Minutes - 08-01-2022
Town of LeicesterSelectboard Meeting MinutesMonday, August 1, 2022*Unapproved*** See subsequent minutes for any changes Members Present: Diane Benware, Diane Randall, John Rouse, Tom Barker Members Absent: Brad Lawes Others Present: Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Jahnu Gibbs, Brian Crane, Roger Scarborough, Sandra Trombley Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair. Pledge of Allegiance: Review of Agenda: NEW BUSINESS: Meeting New School Principal: Diane Randall introduced the new school principal of Otter Creek Academy, Brian Crane. Board introduced themselves and welcomed Brian. Brian explained he felt it important to build positive narratives for our school and community relations; especially in today’s environment with negative narratives toward public schools. He wants to share with the community, as much as possible, all the awesome things they are going to do. Brian explained his vision and that he is very connected with the environment and excited to promote a vision of nature based learning; hands on learning. He explained that he felt kids are naturally curious and he wants to keep them engaged and nudge them in the right direction. Next year he is bringing a program called Trout in the Classroom. They will be raising brook trout and releasing them. Brian said he wants to bring positive relationships and working together to solve problems. Brian stated he wants to be proactive. Parking was brought up. Brian stated that communication and signage would be a good first step, and encouraging teachers to park out back with some parking area changes. The modular will be ready around November. This will provide more space for their library, nurse’s office, counselor, interventionist and a mini classroom. The Board approved using the White Building for use of small groups for testing or possible music lessons.Board state the school must leave it as they found it and recommend they not to use the water in the building; even though water has been approved by the State. Brian stated that once they have a schedule they will let Julie know what days they need it. Water is fine at the school. Brian stated they will be doing school community newsletters. Animal Control Update: Motion by Tom and second by John to go into Executive Session at 7:00 p.m. to discuss personnel. All in favor. So, approved. Motion by Tom and second by John to come out of Executive Session at 7:28 p.m. with no action taken. All in favor. So, approved. Approval of July 18, 2022 Minutes: Motion by John and second by Tom to approve minutes of July 18, 2022 as written. All in favor. 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 reported that they did some grading and changed the culvert by the Town Shed. They cut the asphalt there and over on Swinington Hill. They hauled some gravel. Scott has cut quite a bit of brush. John commented that the brush cutting looked good but asked about the cut brush falling in the ditch and wondered if the pieces should be chipped; as the brush might clog the culverts. Arlan stated he will have to pay close attention to it. Board approved Arlan to pick up the 4” posts for the speed signs. Roger Scarborough came to the meeting and wanted to mention the stop signs at his corner. Either nobody stops or when they do stop, they need to sport their tires when taking off. He doesn’t understand why there is a 3-way stop there when Leicester-Whiting Road just continues right around the corner. There is no stop sign up by Kupfer’s. There just should be a continuous road and a stop sign when coming from Brandon. He stated that nobody stops anyway. He feels the only stop sign should be from Swinington Hill. Julie explained that it is quite a process to change road signs. Board will put it on the agenda for next meeting to start the process. Town Clerk/Treasurer: Julie reviewed with Arlan some of the pending work on the list. Jenny Beck from Point Counter Point called about the work that was just done at the north end of her driveway. She feels there is a problem. Arlan will go talk with Jenny to see what needs to be done to remedy the problem. Julie reported that Dave Atherton called and they are replacing the bridge/culvert by Hector Racine’s and would like to put a road closed sign at the end of Cram Road and detour onto Cram Road so people don’t drive all the way up to Brandon and have to turn around. Board was ok with that. Julie reported that the new Railroad Crossing Arms have been installed. Julie reported a complaint about garbage at the Fern Lake access. Julie would like to get a “no trash” dumping sign. Board approved Julie to look into a sign. Julie provided a document from Fyles for contracted pricing. Board does not want to sign a contract at this time. Table until next meeting. Julie has another request for ARPA Funds. Table ARPA requests until next meeting. Julie reported there should be a phone at the Town Shed by next week. Julie reported that next Tuesday there is an election. Weight Permits: CORRESPONDENCE: OLD BUSINESS: Buildings/Grounds Needs: Tom and Diane reported that Gus has trimmed the evergreens and the brush around the brick building and around the ramp. He has taken the brick planter and sign down. Tom reported that Gus is going to talk with Brad about the cemetery’s weeds and seeding. Tom reported that Gus will provide some labor when we get some top soil to the cemetery. White Building: John reported that the railing is in bad shape. It needs to be totally replaced. John left a message for Kevin Betourney to see when he could meet about the slate roof. John is going to see Gary DuPoise tomorrow about stencils. VTrans Recommendations US 7 Intersection: Diane sent an email to Ian Degutis at the State of Vermont; raising questions about improving signage on Rte. 7 and has not heard back from him. Diane reported about Angelo Lynn’s response to her letter to the editor about the Silver Lake Hut that was not published in the Addison Independent. Discussions of his response. Motion by Tom to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Next meeting: Monday August 15, 2022 Respectfully submitted, Sandra L. Trombley, Secretary