The Brattleboro Selectboard willl take up a number of water treatment plant issues at their next regular meeting. This includes emergency replacement of a blower and other emergency repairs for wells, a project update, and a loan application. The board will continue discussion of adjusting COVID rules, hear an update on ARPA funding, consider some traffic safety measures, and contemplate Town Manager Elwell’s final Long Term Financial Plan, FY23-27.
You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.
The Brattleboro Selectboard will meet on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Brattleboro Municipal Center (230 Main Street). The public is encouraged to participate in the meeting over Zoom. The Municipal Center will be open to the public with limited seating spaced six feet apart and face coverings will be required in the meeting. 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
….
BRATTLEBORO SELECTBOARD
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
SELECTBOARD MEETING ROOM + ZOOM
REGULAR MEETING – 6:15PM
AGENDA
NOTE: The Selectboard members and Town staff plan to participate in this meeting on Zoom and the public also is encouraged to attend and participate on Zoom. People who choose to attend the meeting in-person may do so in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Municipal Center, where everyone will be required to wear a face covering and adhere to social distancing.
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
1. CONVENE REGULAR MEETING
2. APPROVE MINUTES – August 17, August 31 and September 1
3. CHAIR’S REMARKS
4. MANAGER’S COMMENTS
5. SELECTBOARD COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
7. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Library Courier Grant – Accept and Appropriate
B. Field to Fork Grant – Authorize Application
C. Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistant Grant – Ratify Decision to Apply
D. VLCT’s Annual Business Meeting – Appoint Town Manager Elwell to be Brattleboro’s Voting Delegate
E. Heating Oil Contract for 2021-2022 – Bid Award to Discount Oil of Keene, NH
8. LIQUOR COMMISSIONERS
A. The Collective – First+Third Class Liquor Licenses and Entertainment License
9. WATER AND SEWER COMMISSIONERS
A. Pleasant Valley Water Treatment Facilities Replacement Project – Status Report
B. Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund – Authorize Application for Planning Loan
C. Pleasant Valley Water Treatment Facilities – Ratify Emergency Purchase of Replacement Blower
D. Retreat Wells – Ratify Emergency Pump Repair
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None
A. COVID-19 Matters
(i) Rule Requiring Face Coverings Indoors in Public Spaces
(ii) Hybrid Meeting Protocols
11. NEW BUSINESS
A. Traffic Safety Matters
(i) Ordinance Amendment to Add Stop Signs on Guilford Street and South Street
(ii) Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the Fairview Village Crosswalk
B. Long Term Financial Plan – FY23 to FY27
C. American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funding – Update
D. Announce Committee Vacancies
12. CORRESPONDENCE/FYI
A. Warrants
13. MEETINGS
See Town Calendar
14. ADJOURNMENT
…
MEMORANDUM
To: Selectboard
From: Peter B. Elwell, Town Manager
Re: Administrative Report
Date: September 10, 2021
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The following will summarize the proposed motions for the Selectboard meeting on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. The meeting will begin at 6:15pm on Zoom and in the Selectboard Meeting Room. The Selectboard members and Town staff plan to participate in this meeting on Zoom and the public is strongly encouraged to attend and participate on Zoom. People who choose to attend the meeting in-person may do so in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Municipal Center, where everyone 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. Library Courier Grant – Accept and Appropriate
B. Field to Fork Grant – Authorize Application
C. Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistant Grant – Ratify Decision to Apply
D. VLCT’s Annual Business Meeting – Appoint Town Manager Elwell to be Brattleboro’s Voting Delegate
E. Heating Oil Contract for 2021-2022 – Bid Award to Discount Oil of Keene, NH
The Board is asked to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented.
In a memorandum dated August 12, 2021, Library Director Starr LaTronica requests approval to accept and appropriate a $1,073.54 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Vermont Department of Libraries. This grant will subsidize the cost of courier service to transport patron requested items between Vermont libraries. By approving this item on the consent agenda, the Board will accept and appropriate the $1,073.54 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Vermont Department of Libraries.
In a memorandum dated September 8, 2021, Library Director Starr LaTronica requests approval to apply for a $19,600 Field to Fork grant from the Vermont Food Bank to purchase a collection of food cultivation tools and food preparation equipment, a shed with solar lighting for storage, and part-time contracted staffing to provide for circulation and maintenance of the collection. These improvements will directly advance two service priorities in the library’s current strategic plan. By approving this item on the consent agenda, the Board will authorize the application for a $19,600 Field to Fork grant from the Vermont Food Bank.
