Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – March 21, 2023

The Brattleboro Selectboard will set aside over $2 million of the $2.7 million in ARPA funding for EMS related projects and potential start-up costs, leaving a much smaller amount for the public to discuss how to spend. This comes after promises of community outreach and public input to best determine the ways to spend the funds. Related, the monthly EMS update has been relegated to the Consent Agenda. 

The board will also discuss how to spend the $300k in community safety funds.  You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.

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The Brattleboro Selectboard will meet on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 5:30pm and is expected to enter immediately into executive session to discuss contracts and labor relations agreements with employees. The Selectboard will reconvene the business part of the meeting 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, MARCH 21, 2023

SELECTBOARD MEETING ROOM + ZOOM

EXECUTIVE SESSION – 5:30PM

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

(*6 Mute/Unmute – *9 Raise Hand)

The meeting also will be carried live on BCTV:

On Cable TV: Channel 1079

Streaming Online: https://www.brattleborotv.org/channel-1079-livestream

Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/brattleborotv

AGENDA

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

(Please note that times are approximate)

1. CONVENE REGULAR MEETING (6:15 PM)

2. APPROVE MINUTES – February 21, 2023

3. CHAIR’S REMARKS

4. MANAGER’S COMMENTS

5. SELECTBOARD COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS

6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (6:25 PM)

7. CONSENT AGENDA (6:40 PM)

A. Audit Services – Authorize Contract

B. CannMaxx Tobacco License – Authorize Application

C. The Porch Too First and Third-Class Liquor License – Authorize Application

D. RS&L LLC, One Stop Second Class Liquor License and Tobacco License – Authorize Application

E. Brattleboro Brewers Fest Festival Permit – Authorize Application

F. Tri-Park Water and Sewer Grant – Authorize Application

G. Monthly Financial Report – Accept Report

H. EMS Update – Accept Report

I. Annual Cemetery Contract – Approve Bid Award

J. AARP Community Challenge Flagship Grant – Authorize Application

K. Epsilon Spires Liquor License – Authorize Application

L. Cameras at the Transportation Center – Approve Bid Award

8. NEW BUSINESS (6:45 PM)

A. Fire-EMS Service Delivery Approach – Adopt Approach (6:45 PM)

B. Fire Department Effective Response Force – Set Standard (7:15 PM)

C. Community Safety Fund – Discussion and Update (7:45 PM)

D. Town Match for Winston-Prouty Campus Development Grant (8:25 PM)

E. ARPA Preliminary Project List, Allocation, and Set Asides (8:45 PM)

F. Assign Motions for RTM (9:15 PM)

G. Committee Appointments (9:25 PM)

9. CORRESPONDENCE/FYI

A. Warrants and Department Reports

10. MEETINGS

See Town Calendar

11. ADJOURNMENT (9:30 PM)

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MEMORANDUM

To: Selectboard

From: John Potter, Town Manager

Re: Administrative Report

Date: March 17, 2023

———————————————————————————————————————————–

The following will summarize the proposed motions for the special Selectboard meeting on

Tuesday, March 21, 2023. The Board will convene the regular meeting at 6:15pm in the

Selectboard Meeting Room and on Zoom. All times listed below are approximate, and interested

parties should monitor the meeting if they do not want to miss an agenda item.

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

(use *6 to Mute/Unmute, *9 to raise Hand)

The meeting also will be carried live on BCTV:

On Cable TV: Channel 1079

Streaming Online: https://www.brattleborotv.org/channel-1079-livestream

Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/brattleborotv

7. CONSENT AGENDA (6:40pm)

A. Audit Services – Authorize Contract

B. CannMaxx Tobacco License – Authorize Application

C. The Porch Too First and Third-Class Liquor License – Authorize Application

D. RS&L LLC, One Stop Second Class Liquor License and Tobacco License –

Authorize Application

E. Brattleboro Brewers Fest Festival Permit – Authorize Application

F. Tri-Park Water Sewer Grant – Authorize Application

G. Monthly Financial Report – Accept Report

H. EMS Update – Accept Report

I. Annual Cemetery Contract – Approve Bid Award

J. AARP Community Challenge Flagship Grant – Authorize Application

K. Epsilon Spires Liquor License – Authorize Application

L. Cameras at the Transportation Center – Approve Bid Award

In a memorandum dated March 9, 2023, Finance Director Kimberly Frost discusses the auditing services RFP for Fiscal Years 23, 24 and 25. Two bids were received, and Frost recommends selecting the bid for auditing services from Batchelder Associates PC from Barre, VT in the amounts of $29,425 for FY23, $30,305 for FY24 and $31,215 for FY25.

