The next August meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard will bring discussions of public restrooms, an EMS update, a request to have the Animal Control Officer work 40 hours a week, and more. You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.
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The Brattleboro Selectboard will meet on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Brattleboro Municipal Center at 230 Main Street. The public may also 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/hers)
Executive Assistant
Town of Brattleboro
230 Main Street, Suite 208
Brattleboro, VT 05301
(802) 251 – 8115
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BRATTLEBORO SELECTBOARD
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2022
SELECTBOARD MEETING ROOM + ZOOM
REGULAR MEETING – 6:15PM
The physical location for this meeting will be the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Municipal Center at 230 Main Street.
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 – August 2, 2022
3. CHAIR’S REMARKS
4. MANAGER’S COMMENTS
5. SELECTBOARD COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
7. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Grant in Aid for DPW – Accept $51,000 Grant
B. Board of Listers Vacancy – Appoint Member
8. LIQUOR COMMISSIONERS
A. The Brattleboro – First Class Liquor License and Outside Consumption Permit
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Temporary/Permanent Public Restrooms – Discussion
B. Financial Report
C. EMS Update – Discussion
D. Animal Control Officer – Reinstate 40 Hour – Authorize
E. MOU with NEPBA to Correct Starting Wage and On Call Compensation – Approve
F. MOU with USW to Address Scheduled Night Work – Approve
G. Committee Appointments
10. CORRESPONDENCE/FYI
A. Warrants and Department Reports
11. MEETINGS
See Town Calendar
12. ADJOURNMENT
..
MEMORANDUM
To: Selectboard
From: Patrick Moreland, Interim Town Manager
Re: Administrative Report
Date: August 12, 2022
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The following will summarize the proposed motions for the Selectboard meeting on Tuesday,
August 16, 2022. The Board will convene the business meeting at 6:15pm in the Selectboard
Meeting Room and on Zoom.
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. Grant in Aid for DPW – Accept
B. Board of Listers Vacancy – Appoint Member
In a memorandum dated August 9, 2022, Public Works Director Dan Tyler requests the Board’s approval to accept and appropriate the 2023 Grant-In-Aid grant offered to the Town
by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans). This grant provides funding for municipalities to implement best management practices in compliance with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Municipal Roads General Permit. The amount offered through the program is $51,000. They request a match/in-kind of $12, 750.
In a memorandum dated August 8, 2022 Town Assessor Jenepher Burnell explains that there were no candidates on the ballot for Lister during the 2022 Representative Town
Meeting and so the position remained vacant. In this situation, the Selectboard may appoint a Lister until the next RTM. The Assessor’s Office requests that the Selectboard appoint
Danielle Lee Elizabeth LeClaire as Lister to finish out the year until the 2023 RTM.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS PRESENTED.
8. LIQUOR COMMISSIONERS
A. The Brattleboro – First Class Liquor License and Outside Consumption Permit The Brattleboro, located at 770 South Street are hoping to open in mid-September. They will be serving alcohol to their guests but not the public. They are seeking a first class liquor license as well as an outside consumption permit. Town staff have reviewed the application
and approves going forward.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO APPROVE A FIRST CLASS LIQUOR LICENSE AND OUTSIDE CONSUMPTION PERMIT FOR THE BRATTLEBORO LOCATED AT 770 SOUTH STREET.
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Temporary/Permanent Public Restrooms
In a memorandum dated August 4, 2022 Interim Town Manager, Patrick Moreland discusses the history behind the installation of Porta Potts in Town in response to an escalating public health matter. He discusses the various limitations to the Porta Potts, such as cleanliness and the potential for illicit activities inside them. Moreland also outlines some options involving more permanent structures the Town might consider.
NO ACTION IS REQUIRED ON THIS ITEM.
B. Financial Report
The Monthly Financial Report through July is included in the Selectboard’s backup materials for this meeting, along with a summary memorandum dated August 9, 2022, from Finance Director Kimberly Frost.
POSSIBLE MOTION: TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL REPORT AS PRESENTED.
