Minutes - 10-05-2020 - 2020 - Welcome to Leicester, VT

Minutes - 10-05-2020

Friday, October 9, 2020 at 12:50 PM

Town of Leicester

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Monday, October 5, 2020

*Unapproved*

** See subsequent minutes for any changes

Members Present: Diane Benware, Brad Lawes, Tom Barker, John Rouse, Ron Fiske

Others Present: Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Sandra Trombley, Secretary

Call to Order: Called meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance:

Review of Agenda:

Approval of September 21, 2020 Minutes:

Motion by Brad, second by John to approve minutes of September 21, 2020 as written. All in favor. So, approved.

Review/Authorization to Pay Bills:

Motion by John, second by Tom to approve bills. All in favor. So, approved.

Reports from Town Officials, Committees:

Diane reported she sent a letter the DRB. Hannah Sessions is still interested in being a DRB Alternate.

Town Clerk/Treasurer:

Julie informed that the drop box is going to need some modifications to enlarge to be able to accept and all the potential ballots and make them secure. Tom is going to help Julie with the drop box.

Julie reported an issue with young kids sliding down the sand pile. Arlan put up a keep out sign and it has the cement barriers.

The BCA meeting is at 6:15 p.m. prior to the next Selectboard meeting on October 19^th.

Julie updated the credit card policy and presented for Board’s signatures. Board signed.

Julie reported a vehicle crash on Leicester/Whiting Road at 7:50 a.m. on October 2^nd. The driver had fallen asleep while driving and struck a guard rail. State Police provided name, cell phone and insurance information because there was damage to town property. Arlan will check it out to see what needs to be done to fix the guard rail and let Julie know so she can charge their insurance.

Julie received notification from the school that they took a confirmatory sample of water from the well from the same location. The water from the aquifer is lower but still above the standard and not acceptable. They are working with a consultant for a long-term solution than bottled water; as well as, identifying the source. They tested the wells at Naylor’s, Brush and Sargent and those all came back ok. They talked with the Counters, but all of their water comes from the same well and they have a filtration system. The water in the Town Office and the Whiting Building is not acceptable for ingestion. The town won’t be able to open the White Building; even when State of Emergency is lifted. The state is handling it all now.

There was an error on the Grand List that was identified and because it changed the amount of the property it has to be signed by the Selectboard. Board signed.

Julie reported:

The Digitization Grant is going well. Should be a go on October 19^th.
Equipment Grant was rejected. Funding after January 1.
LGER Grant was approved but with no dollar amount. They want her to send in what has already been expended and what will be expended.

Diane stated that Julie’s extra time should be put in to be reimbursed from the grant. Julie listed many things other expenses that could be reimbursed from the LGER grant.

Julie stated she would like to talk with Greg Moore about more dividers. Julie explained the difficulties of having people in the office and the upcoming election and her struggles of getting people in the office when they need to be. There was discussion of possible options. It would require a contract.

Board agreed that Julie could talk with Greg and Tom will talk with Jordan.

Diane reported on Grant Communication:

2021 Transportation Alternatives Programs Grant Opportunity
Fiscal Year 21 Grants & Aid - Letters of Intent
USDA is seeking interest in broadband funding thru ACRP
Update on Town Highways Grant Program Class II Highway & Structures Grant – No Grants Awarded
Funding for Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Development. An approved LHMP qualifies town for FEMA funding and town share is less. Leicester has a plan. Town share is $2,500 if they spend $10,000, but must renew. They have until December 4^th to submit. Diane will research and report back.

Road Foreman:

Arlan reported that he did a little bit of grading on Delorm, Ferson and Old Jerusalem Road; and hauled one load of sand.

Diane reported that American Rock Salt got the State contract for $74.00 a ton. Cargill is at $68.50 a ton and Appalachee didn’t send a quote.

Arlan and Board prefers Cargill.

Motion by Tom and second by John to authorize Diane to sign the Cargill Letter of Intent on behalf of the Board. All in favor. So, approved.

Arlan stated he will continue to salt and sand the school driveway, but not further down the 40x270 parking area. Arlan will contact the school.

Tom asked Arlan to contact the State about the Leicester’s four corners and possibly putting some tar in there instead of gravel. The gravel doesn’t stay.

Weight Permits:

Brad signed the weight permit for Steady Sugaring LLC.

CORRESPONDENCE:

Diane reviewed the correspondence:

VT Sheriff’s Organization out of Bennington
GMP Base Rate Flat this Year
AOT Press Release Federal Relief Funds
Home Care Resources for Seniors
Mortgage Assistance Program ACRP
Child Care Survey

Training:

Power to Renew: Energy & Environment
HR for Municipal Supervisors
Virtual Roundtable for the National Weather Service
VT Local Roads 1 Hour Ditch Design & Ditch Function Training
Logging
Moving Together
Invasive Insects & Plants

OLD BUSINESS:

Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Policy Update:

Julie found out that in the event that an employee had to have drug or alcohol counseling support, it is done through the DISA. The Selectboard does not have to identify a person as a Medical Review Officer or a Substance Abuse Professional.

The VLCT Property Loss Control Consultant would like to come down to visit either October 12, 15 or 22^nd to follow up on the policy and related information and DER responsibilities. Julie doesn’t have any time to meet with him.

Board suggested Julie contact him and request he come after the election. Julie will contact him.

John is waiting on information to come in the mail.

NEW BUSINESS:

Confirm DRB Alternate:

Diane reported that Hannah Sessions does want to be a DRB Alternate. Diane hasn’t heard any other response from her letter.

Motion by Ron and second by Brad to confirm Hannah Sessions as the DRB Alternate. All in favor. So, approved.

Brad shared that Jay Michael might be interested in serving on the DRB.

BUILDING NEEDS:

HIGHWAY CONCERNS/NEEDS:

Executive Session:

Motion by Tom to adjourn at 7:42 p.m.

Next Regular Meeting: October 19, 2020

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra L. Trombley

Selectboard Secretary