This page is maintained by Swanton Village, Inc and is intended to be the official online posting of public meetings and minutes in accordance with Vermont’s Open Meeting law (Amended July 1st, 2014).

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

SPECIAL WORKING BUDGET MEETING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX
120 FIRST STREET
SWANTON, VT 05488


SPECIAL WORKING BUDGET MEETING
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012
6:00 P.M.


PRESENT: Ronald Kilburn, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; and Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager.

Ronald Kilburn, Village President, welcomed all to the Regular Board of Trustees Meeting and called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

1. 2013 Budget Discussions:

Adam Paxman made the motion to adopt the Fire Department budget of $222,575 with a Town Assessment of $164,258 for 2013 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve a 2.8% increase in total wages to be distributed at the Village Manager’s discretion based on the employee’s performance evaluation. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

2. Any Other Necessary Business:

None.

ADJOURN: Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Special Board of Trustees meeting at 9:25 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand Ron Kilburn, Village President; adjourned the Special Board of Trustees meeting at 9:25 p.m.





_____________________________________                      _______________________________________
Ronald Kilburn, Village President                                Date


_____________________________________                      _______________________________________
Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                           Date



Monday, December 17, 2012

Trustee Meeting Minutes - December 17th, 2012

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX
120 FIRST STREET
SWANTON, VT 05488


REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012
7:00 P.M.


PRESENT: Ronald Kilburn, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Leonard Stell, Chief of Police; Neal Speer and Channel 16.

Ronald Kilburn, Village President, welcomed all to the Regular Board of Trustees Meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

1. Approve and Accept the Minutes from Monday, December 3, 2012:

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, December 3, 2012 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Ron Kilburn stated the wording regarding Kevin Cleary should be changed to “needs this relationship” instead of “needs this connection.” He also requested the words “Village Complex” be added to paragraph 4 discussing the heating cost savings due to insulation and new siding. Motion carried.

2. Approve Village Warrants Through December 14, 2012:

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants (#505-#507) through December 14, 2012 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked what vendor Charbonneau’s Body Shop was for. Reg explained that was for repair to the police cruiser after hitting a deer. The insurance company paid the Village and the Village paid Charbonneau’s. Adam Paxman asked what Mountain Air was for, Reg said they worked on the heating systems doing quarterly maintenance. Eugene LaBombard asked if this was the last payment to NECCO. Reg stated the upgrade was complete as of December 14, 2012 except for some miscellaneous small jobs. Motion carried.

3. Discussion on Marble Mill Improvements by MVUHS Students:

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, explained to the Board that he emailed MVU and asked them to attend this meeting but he hadn’t heard back from them. He said he would keep this item on the agenda to see what they can do to make Marble Mill more appealing than in the past. Chris Leach asked if the Village planned on rejuvenating the tennis and basketball court. Reg said the Teen Center had done some painting there but it does need more. Chris stated that he was asked this summer about paving the loop from Marble Mill up Webster Terrace for walking, biking, etc. He said it would also need lighting through there. The Board suggested looking into Fit & Healthy about possible grant money to achieve this. Reg stated that the MVU students discussed planting shrubs and flowers and possibly making a couple of picnic tables to put in the park. Reg said he would like each junior class to continue this project each year. Ron Kilburn asked if the Highway Department would be able to help the students, Reg stated they would and said they have already cleared a lot trees there. Reg said the Rain Garden project has been abandoned by the State because it’s a flood plain area but he said he may still put one in. He said the State is still looking at installing catch basins on Webster Terrace.

4. Evelyn Lane Ownership:

Reg Beliveau stated that Andre Leduc contacted the Village about plowing Evelyn Lane and he said they agreed to this. He said the road bed is sturdy and they have agreed to plow it. He said there’s a Right of Way issue going on with one of the lots and he wants that resolved before the Village will take ownership of Evelyn Lane. He will update the Board when the issue has been resolved.

5. Winter Parking Ban Ordinance Discussion:

Chief Stell was present for this item and stated that Mike Menard had approached him asking to extend the dates on their existing Winter Parking Ban. Now the Ban is in effect from December 1st to March 15th each year. They are requesting it be extended to April 15th due to several late spring snow storms. Chief Stell said that many municipalities currently have their Parking Ban in effect to April 15th. He stated he would ask to extend the Ban to April 15th, remove paragraph B allowing the Police Chief to allow individuals to park on the street, and add paragraph C stating they would fine individuals $25 for their first offense and $50 for their second offense. Paragraph D states vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. Chris Leach stated it should be clear that they are referring to no parking on the traveled portion of the roadway. Chief Stell advised the Police Department has been placing warnings on vehicles for first time offenses. He said this was a rough draft and said it would be ready for adoption at their next meeting if they so choose.

