Town of LeicesterSelectboard Meeting MinutesMonday, November 20, 2023*Unapproved*** See subsequent minutes for any changesMembers Present: Diane Benware, Diane Randall, Brad Lawes,Tom Barker, John RouseOthers Present: Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Doug Perkins, Jeff Shulman, Lynn Peck, Sandra TrombleyCall to Order:Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair.Pledge of Allegiance:Review of Agenda:Approval of November 6, 2023 minutes:Motion by Tom and second by Brad to approve minutes of November 6, 2023 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.Reports from Town Officials, Committees:Road Foreman:Arlan did not have anything to report.Town Clerk/Treasurer:Julie reported she has been doing taxes.Julie hasn’t heard back from security yet.Julie received the insurance renewal addendum from VLCT.They ask that she choose one of two options.It has always been 10M standard per occurrence for uninsured or underinsured.Now, there is another option for $250,000 or charge extra.She thinks we should stay with the standard 10M per occurrence.They have not told us the cost yet.Board would like Julie to try to get more information before making a decision.Tom asked about the lawyer fees in the bills.Julie stated they would discuss the reason for these in Executive Session.CORRESPONDENCE:Chair passing around file:
Vermont Chamber of Commerce Legislative Meeting December 10th
Electric Fleet Incentive Program
Public Hearing on Draft Plan for Proposed Town Plan in Brandon, 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 20th
GMP 0% Outages 2030
NEW BUSINESS:OCW Visit:Doug started out by saying that they were here to talk about what happened this year and to answer any questions.Doug explained that Jeff Shulman is the 2024 Chair and Doug will be the Vice Chair.Doug talked about all the rain this year and it caused lots of problems for spraying.The rain was excellent for the mosquitos to breed and really bad for them to get out and spray.They can’t spray when there is rain in the forecast because it just washes the chemicals out of the air.Requests for spraying was twice as much as it was last year.They sprayed in Leicester twenty-four times.It did not keep the mosquitos under control.They didn’t find larvae at the right stage of development and in sufficient quantities to be able to do anything about them. There was no larvicide applied.Doug stated he sent Julie an electronic report for the Town Report.Doug stated that the State Grant has been fixed at $70,000 for many years now.Jeff reported they face a couple problems.One is at the State level and their requirements and chemicals.The other problem is their cash flow.Brandon makes quarterly payments.Jeff said they are going to ask all their districts for payments on a quarterly basis.Estimated quarterly payments would be $6,500.There was further discussion about quarterly payments.Julie explained that Leicester’s budget is on a calendar year, January to December and they collect taxes November 15th.The town doesn’t approve their budget until March.They certainly couldn’t pay anything until the budget was approved.Doug would prefer that all towns do the same payment process.All other towns are on a fiscal year.Jeff will be presenting this to all the other towns and see what the response is.Chair thanked all for coming.There was further discussion about how Leicester is paying for mosquito control. Julie asked if the Board wants to borrow money from the Municipal Expense Fund to pay it because she will not have regular money.That would be the only way to pay it early.Leicester is very different than other towns.Maybe they could do two payments.Julie explained that Leicester has already paid their whole amount so we’re not talking the same.We are paying ahead.Other towns are not.They are not understanding that we are paying ahead; we are not behind.Julie will type up an explanation to email and explain to Doug, Jeff and Lynn.OLD BUSINESS:Fire Protection:Diane reported that Fire Chief stated they could do a four-year contract for $48,000.They will entertain a five-year contract and bring to the Board on December 7th.EXECUTIVE SESSION:Motion by Tom and second by Diane B. to go into Executive Session for a possible legal matter at 7:31 p.m.All in favor.So, approved.Motion by Tom and second by Diane R. to come out of Executive Session with no action taken at 7:45 p.m.All in favor.So, approved.Motion by Brad and second by John to adjourn at 7:45 p.m.Next meeting Monday, December 4, 2023Respectfully submitted,Sandra Trombley
