Meeting Minutes
Town of Leicester
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Monday-January 21, 2008
*Unapproved*
**see subsequent minutes for any changes
Members Present: D. Benware (Chair) T. Barker, J. McDonough, B. Oliver
Members Absent: M. Stacey
Others Present: Donna Pidgeon, Arlan Pidgeon, Bucky Shackett
Call to Order: The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.
Pledge of Allegiance and agenda review followed.
Approve Minutes: (01/07/08) Motion by Bob, second by John to approve the minutes as written; Unanimous.
Review/Sign Orders: Warrants were circulated and signed by members.
Reports from Town Officials & Committees:
--Mr. Shackett said there was nothing new to report on the Coons’ property.
--Diane reported that the Girl Scouts would like to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at Town Meeting; also Heather laPorte has asked to use the senior center to distribute the Girl Scout cookies on March 1st.
--Diane asked Julie if she would be interested in the zoning board secretary position. Julie responded, “No” and that she could not take on the job.
The job position will be advertised.
New Business: The Board received a letter from Jack Beasley of the Salisbury Selectboard concerning Vermont Route 53 designation. The route runs through the towns of Salisbury, Leicester and Forestdale (Brandon). He proposes that the state designation be dropped, but each town would have to agree. Leicester Board Chair will meet with Salisbury Board to discuss. Action: Motion by John, second by Bob, to contact Salisbury Board through its secretary, Joyce Cameron to attend a meeting. 3 ayes; 1 abstention (Tom).
--Vermont Coalition of Municipalities—The Board received a letter from the Vermont League of Cities & Towns concerning the VT Education Finance & Property Tax Reform (1.01 Education Governance Reform). The VLCT has voted to support the Resolution from VT Municipalities and urged towns to do the same. Action: After careful consideration, a Motion was made by John, second by Bob—to adopt the resolution; Unanimous.
Old Business: Budget Work—The Board and Donna reviewed the entire proposed 2008 budget for accuracy and several line items were discussed and voted upon.
Salt Shed Discussion: Board enumerated the pros and cons of acquiring adjacent property and the amount spent on repairs and future expenses.
Insurance Costs: general discussion
Clerk/Treasurer Salaries: Lengthy discussion included the process by which a clerk is certified; hours; training; etc. Action: Motion by Bob, second by Tom, to budget $5000 for Clerk; $5000 for Treasurer; $1400 for asst. clerk; $1800 for clerk/treasurer/asst training-—3 ayes; 1 nay (Diane).
Building Repair: Much discussion about this budget item. Bob enumerated a list of repairs and the approximate cost. Action: Motion by Tom, second by Diane to keep the amount at $8000 for 2008 budget. 2 ayes-2 nays. Motion defeated. More discussion. Action: Motion by Bob, second by John, to increase amount for building repair to $10,000—Unanimous.
Bids for Mowing: The Board will be opening the bids on Monday, 01/28/08 but for the budget completion decided on figures for the roadside (7500) cemetery (4000) and Town Green (2700).
Articles for Warning: The wording of the Articles was finalized.
Public Opinion: None
Executive Session: Postponed
Next Special Meeting: January 28, 2008, Monday at 7:00 pm for the purpose of opening mowing bids and any other business needed.
Next Regular Meeting: February 4, 2008, Monday at 7:00 pm.
Adjournment: On a Motion, the Board adjourned at 9:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Dawson
Recording Secretary