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

OTHER PRESENT:
Melissa Brown (Treasurer) and Wannetta Powling (Administrative Assistant).

CALL TO ORDER and MEETING WARNING:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Angela Litchfield.
Litchfield asked if the meeting was properly warned.

ADDITIONS/ AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:
None

OLD BUSINESS:
The Selectboard was given additional time to review the two emails Golob forwarded, and it was agreed to vote on the FEMA conditions and have the Chair sign the letter.

Golob made a motion to accept the conditions from the FEMA letter. Chevalier seconded.
Motion passed 4/0/1 Fitzpatrick abstained.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Town Report Design. The ideas discussed at the meeting were reviewed, and it was decided to select images that would show appreciation for the committee members and volunteers who help with the functions of the Town.
• Dedication. Several suggestions were raised and discussed. It was agreed that we would wait to make a final decision at the next budget meeting on November 13th.

Budget Review

• Treasurer Melissa Brown provided revenue figures.
• It was agreed that the review of the Rescue contract would determine the amount needed to budget for the Rescue. Fitzpatrick commented that the NewBrook Fire Department should be given equal consideration.

Follow-up items

1. Law Enforcement
   It was agreed to hold off a review of law enforcement funding until members attended the regional policing presentation and discussion in Brattleboro on November 15^th. Mixed feelings were expressed over the patrols currently provided by the Windham  County Sheriff’s Department (WCSD).
2.   Powling will contact VTSP (Vermont State Police Lieutenant Anthony French) to confirm whether they would be interested in the 2025 fiscal year law enforcement contract.
3. Johnson-Aplin will contact Putney Town Manager Karen Astley for information on the full-time coverage they receive from WCSD.  Jamaica and Londonderry receive shared coverage; Johnson-Aplin will attempt to get information on how the town and its residents manage and assess this coverage.
4.  Several items were put on hold until Powling received funding requests from the Planning Commission, Town Clerk, Treasurer, and other commissions. Powling was asked to provide the Selectboard with a wage comparison from other towns.
5. Other needed information from VLCT on the insurance policy for capital assets, unemployment insurance, and worker’s compensation rates.  Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance for the employees and the contract for the professional audit expenses.

Items tabled for future budget meetings.

• Capital Budget
• Expenditures
• Open Items
• Articles including Social Appropriation Donations
• Salaries
• Warnings

ADJOURN:

Chevalier made a motion to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,
Wannetta Powling,
Administrative Assistant

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

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:   Angela Litchfield, Katy Johnson-Aplin, Jeffrey Chevalier, Ann Golob (Zoom), Mike Fitzpatrick (phone).

OTHERS PRESENT:   Austin Rice (BCTV), and Wannetta Powling (Administrative Assistant).

Zoom:  Jay Wilson (Road Foreman), Jane Douglas (Planning Commission), Alex Beck (SeVEDS,) Sara Mc Connell (SeVEDS).

CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Selectboard Chair Angela Litchfield.

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

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:  
Golob requested adding Katy Buckley’s email to New Business and Manitou’s Status update to Old Business.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

1. September 5^th, 2023, Special Meeting.
   Golob made a motion to accept the September 5^th Special Minutes, and Chevalier seconded the motion.
   Motion passed. Fitzpatrick abstained.
2. September 5^th, 2023, BLC Meeting.
   Chevalier made a motion to accept the September 5^th B.L.C. minutes, and Golob seconded the motion.
   Motion passed. Fitzpatrick abstained.
3. September 14^th, 2023, Special Meeting

Tabled until November 6^th meeting.

4. October 2nd, 2023, BLC Meeting

Golob made a motion to accept the October 2, 2023, B.L.C. minutes, and Fitzpatrick seconded the motion.
Motion passed. Chevalier abstained.

5. October 2nd, 2023, Regular Meeting

Golob made a motion to accept the October 2nd minutes, and Fitzpatrick seconded the motion.
Motion passed. Chevalier abstained.

ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:

1. The Pavement project on South Wardsboro is almost complete, and we will have to do some work on the shoulders.
2. The ditch across from the entrance to the gravel pit on Radway Hill has been repaired and repaved.
3. The culvert repair done on Depot Rd. where the new box culvert is going has been paved to get us through the winter.
4. We met with Mike and Allie from NRCS and toured eight locations on Smith Brook, Rock River, RT 30, Browns Rd.
5. I have ordered a few more road name signs for some that have gone missing.
6. We now have the bid documents and plans for Loop Rd. Box culvert should be going out to bid soon, with the bids due at the end of November. The work would happen next summer. We will need to have Bob Fisher prepare the easements.
7. I spoke with Ron Bell today, and he is getting the design and estimate done for Eddy Rd. so we can try to form mitigation money from FEMA.
8. I have asked Eddie Duncan from RSG to redo the sound study for the gravel pit now that the entrance is not being changed. I am sure there will be an additional charge, but Bill Jewell felt this would make for a better ACT 250 presentation.

