Town of LeicesterSelectboard Meeting MinutesMonday, January 6, 2025*Unapproved*** See subsequent minutes for any changesMembers Present: Diane Benware, Diane Randall, Tom Barker, John RouseMembers Absent:Brad LawesOthers Present: Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Robbie Devoid, Sandra TrombleyCall to Order:Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair.Pledge of Allegiance:Review of Agenda:Approval of December 16, 2024, minutes:Motion by John and second by Tom to approve minutes of December 16, 2024, as written.All in favor.So, approved.Review/Authorization to Pay Bills:Motion by John and second by Tom authorizing Julie to pay the bills.All in favor.So, approved.Reports from Town Officials, Committees:Animal Control Officer:Rob reported things had been quiet.He made another attempt to see the resident on Jenna Lane.She would not come to the door and there are still animals there.Board shared some options for Rob in getting her phone number and a relative that resides in town.Road Foreman:Arlan reported he has a couple new lights for inside the Town Shed.Town Clerk/Treasurer:Julie shared a draft of a letter composed by the Zoning Administrator for their review.This letter would go to people living in campers, along with attachments and photos.He would send a copy of the Junk Ordinance where appropriate.Diane talked with the Sheriff, and he informed that when we are ready, the Sheriff’s Department will deliver the letters.Julie received a letter from OCW.There is an OCW meeting Wednesday, January 8th at 7:00 p.m. lower level at the Brandon Town Hall.Everyone is invited to attend and share their thoughts and comments.This will be discussed at the January 20th meeting.Julie received the CLA which is 59.6%.Julie received two abatement requests.She would like to schedule the Abatement Meeting for January 27th at 6:30 p.m.Julie would like to schedule a BCA Meeting the same night at 6:45; if possible.Weight Permits:CORRESPONDENCE:
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OLD BUSINESS:MERP Update:Julie stated that Diane asked Shannon what to do for an amendment.Shannon thought Julie and Diane could do it.Next Monday Julie and Diane will try to put an amendment together.If they approve it, they will send resend an amended grant.Furnace:Tom shared that David Crane has still not come to fix the furnace.Tom has waited for him two days in a row.Crane stated he would come tomorrow morning at 8:00 to fix the furnace.If Crane does not come tomorrow, the Board agreed Tom could call TJK Plumbing.John went to Mr. Bagley and down to the other place about a generator and he hasn’t heard from either one of them.2025 Budget Discussion:Julie provided the draft of Chair’s Selectboard Report for review.There was discussion about the paragraph about installing a porta-potty at the Fern Lake Access and the liability.Tom wanted to bring up the $25,000 of last year.He was wondering if there could be some kind of resolution to the give aways.He wanted to prepare for another Town Meeting.Discussion about the Moderator stating what was germane and not germane for the budget.Also, someone could make a motion for an amendment and then a vote on the amendment.Tom suggested there may be an increase in requests for money this year.Julie took the Board through the spreadsheet with any changes.The Board reviewed each line item on the spreadsheet.Materials was increased.If there are any salary changes, it will be discussed in Executive Session.Julie would like to have everything by January 20th meeting.She needs to know if there are any changes to the budget tonight.NEW BUSINESS:Ethics Policy & Requirements:Julie provided a copy of the Town of Leicester Code of Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance.The Statute says you must do either an ordinance, rule or personnel policy.So, they are going with ordinance, and it must be on the agenda.Unfortunately, we have it as Ethics Policy on the agenda.It will be on the January 20thmeeting agenda under Ethics Ordinance Adoption.Julie stated that at the January 20th meeting, they will have to nominate a Designated Complaint Recipient.It must go through the State Ethics Commission.Julie listed some things that must be posted on the website.There is a lot of material to review for the next meeting.At first, they said that the Chair of the Selectboard needs to take the training.It has changed.Anyone on the Selectboard, Board of Abatement, DRB, or any quasi-judicial board is required to do an on-line training before September 2025, then every three years thereafter.EXECUTIVE SESSION:Motion by Tom and second by Diane R. to go into Executive Session at 7:40 p.m. for possible legal matter and salaries.All in favor.So, approved.Motion by Diane B. and second by Diane R. to come out of Executive Session at 7:59 p.m. with the following changes. Motion by Diane B. and second by Diane R. to increase Clerk/Treasurer salary by $1,500.All in favor.So, approved.Motion by Diane B. and second by Diane R. to increase Tom Barker’s rate from $24 to $30 hour.3 yes and 1 Abstention (Tom).Motion by Diane B. and second by Diane R. to authorize Julie to pay all State and Federal taxes and fees as required and 2025 payroll and rental rates.All in favor.So, approved.Motion by Diane B. and second by Diane R. to adjourn at 8:04 p.m.Next Meeting Monday, January 20, 2025Respectfully submitted,Sandra Trombley
