The selectboard met in executive session until after 7 p.m., then Cecil Reniche-Smith began with her customary remarks: "We strive to be a friendly and convivial group because we see each other in the supermarket...be kind." Reniche-Smith remarked on a recent Front Porch Forum post about Act 181 and said that the subject was not on tonight's agenda.
The selectboard appointed a new zoning administrator, Gabe McGuigan, as recommended by the planning commission with four ayes and a single nay.
Seth Hopkins, the town manager, delivered his report. He highlighted the upcoming Vermont Council on Rural Development visit Thursday, April 30, at 4:30 p.m. at Otter Valley High School.
Hopkins also said the town had applied for paving funds for four Class 2 roads. He pointed out that the funds are rarely sufficient to cover all Vermont towns every year, but he was hopeful that this year Brandon would benefit.
Hopkins stated that there had been several applicants for Elaine Smith’s vacant position after her retirement and that Jill Brooks was selected. She will begin April 20.
Brian Coolidge raised a question about the status of the sale of Estabrook House on Franklin Street. Hopkins said that the house has been sold, but because the town is the beneficiary of the estate, it must also be closed to realize the bequest. Legally, he said, this is ongoing.
Coolidge brought up concerns about the donation of solar panels from Nifty Thrifty and their placement on the Brandon Police building, which has a shingled roof. He proposed that an engineer look at it to determine its suitability. Hopkins agreed. There was some discussion among the selectboard members about the efficiency of used panels. Hopkins, looking at the property information, determined that these panels can't be much more than five years old.
Doug Bailey noted police activity statistics from the first quarter: 253 calls were responded to by the Brandon Police Department and 67 calls by the State Police. The Sheriff's Department issued 59 tickets and wrote $8,921 in fines.
Bill Moore gave his community development report. The Brandon Idol finale will be held at the Town Hall with singers competing for a $1,000 prize. The “Workday for Fields” is postponed until April 18, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., at Otter Creek Academy – Leicester. The Plaid Hen After School Art Club will launch in May; registration opens April 16 at brandonrec.com. Wrestling returns to the Town Hall April 25; tickets are available online.
Moore also said the long-awaited town events calendar, a collaboration with the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce, is now live. You can find the calendar here.
Hopkins told the selectboard the local emergency management plan had been updated, which is required every year. Shelter spaces, contacts, and other information must be correct. Hopkins said it hadn't changed much since last year.
He described a public works mutual aid agreement where towns in Rutland County can borrow equipment, such as road graders, from each other in times of need if available. The selectboard approved this agreement.
Two parcels of swampland near Otter Creek were approved for conservation by the selectboard. This land has, arguably, no agricultural or development value, and both owners have no other practical use for the land. The land remains on the town's tax rolls, with the state making payments.
In a follow-up to the last selectboard meeting regarding police vehicles, Hopkins explained that he received two bids for upfitting the new cruiser. The first bid was from a company in Williston, Vt., for $34,582, and the second was from a company in Haverhill, Mass., for $27,995. The upfitting includes elements such as lights, dividers, weapon mounts, and a special back seat. Reniche-Smith recommended the lower bid, and Bailey concurred, saying that he’d hoped to use a Vermont company, but the cost difference was significant. The lower bid, Hopkins explained, also included delivery of the vehicle. Radio equipment would need to be purchased separately.
Notable from public comments was a discussion of visitors to the dog park, as well as the dogs there digging holes. Reniche-Smith said the board was aware of the issues. Moore said a road crew had filled the holes and left a pile of dirt for people to use to fill in new holes. He added that people need to pick up after their dogs and said the town would add signs.
Additional comments were made about scooters and bikes used on sidewalks and the potential for accidents. Several board members pointed out a statute prohibiting bike/scooter use on sidewalks, while Moore urged people to reach out to the parents of children who are doing so.
