee members’ that have not sent me your reports, please do so ASAP.
2. Scheduled from tonight thru September the login for Selectboard meetings will be the same. This is found at the top of each agenda that is / will be posted.
3. I should receive the 2021 Diesel Tax Exempt from State of VT / VTrans. They are creating a different approach for municipalities to login for these certifications renewals.
4. I ‘am using word to create a ballot for voting on the Articles for Town Meeting. You have a DRAFT as to what they could look like.  Carol has informed me that she will be using the tabulator for the elections of officers.
5. I would like to select the dates for our Informational Meeting. This will allow me to coordinate with Cor at BCTV for any extra preparation needed. Is there anyone else that would like to be part of a team to work on the details for Town Meeting?

• Monday February 15^th (President’s Day)
• Tuesday February 16^th  
• Monday February 22nd 
• Monday March 1^st  

Ms. Sanborn made a motion to approve the Administrative Assistance Report.  Mr. Williams seconded.

Motion passed 5/0.

TREASURERS REPORT

1. W-2 & 1099’S – I have been working on getting all my information needed for my W-2’s and 1099’s so I can mail them out to all the employees and contractors by the end of the week. I will then send copies to the appropriate parties at the State of Vermont and the IRS.
2. Monthly & Quarterly Reports – I have finished my monthly report to the State of Vermont for taxes and to Vermont Municipal Employee Retirement System (VMER’s); I can now finish my quarterly reports for the State of Vermont, VMER’s, Dept. of Labor and the IRS. These will be completed by tomorrow.
3. Minimum Wage and Mileage – Effective January 1, 2021 the new minimum wage is $11.75/hr. We do have one person who is making minimum wage that this will affect. I have adjusted their minimum wage from the 2020 rate of $10.96/hr. to $11.75/hr. The new mileage rate is now $0.56/mile, down from $0.575. This also went into effect on January 1, 2021.
4. Budget – I have entered all the information that I currently have into NEMRC for next year’s budget. I have done the same for all the revenue, expense and capital reports. Once we finish the budget I can complete all of these.
5. Miscellaneous – Everything else is going as scheduled with accounts payable, payroll and collecting taxes daily. Taxes are already coming in for the January 15^th

Sierra Pratt is doing a great job with the reconciliations and they are getting done on-time          monthly.

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

Deborah Luskin provided insight to the approaching town meeting.  With the challenging times surrounding COVID 19, a reluctant decision was made by the Selectboard to hold 2021 Town meeting by Australian ballot.  But still affording the voting towns people the right to make crucial discussions, which would normally take place in a debate at the meeting.   BCTV, Newfane staff and volunteers will be working on the extra details needed for the informational meeting, which will be held prior to March 2^nd.

Ms. Luskin asked if the Common’s newspaper box currently located at the “Eatery” could be relocated to the porch of the Williamsville Hall.

Discussion ensued.

COMMITTEE REPORT

Mr. Estey requested that the Selectboard consider the nomination of Luke Stafford as an Alternate Representative to the Planning Commission.

Mr. Fitzpatrick made a motion to Appoint Luke Stafford as an Alternate to the Planning Commission.  Mr. Williams seconded.

Motion passed 5/0

Planning Commission Chair Ken Estey mentioned that the commission is working on short term rental report; Ms. Forrest will be sending the finale report to the Board for review.   There are revision issues of the Town Plan that will be taken up at the future commission meetings.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

None.

OLD BUSINESS:

Animal Control continues to be an issue that the Selectboard has been dealing with.  Mr. Fitzpatrick offered to contact a dog owner in S. Newfane regarding Animal Control Ordnance.  Mr. Fitzpatrick will make an appointment to visit the owners to discuss and document the efforts and proof of compliance.

Mr. Fitzpatrick will report back to the Selectboard at the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

None.

CORRESPONDENCE:

None.

PAY ORDERS:

1. Payroll Warrant #11490        Amount $ 6,721.20
2. Payroll Warrant #11492        Amount $  7,801.45
3. Account Payable # 21013 Amount $ 14,208.50

Mr. Fitzpatrick made a motion to approve pay orders.  Mr. Williams seconded.

Motion passed.

