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Minutes - 04-17-2023

  Town of Leicester
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Monday, April 17, 2023
*Unapproved*
** See subsequent minutes for any changes
 
Members Present: Diane Benware, Diane Randall, John Rouse, Tom Barker
 
Members Absent:  Brad Lawes
 
Others Present: Arlan Pidgeon, Bob Harnish, Sandra Trombley
 
Call to Order:  Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair.
 
Pledge of Allegiance:
 
Review of Agenda 
 
Approval of April 3, 2023 Minutes:
 
Motion by Tom and second by Diane R. to approve minutes of April 3, 2023 as 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 met with Ashley Bishop from Better Back Roads who looked over the Hooker Road Project and approved what he wants to do. 
 
Arlan reported that a culvert on Cram Road needs to be replaced on the corner near the power lines.
 
Town Clerk/Treasurer:
 
Julie sent a note about the PVR Appeal.  Lisa at NEMRC told her that the town has no hope of winning the appeal now that they decided not to change the properties requested.  She advised that we sign the form rather than try to have a hearing.
 
Diane signed the form on behalf of the Town that the Board accepts the numbers.
 
Julie provided the MRGP Letter of Intent for Diane’s signature.
 
Diane signed on behalf of the Board for the 2024 Municipal Roads Grants and Aids Program. 
 
May 15th, Jess from Homeward Bound will attend the Selectboard Meeting at 6:45 p.m.
 
Julie wrote that she spoke with the State contact about the Opioid Settlement, and she advised that if we are a Town under 10,000 and choose not to opt in, our funds will be sent to the State to assist with their Opioid Remediation efforts.
 
The Board was in agreement to “not opt in”.
 
Diane reported that Julie has information from several towns about zoning fees and will present them at the May 1stmeeting.
 
Diane reported that Julie submitted the Highway Paving Grant for $220K.
 
Animal Control Officer:
 
Diane reported that Rob has the list of unregistered dogs. 
 
Diane put a notice in the paper that the Animal Control Officer would be trying to contact the owners of unregistered dogs.
 
 
Weight Permit:  Weight permits signed by Arlan.
 
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
 
 
OLD BUSINESS:
 
Finalize Questions for Addison County Sheriff’s Department:
 
Board felt that Diane had captured all the questions everyone had for the Sheriff’s Department.
 
Diane stated that she and Julie will compose them and send it to the Sheriff’s Department.
 
Diane mentioned that she had talked with Cree, our Health Office, and explained that one of the things that the Sheriff’s Department might be able to help with if we decide to sign a contract with them, is to enforce the Junk Ordinance.
 
There was further discussion about some of the old trailers in town.
 
Green Up:
 
Diane reported Green Up is May 6th.  There will be lunch in front of the White Building from 11:30 – 1:00.  Bags are available at Town Office.
 
John offered to help with picking up the bags if necessary.
 
Tom put more ant traps down and sprayed the perimeter of the office and sprayed inside; as well.  There are leaves and things that need to be cleaned up.
 
Diane asked John if he could look at the windows in the White Building.  Diane was having trouble getting them open.
 
Diane R. asked about the dates for the Triathlon.  Diane said there was one on May 14th.
 
Diane stated it appeared he was meeting all their expectations; but hadn’t followed up.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
 
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Conversation:
 
Bob Harnish came to explain their Vermont Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative.  The Board made introductions.
 
Bob commented that he appreciated Julie who was very accommodating and complimented the Board on the Town’s web-site.  The Board gave the credit for the web-site to Julie.
 
Board listened to Bob’s presentation; as well as, having the Declaration of Inclusion document.  
 
Tom recommended that this be put on hold until Brad was here and that he wanted some time to talk with a few taxpayers, and then get back to him.  Others agreed.
 
Board thanked Bob for coming. 
 
ADA Compliance:
 
Board tabled the ADA Compliance until next meeting.
 
Liquor/Tobacco License:
 
The renewal process is now done on-line and does not require a signature; only a motion to approve.
 
Motion by Tom and second by John to grant the Liquor/Tobacco License for Champlain Beverage under Handman, LLC.  All in favor.  So, approved.
 
Motion by Tom to adjourn at 7:17 p.m.
 
Next meeting Monday, May 1, 2023.
 
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
 
 
Sandra L. Trombley, Secretary