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Minutes -04-05-2021

 
 Town of Leicester
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Monday, April 5, 2021
*Unapproved*
** See subsequent minutes for any changes
 
Members Present: Diane Benware, Brad Lawes, Tom Barker, Ron Fiske
 
Members Absent:  John Rouse
 
Others Present:  Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Sandra Trombley, Secretary
 
Call to Order:  Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair.  
 
Pledge of Allegiance:
 
Review of Agenda:  
 
Approval of March 15, 2021 minutes:
 
Motion by Tom and second by Brad to approve minutes of March 15, 2021 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.  All in favor.  So, approved.
 
Reports from Town Officials, Committees:
 
Town Clerk/Treasurer:
 
Julie reported that the water situation at the school is still an issue.  The State is coming down next week to do testing on the well and system.  There is a good chance there will be no water next week.  The kids are not in the building next week.
 
Julie reported the American Rescue money will be coming in June.  There are still no guidelines on what it can be spent on.  When they talked about it in today’s meeting, they mentioned water, wastewater and broadband.  
 
There was discussion what the money could possibly be used for.  The government doesn’t know yet.  Julie stated they may not even be able to even spend it.  There is three years to spend it.  Will wait for future guidelines.
 
Julie stated the Highway Grant is due April 15th.  Julie needs information from Arlan to complete the grant.
 
Arlan will help Julie with information she needs.
 
Julie reported that Beth sent final notice letters out about delinquent taxes and money has been coming in. 
 
Beth is working with the lawyer’s office to get the tax sale process rolling again.
 
Julie reported about one of the bills going through the State right now for rental properties.  Leicester doesn’t track rental properties.  The bill would require property owners to register their rentals.  One of the bills is to have the State Fire Marshall be in charge of doing all the approvals for rentals; including Air B&B’s. 
 
Julie reported that on Thursday, Noon – 1:00, Bernie Sanders is giving a question and answer period about the American Rescue money.  Julie can provide the link if anyone is interested.
 
Road Foreman:
 
Arlan reported he talked with Mike Winslow about work on Hooker Road.  Arlan is all set to go.
 
Arlan recommends the Board be thinking about the salt shed; due to its condition.
 
There was discussion about possible properties.
 
Brad asked who took down the tree on Mountain View.  Arlan called GMP and they took down the tree on Mountain View.
 
Cemetery Committee:
 
Weight Permits:
 
Weight permits were signed.
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
 
Chair went over the correspondence:
  •       Notice from the Springer Law Office representing T-Mobile NE for the approval from public utilities Commission to upgrade the equipment on the Bernie Cole property.
  •       Letter from Roy Mercon, a veteran photographer drone pilot who wants to photograph 3-5 spots in town.
  •       Culture Facilities Grant
  •       Federal Grants Compliance Training for State and Local Governments
  •       Loan USDA Revolving Fund
  •       Bridge & Culvert Inspection Maps
  •       Highway Changes Prompted by Mileage Certificates
  •       Road Safety & Pavement Management
  •       Dry Hydrant Grant
  •       Letter of complaint from John Madden from New Haven; which doesn’t pertain to Leicester
  •       Rob Fish, Rural Broadband
 
Diane is being reappointed as town representative to the ACRP Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC).  Tom agreed to be the alternate.
 
Diane signed and completed the paperwork.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
 
Green Up Day:
 
Green Up Day is Saturday, May 1st.  Diane has the posters.
Diane will pick up bags and supplies.  Plan is to host a free lunch outside.  Middlebury Shaw’s will donate bottled water and bakery goods.  
 
Brad Lawes agreed to make a donation again this year to purchase gift certificates to local restaurants for the raffle.
 
Julie ordered pencils and stickers for the school children.
 
Diane will contact Lem for pick up.
 
Julie shared her experience picking up roadside garbage on her road. 
 
Diane shared some information about certain areas she has noticed lots of garbage.
 
Dealing with Junk:
 
Diane has had a couple people contact her about junk in Fernville and provided photos.  There are concerns about visual and health concerns.
 
Tom reported another one in that area and one on Cram Road.
 
There was discussion about the Junk Ordinance.
 
Brad thought we should check with other towns and see what they are doing about these situations.
 
Diane will check with the Sheriff’s Department and check their policy.
 
Health Officer is willing to take photos, but does not want to be the enforcer.
 
Tom suggested using the Constables.  Discussion about legality.
 
Diane will compose a letter and enclose a copy of the Junk Ordinance and report back.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
 
BUILDING NEEDS:
 
HIGHWAY CONCERNS/NEEDS:
 
Town Shed:
 
LIMITED PUBLIC OPINION:  
 
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
 
Next meeting:  Monday, April 19, 2021 
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Sandra L. Trombley, Secretary