Agenda & Minutes 09-08-25
Town of Leicester
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Monday, Sept 8, 2025
*Unapproved*
** See subsequent minutes for any changes
Members Present: Diane Benware, Diane Randall, Tom Barker, John Rouse, Brad Lawes
Others Present: Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Brian Peoples (by phone)
Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Review of Agenda:
Correspondence: ACRPC Newsletter
Maple Broadband newsletter
VT Trails and Greenways newsletter
AgeWell newsletter
Chair indicated she will apply for funding from Vt Division of Historic Preservation for funds to restore the Meeting House windows. She will apply for the full $20,000. If we receive the grant, MERP funds for that purpose can be used elsewhere.
Chair reported that the town was awarded $25,000 from ACRPC TAC (no match required) to fund a study of traffic calming measures for the Route 7 corridor. Mike from ACRPC has forwarded the RFP for any comments.
Approval of July 7 and Aug 21, 2025 minutes:
Motion by John, and second by Tom, to approve minutes of July 7, and Aug 21, 2025. So, approved.
Review/Authorization to Pay Bills:
Motion by Tom and second by Diane R, authorizing Julie to pay the bills, plus include payment to Diane B for preparation of minutes. All in favor. So, approved.
Reports from Town Officials, Committees:
Road Foreman:
Arlan reported paving and line striping done on Fern Lake Road. Some grading has been done.
Sign by Roger Scarborough’s has been repaired. Arlan is looking for a new truck to spread chloride. The bed and tank of the current truck would be put on a different chassis.
Town Clerk/Treasurer:
Julie asked if the newly formed home-school co-op (kids 3-9) could use the white building, at no charge, possibly 6 times during the year. Ashlie Hall. Advance notice would be given to not interfere with any plans. There being no objection from the Board, they may use the building. Diane R suggested that, if Ashlie leaves the position, we re-visit the request.
Julie reported a complaint about student safety at dismissal time. Students walking to the bus parked by the white building were walking in the drive, in and out around cars. Diane R explained the difficulties arising from the OV day being lengthened. Diane R agreed that students will now walk on the grass on the east side of the drive and then between the Meeting House and the white building. School staff will see that a path is cleared in snow as needed.
The contract for the website is in the bills. The contract for the land records system is coming up.
The ramp at the white building needs attention. The joists underneath are no longer connected and the ramp sags. Barry and Julie will complete a basic repair by Sept 13, in time for Bingo.
Democratic and Republican Caucuses will be held on Sept 16 in the white building. Republican at 6:00 p.m. and Democrats at 7:00 p.m. This is also the night of the school Open House.
Diane R asked about any response about lead and asbestos testing in the white building. She also asked to let her know when work begins in the Meeting House, She asked Arlan is he had arrow stencils to use on the black top. Julie suggested contacting Brandon.
Reappraisal has begun and folks west of Route 7 have received post cards telling them to expect a visit from the appraiser.
After discussion, decision to leave the porta-potty at Fern Lake in place until Oct 15. Julie will notify Dundon’s when she pays the Sept bill.
Weight Permits: Two weight permits were presented.
OLD BUSINESS:
Brian Peoples phoned in to discuss his amended access permit. It now is a single access, 20 feet wide, over a culvert (later determined deep ditch) and existing septic line. The proposed drive goes to the top of the property, where an existing 12-15 foot access connects to the adjacent property. A garage to store boats is also proposed to be placed at the top of the property. He reiterated desire to control erosion and to maintain the ditch area after it is cleaned up. Chair asked if he had an engineer look at the site. His engineer in CA made a determination about the grade of the hill, using topo maps, not walking the property. Board had several questions regarding grade and power lines.
Tom suggested a site visit, which Brian approved. Chair explained she was recommended to speak to Taylor Flanagan at ANR about development of steep slopes and to request a site visit. Chair to contact him and schedule a visit as soon as possible.
NEW BUSINESS:
Diane R asked about placing a little library near the Meeting House or white building. Suggestion was made to place it by the bench by the Meeting House. School will supply the books and materials.
The Transportation portion of the Town Plan was reviewed by the Board. The Planning Commission has also reviewed the plan as part of the plan update. Corrections/updates were made about equipment and various culverts. Exploring traffic calming measures and transportation alternatives will be added to the plan.
Julie shared a citizen complaint about the Vt Sun races; bikers and riders blocking the road and making for difficult driving. The situation has not really changed over the years. John forwarded photos and video he had of the last race. Chair indicated she would contact VSP Permit Officer. Julie will forward video and photos to us. Chair will forward to VSP and request a meeting. Brad asked if the issue of whether to approve races should go on the ballot in March? Question raised about the event insurance coverage VT Sun has for the races, and what liability the town may have.
The next Selectboard meeting will be held on Sept 22, 2025. Julie will be in all-day training Sept 15 and 16.
PROPOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Motion by Brad and second by John to go into Executive Session at 8:27p.m. for:
Possible legal Action. All in favor. So, approved.
Motion by Tom and second by Diane R to come out of Executive Session at 8:37 p.m. No action taken.
Motion by Tom and second by John to adjourn at 8:37p.m.
Next Meeting Monday, Sept 22, 2025
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Benware
