Selectboard Meeting Notes – Boston By Bus, $30k For Pedestrians, and Bittersweet Reconsideration

Perhaps the biggest news revealed at the regular meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard had almost nothing to do with any board decision. A bus company has decided to start a daily route from downtown Brattleboro to and from Boston starting October 1.

The board did handle some meaty topics themselves, of course. They had healthy discussion of  accessibility features of the new police station, a lesson on business development activities, a decision to spend $30,000 on pedestrian safety and work safety into future budgets, another decision to reconsider their decision regarding Bittersweet Lane, a scolding for the public for not paying attention, and more. 

Preliminaries

Chair David Gartenstein thanked road crews for all their hard work finishing summer paving.

Town Manager Peter Elwell had big news. A Boston bus company is starting daily service to and from Boston. The Brattleboro Transportation Center will be the western end of a new route, and the bus company plans to use wifi enabled buses to make the trips. More details will emerge, but look for the new buses to begin October 1.

Selectboard comments and committee reports were limited. Dick DeGray praised his work on downtown flowers by thanking someone who assisted him with the work. He also had words for defacers.

He said he was extremely disappointed by a recent protest march in which participants defaced public and private property. “People felt compelled to write all over walls and Pliny Park, spewing their message,” he said. “I’m okay with a protest, but disappointed when you are defacing property.” He hoped future event organizers would hold their participants responsible for similar behavior.

Public Participation was nil.

Liquor Commissioners

The Brattleboro Selectboard, acting as Liquor Commissioners, granted a first class liquor license to the Restless Rooster cafe. Restless Rooster operates at 134 Elliot Street.

The license allows them to sell beer and wine during their open hours, for breakfast and lunch from 7 am to 2 pm daily.

Water and Sewer Commissioners

The Welcome Center in Guilford needs a new pump station. The State of Vermont will pay for it and then give it to the Town of Brattleboro according to a Letter of Commitment sent by the state and signed by the Brattleboro Selectboard.

That’s the quick version. Department of Public Works Director Steve Barrett provided the board with a written history of the pump station, which Town Manager Peter Elwell summarized for the board.

Back in 1995, a wastewater pump station was built to service the Welcome Center, Algiers Fire District #1, and the Delta Business Campus at the south end of town. It was built to handle about 80,000 gallons per day and last about 20 years.

Since then, Commonwealth Dairy has been added to the mix at the Delta Business Campus, and over time the number of gallons per day through the pump station has increased to over 120,000 gallons per day. The pump station has recently failed, too, and this combination of age, capacity, and failure has given an upgrade project some urgency and attention.

Elwell said it was fair that the town take over the station when complete. “It functions as part of our system,” he said.

Gartenstein asked about the projected new capacity after the upgrade. Elwell said it would be 250,000 gallons per day. “Ample capacity there for what might come,” he said, referring to future expansion at the Delta campus in particular.

Vermont Agency of Transportation will fund costs associated with the current capacity, about $500,000. Vermont’s Agency of Commerce and Community Development will grant another $100,000 to fund costs associated with expanding the current capacity to meet future needs.

(Steve Barrett noted that when Algiers connected to the system, the state paid to have pipes repaired.)

With knowledge that the state will be paying 100% of the capital costs, the Brattleboro Selectboard agreed to take the lead of the Bidding and Contract Award, and to take ownership once the Pump Station is upgraded.

Police-Fire Facilites Update

Town Manager Elwell gave the board an update on the three major construction projects currently underway for the Police and Fire departments.

He said that in the next few weeks, floor slabs and wall framing will be the focus at the West Brattleboro Fire Station. The slabs are being poured in two sections, to minimize any damage that might occur during construction.

Central Fire Station subcontractor bidding is underway, and a guaranteed maximum price for the project can soon be in hand.

For the Police Station on Black Mountain Road, designs are being altered based on the feedback received at the last Selectboard meeting. Accessible parking spaces are being increased to three.

There will be an automatic door controlled by dispatchers for security and helping people with disabilities to enter and exit more easily. A button will be pressed and dispatchers will open the door for anyone needing assistance.

