Meeting Minutes
Town of LeicesterSelectboard Meeting MinutesMonday May 4, 2015*Unapproved*** See subsequent minutes for any changes Members Present: Diane Benware, Tom Barker, Ron Fiske, Ken Young Members Absent: Brad Lawes Others Present: Julie Delphia, Arlan Pidgeon, Ken & Carol Leno, Beth Ripley, R.J. Adler, William (R.J’s colleague), Sandra Trombley, Secretary Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair. Pledge of Allegiance: Review of Agenda: Approval of Minutes of April 20, 2015: Motion by Tom and second by Ron to approve minutes of April 20, 2015 as written. All in favor. So approved. Review/Authorization to pay bills: Tom had questions about the bill for cleanup. Clarification was given. Motion by Tom and second by Ken to approve the bills. All in favor. So approved. Reports from Town Officials, Committees: Road Foreman: Arlan reported that they are going to be putting in two culverts; a driveway culvert on Rte.53 near Whitman’s and one across the road on Delorm Road by the old school. Ken asked about a driveway culvert on Delorm Road that is sinking across the road from Wilcox’s. Arlan will look at the culvert. Arlan is working with Josh Donabedian, Transportation Planner with Addison County Regional Planning, to help get a baseline of information to help with the 2015 Road, Culvert and Bridge Inventory. Tom asked Arlan to check on the sink spot in Leicester Junction as you come over the bridge near Quarry Road. Tom stated that it is getting worse. Arlan mentioned that the sander on Scott’s truck is pretty well worn out. He would like to get another one. Arlan will do some research. There is still another new one on Arlan’s truck. Town Clerk/Treasurer: Julie reported that the IT person she deals with in Middlebury is merging with Silloway Networks starting sometime this month. Julie said we shouldn’t see any changes in anything, but will actually have a benefit of more help for support; if needed. There are a couple of private roads that folks are having issues with. They are private roads and are therefore civil matters, not town matters. There are three concerned neighbors who came to the Town Office stating that the owner wants to put the end of Johnson Drive onto Rte.53. Julie explained to them that it would require an access permit thru Arlan and Selectboard. Julie reported that John Chandler has been doing a good job as Animal Control Officer. Julie gave him the list of remaining unregistered dogs. Julie reported that the listers went to trainings last Wednesday. Our assessor came down to work with the listers. Tax Collector: Beth is currently researching mortgages; preparing for final notices of a tax sale. Delinquents are at $100,000. Beth reported that our hands are tied on one for about $35,000 due to the umbrella of bankruptcy protection. The Selectboard acknowledged their support of the collection efforts. Cemetery Committee: The Committee is meeting next Thursday. Weight Permits: None CORRESPONDENCE: NEW BUSINESS SunCommon Presentation: Introductions were made. R.J. Adler gave a presentation on community solar arrays. SunCommon is financially compensating the Gildrien’s for the use of their property between Ferson Road and Delorm Road. A one-acre array serves about 30 homes. A meter measures how much power the system produces. Power feeds into the utility grid. Your share shows up as a credit on your utility bill. Membership would first be offered to Jeremy and family, his friends, neighbors; and then, other Leicester residents. There was discussion that not all neighbors were notified. R.J. took down names of more people they need to talk with. R.J. provided a map and brochure. The brochure explains about joining a CSA and explains membership involves no upfront cost and a low monthly payment that saves you money. Members can leave the CSA any time, paying an administrative fee to cover refilling the membership. SunCommon guarantees the power production and handles all the maintenance. R.J. wants to have a community event in June to educate residents about this program. R.J. thinks the Leicester Town Office might be able to benefit from the solar array. OLD BUSINESS: Working with Planning Commission: Diane explained that the Planning Commission has been working on the zoning revision document. Board thinks before we go any further, there needs to be a discussion because this document was predicated on the idea we have a DRB and also we don’t have a Zoning Administrator. Julie reported that David Atherton said he would not leave us hanging and would do his best until we get someone. Jeffrey Biasu from Wallingford sent a letter of interest for the Zoning Administrator position. He currently works for the Town of Pittsford. Board agreed that they need to follow their standard procedure. Julie will let Jeffrey know and that his letter of interest will be included in applicant pool. Motion by Tom and second by Ron to authorize Chair to advertise for a Zoning Administrator on a part time basis with letters of interest due at the Town Office by May 17th. All in favor. So approved. The Selectboard will invite the Planning Commission to their May 18, 2015 meeting to get a firm response on the DRB model and discuss the new zoning document. The Planning Commission could review letters of interest for the ZA position. The Board thought that the Planning Commission could then interview applicants at their May 26, 2015 meeting and make recommendations to the Selectboard for the June 1, 2015 meeting. Green Up feedback: Diane is proud of how Leicester looks. Lem took care of dropping things off. They fed over 40 people. If was very successful. Diane thanked all who made donations. BLSG representation: Brad Ramsey submitted his letter of resignation. We need a representative for BLSG. Tom will speak to Brad about the alternate duties and bring it back for discussion on May 18th. Motion by Ron and second by Tom to appoint Brad from an alternate to full member. All in favor. So approved. BUILDING NEEDS: Discuss ramp to Meeting House at next meeting. HIGHWAY CONCERNS/NEEDS: Old Jerusalem Road RR Project Update: Julie read the update from George Shortsleeves. Last week they received delivery of railroad materials, started building the replacement track sections, located the fiber optic cable and prep for the roadway closing on Monday. This week: mass excavation of the roadway south side of the crossing and more railroad section prep and George should be on-site Tuesday or Wednesday. They pulled away the barriers and vehicles can get thru this evening. Public Opinion: None Motion by Ken and second by Diane to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. Next Meeting: May 18, 2015 Respectfully submitted, Sandra L. TrombleySelectboard Secretary