Minutes - 08-19-2024
Town of LeicesterSelectboard Meeting MinutesMonday, August 19, 2024*Unapproved*** See subsequent minutes for any changes Members Present: Brad Lawes, Tom Barker, John Rouse Members Absent: Diane Benware, Diane Randall Others Present: Julie Delphia, John Hughes, Mary Hughes, Doug Perkins, Lynn Peck, Sandra Trombley Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Vice Chair. Pledge of Allegiance: Review of Agenda: Approval of August 5, 2024, minutes: Motion by John and second by Brad to approve minutes of August 5, 2024, as written. All in favor. So, approved. Review/Authorization to Pay Bills: Motion by Tom and second by Brad authorizing Julie to pay the bills. So, approved. Reports from Town Officials, Committees: Town Clerk/Treasurer: Tom explained they have been looking at the culvert inventory (REI) road erosion and culvert inventory. Board reviewed the culvert inventory. Julie explained that they need to complete a REI Update Form. Brad asked Julie to email the inventory to the Board, so they all had more time to review it and give Arlan time to look at it; as well. Motion by Brad and second by John to table this topic until next meeting. All in favor. So, approved. Julie reported that she had talked with the lady about the Fern Lake Access trash situation and since the Sheriff had been patrolling, the situation had been massively better. Julie reported that the Maple Broadband Easement is finished, and she got the check for that. Julie reported that the Election on Tuesday went well; except for one incident. She had one individual who did not fill out their ovals on their ballot and the tabulator rejected it. They started swearing at them and took their ballot and tried to walk out the door with the ballot. She told him that he couldn’t take his ballot. He came back in, swearing at them, went past the personnel only area, and tore up the ballot, swearing and then leaving. Julie talked with the Sheriff’s Department about the November election. She applied for an Election Grant and received it, which will pay for the Sheriff to be there for the whole election. The discussion from the Department of Homeland Security Audit they did for the election will be addressed in Executive Session because it’s considered confidential. Julie received an application from someone interested in a full-time road crew position with benefits. She accepted the application but explained they do not have any current full-time positions open. Weight Permits: None CORRESPONDENCE: Correspondence folder was reviewed by Board. OLD BUSINESS: OCW Update: Doug Perkins and Lynn Peck came to give an update on the mosquito district. There have been three meetings. One on July 23rd for the election of new officers, one on August 7th, a special meeting to approve the $70,000 larvicide grant which was signed and has been returned, and one on August 14th which was a regular meeting. The by-laws required that new officers be elected. Steve Belcher agreed to stay on as Chair and it was approved with unanimous consent. He is also staying on as Secretary. Sharon Stearns was elected Vice Chair. They turned around and elected Doug Treasurer. Wayne Rausenberger is back on the Board for Brandon. Lynn Peck was reinstated by the Board as Bookkeeper. Steve Belcher has been trying to organize an Executive Committee Meeting this week to talk about personnel issues. Doug reported that the Board voted to change when the quarterly assessments for the town would come due. The Board determined net 30 the first of the quarter. Tom mentioned that could not happen in Leicester. Julie explained that our agreement was that our first payment would be at the end of September. That allows us to get taxes. To pay on July 1st, they would have to borrow money. Julie’s preference is to pay one check at the end of December. Julie doesn’t have the money to pay. She would have to borrow money. Doug Perkins explained the repercussions if they don’t pay. He stated that the Board could decide to suspend services and Leicester no longer has a vote in the Board until the bill is paid. Julie stated that this seems completely inappropriate. They pay OCW every year well before our taxes are received. You always ask for money, and we pay you in September or October. Leicester pays the full amount and doesn’t withhold money until the next calendar year. She can’t pay this invoice until end of September. Brad asked if the Board is seriously taking that position. Doug says it’s in the by-laws. Lynn said there is a lot of disagreement on this subject on both sides. She felt there wasn’t enough discussion on the net 30 issue. She doesn’t like the vibe. Brad explained this year was an easy year and there shouldn’t be a cash flow problem. Brad explained his displeasure about this position and feels they are creating some unnecessary issues. There has never been a cash flow problem for the OCW. He feels they should try to keep all towns happy. John and Tom agreed with Brad. Tom stated that they have always tried to work with OCW. Doug Perkins said they work for Leicester, and stated they voted incorrectly for Leicester’s wishes. They will change their vote. Doug stated they have sprayed three times this year. They haven’t trapped since July. There have been non-performance issues. Doug wants to know if we keep limping along until the end of this year and then make a change. Brad asked about complaint numbers. He asked what the indicators have been. Doug recommends that they limp along until the end of the season, then have employees sign a contract for 40 hours per week. Make some decisions in the off season. Brad stated that if you have seasons like this, you can’t ask for 40 hours per week. How do you contract for this, the flexibility and job description? Lynn would like to work out something with the current employees. Brad stated they may have to hire someone to manage. Tom stated it is very hard to hire part-time employees and guarantee them certain hours. Board thanked Doug and Lynn for coming. John Hughes commented that he felt that the personnel issues discussed tonight in regard to OCW should have been done in Executive Session. NEW BUSINESS: Julie mentioned that the 4 Energy Audit Binders were there for review. Executive Session: Motion by John and second by Brad to go into Executive Session at 7:17 p.m. for legal and security matters. All in favor. So, approved. Motion by Brad and second by John to come out of Executive Session at 7:45 p.m. with no action taken. All in favor. So, approved. Motion by Brad to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sandra Trombley