ADJOURN:

Mr. Williams made a motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:39pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Administrative Assistant

Wannetta Powling

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

Meeting ID: 972 2791 1757   Passcode: 352680    (Jan. 4th thru Sept.20^th)

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

• CALL TO ORDER
• ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
• APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  1. December 21, 2020 Budget meeting

•  ROAD BUSINESS 
  1. Road Foreman’s & Road Commissioner’s Report
  2. Open Sealed Bids

• ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT
• COMMITTEE REPORT

1.          Planning Commission

• SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

1.       Deborah Luskin – Town Meeting Warning / The Commons Box

•  UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
•  OLD BUSINESS

1. Town Meeting March 2^nd 2021 – Australian ballot
2. Animal Control

• NEW BUSINESS
• CORRESPONDENCE
• PAY ORDERS

1. Payroll Warrant #11490     Amount $ N/A
2. Payroll Warrant #11491     Amount $  N/A
3. Account Payable # 21013 Amount $ N/A

• ADJOURN

Join Zoom Meeting           

https://zoom.us/j/96191856793?pwd=TzBWWW8zdGgzcEFEWGZEaUxlcm9Hdz09

• Meeting ID: 961 9185 6793
• Pass Code: 981514
• One tap mobile +19292056099,,96191856793#,,,0#,,981514# US (New York) +13017158592,,96191856793#,,0#,,981514# US Wash. D.C

• CALL TO ORDER
• ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
• APPROVAL OF MINUTES 
  1. December 7^th, 2020 Regular meeting
  2. December 14^th, 2020 Budget meeting     

• ROAD BUSINESS
  1. Road Foreman’s & Road Commissioner’s
  2. Report Newfane Village Traffic Study
• ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT
• COMMITTEE REPORT
  • Planning Commission
    1. Short term Rental / Air BNB
    2.  Broadband
• SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
  • Appropriation Requests
    1.  Becka Shaffer – Valley Cares
    2. Hillary Farquhar – Brattleboro Hospice
    3. Steven Meyer – LG Foundation
    4. Lyndia – VT Independent Living
    5. Maggie Lewis- The gathering Place
  • Gloria Cristelli – Newfane Neighbors
•  UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
• OLD BUSINESS
  1. Town Meeting March 2^nd 2021 – Australian ballot
  2. Animal Control
• NEW BUSINESS
• CORRESPONDENCE
  1. Gloria Cristelli – Fostering Dogs
• EXECUTIVE SESSION
  • Title I – V.S.A 313 (a) (2)The Securing of Real Estate Options
• PAY ORDERS
  1. Payroll Warrant #11488     Amount $ 4,573.74
  2. Payroll Warrant #11489     Amount $  N/A
  3. Account Payable # 21012 Amount $ N/A
•  ADJOURN

Virtual Monday December 7th, 2020

Draft

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Marion Dowling, Christopher Williams, (Zoom) Shelly Huber and Angela Sanborn.

OTHERS PRESENT:  BCTV, Wannetta Powling (Zoom) Jay Wilson, Jane Douglas and Deb Luskin.

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:06 p.m. by Chair Marion Dowling.

ADDITIONS/ AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:

None

MINUTES: 

• November 16, 2020 Regular meeting, Ms. Sanborn made a motion to accept the minutes. Mr. Williams seconded.  4/0 Motion passed.
• November 23^rd, 2020 Budget meeting, Mr. Williams made a motion to accept the minutes. Ms. Sanborn seconded.

3/1 Motion passed with Ms. Sanborn abstaining.

ROAD FOREMAN’S AND ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:

1. Sawmill Road entrance has been paved and side dressed.
2. The Depot Rd Culvert update: We have a new contact for the easement on the Fickett property, Bob Fisher is working on this with the new attorneys for the bank that owns it.
3. The Traffic Safety Audit has been completed for Newfane Village. We should put that on the agenda for the next meeting to discuss the next steps to take.
4. The Sand/Salt shed update: The ROW certificate has been completed by Bob Fisher and VTRANS has accepted and approved it.
5. The Arch Bridge was not put out to bid in November as scheduled, it was put on hold but last week they were finally given the go ahead to advertise it at the end of December.
6. We are having Daniels Construction delay the work on Monroe Bridge until spring. They would have had the bridge down to one lane for 4-6 weeks and that would have been difficult for plowing and a hazard when slippery.

Ms. Sanborn made a motion to accept the Road Foreman’s report, Ms. Huber seconded.

Motion passed 4/0.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT:

• There is progress with the Social Appropriations appointments. In an effort I have made additional attempts to contact the 5 remaining groups that have failed to make contact. We have extended the deadline to December 21^st to allow for these few organizations to make their appointments.  (My efforts have included the initial letter with the applications, email reminders and no less than 3 phone calls have been made.)

• On Wednesday morning I met via Zoom with Sheriff Anderson, other representatives from the Windham County Sheriff’s Department, Putney, Dummerston and Westminster. It was an informational meeting concerning the need for animal control officer, with the WCSD devising a Regional Animal Control officer to service the towns. One of the models that were discussed would be of interest for Newfane. If the four towns start the model program there is hope that other towns will see this service being beneficial and agree to join. This would lower the cost shared by all or allow for increased coverage.
• Johnson Control completed our annual Fire Extensor inspections at Town Office, Garage and Williamsville Hall.
• I would like to take December 23 and 24 of December off as vacation days. When I come back to work on 28^th I will be getting the Town Report in order to go to the printers by the end of January.  My intentions are to have the reports back from the printers, to be mailed no later than February 11th    I would ask that all information and reports for the Town Report be sent to me no later than December 28^th.

