Minutes - 6-17-2024
Town of Leicester
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 17, 2024
*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, Rob Devoid, Lesley Bienvenve, Pat Douglas, Maggie DeMers, Steve Morrison, Kevin Morrison, Kenneth Cousino, Ro Morrison, John Hughes, Sr., Mary Hughes, Scott Pidgeon, Ron Fiske, Gloria Currie, Will Duane, VT DFW, Caitlin Gildrien, Catherine Raishart, Randy Wilcox, Angela Ouellette, Mike Rakowitz, Cory Naylor, Sandra Trombley
Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Review of Agenda:
Approval of June 3 & June 13, 2024, minutes:
Motion by Tom and second by John to approve minutes of June 3 and June 13, 2024, as written.
1 abstention (Brad) So, approved.
Review/Authorization to Pay Bills:
Motion by John and second by Brad authorizing Julie to pay the bills. So, approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Bullock Road Concerns:
Chair started the meeting with meeting protocol, explaining that each person speaking would direct their comments and questions to her. They should be brief and to the point and speak one time and for the secretary’s benefit, please state your name. Chair asked if there was a spokesperson. There was not, so proceeded with first person to speak.
Mike Rakowitz asked why the road was closed.
Chair stated that a couple meetings ago there were some complaints brought up about speeders and suspected drug dealing on Lower Bullock. In talking with the Sheriff’s Department, his recommendation was to close the Lower Bullock Road to help with both problems. Based on his recommendation that is what they did.
Mike asked if there was any documentation on any of these accusations.
Tom Barker explained that it wasn’t just the Sheriff’s Department that complained.
Mike stated that someone at the end of the road was calling him all the time but there was nothing that Mike personally could do. That was just one person, and he didn’t know how one person could have so much weight.
Chair stated she wasn’t at the initial meeting when the complaints were first brought that they might have acted prematurely and should have put the complaints on another agenda for further consideration and let people know they were considering closing the road. Chair stated she took responsibility for that.
Tom Barker stated they didn’t act until the next meeting.
Mike asked if there was real documentation of the activities down there.
Tom stated “no”.
John Rouse stated that they put everything off until they had more board members present.
Gloria Currie stated that she contacted the State Police and the only incident they had was a speeding ticket for an ATV. When she talked with Julie, she understood the road was closed due to drug dealings and beatings. She misunderstood Julie. Julie explained it was speeding, not beatings.
Gloria stated that she assumes that what has been happening on this road, is what happens on all back roads in Vermont. If there is documentation, I would think that would help all of them to understand.
Ron Fiske stated that there used to be a lot of drug dealings where the railroad trestle pull off was. He stated he has driven the Bullock Road for twenty-six years and he hasn’t seen any drug dealings there. He sees speeders but they are everywhere. Since they legalized marijuana these drug dealers have faded away.
Diane Randall did not agree about the marijuana. They are around the school a lot. The Sheriff told them there is still a lot around town.
Steve Morrison stated that if the Sheriffs are down there in the early morning or early afternoon, that is not when the drug dealing is going on. It is more around 8:00 p.m.
Chair stated that Sheriffs can do Saturdays and until 8:00 p.m. We also cannot dictate when they must be out. We can suggest.
Diane Randall mentioned that we are in the State Police range, but they are not patrolling around here. That leaves them with the Sheriff if they want anything done. She felt that was disturbing.
Scott Pidgeon stated that he felt everyone here tonight wants the road reopened. Nobody has said that, but that’s the issue.
If the discussion is over, Tom stated he would make a motion to open the road.
Motion by Tom and seconded by Diane Randall to re-open the Bullock Road tomorrow. All in favor. So, approved.
Tom Barker stated with the road closed the Sheriff can’t get down there, but the four wheelers, dirt bikes and everybody else can.
Diane Randall asked the residents that if they saw speeders or drug dealings to please let us or the Sheriff know. We are trying to listen to all citizens who have complaints. We will try to listen to the majority to help solve the problems.
