Selectboard Meeting Notes: Town Meeting Petition Triggers Public Vote On Brattleboro Budget

The registered voters of Brattleboro will have an opportunity to vote on the town budget within a few weeks. David Gartenstein told fellow Brattleboro Selectboard members that a successful petition by fifty-six Town Meeting Representatives will trigger a town-wide vote by ballot, as stipulated in the Town Charter, allowing for voters at-large to weigh in on the $16.2 million budget.

The Police Fire Facility Project committee has been requested by the board to look for additional ways to cut costs. New cell phone towers, solar arrays, skatepark location possibilities, and more were also discussed Tuesday evening.

Preliminaries

Chair David Gartenstein began the meeting by announcing that the discussion of Representative Town Meeting scheduled last on the agenda would be first.

He gave a summary of the Selectboard’s recent trip to Montpelier to meet with the Governor, leaders of the Senate and House, and representatives from the Agency of Commerce. He said they spoke about having a say in the money coming from the closure of Vermont Yankee, and got some commitments.  

On the issues relating to economic challenges of being a regional hub, there was less interest. “We have to do it ourselves. We’ll reach out to other similar regional hub towns to talk with them about coalition building to create change in that area,” he said.

Interim Town Manager Patrick Moreland had no announcements.

For Selectboard comments and committee reports, Gartenstein said the idea of a ban on parking on Speno Court was voted down by the Traffic Safety Committee, and that a discussion of mandatory sidewalk plowing had occurred, but no action was taken.

David Schoales  noted that the Governor said the regional economic problem had been discussed at the state level before, and the result was local option taxes. He added that Senator Galbraith had worked to get permission for landfills to be used for solar arrays.

Public Participation

Contrary to custom, public participation was focused on items later in the agenda, and not limited to two minutes. No one seemed to mind, as the very next issue on the agenda was the one being discussed.

Lynn Russell of West Brattleboro spoke to the board first. 

“I’m fearful that a runaway spending habit has developed in Brattleboro,” she began. “It isn’t beneficial for the town. I’m fearful that we’re heading down the road Detroit went down. It’s scary.”

She said that Brattleboro is a special place, and our richness is not in material wealth. “The heart and soul of the people who live here bring immense treasures of talent and creativity to the service of the community.”  

Russell said that as taxes rise, people are leaving. “When I left Representative Town Meeting I felt disheartened. People weren’t really listening to the townspeople about our ability to handle the financial burden asked of us.”

She told the board that “92% of American believe we have more money than we really do.” She showed them a chart comparing people’s expectations, perceptions, and reality about income distribution.

“The truth is that the poorest of the poor aren’t even on the chart. It explodes at the top 20% of the population, having 95% of the wealth, and the rest of us are sharing 7%. No wonder people are struggling. The 40% with the least share only 1% of the wealth of the country.”

She said this information answered her question about “why intelligent people continue down a road that is untenable and unsustainable.” She said she thought many within the town government think there is more money than there is, and ‘clearly there isn’t enough to keep spending and taxing as it has been.”

“When I came,” said Russell, “the richness of Brattleboro included the diversity and inclusiveness of the area. Everyone has something to offer and share. People weren’t coming here for monetary reasons. They came here for the arts, creativity, politics, to be with intelligent people, the children’s programs, and more.”

She said she has heard of communities that have gifting or sacred economies. An example was a restaurant staffed by volunteers, and the bill is zero. 

“You can donate,” she said. “It’s self-sustaining. The new way of doing business is contrary to what we’ve been taught.  Consider the possibilities of shifting toward a more sustainable, positive future.”

She suggested Selectboard and School board members return their compensation and serve the town “because it is the right thing to do.” She suggested the high school donate the gym for elections for the same reason. It would, she said, “help create a future of our own design that will work for Brattleboro.”

“Nobody came to Brattleboro to get rich. It’s not part of the attraction to Brattleboro.”

She said she was in favor of doing health and safety repairs for first responders, but didn’t think a new fire station was needed.

Russell also suggested that perhaps one of the 20% with so much wealth, if there were any around, could fund the police and fire project to remove the tax burden fro the taxpayers.

“One last thought. I’d like you all to think about what it was about Brattleboro that you loved that brought you here or keeps you here. That’s where we are going to find remedy to this enormous challenge. Self reflection will get us all in touch with the real wealth of Brattleboro. Thanks for your patience.”

John Wilmerding said he signed the petition for a referendum on the budget but would vote to keep the budget as it is. He suggested that Representative Town Meeting representatives come from many neighborhood wards rather than a handful of voting districts. Wilmerding also suggested a trust be established to hold the costs of any future single payer system in check.

“Anything else is courting disaster,” he told the board.

Representative Town Meeting Follow-Up

David Gartenstein had two major announcements regarding the recent Representative Town Meeting. 

The first was that a petition to seek a public vote on the $16.2 million town budget had been received. It was signed by 56 town meeting representatives, which is above the 50 needed to have the Selectboard schedule a special town meeting. The vote will be solely by ballot.

