SELECTBOARD MINUTES
November 15, 2022
Board Members: Ivan Beattie, Heidi Chamberlain, Jan Nolan, Greg Cutler. Absent: Laurie Kunz
Town Staff: Leslie Perra, Interim Town Manager; Michael DeCubellis via Zoom (Finance Director); Janet Hurley, Zoning / Planning Administrator
Attendees: Steven Henry, Sylvia Jolivette, Jim Salsgiver, Brian Martinez, Greg Sukiennik, Doug Kilburn, Cynthia Kilburn , Ben Weiss
Attendees via Zoom: Brian Benson
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Beattie called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM.
Jolivette lead the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes from November 1, 2022
Nolan moved, seconded by Chamberlain, to approve the minutes from November 1, 2022. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Northshire Rescue Squad Presentation
Ben Weiss and Jim Salsgiver provided an update. They have recently hired 2 EMTs. The fundraising goal for this year is $255,000. A handout on response times was provided outlining FY22 and FY23. A new ambulance is needed and would be purchased by the five towns. There is a 2 year lead time for one. A question was asked if ARPA funds could be used to purchase a new ambulance. Dorset would like to be a part of Manchester's dispatch. First Aid & CPR are being taught at the library, fire department and to the BBA cross country team. NRS has four new board members and is working on their bylaws. NRS completed a study on compensation and wages. In 2019 they did a reset on compensation. They were surprised to find they were behind. They looked at state, regional and national wages. With that information they increased wages about 14%, which was about $80,000. NRS billing is paid on collections, not on invoices. They have not starting the review of billing, but will be looking at this. NRS will be holding quarterly meetings. 20% of the budget is made up of donations.
Winter 2023 Bond Application
Mike DeCubellis provided information regarding the winter bond. The interest rate is 4.7% for 30 years. We would start paying this back November 2023. The application deadline is 12/23/22 with expected funds in March 2023. The bond would be applied for the sewer line expansion on Main Street.
Cutler motioned, seconded by Chamberlian, to authorize Mike Decubellis to start the application process. Seconded by Chamberlain. Motion passed 4-0-0.
Sewer Rates
Earlier today the Board of Water Commissioners approved a rate increase of 4% to start January 1, 2023 to be reviewed in 18 months.
Doug Kilburn provided information regarding the water rate increase and the reasoning behind the need for an increase for both water and sewer. There has not been an increase since 2017.
Cutler motioned, seconded by Nolan, to accept the change in sewer rates as presented. Motion passed 4-0-0.
Appointment of E911 Coordinator
Nolan motioned, seconded by Chamberlain, to appoint Peter Brabazon as the E-911 coordinator. Motion passed 4-0-0.
Appointment of Alternative Authorized Representative for Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
Cutler motioned, seconded by Beattie, to appoint Leslie Perra, Interim Town Manager, as the Alternative Authorized Representative for Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Motion passed 4-0-0.
Town Plan - Potential MPG through BCRC
Megan Amundson and Janet Hurley presented information regarding a municipal planning grant. BCRC would submit this grant on behalf of the Town of Manchester. Janet would work on this grant while on vacation from 11/17/22 - 11/23/22 and complete it when she returns and starts working for BCRC on 11/28/22. The grant is to ask for $26,400. The town would be required to provide a 10% match. The Planning Commission would request to hire a consultant to re-write the Town Plan, to include new demgraphic information, maps, etc. The Planning Commission would like to start this project from scratch. Hurley stated she feels this entire project could be completed with the full grant amount. Hurley stated she would check to see if the Energy Plan should be kept as a separate document. Hurley also noted that the Land Use section of the current Town Plan is weak. Hurley recommends that BCRC perform the study.
Chamberlain motioned, Nolan seconded, to authorize Hurley to apply for the MPG Grant. Motion passed 4-0-0.
Town Website Redesign
Perra provided information on the current website and proposed that an outside agency be hired to design a new web site.
Cutler motioned, seconded by Nolan, to use up to $7,000 from ARPA funds to design a new website. Motion passed 4-0-0
Other Business
Megan Amundson asked when will the Town Manager position be posted and when does the board estimate this will be complete. Beattie stated they are working with VLCT on posting the position and should have it posted within the next month.
Executive Session
Nolan motioned, seconded by Cutler, to enter into executive session for the discussion of personnel matters that the disclosure with would put the town at a distinct disadvantage. Leslie Perra, Chief Patrich Owens, Lieutenant James Blanchard will be in attendance. Motion passed 4-0-0. No action will be taken out of Executive Session.
Entered into executive session at 8:55 p.m.
After exiting Executive Session at 9:48 no action was taken.
Adjournment
Nolan motioned to adjourn the meeting. Cutler seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:49 p.m.
____________________________________________________________
Approved by the Board, Board Clerk Jan Nolan