C. EMS Update – Discussion
In a memorandum dated August 9, 2022, Assistant Fire Chief Charles Keir provides an update on the state of our EMS services. Keir discusses data related to the number and types of calls that have gone out, staff morale, oversight and the status of staff trainings.
NO ACTION IS REQUIRED ON THIS ITEM.
D. MOU with NEPBA to Correct Starting Wage and On Call Compensation – Approve In a memorandum dated August 3, 2022 HR Director Sally Nix discusses the MOU between the New England Police Benevolent Association and the Town which addresses changes in wages and on-call pay.
POSSIBLE MOTION: TO APPROVE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE TOWN OF BRATTLEBORO AND THE NEW ENGLAND POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION #412 FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2022 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2023.
E. MOU with USW to Address Scheduled Night Work – Approve
In a memorandum dated July 26, 2022 HR Director Sally Nix discusses the MOU between the United Service Works International Union Local #944 and the Town of Brattleboro regarding night work.
POSSIBLE MOTION: TO APPROVE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE TOWN OF BRATTLEBORO AND THE UNITED SERVICE WORKERS INTERNATIONAL UNION LOCAL #944 FOR THE PERIOD OF AUGUST 1, 2022 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2023.
F. Animal Control Officer – Reinstate 40 Hour – Authorize
In a memorandum dated July 12, 2022 Police Chief Norma Hardy requests that the Animal Control Officer position be reinstated to 40 hours a week. She discusses the services the Animal Control Officer supplies, the changing needs of our community regarding this position and future plans for this position.
POSSIBLE MOTION: TO REINSTATE THE ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER POSITION TO 40 HOURS A WEEK.
G. Committee Appointments – Planning Commission
The Board is asked to appoint Lindsey “Lina” Menard to the Planning Commission. There is one open seat and Ms. Menard is the only applicant. Planning Director Sue Fillion has provided a memo requestioning that she be appointed to this committee.
POSSIBLE MOTION: TO APPOINT LINDSEY MENARD TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
Questions have been sent
… to the selectboard by Robert Oeser:
“Since the following list of questions grew as a result of crowdsourcing, I thought it might be fair and more efficient to provide an advance written copy to use as a reference during the discussion at Tuesday’s meeting:
How much of the amount ($72,216.40) stated as invoiced in the report was collected?
Those who listen to scanners noted that on August 2, all ambulances were out and a request was made for mutual aid from Springfield but then turned back. Can you give circumstances?
At the July 19 meeting, one of the Selectboard members “asked if the BFD could generate a call-by-call log like the Police do for their Department Reports.” When will this be provided?
A June 23 letter from the Town noted that “Brattleboro has already secured commitments for EMS Mutual Aid with … Deerfield Valley Ambulance. (inter alia). Was Deerfield Valley, in fact, not part of this commitment? Are there written mutual aid agreements for all the agencies mentioned in the letter?
What is the current protocol and time needed for sterilization of ambulances between trips? With the possibility of increasing Monkey Pox infections and a possible resurgence of COVID, if VTDoH recommends complete sterilization of ambulances after certain runs, how would you do this and how long will an ambulance be out of service when undergoing sterilization?
It has been noted anecdotally that since July BFD overtime has increased. For comparison, how much OT was there prior to the new BFD-EMS delivery system and afterwards?
Is it the case that every time there are more than two calls going, off duty fire personnel are called in for assignment? Has there been an increase in call out pay since the new BFD-EMS delivery system began?
How many fire personnel were budgeted for in FY23? How many fire personnel are currently on staff? How many BFD staff separations have there been in the past year? What has been learned about the reasons for leaving from exit interviews?
What is the status of the AP Triton study?
Perhaps a question to keep in mind for the future as budgets are developed: Can all expenses (salaries, associated OT, etc. and benefits, supplies, medications, equipment, etc.) associated with the new EMS service be coded in such a way as to be able to compare the new costs with the costs of the previous EMS service delivery model?”