In a memorandum dated March 21, 2023, Town Clerk Hilary Francis explains that CannMaxx INC, a new cannabis business located at 725 Putney Road is seeking a Tobacco License to sell rolling papers and other paraphernalia. Their application has been reviewed and approved by Brattleboro Police and Fire Departments. Mr. Jarrad Savinelli will be present at the meeting to address any questions the Board may have. By approving the consent agenda, the Board will approve a Tobacco License for CannMaxx INC at 725 Putney Road.

In a memorandum dated March 21, 2023, Town Clerk Hilary Francis explains that The Porch Too, located at 648 Putney Road is seeking a First a Third Class Liquor License. Their application has been reviewed and approved by Brattleboro Police and Fire Departments. Ms. Gretchen Hardy will be present at the meeting to address any questions the Board may have. By approving the consent agenda, the Board will approve a First and Third Class Liquor License for The Porch Too located at 468 Putney Road.

In a memorandum dated March 21, 2023, Town Clerk Hilary Francis explains that RK&S LLC One Stop, located at 414 Canal Street, is seeking a Second Class Liquor License and a Tobacco License. Their application has been reviewed and approved by Brattleboro Police and Fire Departments. Mr. Shoaib Hameed will be present at the meeting to address any questions the Board may have. By approving the consent agenda, the Board will approve a Second Class Liquor License and a Tobacco License for RK&S LLC One Stop, located at 414 Canal Street

In a memorandum dated March 21, 2023, Town Clerk Hilary Francis explains that Four Seasons Media INC, for Brattleboro Brewers Festival are seeking a Festival permit for the Brattleboro Brewers Festival. Their application has been reviewed and approved by Brattleboro Police and Fire Departments. Ms. Kelli Corbeil will be present at the meeting to address any questions the Board may have. By approving the consent agenda, the Board will approve a Festival Permit for Four Seasons Media INC for the Brattleboro Brewers Festival.

In a memorandum dated March 9, 2023, Planning Director Sue Fillion discusses the history of the improvements that Tri-Park has been making and their relationship to the Tri-Park Master Plan. Tri-Park is currently working on several infrastructure projects, including a plan to purchase 26 new, zero energy ready manufactured homes to install within Mountain Home Park at locations that are out of the floodway. Fillion also discusses the Community Recovery and Revitalization Grant Program. This grant would be used to reduce the borrowing that Tri-Park will need to complete this project.

In a memorandum dated March 7, 2023 Finance Director Kimberly Frost discusses the Monthly Financial Report for February.

In a memorandum dated February 10, 2023 Assistant Fire Chief Charles Keir discusses the EMS update for February.

In a memorandum dated February 24, 2023, Recreation and Parks Director Carol Lolatte recommends that the Seasonal Cemetery Maintenance Contract be awarded to Independent Landscape & Property Management of Newfane, Vermont, for $18,550. Cemetery Maintenance expenses come out of two budget years, FY23 and FY24 and this bid, the only bid received for this contract, falls within the available budget of $13,066.22 for FY23 and $26,000 for FY24.

In a memorandum dated March 1, 2023, Library Director Starr LaTronica requests authorization to apply for an AARP Community Challenge Flagship Grant in the amount of $6,200 to purchase equipment to magnify documents and electronic tablets and/or to convert text to audio, enabling access to information for people with impaired vision.

In a memorandum dated March 14, 2023, Town Clerk Hilary Francis discusses a First Class Liquor License application for Epsilon Spires located at 190 Main Street. The organization currently holds an Annual Entertainment License and has been hiring other businesses to cater beer and wine at its events. They are now looking to provide that service in-house. The application has been reviewed and approved by Brattleboro Police and Fire Departments. Jamie Mohr will be present at the Selectboard meeting to answer any questions the Board may have. By approving the Consent Agenda, the Board will approve a First Class Liquor License for Epsilon Sires, located at 190 Main Street.

In a memorandum dated March 17, 2023, assistant town manager Patrick Moreland and assistant Police Chief Jeremy Evans request that the contract for camera replacement at the Brattleboro Transportation Center be awarded to Security 101 of Marlborough, MA in the amount of $74,587.89. By approving the consent agenda, the Board will award the contract in the amount of $74,587.89 to Security 101 of Marlborough, MA for the replacement of the camera system at the Brattleboro Transportation Center.

POTENTIAL MOTION: TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS PRESENTED.