Gartenstein said they would set the date at a special meeting of the Selectboard on April 7, after a site visit to New England Drive regarding a new turnaround road. He said the public vote could be as soon as April 17th.

“There’s no discussion with the ballot vote,” he said, adding that he’d try to schedule an informational session for the public to ask questions and become more informed about the budget. He said the high school would not waive the fees required for resetting the gym.

Interim Town Manager Patrick Moreland said that he and the Town Clerk recommend conducting the voting in the Selectboard meeting room at the Municipal Center.

John Allen said that he might be out of town for a vote on the 17th.

“Get an early ballot,” encouraged Gartenstein, adding that Allen as free to vote as he wished.

Gartenstein’s second announcement was that the Selectboard, following up on concerns raised by some town meeting representatives, has requested that the Police Fire Facility Project committee review the project and look at various ways in which costs could be saved. He said they would then create a prioritized list and present suggestions to the Selectboard. There was no deadline set for them.

Ralph Meima reminded the board that the week of April 14th is spring break for area schools. “It might impact participation if the vote is that week.”

“Taken under advisement,” noted Gartenstein.

“The finance committee could be present at a public information session,” volunteered John Wilmerding.

“No finance committee was appointed at town meeting,” said Executive Secretary Jan Anderson, reminded the board.

Wilmerding said the town meeting moderator probably hadn’t gotten to it yet, and that there should be a committee appointed in time.

Health Commissioners

David Gartenstein said this item was no longer an issue, and that it would be passed over.

What was no longer an issue? Quite a tale, ending with the Selectboard about to issue a health order against Susan Rockwell ordering her to raise the temperature in rooms on her property. One would assume that the temperature will be raised to the required 65 degree minimum.

Liquor Commissioners

For the third straight meeting, the Brattleboro Selectboard as Liquor Commissioners approved a list of annual liquor and tobacco license renewals. No violations were noted among the seven re-licensees.

Skateboard Park Selection Committee

The Skatepark Selection Committee paid a visit to the Brattleboro Selectboard Tuesday night to provide an update on progress toward identifying and evaluating sites appropriate for a skatepark.

To date, the committee has created lists of possible sites, spoken with landowners, and has spent extensive time and effort defining the criteria by which the sites will be judged.

Committee Chair Betsy Gentile said that the committee was balanced and hard-working as well as open and transparent. She said that every suggested site is considered, and they will provide details on why sites are rejected.

She said they worked on setting criteria first, then “looked at every parcel of land that could accommodate a 6,500 square foot skatepark.” A list of 50 sites was culled to 30, and then to 10.

Gentile sad that Joe Bushey was extremely helpful in issues of local terrain.

The remaining sites will get site visits, and will be judged by the criteria they’ve developed. The public will be invited to site visits.

“It’ll be tight to make the May 1st deadline,” said Gentile. “June 1 is very do-able.”  She asked if their deadline could be extended.

Carol Lolatte said that their email suggestion box had been successful, with 35 emails coming in.

Gentile said that once the sites had been ranked by their criteria, the committee could present the list to the Selectboard.

Jeff Clark, Chair of BASIC, praised the committee’s work, saying that they had been methodical, stay on task with public participation and emails at every meeting. “They’re not scary people,” he said. He wanted to remind people that now is the time to express your concerns, not in two months when the decision is made.

Gentile said all of their minutes were on the town web site for the public to review.

John Wilmerding asked for the list of possible sites.

Elizabeth McLoughlin read the list:

• Austine School
• Famolare Farm
• Cedar Street properties (near ski jump, tennis courts)
• BUHS/BAMS
• Crowell Park
• Ft Dummer field
• Living Memorial Park
• The Common
• the Elliot Street Park
• the Elm Street Lot

The Selectboard voted to extend their deadline until June 1.

Cell Tower Application

American Towers would like to put a new 100-foot cell phone tower north of Route 9 on 416 Meadowbrook Road in an area defined as a Scenic Viewshed. They have applied to the Public Service board for a certificate of public good.

Rod Francis, Planning Services Director, at the request of the Planning Commission, has written to the Public Service Board to ask for a visual impact analysis to be done. The Selectboard will also weigh in with a letter of support.

Francis said the “stealth monopine tower” project meets Brattleboro standards for limitation of size and scope, but does not address that it is planned for a location identified as a scenic viewshed.  That triggered the Planning Department to request a letter to the Public Service Board asking for the impact analysis.

Francis said the attorney for the tower company told him they planned to do the analysis, anyway. “They are a bit behind in filing the application due to weather,” he said.

The tower, disguised as an odd-looking pine tree,  would be sited on 148 acres owned by Bill and Serenity Forchion. Gartenstein asked if it would be visible from RT 9.

Francis said it would be visible at certain angles. “It’s meant to improve service in the RT 9 valley. The hillside rises behind the tower. Given the steep tower and existing trees, it won’t stand out. You will notice an aluminum pole painted brown.”

He said there was one already visible on the western side of I 91. The board indicated they had all seen it.

“You don’t notice it at all,” said John Allen.

“We’re in agreement that they are ugly,” said Donna Macomber.

