Town of LeicesterSelectboard Meeting MinutesMonday, January 3, 2022*Unapproved*** See subsequent minutes for any changesMembers Present: Diane Benware, Brad Lawes, Ron Fiske, Tom BarkerMembers Absent: John RouseOthers Present:Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Sandra Trombley, SecretaryCall to Order:Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair. Pledge of Allegiance:Review of Agenda:Opioid settlement, highway mileage certificate for signatures, discussion of town buying property.There will be no Executive Session.Approval of December 20, 2021 Minutes:Motion by Brad and second by Tom to approve minutes of December 20, 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 she has been busy working on the budget and end of year things.Road Foreman:Brad complimented Arlan on the roads.Arlan provided information on the quotes for the sanders.The quote for the one from Viking for the stainless-steel spreader box is $15,000.The other one is $17,000.Arlan thinks the possible difference could be the fenders and headboards.The 9” tailgate sander quote is $5,500 and the other one is $6,395.Arlan doesn’t know how long these prices are good for or when you might get one; if ordered.Arlan will call and get more information for the next meeting.Weight Permits:NoneCORRESPONDENCE:
Winhall inquiring on what towns are sampling salt for insuring compliance with moisture and gradation specs
CLA is 93.28
VLCT Training for town meetings
CDL Training Requirements & Spring Flood Seminar
Community Development Block Grants
Census Count Question Resolution
OLD BUSINESS:Opioid Settlement:Julie explained the opioid settlement with the pharmaceutical companies.Every town in the State of Vermont is able to join the settlement.There are specific stipulations of the settlement money that you need to spend it on for opioid remediation.Leicester’s percentage of settlement money is very small.After reviewing the list of things the money can be spent on; the Board decided to opt out.Motion by Tom and second by Brad to pass on the settlement offer.All in favor.So, approved.Highway Mileage Certificate:The Board signed the Highway Mileage Certificate form.Mowing Bids:Board will table until next meeting when John is in attendance.Continue 2022 Budget Discussion:Julie provided the second draft of the budget for review. Brandon Area Rescue Squad was not able to break down their increase in the assessment number for this meeting. Board will go with the BARS assessment.After discussing the budget line items, Julie would like the budget to be pretty much set so they can come back on January 17th and set the tax rate based on this proposed budget.Minimum wage for hourly rate is now $12.55.Board signed the approval of the payment of state and federal taxes and fees; which includes Vermont withholding, state education tax, dog fees and state marriage licenses.Diane provided a draft of the 2021 Selectboard Report for the Town Report for review.Discussion and revisions made.NEW BUSINESS:Julie explained that the signed petitions for those appearing on the ballot need to be in by January 24th.Board needs to be looking for someone to fill a position on the ballot.BUILDING NEEDS:Tom asked if David Crane had looked at the buildings.Brad will contact him.Tom asked if the furnace in the brick building was running.Ron went over and checked.The furnace was running.Tom shared his concerns about the upstairs in the White Building.Tom would like to see it cleaned.Diane will begin the process and if she needs assistance she will let Board know.Town Shed:Tom would like some on the Board to look at the property across the road and hopefully solve some unanswered questions.Diane will check and research the historical register.Site visit at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Town Shed for those who can make it; and report back at next meeting.HIGHWAY CONCERNS/NEEDS:LIMITED PUBLIC OPINION:EXECUTIVE SESSION:Motion by Tom to adjourn at 8:20 p.m.Next meeting:Monday, January 17, 2022 Respectfully submitted,Sandra L. Trombley, Secretary