Fitzpatrick made a motion to accept the Road Foreman & Road Commissioners report, and Chevalier seconded.

Johnson-Aplin arrived at 6:07 p.m.

Discussion ensued:

1. There was a recount of events regarding the visit from NRCS; we have no indication of when NRCS will respond. While they were here, they took photos and measurements and heard concerns from residents.
2. The emergency repair under Depot Rd. was necessary; the pavement is a winter patch, and the Box Culvert will be installed in the late spring or early summer.
3. Baker Brook Road must be added to the NRCS site visits.
4. Litchfield asked Jay to contact Attorney Bob Fisher to provide the easement information for installing the Box Culvert at Loop Rd.
5. Golob mentioned that the sound study for the gravel pit would benefit the ACT 250 process.

* Johnson-Aplin asked for an update on the Dover Rd. Timson Hill intersection culvert replacement pavement patch. Wilson explained that DMI has had delays due to the rain this summer and will schedule this repair and Grimes Hill simultaneously.

The vote was called. Motion passed.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT: 

1. On November 8^th, at the Stone Church in Brattleboro, there will be a farewell gathering for retiring BCTV Director Cor Trowbridge. I would like to publicly address my appreciation for her support in helping to set up Newfane’s Zoom access during COVID-19 and for her interest in our success. And for the Producers Award I was given, we would not have been as successful without her steady support. Would anyone like to join me in attending this event for Cor?
2. I have been reviewing the Town’s Insurance Policy for 2024. And for the BCBS benefits for the Town employees. I will have figures for you at the budget meeting starting October 30^th.
3. The Traffic Calming Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 18^th at 6 p.m.
4. Williamsville Hall Community breakfast is Thursday, October 19^th, from 8-10:30 a.m.

 Fitzpatrick made a motion to accept the Administrative Assistant’s report, and Johnson-Aplin seconded.
Discussion ensued:

1. Regarding attending the BCTV event, Litchfield and Golob are unavailable; Johnson-Aplin and Chevalier are TBD.

The vote was called. Motion passed.

COMMITTEE REPORT:
Traffic Calming Committee
No Update –the next meeting is this Wednesday evening.

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
Social Appropriations Request

SeVEDS-BDCC-Alex Beck – Sara McConnell (Zoom) gave a brief overview of their information and services. SeVEDS helps to meet community development needs by being involved with job support.  They also sponsor a shared workforce meeting for the students at the High School at Leland & Gray; they have been helping this year with meeting the needs of the refugees in Brattleboro, flood recovery support, and being the point person for resources and distribution of funds in our region. Golob asked how the appropriation figures for Newfane were determined. This is based on $3 per person using the 2010 census count for a count of the town population.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
None

NEW BUSINESS
Katie Buckley, Director of the ARPA Assistance and Coordination Program at VLCT, emailed all Selectboard members with information on the Municipal Technical Assistance Program (MTAP). This outlined the availability of grant funding opportunities, permit assistance, and project management assistance through the local Regional Commission, which has additional resources available for municipalities to assist with such projects as developing sewer systems, housing, infrastructure projects, and more. Newfane was preapproved for this assistance; Golob recommends that Newfane reach out to Chris Campany and ask for their help with how to get started with assessing our needs for a sewer. Jay Wilson suggested considering the need for more help regarding climate change resiliency. Board members agreed that it is essential to define Newfane’s needs, including housing issues and sewer infrastructure needs, which go hand in hand. Wilson stressed that with the anticipated climate changes, the need to upgrade the size of our culvert capacity to handle the rain run-off with larger box culverts would help to keep the roads from washing out. It was agreed that Golob would send an email to Chris Campany asking for their assistance as part of the MTAP program.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Town Beautification suggestions (Chevalier)

The sites for the installation of the benches have been determined. Press releases, application requirements, and design will be packaged and available to be worked on over the winter months with the hope of benches being installed in the late spring of 2024.

2. FEMA buyout of South Newfane General Store (Golob)

Golob received preapproval acknowledgment from FEMA on the acquisition and demolition of the # 393 Dover Rd application.
Golob sent questions to the Vermont Environment Management office to clarify the conditions of the FEMA letter.
It was agreed that the Selectboard would review the two emails that Golob forwarded and would take a vote to accept the FEMA conditions and have the Chair sign the letter.

