Trustee Meeting Minutes - July 22nd, 2013

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, JULY 22, 2013

7:00 P.M.

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

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

Ron Kilburn, Village President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

1. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, July 8, 2013 Meeting:

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, July 8, 2013 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: I explained to the Board that their copy didn’t have the Ben & Jerry’s coin drop dates in them, the dates are July 20^th with a rain date of August 3^rd or September 7^th with a rain date of September 14^th. Chris Leach stated that the new fire truck is now paid for. Reg Beliveau stated that the fire department is working on a banner thanking the voters for their support with the new truck. They will be parking it out front for everyone to see. He said they are still running tests on it and continue to install equipment. Motion carried.

2. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, July 19, 2013:

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants #587-#590 through July 19, 2013 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman asked what Elsag was for, Reg explained that was for a grant in the Police Department for radios. Chris Leach asked about the St. Albans City Police invoice for $52,958.48. Lynn Paradis advised that is for dispatching services and said the Village bills Missisquoi Valley Rescue for part of that invoice. Motion carried.

3. 2^nd Quarter SQRP for Review:

Chris Leach stated the Village has done another good job. He acknowledged that the Board is in receipt of this report for the 2^nd quarter.

4. Rate Case Review – Executive Session:

Reg Beliveau requested they move this item to Executive Session to discuss pending litigation.

5. Set Tax Rate:

Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, advised the Board that she received the grand list last week from the Listers office. She said the grand list went up a bit and because of that the Village’s tax rate has gone from .6872 to .6847. She said the tax rate is up approximately 3 cents from last year and this is mostly due to the paving expense in the Highway Department. Lynn advised the tax rate in the General Fund is .0104, the Fire Department is .0040, Police Department is .0172 and the Highway Department is .0154. Adam Paxman stated the estimated tax rate in the Village Report was 5% higher than last year, that has now dropped to 4% because the grand list grew a little.

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and set the 2013 Village of Swanton tax rate at .6847. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

6. Any Other Necessary Business:

Louise Lampman Larivee, Director of Abenaki Self Help and Candy Thomas, came in and wanted to discuss parking issues on Merchants Row. Louise stated that part of the program she does with her clients entails them taking tests, etc. and that could take 2 ½ hours. She said with a 2 hour parking limit in front of Merchants Row they could end up getting a parking ticket and they can’t afford that. She said one client took a test and it was 5 hours long. She said she noticed the police department chalking tires and ticketing vehicles there lately and this concerns her. Reg Beliveau stated that there have been a lot of complaints from store owners and resident’s lately about people parking longer than 2 hours and that the police were just doing their job. He said they need to maintain consistency. Chris Leach informed them that there is municipal parking by Roy’s Insurance Company and that her clients could park there and walk over. They also said parking behind the park on the Church Street side didn’t have a two hour limit. They also informed them that anyone who is handicapped could park longer than two hours. Chris suggested they put a sign up stating if they are going to be there longer than two hours to park in one of the municipal parking lots. Louise and Candy thanked the Board for their time.

Any Other Business: Chris Leach stated he wanted to acknowledge the new fire truck and said all the taxpayers should stop and take a look at it. He said a lot of work goes into building a new truck and he appreciates everyone involved with this.

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated he has received positive feedback from residents regarding the police department being out and about. He said these residents say they have noticed more of a police presence lately and they appreciate it. He also mentioned the 4^th Annual Car Show to be held Saturday, July 27^th in the Village Green. He encouraged everyone to come out and enjoy the cars and trucks. He said there will be lots of food, entertainment and about 150 cars and trucks. Adam also asked Reg how he was coming with the Utility Pole Ordinance. Reg stated he was still working on it and would bring it before the Board for final approval.

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated he is working with Dave Jescavage at the Town Office on soliciting donations for a fireworks display to be held on August 17^th in honor of the 250^th Anniversary of Swanton. He asked all if anyone would like to donate to call the Village or Town office. He also mentioned the new fire truck and urged residents to stop by the fire station on Monday evenings to check it out.