“But useful!” insisted Allen.

The board voted to send a letter seconding the request for a scenic review.

Cemetery Maintenance

Turner & Renaud were given a $17,800 contract to provide spring cleanup, mowing, and fall cleanup for Prospect Hill and Morningside cemeteries.

One of the three bid received came in at over $50,000. It was not accepted.

West River Park Septic Project

West River Park will be getting a septic tank and pump station installed by A.S. Clark and Sons. The $14,287 cost will be paid for entirely with donations. 

Ten bids were received for this project.

“A lot of bids,” observed John Allen.

“Tight, too,” said Carol Lolatte. “Five in the $14,000 range. Very competitive.”

New Solar Energy Project

The Brattleboro Energy Committee recommended to the Selectboard that an additional net metering solar project be undertaken by the town, and to facilitate such a future project, a request for proposals be sent out to gather current information and options.

In June 2013, the Selectboard approved a 500kw net metering project with Integrated Solar and Green Lantern Capital that will allow Brattleboro to purchase electricity at below market rates for the next 20 years.  At the end of the term, Brattleboro can purchase the solar panels and keep running them.

Paul Cameron said that since then, the Energy Committee has learned of other opportunities to purchase more solar energy credits and has received two proposals (from Integrated Solar and Soveren, Inc.) They’d like to issue an RFP for another, similar project or two, with similar terms.

David Gartenstein asked when the town would begin to see some return on their previous solar project. Cameron said construction could start in May or June. Patrick Moreland thought they’d see results before the end of the calendar year.

Kate O’Connor said she wanted to see some results from the first project before embarking on another. 

Energy Committee Chair Lester Humphreys said that the permitting process takes time, and solar panel prices are, for the first time, rising again rather than dropping in price. He said tax credits would end in 2016, and the legislature could change the terms of solar projects. “It’s fact-finding,” he said. “It’s prudent to look now.”

“There’s no reason not to look at ways to save on our electricity bill. We just heard a powerful request to save money,” he said, referring to the public participation earlier in the meeting.

John Allen expressed concern that government agencies would change the rules.

“Once you get a Certificate of Public Good, you can do it,” answered Humphreys. “The rug isn’t pulled out.” He said Vermont is supporting the industry, and would like to see subsidies go away after it has been established. 

Humphreys said China has created a glut of solar panels. “This is a good time to look at the possibilities, and if something is good we’ll bring it to you.”

O’Connor asked where it would be built.

Humphreys said it would be a stronger proposal if a vendor had a site identified, but they weren’t requiring it.

David Gartenstein said the last time the committee had asked for an RFP process it was shortly after the first project was approved. He said the board asked them to wait until the first project showed results. He asked if they were trying again anyway, before results were seen.

A somewhat sheepish Humphreys smiled and said yes, adding that the RFP process had a lag time.

Gartenstein interrupted to tell him it was okay to come back early, and he saw the need for the RFP. “I wondered why we were seeing this now, when credits weren’t coming back yet, but I’m leaning for an RFP now. As long as we can reject any proposal.”

George Harvey said he studies energy issues. “I see that natural gas prices are rising, and fracked fields aren’t generating as promised.” He told the board that Utilities are heading for a perfect storm of bad conditions, from a decline in fossil fuels to attacks from governments forcing reductions. 

He said there will be an effect on prices. “We have control over solar power. The cost of the fuel will be zero. Investing in it is investing in stability. We should do it as quickly as we can in order to have stability in the future.”

John Wilmerding said he had looked at the issue years ago, as a member of the town finance committee. He said he had objections at first, but now he didn’t object. He suggested contracts be written so that the town could delegate operation of the solar fields in case we don’t want to operate solar arrays.

“I prefer a visible site for these arrays. Many think they are ugly, but Vermont should make it visible, to help convince people that it is right and we should be doing it,” said Wilmerding.

An RFP will be issued.

Selectboard Committee and Board Assignments

While Donna Macomber was out of the room, her fellow board members plotted to give her every committee assignment, but decided instead to allow her to decide when she returned.

For the coming year:

David Gartenstein will remain with the Traffic Safety Committee,  and join the Capital Grant Review Board. David Schoales will continue to attend Solid Waste Management Meetings and will review Small Business Assistance loans. Kate O’Connor will remain on the Capital Grant Review Board. John Allen will continue with the Police Fire Facility committee and will serve as the Solid Waste Management alternative.

Rules for Conduct Discussion

When the Brattleboro Selectboard approved new criteria for liquor licenses a few years ago, it first came as a change to the board’s Rules of Conduct. It was later adopted into the Code of Ordinances.

Tuesday, the Selectboard removed the language from their Rules of Conduct, letting it exist in a single, better place – the Code of Ordinances.

There were no other changes to their Rules of Conduct.

Selectboard Goals Meeting

The Brattleboro Selectboard will definitely discuss their goals for the new year. A meeting was officially set for April somedaynextweek. Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the schedules of board members.

“Unless I can do it by proxy from Cancun on Friday,” quipped John Allen, before reading the upcoming calendar of meetings quite nicely.