Selectboard Minutes 8-3-2021

Selectboard Minutes 8-3-2021

TOWN OF RUTLAND SELECT BOARD OPEN MEETING

RUTLAND TOWN MUNICIPAL TOWN HALL

181 BUSINESS ROUTE 4, CENTER RUTLAND, VT  05736

AUGUST 3^rd, 2021

 This meeting had a virtual attendance option available for anyone to join.

• Meeting opened at 6:00 P.M. with the pledge of allegiance
• Board members present Mary Ashcroft, Sharon Russell, John Paul Faignant and Don Chioffi
• Members of the public present Jim Scholtz, Fred Nicholson, Lydia Flynn, Larry Dellveneri and Howard Burgess

Approval of Orders

The Board approved the orders.

Approval of Selectboard Minutes for two meetings on July 20^th and one on July 27^th:

• Ms. Russell moved to approve the minutes for the July 20^th board meeting. Mr. Chioffi seconded the motion. Mr. Chioffi asked for an addition to clarify the board was polled on forming a Conservation Commission and a majority was opposed to this. The addition was made, and the motion passed 4-0.
• Ms. Russell moved to approve the minutes for July 27^th meeting. Mr. Chioffi seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0. Mr. Faignant abstained.
• Ms. Russell moved to approve the minutes for ARPA meeting on July 20^th. Mr. Faignant seconded the motion.
• Mr. Chioffi asked for a clarification on the July 6^th meeting. Mr. Chioffi had called in by phone at the start of the meeting and had to leave early.

New Business Board to meet with Robert Clark from Otter Creek Engineering

1. Robert Clark and Craig Jewett from Otter Creek Engineering attended a recent Water and Sewer Committee meeting and brought to the attention of the committee several projects which could be funded in whole by state programs. Robert Clark was invited to come and speak to the full board about these opportunities.
2. Mr. Clark spoke about the opportunity to use state funding to complete some key projects in the town.
   1. Over the next 4 to 6 years the state is planning to invest in projects using funds from the ARPA stimulus bill.
   2. There are incentives for planning to create shovel ready projects.
   3. Additional funds are available to help with the new 3-acre parcel stormwater treatments rules. The town could help facilitate commercial property owners plan for their retrofits.
   4. The town can reach out to the affected property owners and facilitate a single application to the state with each owner participating.
   5. The funding is considered a 100% forgivable loan. There would be no risk or obligation to the town. All the terms would be disclosed before any agreement is signed.
   6. There are approximately 15 businesses in the town which we could help.
   7. The board has agreed to having Mr. Clark help with putting together information to help take the next steps with the parcels affected by the 3-acre rule.
   8. Mr. Clark said there are about 60 acres affected in town and they can provide a form letter we could use to send out to owners they have identified.
   9. Anyone who developed a property starting 3 years ago are already under the new rules.
   10. This new rule eliminates all grandfathered properties.
3. Discussed projects which could be funded by the ARPA funding source.
   1. The possible extension to the Post Road water line began the conversation and it expanded to a discussion about studying town wide water needs.
   2. After some discussion, the board was in favor of moving forward and asked Mr. Clark to put together more information.
4. Discussed the Post Road water line. Mr. Clark and Mr. Hathaway will work together to determine existing pressure and move forward from there.

Ms. Ashcroft reported on a recent announcement on ARPA funds. The funds originally slated to go to county governments will instead be allocated to local governments in Vermont. Based on projections, this could mean Rutland Town could see an additional $700,000 to $750,000.

Kari Clark Rutland Town Clerk/Treasurer:

1. The first round of ARPA funds are expected in the next few weeks.
2. Reported on the status of our quote for digitizing our land records. We have asked for a written quote. There may be a discount available to us if we use ARPA funds for this project.
   1. The board will come up with some questions they would like answered regarding this project.
3. Discussed the upcoming tax year.
   1. All the tax bills have been printed.
   2. They are being prepared to mail and will be sent out to all residents soon.
   3. Reminded residents this will be the only copy of the tax bill mailed out for the year.
   4. Information about homestead declaration as well as the individual tax rate is included on the bill.
   5. Reminders are not sent out by installment due to a large cost to create and mail individual reminders.
   6. Due dates have not changed. Reminders are posted in a variety of digital and print formats in an effort to have the awareness of these dates.
   7. Reminded residents that if they sold their property after April 1^st, the owner of record on April 1^st will get the tax bill.
4. Discussed the recent meeting where the tax rate was set. Ms. Ashcroft is pleased to remind everyone the municipal and education tax rates both decreased this year.

Barbara Noyes-Pulling Rutland Town Planning Commission Chair:

1. Work on the Wynnemere stormwater retrofit is ongoing. There are discussions on a variety of topics for this project which continue.
   1. They are looking into whether the existing permit needs to be updated or not.
   2. Also, they are looking at helping the town meet future storm water goals for flow requirements.
   3. Andres Torizzo from Watershed Consulting is planning a presentation to the board in the future.
2. Survey work on the Pocket Park is moving forward. A contract is still needed. It is expected to be ready for the next meeting.

