Minutes 04-07-2025
Town of LeicesterSelectboard Meeting MinutesMonday, April 7, 2025*Unapproved*** See subsequent minutes for any changes Members Present: Diane Benware, Diane Randall, Brad Lawes, Tom Barker, John Rouse Others Present: Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Robbie Devoid, Tom & Joan Drew, Jemsa Sheriff, Robert McRae, Sandra Trombley Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair. Pledge of Allegiance: Review of Agenda: Add liquor license and contracts for Lem & Gus Camper on Partridge Trail: To accommodate the guests that were there, the Chair moved the agenda item for Partridge Trail to the first item on the agenda. Introductions were made. Jemsa Sheriff started by stating they were all full-time homeowners on Partridge Trail. She stated that her and Rob live the closest to the camper. She stated that she and Tom have been corresponding with the Selectboard about abandoned trailers since 2023 and things have only gotten worse. There are rodent droppings, garbage, an outhouse. There are two trees that have been felled into the lake. There is a shredded-up tarp down at the lake that was on their dock. They are trying to figure out what can be done with this because it has gotten worse. Robert McRae mentioned he didn’t think these campers should have been allowed due to the width of the property being only twenty feet and length of time the campers have been there. The outhouse infringes on his property. Jemsa mentioned the small trailer has been there since 2006 and the others have probably been there the last eight years. Tom Drew mentioned the property is only twenty feet wide from the road down to the lake and these people have been sliding things in for years. The fifth wheel camper is the most noticeable. The other two are over the bank. It falls within the 250’ shoreland regulations. He stated that people who come to visit don’t understand why lake property can degrade like that, and we don’t either. Tom Drew stated there must be some records with the DRB about this problem. Tom Drew mentioned there were a couple men that came down to remove things and said they worked for Harvey. They took some things and never came back. Jemsa stated they want to know what the Selectboard can do about it. The owners of the property live in Ferrisburgh and pay taxes on the land. Tom Drew mentioned they hadn’t gotten a response from the Zoning Administrator. He loves the Town Plan, but this doesn’t represent the plan. Diane stated that it would appear to fall under the Junk Ordinance and the procedure is to have the sheriff pay them a visit with a violation notice and Junk Ordinance and they have 30 days to remove and clean up the items. If it is not removed by the end of the 30 days, they receive a municipal fine which is $100 per day. It would include all structures. They will issue a new violation every time they go to check on the property. Julie can give them the name and number of the Shoreland person if they would like to call. The town has no jurisdiction on the shoreland. Tom Drew would like to keep the process as local as possible. These people have a business so he hopes they will take care of this and not have any legal problems. Cove Point Trailers: Julie explained about lawyer’s recommendation of options for Cove Point. One option is a Statute that allows Lorraine to file with the court to try to get ownership of them. There is another option of the town purchasing them, if they can be found and notified, and town disposing of them. It’s going to cost money. One trailer is going to be torn down in the spring. Julie can send Lorraine a letter giving her the Statute. Approval of March 17, 2025, minutes: Motion by Tom and second by John to approve minutes of March 17, 2025, as written. All in favor. So, approved. Review/Authorization to Pay Bills: Motion by John 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 he hauled gravel and did some grading. Diane B. talked to Arlan about cold patching a couple holes on the Leicester/Whiting Road on the bridge over the creek. Animal Control Officer: Rob reported he had a dog bite. Lesley Bienvenue was bitten in her right calf below the knee by her neighbor’s dog. The dog was on the lead but must have gotten off the lead. Rob talked with both parties. Rob confirmed the dog is registered and had its rabies certificate. They did have adequate means to control the dog. The dog is not friendly and is visibly aggressive. He advised the dog needed to be quarantined for fifteen days. Rob has not deemed the dog a vicious animal at this time. This is an isolated incident. Rob will continue to watch the situation. Sally King across from Redgate has two dogs that were frequently getting out and was written a ticket and she is contesting the ticket. Hearing on April 16th at 10:00 a.m. Rob was not notified. Town Clerk/Treasurer: Julie has a liquor license for the Leicester Store as Champlain Beverage. Motion by Diane B. and second by Diane R. to approve the liquor license for Champlain Beverage. All in favor. So, approved. Julie provided the contracts for Lem Palmer and Gus Letourneau for signatures. Board signed the contracts. Julie spoke to the sheriff about Ferson Road and Cram Road. Sheriff will lend their flashing speed sign for Ferson Road. Cram Road and Ferson Road will be on their patrol. Julie reported the sheriff visited the property at the end of Ferson Road/across Route 7 and spoke with them and provided a copy of the Junk Ordinance. Julie reported there was a complaint on Shackett Road, and most of the stuff was cleaned up and now she has had a repeat complaint on Shackett Road. Julie will ask the sheriff to drop by with a copy of the Junk Ordinance and re-evaluate. Julie reported on the camper violations:
- The campers in the Junction are gone
- The camper on Leicester/Whiting Road is being torn apart
- The camper is still there near Town Shed but person is gone
- The camper at Cove Point there is a legal requirement for that person to stay there that they must meet all zoning requirements. Lawyers are involved with that.
- The camper at Redgate no longer has anyone in the camper
- The camper on Maple Run no longer has anyone in the camper
- April 8 at 9:00 a.m. on-line US Geological Survey Workshop for updated 1985 Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Follow up virtual meetings this Thursday.
