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Minutes - 02-17-2025

Town of Leicester
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Monday, February 17, 2025
*Unapproved*
** See subsequent minutes for any changes
 
Members Present: Diane Benware, Diane Randall, Tom Barker, John Rouse
 
Members Absent:  Brad Lawes
 
Others Present: Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Stacia Rankin, Sandra Trombley
 
Call to Order:  Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair.
 
Pledge of Allegiance:
 
Review of Agenda
 
Approval of February 3, 2025, minutes:
 
Motion by John and second by Tom to approve minutes of February 3, 2025, as written.  3 Yes and 1 Abstention (DR).   So, approved.  
 
Review/Authorization to Pay Bills:
 
Motion by Tom and second by John authorizing Julie to pay the bills.  All in favor.  So, approved.
 
Reports from Town Officials, Committees:
 
Road Foreman:
 
Arlan reported that he ordered salt, and he hasn’t got any yet.  He ordered two loads last Monday and he got one load Friday.  He wanted three.  He has been told there will be no problem getting more.
 
Town Clerk/Treasurer:
 
Julie provided certificates for the Board’s signatures:
 
  •       Certificate of No Appeal
  •       Certificate of Highway Mileage
  •       Road & Bridge Standards
  •       Annual Financial Plan
 
Board signed all.
 
Julie reported she received an email from a landowner regarding the abandoned trailers at Cove Point.  
 
There was discussion about the status of the abandoned trailers still there.  
 
Board agreed that Diane will contact the attorney on behalf of the Board to see what options they have legally.
 
Julie will respond to landowner.
 
Town Meeting is March 3rd at 7:00 p.m. to vote on the budget and adjourn and then go into the Informational Meeting to discuss items to be voted on by Australian Ballot and adjourn and then the voting by Australian Ballot on March 4th.
 
There were questions about the Whiting Community Food Shelf.  There are Leicester residents that get their services.  This Food Shelf includes Leicester, Shoreham, Sudbury, Salisbury, Bridport, Cornwall, Orwell and Brandon.
 
Diane B. will try to find out how many Leicester residents are served.
 
Julie will be mailing the Town Reports tomorrow.  Everyone was pleased with the Town Report.
 
 
Weight Permits:  Arlan signed one weight permit.
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
 
  •       Agency of Commerce & Community Development Newsletter
  •       Kathleen Ramsey, VLCT 
 
OLD BUSINESS:
 
Maple Broadband Representative:
 
Stacia Rankin came, and introductions were made.  Stacia is willing to be the Maple Broadband Representative.
 
Diane B. stated she could attend the meetings virtually and report back any relevant information.
 
Motion by Tom and second by Diane B. to appoint Stacia Rankin as their Maple Broadband Representative.  All in favor.  So, approved.
 
 
Planning Commission Update:
 
Diane B. reported that the Planning Commission meets tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. 
 
Katie has begun the application process for the Municipal Plan Update grant.  She hopes to have a complete draft by March 18th.
 
 
 
 
MERP Update & Discussion:
 
Diane B. reported that last Wednesday Shelly and an Industrial Engineer went up into the attic to discuss how to insulate.  Diane read the report.
 
Shelly is coming tomorrow around 1:00 p.m. with Katelyn Corkins from Historic Preservation and someone from Buildings & Grounds and Regional Planning.
 
Diane stated they must fill out a Review Form.  
 
 
Town Office Generator:
 
John received a quote from Tim at Fisher Electric for $12,617.  They would do all the electrical.  He can install it in the spring.  
 
John stated that Fyles would put in a big propane tank when we’re ready.
 
Discussion about best place to put the generator and propane tank.
 
Tim is also going to come and clean the heat pumps and will fix some exposed areas.
 
Motion by Tom and second by John to authorize John to contact Tim Fisher about installing the 20-kw standby generator.  All in favor.  So, approved.
 
 
NEW BUSINESS:
 
Mowing Cost Increase Request:
 
Lem called and requested $4 more an hour for mowing.
 
Diane B. explained to him that the budget had already been built but she would bring it before the Board.
 
There was discussion about the fact they were not budgeted for an increase.
 
Board agreed to offer him $2 more an hour for this year.
 
 
Preparation for Town Meeting:
 
Everyone feels good about Town Meeting and feel ready.
 
 
Lake Dunmore Reserve Road:
 
John would like to get reimbursed for the gravel he purchased to fix the road.
 
Motion by Tom and second by Diane R. to reimburse John for gravel to repair the Lake Dunmore Reserve Road and make sure a load of gravel is provided each year.  3 Yes and 1 Abstention (John).
 
 
EXECUTIVE SESSION: None
 
Motion by Tom and second by John to adjourn at 7:42 p.m.
 
Next Meeting Monday, March 3, 2025 – Town Meeting & Informational Meeting
 
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
 
Sandra Trombley