Town of LeicesterSelectboard Meeting MinutesMonday, December 02, 2024*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, Christine Stone, David Stone Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair.Pledge of Allegiance:Review of Agenda: Approval of November 18, 2024, minutes:Motion by Tom and second by John to approve minutes of October 7, 2024, as written. 3 – Yes, 2 – Abstentions (Diane R, Brad L) So, approved. Review/Authorization to Pay Bills:Motion by John and second by Tom authorizing Julie to pay the bills. So, approved.Reports from Town Officials, Committees:Town Clerk/Treasurer:Julie said they are catching up from the election and taxes.She anticipates one or more abatement requests. Julie indicated that two more campers had been added to the Zoning list.Keith is working on a letter. Julie indicated that Tom had found another possible used safe.The board discussed the option of obtaining another safe. Motion by Diane R and second by Brad authorizing Tom & Brad to purchase a safe, funds to be from the building repair budget line, not to exceed $2,000. So, approved.Road Foreman:Arlan said the Road Crew had been grading.The first storm went well.They removed trees on Leicester Whiting Road that were dead and hanging over the road.Sand and salt look good.Weight Permits: NoneCORRESPONDENCE:Correspondence was reviewed.It was noted that ACSWD is increasing fees.Diane B has contacted Van to see if his fees will increase accordingly. OLD BUSINESS:MERP Implementation Grant: The Selectboard discussed the MERP Implementation Grant and the scope of work at the Town Office and Town Hall.There was discussion regarding changing the scope of work.Diane B will ask if this is possible.The meeting will be recessed until 7:00pm on December 12, 2024 to get feedback to continue the conversation.NEW BUSINESS:Christine Stone brought up concerns regarding censorship at Front Porch Forum and stated that she and others had been disallowed from participation. Christine Stone expressed concerns regarding the summer races that have runners on both sides of the road. Christine Stone discussed the option of a community page on the Town Website where community events (dinners, yard sales, etc.) could be advertised.This was discussed and concerns having it managed by the Town and on the Town site were reviewed.It was suggested that this would be better implemented by a community member creating and managing a site not affiliated with the Town or the Town website.This appeared amenable to all. The Board will begin budget discussions at their next meeting. Arlan and Diane B will work on the Road Erosion Inventory. Green Up day is May 3, 2025. The Town Plan is due by December 2025.Katie Raycroft-Meyer from ACRPC will come to meet with the Planning Commission on January 28, 2025 at 6:00pm.Diane B will contact members of the Planning Commission to coordinate the meeting.John indicated that the Salisbury Fire Department would like to discuss possible coverage of Leicester.The Town is in a contract with the Brandon Fire Department but will be agreeable to hear what Salisbury has to offer.John will coordinate Salisbury attending a meeting.The Selectboard approved purchasing 24 chairs for the Town Hall.The Historical Society will submit a donation check for the full amount. Executive Session:Motion by Tom and second by John to go into Executive Session for legal matter at 7:48 p.m. All in favor. So, approved.Motion by Brad and second by John to come out of Executive Session at 7:56 p.m. with no Action. Motion by John and second by Tom to recess meeting until 7:00pm on December 12, 2024.
Meeting Reconvened on December 12, 2024 at 7:00pm
Members Present: Diane Benware,Brad Lawes, Tom Barker, John Rouse
The Board discussed with Shelly the evaluations she and Jason from All Points Construction had done as part of the MERP review.They compared the suggested envelope work required for the Meeting House and the Town Hall.The cost of envelope work for both building is nearly the same cost. The grant is currently for repairs to the Town Hall.After discussion, the Board is leaning toward requesting an amendment to do work on the Meeting House instead as it is in greater need.Julie will investigate the amendment process.
Motion by Brad and second by John to sign the MERP Grant Agreement. All in favor. So, approved.
Julie asked the Board if she could have a cabinet painted at the same time as the new safe.The Board agreed.
Heating solutions for the Meeting House were discussed.Julie will add to next agenda.
Motion by Tom to adjourn at 7:41pm. Meeting adjourned.
Next regular meeting is December 16, 2024. Respectfully submitted, Julie Delphia
