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https//zoom. Us/join            Meeting ID:  972 2791 1757 Passcode:  352680
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
 Angela Sanborn, Katy Johnson-Aplin, Jeffrey Chevalier, Ann Golob, and Mike Fitzpatrick (Phone)

OTHERS PRESENT:
Austin Rice (BCTV)
Zoom: Jay Wilson (Road Foreman), Wannetta Powling (Administrative Assistant), and Jane Douglas

CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:03 pm by Selectboard Chair Angela Sanborn.

CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED:
Powling confirmed the meeting had been properly warned.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:  
None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

1. February 21^st, 2023, special meeting minutes.

Golob made a motion to approve the February 21^st minutes. Chevalier seconded the motion.
Motion passed 4/0. (Fitzpatrick had not yet joined the meeting.)

ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:

1. We got approved for an Emergency Grant from VTRANS to help with the December 23^rd
2. It seemed like this past week that winter was just beginning. We have been out every day dealing with snow and ice.
3. The box culvert on Depot Rd. is tentatively going out to bid this week. The plan is to open bids in early April.
4. There is nothing new to report on the sand/salt shed.

Johnson-Aplin made a motion to accept the Road Foreman’s report. Golob seconded the motion.
Discussion:

Golob questioned if there were any further information on the Town Office renovations. Wilson confirmed that the contractors would be by the office on Thursday to discuss the details of the construction. Anticipating that work will begin on Monday, March 13^th, office staff will need to relocate during the work. Movers should be contacted to remove and replace the file cabinets and desks.

The vote was called:
Motion passed 4/0 Fitzpatrick abstained, stating that he had missed the first part of the meeting.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT:
(Sanborn read the first three items.)

1. The Planning Commission Public Hearing on the Floodplain and River Corridor Bylaw revision is scheduled for Thursday, March 23, at 6 pm here at the Town Office. They are asking if Selectboard can confirm that you will be able to attend this hearing.
2. I have made several attempts to contact Cindy Lawley, both by email and phone messages, to confirm that she will accept the trial offer to clean the Town Office Saturday mornings on a bi-weekly basis.
3. My computer is experiencing issues with the recent Windows update. I have had to wait and schedule an appointment this week with IT to resolve these issues.
4. On Thursday, February 23^rd, the Treasurer provided the Selectboard with an explanation for some of the Articles needed for the Town Meeting. I was not able to go over this information, nor was I provided a copy. The Treasurer and I in the past have worked on this together. To help the Selectboard answer questions at Town Meetings, I have put together using past information from articles. You should compare the information and use whichever best meets your needs.

Chevalier made a motion to accept the Administrative Assistant’s report.  Fitzpatrick seconded the motion.
Discussion:

1. March 23 PC Hearing; Sanborn said that she would be available, Johnson-Aplin and Chevalier said it would depend on the outcome of the election at the Town Meeting. Golob was not available to attend the hearing. Tabled until next Selectboard meeting.
2. Fitzpatrick mentioned that he would contact Ms. Lawley regarding the cleaning.
3. Johnson-Aplin stated that she knew of the IT issue and was told that 2 Wired Guys were on vacation. Powling was forced to wait until this week to schedule the repairs caused by the Windows update.
4. Articles that were sent from Brown could have been shared with Powling had she asked the Selectboard members for copies. Johnson-Aplin said that the notes Powling provided in red were helpful.

Discussion of the plans for the Town Meeting. Newfane PTO is providing refreshments. Parking is an issue that was discussed.
The vote was called.
Motion passed 5/0

COMMITTEE REPORT
None
SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None
UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None
OLD BUSINESS
Cannabis Updates: (Johnson-Aplin)
None
Town Beautification (Chevalier)
Creating spaces to be together. A Proposal for Using Newfane’s ARPA Funds:
Chevalier discussed a plan that he has been working on to create places where people can come together to sit, to relax, to be with a friend, to meet a neighbor. After two years of the pandemic and all the isolation forced upon us, he noted that this is an opportunity to find new ways to be together, to carve out new spaces within our Town where we can relax and socialize with friends or a place to talk to a new neighbor for the first time. He described an idea where the Town would solicit ideas to create six benches or other seating areas that can be distributed around each of the villages. Using ARPA funds the town would provide a stipend of $2,000 for each bench to be designed and built. The artist would be responsible for bringing the finished bench to the location and the Town would be responsible for the installation. The plan describes details about key structural concerns, materials that can be used (including steel from the old Arch Bridge).

