Meeting Minutes
Town of Leicester
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Monday, April 4, 2011
*Unapproved*
** See subsequent minutes for any changes
Members Present: Diane Benware, Ron Fiske, Tom Barker, Ken Young, Bob Oliver
Others Present: Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, James Russo, Jeff Lee, Jim Coons, Mark Stacey, Cecile Todd, Sandra Trombley, Secretary
Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Review of Agenda: Agenda reviewed. Put aside the agenda to address the:
Sheriff Department coverage and proposed changes to traffic ordinance.
Jim Coons and Mark Stacey were introduced.
Diane passed out the current Leicester traffic ordinance.
Jim explained that a change in ordinance on paved roads requires a traffic and engineering study prior to consideration of changing the street ordinance. He recommended that changes be an amendment or an addition to the current ordinance. It’s easier to add to an existing ordinance.
Discussion of changing the current speed limits in certain areas that need a study:
· Route 7 to Fern Lake Road (45)
· From school zone west to bridge over river (45)
· Bridge over river to Stove Pipe Road (35)
· Leave from Stove Pipe to Whiting town line (50)
· Dunmore (same)
There is a formula used for the study. Traffic engineering studies take a few weeks to get them done.
Jim will talk with State of Vermont about speed posting at the intersection on US Rte 7. There are currently only the orange warning signs for 40 mph.
Patrolling & Enforcement:
Sixteen hours week is adequate. If a seasonal adjustment is needed, complete the blue form and fax to Sheriff’s Department.
Route 53 is the area that needs more coverage in the summer; and less in the junction.
Jim explained that the Sheriff’s Department responsibility is mainly police presence and traffic enforcement.
Police presence on Ferson Road, Delorm Road and Shackett Road would be helpful. There is a lot of activity on those roads.
Approval of Minutes of March 21, 2011:
Motion by Tom to approve minutes of March 21, 2011 as written. Second by Ron. All in favor. So approved.
Review/Authorize Payment of Bills: Bills making their rounds for signatures.
Weight Permits:
Arlan reviewed permits and they looked alright. Bob signed them.
Reports from Town Officials, Committees:
Town Clerk/Treasurer:
Julie reported that delinquent taxes are at $74,600; not including penalties and interest.
197 dogs registered – about 50 delinquents. Julie will make a list of delinquent dogs for our next meeting. Diane will contact Brian to see if he is available in mid May.
Julie explained some of the bills.
Julie talked with Mike Fort about the server. He is going to contact NEMRC and make sure what we get will run NEMRC. Someone is coming to test the lines and determine if there is a cabling issue.
A plumber is coming to look at the bathroom for possible grant for access. Grant due the 15th.
Motion by Tom to authorize Julie to call Paul Francoeur to get an estimate for carpentry and also authorize Diane to sign on behalf of the Board. Second by Ken. All in favor. So approved.
Cecile asked what the procedure was for knowing who has new dogs. Post cards for dog census will be sent out later.
Lister Report:
Jim Russo reported that they attended a couple more seminars on lister training and grand list seminar put on by NEMRC.
They are looking to appoint another lister. He talked with Cecile to see if she would come back on board to help them out.
They are going forward with what has to be done. He has a meeting with Judy about town maps.
Chris is working on other things and getting the reappraisal things all set up.
Lister Appointment:
Cecile doesn’t want to be a lister unless we hire a part time accessor; until the two new listers get on their feet. She is more than willing to help the two new listers.
Motion by Ron to appoint Cecile as lister until March 2012. Second by Ken. Tom Abstained. All others in favor. So approved.
Jim has contacted Ed and will have information for the Board for the next meeting.
Cemetery Committee: Tom would like a U.S. flag for the cemetery. Tom will take care of the tree top.
Road Foreman:
Arlan will check out a well being installed in the Town right of way on Rt.53.
Discussion of work starting on Brandon bridge. Where will traffic be routed?
Hauled some gravel. Culverts are ok for now. Discussion about plugged culvert on Ferson Road.
OLD BUSINESS:
Snow Plow Damage:
The Post Office does not have a policy on the placement of mailboxes that is definitive. They have a recommendation how high the box should be. They need to be easily seen by the mailman.
A post will be dropped off to Lorraine Clark, 1114 Lake Dunmore Road.
Motion by Ken to send Johnson’s a 1x check for a duplicate mailbox with a letter of instruction to move it back and future policy for damage, the Town will not be responsible for any further damage. Second by Ron. 4 in favor. 1 – nay (Tom).
Several mailboxes were identified that need to be set back 18”. They will be sent a letter. Town is reviewing policy that will be in Town Report.
Paving Decisions/Grant:
Not too encouraging about paving grants, but will still complete and submit a grant application.
Arlan talked with Gary and he estimated $80/ton.
Discussion where to pave for grant purposes. Arlan said it needs it from the brook back up to cemetery. Arlan will measure and tell Diane for application purposes.
Certification document that board is complying with Town & Road Bridge Standards is passed around for board signatures.
Motion by Tom to have Chair sign grant paperwork on behalf of the Town. Second by Ron. All in favor. So approved.
Other:
Letter from Jeffrey Smith to Board was read. Board is referring letter to Zoning Administrator. Ron will talk with Kate.
FYI’s: Letter from Addison County Solid Waste revolving loan fund for capital improvements.
Vermont Recreational Surface and Fencing information.
Diane will make copies of the Model Financial Policies Handbook for Towns.
Regional Planning for Emergency Management. Diane will refer to Ray.
Limited Public Opinion: None
Motion by Ron to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. Second by Ken. All in favor. So approved.
Next meeting, Monday, April 18, 2011.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra L. Trombley
Selectboard Secretary