Chair informed that the Board had contracted for ten hours a month and they have now contracted from summer to end of year for 25 hours a month. If you see anything, please contact the Sheriff’s Department and have formal documentation.
Chair stated that they are welcome to stay for the rest of the meeting or to leave.
Mike Rakowitz asked what was on the agenda. Chair explained and Sandy showed a hard copy.
Cory Naylor came later and asked to be heard.
Cory asked if there was any more information on the speed bumps and whether anyone had called Middlebury about them.
Chair talked with the Sheriff, and he contacted Middlebury about their process and there didn’t seem to be any regulations.
The research Chair did, she found that speed bumps must be used on black top roads.
Cory said he has pavement all the way down through his lower driveway to the dirt.
Everything Chair has found is that speed bumps can be used at the town’s discretion and the roadway must be clearly marked with signs.
They recommend posting flashing speed signs.
John and Tom will coordinate the flashing speed signs and move one onto Bullock Road.
Arlan will look for speed limit signs at the shed.
Julie will contact VLCT and research regulations on speed bumps.
Cory asked if any more consideration been given to Lower Bullock Road being treated as Class IV.
The Chair stated that they have not discussed it further.
Cory asked if changing road signage and use of roads must be put on the agenda of the Selectboard?
For something to be done, does it have to be on the agenda.
Chair explained to contact Julie or her to be put on the next agenda.
Cory wanted to know if you need a permit to have a school march on Memorial Day. Do you have to have a permit to have a parade in the town? Has the school ever gotten a permit for that?
Diane Randall explained that they have probably done it for 40 years and it is not a parade but an annual 15-minute walk down to the cemetery to do their annual Memorial Day presentation.
Cory stated they are blocking the entire road and should have a Sheriff to protect the kids.
Diane Randall explained that the school has permission from every child’s parent. Safety of the children is her top priority. It was probably an oversight on their part because in the past they have had a Sheriff, but they weren’t available this year. If they don’t have a Sheriff, they have cars with flashing lights.
Chair told Cory it is an issue for the School Board.
John Hughes has two issues that he heard after moving back.
Ferson Road Concerns:
Chair shared that last Thursday they met at the intersection of Ferson and Delorm with interested parties and Mike Winslow and would bring back information to this meeting with those at the site visit and any other interested parties.
Catherine Raishart shared that she and Caitlin Gildrien walked Ferson and Delorm and got nineteen signatures. She said overwhelmingly they all wanted to see a change at the intersection. We presented either making it into a T or removing vegetation. Overall, the majority were supportive of both.
Tom Barker talked to a few people on Delorm and over at recycling and they thought cutting brush north and south was a good start needed brush to be cut all over town.
Tom mentioned that on his side there is a real drop in elevation there. It will be hard to grade. It’s an intersection you really need to pay attention to.
John Hughes asked how many accidents there? Only one has been reported.
Randy Wilcox stated he felt that cutting brush on both sides would be a big help for visibility. He understands Tom’s elevation problem. Most of his travel is coming down Ferson Road and heading north and you can’t see what’s coming from the south. Improving visibility would be a huge help and make it way safer.
Tom Barker thinks it would be a good first step.
Angela Ouellette stated she seconded all that Randy said and with the dump trucks and all the trucks going up that road it makes it even more dangerous, especially for new drivers. It’s only going to take one dump truck to run over a kid.
Angela is for the T and a stop sign. She has been talking about the bad intersection for fifteen years.
Brad Lawes asked about the mature trees.
Scott Pidgeon thinks the south side should have the brush taken back to the right of way.
Scott stated they made 32 trips one day and stayed on their side of the road and paid attention.
Scott wanted to make sure that if they ever decide to do a T, he wants to make sure he has room enough to come out with a tractor trailer.
Chair shared a study that Iowa DOT recommends 50’ area for big trucks to make a turn if made into a T.
Scott thinks the removal of brush might be the answer.
Scott stated they could get to it soon.
Caitlin Gildrien doesn’t want them to come all the way back to her property.
Caitlin asked how to measure how it’s working and if the road is safer.
