Downtown Brattleboro surveillance is on the agenda for the next regular meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard. New $45,000 police cameras will be purchased for the intersection of High and Main so that the Town can watch everything you do there, in addition to watching everything you do at the Transportation Center. Some local stores will join in and add their cameras to the surveillance system, too.
Brattleboro’s sludge removal has become more expensive and the board will approve nearly $45,000 contract increase for just six months of disposal costs. The board will also discuss their new Legislative Agenda (things they want the State to help fix), a bike path proposal for Rt. 5, discontinuing part of Melrose Street, ordinance changes, and more.
You can request other items not on the agenda during public participation, as long as you don’t bring up something that annoys the Chair.
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The Brattleboro Selectboard will hold their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Brattleboro Municipal Center (230 Main Street, Room 212). Prior to the regular meeting, the Board will convene to conduct a site visit at the intersections of Melrose Street and Melrose Street and Melrose Street and George F. Miller Drive. The Board will then convene at 5:45pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room for committee interviews. 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, NOVEMBER 7, 2023
SELECTBOARD MEETING ROOM + ZOOM
MELROSE STREET SITE VISIT – 4:00PM
COMMITTEE INTERVIEWS – 5:45PM
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 all times are approximate)
1. CONVENE REGULAR MEETING (6:15 PM)
2. APPROVE MINUTES – October 17, 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. The Collective Lounge & Bar Tobacco License – Approve License
B. Eli Way – Assign New Street Name
C. Turkey Trot – Approve Parade Permit
D. Project Feed the Thousands Proclamation – Approve Proclamation
E. Medical Plan Renewal – Approve Renewal
F. WWTP Gas Compressor – Approve $16,238.47 Purchase
8. NEW BUSINESS (6:45 PM)
A. Town Legislative Agenda (6:45 PM)
B. SEVT/Moover Annual Report (8:00 PM)
C. WWTP Biosolids Recycling Services Contract (8:15 PM)
D. Downtown Surveillance Cameras (8:25 PM)
E. Entertainment, Liquor and Open-Air License Ordinance Changes – First Reading (8:40PM)
F. VTrans US Highway 5 Survey – Discussion (8:55 PM)
G. Melrose Street Acceptance -Public Hearing (9:10 PM)
H. Committee Appointments (9:25 PM)
9. CORRESPONDENCE/FYI
A. Warrants
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: November 3, 2023
———————————————————————————————————————————–
The following will summarize the proposed motions for the Selectboard meeting on Tuesday,
November 7, 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. The Collective Lounge & Bar Tobacco License – Approve License
B. Eli Way – Assign New Street Name
C. Turkey Trot – Approve Parade Permit
D. Project Feed the Thousands Proclamation – Approve Proclamation
E. Medical Plan Renewal – Approve Renewal
F. WWTP Gas Compressor – Approve $16,238.47 Purchase
In a memorandum dated November 7, 2023 Town Clerk Hilary Francis discusses the Tobacco License application for the Collective Lounge and Bar located at 55 Elliot Street. Town Staff have reviewed and approved this application. Ms. Barry will be present at the Selectboard meeting, should this item be pulled from Consent, to address any questions the Board may have. By approving the Consent Agenda, the Board will approve a Tobacco License for The Collective Lounge and Bar located at 55 Elliot Street.
In a memorandum dated October 25, 2023 Planning Technician/E911 Coordinator Steve Hayes explains that following the recent Development Review Board (DRB) approval of a subdivision for tax map parcel #00110261.200, the threshold for an unnamed private drive to be named has been met. The DRB has added the naming of this private drive as a condition of their approval of the minor subdivision. The proposed name, Eli Way, would be a unique name in the State and there are no concerns from Fire, Police, Dispatch, or E911. By approving the Consent Agenda, the Board will approve naming an existing private driveway accessing tax map parcels #00110261.200 and #00110253.000 (currently serving legal E911 addresses 882, 884, 886, and 888 South Street) “Eli Way”.