In a memorandum dated August 6, 2021, Police Chief Norma Hardy requests on behalf ratification of the decision to apply for a $12,971 Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant from the Department of Justice to pay for overtime to address the increase in drug activity and violent crime in Brattleboro. The Police Department has increased its use of detectives and patrol officers in problem areas and has seized drugs, illicit funds, and guns. The Police Department will use this grant to defray some of the cost of these increased efforts. By approving this item on the consent agenda, the Board will ratify the Town Manager’s decision to apply for the 2021 Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant in the amount of $12,917.
In a memorandum dated August 27, 2021, Town Manager Peter Elwell informed the Selectboard that the Vermont League of Cities and Towns’ (VLCT’s) annual Town Fair (VLCT’s annual conference, including meetings and educational workshops) will be held on September 29 and October 4 – 8 this year. As part of the Town Fair, VLCT’s annual business meeting will be held on September 29. At the annual business meeting, each member municipality is entitled to one vote on every matter that is acted upon. VLCT rules require that the Selectboard appoint a voting delegate to cast Brattleboro’s vote. By approving this item on the consent agenda, the Board will appoint Town Manager Elwell as the Town’s voting delegate for this meeting.
In a memorandum dated September 8, 2021, Assistant Town Manager Patrick Moreland wrote that the Town of Brattleboro in conjunction with the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union publicly solicited bids for 130,000 gallons of No. 2 heating fuel for
the fiscal year 2022. This includes 60,000 gallons for the WSESU and 70,000 gallons for the Town. Five bids were received. Discount Oil of Keene, New Hampshire, offered the lowest bid at $2.259/gallon. By approving this item on the consent agenda, the Board will award the Town’s heating fuel contract for 2021-2022 to Discount Oil of Keene, New Hampshire, for 70,000 gallons of No. 2 heating fuel oil at a prepaid price of $2.259 per gallon.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS PRESENTED.
8. LIQUOR COMMISSIONERS
A. The Collective – First and Third Class Liquor Licenses and Entertainment License
The Collective Lounge and Bar (formerly the Metropolis), located at 55 Elliot Street, is currently serving “mocktails” until they can obtain their liquor licenses. They are seeking a First Class and Third Class Liquor License, as well as an Annual Entertainment License. For entertainment, they plan to have open mics, karaoke, DJs, and private events on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7pm to 12am. Town staff recommends approving the First and Third Class Liquor Licenses and the Entertainment License.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO APPROVE A FIRST AND THIRD CLASS LIQUOR LICENSE AND AN ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE FOR THE COLLECTIVE AT 55 ELLIOT STREET.
9. WATER AND SEWER COMMISSIONERS
A. Pleasant Valley Water Treatment Facilities Replacement Project – Status Report
Christina Haskins from the Dufresne Group will be present to provide an update on the construction of the Pleasant Valley Water Treatment Facility replacement project.
NO ACTION REQUIRED ON THIS MATTER.
B. Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund – Authorize Application for Planning Loan
In a memorandum dated August 27, 2021, Christina Haskins of the Dufresne Group explains that the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) is currently offering 100% forgiveness up to $100,000 on planning loans that incorporate a hydraulic evaluation. In order to apply for this funding, the Town needs to submit a Planning Loan Application signed by the Selectboard. The application has been prepared and is ready for signature. The Water Department intended to perform an evaluation of the distribution system once the Pleasant Valley Water Treatment Facility project was completed. However, with the opportunity for 100% forgiveness in the 2021 DWSRF program for such a project, the Dufresne Group recommends that the Town move up the timeline for this evaluation to take advantage of this loan forgiveness.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO AUTHORIZE AN APPLICATION TO THE DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND FOR A PLANNING LOAN THAT INCORPORATES A HYDRAULIC EVALUATION.
C. Pleasant Valley Water Treatment Facilities – Ratify Emergency Purchase of Replacement Blower
In a memorandum dated August 13, 2021, Director of Public Works Steve Barrett explains that one of the two large air blowers used to backwash the water treatment filters at the Pleasant Valley Water Treatment Facility failed. This reduces the daily capacity of the facility. The air blowers/backwash systems are essential equipment, necessary to filter our water supply. Staff located and ordered a replacement blower from IPS Pump Company for $11,421. The Department of Public Works requests that the Selectboard ratify the $11,421 emergency purchase.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO RATIFY THE EMERGENCY PURCHASE OF A REPLACEMENT AIR BLOWER FOR THE PLEASANT VALLEY WATER TREATMENT FACILITY FROM IPS PUMP COMPANY FOR $11,421.