3. ARPA Funds Updates (Golob)
   The Town started at $441,000.00 and has a balance now of $201,000; it was previously discussed to hold an amount as a small interest revolving fund for small projects.

4. Personal Policy Recommendations (Johnson-Aplin).
   VLCT sent a reply late this afternoon. Update at next meeting.

5. Manitou’s Status update -Litchfield
   The town attorney has been contacted and is waiting for the Zoning Administrator to follow up with the attorney and the Selectboard.

CORRESPONDENCE:
Email from Chris Druke regarding a recently approved Zoning application.

Golob and Fitzpatrick attended remotely and left the meeting at 6:53 p.m.

PAY ORDERS

1. Payroll # 11647                 $    5,826.27
2. Payroll # 11648                 $    5,761.37
3. AP # 24009                         $  87,824.32

Chevalier made a motion to approve Pay Orders. Johnson-Aplin seconded the motion.
Motion passed 3/0.

ADJOURN:
Chevalier made a motion to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 6:59 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,
Wannetta Powling, Administrative Assistant
AG

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BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Angela Sanborn, Katy Johnson-Aplin, Ann Golob (Zoom), Mike Fitzpatrick (phone).
Absent: Jeffrey Chevalier.

OTHERS PRESENT:
Merle Tessier (Zoning Administrator), Steve Levine, Bahman Madhavi, Ezlerh Oreste (BCTV), and Wannetta Powling (Administrative Assistant).

Zoom:
Jay Wilson (Road Foreman).

CALL TO ORDER: 
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. 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. September 5^th, 2023, Special Meeting.
   Approval of minutes was tabled until the October 16 meeting.
2. September 5^th, 2023, BLC Meeting.
   Approval of minutes was tabled until the October 16 meeting.
3. September 14^th, 2023, Special Meeting
   Approval of minutes was tabled until the October 16 meeting.

September 18^th, 2023, Regular Meeting
Johnson-Aplin made a motion to accept the September 18^th minutes and Golob seconded the motion.
Motion passed.

ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:

1. The pavement project on South Wardsboro Road began last week and should be finished next week.
2. Nothing new on the Sand/Salt shed.
3. Someone from NRCS is meeting with us on Wednesday to look at some areas for the Emergency Watershed program.
4. The mowing tractor has been delivered, and we are doing a little work on it and will add some warning lights also.
5. We have found two options for trailers.
6. The Williamsville Village sign has been looked at by the traffic committee, and I have attached the design; it would only be single-sided. The cost was $415.00 from Dennis Tier Signs.

Johnson-Aplin made a motion to accept the Road Foreman & Road Commissioners report and Golob seconded.

Discussion ensued:

• Golob made a motion to change the procedure for verifying the bids submitted before the Selectboard meeting. Wilson and Powling will demonstrate the bids have accurate information before the Selectboard awards the bids. Johnson-Aplin seconded the motion.
  Motion passed.

• NRCS will see Smith Brook, Loop Road, Rock River, and Baker Brook areas with flooding issues and concerns; Sanborn and Johnson-Aplin will attend.
• Johnson-Aplin made a motion to purchase the 2015 tilt trailer for 14,800. Golob seconded.
  Motion passed.

• Golob made a motion to purchase the Williamsville Village signs designed by Tier Signs for $415. Johnson-Aplin seconded.
  Motion passed.

• Wilson mentioned that he will be meeting with Engineer Bill Jewel regarding access to the Gravel Pit and understanding for the completion for the Act 250 permits. Johnson-Aplin will represent the Selectboard at the meeting.

The vote was called.
Motion passed.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT: 

1. Mary Dearborn from Repo emailed me the contract for printing the Town Reports; I have included it for your approval this evening.
2. Wednesday morning at 9:30, the NRCS will meet here at the Town Office to start a review of the river damage and concerned areas.
3. October 16^th appointments start for the Social Appropriations. Last year, 35 agencies were asking for funding, with a total of $ 43,513 approved. Other towns have set up committees to review the appropriations process, and then submit recommendations to the Selectboard. This could save the Selectboard valuable time for other business.
4. Rock River Players perform Harvey at the Williamsville Hall on October 6^th, 7th^, and 8^th.
5. The Heritage Festival is on the common this coming weekend, October 7^th & 8^th, from 10-4 p.m.

 Johnson-Aplin made a motion to accept the Administrative Assistant’s report and Fitzpatrick seconded.

Discussion ensued:

• Johnson-Aplin made a motion to approve the Repro contract and Golob seconded.
   Motion passed.
• Golob asked Powling if she would remind the Selectboard in February (2024) to reconsider forming a committee to review the Social Appropriations process and submit their recommendation to the Selectboard.
• Bill Morse is awaiting a response regarding the concerns he mentioned in the letter he sent the Selectboard on September 7^th.

