Town of LeicesterSelectboard Meeting MinutesMonday, April 19, 2021*Unapproved*** See subsequent minutes for any changesMembers Present: Diane Benware, Tom Barker, Ron Fiske, John RouseMembers Absent:Brad LawesOthers Present:Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Steve Huffaker & Andrew L’Roe by Virtual Zoom, Sandra Trombley, SecretaryCall to Order:Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair. Pledge of Allegiance:Review of Agenda:Approval of April 5, 2021 minutes:Motion by Tom and second by Ron to approve minutes of April 5, 2021 as written.All in favor. So, approved.Review/Authorization to Pay Bills:John stated he had a problem with the spring cleanup bill and voiced his concerns.John stated that he will sign this bill but wants to make it clear that he will not authorize anything over the annual $6,000 contract amount for the year.Julie will change the check for beaver trapping; withholding taxes.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 talked with Gary about paving.Arlan reported he talked with the people on Hooker Road so they would know about the work they would be doing.Arlan mentioned cleaning the ditch on Swinington Hill from Swinington’s back to the town line.Arlan mentioned he has not found any information on the dry hydrant to date.Town Clerk/Treasurer:Julie explained some of the bills.Julie reported she sent in the Highway Grant for $200,980; paving from Route 7 back to Leicester-Whiting Road near Hogan’s.The Forest Fire Warden paperwork needs to be done at the next couple of meetings.It’s due the end of June.Diane signed the Regional Planning Equipment Purchase Grant for the Hay Bale Shredder.$6,430 Grant and $1,608 20% local match.Board signed the Tax Map Contract. Julie talked about the Vermont Step Forward Plan and how it affects the town.They have now moved on to the universal guidance rather than the specific guidance which doesn’t change much.They need to have a policy to stay home if you’re sick.She has posters up.Julie is going to ask VLCT for guidance on the requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated people and public record.Julie is not asking or tracking.Diane reminded everyone that Green Up Day is Saturday, May 1st.Hot dog lunch noon to 1:30 with prizes and raffles.Julie was disappointed that someone took a whole unopened box of Green Up bags and a box of unopened gloves.Hopefully, they will do a lot of Green Up.Cemetery Committee:Weight Permits:Weight permits were signed.CORRESPONDENCE:Chair went over the correspondence:
American Rescue Act Money
Looking for feedback on the Legislative Solutions Caucus
Rural Fire Protection Programs
Town Garages
NEW BUSINESS:Communication Unified District Update:Steve Huffaker gave a Zoom Power Point presentation about Maple Broadband, Addison County’s Communications Union District (CUD).CUD was created by the State of Vermont to provide high-speed broadband service to 100% of on-grid premises within their territories.Selectboards of 20 towns have voted to become members of Maple Broadband.He explained the 2021 operational activities and financing activities.Steve explained that they are not allowed to tax town residents.He explained their mission and their governing boards and funding sources, and the challenge that more than 50% of Addison County is unserved by cable or fiber networks.Steve explained the pre-construction expenses.Steve explained they would like a minimum commitment of $100,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act funds.He estimates that Leicester’s American Rescue Plan is in the vicinity of $320,000; coming in two separate amounts.Diane asked if Leicester had any financial obligations down the road after the $100,000.Steve explained there are no financial obligations; as Leicester may have more pressing needs for infrastructure than broadband.Diane asked if after construction and they go through the municipal bond market; if Leicester would have future liability after that.Steve stated, “no”.Board thanked Steve for coming.LEMP Review/Emergency Response Planning:Diane introduced the Board to Andrew L’Roe from Regional Planning who was giving a Zoom presentation around the Local Emergency Management Plan.Andrew provided handouts in advance of the meeting for the Board to review.Andrew explained the Expanded Community Report for Leicester and how to get emergency relief and State post-disaster funding.He stated that Leicester was in a good place with their plan.Andrew went through the Hazard Inventory/Risk Assessment and what to prepare for.Andrew explained that the Local Emergency Management Plan Municipal Adoption Form gets filed with the State and Regional Planning.This is the point of contact list in the event of an emergency.Andrew asked about an emergency backup generator for the Town Office.Andrew mentioned that the State likes to keep track of the town’s equipment.Leicester doesn’t own many pieces of equipment, but has access to equipment.Diane asked if the ARP money could be used for generators.Andrew did not know; but will look into it.Board thanked Andrew for presenting.Arlan thinks the school should have a good size generator.Julie explained that it is still not clear what the Rescue Plan money can be used for.They have to wait for the guidance.OLD BUSINESS:BUILDING NEEDS:HIGHWAY CONCERNS/NEEDS:Town Shed:LIMITED PUBLIC OPINION:EXECUTIVE SESSION:Motion by Tom to adjourn at 8:19 p.m.Next meeting:Monday, May 3, 2021 Respectfully submitted,Sandra L. Trombley, Secretary
