Traffic safety and recommendations for improvements to the Representative Town Meeting will be discussed at the next regular meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard. New bike lanes, LED stop signs, and a request for a crosswalk are all in the mix for Tuesday.
The board will continue to provide free operating space for some local businesses who’d like to have larger establishments, and they’ll approve a correction to a very old piece of Town information.
You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.
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The Brattleboro Selectboard will meet on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 6:15pm in the Second Floor Meeting Room at the Central Fire Station (103 Elliot Street). Everyone will be required to wear a face covering and maintain social distance. The public is encouraged to participate in the meeting over Zoom. The attached agenda contains information on how to access the meeting remotely, including the required “passcode.” ASL interpreters will be available for deaf and hard-of-hearing community members.
Jessica Sticklor (she/her)
Executive Assistant
Town of Brattleboro
230 Main Street, Suite 208
Brattleboro, VT 05301
(802) 251 – 8115
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BRATTLEBORO SELECTBOARD
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021
SELECTBOARD MEETING ROOM + ZOOM
REGULAR MEETING – 6:15PM
The physical location for this meeting will be the Second Floor Meeting Room at the Central Fire Station, 103 Elliot Street, where everyone will be required to wear a face covering and maintain social distance.
The public is encouraged to attend and participate in this meeting using Zoom.
If you join the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone, please use this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86067892659
The “Meeting ID” for this meeting is:
860 6789 2659
Passcode: 12261753
You also can call in using your telephone
by dialing any of these toll-free numbers in the United States:
833-548-0282
877-853-5247
888-788-0099
833-548-0276
or you can access a list of non-toll-free numbers
for locations around the world using this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k2Hdbk6mA
The meeting also will be carried live on BCTV:
On Cable TV: Channel 1085 or Channel 10
Streaming Online: https://www.brattleborotv.org/channel-10-stream
Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/brattleborotv
AGENDA
1. CONVENE REGULAR MEETING
2. APPROVE MINUTES –November 23 and November 30
3. CHAIR’S REMARKS
4. MANAGER’S COMMENTS
5. SELECTBOARD COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
7. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Rule Requiring Face Coverings in Indoor Public Spaces – Continue in Full Effect
B. FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant for Brush Fire Gear – Authorize Application
C. ARPA Grant from Vermont Department of Libraries to Brooks Memorial Library – Accept and Appropriate
D. Green Up Vermont Grant for Water Bottle Filling Station at Brooks Memorial Library – Authorize Application
8. LIQUOR COMMISSIONERS
A. Hermit Thrush Brewery – Outside Consumption Permit
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Civil War Monument – Proposed Corrective and Interpretive Plaque
B. RTM Steering Committee Recommendations and Requests
C. Housing Action Plan – Update in Preparation for Final Report and Recommendations
D. Route 9 Bike Lane Scoping Study – Public Hearing and Possible Approval of Preferred Alternative
E. Proposed Safety Improvements at Intersection of South Main Street and Canal Street
F. Proposed Letter to VTrans – Request for a Crosswalk with an RRFB Between Retreat Farm and the Retreat Meadows
G. Committee Appointments
10. CORRESPONDENCE/FYI
A. Warrants
11. MEETINGS
See Town Calendar
12. ADJOURNMENT
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MEMORANDUM
To: Selectboard
From: Peter B. Elwell, Town Manager
Re: Administrative Report
Date: December 3, 2021
————–
The following will summarize the proposed motions for the Selectboard meeting on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, beginning at 6:15pm. This meeting will be held in the Second Floor Meeting Room at the Central Fire Station at 103 Elliot Street and on Zoom. The public is strongly encouraged to attend and participate on Zoom. People who choose to attend the meeting in-person will be required to wear a face covering and adhere to social distancing.