Caitlin will revisit the list of people on her petition for feedback.
Motion by Brad and second by Tom to cut brush north and south to pole or more at the intersection by the end of month and revisit again on August 5th. All in favor. So, approved.
Chair mentioned that we need a plan of brush clearing to move forward on other roads.
Angela Ouellette brought up a speeder on Delorm Road with a red Toyota pickup that goes about 70 mph every morning about 6:50 a.m. headed north and coming home from work at night.
Reports from Town Officials, Committees:
Road Foreman:
Arlan did not have anything to report.
Town Clerk/Treasurer:
Julie provided the Financial Management Questionnaire.
Motion by Diane Randall and second by Brad acknowledging receipt and acceptance of the Financial Management Questionnaire. All in favor. So, approved.
Julie provided the police contract which requires the Chair’s signature.
Chair signed contract.
Chair shared that starting in January, she will have to have training about the Open Meeting Law changes.
Julie explained there are two types of boards. An Advisory Board and a Non-Advisory Board. The Cemetery Committee would be an Advisory Board and the Selectboard, DRB, BCA, Board of Abatement.
The Non-Advisory Board are required to record their meetings, either video or audio. It must be posted on the website for 30 days at the same time we post the minutes. We don’t have space enough to post longer than 30 days. This begins July 1st.
There is a hybrid part, but we are not able to do hybrid meetings.
Board agreed we are not staffed; nor have the technological capability at this time in the Town of Leicester to do hybrid meetings.
Julie called the State Police about the campers. The State Police stated that the campers have not violated any laws. They are monitoring the situation. Julie called the Department of Environment Conservation questioning what they are doing with the black water. No one has responded.
Cory Naylor asked to give an update on the campers.
Cory stated he fixed their water pump. They have one truck to pull both campers.
He called New Haven and talked with the Lieutenant, and it wasn’t cordial. He told him not to call back there again.
Cory explained there is a law that you can’t camp on state property, and he posted it on their website.
Cory stopped down and talked with them. They had two dogs and five chickens. One dog got hit on Route 7 but is ok.
State police told him that HOPE and other agencies were trying to get money to get him a water pump, but Cory said that wasn’t the case.
Cory stated that he purchased a tool to help get the water pump off and then back on and the water pump is fixed. They should be able to travel now.
Cory stated that the State Police don’t seem to care that the owner doesn’t have a license, the truck is not inspected, camper vehicles are not registered.
Julie reported that the Vermont Child Care Contribution starts July 1st. This is a new payroll tax. It is a .44% payroll tax. The State allows the town to either pay all of it or to charge the employee .11% and the town pays .33%. There will be a whole bunch of reporting requirements. Julie’s recommendation would be the town pay the payroll tax.
Motion by Diane Randall and second by Brad pay .44% payroll tax on employee wages paid on or after July 1, 2024, in accordance with Act 76, to the Child Care Contribution Special Fund. All in favor. So, approved.
Animal Control Officer:
Julie provided Robbie’s report.
Robbie received a report of neglected animals on Jenna Lane. He identified the animals to be in good shape.
Robbie got a report of two neglected horses on Delorm Road. He found them to be in poor condition but transferred them over to Brandon as they are on Town of Brandon side.
Robbie spoke to the residents of the campers on Salisbury Flats. They have two dogs. They are staying there because of mechanical failure on one of their vehicles. They are leaving in the next couple days. The dogs do not have rabies vaccinations.
Robbie received a report of dogs acting aggressively on Bearor Road. He spoke to the owners. The dogs were under control. He did not see any evidence of them being off their property. The dogs are vaccinated but not licensed.
Weight Permits:
CORRESPONDENCE:
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
Tarwood Property Update: W. Duane
Will Duane, Acquisition Coordinator from Department of Fish & Wildlife came to talk about the Tarwood Property. Introductions were made.
Will explained that the Department of Fish & Wildlife is interested in expanding the Brandon Swamp and the Cornwall Swamp management area for land acquisition.