Kate O’Connor was only semi-comfortable with this. She said she trusted the decision, but hoped that if it didn’t work it could be fixed. Others told her that because of the glass lobby, the time is now to speak up for a second system controlled by outside visitors.  She said she would believe them that the dispatcher system would work.

The parking lot will be redesigned to meet new Town Land Use Regulations, and to deal with drainage problems brought up at a prior meeting.  An entirely new lot will be installed, which adds to the project cost, but those costs will be covered by other project savings, so the overall budget will not increase, according to Elwell.

Environmental consultants have reported that there are no significant issues with the building, the site qualifies for BRELLA (Brownfields Reuse and Environmental Liability Limitation Act) protections against future environmental issue liabilities.

The Town expects to close on the property’s purchase in November, start work in December, and have a lease agreement with the Reformer within the next month.

Traffic Safety Committee Pedestrian Light Response 

At a recent meeting, Dick DeGray was eager to purchase and install additional flashing pedestrian crossing lights for crosswalks around town. The matter was referred to the Traffic Safety Committee for their input, and David Gartenstein explained their preliminary response – they’d like more time to do gather more information before making a decision.

The Department of Public Works supplied them and the selectboard with rather detailed plans and studies relating to crosswalks all around town, demonstrating that this work has been and continues to be underway. Included was a reminder that flashing lights are just one of many options for helping pedestrians cross safely.

Also included was a “crosswalk inventory” that showed the results of a survey of every Town crosswalk on a major route (9, 5, 119, 30.) Crosswalks, as you might imagine, must meet federal standards and as such are prohibited at crosswalks controlled by stop signs, yield signs, or traffic signals.

DeGray offered up a motion to spend surplus funds from the Rooms & Meals tax income to buy four flashing pedestrian lights for $30,000. Immediately, Elwell cautioned him to revise the motion to not specify where the funds would come from, which could complicate things. DeGray agreed.

The other board members questioned whether flashing lights were the best option, or whether the motion should be for a more vague statement about $30,000 for traffic safety equipment, to be installed at the discretion of the Department of Public Works and/or Traffic Safety Committee. Some wanted the advice of experts.

“With all due respect to the Traffic Safety Committee, “ said DeGray,” is there an engineer on that committee? They don’t have any more expertise than us.”

DPW Director Steve Barrett said all traffic improvements were reviewed by engineers.

Gartenstein noted that most recent pedestrian fatalities in town happened outside of crosswalks.

Elwell said that regardless of their decision, a line item for traffic safety would be included in upcoming capital budgets.

The crosswalk lights are installed in some locations already and are planned for more. Linden Street at Anna Marsh Lane, and Western Ave at the  Holton Home and Union Street crossings have been approved for the devices in the future. Numerous other locations are being considered.

While the board disagreed for a while on the specifics, all agreed that $30,000 toward traffic safety from the current year’s busget would be money well spent. They also agreed to let the DPW advise on recommendations on how the money should be spent.

Year End (June 2016) Financial Report (Unaudited)

Town Manager Elwell gave the board a review of the previous year’s financial report. Previously, John O’Connor presented a snapshot including incomplete numbers with best guesses for final results. This time, the numbers are complete and everything is ready for the auditors to take a look.

O’Connor, through Elwell, reported a surplus of $870,787 in 2016. This came from a reduction of delinquent property taxes, more income from rooms and meals taxes than budgeted, less spent on insurance and benefits than budgeted, and savings in fire, police, and public works departmental budgets. A light winter also helped save some money.

Elwell said that it was an unusual year in that more was collected than spent, but it will provide some flexibility in the short term going forward, though probably won’t happen again if the budget is better calibrated.

“A rosy but measured report,” said Gartenstein, who also noted that this surplus came partially at the expense of not having enough police or firefighters on staff. “Not the way we should be operating.”

Monthly Financial Report with John O’Connor

Finance Director John O’Connor gives the board a monthly financial update, helping them stay aware of any budget issues, good or bad, that might be bubbling up. For this report, he covered the fiscal year-to-date covering July and August of 2016.

