Selectboard Meeting Notes: Taxes, Trash, Tunnels, and Traffic

The Brattleboro Selectboard heard a range of reports at their first regular meeting of July, from preliminary experiences regarding Pay As You Throw, to the work of our designated downtown organization.

Brattleboro’s new tax rate was set, financing for recent vehicle purchases was approved, the formation of the Our Town Steering Committee was postponed to the next meeting, community members were appointed to a variety of other committees, and more.

Preliminaries

Chair David Gartenstein thanked the organizers for a successful Fourth of July parade and fireworks, and noted the closing of Rt 30 on Thursday from 3 am until 11 am for bridge-related work.

He explained that the Industrial Park item on the agenda was being postponed, but would return.

Town Manager Peter Elwell gave the board a quick update on their goals, and progress toward them. He said the long range planning and comprehensive review of town operations was behind schedule, as was the adoption of new Land Use regulations, but otherwise the board was making progress and on track.

Elwell said the downtown sidewalk project would begin in August, the municipal center would soon be receiving installation of new fire alarms, and that the NEA approved the extension of the Our Town grant for one more year, until July 31, 2016.

Selectboard comments and committee reports were brief, with David Schoales and John Allen noting their regret that the Green Street retaining wall would not be able to be made of stone, due to funding restrictions.

Donna Macomber said that the Traffic Safety Committee was interested in driver awareness of pedestrians, was doing “fabulous work,” and planned to get more reflective bands out to the community.

David Schoales had a word about the murders in South Carolina. He said that while the murderer acted alone, the beliefs that inspired him were more widely held. He hoped everyone would combat racist beliefs, and not let racist comments go by without challenge.

John Allen said that the Police-Fire committee would need to reorganize soon, given behind-the-scenes progress toward the new facilities.

Public Participation

Dora Bouboulis gave a plug for the upcoming Southern Vermont Dance Festival, a four day downtown Brattleboro event for people of all ages and backgrounds, including dancers and spectators alike. She pointed out that it was designed to bring business to downtown.

John Allen asked if he could be taught to dance.

“Dance is for everybody,” said Bouboulis.

Setting the FY16 Property Tax Rate

Finance Director John O’Connor reviewed the property tax rates necessary to fund FY2016’s General Fund Budget, approved by Town Meeting Representatives in March, with the Brattleboro Selectboard Tuesday evening.

The board then approved a municipal tax rate of $1.1607 per $100.00 of assessed valuation for General Fund operations, an additional $0.1356 per $100.00 of assessed valuation for the Downtown Improvement District, and an additional $6.7206 per $100.00 of assessed valuation for the Tri-Park special assessment

They also ratified the state-mandated education rates at $1.6769 per $100.00 of assessed valuation for homestead properties and $1.5048 per $100.00 of assessed valuation for non-residential properties.

When asked, O’Connor said the education portion was complex, and he didn’t quite understand the state formulas for per-pupil spending. David Gartenstein asked him to look into it and figure it out, so improvements could be implemented. 

Gartenstein also noted again that while the property tax rate has gone down, expenses to homeowners have risen with the transfer of costs under PAYT.

Pay As You Throw Program Update

Moss Kahler and Patrick Moreland gave a brief update to the selectboard concerning the roll out of the Pay A You Throw Program that started in Brattleboro June 29, 2015.

Kahler said there had been some confusion about the start date, with many assuming it was July 1st, but since then the number of people using incorrect bags has been minimal. He expects a mere 10-20 violations per week in the near future.

He said the town has ordered more curbside compost carts which should be available by the end of the month.

David Schoales wondered if something other than colored bags, which he had voted for, could be used. Kahler said the committee was taking feedback and would consider shortcomings needing improvement.

As for bag availability, Kahler said the initial demand has subsided and retailers are getting used to inventory and what demand there is going forward. He confirmed that most retailers kept the bags hidden away near cash registers, to keep tight control and avoid thefts.

Moreland said there had been no reports of illegal dumping so far, and any incidents would be investigated. Elwell said a new camera installed at Fairground Road is intended to catch people using the dumpster improperly.

Everyone agreed the best way to reduce the need for paid bags is to recycle and compost.

WCEDP Advisory Committee – Entergy Funds

David Gartenstein reminded those present that one selectboard goal for the year was to figure out what role, if any, the town should play in economic development. In preparing for that discussion, some actions have already been taken, such as having a seat at the table for distribution of funds from Entergy. He said he was proud to announce that Brattleboro is represented on the advisory committee for distribution of funds.

Town Manager Elwell went to the first meeting of the advisory group today, and told the board that it was a good mix of local, regional, and state officials all tasked with implementing the program to distribute funds. Locally, the Town, Windham Regional, and BDCC are participating. Regionally, the towns of Vernon, Wilmington, and Rockingham participate, as well as representatives from SeVEDS. State agencies are also included, and the ultimate decisions rest with the Governor.

