Minutes 11-06-2023
Town of LeicesterSelectboard Meeting MinutesMonday, November 6, 2023*Unapproved*** See subsequent minutes for any changes Members Present: Diane Benware, Diane Randall, Brad Lawes,Tom Barker, John Rouse Others Present: Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Roger Scarborough, Brandon Fire Chief Kilpeck Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair. Pledge of Allegiance: Review of Agenda: Approval of October 16, 2023 minutes Motion by Tom and second by John to approve minutes of October 16, 2023 minutes as written. All in favor. 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. Roger Scarborough had two questions for the board: why was the Sheriff’s Patrol back? He felt the department was catching working people and not much else. Chair responded that the board has concerns about traffic, especially on Lake Dunmore Road, and wanted monitoring to occur. In addition, the Sheriff’s Department is enforcing the Junk Ordinance. Agreement with the Sheriff’s Department will be reviewed in December and decision as to future made then. His second question dealt with the 3 way stop signs at junction of Swinington Hill Road and Leicester Whiting Road. He feels the sign at turn of Leicester Whiting Road is not necessary and suggested changing the current arrangement. Chair indicated that signs were part of a grant for areas believed to be high accident areas; signage placement was not a local decision, and would require at least a 90 day period for postings, hearings, etc. Feasibility and desirability of making a change will need to be investigated. Fire Protection Conversation with BFD Chief KilpeckChief Kilpeck was recognized and distributed documents detailing the fire dept response to calls in Leicester for 2022 and 2023. He answered questions and left a proposed 3 year contract for our review.The proposed contract calls for $48,000 per yer for three years of fire protection service. The contract is similar to previous contracts; clarifying legal language has been added.The Selectboard asked about the possibility of a 4 year contract; Chief Kilpeck indicated that could be considered. Chief Kilpeck explained that 911 calls are dispatched by VSP out of Westminster, VT and that the fire department has no direct contact with troopers. He informed us that anyone interested from Leicester can apply to become a member of the Brandon Fire Department. Julie asked him for a written message she can post to Front Porch Forum informing the public of the opportunity to serve on the BFD. Chair is to contact Chief Kilpeck about at least a 4 year contract and report back to the board. Reports from Town Officials, Committees: Road Foreman: Arlan asked about snow plowing at the school. Diane R explained that the bid for snow plowing was not accurate and reiterated that Arlan is to plow as he always has. The wheelchair signs have been order; not installed yet.Alteration of plows have been made for plowing soft ground.Arlan has offered to pick up the tires on Bullock Road pullout.Tom observed the beavers have been at work on Old Jerusalem Road between the trestle and Diane Benware’s house. Town Clerk/Treasurer: Julie has been busy collecting taxes. She provided an Errors and Omissions document for Board Signature regarding a parcel that had been inadvertently inactivated was being added back to the Grand List. Board signed.Rick Scott of System Integrated will provide a quote for a system to provide real-time security using cameras provided by John.Steve Huffaker of Maple Broadband stopped to inform Julie of the next phase buildout efforts for equipment placement. She expects that letters will be sent to the school, the store, the town for the shed, the Naylor property and Nerissa’s property. Correspondence:Chair circulated documents: AOT 2025 Better Back Roads grant opportunity, Invasive Weeds Found in Vermont State Seeking Input on Clean Water Budget Funding Opportunity for BRIC Funding Breakfast and Hike with Bernie on Sun, Nov 12 Documents for Maple Broadband Report, Hearing Invitation to Commemorate Vt and the Semiquincentennial New Business:Brad reported that the State has levied a fine of $10,000 to OCW, claiming that a no-spray property was sprayed. No samples of residue were taken. An equipment upgrade will likely be needed. Brad urged that OCW appeal the fine. An informal hearing has been requested. Further talk will be needed. Other: Chair asked several questions about the Junk Ordinance. At this time no legal counsel will be sought regarding next steps in the process. Motion by Tom and second by John to adjourn at 7:52 p.m. Next meeting Monday, Nov. 20, 2023 Respectfully submitted, Diane Benware