M E M O R A N D U M

TO: File

FROM: Jason A. Stone

DATE: July 25, 2001

RE: VTrans

Brandon Bypass Scoping Study

NH 019-3(49)SC

CLD Reference No. 01-0169

Subject: Brandon Selectboard Meeting

Location: Neshobe School, Brandon, VT

ATTENDEES: Along with several members of the public, the following were in attendance:

Brandon Selectboard CLD Engineers VTrans

Lynn Saunders, Chairperson Chris Bean Dan Peterson

Jack McKernon Jason Stone

Ken Torey

Bill Hatch

Richard Baker

Town of Brandon Rutland Regional Planning Commission

Mike Balch Paul Conner

Meeting Notes

1. Purpose of the Scoping Study

Chris Bean began the presentation by explaining the purpose of the Bypass Scoping Study; to gain an understanding of the magnitude of the environmental impacts and social and economic effects of constructing bypasses around the Villages of Pittsford and Brandon, VT. This information, combined with input from the Natural Resource and Permitting Agencies and the level of public support for bypasses, will be the basis upon which the decision whether to advance the study to the Environmental Impact Statement Process is made. Chris added that to date, no resource impacts or other issues have been identified that would indicate the project should not move ahead.

2. Project Purpose and Need

Chris briefly explained the Bypass Project Purpose and Need, citing the inherent conflicts between US Route 7's primary intended function (mobility) and the local access functions. He then explained that the purpose of CLD’s presentation to the Selectboard was to increase their awareness of the Bypass Studies, and to answer any questions the Selectmen may have. Chris added that the Selectmen’s position on whether the studies should move ahead is an important element that needs to be documented in the Scoping Report. Dan Peterson echoed this sentiment and stressed the importance of local support for projects that are competing for limited funds.

3. August 30, 2001, Joint Public Informational Meeting

Chris informed the Selectboard of the purpose of the upcoming August 30, 2001, Public Informational Meeting; to present the preliminary findings of the Draft Scoping Report, and to provide an opportunity for public input prior to publication of the Report. He added that the Draft Report will recommend that the study move ahead.

Chris also touched on the following issues to be discussed at the meeting:

· Issues raised and comments received at the May 21, 2001 joint Public Informational Meeting.

· Traffic implications of an OMYA Rail Spur currently under study.

· The Scoping Study's effects on property values in the study area.

· "Before and after" studies on similar bypassed communities.

4. Brandon Selectboard Opinion on the Warrant for Further Study

The Selectboard indicated its support for the project advancing into the EIS process, and indicated a letter to this effect will be prepared and forwarded to VTrans. Chris asked that CLD be copied on the letter. Chris added that it would be beneficial to the process if the Selectboard is represented at the upcoming August 30, 2001 Public Informational Meeting, and if a representative of the Board speaks on behalf of the Town. The Selectboard indicated that representatives will attend and speak in favor of the project, on behalf of the Town of Brandon.

JAS:cww

cc: Lynn Saunders	Brandon	John Narowski	VTrans
Peg Flory	Pittsford	Chris Slesar	VTrans
Richard Baker	Brandon	Mark Blucher	RRPC
Jim O’Gorman	Pittsford	Mark Germanowski	RRPC
Mike Balch	Brandon	Susie Leonard	RRPC
Hank Pelkey	Pittsford	Paul Conner	RRPC
C. Baird Morgan	Pittsford	Kathleen Ryan	Landscape Architect
Dolores C. Furnari	Brandon	Gary A. Klinefelter	VSE
Dan Peterson	VTrans	Virginia Russell	State Transportation Board
Alan Neveau	VTrans	Jon Satz	Store Owner, Brandon
Scott Newman	VTrans	Sen. Gerry Gossens	State Senator
Duncan Wilkie	VTrans	Roy Newton	Brandon-Pittsford Reporter
Chris Borstel	Louis Berger Group	Ed Barna	Rutland Herald
Greg Riley	VTrans	Frank Farnsworth	Otter Valley Press
Dennis Benjamin	VTrans	Harry McKinley	Pittsford