Ms. Sanborn made a motion to accept the Administrative Assistant’s report, Mr. Williams seconded.

Motion passed 4/0.

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

Social Services funds request qualifications for town appropriation considerations.

1. Karen Peterson – Aids Project
2. Richard Marek- Historical Society
3. David Parker- Moore Free Library
4. Ann Goulp – South Newfane Community Association
5. Rebecca McCuller – Timson Hill Preschool
6. Rachel Zellem – American Red Cross
7. Libby Bennett – Groundwork
8.  Russell Bradbury-Carlin – Youth Services
9. Sandy Stark – Early Education Services

 UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

None

OLD BUSINESS:   

#4 Court Street –90 Day Respond to Offer

Motion to Table until December 14^th Budget meeting was made by Ms. Dowling and seconded by Ms. Sanborn.  Motion passed 4 /0

NEW BUSINESS:

Australian ballot for Town Meeting (due to COVID 19)

Discussion ensued with input from Deborah Luskin.  A motion was made to table the discussion until December 21, 2020 Selectboard meeting.

Motion passed 4/0

CORRESPONDENCE:

Kate Gehring’s email to the Selectboard was read into the minutes, requesting that the Selectboard consider adding future postings of the agenda for Selectboard meetings to the Front Porch Forum.

PAY ORDERS:

1. Payroll Warrant #11484     Amount $ 4,418.72
2. Payroll Warrant #11485     Amount $ 5,403.96
3. Payroll Warrant #11486     Amount $  4,936.72
4. Account Payable # 21011 Amount $ 46,801.62

Ms. Sanborn made a motion to approve pay orders December 8, 2020.  Ms. Huber seconded.

Motion passed.

ADJOURN:   Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Williams @ 8:29 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Administrative Assistant

Wannetta Powling

ZOOM

“Join a Meeting”         ID: 961 9185 6793

Budget Meeting Agenda Monday December 14^th, 2020 @ 6:00 PM

• CALL TO ORDER
• EXECUTIVE SESSION
  • Title I – V.S.A 313 (a) (2) The Securing of Real Estate Options
•  ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
• OLD BUSINESS:
  • Expenditures
  • Social Appropriations Donations
• NEW BUSINESS:
  •   Articles
  • Warnings

The 5^th in a series of meetings to consider the budget for the upcoming 2022 fiscal year

COVID 19 Procedures will be Followed

Join Zoom Meeting          

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Meeting ID: 961 9185 6793                              Pass Code: 981514

One tap mobile +19292056099,,96191856793#,,,0#,,981514# US (New York) +13017158592,,96191856793#,,0#,,981514# US Wash. D.C

CALL TO ORDER

• ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
• APPROVAL OF MINUTES

November 16, 2020 Regular meeting

November 23, 2020 Budget meeting

• ROAD BUSINESS

Road Foreman’s & Road Commissioner’s Report

• TREASURERS REPORT
• ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT
• COMMITTEE REPORT

Planning Commission

•    SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

Appropriation Requests

1.       Karen Peterson – Aids Project

2.       Richard Marek- Historical Society

3.       David Parker- Moore Free Library

4.       Ann Goulp – South Newfane Community Association

5.       Rebecca McCuller – Timson Hill Preschool

6.       Rachel Zellem – American Red Cross

7.       Libby Bennett – Groundwork

8.       Russell Bradbury-Carlin – Youth Services

9.          Sandy Stark – Early Education Services

• UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
•  OLD BUSINESS

#4 Court Street –90 Day Respond to Offer

•  NEW BUSINESS

Australian ballot for Town Meeting (due to COVID 19)

• CORRESPONDENCE

Kate Gehring Email –

• PAY ORDERS

1. Payroll Warrant #11484     Amount $ 4,418.72
2. Payroll Warrant #11485     Amount $ 5,403.96
3. Payroll Warrant #11486     Amount $  N/A
4. Account Payable # 21011 Amount $ N/A

• ADJOURN

Draft

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Marion Dowling, Shelly Huber, Angela Sanborn and Michael Fitzpatrick Christopher Williams.

OTHERS PRESENT:  Christine Howe, Kate Albergh, Joan Weir, Hal Moore, Gloria Cristelli, Joanne Enhouse, Steven Geller, Shari, BCTV, Wannetta Powling

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:06 p.m. by Chair Marion Dowling.