6. 2013 Budget Discussion:

Reg Beliveau explained that the overall budget increased .0242 cents and that would affect a home assessed at $180,000 by $43.20. He said that salaries have decreased approximately $180,000 due to overtime hours at the Water Treatment Plant, the Hydro Plant and two retirements. He said after the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) the total reduction in salaries is $80,000. Eugene LaBombard asked if the Fire Department budget was finalized yet. Reg stated all the numbers are in, it has increased 16% due to the truck purchase. Reg stated that the proposed tax rate for 2013 is .6766 and that in 2012 it was .6524. The Board decided they would hold a special working meeting to discuss and review this budget on December 19th at 6 p.m.

7. Discussion on Water Transmission and Distribution Lines:

Eugene LaBombard stated that this item is on the agenda per his request. He said he feels they should go ahead and ask for a bond on the March ballot to replace the transmission line and some distribution lines in the Village. He requested they meet with Aldrich & Elliott to get firm numbers to do these upgrades. Reg stated that he spoke with Kirsten Bourgeois and she advised him to speak with Tim Smith from Franklin County Industrial Development to see if there are any grants available for this project. He advised he would do so. Chris Leach stated he wanted to stay with engineers Aldrich & Elliott because they have already done most of the work on this project. He said he wanted to keep the water rates as reasonable as possible. The Board suggested we invite Aldrich & Elliott to the first meeting in January to discuss this further.

8. Any Other Necessary Business:

Chris Leach mentioned the school shooting in Newtown, CT and expressed their condolences to the families involve and asked if our schools were protected. Chief Stell advised they have an Officer on duty at MVUHS and said for the last 5-6 years Leon Begnoche and Pete Prouty have a good safety plan in existence for our area. Reg Beliveau stated that it’s a joint effort with our Police Department, Fire Department, EMS personnel and even Border Patrol and VT State Police. Chief Stell stated they meet on a regular basis to train and also run drills at the schools to keep the children aware of it. Ron Kilburn asked if there is an actual plan in writing and asked how he could get a copy of it. Chief Stell advised anyone can see a model plan on the Homeland Security’s website but said the actual plan in place at our schools is confidential.

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated that the Solar Aerators arrived for the Sewer Plant and said the Village employees worked with Dimitri Hudak from Efficiency VT during the installation process. Mr. Hudak wrote Reg a very nice letter complimenting the Village employees on his experience working with them. Reg read the letter to the Board. Adam Paxman requested the letter be put in the Village Report this year.

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated he would like to thank Reg Beliveau and the Village staff for their Christmas in the Park celebration. He said the horse rides and dog sled rides went well. Reg thanked the Chamber for letting the Village do their tree lighting ceremony at their event.

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman asked if while working on the Parking Ban issue if they could permanently make designated parking areas in the downtown Village area a no parking area. He said the cars on the streets look bad and said they have available parking but choose to park on the street instead. Ron Kilburn asked if Adam was talking about year round and Adam stated yes. He suggested the perimeter around the Village Park, in front of the stores, and Post Office. The Board asked if the Police Department could check throughout the night to get an idea of how many vehicles are parked on the streets. The Board requested this be put on their next agenda for further review. Eugene LaBombard stated this would require an Ordinance. Ron Kilburn stated there are three Municipal parking lots – Marble Mill, behind the Town Clerk’s Office and behind the Part’s Store.

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated that on Tuesday, December 18th the Police Department was presenting their contract to the Town for a three year term. He said he is very concerned about the Town not accepting it even if it was $10 over. He said he would like to see the Village and Town stay united in support, and that he is very concerned about rumors he has heard. He said he hopes they consider the taxpayers and residents before making their decision. Ron Kilburn stated they are rumors and should be treated as such. Eugene LaBombard stated the PD coverage has been satisfactory. Ron stated he has heard widespread satisfaction.

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated he is still working on the Lower Swanton Dam removal issue. He said they still have a FERC permit in place and they are reviewing the numbers to do a feasibility study. He said HL Turner will present a public hearing on this issue. Ron Kilburn stated he has read the Missisquoi Bay Watershed Plan and that ANR is advocating for removal of the Village dam. He said they want to improve fish spawning habitat between the lower dam and Highgate Falls. This plan is not supportable in his opinion because it does not take into account Village plans to develop additional hydro at that location as well as continued utilization of the impoundment for fire protection and recreation activities. Ron further stated it does not demonstrate how removal will improve the water quality of Missisquoi Bay.

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau received VLCT’s Pacif 25th year resolution and he read that to the Board.

9. Executive Session (If Needed).

Chris Leach made the motion to enter into Executive Session at 8:28 p.m. to discuss Real Estate with Neal Speer, representative to the Regional Planning Commission. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 9:05 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

ACTION TAKEN: None.


ADJOURN: Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of Trustees meeting at 9:05 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand Ron Kilburn, Village President; adjourned the Regular Board of Trustees meeting at 9:05 p.m.





_____________________________________                      _______________________________________
Ronald Kilburn, Village President                                Date


_____________________________________                      _______________________________________
Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                           Date



Monday, December 3, 2012

Trustee Meeting Minutes - December 3rd, 2012

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX
120 FIRST STREET
SWANTON, VT 05488


REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2012
7:00 P.M.


PRESENT: Ronald Kilburn, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; and Channel 16.