They acquired the Tarwood Property for public access on Jenna Lane. The approval was conditioned with a deeded easement to be obtained so adjoining landowners are not trespassed upon and public can access it. No interest in putting in a parking area or cutting down any trees on Jenna Lane.
They have a grant in hand from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board for this project. They are trying to find creative ways to complete the project.
There is a legal access. The rail crossing is there.
Public access would be from Otter Creek from Brandon Swamp for fishing and waterfowl hunting. There will be signage on the creek.
Will is looking for a statement on letterhead stating support of the State’s acquisition access to the portions of the Brandon Swamp. Wildlife will be accessed by Otter Creek and not Jenna Lane.
The entire parcel is about 50 acres.
Will explained about licensing and camping.
Tom asked about property taxes. The ANR does a pilot payment in lieu of taxes. Town assessed value of the parcel at the municipal rate at the year it was acquired. Reevaluates every three years.
2023 taxes were $725. Municipal portion tax rate was $112.86.
Motion by Diane Randall and second by Tom to authorize Chair to write a letter on behalf of the Board in support of the State’s acquisition of the Tarwood property to Will Duane, Land Acquisition Coordinator, Fish & Wildlife. All in favor. So, approved.
Will provided his contact information:
Will.duane@vt.gov
802-522-7633
MERP Update: Building Access Upgrades:
They came and did inspection on all four buildings. They are getting that written up.
Julie needs to send them some more information about the financial part of electricity and fuel costs
20% of the grant money can also pay for ADA Compliance.
We need to quote out the work for the ramp and the bridge. We would like two names.
Jordan Hillman’s name was brought up.
Tom will speak with him.
Executive Session:
Motion by Tom and second by John to go into Executive Session at 8:16 p.m. for a possible legal matter. All in favor. So, approved.
Motion by John and second by Tom to come out of Executive Session at 8:27 p.m. with no action taken. All in favor. So, approved.
Motion by John and second by Tom to adjourn at 8:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra Trombley
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 17, 2024
*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, Rob Devoid, Lesley Bienvenve, Pat Douglas, Maggie DeMers, Steve Morrison, Kevin Morrison, Kenneth Cousino, Ro Morrison, John Hughes, Sr., Mary Hughes, Scott Pidgeon, Ron Fiske, Gloria Currie, Will Duane, VT DFW, Caitlin Gildrien, Catherine Raishart, Randy Wilcox, Angela Ouellette, Mike Rakowitz, Cory Naylor, Sandra Trombley
Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Review of Agenda:
Approval of June 3 & June 13, 2024, minutes:
Motion by Tom and second by John to approve minutes of June 3 and June 13, 2024, as written.
1 abstention (Brad) So, approved.
Review/Authorization to Pay Bills:
Motion by John and second by Brad authorizing Julie to pay the bills. So, approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Bullock Road Concerns:
Chair started the meeting with meeting protocol, explaining that each person speaking would direct their comments and questions to her. They should be brief and to the point and speak one time and for the secretary’s benefit, please state your name. Chair asked if there was a spokesperson. There was not, so proceeded with first person to speak.
Mike Rakowitz asked why the road was closed.
Chair stated that a couple meetings ago there were some complaints brought up about speeders and suspected drug dealing on Lower Bullock. In talking with the Sheriff’s Department, his recommendation was to close the Lower Bullock Road to help with both problems. Based on his recommendation that is what they did.
Mike asked if there was any documentation on any of these accusations.
Tom Barker explained that it wasn’t just the Sheriff’s Department that complained.
Mike stated that someone at the end of the road was calling him all the time but there was nothing that Mike personally could do. That was just one person, and he didn’t know how one person could have so much weight.
Chair stated she wasn’t at the initial meeting when the complaints were first brought that they might have acted prematurely and should have put the complaints on another agenda for further consideration and let people know they were considering closing the road. Chair stated she took responsibility for that.
Tom Barker stated they didn’t act until the next meeting.
Mike asked if there was real documentation of the activities down there.
Tom stated “no”.
John Rouse stated that they put everything off until they had more board members present.