In a memorandum dated November 1, 2023 Town Manager John Potter asks the Board to approve a parade permit for the Red Clover Rovers Turkey Trot that will take place on Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 9:00am to 10:30am. No road closures are necessary. By approving the Consent Agenda, the Board will approve a parade permit for the Red Clover Rovers Turkey Trot.
Included in the Board’s materials is the Project Feed the Thousands Proclamation. The Board is asked to consider the proclamation and sign it. By approving the Consent Agenda, the Board will agree to sign the Project Feed the Thousands Proclamation.
In a memorandum dated November 3, 2023 Finance Director Kimberly Frost discusses proposed changes to the Town’s Medical Insurance Plan for employees. By approving the
Consent Agenda, the Board will approve the proposed Blue Cross and Blue Shield renewal for the Town staff insurance plan for calendar year 2024.
In a memorandum dated October 27, 2023 DPW Director Dan Tyler explains that when the Wastewater Treatment Plant was upgraded in 2012, two Dekker gas compressor pumps were designed and installed. Both have been rebuilt periodically throughout the years, though one compressor is always in service. The rebuild kits cost about $2000 each and due to wear and tear, parts of each gas compressor have become worn and are no longer within the recommended tolerance for a rebuild. Purchasing the same Dekker compressor pump will ensure a direct fit and be consistent with the original design. Motion Industries of Manchester, NH, the regional distributor of Dekker Pumps, quoted the cost of a new Dekker gas compressor pump at $16,238.47, which will be covered by the WWTP operating budget. The lead time for delivery is approximately six weeks. By approving the Consent Agenda, the Board will authorize the purchase of a replacement gas compressor from Motion Industries Inc. for a cost of $16,238.47.
ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS PRESENTED.
8. NEW BUSINESS (6:45 PM)
A. Town Legislative Agenda (6:45 PM)
In a memorandum dated November 3, 2023 Town Manager John Potter proposes a Town Legislative Agenda for 2024, an idea that was initially discussed at the October 17, 2023 Selectboard Meeting. Four topics have emerged that could be a focused Town Legislative Agenda for 2024 including: Affordable and Middle-Income Housing, Drug Addiction Treatment, Mental Health Crisis Response, and Repeat Offenders. As part of having a Legislative Agenda, it is proposed that the Selectboard request to meet regularly with members of Brattleboro’s State legislative delegation.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO ADOPT THE TOWN LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR 2024, AS PRESENTED (OR AMENDED).
B. SEVT/Moover Annual Report (8:00 PM)
Representatives from Southeastern Vermont Transit/Moovers will be in the meeting to give their annual report to the Board and the public.
POTENTIAL MOTION: NO ACTION IS REQUIRED AT THIS TIME.
C. WWTP Biosolids Recycling Services Contract (8:15 PM)
In a memorandum dated October 27, 2023 DPW Director Dan Tyler discusses the Town’s disposal process for the 1700 tons of dewatered sludge the wastewater treatment process produces annually, the sludge disposal process, recent regulatory changes that have created issues in the biosolids disposal industry, and the fact that municipalities have found it difficult to dispose of their sludge. Resource Management Inc. (RMI) has been contracted to haul and dispose of these materials since 2013. They have notified DPW that the current pricing structure is no longer sustainable for them and have proposed an addendum to the current contract. The 6-month impact on the FY24 budget is projected to be a $42,842 increase. Tyler also discusses alternatives that have been identified and researched but are not feasible at this time.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO AUTHORIZE ADDENDUM #2 TO THE BIOSOLIDS RECYCLING SERVICES CONTRACT WITH RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, INC.