8. NEW BUSINESS (6:45pm)

A. Fire-EMS Service Delivery Approach – Adopt Approach (6:45 PM)

In a memorandum dated March 17, 2023 Town Manager John Potter discusses the background regarding the Fire and EMS transition for the Town as well as Fire and EMS staffing models and the proposed decision-making approach regarding this item.

POTENTIAL MOTION: TO DIRECT THE ADMINISTRATION TO PURSUE PARALLEL TRACKS OF INFORMATION GATHERING, COST ANALYSIS, AND RISK ASSESSMENT NECESSARY TO DEVELOP A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE SERVICE DELIVERY MODEL FOR EITHER CONTRACTING EMS SERVICES TO AN EXTERNAL PARTY OR DEVELOPING A FULL MUNICIPAL FIRE-EMS CAPABILITY FOR SELECTBOARD CONSIDERATION BY SEPTEMBER 2023.

B. Fire Department Effective Response Force (7:15PM)

In a memorandum dated March 17, 2023, Town Manager John Potter explains that the AP Triton report, submitted to the Town in December of 2022, informed the Town of staffing benchmarks for an effective response force for fire suppression. Potter discusses several models for fire suppression effective response force and ultimately Town staff has recommended a goal of maintaining a fire suppression effective response force of six firefighters when there are two active EMS calls, regardless of which Fire and EMS service delivery model is chosen by the Selectboard.

POTENTIAL MOTION: TO SET A GOAL OF MAINTAINING A FIRE SUPPRESSION EFFECTIVE RESPONSE FORCE OF SIX FIREFIGHTERS WHEN THERE ARE TWO ACTIVE EMS CALLS, REGARDLESS OF WHICH FIRE AND EMS SERVICE DELIVERY MODEL IS ULTIMATELY CHOSEN BY THE SELECTBOARD.

C. Community Safety Fund – Discussion and Update (7:45PM)

In a memorandum dated March 17, 2023, Assistant Town Manager Patrick Moreland discusses the Community Safety Fund, which was created by the Selectboard in 2020. $300,000 is currently available in this fund. The Selectboard has yet to identify any specific purpose for use of the funds or a process by which decisions will be made. The Town requests additional clarification on the possible pathways forward for the use of this fund.

POTENTIAL MOTION: TBA OR NO MOTION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS ITEM.

D. Town Match for Winston-Prouty Campus Development Grant (8:25 PM)

In a memorandum dated March 17, 2023, Assistant Town Manager Patrick Moreland explains that Winston Prouty Executive Director Chloe Leary has submitted for $50,000 of assistance from the Town which would help the organization secure a grant from the Thomas Thompson Trust. These funds would be used to hire an architecture firm to put together a conceptual design plan for a new campus, which is designed to create affordable housing in Town. Moreland explains that the Town’s Revolving Loan Fund currently has $190,159 available, which could be used for this purpose.

POTENTIAL MOTION: TO ACCEPT, DENY OR ADJUST THE REQUEST BY WINSTON PROUTY FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PLANNING.

E. ARPA Preliminary Project List, Allocation, and Set Asides – Review & Discuss (8:45PM)

In a memorandum dated March 17, 2023, Town Manager John Potter discusses the ARPA preliminary project list that the Selectboard requested at the February 21, 2023 Selectboard meeting. Included in the Selectboard materials is the requested Preliminary Project list, which includes project name, description, any Selectboard goal the project addresses, the potential funding bucket, estimated cost and information about other possible funding sources. Potter also discusses possible use of ARPA funds for Immediate Needs projects as well as Medium-Term and Long-Term Needs.

POTENTIAL MOTION: TO ALLOCATE $350,000 TO FIRE EFFECTIVE RESPONSE FORCE AND TO SET ASIDE $1,750,000 UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2023 FOR POSSIBLE FIRE-EMS START-UP COSTS FROM THE $2,700,000 OF REMAINING UNALLOCATED LOCAL AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDING.

F. Assign Motions for RTM (9:15PM)

In a memorandum dated February 28, 2023, Assistant Town Manager Patrick Moreland discusses the motions for the March, 25, 2023 Representative Town Meeting and clarifies the further explanations needed for the motions on Articles 15 and 23.

POTENTIAL MOTION: TO ACCEPT THE MOTIONS FOR THE 2023 REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING.

G. Announce Committee Vacancies (9:25pm)

The Board is asked to announce vacancies on various Town Boards and Committees.

POTENTIAL MOTION: NO MOTION IS REQUIRED ON THIS ITEM