Gloria Currie stated that she contacted the State Police and the only incident they had was a speeding ticket for an ATV. When she talked with Julie, she understood the road was closed due to drug dealings and beatings. She misunderstood Julie. Julie explained it was speeding, not beatings.
Gloria stated that she assumes that what has been happening on this road, is what happens on all back roads in Vermont. If there is documentation, I would think that would help all of them to understand.
Ron Fiske stated that there used to be a lot of drug dealings where the railroad trestle pull off was. He stated he has driven the Bullock Road for twenty-six years and he hasn’t seen any drug dealings there. He sees speeders but they are everywhere. Since they legalized marijuana these drug dealers have faded away.
Diane Randall did not agree about the marijuana. They are around the school a lot. The Sheriff told them there is still a lot around town.
Steve Morrison stated that if the Sheriffs are down there in the early morning or early afternoon, that is not when the drug dealing is going on. It is more around 8:00 p.m.
Chair stated that Sheriffs can do Saturdays and until 8:00 p.m. We also cannot dictate when they must be out. We can suggest.
Diane Randall mentioned that we are in the State Police range, but they are not patrolling around here. That leaves them with the Sheriff if they want anything done. She felt that was disturbing.
Scott Pidgeon stated that he felt everyone here tonight wants the road reopened. Nobody has said that, but that’s the issue.
If the discussion is over, Tom stated he would make a motion to open the road.
Motion by Tom and seconded by Diane Randall to re-open the Bullock Road tomorrow. All in favor. So, approved.
Tom Barker stated with the road closed the Sheriff can’t get down there, but the four wheelers, dirt bikes and everybody else can.
Diane Randall asked the residents that if they saw speeders or drug dealings to please let us or the Sheriff know. We are trying to listen to all citizens who have complaints. We will try to listen to the majority to help solve the problems.
Chair informed that the Board had contracted for ten hours a month and they have now contracted from summer to end of year for 25 hours a month. If you see anything, please contact the Sheriff’s Department and have formal documentation.
Chair stated that they are welcome to stay for the rest of the meeting or to leave.
Mike Rakowitz asked what was on the agenda. Chair explained and Sandy showed a hard copy.
Cory Naylor came later and asked to be heard.
Cory asked if there was any more information on the speed bumps and whether anyone had called Middlebury about them.
Chair talked with the Sheriff, and he contacted Middlebury about their process and there didn’t seem to be any regulations.
The research Chair did, she found that speed bumps must be used on black top roads.
Cory said he has pavement all the way down through his lower driveway to the dirt.
Everything Chair has found is that speed bumps can be used at the town’s discretion and the roadway must be clearly marked with signs.
They recommend posting flashing speed signs.
John and Tom will coordinate the flashing speed signs and move one onto Bullock Road.
Arlan will look for speed limit signs at the shed.
Julie will contact VLCT and research regulations on speed bumps.
Cory asked if any more consideration been given to Lower Bullock Road being treated as Class IV.
The Chair stated that they have not discussed it further.
Cory asked if changing road signage and use of roads must be put on the agenda of the Selectboard?
For something to be done, does it have to be on the agenda.
Chair explained to contact Julie or her to be put on the next agenda.
Cory wanted to know if you need a permit to have a school march on Memorial Day. Do you have to have a permit to have a parade in the town? Has the school ever gotten a permit for that?
Diane Randall explained that they have probably done it for 40 years and it is not a parade but an annual 15-minute walk down to the cemetery to do their annual Memorial Day presentation.
Cory stated they are blocking the entire road and should have a Sheriff to protect the kids.
Diane Randall explained that the school has permission from every child’s parent. Safety of the children is her top priority. It was probably an oversight on their part because in the past they have had a Sheriff, but they weren’t available this year. If they don’t have a Sheriff, they have cars with flashing lights.
Chair told Cory it is an issue for the School Board.
John Hughes has two issues that he heard after moving back.
- He would like a dollar to amount maximum limit on the floor at Town Meeting. Perhaps $10,000
- Asked about the fire service with Brandon. He thinks Salisbury would like to go now. John explained that we approached them, and it wouldn’t work for them at the time, so Leicester signed a contract with Brandon for another year.