Discussion ensued. The Selectboard endorsed his plan and asked him to complete it so it can be distributed to people who might want to participate. Chevalier agreed and will bring the plan to the next meeting. 

Discuss ideas for a 250-year celebration of Newfane’s founding. (Johnson-Aplin)
Sanborn mentioned that Newfane Anew would like to offer help with ideas for the celebration. Discussion ensued.
Updates on future Newfane Anew meetings will be announced.

FEMA Buy-Out of the South Newfane General Store – (Golob)
No updates from FEMA.

ARPA: (Golob)
The first request for the Bylaw Modernization Grant payment reclamation will be given to the Treasurer to send for the payment.
Discussion.

Research of possible grants for investigating sewers: there is one that applies to our situation – requesting an engineering planning advance which can be requested for all three village centers: Newfane village, Williamsville, South Newfane. Looking into understanding some of the details of the grant specifically under what conditions the grant has to be repaid. Windham Regional Commission offered advice on what dollar requests should be asked for planning grants.

Selectboard approval was given to Golob to proceed with contacting other resources and exploring additional information for planning studies for all three villages.

NEW BUSINESS
Town Meeting preparation.
Discussion of plans, reviewed articles, discussed when to arrive.

CORRESPONDENCE
Richard Marek from Windham Historical Society sent a letter requesting $ 10,000 in ARPA funds to help with the renovations for the former Sheriff’s Department.

Golob made a motion to spend $10,000 of the ARPA funds on the Historical Society Preservation. Fitzpatrick seconded the motion.
Motion passed 5/0

Sanborn asked Powling to contact Mr. Marek and notify him of the Boards approval for ARPA funds.

Prevent Child Abuse – Plant a Pinwheel Garden this April to celebrate child abuse prevention month.
Sanborn proposed that the Board use $100 of their compensation on the purchase of one hundred pinwheels for the prevent child abuse garden. All agreed.

The Zoning Administrator shared information that he had received from Green Mountain Power regarding power pole relocations along the Route 30 corridor.  Planned for the spring and summer of 2023.

Raymond Clark Sr. expressed his personal thoughts and concerns on the need to change how the School Tax is figured for older seniors on a fixed income.

Golob mentioned that this was not something that could be changed on a local level, it is a State of VT issue.  Fitzpatrick agreed with the concerns expressed in the letter, and the level of education given to students was not typical of our needs.

The school budget vote is on March 21^st and will be held at the NewBrook Fire Department.

Mike Fitzpatrick, who attended remotely, withdrew and left the meeting at 6:58 pm.

 PAY ORDERS

1.       Payroll Warrant # 11610                               Amount $       7,036.27
2.       Payroll Warrant # 11611                               Amount $       8,111.37
3.       Account Payable # 23019                             Amount $       824.25
Golob made a motion to approve Pay Orders Chevalier seconded the motion.
Motion passed 4/0

ADJOURN:
Johnson-Aplin made a motion to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:05 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Wannetta Powling, Administrative Assistant
ALS / AG

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https//zoom. Us/join            Meeting ID:  972 2791 1757 Passcode:  352680

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Angela Sanborn, Katy Johnson-Aplin, Jeffrey Chevalier, and Ann Golob. Phone: Mike Fitzpatrick

OTHERS PRESENT:  Jay Wilson Road Foreman (Zoom), Wannetta Powling (Administrative Assistant), Carol Hesselbach, Jane Douglas, Galen Robinson (BCTV).

CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 pm by Selectboard Chair Angela Sanborn.

CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED:
Powling confirmed the meeting had been properly warned.
ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
Aplin-Johnson requested that we add a discussion of making childcare available at the Town Meeting. Added to Old Business.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

February 6, 2023, Regular Meeting
Motion to approve: Fitzpatrick; seconded: Chevalier.
Approved 5/0.

February 13, 2023, Special Meeting
Motion to approve: Johnson-Aplin; seconded: Chevalier.
Approved 4/0/1 Abstention.

ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

1. The work we put out to bid on South Wardsboro Road along the brook has been completed.
2. I met with Ron Bell the engineer for the salt shed and he is trying some different options for the building to see if he can bring the costs down.
3. Have you given any more thought about whether to bid the Depot Road box culvert or to wait?
4. The carpenters for the town office are planning on the week after town meeting to start work. They will be coming in next week to go over the work.
5. I have attached the weight limit letter for mud season; it needs to be filed with the Selectboard and posted in two places.
6. I have attached the VTRANS mileage certificate to be signed by the Selectboard.

Had hoped to have an update on the gravel pit; waiting to hear from Bill Jewell.

Discussion of bidding oil purchases: suggested looking to put it out to bid in early summer to see if anyone bids on it. Wilson agreed that

Motion to accept Road Foreman’s report: Fitzpatrick; seconded: Golob.

Discussion of the Depot Road box culvert: Fitzpatrick recommended moving forward and putting it out to bid. Wilson pointed out that pricing has gone up significantly recently; seems to be dependent on the availability of the contractors. We have $200,000 put aside for the project; VTrans projects it will cost $284,000. If we put it out to bid, we have to be prepared to pay up to the VTrans estimate if it is a valid proposal. If it goes over $284,000, we are not required to accept the bid. Therefore, our shortfall could be at most $84,000.

Motion to put it out to bid: Fitzpatrick; seconded: Golob.
Approved 5/0.

Weight limit for mud season: Motion to approve posting weight limit for mud season: Golob; seconded: Johnson-Aplin.
Approved 5/0.

Motion to sign VTrans mileage certificate: Fitzpatrick; seconded: Golob.
Approved 5/0.

Vote to accept the Road Foreman’s report: 5/0.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT

1.       With talk of Newfane Celebrating its 250 years, I would like to make a recommendation to the Selectboard that we find a contractor that can give the Town Office some much-needed attention. For pride and safety issues, there is paint peeling on the front of the building and around all of the windows. There is a concern for the integrity of the two pillars on the front of the building.

2.       The 2022 Town Report was delivered here to the Town Office today. Does the Selectboard have any concerns or suggestions for distributing the Town Report?

3.       The Planning Commission Public Hearing for the Proposed By-Law changes to the Flood Plain River Corridor that was scheduled for Thursday, February 23^rd has been postponed. The new date still needs to be determined.

4.       Cindy Lawley from Brookline has expressed interest in the Town Office cleaning position. She would only be able to do it after hours or on weekends at $35 per hour.

I have spoken with the others in the office, and they only ask that it be on a scheduled day; they would secure sensitive information if needed.

Vote to accept: Fitzpatrick; seconded – Johnson-Aplin.

Distribution of the report: concerns regarding mailing the report because there have been issues with the delivery. Agreement that the report will be mailed out as per usual. The report will also be available on the website. There will be a few additional copies available at the town office. Requested that the Administrative Assistant post it on Front Porch Forum.

Discussion of the Town Office renovations: There is funding still available in our budget to cover additional costs. Agreement to put out to bid the work on the two pillars and the painting. Will meet with contractors about the internal renovations and depending on the cost of the renovation of the two pillars, they may be able to add it to their existing contract. If it is higher than our limit, will issue a new bid.

Discussion regarding hiring Cindy Lawley for cleaning: Decision to go ahead and hire Lawley to clean every other week. Recommended avoiding weekday nights because the office is often used in the evening for committee meetings. Administrative Assistant will follow-up with Lawley; move forward for a three-month trial period. Fitzpatrick recommended Saturday during the day rather than the evening.

Discussion regarding driver who hit a pot hole on Adams Hill Road and is requesting that the town cover his $500 deductible for the repairs. The Board agreed that while we regret the damage, we cannot be held responsible and cannot cover his deductible. Asked Administrative Assistant to contact the driver and let him know our decision.
Vote to accept the Administrative Assistant’s report: 5/0.

COMMITTEE REPORT  

Jane Douglas from the Planning Commission noted that they were sorry that the Thursday meeting on the Hearing for the Proposed By-Law changes to the Flood Plain River Corridor but it was beyond their control.

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: None.

 UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: None.