Any Other Business: Ron Kilburn stated that on August 2^nd there will be a 250^th Anniversary program that recognizes when Swanton was invaded by the British and burned. He said Jason Barney will host a walk from the Village to the Swanton Beach where they will have a BBQ and bonfire. He said there will also be an Archaeological program on August 11^th at the Wildlife Refuge. They will discuss and show what they have found along Route 78. He said there will be numerous events the week of August 12-17^th, most of which will be held in the Village Green. Ron also wanted to congratulate the Chamber of Commerce on having a Nobby Reed Concert in the park.

Any Other Business: Ron Kilburn informed the Board that the flowers that were planted and installed on the bridge were vandalized and presumably thrown in the river in broad daylight last weekend. He asked what the police department was doing regarding this. Reg stated they are investigating it, talking with several people in Swanton. He also said Officer Cleary, who works with several young kids in Swanton, is working on it as well.

7. Executive Session (If Needed):

Chris Leach made the motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss possible litigation of the Rate Case at 7:44 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:47 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

ACTION TAKEN: None.

ADJOURN: Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:48 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. There being no further business at hand, Ronald Kilburn, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m. Motion carried.

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Ronald Kilburn, Village President                    Date

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

Trustee Meeting Minutes - July 8th, 2013

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, JULY 8, 2013

7:00 P.M.

PRESENT: Ron Kilburn, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reg Beliveau, Village Manager; Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Leonard Stell, Chief of Police, and Channel 16.

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

Ron Kilburn, Village President, called the meeting to order at 7:58 p.m.

1. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, June 24, 2013 Meeting:

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, June 24, 2013 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Eugene LaBombard asked if Wayne Elliott was making progress with the water project. Reg stated they are at 90% completion for July and things are going good. Adam Paxman asked if we were making progress on inviting the State Representatives to a board meeting to discuss First Street and the truck traffic. I told him I was working on it, but it should work out for an August meeting. Chris Leach stated that under “Adjourn” Chris Leach was named Village President instead of Trustee, made correction. Motion carried with correction.

2. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, July 5, 2013:

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants #582-#586 through July 5, 2013 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked what Round Hill Fence was used for. Reg advised it was to purchase a new fence around the low lift station on Maquam Shore, part of the Water Treatment Plant upgrade. Motion carried.

3. Police Department Update:

Chief Stell handed out a Speed Survey done on several streets throughout the Village. He said this report shows the volume of traffic and type of violation. He stated that Spring Street has a greater number of vehicles in violation and said the average speed recorded was 34 mph. He said this study allows his department to know what time frame these offenses are occurring in and that will help in enforcing it. He said his goal was to bring the speed average to 30 mph. He said he received complaints about speeding on Jewett St. and after setting up there the average speed recorded was 20 mph and said there were no issues there. Eugene LaBombard stated this report was very informative. Chief Stell advised the Board to let him know if they had any concerns or know of any problem areas. Eugene stated he felt speed was an issue on Canada St. Chief Stell also addressed the Letter to the Editor that ran in the St. Albans Messenger regarding parking downtown. He said they looked at several vehicles, chalked tires and said there was only one violation in a two week period. He said they are actively enforcing the issue. Adam Paxman said they appreciate his hard work and said his efforts are not going unnoticed. Chris Leach said he would like a police presence when school starts back up during the morning drop off and the afternoon pick up. Chief Stell stated that Eugene Rich targets that area in the morning and he is there during the afternoon hours.

4. Linda Daneau Water & Wastewater Allocation Request for 104 Spring Street:

Chris Leach made the motion to enter into a Water Commissioner’s meeting to hear this item Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

The Board was informed that Linda Daneau is requesting permission to connect to the Village Wastewater System at 104 Spring Street and is also requesting permission to connect to the Swanton/Highgate Water Association which is fed by Village water. Chris Leach made the motion to approve Linda Daneau’s request to connect to the Village Wastewater System at 104 Spring St. He also made the motion to approve her water connection if she gets approval from the Swanton/Highgate Water Association and pays all necessary fees associated with connections. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried with one abstention.