Ferson Road Concerns:
Chair shared that last Thursday they met at the intersection of Ferson and Delorm with interested parties and Mike Winslow and would bring back information to this meeting with those at the site visit and any other interested parties.
Catherine Raishart shared that she and Caitlin Gildrien walked Ferson and Delorm and got nineteen signatures. She said overwhelmingly they all wanted to see a change at the intersection. We presented either making it into a T or removing vegetation. Overall, the majority were supportive of both.
Tom Barker talked to a few people on Delorm and over at recycling and they thought cutting brush north and south was a good start needed brush to be cut all over town.
Tom mentioned that on his side there is a real drop in elevation there. It will be hard to grade. It’s an intersection you really need to pay attention to.
John Hughes asked how many accidents there? Only one has been reported.
Randy Wilcox stated he felt that cutting brush on both sides would be a big help for visibility. He understands Tom’s elevation problem. Most of his travel is coming down Ferson Road and heading north and you can’t see what’s coming from the south. Improving visibility would be a huge help and make it way safer.
Tom Barker thinks it would be a good first step.
Angela Ouellette stated she seconded all that Randy said and with the dump trucks and all the trucks going up that road it makes it even more dangerous, especially for new drivers. It’s only going to take one dump truck to run over a kid.
Angela is for the T and a stop sign. She has been talking about the bad intersection for fifteen years.
Brad Lawes asked about the mature trees.
Scott Pidgeon thinks the south side should have the brush taken back to the right of way.
Scott stated they made 32 trips one day and stayed on their side of the road and paid attention.
Scott wanted to make sure that if they ever decide to do a T, he wants to make sure he has room enough to come out with a tractor trailer.
Chair shared a study that Iowa DOT recommends 50’ area for big trucks to make a turn if made into a T.
Scott thinks the removal of brush might be the answer.
Scott stated they could get to it soon.
Caitlin Gildrien doesn’t want them to come all the way back to her property.
Caitlin asked how to measure how it’s working and if the road is safer.
Caitlin will revisit the list of people on her petition for feedback.
Motion by Brad and second by Tom to cut brush north and south to pole or more at the intersection by the end of month and revisit again on August 5th. All in favor. So, approved.
Chair mentioned that we need a plan of brush clearing to move forward on other roads.
Angela Ouellette brought up a speeder on Delorm Road with a red Toyota pickup that goes about 70 mph every morning about 6:50 a.m. headed north and coming home from work at night.
Reports from Town Officials, Committees:
Road Foreman:
Arlan did not have anything to report.
Town Clerk/Treasurer:
Julie provided the Financial Management Questionnaire.
Motion by Diane Randall and second by Brad acknowledging receipt and acceptance of the Financial Management Questionnaire. All in favor. So, approved.
Julie provided the police contract which requires the Chair’s signature.
Chair signed contract.
Chair shared that starting in January, she will have to have training about the Open Meeting Law changes.
Julie explained there are two types of boards. An Advisory Board and a Non-Advisory Board. The Cemetery Committee would be an Advisory Board and the Selectboard, DRB, BCA, Board of Abatement.
The Non-Advisory Board are required to record their meetings, either video or audio. It must be posted on the website for 30 days at the same time we post the minutes. We don’t have space enough to post longer than 30 days. This begins July 1st.
There is a hybrid part, but we are not able to do hybrid meetings.
Board agreed we are not staffed; nor have the technological capability at this time in the Town of Leicester to do hybrid meetings.
Julie called the State Police about the campers. The State Police stated that the campers have not violated any laws. They are monitoring the situation. Julie called the Department of Environment Conservation questioning what they are doing with the black water. No one has responded.
Cory Naylor asked to give an update on the campers.
Cory stated he fixed their water pump. They have one truck to pull both campers.
He called New Haven and talked with the Lieutenant, and it wasn’t cordial. He told him not to call back there again.
Cory explained there is a law that you can’t camp on state property, and he posted it on their website.