D. Downtown Surveillance Cameras (8:25 PM)
In a memorandum dated November 3, 2023 Town Manager John Potter discusses the Town’s use of cameras for surveillance since they were installed in August of this year. The Town has also coordinated with the Downtown Brattleboro Alliance to allow downtown businesses to voluntarily add their camera footage or streams to the Brattleboro Police Department (BPD). The cameras at both private businesses and at the Transportation Center have been effective for law enforcement. The Town now proposes expanding the number of Town-maintained cameras in the downtown area by trying out coverage at one additional area, the intersection of High Street and Main Street. The cost of this would be up to $45,000.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO EXTEND THE DOWNTOWN CAMERAS APPROACH TESTED AT THE TRANSPORTATION CENTER TO THE INTERSECTION OF HIGH AND MAIN STREETS AT A COST NOT-TO-EXCEED $45,000.
E. Entertainment, Liquor and Open-Air License Ordinance Changes – First Reading (8:40 PM)
In a memorandum dated November 7, 2023 Town Clerk Hilary Francis discusses proposed changes to the Brattleboro Code of Ordinances Chapter 3, Article II (Dogs, Wolf-Hybrids) Chapter 11, Articles I (General Provisions), VII (Entertainment), VIII (Liquor), and X (Parades and Open-Air Meetings); and Chapter 13 Article VII (Entertainment Clubs and Restaurants). The Board is asked to conduct a first reading on these proposed changes.
POTENTIAL MOTION: NO ACTION IS REQUIRED AT THIS TIME.
F. VTrans US Highway 5 Survey – Discussion (8:55 PM)
In a memorandum dated November 1, 2023 Planning Director Sue Fillion discusses a survey that was sent to the Town from the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) regarding interest and prioritization of a bicycle corridor on or along a route that is roughly adjacent to U.S. Highway 5. Staff requests that the Board have a conversation about this topic to help inform a survey that the Selectboard Chair will respond to. Included in the Board’s materials is a copy of the survey.
POTENTIAL MOTION: NO ACTION IS REQUIRED AT THIS TIME.
G. Melrose Street Acceptance -Public Hearing (9:10 PM)
At 4:00pm on November 7th, the Selectboard will conduct a site visit to Melrose Street to assess discontinuing part of Melrose Street and laying out a new section of the street. The Board will conduct a public hearing during the Selectboard Meeting on this proposed project. In a memorandum dated October 30, 2023 Town Attorney Bob Fisher discusses this project and the process by which the Board’s decision will be finalized. The Board is asked to discuss this project in a public hearing after their site visit and during the Selectboard meeting, to consider if the public good, public necessity and public convenience are satisfied by the dual action of discontinuing a part of Melrose Street and laying out the new part of Melrose Street. The Board has sixty days to make their decision.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TO DISCONTINUE THAT PART OF MELROSE STREET FROM THE EASTERLY SIDE OF THE BRIDGE TO ITS ORIGINAL TERMINUS AT THE INTERSECTION OF MELROSE STREET AND GEORGE F MILLER DRIVE AND TO LAY OUT A NEW SECTION OF MELROSE STREET FROM THE EASTERLY SIDE OF THE BRIDGE THROUGH THE NEW ROUTE TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH MELROSE STREET AS DEPICTED ON THE SURVEY.
H. Committee Appointments (9:25 PM)
The Board plans to conduct committee interviews with candidates for contested seats on the Citizens Police Communications Committee (CPCC), Planning Commission and the Recreation and Parks Board prior to the start of the regular meeting. The Board plans to make appointments to those Boards and Committees at this time.
POTENTIAL MOTION: TBA
Don't annoy the chair!
“You can request other items not on the agenda during public participation, as long as you don’t bring up something that annoys the Chair.”
That is an amusing entry, no doubt pregnant with meaning. I would love to know if cgrotke had any particular incident in mind, or at least could recount an example.
Gladly
On a regular basis Dale Joy gets up and tries to talk about a matter with the police or Chief, and the Chair shuts her down before she can say much of anything. ESP! Probably happened 3 times in the last year or so.
Story behind the story?
That sounds like there is a story behind the story, and probably an interesting one. Perhaps a citizen journalist could interview Dale Joy for ibrattleboro. I could not do it because, having been royally annoyed by Dale Joy a few years ago, I could not be objective and unbiased.