Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
February 8 , 2023
Virtual Via GoToMeeting
Attending: Karen Cruise (KC), Richard Bisk (RB), Robert Cumming (RC), Town Administrator Sherry Patch (SP)
Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 9AM
Approval of Minutes
KC moved to approve the minutes of 1/25/2023 as amended. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: KC aye; RB aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to approve the minutes of 1/27/2023 as amended. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: KC aye; RB aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
Public Comment
None
Appointments/Resignations
KC moved to accept the resignation of Kari Sledzik from the Parks & Recreation Committee. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: KC aye; RB aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
Old Business
The Board and Committee Chair Breakfast was rescheduled to March 7th at 8:00 AM in the Town Hall Annex. A virtual session will be available for those unable to meet in person.
New Business
KC will be the Selectboard representative Fire Chief contract renewal negotiations.
Correspondence/Communications
KC has prepared a draft letter to residents regarding the town election and positions that are open for election.
The board schedule a Town Buzz Selectboard Q & A for March 15th at 6:30pm via gotomeeting.
Bid Award
KC moved to award the bid for electrical work for the installation of the generator at Station #2 to LIDCO Electrical and to authorize the Town Administrator to authorize the contract documents. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: KC aye; RB aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0
Town Administrator Update
SP updated the Selectboard on the FY 24 WRSD budget challenges. The district has not yet had their Excess and Deficiency Funds certified by DOR. The FY 21 audit is not complete yet. The district has been without a business manager since April and is trying to get things up to date. They have instituted a spending freeze on the FY 23 budget while they work on getting a better picture of the district finances in order to submit a budget request for FY 24. They are planning on issuing the draft budget to member towns on 2/23.
Joint Meeting with Members of the Solar Farm Working Group
Members of the Solar Farm Working Group met with the board to discuss their Interim Report on a potential solar development project at the former landfill site. Next steps discussed included drafting an RFP for a solar developer. Other items discussed included a possible land swap with DCR for property of equal or better resource value. A post closure use permit will also be required. These costs are usually paid by the Developer. John Mirick advised that a Town Meeting warrant article will be needed for a change in use of the property and to authorize the Selectboard to issue an RFP for Solar Development.
Selectboard Reports
RB would like to review Executive Session Minutes and Discuss Selectboard role during Police Union Contract negotiations.
KC would like to make sure that Selectboard priorities are reflected in the police budget. KC would like to discuss after the Town Buzz Session on the MRI report on the Police Dept. The Chief may need more guidance and the Advisory Committee will need to weigh in as well.
Adjournment
KC moved to adjourn. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: KC aye; RB aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:36 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Patch
Town Administrator