Answers from the Fire Chief
How much of the amount ($109,452.80) stated as invoiced in the report was collected? $28,530.80
Those who listen to scanners noted that on August 2, all ambulances were out and a request was made for mutual aid from Springfield but then turned back. Can you give circumstances? On August 2 we had 28 emergency responses, 21 of these calls were medical emergencies in Brattleboro. We were on two occasions called to the Town of Hinsdale for mutual aid. Town of Brattleboro did not request any mutual aid coverage.
At the July 19 meeting, one of the Selectboard members “asked if the BFD could generate a call-by-call log like the Police do for their Department Reports.” When will this be provided? A draft call log will be presented to the Selectboard at the meeting this evening. If the Board finds the new format desirable, it will be incorporated into future monthly reports.
A June 23 letter from the Town noted that “Brattleboro has already secured commitments for EMS Mutual Aid with … Deerfield Valley Ambulance. (inter alia). Was Deerfield Valley, in fact, not part of this commitment? Are there written mutual aid agreements for all the agencies mentioned in the letter? The Town of Brattleboro is a longtime member of Southwest New Hampshire Mutual Aid and Tri-State Mutual Aid. Combined there are 138 member towns or organizations that belong to these two mutual systems. Written agreements are in place with each entity.
What is the current protocol and time needed for sterilization of ambulances between trips? With the possibility of increasing Monkey Pox infections and a possible resurgence of COVID, if VTDoH recommends complete sterilization of ambulances after certain runs, how would you do this and how long will an ambulance be out of service when undergoing sterilization? Currently protocol supports a provider level decision on the level of sterilization involved for the ambulance between service calls. The provider will assess the level of decontamination needed based on the clinical interventions performed. When required per Vermont Department of Health or if the provider feels that it is necessary, we can utilize a nano disinfectant spray gun to fully disinfect the ambulance. While this takes some time (30-45 mins), other calls such as vomiting, or a bleeding patient may have the same result. These are not most calls. Most calls do not require such detail. Regardless of the call, all equipment used on a patient, and anything touched by the patient/provider will always get disinfected regardless of the call type, signs and symptoms of the patient, or interventions performed.
It has been noted anecdotally that since July BFD overtime has increased. For comparison, how much OT was there prior to the new BFD-EMS delivery system and afterwards? BFD overtime for July is up, this is due to 3 vacancies. With that, we have had to cover these open slots on the shifts. We have 3 new staff on board, and they are in training.
Is it the case that every time there are more than two calls going, off duty fire personnel are called in for assignment? Has there been an increase in call out pay since the new BFD-EMS delivery system began? Since July 1 there have been 5 call back requests that were EMS related. Off duty, personnel will be called in when crews are committed for an extended period of time, the shift officer has the discretion to call back based on his or her assessment, and we have an automatic call back procedure when staff reports CPR in progress.
How many fire personnel were budgeted for in FY23? How many fire personnel are currently on staff? How many BFD staff separations have there been in the past year? What has been learned about the reasons for leaving from exit interviews? The FY23 budget is for 25 full-time staff and one part-time. 21 of these are shift personnel, Chief, Assistant Chief, Fire Alarm Superintendent, Administrative assistant, and part-time fire inspector. Currently, we are fully staffed. In the last year, we have had 5 vacancies, these vacancies are due to personal reasons, which include moving back closer to family, for other employment, or retirements.
What is the status of the AP Triton study? . The AP Triton study is in progress. I and other town staff will begin having weekly meetings within the next 7-10 days. Representative(s) from AP Triton will be in Brattleboro in the first part of October for 2 days.
Perhaps a question to keep in mind for the future as budgets are developed: Can all expenses (salaries, associated OT, etc. and benefits, supplies, medications, equipment, etc.) associated with the new EMS service be coded in such a way as to be able to compare the new costs with the costs of the previous EMS service delivery model? The Brattleboro Fire Department has delivered EMS response since 2000 and in that time we have never coded EMS expenses separately from fire or other calls for service. For this reason, doing so now would not allow us to compare current expenses to past expenses. It could also be challenging to do this type of coding at all. Within a shift, you could identify a particular call as an EMS call, a Fire call, or an Other related call, but what about the times between calls, where should those expenses fall? The current accounting structure of the BFD budget separates staffing expenses from services and other consumables.