Kate O’Connor said she was glad to see that the process was being well organized, with advocates for Brattleboro at all levels throughout the decision-making process.

The board voted to appoint Peter Elwell to represent the town on the WCEDP Advisory Committee.

Downtown Brattleboro Alliance Update and Partnership Discussions

Members of the Downtown Brattleboro Alliance presented their recent work and plans for the near future to the selectboard, and filled them in on recent questions regarding a project in Harmony Lot.

Michelle Simpson-Siegel, DBA’s interim president, said that the organization had been active with downtown beautification, flowers, and internet promotions, but that economic development and organization has been “a bit dormant.”

She gave Dick Degray some time to thank people who had assisted him with his downtown projects.

David Schoales said their work plan lacked a way to track progress toward goals. Simpson-Siegel said that they would be tracking web site visitors and clicks, as well as social media indicators, and might later be able to track whether their internet efforts increase sales.

Schoales also noted that a previous goal of creating an inventory of available store spaces was no longer in the plan. Degray said it was a difficult undertaking, and since relators and others already have the information, the organization didn’t feel a need to focus in that direction. Instead, he said, they help point out programs to help new and existing businesses.

David Gartenstein suggested they reconsider adding a matrix for measuring the success of the organization, and said he was looking forward to seeing financial and work plans for the coming year.

As for the downtown park project in Harmony Lot, Simpson-Siegel said it was simply one of many “pitches” the organization has heard recently, and no action had been taken. Gartenstein responded that a project such as one in Harmony Lot requires that the public be given an opportunity to weigh in.

And so a few did.

Pal Borofksy, of Sam’s, said that the parking lot was essential for establishing good shopping patterns, and that people travelling down High Street are well-served by being able to turn into the lot at the tunnel.

Kate Anderson hoped the community would think broadly about the tunnel, and about pedestrian zones that could, in fact, encourage shopping. She wondered if a price reduction for parking in the High-Grove lot might ease parking for downtown shopping.

Dora Bouboulis brought it back to the Downtown Brattleboro Alliance, reminding everyone that being open and inclusive is the best way to avoid controversies.

Matt Livingston, a DBA board member, said that the organization answers to the property owners who fund the organization first and foremost, but that anyone interested was welcome and encouraged to join.

Bouboulis said that the focus could be different, and retailers renting spaces were as important, if not more, than the property owners.

Memo of Understanding with Local Motion

The board approved a memo of understanding and a scope of work for Local Motion of Burlington, VT. 

Local Motion will help Brattleboro revise and improve the town’s Traffic Calming Plan, and the work has been approved by the Traffic Safety Committee.

We will not be getting “reflector thingies,” as Kate O’Connor inquired, but the agreement will bring best practices to our ability to understand and evaluate traffic patterns and hot spots of potential danger around town.

Dora Bouboulis suggested more community education, and yielding to pedestrians.

Town Manager Elwell said he had been surprised by the number of drivers who do stop for pedestrians, and encourage them to cross.

O’Connor said that she sees many jaywalkers downtown. The board considered deputizing her and allowing her to issue tickets, but moved on before taking action.

Naming a Private Drive – Magnolia Drive

Hear ye, hear ye! Let it be known, a private drive off Buttonwood Drive in John Brunelle’s Black Mountain Estates development will now be officially known as Magnolia Drive.

Financing for Purchasing of Grader, Dump Truck and Police Cruisers

TD Bank was awarded the bid for financing recent purchases of a dump truck, grader, and police cruisers. 

It’s a four-year capital equipment note totaling $632,000, at a fixed annual rate of 1.51%. Pre-payment is permitted.

Finance Director John O’Connor said other bids from Merchant’s bank and People’s United bank had higher rates, even when calculating legal fees required to prepare documents for TD Bank.

Our Town Grant Screening Committee

The Brattleboro Selectboard was to take letters of interest and form a screening committee for the first phase of Our Town grant project proposals, but few have applied. 

Few, meaning one. Valerie Stuart.

The board has heard that others will apply, so they put off the formation of the committee until their next meeting.

Dora Bouboulis advocated for finding people from outside the community, to avoid local friction. The board tended to agree, and said that a special call for outside experts was expected for the Selection Committee later this year.

Committee Appointments

The Brattleboro Selectboard appointed people to a range of boards and committees, continuing the annual process from an earlier meeting.

Specifically, Janet Bailey and Erica Breen to the Agricultural Advisory Board, Adam Salviani to the Arts Committee, Patricia T. Smith to the Brattleboro Housing Partnerships, George Harvey to the Energy Committee, Rachel Zamore to the Planning Commission, and Dylan T. Mackinnon to the Tree Advisory Committee.