Byron Hathaway Rutland Town Road Commissioner:

1. Presented a grant agreement for approval. This is for an additional better back roads grant application awarding us $4600. The town would need to match $1150. It would be for road inventory work.
   1. Ms. Russell moved to accept the grant and authorize the chair to sign on behalf of the board. Mr. Chioffi seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-0.
2. Provided a project commitment form for the Post Road sidewalk extension. We were awarded the grant. There would be a grant agreement to sign in the future.
   1. There is an issue with a date in the form. Mr. Hathaway contacted the rep from the state, but we have not hard back yet.
   2. This will be added to the next agenda to allow us to clarify various topics.
3. Paving of driveway aprons is complete and work on walkways at the school will begin next.
4. We are close to getting our permit for the shared use path.
5. The next round of roadside mowing will begin soon.

Chris Clark Rutland Town Fire Chief:

1. A truck went to the town school tapestry program recently to show the kids our truck and talk about fire safety.
2. Discussed the recent public safety building meeting. Mr. Chioffi said he considers Chief Clark and Chief Dumas the experts for knowing what they want and need in a new facility and would like to hear more form them at a future meeting.
   1. The next meeting is Monday August 9^th at 4PM at Town Hall.

Ed Dumas Rutland Town Police Chief:

1. Recent calls for service were provided.
   1. Officer Schermerhorn has been doing a great job on patrol. She will be a future meeting to meet the board.
2. Discussed on going issues at the Diamond Run Mall. Chief Dumas said the property owners need to conduct daily checks of the property, and it is apparent they are not.
   1. A lot of reported incidents are coming from people who are walking the property for recreation.
   2. The board will draft a letter to the property owners.
   3. Mr. Chioffi feels they should provide regular security for the building.
3. Chief Dumas asked for Stalker Radar to be added to our preferred vendor list. They have provided all our speed control devices for some time.
   1. Mr. Chioffi moved to approve Stalker Radar as a preferred vendor. Ms. Russell seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-0.
4. Discussed a recent burglary at the Harbor Freight building under construction. A press release was put out regarding the incident.

Mike Rowe Rutland Town Recreation Director:

1. Ms. Ashcroft thanked Mr. Rowe for replacing the damaged slate signs in the park.
2. Mr. Rowe thanked Mr. Hathaway and the lifeguards for their help with the senior luncheon.
3. The letter of intent to apply for state funds to expand a variety of things in Northwood Park will be sent into the state this Friday. If they accept our letter a grant application would be next.
   1. It includes an extensive list of additions to the park to include mountain biking trails, a pickle ball court and expanded walking trials.
4. The last day the pool will be open is August 29^th. The staff, made up of students, are returning to school.
5. The Humane Society would like to do a fund raiser at the park. They are planning for a Sunday in October. There will be a bike race, a 5k and more. Additional information will be coming.
6. Discussed the state of the pool. There is a leak somewhere. A vendor who could possibly detect a leak will be contacted to see if it can be found.

Bill Sweet Administrative Assistant to the Select Board:

1. Provided a draft form for a new water connection request. This came from the water and sewer committee. It has been updated based on input at the meeting.
   1. Mr. Chioffi moved to adopt the form. Ms. Russell seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-0.
2. A personnel committee as well as a transfer station committee meeting is needed to discuss several topics.
3. Provided a request to borrow tables and chairs.
   1. Faignant said the past practice has only been to allow the use by town residents in the town.
   2. Chioffi recalled a time when they were loaned, and it was an issue for the town.
   3. The board did not take any action on the request.
4. The calendar tool on the website is full of important town dates, including tax due dates, meeting information and more.
5. The new furniture was delivered. The counter tops in the Clerks office are being resurfaced and should be back soon.

John Paul Faignant Rutland Town Health Officer

1. The report for the Holiday Inn has been completed and was turned into the state’s attorney.

Reviewed the Selectboard Project List. Progress has been made on a variety of them. The water and sewer inventory is complete and can come off the list.

Mr. Faignant discussed an issue where an employee was supposed to receive a $1 per hour raise but it was never put in place. Kari and Bill are working on it but need to follow up to discuss some details.

Ms. Ashcroft asked for an executive session for a personnel matter with Bill Sweet attending. Ms. Russell moved to enter executive session. Mr. Chioffi seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-0. The board entered executive session at 7:35 PM.

The board came out of executive session with no action being taken at 7:39 PM.

The board reviewed an application for a 2^nd Class liquor license. It is for Global Partners LP, located at 151 Business Route 4 in Center Rutland. The police have no objection. Mr. Chioffi moved to approve. Ms. Russell seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-0.

Ms. Russell moved to adjourn. Mr. Chioffi seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:41 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Mr. Bill Sweet

Mary Ashcroft, Chair

ABSENT

Joseph Denardo, Clerk

John Paul Faignant

Sharon Russell

Don Chioffi

 

Center Rutland, VT.