The vote was called.
Motion passed

COMMITTEE REPORT:
Zoning Administrator
Merle Tessier briefly updated the Manitou Project on Sunset Lake Road. The equipment has been moved out, and no work is being done now. Tessier said that he is still waiting to speak with the Town Attorney with his recommendations.

Discussion ensued:
Golob asked if a letter in writing was sent to Mayer of the Selectboard’s decision.
Powling asked if she should draft the stop work letter for the Board to review, for documentation purposes. Tessier said that it was unclear he gave the information to the Selectboard and assumed it was a Board decision to send a letter. Sanborn will speak with the Town Attorney and follow up with Tessier.

Williamsville Hall
Steve Levine & Bahman Madhavi, Co-Director of Rock River Players, came to ask for the Selectboard’s permission to install a series of lighting to enhance the performances at the Hall.  Williamsville Hall Committee members are in strong support of these improvements.

Bahman Madhavi presented the plans and the contractor information that would be involved, and how the funds would cover the expense over the next two years. Gerald Stockman came up with the details that would be involved, he has provided the same assistance to the New England Theater and other well-known theaters including work on Broadway.

Doug Cleveland from Cleveland Electric will be able to start the electrical work the week of October 16^th.

Golob mentioned that it is a worthy investment to enrich our town’s life and help promote the use of the Hall and would recommend supporting these efforts.

Discussion ensued:
Golob made a motion to use $8,500 from the ARPA funds to help cover the cost of stage lighting and installation cost at the Williamsville Hall. Johnson-Aplin seconded.
Motion passed.

Fitzpatrick joined the meeting by phone at 6:55 p.m.

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
None

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
None

NEW BUSINESS
None

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Town Beautification suggestions (Chevalier)
   No update

2. FEMA buyout of South Newfane General Store (Golob)
   Golob received the Phase 1 remediation report/analysis. This was for analysis of the historical use of the property. Looking for evidence to see if Phase 2 would need to be conducted. Phase 2 would be for the removal of contaminated or hazardous materials and do any testing. Golob mentioned three concerns in the information that would warrant an additional work plan and that Windham Regional Commission (WRC) recommends using the same company that did the Phase 1 study to create a work plan or Phase 2.

• Large underground storage tank that has fuel in the tank that was used for the gas pumps from operations that ended in 1991.
• Two 55-gallon drums on the property that are rusted and in poor condition with unknown contents.
• Two inactive 275-gallon heating oil tanks in basement of the residential building

WRC has additional funds available to assist Newfane with the continued Brown Field efforts.
Golob made a motion to go forward with developing a work plan for defining Phase 2. Fitzpatrick seconded.
Motion passed. 

3. ARPA Funds Updates (Golob)

ARPA funds were mentioned during the Williamsville Hall discussion.

Golob mentioned that she had attended the recent Planning Commission meeting and was excited to see the continued efforts to find a housing solution. It was discussed that Newfane could use the example of other Towns and use ARPA funds to create a low-interest revolving loan to help homeowners sub-divide or to create additional rental space in existing homes. Board members Fitzpatrick and Johnson-Aplin agreed this would help and could see long-term benefits for Newfane.

4. Personal Policy Recommendations (Johnson-Aplin).
   No update

Fitzpatrick wanted to mention his site visit to look at the Manitou property and that he spoke with the Engineer, Michael Mayer, and neighbor Gordon Bristol. Fitzpatrick recommended that Mayer remove the installed culvert against the Act 250 plans and closely follow the Permit and Plans that were approved.
Johnson-Aplin said that by the Selectboard taking steps to stop the work, Newfane was protecting the Town’s best interest of its residents and neighbors.

The Selectboard meeting was suspended at 7:10 p.m. –

The Board of Liquor Control was called to order.

• Special Event License for the Heritage Festival- Putney Mountain Winery
  Fitzpatrick made a motion to approve the application for Putney Mountain Winery. Johnson-Aplin seconded.
  Motion passed.
  Adjourn:
  Johnson-Aplin made a motion to adjourn at 7:12 p.m.Selectboard resumed at 7:12 p.m.

CORRESPONDENCE:
None

Golob made a motion for Sanborn and Johnson-Aplin to approve pay orders. Fitzpatrick seconded.
Motion passed.

Golob and Fitzpatrick attended remotely and left the meeting at 7:15 p.m.

PAY ORDERS
Payroll # 11645             $ 6,152.91
Payroll # 11646             $ 5,658.10
AP # 24008                    $ 71,985.25

ADJOURN:
Johnson-Aplin made a motion to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,
Wannetta Powling, Administrative Assistant