 OLD BUSINESS / FOLLOW-UP ITEMS

1. Cannabis Updates: (Johnson-Aplin)

DRB meeting of the former Ken’s Restaurant where the new owners want to open a dispensary was held but it ran into a problem because the land used for the parking lot is owned by the home behind the store. There will be another meeting on March 1 to continue the DRB hearing.

2. Town Beautification suggestions (Chevalier)
   First draft of the plan to create six benches in each of the villages and in the town forest has been written. A few other people are reviewing the plan and then it will be ready for the Selectboard to review. To pay for this, recommending spending a total of $15,000 from our ARPA funds. Goal is to create an outdoor space where people can come together and be more a part of our town.

Looked into whether we can use the empty town-owned properties on Dover Road for a community garden. We can; there are some restrictions on what can be built on the property but they are fairly flexible as long as we are not building permanent structures. Also discussed the two properties down the street that are on the river and owned by the town. Johnson-Aplin suggested that something could also be done with these properties as well. There are some beautiful plantings on this site.

5. Discuss ideas for a 250-year celebration of Newfane’s founding. (Johnson-Aplin)
   No updates at this time. Suggestion that Johnson-Aplin work with Newfane Anew to discuss it further. Agreed that they will meet in the near future.
6. FEMA buyout of South Newfane General Store (Golob)
   No news yet from FEMA. We had a meeting to discuss the possibility of removal of the oil tanks at the site but the critical person was missing from the call so it has been rescheduled for early April. As soon as that meeting takes place, more updates will be available.
7. ARPA Funds Updates (Golob)
   Update regarding business loans/grants: Golob discussed the research that she did last year with Sanborn on how other towns handle grants/loans to businesses. Golob summarized her concern with making a grant to one business owner: we would be making a grant to a local business, something the town has not done before and does not have a process in place to evaluate applications. Nor is it an idea that has been communicated to other businesses as an option that they can apply for too.

There are several other options being followed by other towns. They include:
In Wilmington, Brattleboro, Dover and Rockingham they have each established a revolving loan fund. Some pay for it with their 1% sales tax. In each case the town has a clear process to award the loans, determine the interest rate and repayment period.

A second option is creating a business plan competition – this has been done by the Brattleboro Development Credit Corp. (BDCC) and by Dover.

A third is for individuals in a town to create their own private fund to assist businesses. This was done in Wilmington after Irene to assist those businesses that were badly affected.

A fourth option is to work with BDCC and consider other options by partnering with them. They recently hired Meg Staloff to run their South Vermont Economy Project.

After reviewing these options, Golob and Sanborn’s recommendation is to consider creating a revolving fund. There is still much we have to learn about how other towns do it but if there is support from the Selectboard, Golob volunteered to continue looking into it with the caveat that she will not have time for at least a month or two. There was agreement that the Selectboard should continue to look into this and come back with more information from this research.

Fitzpatrick mentioned that in Wardsboro they make loans to homeowners who might need help with let’s say the renovation of a septic system. Fitzpatrick agreed to gather more information and share it with Golob to add to her report.

Golob also mentioned that she is looking into seeing if we can get a grant to look at sewer coverage for South Newfane, Williamsville and Newfane. There are many new technologies that do not involve highly expensive sewers to be installed but rather allow smaller, more contained systems.

7. Town Meeting – making childcare available for Town Meeting (Johnson-Aplin)
   Agreed that Johnson-Aplin will reach out to Deb Luskin to see how she handled it in previous years.
8. Meeting held at the Sheriff’s Office.
   There was no specific proposal at the February 9^th meeting about the Windham County Regional Policing. After Town Meeting, Johnson-Aplin suggested that we may want to talk to other neighboring towns to see if they would want to consider some kind of regional approach – perhaps discussing it with Townshend and Brookline.

NEW BUSINESS: None.

CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from Bobbie Ragouzeos, President of the Board of Trustees of the Moore Free Library and Crowell Gallery requesting $10,100 of ARPA funds to help them cover the cost of updating and maintaining the building: insulation, painting, repair of the front porch. While the estimates from these three bids exceeds $10,100, the Library has funds available in their budget to cover the additional amount.