Ronald Kilburn, Village President, welcomed all to the Regular Board of Trustees Meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

1. Approve and Accept the Minutes from Monday, November 26, 2012 Meeting:

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, November 26, 2012 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach wanted it mentioned that the $5 million dollar approved Water Treatment Plant is under budget at around $4.1 million dollars. He said this says a lot about the engineering firm and about the Village Manager’s role in this. Reg also said Brian Bishop was instrumental in keeping the cost down and he thanked the Board for their kind words. Motion carried.

2. Approve Village Warrants Through November 30, 2012:

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants (#503-#504) through November 30, 2012 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman asked what vendor Cross Machine Inc. was for. Reg explained that was for repair to the rake at the dam. He said it is 24 years old and needs major repair and said that is going in the 2013 budget. Motion carried.

3. Transco Equity Call:

Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, explained to the Board how Transco was formed in 2006. She stated that usually yearly equity becomes available for sale to electric utilities in Vermont. She advised that VPPSA purchases on behalf of the utilities because they can handle the cash flow and do not need voter approval to do so. She explained the quarterly dividends paid to the Village on this stock and said they also received credit towards their purchase power costs. Lynn advised there are 12 utilities purchasing equity through VPPSA with Transco. She advised the accounting principles are approved by the VT Public Service Board. Lynn said she is seeking Board approval to purchase $445,350 worth of equity and also permission to purchase any oversubscriptions if available.

Chris Leach made the motion to authorize Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager, to allow VPPSA to purchase on the Village of Swanton’s behalf $445,350 in Transco Equity. He also authorized the purchase of any oversubscriptions, if available. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

4. 2013 Budget Discussions:

Lynn Paradis advised the VLCT Workers Compensation and Property Liability Insurance increased by 8% for 2013 and she updated the numbers in all departments to reflect that. She stated that the Highway Department was up 1.8% for 2013; the Fire Department was up 16.5% due to the new truck payment. There are dispatching fees and insurance payments in this budget that have increased. She said this is a very tight budget and there aren’t many things he can influence. Lynn said she is waiting for more numbers from the Hydro Plant, specifically what it cost to repair the butterfly valve there. She said that Joe Letourneau is putting together a four year plan on the generators and said he would be purchasing a Preventative Maintenance Program for each one of our plants. Once all data is entered in the program you can print a repair and maintenance schedule on a daily basis. More employees will be involved in this.

Lynn said the Water Plant is status quo and said this will be a learning year due to the upgrade. She said she is also seeing a decrease in heating cost in the General Fund due to the insulation and new siding on the Village Complex.

Lynn advised there is a 5.1% increase in the Police Department. Chief Stell was present for this discussion and said that he is waiting to see if the Village receives the Town Police Coverage proposal for 2013 and is also waiting to hear back from MVU regarding the SRO (Student Resource Officer). Chris Leach asked him if the department was fully manned. Chief Stell said if they receive the Town Coverage for next year he will need to hire one full time officer. Reg stated that he worked with the SRO and MVU on their lock down and safety plan and said that their SRO Kevin Cleary puts in more hours there than he gets paid for. He said he can’t say enough good about him and said the students there need this relationship.0

Adam Paxman asked about the 11.5% increase in the General Fund. Lynn advised she brought the Park Maintenance labor up by about $7,000 because the crew is spending a lot more time there. Chris Leach asked if they were planning on asking for another $8,000 for park improvements for 2013. The Board all agreed to this. They discussed planting more trees, replacing light poles, adding sidewalks and a bike rack. They also discussed having a separate line item for Christmas decorations.

Lynn advised that overall the 2013 budget is up by about 5%.

5. Discussion on Water Transmission and Distribution Lines:

Eugene LaBombard stated they wanted to keep this item on the agenda. Reg advised they would be having their job meeting at the Water Treatment Plant next week. He said if they did the transmission line down the Waugh Farm Road, he would like to do some revenue projections for the Industrial Park and MVU. He said with Wal-Mart coming in they are hoping to draw more businesses to the area and he is hoping the infrastructure will be in place. Chris said this should be discussed further after the WTP job meeting. Eugene stated they should go ahead and ask for a bond to do this transmission line replacement. Chris said he would like to see what this would do to residential water bills first.

6. Any Other Necessary Business:

Ron Kilburn asked if the Village was having a Christmas party this year. He was told the Village has a Christmas dinner at the Complex each year. He said maybe the Town and Village could hold a Christmas party together next year. The Board liked this idea.

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau advised the Board about the Operation Happiness schedule being held at the Village Complex from December 8th through December 15th.

7. Executive Session (If Needed):

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session at 8:27 p.m. to discuss Personnel. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:50 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

ACTION TAKEN: None.


ADJOURN: Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of Trustees meeting at 8:50 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand Ron Kilburn, Village President; adjourned the Regular Board of Trustees meeting at 8:50 p.m.





_____________________________________                      _______________________________________
Ronald Kilburn, Village President                                Date


_____________________________________                      _______________________________________
Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                           Date