Selectboard Budget Meeting Monday, October 30th, 2023

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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 15th. 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

 

 

Newfane Board of Liquor Control Agenda Monday November 6th, 2023

Please Note: Newfane will now require Zoom participants to remain muted. If they wish to be recognized, they will need to raise their hand, and the Chair will recognize them before being un-muted.

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  • CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  • CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED
  • REVIEW APPLICATION         
  1. Special Catering Event at the Williamsville Hall –Whetstone Station Restaurant & Brewery
  2. Special Catering Event at Rescue- The Black Pearl LLC
  • ADJOURN

Selectboard Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, November 6th, 2023

Please Note: Newfane will now require Zoom participants to remain muted. If they wish to be recognized, they must raise their hand, and the Chair will identify them before being un-muted.

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www.zoom.us/joinameeting               ID: 972 2791 1757                             Passcode: 352680

  • CALL MEETING TO ORDER

  • CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED

  • ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
      
  • APPROVAL OF MINUTES
    1. October 16th, 2023 Regular Minutes
    2. October 30th, 2023 Budget Minutes
    3. September 14th, 2023 Special Minutes
  • ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT
    1. Update on Emergency Watershed Program Grants
    2. Access Permit – 302 Newfane Hill Road /Tyler Russell
  •  ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT
  • COMMITTEE REPORT                                                                                                                                    Traffic Calming Committee
  • SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ( 3-5 Minutes) 6:40 P.M.
    1. Grace Cottage Hospital – Andrea Seaton
    2. NewBrook News – Jane Douglas
    3. Windham County Humane Society – Maya Richmond
    4. Green-Up Vermont – Kate Alberghini
    5. SEVCA- Executive Director, Ms. Kathleen Devlin
    6. Aids Project of S. Vermont Samba Diallo Executive Director
    7. VT Adult Learning- Matthew Bentley
  • UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

  • NEW BUSINESS
  • OLD BUSINESS / FOLLOW-UP ITEMS (10 Minutes per topic)
    1. Town Beautification suggestions (Chevalier)
    2. FEMA buyout of South Newfane General Store (Golob)
    3. ARPA Funds Updates (Golob)
    4. Personnel Policy changes/ recommendation (Johnson-Aplin/Chevalier)
  • CORRESPONDENCE
    Rock River Players – Thank you letter ARPA donation
    Grace Cottage Hospital- Thank you for the FY 2023 donations
  • PAY ORDERS
      1. Payroll # 11649                 $ 6,927.41
      2. Payroll # 11650                 $ 6,684.70
      3. AP # 24010                         $ 464,994.03
      4. AP # 24011                         N/A    at the time of posting
      5. Payroll # 11651                  N/A    at the time of posting
  • ADJOURN

 

The Board of Liquor Control will review applications during the Selectboard Regular Meeting 

PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING

TOWN OF NEWFANE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES of September 28, 2023

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Kate Gehring, Nolan Edgar, Jane Douglas, James Bressor

OTHERS PRESENT: Sue Westa (Windham Regional Commission), Mike McConnell (Windham Regional Commission), David Cotton (Newfane Development Review Board), Merle Tessier (Newfane Zoning Administrator), Ann Golob (Newfane Selectboard), Keith Nowak

CALL TO ORDER
Kate called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
A motion was made by James and seconded by Jane to move Old Business item D to the front of the agenda. The motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.

MINUTES
None.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None.

OLD BUSINESS
Development Review Board (DRB) update:
None.

Broadband update, Deerfield Valley Communications District:
None.

Report back from Town Meetings and/or Selectboard meetings:
Kate and Jane reported on their attendance at the last Newfane Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard voted to adopt the Floodplain Bylaw revision.

Bylaw Modernization Grant:
Sue Westa gave a presentation about the Bylaw Modernization project. Commissioners discussed the presentation with Sue. David Cotton, Ann Golob, and Merle Tessier joined the discussion of the presentation. Commissioners agreed on December 2, 2023, and December 14, 2023, as possible next meeting dates, including a walking tour. Commissioners will finalize meeting dates at the next meeting.

Floodplain & River Corridor Zoning bylaw revision proposal:
As reported in item C, the Selectboard voted to pass the bylaw revision at their meeting on October 2, 2023.

Short-term Rentals:
Commissioners agreed to revisit the goal of defining short-term rentals in the zoning bylaw. Jane will look for the Commission’s previous work on this.

NEW BUSINESS
Newfane/Townshend/Brookline Joint Planning Commission Brainstorm – update:
Brookline is interested in participating. Kate agrees to reach out again to coordinate with the other town Commissions.

Agenda setting for next meeting:
Commissioners discussed items to be put on the October 12, 2023, Planning Commission meeting agenda.

