Brattleboro’s Town Manager will suggest changes to the budget process at the next regular meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard. One proposed change to the schedule is intended to increase public participation.
EMS discussions continue, with one more chance for the public to weigh in on aspects of pending EMS decisions. The board will also hear a financial report and will spend nearly $60,000 for a Pool Engineering Feasibility Study. 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 15, 2023 at 6:15pm Selectboard Meeting Room at the Brattleboro Municipal Center (230 Main Street). Prior to the regular meeting, at 5:15pm, the Board will convene and is expected to immediately enter into executive session to discussion contracts and real estate. Invited into the executive session are the Town Manager and the Assistant Town Manager. No action will be taken in executive session. 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 25, 2023
SELECTBOARD MEETING ROOM + ZOOM
EXECUTIVE SESSION – 5:15 PM
REGULAR MEETING – 6:15 PM
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 all times are approximate)
1. CONVENE REGULAR MEETING (6:15 PM)
2. APPROVE MINUTES – July 25, 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. West Brattleboro Village Center Designation – Authorize Renewal
B. Fire Alarm for the Brattleboro Transportation Center Bid Award
C. Fire Alarm for the Brooks Memorial Library Bid Award
D. Living Memorial Park Generational Improvements – Authorize Use of $150,000 from Global Warming Solutions Fund
E. Re-Award Propane Bid
F. Support Letter to VTrans Requesting a RRFB and Crosswalk on Putney Road (Route 5) at the Intersection of Wantastiquet
G. Support Letter to SEVT Requesting a New Permanent Bus Stop at The Chalet
8. NEW BUSINESS (6:45 PM)
A. Midnight, LLC First and Third Class Liquor License
B. Financial Report (6:55 PM)
C. EMS Update (7:10 PM)
D. Fire-EMS Transition Update (7:20 PM)
1) Public Engagement
2) Fully Municipal EMS Alternative
3) Third-Party Contracted EMS Alternative
4) Project Plan Update
E. FY25 Budget Process and ARPA Draft Budget Process (7:50 PM)
F. Pool Engineering Services Bid Award (8:15 PM)
9. CORRESPONDENCE/FYI
A. Warrants and Department Reports
10. MEETINGS
See Town Calendar
11. ADJOURNMENT (8:30 PM)
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MEMORANDUM
To: Selectboard
From: John Potter, Town Manager
Re: Administrative Report
Date: August 11, 2023
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The following will summarize the proposed motions for the Selectboard meeting on Tuesday, August 15, 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 (6:40 PM)
A. West Brattleboro Village Center Designation – Authorize Renewal
B. Fire Alarm for the Brattleboro Transportation Center Bid Award
C. Fire Alarm for the Brooks Memorial Library Bid Award
D. Living Memorial Park Generational Improvements – Authorize Use of $150,000 from Global Warming Solutions Fund
E. Re-Award Propane Bid
F. Support Letter to VTrans Requesting a RRFB and Crosswalk on Putney Road (Route 5) at the Intersection of Wantastiquet
G. Support Letter to SEVT Requesting a New Permanent Bus Stop at The Chalet
In a memorandum dated August 1, 2023 Planning Director Sue Fillion explains that West Brattleboro’s Village Center designation expires in 2023. It initially received Village Center designation status from the Vermont Downtown Board in 2005. 24 VSA §2793a authorizes Village Center Designations and allows for their renewal every eight years. Included in the Boards materials is a map showing the boundary of the designated village center. This boundary generally corresponds to the Village Center zoning boundary but is larger than the National Register Historic District. Staff do not recommend any changes to the boundary. By accepting the Consent Agenda, the Board will authorize the renewal application for the West Brattleboro Village Center Designation to the Vermont Downtown program.
In a memorandum dated August 4, 2023 DPW Superintendent Peter Lynch explains that the fire alarm system at the Transportation Center has failed, and any repairs would be extensive. As part of the repairs, the system would need to be updated to meet current fire codes. The Selectboard approved $67,252 for fire alarm replacement in the FY24 parking budget. This project was put out to bid and A.L. Tyler and Sons, Inc bid on the project, for a final amount of $18,705. In addition to the fire alarm system, the current fire alarm master box with a radio box that meets the Fire Department’s requirements is also needed. The cost of the master box and project oversight is $9,500. By accepting the Consent Agenda, the Board will award a contract to A.L Tyler and Sons, Inc, for the replacement of the Transportation Fire Alarm System in the amount of $18,705 and the bid for the master box replacement in the amount of $9,500.
