LEICESTER TOWN MEETING MINUTES 2024

 

The legal voters of the Town of Leicester, Vermont are hereby warned and notified to meet at the Leicester Meeting House in said Town on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 7:00 pm to transact the following business:

 

Richard Reed, the Moderator, called the Town of Leicester Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.  The Moderator welcomed the 41 voters in attendance to the Annual Town Meeting.

 

The Moderator explained that Town meetings will be run according to VT State Law and Roberts Rules of Order, all motions, remarks and questions should be directed to the Moderator.  Articles must be moved, seconded and restated by the Moderator before debate can begin. 

 

Representative Peter Conlin spoke regarding legislative actions.

 

1. To hear the auditor’s report.

No discussion.

 

 

2. Shall the voters of the Town of Leicester vote to approve a sum of $809,685.72 to defray the necessary expenses and liabilities of the town for the ensuing year, divided as follows:

 

General Town Expenses	$ 341,495.72	Amount to be raised by taxes: $ 256,057.68
Highway Expenses	$ 468,190.00	Amount to be raised by taxes: $ 361,908.28

 

Note: The Selectboard will set the tax rate at a later date.

 

A motion was made (C. Perkins) and seconded (M. Lapidus) to approve Article 2.

 

L. Bienvenue asked for clarification about the $2,500 for the Brandon Library.

D. Benware indicated that it was a long standing request, over 100 Leicester families use the library.  Money goes to support their services.

L. Bienvenue indicated that she did not support the Brandon Library.  It does not provide the services she wants nor is it in Addison County.  Used the Isley Library.  There are issues with parking, computers, stairs, and furniture.  She feels like there is discrimination toward the Isley Library.  She asked why students go to a Rutland County library and not Addison Country.

D. Benware indicated that the question would have to be addressed to how the school districts were created.

L. Bienvenue asked how many Leicester adults use the library. Several voters in attendance raised their hands.

 

A motion was made (L. Bienvenue) to remove $2,500 from the Town budget for the Brandon Library.  No second, motion failed.

 

A motion was made (D. Perkins) and seconded (N. Iwanaki) to amend the Town budget for this year to add a one time donation to the Brandon Free Public Library in the amount of $25,000 earmarked for the library’s ongoing building renovation project.

 

C. Perkins asked where the money would come from.  D. Benware indicated taxes.

D. Perkins explained that the renovation addressed many of the concerns expressed by L. Bienvenue.  Budget is $2.5M.  Brandon Library has been raising funds for the renovation.  He thinks the Town should support the renovation.

L. D’Avignon explained that the library does not charge Leicester residents, has audible books, and other incentives to be a member.

M. Brush asked about the total renovation budget and the current shortfall.

D. Perkins stated that the overall budget is about $2.5 million.  They have money for phase 1 and phase 2 but not phase 3.

N. Iwanaki stated that she is a trustee.  Project is $3 million.  All the work on the main floors is being done first.  No taxpayer dollars have gone toward the renovation yet. They are still applying for grants.

L. Bienvenue stated that she believes that the reason Leicester residents do not have to pay is because of the $2,500 assessment.

H. Sessions asked if other towns were being asked to contribute.

N. Iwanaki stated that all towns the library serves have appropriations.  Brandon donated ARPA money.  Leicester’s appropriation goes to the general fund.

A. Lynn stated that $25,000 doesn’t go far toward the shortfall. He suggested a local option tax in Brandon.

T. Barker asked for a paper vote.

 

 

Amendment Passed: YES 20, NO 19

 

Article 2 with amendment: Shall the voters of the Town of Leicester vote to approve a sum of $834,685.72 to defray the necessary expenses and liabilities of the town for the ensuing year, divided as follows:

 

General Town Expenses	$ 366,495.72	Amount to be raised by taxes: $ 281,057.68
Highway Expenses	$ 468,190.00	Amount to be raised by taxes: $ 361,908.28

 

Article 2 was passed by voice vote.

 

 

 

3. Discussion of articles to be voted by Australian ballot.

J. Delphia reviewed the ballot.

 

4. To do any further business that is proper to be done when met.

 

D. Benware thanked Arlan and the Road Crew, Lyndsay D’Avignon, Dianne Harvey, Auditors, Chree Perkins, Robbie Devoid, Keith Arlund, Richard Reed, and Julie Delphia.

 

D. Benware requested volunteers for ACRPC delegates & alternates, DRB & PC alternates, Maple Broadband representatives, and GREEN UP volunteers for May 4,2024.

 

 

The Town Meeting shall adjourn until 10 AM Tuesday, March 5, 2024

 

 

A motion was made (T. Barker) and seconded (H. Sessions) to adjourn Town Meeting. 

 

Leicester Town Meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM.

 

 

Results of those elected by Australian Ballot Voting: (Ballots and results attached)

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

 

Of the 755 registered voters – 252 cast votes

 

The legal voters of the Town of Leicester, Vermont are further warned and notified to meet at the Leicester Town Office in said Town on March 5, 2024 between the hours of 10 AM and 7 PM when the polls will be open to vote by Australian ballot on the following articles:

 

Article 1:  To elect Town Officers for the ensuing year:

 

OFFICE                                      CANDIDATES                     TERM 

MODERATOR                                RICHARD REED                  1 YEAR         

SELECTBOARD                             BRAD LAWES                     3 YEAR         

SELECTBOARD                             DIANE RANDALL                 2 YEAR         

AUDITOR                                    DEB MINER                       3 YEAR

AUDITOR (REMAINER OF 3YR TERM)  LYNDSAY D’AVIGNON          2 YEAR

DELINQUENT TAX COLLECTOR        BETH RIPLEY                     1 YEAR