ADDITIONS/ AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:

Mr. Williams made a request to add Obstruction of Town Right of Way in the Road Foreman’s Report Ms. Sanborn, seconded.  Motion passed.

MINUTES:

November 2^nd, 2020 Regular meeting, Mr. Fitzpatrick made a motion to accept the minutes. Ms. Huber seconded. 5/0 Motion passed.

November 9^th, 2020 Budget meeting, Mr. Williams made a motion to accept the minutes. Ms. Sanborn seconded.

4/1 Motion passed with Mr. Fitzpatrick abstaining.

ROAD FOREMAN’S AND ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:

1. Sawmill Road is ready at the entrance. We are awaiting DMI to come and pave.
2. The Depot Rd Culvert update: We have one easement still waiting on the bank and court for the other side of the road.
3. Windham Regional put out the speed counters last week for the Highway Safety Audit for Newfane Village. Once they send the data it will be forwarded to the Audit people to include in the report.
4. The Sand/Salt shed update: No updates.
5. We have now graveled Adams Hill, Toby Hill and Upper New Rd

Mr. Williams would like the Board to be aware that the Town Right of Way on the end of Hobby Hill Road and Silver Mine Trail has a cable placed across the road.

Discussion ensued.  The Board asked the Administrative Assistant to send a letter to the owners requesting that they remove the cable by December 1^st, 2020.

Ms. Sanborn made a motion to accept the Road Foreman’s report, Mr. Fitzpatrick seconded.

Motion passed 4/0.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT:

None

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

Social Services funds request qualifications for town appropriation considerations.

1. Christine Howe – The MOOver (formally The Current)
2. Kate Albergh –Green Up Vermont
3. Joan Weir – Williamsville School Preservation
4. Kelly Brown / Hal Moore – Health Care and Rehabilitation Services of Southeastern VT (HCRS)
5. Joanne Enhouse – Senior Solutions
6. Linda Brooks / Steven Geller – Southeastern Vermont Community Action
7. Vickie Sterling /Shari – Women’s Freedom Center

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

None

OLD BUSINESS:

Penner Road – Tabled until December 7th.  Road Foreman Jay Wilson was not able to attend tonight’s meeting; He was to provide valuable input and video of location.

NEW BUSINESS:

Katharine Bristol of Townshend was selected by the Selectboard to fill the Part time Data Entry position.  They interviewed three applicants and were impressed with each of them.

With COVID 19 cases on the rebound it has the Selectboard pondering what will Town Meeting be like this March?  Other towns are considering the Australian ballot, to avoid the gathering for Town Meeting.   Newfane Board members will discuss this again at a future meeting.

CORRESPONDENCE:

PAY ORDERS:

1. Accounts Payable No. # 21010                         Amount  $  238,931.85
2. Payroll Warrant # 11481                                Amount  $ 6,436.76
3. Payroll Warrant # 11482                                Amount  $ 4,118.53
4. Payroll Warrant # 11483                                Amount  $ 4,610.83

Ms. Sanborn made a motion to approve pay orders. Mr. Fitzpatrick seconded.

Motion passed 5/1

ADJOURN:   Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Fitzpatrick @ 7:34 pm.

Respectfully Administrative Assistant

Wannetta Powling

Unapproved Draft

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Marion Dowling, Christopher Williams, Angela Sanborn and Shelly Huber.   Absent: Mike Fitzpatrick

OTHERS PRESENT:  Melissa Brown, Doris Knechtel, Jay Wilson and Wannetta Powling

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Marion Dowling.

ADDITIONS/ AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: None

OLD BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS:

Revenue: The Treasurer has reviewed with the Board the anticipated Revenue from property taxes, grants, investment accounts and reimbursements.

Capital Budget; The Board reviewed the current Capital budget and the need to fund the account for the upcoming replacement and construction of the Arch Bridge, and the anticipated bridge maintenance that is necessary for a number of old bridges.

Expenditures: The board reviewed the Town Office Expense division it was recommended to level fund this account.

The Board has met with the Listers to review their proposed budget increase.  The amount represents 1 or2 Listers @ 18.00 per hour, a data entry person @ $15.00per hour and an Accessor for 1-2 days a month this is needed to keep the assessments consistent with the Towns (past) appraisals.

COVID 19 has the Board considering what Town Meeting will be like in March 2021.  There will be further input and recommendations from the State of Vermont and Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT.)

Articles: Tabled for future budget meetings     Warnings: Tabled for future budget meetings

Social Appropriations Donations: The Selectboard has been meeting with Organizations that have requested funds appropriation.  This is in an effort to reinstate an understanding of the Organizations benefit’s and services that Newfane residents receive. 

Meeting Adjourned 7:40pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Wannetta Powling