He reported that with 16.7% of the fiscal year complete, General Fund expenses are at 18.1% of the annual budget. This includes some big annual payments that weigh heavily in the early month percentages. Prorate those numbers and things would stand at 14.1%. But, they aren’t prorated, so the number is 16.7%.

The Utilities Fund expenses are at 17.1% and Parking Fund is at 13.5% of their annual budgets.

Solid Waste Fund numbers lag behind a month to account for bag slaes, curbside collection costs and tipping fees. In August, revenues were at 12.9% and expenses were at 11.7% of their annual budgets.

Brattleboro has loaned out just over $3.3 million, and has just over $800,00 for additional loans or grants.

There are 37 active grants and five other applications being developed.

Budget Calendar

Like geese flocking southward, or maples turning colors, this time of year begins an annual tradition for the Brattleboro Selectboard. They gather their calendars and set dates to discuss, review, modify and approve a budget for the next year, FY2018. Once approved by the board, the budget is presented to members of Representative Town meeting for their consideration.

At Tuesday’s meeting, a general schedule for these meetings was adopted. Budget meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings in November, December, and January at both regular and special Selectboard meetings. A more specific timetable, with specific meeting topics, will be presented closer to the kick-off of budget season.

New this year, the Brattleboro’s Comprehensive Review of Town Operations will be completed, along with a Long Term Financial Plan, and both documents are intended to be used to help guide budget decisions.

Potential Reconsideration of Bittersweet Lane

The Brattleboro Selectboard recently decided that a request for the Town to take over Bittersweet Lane and make it a Class 3 roadway was premature, as the private road had a few but not many homes along the way to be in the public interest at this time. If the density along the road increased, the board said, they would reconsider the request, but until then they felt it best remain a private road.

Property owners on the road begged to differ with the Bittersweet decision.

Some sent letters.

Overall, the board was in favor of reconsidering their decision for the sake of hearing from the property owners, but many scolded them (and the general public, generally) for not participating when asked.

“The Town notifies people at great expense,” began Dick DeGray. “I’m somewhat disappointed that nobody came out from up there to talk to us at our site visit or public hearing. We do these processes and you don’t come.” He added that a lack of participation of the public is not negligence of the board.

Gartenstein agreed. “It’s disappointing that we did the full process in a measured, calm manner and only after a decision is rendered that people have objections. We said this might happen.”

A representative for Cersosimo, developer of Bittersweet Lane, apologized. He said that historically when a developer does what the contract says, the Town takes the road over. He assumed the same this time around. “Sorry for not showing up, but that’s partially why.”

“We all know what happens with assume,” said John Allen. “Assumptions can get you into a lot of problems.” He said he had been going by what was known now, not when the contract was signed.

DeGray wondered, given the reconsideration of the decision, if snow plowing would continue to be provided by the town.

“We’ll discuss with counsel, either in public, or not,” said Gartenstein. “Depending on what counsel suggests.”

The board will reconsider the decision, starting over with new meeting warnings and public hearings.

Request To Rename Street

The Brattleboro Music Center’s purchase of the former Winston Prouty School site has prompted the BMC (and E-911 Coordinator Rita Johnson) to request that the Town change the name of Winston Prouty Way to Blanche Moyse Way.

Southeastern Vermont Economic Development Strategies Mid-Year Report

SeVEDS (Southeastern Vermont Economic Development Strategies), Adam Grinold, R.T. Brown, and Alex Beck presented the board with a mid-year report for their regional organization. Each spoke of different programs and meetings underway.

Grinold said the most notable program is a “new CEDS process.” He said they are now taking applications for important regional projects and programs. “CEDS projects are part of SeVEDSS strategies where we identify assets and set goals,” he said by way of explanation.

Beck spoke of programs for schools to introduce kids to businesses and occupations in the region. A program for High School students called Fast Track to Success helps them tap into education and employment opportunities available within the county, and brings students on field trips to see what goes on in businesses in the county. The program is at all area high schools, customized for students and school.

Beck also explained the business roundtable series. BDCC Business Cluster Roundtables are quarterly meetings with industry-specific groups, covering topics about workforce development, healthcare, tourism, and other topics.