Golob made a motion to pay $10,100 from our ARPA funds for the Library renovations; seconded by Chevalier. Approved 5/0. Administrative Assistant asked to let Bobbie Ragouzeos know the decision as well as the Treasurer.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Golob made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss a disciplinary or dismissal action against a public officer or employee under the provisions of Title 1, Section 313, Subsection (a)(4) of the Vermont Statutes, seconded by Johnson-Aplin. Vote approved: 5/0.
Went into Executive Session at 7:19pm.

The Board came out of Executive Session at 7:54pm. Motion to come out of Executive Session made by Golob, seconded by Chevalier. The decision was to go ahead and move forward.

PAY ORDERS

ADJOURN
Meeting adjourned at 8:17pm. Motion by Golob to adjourn.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Golob, Vice Chair

This document is a DRAFT of the Selectboard minutes

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97227911757#success
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https//zoom. Us/join       Meeting ID:  972 2791 1757 Passcode:  352680

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Angela Sanborn, Katy Johnson-Aplin, Jeffrey Chevalier, Ann Golob, and Mike Fitzpatrick (phone).
OTHERS PRESENT:  Austin Rice (Producer BCTV), and Wannetta Powling (Administrative Assistant).
Zoom:  Jay Wilson (Road Foreman), Carol Hesselbach, Jane Douglas, Paul Hansen, Katy Gehring.

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

CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED:
Powling confirmed the meeting had been properly warned.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:  
Johnson-Aplin asked to add the purchase of an Owl 3 to New Business.
Golob asked to add the letter received from Nancy Rysz to the Road Foreman’s report.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

1. January 17, Special Meeting minutes.
   Golob made a motion to approve the January 17 minutes. Johnson-Aplin seconded the motion. Motion passed 5/0.

ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:

1. The South Wardsboro Road repair is out to bid, and the bids are due Monday, the 13^th. Is it possible to do a 5-minute zoom meeting that day after 3:00 pm to award the repair work?
2. The sand/salt shed group had a meeting recently to go over the costs which are very high, if the Selectboard is ok with it we would like to pursue changing the structure to a fabric covered dome and see if we can get that structure done with the money we have. It would still have to meet all the requirements because we would be using grant money but hopefully it would be more affordable.
3. I emailed you all the information on the Depot Rd box culvert project.

Fitzpatrick made a motion to accept the Road Foreman’s report.  Golob seconded the motion. Discussion ensued:

1. Meeting to open sealed bids for the W. Wardsboro Bank Slide Repair. Selectboard agreed to meet on Monday, February 13^th, at 5 pm.
2. Selectboard agreed to the recommended changes for the sand /salt shed (using fabric covered dome) to lower the cost of construction. Wilson said he would give updates as they come in from the engineer.
3. Depot Rd Box Culvert project estimate is expected to cost $83,000 more than the Town had budgeted. Tabled until the February 21^st meeting to allow for further review of the engineer plans.
   

Golob asked for an update on the Town Office Repair.  Wilson responded that the heating and cooling was already on site and work should begin in March. Carpenters had planned to start late February. Wilson will confirm the dates and give updates at future meetings.

Sanborn called the vote to accept the Road Forman’s Report.
Motion passed 5/0.

Nancy Rysz, property owner from 65 Baker Brook Road, sent a letter to the Selectboard regarding the damage from Hurricane Irene and the response from NERC regarding the repairs that she felt were inadequately installed.

• Sanborn asked if, after Wilson had reviewed the documentation, could he give his recommendation.

Wilson’s response to Mrs. Rysz’s letter and her reference to Scott Jensen was that Jensen was no longer on this project. After having numerous conversations with the others involved from NERC Department, it appears that all efforts have been exhausted. Designs for the work would likely be permitted; the issue going forward is the funds to pay for the estimated $10,000 or $12,000. The only recommendation for the work on private property would be for the owner to pay for the expense of the repairs.

Discussion continued:
Sanborn recommended resending the letter that the Selectboard had previously sent to Mrs. Rysz.

Wilson asked Golob if she would give the report on the progress of the Gravel Pit.

• Golob mentioned that a sound report had been received and appears to be positive. There were recommended suggestions to manage the sound; all are reasonable and easily doable.
• Wilson added that the other tests have been completed included the archeological study of the site, sound, and the actual phased site plan.
• A traffic study may be the next required step. Engineer Bill Jewell will be able to advise us on what needs to be done next.

