Meeting Minutes
Town of LeicesterSelectboard Meeting MinutesMonday, March 17, 2014*Unapproved*** See subsequent minutes for any changes Members Present: Diane Benware, Ron Fiske, Tom Barker, Brad Lawes, Ken Young Others Present: Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Kate Briggs, Captain Manley, VSP, Jeff Lee, Sandra Trombley, Secretary Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:43 p.m. by Chair, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Review of Agenda: Motion by Tom and second by Brad to nominate Diane Benware as Chair of the Board. All in favor. So approved. Captain Manley of the Vermont State Police attended in regard to VT Sun races and Chair’s letter about historical concerns about the races. Captain Manley explained the permit process for the three triathlons VT Sun wants to hold. Captain Manley heard of the history of concerns around these races. He has met with Salisbury; as well. He thinks that they can make the situation safer. The Board shared their concerns about bikers and runners all in the same lane on very narrow, winding roads. They suggested separating bikers and runners. The numbers are on the front of the bike. The Board would like to see a number on the back of the biker. If there is a problem with the biker, the biker could be identified. In years past, there have been abusive bikers to residents. Captain Manley thought perhaps Sheriff Keeler could have more deputies at the north end of the lake. He will talk with him about that possibility. Julie reported another area of concern is the narrow section near the access to Silver Lake area and along by Todd’s and Carroll’s residences. Fern Lake Road is another area which is narrow with hills and dips and traffic trying to get by. Captain Manley is going to offer suggestions to increase the presence of more law enforcement and the numbering of bikers. He will report back to the Board. Major Gedell will make any final decisions. Ken suggested the Board do a walk-thru of the Senior Center. Board recessed at 7:10 p.m. to inspect the Senior Center before approving bills. Board reconvened at 7:20 p.m. NEW BUSINESS Reorganization of Board: Motion by Ron and second by Brad to nominate Tom Barker as Co-Chair of Board. 1 abstention (Tom) and 4 in favor. So approved. Motion by Tom and second by Ken to nominate Brad Lawes as Road Commissioner. All in favor. So approved. Motion by Tom and second by Ken to nominate Ron Fiske as Buildings & Grounds. 1 abstention (Ron) and 4 in favor. So approved. Motion by Tom and second by Brad to reaffirm Sandra Trombley as Clerk of the Board. All in favor. So approved. Board reaffirmed the following: Addison Independent Media of Record. Chair will place ads on behalf of Selectboard. Board will follow Roberts Rules of Order for Small Boards. Allows Chair to second a motion. Board will follow the Civil Rules of Conduct. A quorum of the Board can sign orders. Meetings 1st & 3rd Monday of month at 6:30 p.m. Appointments: Donna Pidgeon has agreed to continue as Cemetery Sexton. Richard Reed has agreed to continue as Addison County Solid Waste Management; Chair as alternate. Arlan Pidgeon has agreed to continue as Tree Warden. Kathy Eastwood has agreed to continue as Town Services Officer and Deputy Health Officer. Board approved appointments. Lister Vacancy: There is currently a quorum of listers to conduct business until the Board has someone to appoint. Chair will put something in the paper for lister vacancy. Approval of February 17, 2014 Minutes: Motion by Ron and second by Tom to approve minutes of February 17, 2014; as written. All in favor. So approved. Review/Authorization to pay bills:Bills making their rounds for signatures. Reports from Town Officials, Committees: Town Clerk/Treasurer: Julie gave explanations for some of the bills and the loan paperwork needs Board signatures. Julie explained the rules around independent contractors. Julie reported that the election went well. They had 155 voters. Julie reported that delinquent taxes were at $92,301. Julie had someone come in and wanted to know about removing trees along Otter Creek for firewood. He was told the trees should be removed. The Board said, no. Julie received a letter about a mailbox at 1602 U.S. Rte.7. The Board suggested she call Brian Roberts or Kurt Kimball in Brandon. Julie will contact her. Julie asked if anyone was interested in attending the Town Officers Education Conference in Burlington and Killington and other education opportunities. Julie received a complaint from a Brandon resident on possible neglect of a dog in Leicester. Paul investigated and did not find the dog was neglected. The dog had shelter and food and water, but it was not registered. Julie will write a letter to the person forming the complaint explaining what Paul did in his investigation. CORRESPONDENCE Cell Tower Information: There was a packet about the cell tower to be located off Shackett Road. This is not new; it is a renewal for permit. Railroad Crossing: Old Jerusalem Rd: Ron reported that there is going to be a major construction project with an active signal system on Old Jerusalem Road. Listers: Jeff reported that he and Diane are doing well. Jeff is attending training. Jeff thanked the Board for the new computers. Road Foreman: Arlan reported that he and Scott have been very busy. Arlan ordered salt today. Motion by Tom and second by Ken to approve the bills. All in favor. So approved. Zoning Administrator: Kate and Diane need to go through the process of selecting a consultant(s) for the grant. Kate would like to go ahead and get consultants approved and talk with Jim Carroll about some very specific things. Kate said they are making progress with zoning regulations. Flood plains are part of FEMA. Shoreline is not going to be anything that the town will be able to administer. There are many things going on with or without permits right now around the lakeshore. There is a possible road issue on Hooker Road that Kate asked Arlan and Brad to look at before the owners proceed. Driveway cuts need to be in our regulations. Kate thinks PC has decided not to do overlays, but do parcel by parcel and leaving it up to the applicant to attest to the fact of certain grades. Green Up Day is the first Saturday in May. Seasonal residents would like to participate. Julie recommended she contact Interact at Otter Valley. These are honor high school students looking to do volunteer work in the community. Donation in Memoriam: Motion by Tom and second by Ron to send $100 donation on behalf of the town to Addison County Humane Society in memory of Elizabeth Pidgeon. All in favor. So approved. Diane sent a card; as well, to Arlan and family. Cemetery Committee: None Weight Permits: Arlan reviewed the weight permits and Brad signed. OLD BUSINESS Sign Loan: The Board signed the loan document paperwork. Senior Center Building Needs: None Signage Jenna Lane/LW Road: Motion by Tom and second by Ron to purchase two cautionary School Bus Stop or Turn Around Ahead signs. All in favor. So approved. LIMITED PUBLIC OPINION: None Motion by Tom to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. All in favor. So approved. Next Meeting April 7, 2014. Respectfully submitted, Sandra L. Trombley, Secretary