Join the meeting from a computer, tablet, or smartphone, using this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86067892659
The “Meeting ID” for this meeting is:
860 6789 2659
Passcode: 12261753
You also can call in using your telephone
by dialing any of these toll-free numbers in the United States:
833-548-0282
877-853-5247
888-788-0099
833-548-0276
or you can access a list of non-toll-free numbers
for locations around the world using this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k2Hdbk6mA
The meeting will be carried live on BCTV:
On Cable TV: Channel 1085 or Channel 10
Streaming Online: https://www.brattleborotv.org/channel-10-stream
Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/brattleborotv/
7. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Rule Requiring Face Coverings in Indoor Public Spaces – Continue in Full Effect
B. FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant for Brush Fire Gear – Authorize Application
C. ARPA Grant from Vermont Department of Libraries to Brooks Memorial Library – Accept and Appropriate
D. Green Up Vermont Grant for Water Bottle Filling Station at Brooks Memorial Library – Authorize Application
In a memorandum dated November 30, 2021, Town Manager Peter Elwell notes that the Selectboard will consider extending its November 23, 2021, resolution requiring face coverings in public indoor spaces at every regular Selectboard meeting until further notice. Selectboard approval of this item on the Consent Agenda will cause the face covering rule to remain in full effect until at least the next regular meeting of the Selectboard on December 21, 2021.
In a memorandum dated November 18, 2021, Fire Chief Leonard Howard requests permission to apply for a $55,000 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant to replace outdated Brush Fire Gear. This grant will require a 5% match ($2,750) from the Town, which can be paid from the Fire Department’s budget. Selectboard approval of this item on the Consent Agenda will authorize Town staff to proceed with application for this grant.
In a memorandum dated November 17, 2021, Town accountant Kim Ellison requests approval to accept and appropriate a $17,733.64 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant from the Vermont Department of Libraries. These funds will be used to purchase furniture that can be thoroughly cleaned and easily disinfected and a portable sound system that can be used for outdoor programing. These purchases will directly advance four of the seven service priorities in Brooks Memorial Library’s current strategic plan. Selectboard approval of this item on the Consent Agenda will accept and appropriate this grant.
In a memorandum dated November 24, 2021, Library Director Starr LaTronica requests permission to apply for a Water Bottle Refill Station grant administered by Green Up Vermont to receive a water bottle filling station and up to $1000 for the cost of installation. Trustee project funding is available to cover any installation costs that exceed the $1000 from the grant. Selectboard approval of this item on the Consent Agenda will authorize Town staff to proceed with application for this grant.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS PRESENTED.
8. LIQUOR COMMISSIONERS
A. Hermit Thrush Brewery – Outside Consumption Permit
In a memorandum dated November 16, 2021, Town Clerk Hilary Francis states that Hermit Thrush Brewery, located at 29 High Street, seeks to revise their current Outside Consumption Permit that was approved administratively during COVID. They are seeking to expand their capacity by increasing the size of their current parklet. The application has been reviewed and approved by the Brattleboro Police and Fire Departments. Chris Gagne of Hermt Thrush Brewery is expected to be present at the meeting to answer questions, as needed.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO APPROVE AN OUTSIDE CONSUMPTION PERMIT FOR HERMIT THRUSH BREWERY AT 29 HIGH STREET.
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Civil War Monument – Proposed Corrective and Interpretive Plaque
In a memorandum dated December 1, 2021, Town Manager Elwell discusses the recommendation by the Civil War Monument Committee and Town staff to install a corrective and interpretive plaque alongside the existing Civil War Monument on the Brattleboro Common. This project began when three Brattleboro Area Middle School students (Avery Bennett, Priya Kitzmiller and Annelle Thiers) and their teacher (Joe Rivers) brought forward the results of research that they and other students completed regarding the Civil War Monument. The December 1 memorandum describes the substance of that research, the process by which a committee reviewed the research and considered alternative ways to correct inaccuracies and inform the public, and the actual recommendation to move forward with a corrective and interpretive plaque at the site. The proposed wording of the new plaque is attached to the memorandum and included in the Selectboard’s backup materials. Recreation and Parks Director Carol Lolatte obtained an estimate from Abbiati Monuments of just under $9,500 for fabrication and installation of a bronze plaque on a granite base adjacent to the existing monument. Staff proposes an authorization not to exceed $10,000 to allow sufficient funding for incidental expenses related to preparation of the site for the installation and other site work around the monument prior to the dedication of the new plaque in June of 2022.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED WORDING FOR A CORRECTIVE AND INTERPRETIVE PLAQUE AT THE TOWN’S CIVIL WAR MONUMENT AND TO AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF UP TO $10,000 FOR THE CREATION AND INSTALLATION OF THE NEW PLAQUE.