Sanborn asked Wilson to keep this on his report as a monthly follow-up item.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT: 

1. Sheriff Mark Anderson has sent an invitation to the Board or its representative to attend a discussion about how to provide regional policing service. This meeting is on February 9^th, from 10-12, at the VT EMS Academy at 1096 VT RT 30. There is an option for Zoom. This information is attached to this report.
2. As of January 25^th, Hendrik van Loon has submitted his letter of resignation effective immediately from the (DRB) Development Review Board.
3. Chair of the DRB David Cotton has submitted Erica Walch for the remainder of Mr. van Loon’s term. He is asking the Selectboard to appoint Geoff van Kirk as an alternate.
4. The Selectboard will make reappointments at the organizational meeting following Town Meeting. However, Selectboard has received a letter from Maxwell Vandervliet expressing his interest in continuing as a member of the PC.
   You were aware that Ken Estey would not be willing to accept a reappointment to the Planning Commission (PC).
5. The draft of the 2022 Town Report was proofed by members of the Town Office before I sent it to the printers.
6. February 20^th is a federal holiday; would you like to meet on Tuesday, February 21^st?
7. Tuesday, February 7^th, is the DRB Hearing to consider a change of use permit for the former “Ricks Tavern” property.
8. Wednesday, February 8^th at 9 am, VLCT is providing training for Moderator/ Town Meeting Tune-Up.
9. Thursday, February 9^th at 6 pm, the Planning Commission meeting has scheduled guest speakers to discuss housing issues.
10. Thursday, February 23^rd, at 6 pm, the Planning Commission will hold its Public Hearing for the Proposed By-Law changes to the Floodplain- River Corridor.

Fitzpatrick made a motion to accept the Administrative Assistants report.  Golob seconded the motion.
Discussion ensued:

• Golob and Sanborn expressed interest in attending the regional policing service on Thursday, February 9^th.

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

• Powling will send out the acceptance letters for Appointment to the DRB for Walch and Van Kirk.
• The selectboard meeting will be on February 21^st at 6 pm.

A motion to approve the Administrative Assistants Report was called.
Motion passed 5/0.

COMMITTEE REPORT
Traffic Calming Committee update (Johnson-Aplin).
There are no detailed updates. The Traffic Calming Committee held its second meeting; the discussion went well. The next scheduled meeting is on Tuesday, February 28^th, at 6 pm.

Planning Commission Update (Jane Douglas).
Jane Douglas indicated that she would like to extend her appointment on the Planning Commission.

• Douglas mentioned that she had attended a recent BDCC (Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation) meeting that discussed available ARPA Grants that can be applied for through the State of Vermont. A recommendation is to explore this with Windham Regional Commission for possible transportation grants, floodplain money, or any other needs Newfane has.
• DV Fiber now has paying customers. Things are moving along.
• Douglas asked what the Selectboard plans are for Newfane ARPA the money not yet spent. Golob mentioned that she is giving an update during Old Business.

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None

OLD BUSINESS
Cannabis Updates: (Johnson-Aplin)
No updates for cannabis. The DRB will be holding a public hearing on February 7^th to review the first application for a Cannabis establishment (formerly Rick’s Tavern).
Johnson-Aplin, Sanborn, and Chevalier discussed attending the DRB hearing Tuesday evening.

Town Beautification (Chevalier)
Jeff Chevalier discussed several potential projects to help beautify the town, including the installation of:

• Six benches around town created by local artists.
• An archway near the Town Forest with detailed maps.
• To create a community garden space on the vacant lots on Dover Road including raised garden beds and picnic tables. 

Discussion ensued:

Chevalier mentioned that to accomplish these ideas, volunteers will be needed. A volunteer workday could be something to think of doing.
Sanborn recommends that if there is anyone wishing to volunteer, please contact our Administrative Assistant at the Town Office.

Discuss ideas for a 250-year celebration of Newfane’s founding. (Johnson-Aplin)
No updates.

FEMA Buy-Out of the South Newfane General Store – (Golob)

The signed documents from David Livingston, the property owner, have been sent to the State. The State has signed off on the matching letter for the amount not covered by FEMA. FEMA will review the paperwork, and this process could take up to six months.

