SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX
120 FIRST STREET
SWANTON, VT 05488
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 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; Cody
Paradis; Boy Scout 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, August 12, 2013 Meeting:
Adam Paxman made the motion
to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, August 12, 2013 as presented. Chris
Leach seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked if anything came of the stop
signs by Academy Street. Ron Kilburn pointed out an error on page two regarding
Vtrans. Reg Beliveau stated he received a call from Brian Searles regarding
First Street. Motion carried with corrections.
2. Approve and Accept
Village Warrants through Friday, August 16, 2013:
Chris Leach made the motion
to approve and accept Village Warrants #599-#602 through August 16, 2013 as
presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked about
vendor Town of Fairfield for $1764.26. Reg explained that was for property
taxes on Fairfield Pond. Ron Kilburn asked for more of an explanation. Reg
stated Swanton Village owns approximately 4 acres of an emergency water service
inlet at Fairfield Pond. Lynn Paradis stated its’ in the dam area part where
the pipe comes out of the pond. Motion carried.
3. 250th
Anniversary Conclusion Discussion:
Reg Beliveau stated he
thought this event went very well. He estimated about 500 people throughout the
day on Saturday. He said they received a lot of donations for the fireworks and
he thanks everyone for that as well. Adam Paxman stated he heard the fireworks
show was a phenomenal one and that everyone loved it. He said there were a lot
of other events going on that evening so to have a good turnout was a good
thing. He commended everyone on a good job. Reg stated that Fred Wiseman did a
great job as well. Chris Leach stated he hoped there were lots of photos for
memoirs. Ron Kilburn said he was putting together a thank you list and said he
has kept all the newspaper articles, photos, etc. and every poster for the
programs. He said he has a lot of memorabilia for a book for future
generations. He also said they had a great committee with different backgrounds
and interests. Reg stated you don’t have to look far if you’re looking for
history in Swanton with the dig on Route 78, the Civil War cemetery by the Town
Clerk’s office, two forms of government in Swanton that work well together, he
said the lists goes on and on. The Board thanked everyone involved and said
they were very pleased with how things turned out.
4. Any Other Necessary
Business:
Chris Leach stated he read
the Aldrich & Elliott contract and said no-where in the document does it
state “as built” documents. He wondered if it should say that and asked Reg to
check on that with Brad Aldrich. Reg stated he would do so. Eugene LaBombard
asked when the bids would be opened. Reg stated on September 4th at
2 p.m. He said they had their preliminary bid meeting on August 14th
and discussed all aspects of the job then.
Any Other Business: Adam Paxman asked Reg if there was an update on the
utility pole ordinance yet. Reg stated not yet but will work on it. Adam also
asked if the Police Department is still working on the parking complaint issue.
Reg stated yes they are.
Any Other Business: Ron Kilburn stated it was time to get together with
the Chief of Police and have a discussion regarding vandalism. He stated
Village residents are very upset and said this is happening in broad daylight
on the recreation path, on bikes, on mopeds, etc. Reg asked if this was being
reported. Ron said it has been in the past but nothing has been done about it.
Eugene LaBombard stated that “it doesn’t do any good” is the standard answer he
hears. Ron stated this is unfair but needs to be addressed. He said this could
lead to the formation of a citizens group. Adam said more eyes are better.
Chris Leach said the sooner things are reported the better. Reg said the police
need to know, they can’t respond if they do not know things are happening.
Chris said residents can call the police department during business hours at
868-4100.
Any Other Business: Cody Paradis advised the Board he was there to watch
the meeting and see how it works as a requirement for his merit badge, which is
a rank communications badge. He said he is working on his Eagle Scout Project.
He is putting up a 20 foot flag pole in front of the Franklin Town Clerk’s
Office with a light on top of it. He said he is a senior this year at MVUHS.
The Board wished him luck and thanked him for coming in.
The Board stated that they
didn’t need an Executive Session for this next item, that they could announce
this in open session.
Rick King announced that he
is stepping down as Fire Chief and that the Department has recommended Tim
Girard as the new Fire Chief. Tim stated this decision was not taken lightly
and said a lot of thought went into it. Chris Leach said it is the most
demanding position in a volunteer department. Tim said he has 40 years of
service under his belt and has worked his way up through the ranks. Adam Paxman
asked Tim what his vision was for Swanton. Tim said he was concerned with the
Southern Growth District and more people traveling. He said he could see the
need for some full time positions here for daytime coverage. He said to work on
responding to calls, bills and maintenance they could remain busy. Chris Leach
stated that Rick King has done a great job for the Department and they thanked
him for his service. He said he worked diligently on getting the new fire truck
for the Department, he said that’s a huge undertaking. Ron Kilburn
congratulated Tim and wished Rick King the best. The Board thanked them both.
5. Executive Session to
Discuss Personnel in Fire Department:
None.
ADJOURN: Chris Leach made the motion to Adjourn the Regular
Board of the Trustees meeting at 7:35 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no
further business at hand, Ronald Kilburn, Village President, adjourned the
meeting at 7:35 p.m.
_____________________________________ _______________________________________
Ronald Kilburn, Village
President Date
_____________________________________ _______________________________________
Dianne Day, Village Clerk Date