Planning Commission vacancy:
Kate announced the Planning Commission seat vacancy. Commissioners will reach out to potentially interested individuals.

CORRESPONDENCE
Email received from the Vermont Council on Rural Development. Letter received from Marlboro Planning Commission regarding a bylaw change in their town.

ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Jane and seconded by James to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.

Respectfully Submitted,
Nolan Edgar

Planning Commission Regular Minutes

TOWN OF NEWFANE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
of September 28, 2023

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Kate Gehring, Nolan Edgar, Jane Douglas, James Bressor

OTHERS PRESENT: Sue Westa (Windham Regional Commission), Mike McConnell (Windham Regional Commission), David Cotton (Newfane Development Review Board), Merle Tessier (Newfane Zoning Administrator), Ann Golob (Newfane Selectboard), Keith Nowak

CALL TO ORDER
Kate called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
A motion was made by James and seconded by Jane to move Old Business item D to the front of the agenda. The motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.

MINUTES
None.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None.

OLD BUSINESS
Development Review Board (DRB) update:
None.

Broadband update, Deerfield Valley Communications District:
None.

Report back from Town Meetings and/or Selectboard meetings:
Kate and Jane reported on their attendance at the last Newfane Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard voted to adopt the Floodplain Bylaw revision.

Bylaw Modernization Grant:
Sue Westa gave a presentation about the Bylaw Modernization project. Commissioners discussed the presentation with Sue. David Cotton, Ann Golob, and Merle Tessier joined the discussion of the presentation. Commissioners agreed on December 2, 2023, and December 14, 2023, as possible next meeting dates, including a walking tour. Commissioners will finalize meeting dates at the next meeting.

Floodplain & River Corridor Zoning bylaw revision proposal:
As reported in item C, the Selectboard voted to pass the bylaw revision at their meeting on October 2, 2023.

Short-term Rentals:
Commissioners agreed to revisit the goal of defining short-term rentals in the zoning bylaw. Jane will look for the Commission’s previous work on this.

NEW BUSINESS
Newfane/Townshend/Brookline Joint Planning Commission Brainstorm – update:
Brookline is interested in participating. Kate agrees to reach out again to coordinate with the other town Commissions.
Agenda setting for next meeting:
Commissioners discussed items to be put on the October 12, 2023, Planning Commission meeting agenda.

Planning Commission vacancy:
Kate announced the Planning Commission seat vacancy. Commissioners will reach out to potentially interested individuals.

CORRESPONDENCE
Email received from the Vermont Council on Rural Development. Letter received from Marlboro Planning Commission regarding a bylaw change in their town.

ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Jane and seconded by James to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.

Respectfully Submitted,
Nolan Edgar

Traffic Calming Committee Minutes

Newfane Traffic Calming Committee
To make our roads safer throughout town for everyone.
Meeting Minutes—Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Present: Katy Johnson-Aplin, Joan Weir, Lance Lindgren, Sue Berg, Breeze Verdant, Wannetta Powling, Henriette Mantel, Jeff Chevalier (by zoom).

The meeting at the Newfane town office began at 6:02 p.m.
The meeting minutes (Sept. 20, 2023) were reviewed and accepted for approval.

Williamsville welcome sign update—Katy informed the Committee that the Selectboard has approved the cost of two welcome signs. Signs will be made and installed by winter.

Local speed enforcement in a small, rural town—Sue shared a memo from Kelly Knotek of VT League of Cities and Towns. For a rural town, it is a heavy lift both cost-wise and liability-wise to create a police department. Contracting with the sheriff is easiest, and less risky, but can be a costly path. There was a discussion regarding sharing the cost of speed enforcement with neighboring towns. There is general agreement that the Committee would like to see upwards of 20 hours per week of speed enforcement in Newfane. The Committee will draft a letter to the Selectboard with our concerns and suggested next steps.

Beautification efforts—Jeff provided an update on the 6 benches that will be located around town. A press release will be sent out seeking proposals for bench design. Benches will be built and installed in the Spring of 2024.

Road Signs—We discussed the Hiker/Cyclist/Horse signs and decided to add more roads and to order up to 20 of these signs. The signs would be placed on gravel roads, in tandem with the speed limit sign. Henriette will work with Jay to finalize costs and the road list.

 Budget Season presentation to Selectboard—Katy wants Committee members to bring forth a proposal for the Selectboard’s review, once we finalize what we think needs to be in the proposal (new signs, increased speeding enforcement, beautification efforts, etc.).

Next steps—These items include:

1)Draft a letter to the Selectboard re: speed enforcement suggestions (Breeze).
2)Finalize the needed road signs list, including the covered bridge height alert sign (Henriette).
3)Draft a traffic ordinance proposal to incorporate sign location changes (Katy).

