Meeting Minutes
Town of Leicester
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Monday, July 11, 2011
*Unapproved*
** See subsequent minutes for any changes
Members Present: Diane Benware, Tom Barker, Bob Oliver, Ken Young
Absent: Ron Fiske
Others Present: Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Donna Pidgeon, James Russo, Pam Fecteau, 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. Moved new business item; VLCT Building Values up on the agenda to accommodate guest, Pam Fecteau, who traveled from Montpelier.
NEW BUSINESS:
VLCT: Business Values:
Pamela Fecteau, a Senior Underwriter from VLCT came to explain the updated property valuation comparisons/commercial building valuation report(s) and the difference between guaranteed replacement costs and functional replacement coverage. Any changes will be reflected in renewal billing for the next coverage year.
Action: Board needs to review the Commercial Building Valuation Report(s) for accuracy of numbers and measurements and determine what coverage is needed for each building. Review categorization of buildings.
Review/Authorize Payment of Bills: Bills making their rounds for signatures. See motion to approve under “Other”.
Motion by Ken and second by Tom to approve the amendment to pay rate and equipment rental schedule sheet. All in favor. So approved.
Reports from Town Officials, Committees:
Town Clerk/Treasurer Report:
Julie reported that Jim and Michele Thompson have some water issues; as does Harry Chin. The water is coming off the road and flooding the Thompson house. They are asking that someone come and look at it.
Action: Arlan and Ken will go over tomorrow and look at the problem.
Delinquent taxes are at $57,600. A tax sale on a number of properties has been scheduled for mid August.
The insurance company wants more information about the Bourdeau Bros. sprayer that went off the road. Julie will be sending that to them.
Julie is looking at around September for the server.
Road Foreman Report:
Arlan has the tree estimate from McCullough Bros. for $350 to remove the maple tree on Rte. 53, cut dead limbs on oak tree, chip brush and throw wood side the road.
Motion by Ken and second by Bob to approve estimate of $350 from McCullough Bros for removal of maple tree, limbs on oak tree, and clean up. Arlan will contact them to arrange.
Discussion of Catamount signs and possible solutions to problems with them being stolen.
Auditor Report:
Donna reported that they are closing up the school accounts. The school accounts are being audited by the professional auditors.
Lister Report:
Jim Russo reported the grand list should be lodged this week; if not this week, by next Tuesday at the latest. More work for the reappraisals. Cards have been sent out for Route 7.
Jeff has been out sick; should be back by end of week.
Jim is going to Residential Data Collection class in Middlebury next three days. He took a class on Three Approaches to Values in West Rutland. It was a very good course.
Zoning Administrator Report: None
Cemetery Committee Report:
Meeting this Thursday. They will discuss brush and next steps.
Weight Permits: None
Other:
Motion by Tom and second by Ken to approve bills for July 11, 2011 and authorize Julie to pay. All in favor. So approved.
New tax rates for education, the homestead is 1.1745 and the non-residential is 1.2017.
The Board thanked Julie for the work she did on the Board’s behalf in regard to the taxes.
Diane has not heard from Kathy Eastwood; whether or not she would be interested in the Town Health Officer position or the Deputy position.
OLD BUSINESS:
Fraud Prevention Policy Review:
Julie offered the revised policy for review.
Motion by Tom and second by Bob to approve Fraud Prevention Policy as written. All in favor. So approved. Selectboard signed single pages.
Employee Health Benefits Policy:
Motion by Tom and second by Ken to approve the Employee Health Benefits Policy as written. All in favor. So approved. Selectboard signed single pages.
Discussion of general bond that covers every employee and every town official up to $500,000.
Dog Issues:
In April a hearing was held on Cheryl Mann’s dog that injured Jill and Tim Combs’ goats. Cheryl Mann accepted responsibility and agreed she would pay vet bills. Jill and Tim paid the vet bills, but to date they have not been reimbursed by Cheryl; as agreed. The bills totaled $401.84.
Action: Diane will contact Cheryl Mann on Friday; and talk with Jill.
Motion by Ken and second by Tom that if Chair is not successful in talking with Cheryl Mann on Friday, the Board is prepared to authorize payment of the $401.84. 3-yes and 1-no (Bob)
250 Committee Update:
Committee is meeting again Wednesday evening. Final planning next Thursday evening. They have food and music, face painting, school children are putting on a play, 50/50 raffle, tae kwon do demonstration, interviews of residents for their memories. Asking for volunteers for various duties.
The “outstanding” float from the parade will be coming over to the green for advertisement along Rte. 7. The day of the festivities, the float will be brought over to the U.
On Tuesday, July 19th, Bruce & Hobbs of 92.1 will be broadcasting from the Town Office at 5:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Coffee and donut holes will be provided.
Motion by Tom and second by Ken to adjourn at 8:32 p.m. All in favor. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
Next meeting, Tuesday, July 18, 2011.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra L. Trombley
Selectboard Secretary