Follow-Up Item:

Golob- There were questions raised from the last meeting regarding the retaining wall and the tanks.
Alyssa Sabetto from the WRC set up a meeting with Jay Wilson, VT Emergency Management, and Golob for Monday, February 13, in the morning. We will report back at the next Selectboard meeting.

ARPA:
Newfane received a total of $ 441,000. To date, four approved expenditures have been made.

1. By-Law Modernization application fee and matching funds
2. DV Fiber
3. New Emergency Generators
4. Newfane Anew

To date we have approved the spending of $90,000, leaving approximately $331,000. All this information has been placed on the Town website. In addition, three other projects have been discussed.

1. Moore Free Library
2. Historical Society Windham County
3. Business Grants

Sanborn and Golob have researched what other Towns in the area have done to address business support. This can be discussed in more detail at the next meeting of the Selectboard.

Golob discussed that last April, we had several presentations at the Selectboard meetings. To address housing, we applied for and received a bylaw modernization grant from the state. This will enable us to hire a consultant to help work with Newfane on tweaking the Zoning By- laws to make them more hospitable to building more housing. The other big issue would be related to wastewater management. Obviously, Newfane can’t afford to put sewers in the whole town.  Newfane may need to consider doing a study to learn what would be possible. We also can look into what funds might be available for wastewater planning from the State.

Golob made a recommendation to research what the options might be.  Golob offered to do this research and talk with WRC.

Discussion ensued:

Johnson- Aplin asked if the State ARPA funds are available for the pedestrian friendly streets program that the village of Newfane is discussed. Sanborn said she would bring this up at the next meeting.

Golob mentioned that the Town Beautification projects could be a future use for the Town’s ARPA funds.

NEW BUSINESS
Johnson-Aplin made a recommendation to purchase the Owl 3 [the Owl 3 (Next Gen) 360-Degree, 1080p HD Smart Video Conference Camera, Microphone, and Speaker (Automatic Speaker Focus & Smart Zooming] for Zoom meetings and for when BCTV is not covering the meetings.

Fitzpatrick agreed, stating that anything that will help to make an improvement for these Zoom meetings is worth it.

Golob made the motion to purchase Owl 3. Fitzpatrick seconded the motion.
Motion passed 5/0.
Powling agreed to make the purchase.

CORRESPONDENCE
Mike McConnell Windham Regional is seeking a primary contact for Act 172 Municipal Energy Resiliency Project to ensure that information gets out to people in a timely manner.

Powling provided her information as a contact person. Golob asked that Ken Estey be contacted to see if he was involved with this Municipal Energy Project and to let Jay Wilson know that the Selectboard was volunteering him as another contact person. Sanborn volunteered as a Board member to receive the email information too.

Moore Free Library. Thank you letter from Board member Marie Tattersall for the appropriation funds.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

• Executive Session to discuss a disciplinary or dismissal action against a public officer or employee under the provisions of Title 1, Section 313, Subsection (a) (4) of the Vermont Statutes.

Golob made a motion to move into Executive Session. Fitzpatrick seconded the motion.
Motion passed 5/0.
Selectboard entered Executive Session at 7:05 pm.

Discussion ensued:
At 7:25, Sanborn asked Administrative Assistant Powling to join the meeting.

Chevalier made a motion to leave Executive Session. Fitzpatrick seconded the motion.
Motion passed 5/0.
Selectboard exited Executive Session at 7:30 pm.

The decision of the Selectboard: Was to table further discussion until February 21 meeting.

Mike Fitzpatrick, who attended remotely, withdrew and left the meeting at 7:30 pm.

PAY ORDERS

1. Payroll Warrant # 11605                                Amount $       5,949.18
2. Payroll Warrant # 11606                                Amount $       7,062.26
3.  Payroll Warrant # 11607                                Amount $       5,006.74
4. Account Payable # 23015                              Amount $       2,500.00
5. Account Payable # 23017                              Amount $   976,116.60

Chevalier made a motion to approve Pay Orders. Johnson-Aplin seconded the motion.
Motion passed 4/0.

ADJOURN:
Johnson-Aplin made a motion to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Wannetta Powling, Administrative Assistant
ALS/AG