No future meetings were scheduled.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Joan Weir

Selectboard Budget Agenda Monday October 30th @ 6:00 PM

Please Note: Newfane will now require Zoom participants to remain muted. If they wish to be recognized, they must raise their hand, and the Chair will identify them before being un-muted.

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  • CALL TO ORDER
  • ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
  • CONFIRM MEETING PROPERLY WARNED
  • MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
  • OLD BUSINESS
    Vote to accept- FEMA conditions for buyout of S. Newfane General Store
  •  NEW BUSINESS:
    Town Report Design
    Dedication
    Revenue
    Capital Budget
    Expenditures
    Articles
    Warnings
    Social Appropriations Donations
  • OLD BUSINESS:
  • ADJOURN

 

The first in a series of meetings to consider the 2025 fiscal budget

 

Selectboard Regular Meeting Monday, October 16th, 2023 (DRAFT)

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

Tabled until November 6th meeting.

  1. 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.

  1. 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 8th, 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 30th.
  3. The Traffic Calming Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 18th at 6 p.m.
  4. Williamsville Hall Community breakfast is Thursday, October 19th, 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.
  1. Personal Policy Recommendations (Johnson-Aplin).
    VLCT sent a reply late this afternoon. Update at next meeting.

 

  1. 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

 

 

Planning Commission Regular Agenda October 26, 2023

Planning Commission Regular Agenda October 26, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm Location: Newfane Town Office & Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 881 9287 6785   Passcode: 461524
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 AGENDA

  1. Call To Order
  2. Additions to the Agenda
  3. Review and Approve Minutes
  4. Old Business
    • Development Review Board (DRB) update
    • Broadband update, Deerfield Valley Communication District
    • Report back from Town Meetings and/or Selectboard meetings
    • Bylaw Modernization Grant – Update
    • Short-term rentals – Discussion
  1. New Business
    • Newfane/Townshend/Brookline Joint Planning Commission Brainstorm – Update
    • Agenda setting for the next meeting
    • Planning Commission vacancies (1 vacant seat)
  2. Correspondence
  3. Adjournment

 

October 16th, 2023, 6:00 Selectboard Regular Agenda

Please Note: Newfane will now require Zoom participants to remain muted. If they wish to be recognized, they must raise their hand, and the Chair will identify them before being un-muted.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97227911757#success
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www.zoom.us/joinameeting            ID: 972 2791 1757                              Passcode: 352680

  • CALL MEETING TO ORDER 
  •  CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED 
  • ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA 
  • APPROVAL OF MINUTES
      1. September 5th, 2023 Special Meeting
      2. September 5th, 2023 BLC Meeting
      3. September 14th, 2023 Special Meeting
      4. October 2nd, 2023 BLC Meeting
      5. October 2nd, 2023 Regular Meeting
  • ROAD FOREMAN’S & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT
    Update on Emergency Watershed Program Grants
  • ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT 
  • COMMITTEE REPORT                                                                                                                                    Traffic Calming Committee
  • SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC – (3-5 Minutes per appointment)                                     SeVEDS-BDCC-Alex Beck – Sara McConnell
  • UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC 
  • NEW BUSINESS 
  • OLD BUSINESS / FOLLOW-UP ITEMS (10 Minutes per topic)
    1. Town Beautification Suggestions (Chevalier)
    2.  FEMA buyout of South Newfane General Store (Golob)
    3. ARPA Funds Updates (Golob)
    4. Personnel Policy changes/ recommendation (Johnson-Aplin/Chevalier)
  • CORRESPONDENCE

  • PAY ORDERS
      1. Payroll        # 11647               $   5,826.27
      2. Payroll       # 11648                 not available
      3. AP              # 24009                 not available
  • ADJOURN

Planning Commission Regular Minutes of August 10, 2023

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Kate Gehring, Jane Douglas, James Bressor

OTHERS PRESENT:

CALL TO ORDER
Kate called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
None.

MINUTES
A motion was made by Jane and seconded by Kate to approve the July 13, 2023, Planning Commission regular meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed by voice vote, with James abstaining.

A motion was made by James and seconded by Jane to approve the July 27, 2023, Planning Commission regular meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None.

OLD BUSINESS

Development Review Board (DRB) update:
None.

Broadband update, Deerfield Valley Communications District:
Jane gave an update on recent work with the Deerfield Valley Communications Union District. Progress is continuing in Readsboro.

Report back from Town Meetings and/or Selectboard meetings:
None.

Bylaw Modernization Grant:
No update.

Floodplain & River Corridor Zoning bylaw revision proposal:
The Selectboard will be holding a public hearing for the Floodplain and River Corridor Zoning Bylaw proposed changes on Monday, August 21, 2023, at 6:00 PM.