DeGray asked if they had considered traditional career fairs at schools for students, and if they had considered providing incentives such as loans or grants for child care, rent, or fuel assistance to help with out-of-region workforce recruitment.

Grinold explained that their award-winning workforce program was a systematic approach, and recruitment is part of it. He said traditional career days didn’t get kids into buildings, which was essential for showing them opportunities.

Beck said they worked with many organizations dedicated to issues such as housing and child care and assist where needed. He said they are also interested in other issues, such as workforce housing.

Brown spoke of the  Accelerator Feasibility Study that showed that there is a need for comprehensive start up infrastructure as well as services and support for new and existing businesses.

He also spoke of incubation, and the INSTIG8 program which “fosters a safe environment for creative entrepreneurs to try, fail, learn, build, explore, and connect” and consists of workshops, events, and morning coffee meetings.

This led to some questioning of whether the Cotton Mill was truly being used as an incubator. “Quite a few tenants have been there 10 or more years,” said DeGray. “In my understanding, those spaces were for incubating, then we push you out to fill up the community, and BDCC takes on new incubation projects. I haven’t seen a lot of that.”

Brown said that it was true, but that the new goal is to turn the Cotton Mill into a true incubator, helping businesses with space and business counseling for up some years years, then have move on.

Kate O’Connor pointed to the circus school as an example of successful recent incubation.

Unforeseen Pool Repair

While doing expected work on the pool at Living Memorial Park, some unexpected conditions under the pool were discovered.

Town Manager Elwell explained that the contractor was cutting a new trench to connect pipes and ran into a piece of granite. It started to slow things and there was no idea just how long it would take to get through. Costs might add up.

Costs might also add up by waiting. Each day equipment is rented out adds to the cost.

Monday, Elwell requested a change order to allow payment for the additional work. He consulted with Gartenstein and gave the okay to the contractor to keep going, since the equipment was on hand. Tuesday, the contractor got through the granite.

This additional work, plus some additional concrete repair, will add about $10,000 to the overall cost of the project.

“Latent conditions,” lamented Allen.

Why Are These People Here?

Dick DeGray questioned why department heads were required to come to late meetings when the information they provide could just as easily be provided by the Town Manager. He urged consideration for their busy schedules. “They stay ‘til all hours.” He didn’t think it was the best use of their time.

David Schoales agreed. “There’s no need for them to sit and wait to read to us.”

John Allen said he saw both sides of the issue. “None of us want to be here at 9 o’clock.”

David Gartenstein said he had already been having discussion on this very issue with the Town Manager. “Duly noted.”

Drug Recognition Expert Grant

The board approved of accepting a grant for $1,200 to assist in overtime expert evaluation of suspects arrested around town. The money goes to the Police Department and comes from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

Brattleboro Police recently trained an officer to do this work, and now has a certified DRE (Drug Recognition Expert) on staff.

More Safety Grants

Also from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, the board accepted an Occupant Protection grant ($11,000), DUI overtime grant ($8,000), and an Equipment grant ($4,000) for the Police Department.

The first two pay for overtime related to traffic safety checks, the third for “approved equipment” that was not identified.

LSTA Loan Courier Grant

$142.50 was accepted from the Vermont Department of Libraries LSTA Loan Courier program, to help cover the costs associated with interlibrary loans.

Energy Committee Reduction Request

The Energy Committee requested, in order to better facilitate a quorum at meetings, that their membership be reduced from 11 to 9. The selectboard agreed, and the Energy Committee will now have nine official members.

Other

Whipple Street improvements resulted in a wider sidewalk for pedestrians.

Not much new is being reported regarding the skatepark. A completely new 9-hole frisbee golf has been built, though, and is open for use.

Requests for early ballots from the Town Clerk’s office are “coming in daily.” In-person voting will happen November 8 at the VFW on Black Mountain Road.

Vermont League of Cities and Towns is advocating for local level decision making, implementation of municipal charter provisions following adoption of local voters (skipping state-level approval), and a home rule amendment to the Vermont Constitution.

The Town got a long handwritten note from a resident complaining about the costs and size of PAYT trash bags.