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Monday, August 19, 2013

Trustee Meeting Minutes - August 19th, 2013

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.



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Ronald Kilburn, Village President                    Date


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Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date