B. RTM Steering Committee Recommendations and Requests
In a memorandum dated November 30, 2021, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Steering Committee makes requests and recommendations in preparation for the 2022 RTM. These recommendations include voting at the 2022 RTM for RTM Steering Committee Members, providing quality childcare at the 2022 and 2023 RTMs, and providing lunch at the 2022 and 2023 RTMs. The memorandum also states the RTM Steering committee’s recommendation that the Selectboard appoint a charter revision commission in 2022.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO BE DETERMINED.
C. Housing Action Plan – Update in Preparation for Final Report and Recommendations In a memorandum dated November 29, 2021, Planning Director Sue Fillion describes the Housing Action Plan and provides information about the public process to date. Attached to that memorandum are the Interim Committee Update Report, the draft Housing Data Report, and the Community Housing Survey results. Rachel Selsky and Dan Stevens from Camoin Associates will present their findings from the study and an outline of the strategies. The report will be completed by the end of December.
NO ACTION IS REQUIRED ON THIS ITEM.
D. Route 9 Bike Lane Scoping Study – Public Hearing and Possible Approval of Preferred Alternative
In a memorandum dated November 24, 2021, Planning Director Sue Fillion requests that the Board accept the Final Report of the Route 9 Bicycle Scoping Study that was completed by the Dufresne Group. This project was funded by a 2019 VTrans Bicycle and Pedestrian Grant to study adding bike lanes on Route 9 between Main Street and
Exit 2 of I-91. This report has been reviewed by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) and the Brattleboro Traffic Safety Committee. The Traffic Safety Committee joins Town staff in recommending that the Selectboard endorse the preferred alternative. Included in the Selectboard’s backup materials is the completed Scoping Study Report. Christina Haskins, Vice-President and Project Manager from the Dufresne Group, will be in the meeting to present this project and answer questions.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO APPROVE THE FINAL SCOPING REPORT AND ENDORSE THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE.
E. Proposed Safety Improvements at Intersection of South Main Street and Canal Street In a memorandum dated November 24, 2021, Planning Director Sue Fillion discusses several potential safety improvements to be made at the intersection of South Main Steet and Canal Street. The potential improvements include installation of an edge-lit LED STOP sign on the southwest corner of the intersection (the Abbot Block Corner), including a sign underneath the STOP sign indicating that oncoming traffic does not stop; installation of an edge-lit LED Crosswalk sign at the existing pedestrian crossing sign heading south on Canal Street at the crosswalk; and replacement of the white pedestrian yield sign located in advance of the crosswalk when traveling south on Canal Street with a fluorescent yellow pedestrian yield sign.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO APPROVE THE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT THE INTERSECTION OF CANAL STREET AND SOUTH MAIN STREET, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE AND TOWN STAFF.
F. Proposed Letter to VTrans – Request for a Crosswalk with an RRFB Between Retreat Farm + the Retreat Meadows
In a memorandum dated December 1, 2021, Town Manager Elwell discusses a pedestrian safety hazard in the vicinity of Retreat Farm and the Retreat Meadows in a section of Route 30 that is controlled and maintained by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans). The Traffic Safety Committee and Town staff recommend
that the Selectboard authorize the Town Manager to send a letter to VTrans requesting a crosswalk across Route 30 from Retreat Farm to the Retreat Meadows and a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) to help pedestrians safely use the new crosswalk.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO SEND A LETTER TO VTRANS REQUESTING A CROSSWALK WITH A RECTANGULAR RAPID FLASHING BEACON (RRFB) BE INSTALLED ACROSS ROUTE 30 FROM RETREAT FARM TO THE RETREAT MEADOWS.
G. Committee Appointments
The Board is asked to appoint Richard Sullivan and Arthur Davis to the Energy Committee, each for a three-year term, and to appoint Sarah Lang to the Planning Commission for a four-year term.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO APPOINT RICHARD SULLIVAN AND ARTHUR DAVIS TO THE ENERGY COMMITTEE, EACH FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM, AND TO APPOINT SARAH LANG TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM.
