Minutes 06-16-2025
Town of Leicester
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 16, 2025
*Unapproved*
** See subsequent minutes for any changes
Members Present: Diane Benware, Diane Randall, Tom Barker, John Rouse
Member Absent: Brad Lawes
Others Present: Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon,
Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Review of Agenda:
Correspondence: ACRPC Newsletter
Cleanwater Board Meeting Notice
Forest Service Monitorings Notice
ACEDC Newsletter
Dept of Housing and Community Development Newsletter
Future Agendas should say: Proposed Executive Session, to be in accordance with the latest statutes (if needed)
Julie presented liquor and tobacco licenses, on behalf of Rick Renfrew who will be opening the store as the Leicester Convenience Store within a few weeks. Diane R made the motion to approve licenses, Diane B seconded the motion and it was approved.
The Chair signed the Property Access Agreement provided by ACRPC, as part of the MERP grant for the Meeting House, to allow for testing for asbestos, lead and pcb, before the restoration work can begin. ACRPC has secured funding for the testing; this is at no cost to the town. Chair to inform Shelly and Jason of the signing.
Approval of March 17, 2025, minutes:
Motion by John, and second by Diane R to approve minutes of June 2, 2025, with 2 minor corrections, (typo in Tom’s name, there was one weight permit approved, not zero as Diane had written). All in favor. So, approved.
Review/Authorization to Pay Bills:
Motion by John and second by Tom, authorizing Julie to pay the bills. All in favor. So, approved.
Reports from Town Officials, Committees:
Road Foreman:
Arlan reported he hauled 20 loads of gravel. He cut down a tree on Route 53 and re-opened the Lower Bullock Road.
Town Clerk/Treasurer:
Julie researched cement curb stops and found that Carrera’s has them for $95.00 each. There is a potential of 6 being needed to be placed at the edge of the park and ride area, to prevent drivers from hitting the neighbor’s fence. Discussion ensued: Julie wondered if the school might pay for some, as the majority of the drivers parking are school personnel. John will check supplies. Discussion about need for winter storage. Tom made the motion to table the issue until we have more information, John seconded the motion, was approved.
Diane R informed Board of potential bus/car issues at dismissal time in the fall. OV dismissal will be pushed back and the bus will need to come through BEFORE the parents at dismissal, which would block access to the drive and to the town office. She will keep us informed of further developments as changes will need to be made.
Julie submitted our name to BGS about being included in the salt bid process.
Further reports: Trailers are being removed from Partridge Trail. Two camper trailers have appeared at the pull-off north of the Four Corners; Julie will contact Sheriff’s Dept Tuesday.
Chair signed the annual Financial Management Questionnaire from the State Treasurer’s Office
Weight Permits: No weight permits were presented.
OLD BUSINESS:
Chair reported she had contacted Mike Winslow of ACRPC for advice about concerns about 2 spots on Old Jerusalem Road. His response was he could come and check the sites and he recommended contacting DEC Floodplain Manager Kyle Medas for advice. Arlan will monitor the area for changes.
MERP Grant Update:
Architend Specifications Outline was reviewed. Board agrees that approval for products, colors, etc should be granted to them in collaboration with the architect. Shelly from Architend agrees.
Question was raised if one year warranty on materials, etc is standard?
Discussion ensued about need to periodic inspections and discussions about the progress of the project.
Chair to relay questions and concerns to Shelly and Jason.
Given that lead and asbestos testing must occur, this necessity will delay other work and may impact restoration plans.
Ethics Training:
All municipal bodies as well as Zoning Administrator must complete online training by Sept 1.
Board agreed that completing it together could be helpful. Julie will set up two times during July and August for folks to come to the office and view the training and complete the follow-up quiz together.
If someone is not able to attend either of the sessions, they will be expected to complete it on their own.
Julie is setting a mid-August deadline for completion by all members of the Selectboard, DRB and Planning Commission. Chair to inform PC and DRB members of the requirement.
Building Concerns and Maintenance:
Two light bulbs need to be replaced in the white building one interior, the other exterior. John offered to do that.
Tom has spoken to Gus’s sons about removing the weeds and prickly stuff from the Meeting House ramp, as well as trimming the hedge at the top of the ramp.
Diane B will cut back the black locust growing in the town sign at the Four Corners.
Exterior of the office to be power-washed when it is cooler and less buggy.
The ramp on the white building needs the supports to be sunk deeper and will need attention in the future.
Arlan indicated the salt shed will also need attention in the future.
NEW BUSINESS:
Julie and Diane attended a workshop about the wetlands mapping process held in Brandon on June 5.
Julie provided updated maps of the town shed, Fern Lake Access and other parcels for board perusal.
According to the state, the wetlands have always been there; the technology to capture them has improved, and therefore there appear to be changes. Regardless, the property owner has the responsibility to check to see if his property has a wetland before any disturbance of the ground occurs.
Discussion ensued with no clear resolution as to how to proceed.
Along that line, updated floodplain (FIRM) maps are being developed; currently 1985 maps are being used. Chair to contact Andrew at ACRPC to address the board in the future about the changes
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Motion by John and second by Tom to go into Executive Session at 7:46p.m. for:
Possible legal Action. All in favor. So, approved.
Motion by Tom and second by Diane R to come out of Executive Session at 7:49 p.m. No action taken.
Motion by Diane R and second by John to adjourn at 7:49p.m.
Next Meeting Monday, July 7, 2025
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Benware
