Town of LeicesterSelectboard Meeting MinutesMonday, July 5, 2021*Unapproved*** See subsequent minutes for any changesMembers Present: Diane Benware, Tom Barker, Ron FiskeMembers Absent:Brad Lawes, John RouseOthers Present:Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Sandra Trombley, SecretaryCall to Order:Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair. Pledge of Allegiance:Review of Agenda:Approval of June 21, 2021 Minutes:Motion by Tom and second by Ron to approve minutes of June 21, 2021 as written. All in favor.So, approved. Review/Authorization to Pay Bills:Motion by Ron and second by Diane authorizing Julie to pay the bills.All in favor.So, approved.Reports from Town Officials, Committees:Road Foreman:Arlan reported that they put in the culvert on Rte. 53 by Bob LaPorte’s and dug out another one by Jason Disorda’s.There was discussion about how much they had in paving money.Arlan mentioned he would like to do paving on Rte. 53 from Forestdale town line up to Bob LaPorte’s to cover the two culverts.He would like to fix the spot coming off Rte. 7 onto Cram Road and coming off Hooker Road by Quenneville’s.He would like to complete the paving on the Leicester/Whiting Road.Tom mentioned a spot by Mike Rakowitz’s that needs cleaning.Town Clerk/Treasurer:Paving Grant:Motion by Tom and second by Ron to accept the paving grant and authorize the Chair to sign.All in favor.So, approved.Old Jerusalem Grant Plans:Diane reported the current cost estimate is $1,125,000.00, including construction engineering and contingencies.Overall costs of $1,529,459.00.Julie reported that NRCS has been out auditing properties.They went to Suki’s property and found a VAST trail going through the easement.They are not allowed to have it, even though it’s gone through there for years.VAST is trying to sort it all out.Julie reported that they are getting taggers on the road and road signs.The school wants to put up a temporary classroom where the preschool playground is, but it is inside the approved setbacks and needs to go to the DRB.Julie sent the DRB an email encouraging them to meet and reorganize because a permit will be coming.Julie reiterated to the Board that she does not have any time to work on DRB work.Julie reported that dog registrations are still coming in, so she would like to hold off on warrants.She would like to get the last stragglers done before giving list to the Animal Control Officer.State Tax Rate:
Homestead is 1.3836
Non-Homestead is 1.6326
Julie stated they will set the town tax rate at the next meeting.Julie reported they got the hay bale shredder.She will be giving the information to Regional Planning to finish out the grant.Weight Permits:NoneCORRESPONDENCE:Fireworks Correspondence:Julie received an email from a lady from Middlebury College who is working for the Brandon Reporter and is doing a story about the new fireworks legislation.She had a list of questions.Julie answered that the town follows the State Statutes.Other Correspondence:
Hazmat Guide & Training
Town Pollinator Project
STD Testing
GMP Multi Year Plan
Fiscal 2022 Municipal Planning Grant
Community o VT Elders
Home Energy Audits
Storm Reports for Severe Weather
OLD BUSINESS:Traffic Monitoring Devices:Tom will try to contact the salesman again.Health Order Status:Julie has not heard anything.Dealing with Junk/Trash:Julie reported that Deputy Sweet came to go over the camera photos.There were no good pictures; only of traffic and the back of Van’s truck.They need to move the camera to the Salt Shed.They will start over.Julie talked with the deputy about the Fern Lake Access and Lower Bullock Road and illegal dumping.There was discussion about purchasing cameras or security systems.ARPA (CLFRF) Funding:VLCT is going to come up with model policies for seat belts and texting while driving.Motion by Ron and second by Diane to move that Leicester accept its allocation of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funding (CLFRF) from the US Treasury, along with the Award Terms & Conditions & Assurances of Compliance with the Civil Rights Requirements that are requirements of accepting these funds.All in favor.So, approved.Motion by Ron and second by Tom to move that we appoint Diane Benware to serve as Leicester’s Authorized Representative as required by the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funding (CLFF) from the US Treasury, along with the Award Terms & Conditions & Assurances of Compliance with the Civil Rights Requirements that are requirements of accepting these funds.All in favor.So, approved.Motion by Ron and second by Tom to appoint Julie Delphia to be the Contact Person for Leicester as required by the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funding (CLFF) from the US Treasury, along with the Award Terms & Conditions & Assurances of Compliance with the Civil Rights Requirements that are requirements of accepting these funds.All in favor.So, approved.NEW BUSINESS:Animal Control Officer and Trainee:Carlie and Jahnu Gibbs came so the Board could meet Jahnu.Carlie introduced Jahnu and explained that he is an employee at the Humane Society.He works with her and he runs the dog barn.He is ambitious and is interested in law enforcement.He has a passion for animals and is learning how to deal with difficult people.Diane explained that there is no pay during training.Julie explained the unregistered dog situation and doing a dog census down the road.Julie will set Jahnu up as an employee.The Humane Society is planning on doing one rabies clinic a month.Carlie will let Julie know the dates.Public Use of White Building:Julie has a request for the use of the White Building for a birthday party.There is still a water situation and water cannot be used for drinking.There was discussion about the town’s liability if they allow the building to be used.Diane will contact Jim Carroll.Perhaps Jim can suggest language that can be used to post for liability purposes for use of the White Building until the water situation is solved.BUILDING NEEDS:HIGHWAY CONCERNS/NEEDS:Town Shed:LIMITED PUBLIC OPINION:EXECUTIVE SESSION:Motion by Tom to adjourn at 8:20 p.m.Next meeting:Monday, July 19, 2021 Respectfully submitted,Sandra L. Trombley, Secretary
