Welcome to Leicester, VT

SPECIAL SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
MON., JULY 28, 2008
7:00 p.m.

** See subsequent minutes for changes

BCA hearing first

Present: R. Oliver, K. Young, T. Barker, R. Fiske, D. Benware (recorder)
Others:  Kylee Rochon, Arlan Pidgeon, John Hughes, Mary Hughes

Meeting called to order at 7:09 p.m. by the Chair.  Flag salute recited.

BUSINESS:

Hooker Road update:  Kylee and Arlan report that, to date, $32,907.47 has been spent on the Hooker Road project.  This includes work done by Vaillancourt Tree Service.  It was noted that the tree work came in at double the price given in a verbal quote to Arlan.  
ACTION:  Motion by Ron, second by Ken, to authorize the Chair to contact Vaillancourt for an explanation of the cost-overrun for the tree cutting, in an effort to better understand future bids.  Motion passed unanimously.

It is estimated at about $5,000 more work remains to be completed before paving can begin.  This includes Arlan cutting a few trees, removal of trees, more grass to be planted.

The wording of the warning for the special meeting proposed for Sept 8. was discussed.

ARTICLE 1:  The Selectboard seeks voter approval to close out the Restricted Bridge #6 Repair Fund (approximately $51,000); said funds to be placed in Leicester Town Highway Fund.

ARTICLE 2:  The Selectboard seeks voter approval to use the previously approved 20% match ($30,000) for a Federal Stormwater Mitigation Grant for Hooker Road work, to be used solely by the Town to complete the Hooker Road project. 

The VLCT recommended getting voter approval for both articles.  The funds for Article 2 have already been approved  at Town Meeting and have been factored into the tax rate.  The Selectboard wants voters to know we did not pursue a Federal Stormwater Grant, as the funds would not have been released until summer/fall of 2009.  The Selectboard elected, instead, to complete the Hooker Road project this year, utilizing town funds only.
ACTION:  Ron made the motion, Tom the second, to authorize the Chair to place the WARNING in the local paper to appear Aug. 44, 7, and Sept. 8. Motion passed unanimously.

Tax Rate:  The tax rate was approved and the Warning signed.  The residential rate is $1.34 and the non-residential rate is $1.39, which represents at 19 cent increase over last year.  The school tax rate increase is 15 cents of the rate and the town rate increased by 4 cents.  This rate also includes a Veteran's Tax Exemption of $30,000 for the  5 eligible veterans in town.

Loan Modification Agreement:  The Lake Sunapee Bank had been charging us interest/ fees on the loan we took, in anticipation of taxes.  Donna and Kylee contacted the bank and a modification (no interest and fees) document was created that required signatures.  Tom, Ron, and Diane signed on behalf of the town.

Budget Review:

Kylee reports that the line item for Workshops has been depleted and is over by $1,000.  The board will consider very carefully any further training requests.

The $1,800 earmarked for training of the new clerk/treasurer has been depleted.  The Board consensus is to not transfer funds or use other funds for this purpose, but to show a cost over-run at year end.

Cargill Salt Letter:  Cargill co. sent town a letter, which does not guarantee any delivery or fixed price, due to weather, conditions at their terminals or production sites.
ACTION:  No action taken, as we wait to see if VLCT Collaborative has any
success on gaining pricing or availability.


Motion by Tom, second by Ron, at 8:37 p.m. to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel.  Motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Tom, second by Ken to come out of Executive Session, at 9:05 p.m., no action taken.  Motion passed unanimously.

Motion to adjourn made by Ken, second by Tom, made at 9:08 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.

Next regular meeting Monday, Aug, 4, at 6:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:
Diane Benware