Town of LeicesterSelectboard Meeting MinutesMonday, October 3, 2022*Unapproved*** See subsequent minutes for any changesMembers Present: Diane Benware, John Rouse, Brad Lawes, Tom BarkerMembers Absent:Diane RandallOthers Present:Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Sandra TrombleyCall to Order:Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair.Pledge of Allegiance:Review of Agenda: Added Cram Road SituationApproval of September 19, 2022 Minutes:Motion by Brad and second by Tom to approve minutes of September 19, 2022 as written.All in favor.So, approved. Review/Authorization to Pay Bills:Motion by John and second by Brad. authorizing Julie to pay the bills.All in favor.So, approved.Reports from Town Officials, Committees:Road Foreman:Arlan reported that they took off the shoulder for the lady on Shackett Road.They cleaned up Shackett’s lawn and seeded that down.Arlan put up the 35-mph sign on Ferson Road.They ditched down on the Cram Road.Diane reported it will be at least another two weeks of closure on the Old Jerusalem Road.Diane will see what she can do to change the signs.Julie reported that the culvert down by Hector Racine’s was supposed to be done, but due to delays, they are looking at October 21st.This makes Cram Road the detour.Arlan reported he dug out the beavers on Bullock Road.Town Clerk/Treasurer:Julie is looking at doing credit card payments for the town.It will not cost the town anything.Board had no objection to Julie doing this.Julie inquired whether Swinington Hill Road had been striped.It has not yet been striped.Julie reported that Keith Arlund has an issue with a zoning law violation and both landowners have lawyers.He would like to talk with Jim Carroll and get his opinion.Shouldn’t take long.Board was in agreement with Keith talking with Jim Carroll.Diane mentioned that Steve Huffaker sent a letter stating they had received an 8.6M Construction Grant, having engaged a cabling contractor to begin work later this month. They are requesting ARPA funds.Motion by Tom and second by John to table this decision until Board comes up with a plan for ARPA Funds.All in favor.So, approved.Julie stated the audit was complete and provided a copy of the final Audit Report.Weight Permits:NoneCORRESPONDENCE:
Maple Broadband High Speed Fiber Internet – ARPA – First Phase
Public Hearings – VT Department of Environmental Conservation – October & November on proposed rules Wetland Maps
OLD BUSINESS:Revised VT Sun 2023 Race Letter:Tom inquired as to whether we had to allow the race if we didn’t want it.Diane did not ask that question.Diane stated that according to Bambi Moore, we are the first gate, and if we can’t come to some agreement, there is nothing.Bambi stated that if Steve has an issue with what the Board has to say, have him call her.Diane read aloud the draft letter to Steve, inviting him to attend an upcoming meeting, if Board agrees.Brad stated that there hasn’t been an official final decision.Diane agreed that that is the case.Brad stated that if Steve does not come to a meeting and address the safety concerns in the previous letter, the Board will not support future races.If that is the case, Brad stated he will abstain from voting on the final decision for personal reasons.Diane would like Steve to come with a plan.Dealing with Dog Issues:The Animal Control Officer ad was put in the Addison Independent for two weeks and FPF.Salisbury will pay half.They are also looking for a holding area.NEW BUSINESS:Resident Question/Concern @ 7:00 p.m.:Resident did not show.Diane reported that Vermont Emergency Management is releasing funds for grants up to $50,000 for equipment; such as generators.It is a 50% match.The deadline is October 27th.There was discussion about ARPA funds and FEMA grant money.Diane will put this on the next agenda.John will get information on a generator for Town Office and report back at next meeting.Julie explained that the ballast went out in three lights.There is no ballast anymore.Board approved having Peck Electric change out all the lights.Diane wanted everyone to be thinking about updating their plan for Hazard Mitigation.They should have two Selectboard members, a community member, a parent and Arlan.There will be a meeting or two at the beginning.Brad received a Leicester resident complaint about road traffic and permanent obstructions on Cram Road.There was discussion about the obstructions and what should be done.Board approved to send a letter stating the request to get the obstructions permanently out of the road; giving a 10-day time frame, and send the letter certified.Tom asked John if he had heard anything about someone to repair the slate roof.John had not heard from Betourney who was supposed to get back to him.Tom stated there is a guy in Castleton who works on slate roofs.Tom asked about the game camera.John has the game camera in his truck.Motion by Tom to adjourn at 7:40 p.m.Next meeting:Monday, October 17, 2022Respectfully submitted,Sandra L. Trombley, Secretary