Cory stopped down and talked with them. They had two dogs and five chickens. One dog got hit on Route 7 but is ok.
State police told him that HOPE and other agencies were trying to get money to get him a water pump, but Cory said that wasn’t the case.
Cory stated that he purchased a tool to help get the water pump off and then back on and the water pump is fixed. They should be able to travel now.
Cory stated that the State Police don’t seem to care that the owner doesn’t have a license, the truck is not inspected, camper vehicles are not registered.
Julie reported that the Vermont Child Care Contribution starts July 1st. This is a new payroll tax. It is a .44% payroll tax. The State allows the town to either pay all of it or to charge the employee .11% and the town pays .33%. There will be a whole bunch of reporting requirements. Julie’s recommendation would be the town pay the payroll tax.
Motion by Diane Randall and second by Brad pay .44% payroll tax on employee wages paid on or after July 1, 2024, in accordance with Act 76, to the Child Care Contribution Special Fund. All in favor. So, approved.
Animal Control Officer:
Julie provided Robbie’s report.
Robbie received a report of neglected animals on Jenna Lane. He identified the animals to be in good shape.
Robbie got a report of two neglected horses on Delorm Road. He found them to be in poor condition but transferred them over to Brandon as they are on Town of Brandon side.
Robbie spoke to the residents of the campers on Salisbury Flats. They have two dogs. They are staying there because of mechanical failure on one of their vehicles. They are leaving in the next couple days. The dogs do not have rabies vaccinations.
Robbie received a report of dogs acting aggressively on Bearor Road. He spoke to the owners. The dogs were under control. He did not see any evidence of them being off their property. The dogs are vaccinated but not licensed.
Weight Permits:
CORRESPONDENCE:
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
Tarwood Property Update: W. Duane
Will Duane, Acquisition Coordinator from Department of Fish & Wildlife came to talk about the Tarwood Property. Introductions were made.
Will explained that the Department of Fish & Wildlife is interested in expanding the Brandon Swamp and the Cornwall Swamp management area for land acquisition.
They acquired the Tarwood Property for public access on Jenna Lane. The approval was conditioned with a deeded easement to be obtained so adjoining landowners are not trespassed upon and public can access it. No interest in putting in a parking area or cutting down any trees on Jenna Lane.
They have a grant in hand from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board for this project. They are trying to find creative ways to complete the project.
There is a legal access. The rail crossing is there.
Public access would be from Otter Creek from Brandon Swamp for fishing and waterfowl hunting. There will be signage on the creek.
Will is looking for a statement on letterhead stating support of the State’s acquisition access to the portions of the Brandon Swamp. Wildlife will be accessed by Otter Creek and not Jenna Lane.
The entire parcel is about 50 acres.
Will explained about licensing and camping.
Tom asked about property taxes. The ANR does a pilot payment in lieu of taxes. Town assessed value of the parcel at the municipal rate at the year it was acquired. Reevaluates every three years.
2023 taxes were $725. Municipal portion tax rate was $112.86.
Motion by Diane Randall and second by Tom to authorize Chair to write a letter on behalf of the Board in support of the State’s acquisition of the Tarwood property to Will Duane, Land Acquisition Coordinator, Fish & Wildlife. All in favor. So, approved.
Will provided his contact information:
Will.duane@vt.gov
802-522-7633
MERP Update: Building Access Upgrades:
They came and did inspection on all four buildings. They are getting that written up.
Julie needs to send them some more information about the financial part of electricity and fuel costs
20% of the grant money can also pay for ADA Compliance.
We need to quote out the work for the ramp and the bridge. We would like two names.
Jordan Hillman’s name was brought up.
Tom will speak with him.
Executive Session:
Motion by Tom and second by John to go into Executive Session at 8:16 p.m. for a possible legal matter. All in favor. So, approved.
Motion by John and second by Tom to come out of Executive Session at 8:27 p.m. with no action taken. All in favor. So, approved.
Motion by John and second by Tom to adjourn at 8:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra Trombley
