Town of Manchester Selectboard
Meeting Minutes for 6/6/23 - Draft
Selectboard Attendees: Ivan Beattie (Chair), Laurie Kunz, Jan Nolan,
Greg Cutler, Heidi Chamberlain
Town Employees: Scott Murphy (Town Manager), Anita Sheldon (Town Clerk)
Public Attendees: Steve Love, Sylvia Jolivette, Tim Waker, Steve Nichols
Zoom Attendees: Glenn Herrin, Sam Dillner (Vt Alert)
Meeting called to order by Beattie @ 7:01
Pledge of Allegiance led by Sylvia Jolivette
Minutes from May 23, 2023
Nolan motioned, seconded by Kunz, to approve the 5/23/23 Selectboard minutes. All in favor 5-0.
Liquor Licenses
- Firinji, Inc., d/b/a Depot Café/ Depot 62 -2nd Class LL and Outside Consumption permit
Chamberlain motioned, seconded by Nolan, to approve the Liquor License and Outside Consumption permit, All in favor 5-0,
Appoint Peter Brabazonas Zoning Administrator
Murphy discussed the process the Town has been through, ending up with two candidates without any zoning or real estate experience. Walker reviewed the DRB history of working with several ZA’s and the need to get someone in the ZA position. He indicated his support for Brabazon and said he was willing to work with him to develop a good working relationship. He added that Brabazon is willing to learn and already has a good amount of experience. Beattie added that he would like to see the position become more efficient and solicited input from both the DRB and Planning Commission.Waker added that Brabazon will be fair to everybody.
Cutler motioned to appoint Brabazon as the Town Zoning Administrator, seconded by Nolan, all in favor 5-0.
The Selectboard agreed to move and address Agenda item #9.
Approval of Additional ARPA Funds for the Sweeney Property Acquisition
Murphy addressed the Sweeney property situation. The two banks involved have been adding per diem costs and refuse to charge-off any late fees or interest. The Town’s Atty Merrill Bent has set up a closing date of Friday 6/9/23 to facilitate the closing but the Selectboard had originally only approved $150,000 from ARPA funds for the purchase. The current purchase price (which includes both mortgages) is $165,057.60 as of 6/5/23.
Nolan motioned, seconded by Kunz, to approve additional ARPA funds up to $175,000. all in favor, 5-0.
Town Audit report
Steve Love of Love and Cody Company, CPA’s reviewed the FY 22 audited financial statements and schedules for the Town of Manchester. He confirmed the positive results of the audit and thanked the Board for working with his company for over 16 years. Mr Love will be retiring as of June 30th. Beattie thanked him for his services. Cutler suggested that we include a mention of the fine work Love’s company has done in next year’s town report.
Contract for new Auditing Services
Murphy explained that the Town had placed an RFP for a new company to provide auditing services to the Town. We received two bids, with the recommended company being Telling and Hillman of Middlebury for a four year contract starting at $24,000 (not including a single-audit, if needed).
Chamberlain motioned, seconded by Kunz to approve awarding the contract for the Town’s auditing services to Telling and Hillman, all in favor 5-0.
Vt Alert presentation
Glenn Herrin and Sam Dillner explained the VT Alert system and the benefits to the Town and to the townspeople who sign up for the program. Vt Alert is the State’s notification system for emergencies, weather situations, road conditions, and more. The alert reaches people via their cell phones, email, texts, landlines, social media and more.
Nolan motioned, seconded by Chamberlain, to approve signing the Town up for Vt Alert, all in favor 5-0.
Town Manager Updates
● Tax Sale 8/18/23
● New Town website coming
Other Business
Jolivette complained about trash behind the TD Bank building near her house.
Adjournment
Nolan motioned to adjourn, Kunz seconded. All in favor. 5-0
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
____________________________________________________________
Approved by the Board Date