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Water Commissioner’s meeting. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

5. Adopt Post Issuance Compliance Procedures:

Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, informed the Board that all Village bonds are tax exempt. She said the IRS has regulations surrounding that and they are asking municipalities to put in writing Post Issuance Municipal Bond Compliance Procedures. Chris Leach asked her how much time this should take her. She advised it shouldn’t take long if she didn’t have any expended funds. Chris asked if there were any downsides to this. She said they wouldn’t be able to finance through the Bond Bank if they didn’t adopt these procedures. She stated this was just another internal control procedure. Reg Beliveau asked if our auditors would review these. Lynn advised she would send the certification to the Bond Bank once they adopt it. She assumed it would blanket all the existing bonds they have now, but said she would find out for sure. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to Adopt Post Issuance Compliance Procedures. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

6. SWAN CD -- Use for Park Improvements:

Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, informed the Board that the Village has a CD worth $4249.87 that has matured on July 3, 2013. She said this CD is named “SWAN” so she assumes it was to be used in the Village Parks. She is requesting permission to close this CD and use it toward park improvements. Chris Leach suggested looking at the lights in Flat Iron Park. Reg Beliveau stated they also wanted to look at the Swanton Beach area and open the parking area more. He said they need benches, lighting, sidewalks, etc. Chris Leach made the motion to authorize Lynn Paradis to close the SWAN CD and use those funds for park improvements. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

7. VT Transco Equity Call:

Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, informed the Board that the Village needs to decide if they will use Velco to purchase Transco Equity Calls or will they do it on their own. She said if they were to do it on their own they would have to file a 108 with the Public Service Board and then get voter approval. If they were to use Velco they would assign equity interest to Velco and Velco would pay Swanton Village quarterly dividends like they do now. Lynn stated she would recommend using Velco to purchase Transco Equity rather than doing it on their own. Chris Leach made the motion to authorize Lynn Paradis to go through Velco for the VT Transco Equity Call. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

8. Ben & Jerry’s Coin Drop Request:

The Board was informed that Ben & Jerry’s is requesting permission to hold a coin drop on Saturday, July 20 or Saturday September 7, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Adam Paxman stated he was fine with their request as long as they didn’t do it on July 27^th because of the Car Show. Chris Leach asked what their benefit was, I stated it was to benefit Relay for Life. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve Ben & Jerry’s Coin Drop request for July 18, 2013 with a rain date of August 3, 2013 or on Saturday, September 7, 2013 with a rain date of Saturday, September 14, 2013. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

9. Utility Pole Ordinance Request:

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, informed the Board that if the Village of Swanton adopts a Utility Pole Ordinance this would limit the timeframe a utility company can have double wood on any given street. This would also provide guidelines that need to be followed by all utility companies attaching to utility poles. Chris Leach made the motion for the Village of Swanton to adopt a Utility Pole Ordinance. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried. Reg stated he would put one together and bring it back to the Board for approval.

10. Any Other Necessary Business:

Chris Leach asked how the rate case was going. Reg stated they were asked if they would extend the comment period to July 19 because of the holiday and he did so. Chris also asked how the generation numbers were with all the rain. Reg said he hadn’t had time to check that yet but said he assumed it was a high volume. Chris also asked if the Village has heard anything about Swan Valley, the cheese plant. Reg stated he hasn’t heard anything.

Any Other Business: Lynn Paradis stated that the new fire truck would be delivered on July 11^th and said the old one was traded it on the new one. She said the Board already authorized the loan for $274,000.00. The total price for the truck is $475,000.00 and she informed the Board that she will be receiving a check from Union Bank for $112,113.06 and a check from Merchants Bank for $88,886.94 so she will be writing a check for $201,000.00 for the remainder of the truck this week.

ADJOURN: Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 9:00 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Ronald Kilburn, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.

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Ronald Kilburn, Village President                    Date

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date