Minutes 02-19-2024
Town of LeicesterSelectboard Meeting MinutesMonday, February 19, 2024*Unapproved*** See subsequent minutes for any changes Members Present: Diane Benware, Diane Randall, Brad Lawes, Tom Barker, John RouseOthers Present: Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Lesley Bienvenue, Jeff Schumann by phoneCall to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair.Pledge of Allegiance:Review of Agenda: Approval of January 15, 2024 minutes:Motion by John and second by Tom to approve minutes of Feb. 5, 2024. So approved. Review/Authorization to Pay Bills:Motion by Tom and second by Diane R, authorizing Julie to pay the bills. All in favor. So, approved. Reports from Town Officials, Committees:Road Foreman:Arlan stated there was little to report, excepting for hauling gravel. Filled holes on Dewey and Old Jerusalem Roads.Weight permits were signed.John asked about who is responsible for trees/branches that may hang over the roadway. It was determined that anything over 25 feet from the center of the roadway is the responsibility of the landowner. Town Clerk/Treasurer:Julie reported she is preparing for the Town Meeting election. There is confusion about the school portion of the ballot, due to the recent changes made by the legislature in Montpelier. It is hoped there will be clarification soon. CORRESPONDENCE:Chair passing around file:· ACRPC monthly newsletter · Copy of email re: survey regarding hybrid meetings OLD BUSINESS:NEW BUSINESS:Discussion of complaint regarding abandoned vehicle/outhouse on Partridge Trail. Health Officer did conduct an inspection last April. The vehicle appears to meet the definition of abandoned in the town Junk Ordinance, but because it is located on a private road the regulations of the ordinance may not apply. Board members are individually going to inspect the property/location of vehicle and the Chair is going to contact the Health Officer to see if there is any further information. The issue will be reviewed at the March 18 meeting. Jeff Schumann of OCW phoned in at 7:10 p.m. with message of needed equipment upgrades, costing abut $30,000, in order to get permit for spraying this year. Costs would amount to about $5,000 per member town. OCW is exploring ways to borrow the money. It is possible the LDFLA will offer a donation and/or no interest loan. Payback would be achieved with a budget increase to the town higher than 5% for one or two years. The LDFLA board will be meeting in the next week and Brad will report back. Other:Lesley Bienvenue had several comments and questions. She is a town delegate to the county Republican Committee and informed the board of an upcoming event at Ilsley Library on March 9. Greg Thayer will be the speaker. She mentioned that Martha Haffner was promoting efforts to increase parents’ right in curriculum development. She asked for clarification of the annual contract with Homeward Bound, aka the Humane Society.Discussion of cleaning up the Meeting House basement. Tom and John had to go into the basement to check on the furnace and battled tons of spiders and found no working lights. They found old desks, furniture, materials the school had stored there, etc. Tom is going to replace the light bulbs and each member will find time to check out the basement and in March we will decide how to best get rid of the items down there.Decision to send flowers to Selectboard secretary Sandy Trombley as she recovers from illness.Further decided to honor the memory of former Selectman Ken Young with a $100 donation to BARS and a $100 donation to Homeward Bound in the memory of former Selectman Ken Willard, on behalf of the town. Motion by Diane B, second by Tom. Passed unanimously. Reminder of Board of Abatement hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb 26, at Town Office. Executive SessionOn a motion by Tom, second by Diane R, board entered into Executive Session, at 7:40 p.m. to discuss possible legal matter. On a motion by Diane R, second by Diane B to come out of Executive Session, at 7:44 p.m., no action taken. Motion to adjourn made at 7:45 p.m. on a motion by Tom, second by Diane R. Next meeting Monday, Mar 4, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Meeting House. Respectfully submitted,Diane Benware