In a memorandum dated August 4, 2023 DPW Superintendent Peter Lynch explains that the Brooks Memorial Library fire alarm system is in need of replacement. This was presented to RTM during the FY23 budget process and $30,000 was placed in the Capital Projects Fund for fire alarm replacement. This project was put out to bid and A.L. Tyler and Sons, Inc bid on the project for a total cost of $39,800. This is $9,800 over the capital line item and the additional $9,800 will come from Library funds. In addition to the fire alarm system, the current fire alarm master box with a radio box that meets the Fire Department’s requirements is also needed. The cost of the master box and project oversight is $9,500. By approving the Consent Agenda, the Board will award a contract to A.L. Tyler and Sons, Inc for the replacement of the Library Fire alarm in the amount of $39,800 and the bid for the master box replacement in the amount of $9,500.
In a memorandum dated August 11, 2023 Assistant Town Manager Patrick Moreland explains that in order for the Town to use the $150,000 from the Global Warming Solutions Fund for generational improvements to Living Memorial Park, the Board must take the affirmative step of authorizing the transfer from the fund to satisfy the Town’s auditors. By approving the Consent Agenda, the Board will authorize the transfer of $150,000 from the balance of the Global Warming Solutions Fund to the Living Memorial Park Generational Improvements Fund.
In a memorandum dated August 1, 2023 Fire Chief Leonard Howard recommends that the Board accept the bid from L&G Propane for FY25 for $1.44/gallon. By approving the Consent Agenda, the Board will award the propane bid for FY25 to L&G Propane for $1.44 a gallon.
In a memorandum dated August 1, 2023 Planning Director Sue Fillion discusses a Safety Action Request the Traffic Safety Committee received regarding the need for a crosswalk and a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at this location. After discussion, the Traffic Safety Committee agreed to request a letter of support addressed to VTrans in support of this. By approving the Consent agenda today, the Board will authorize the Town Manager to send a letter to VTrans requesting that a crosswalk with a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) be installed across Putney Road from Wantastiquet Drive to Eaton Avenue.
In a memorandum dated August 1, 2023 Planning Director Sue Fillion discusses Groundworks’ request that Southeastern Vermont Transit (Moover) establish a permanent bus stop at the Chalet located at 78 South Street and explains that they have requested a letter of support from the Town. By approving the Consent Agenda, the Board will authorize the Town Manager to send a letter supporting a new bus stop at the Chalet.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS PRESENTED.
8. NEW BUSINESS (6:45 PM)
A. Midnight, LLC First and Third Class Liquor License
In a memorandum dated August 15, 2023 Town Clerk Hilary Francis explains that Midnights LLC, located at 2 High Street are seeking First and Third Class Liquor Licenses. The applications have been reviewed and approved by Town Staff. Ms. Rera will be present at the Selectboard meeting to address any questions the Board may have.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO APPROVE A FIRST CLASS AND A THIRD CLASS LIQUOR LICENSE FOR MIDNIGHTS, LLC, LOCATED AT 2 HIGH STREET.
B. Financial Report (6:55 PM)
In a memorandum dated August 10, 2023 Finance Director Kimberly Frost discusses the Financial Report for July, 2023.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL REPORT, AS PRESENTED.
C. EMS Update (7:10 PM)
In a memorandum dated August 8, 2023 Assistant Fire Chief Charles Keir presents the July EMS Update.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO ACCEPT THE EMS UPDATE, AS PRESENTED.
D. Fire-EMS Transition Update (7:20 PM)
1) Public Engagement
2) Fully Municipal EMS Alterative
3) Third-Party Contracted EMS Alterative
4) Project Plan Update
In a memorandum dated August 11, 2023, Town Manager John Potter discusses the background information regarding this item as well as aspects of public engagement, the fully municipal EMS alternative and the third-party contracted EMS alterative. Potter also provides a project plan update and adds that the immediate next step in the project plan is to receive responsive proposals from interested third-party EMS providers by August 29, 2023.
POTENTIAL MOTION: NO ACTION IS REQUIRED AT THIS TIME.
E. FY25 Budget Process and ARPA Draft Budget Process (7:50 PM)
In a memorandum dated August 11, 2023 Town Manager John Potter discusses improvements in our budget process such as the use of updated financial software and a potential change to the budget schedule in a way that will help expand public participation in the budget process. He outlines a new proposed schedule, which includes meetings that will focus on ARPA budget discussions as well. The focus of the newly proposed process would be on our service level and reviewing the implications of budget alternatives or potential ARPA projects with line-item review taking a back seat.
POTENTIAL MOTION: NO ACTION IS REQUIRED AT THIS TIME.
F. Pool Engineering Services Bid Award (8:15 PM)
In a memorandum dated August 3, 2023 Recreation and Parks Director Carol Lolatte discusses the Pool Engineering Feasibility Study and recommends that the Town Award the Bid for Architecture/Engineering Feasibility Study Services for the Living Memorial Park Pool to NCA (Northeast Collaborative Architects) for $59,5000. This amount is over the $50,000 budget, but Town staff strongly believe that this is the best match for the project.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO AWARD THE BID FOR THE ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY STUDY SERVICES FOR THE LIVING MEMORIAL PARK POOL TO NCA (NORTHEAST COLLABORATIVE ARCHITECTS) FOR $59,500.