Short-term Rentals:
Jane reported on the short-term rental meeting in Wilmington. It was a presentation by the Bi-town Housing Rental Sub-committee to the Selectboards of Wilmington and Dover. They pointed out that both towns already have the 1% local sales tax option, which means they get money for every STR in their towns through AirBnB and VBRO, and have AirDNA to tell them how many STR there are in town. Now, they are looking at what kind of regulations they need to handle problems with STR. Commissioners will discuss more at their next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Newfane/Townshend/Brookline Joint Planning Commission Brainstorm – update:
No update.

Agenda setting for next meeting:
Commissioners agreed not to hold a regular meeting on August 24, 2023. Jane will check with Wannetta Powling about using the Town’s Zoom account to host Planning Commission meetings.

Planning Commission vacancy:
Kate announced the Planning Commission seat vacancy.

CORRESPONDENCE
None.

ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Jane and seconded by James to adjourn the meeting at 7:06 p.m.
The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Respectfully Submitted,
Nolan Edgar

Planning Commission Regular Minutes, October 12, 2023

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Kate Gehring, Nolan Edgar, Jane Douglas, James Bressor

OTHERS PRESENT: Sue Westa (Windham Regional Commission), Mike McConnell (Windham Regional Commission), David Cotton (Newfane Development Review Board), Merle Tessier (Newfane Zoning Administrator), Ann Golob (Newfane Selectboard)

CALL TO ORDER
Kate called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
A motion was made by James and seconded by Jane to move Old Business item D to the front of the agenda. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

MINUTES
None.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None.

OLD BUSINESS
Development Review Board (DRB) update:
None.

Broadband update, Deerfield Valley Communications District:
None.

Report back from Town Meetings and/or Selectboard meetings:
Kate and Jane reported on their attendance at the last Newfane Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard voted to adopt the Floodplain Bylaw revision.

Bylaw Modernization Grant:
Sue Westa gave a presentation about the Bylaw Modernization project. Commissioners discussed the presentation with Sue. David Cotton, Ann Golob, and Merle Tessier joined the discussion of the presentation. Commissioners agreed on December 2, 2023, and December 14, 2023, as possible next meeting dates, including a walking tour. Commissioners will finalize meeting dates at next meeting.

Floodplain & River Corridor Zoning bylaw revision proposal:
As reported in item C, the Selectboard voted to pass the bylaw revision at their meeting on October 2, 2023.

Short-term Rentals:
Commissioners agreed to revisit the goal of defining short-term rentals in the zoning bylaw. Jane will look for the Commission’s previous work on this.

NEW BUSINESS

Newfane/Townshend/Brookline Joint Planning Commission Brainstorm – update:
Brookline is interested in participating. Kate agrees to reach out again to coordinate with the other town Commissions.

Agenda setting for next meeting:
Commissioners discussed items to be put on the October 12, 2023, Planning Commission meeting agenda.

Planning Commission vacancy:
Kate announced the Planning Commission seat vacancy. Commissioners will reach out to potentially interested individuals.

CORRESPONDENCE
Email received from the Vermont Council on Rural Development—letter received from Marlboro Planning Commission regarding a bylaw change in their town. 

ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Jane and seconded by James to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Respectfully Submitted,
Nolan Edgar

Planning Commission Regular Agenda October 12, 2023

Time: 6:00 pm Location: Newfane Town Office & Zoom
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AGENDA

  1. Call To Order 
  2. Additions to the Agenda 
  3. Review and Approve Minutes 
  4. Old Business
    • Development Review Board (DRB) update
    • Broadband update, Deerfield Valley Communication District
    • Report back from Town Meetings and/or Selectboard meetings
    • Bylaw Modernization Grant – Update
    • Short-term rentals – Discussion on Definition

5. New Business

    • Newfane/Townshend/Brookline Joint Planning Commission Brainstorm – Update
    • Agenda setting for next meeting.
    • Planning Commission vacancies (1 vacant seat)
  1. Correspondence 
  2. Adjournment

 

Draft of Regular Meeting Monday, October 2nd, 2023

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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 5th, 2023, Special Meeting.
    Approval of minutes was tabled until the October 16 meeting.
  2. September 5th, 2023, BLC Meeting.
    Approval of minutes was tabled until the October 16 meeting.
  3. September 14th, 2023, Special Meeting
    Approval of minutes was tabled until the October 16 meeting.

September 18th, 2023, Regular Meeting
Johnson-Aplin made a motion to accept the September 18th 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 16th 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 6th, 7th, and 8th.
  5. The Heritage Festival is on the common this coming weekend, October 7th & 8th, 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 7th.

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 16th.

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
  1. 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. 

  1. 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.

  1. 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