D. Retreat Wells – Ratify Emergency Pump Repair
In a memorandum dated August 13, 2021, Director of Public Works Steve Barrett said that they discovered that well #3 at the Retreat Wells facility needed a pump repair and additional work over $10,000. The Retreat Wells Treatment Facility is used to supplement the Pleasant Valley Water Treatment supply. As we proceed with the construction of the new Pleasant Valley Water Treatment Facility, we will rely on Retreat Wells water source to provide a majority of filtered water to the distribution system at times. Public Works Director Barrett requests that the Selectboard ratify the $18,000 expenditure to redevelop well #3 and recondition the pump.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO RATIFY THE EMERGENCY PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,000 TO REDEVELOP WELL #3 AND RECONDITION THE PUMP AT THE RETREAT WELLS WATER TREATMENT FACILITY.
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(i) Rule Requiring Face Coverings Indoors in Public Spaces
(ii) Hybrid Meeting Protocols
A. COVID-19 Matters
In a memorandum dated September 10, 2021, Town Manager Elwell provides information related to COVID-19 in Windham County and the Selectboard’s recent actions to promote public health and safety during the late summer increase in COVID infection rates. The Board will discuss these matters and may take additional action(s) related to wearing face coverings in public spaces and to the logistics of conducting hybrid Selectboard meetings (both on Zoom and in the Selectboard Meeting Room).
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO BE DETERMINED.
11. NEW BUSINESS
A. Traffic Safety Matters
(i) Ordinance Amendment to Add Stop Signs on Guilford Street and South Street (ii) Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beaton (RRFB) at the Fairview Village Crosswalk
In a memorandum dated August 27, 2021, Superintendent of Highways and Utilities Daniel Tyler explains a request to amend the Brattleboro Code of Ordinance, Appendix C, Article VI, Throughways, Section 16-70, Stop Signs. At the request of the Traffic Safety Committee, the Department of Public Works added stop signs in two locations on Guilford Street at Memorial Park Drive and on South Street. Observation of the impact of these signs during a trial period has been positive. The Traffic Safety Committee asks the Board to pass an ordinance amendment to make these stop signs permanent. At this meeting, the Selectboard will hold a first reading of the proposed ordinance amendment. If the Board agrees to proceed with this action, then a second hearing and public hearing will be held at the October 5 Selectboard meeting, when the Board will consider voting to adopt this change.
NO ACTION IS REQUIRED ON THIS MATTER.
The Traffic Safety Committee recently reviewed a Safety Action Request asking the Town to increase safety for pedestrians crossing Fairview Street near Fairview Village. Staff conducted a speed study/traffic counts near the Fairview Village crosswalk and
found the average speed and the 85th percentile to be higher than the posted 25 miles per hour. Given the location challenges of this crosswalk and the demographics of the population using this crosswalk (primarily youth and older adults), the Traffic Safety Committee recommends that a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) be installed at the Fairview Village crosswalk location.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO APPROVE THE INSTALLATION OF A RECTANGULAR RAPID FLASHING BEACON (RRFB) AT THE FAIRVIEW VILLAGE CROSSWALK LOCATION.
B. Long Term Financial Plan – FY23 to FY27
In a memorandum dated September 9, 2021, (and the attached spreadsheets) Town Manager Peter Elwell provides staff’s annual update to the Town’s Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP). Elwell will summarize the LTFP at the September 14 Selectboard meeting, followed by discussion among the Selectboard, public, and Town staff.
NO ACTION REQUIRED ON THIS MATTER.
C. American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funding – Update
In a memorandum dated September 8, 2021, Assistant Town Manager Patrick Moreland provides an update on the status of funding the Town is receiving from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). Moreland will provide a verbal update at the September 14 Selectboard meeting, followed by discussion among the Selectboard, public, and Town staff.
NO ACTION REQUIRED ON THIS MATTER.
D. Announce Committees Vacancies
The Board will announce vacancies on various Town boards and committees.
NO ACTION REQUIRED ON THIS MATTER.
