SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX
120 FIRST STREET
SWANTON, VT 05488
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, November 23, 2015
7:00 PM
PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; and Ch. 16.
Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.
1. Call to Order:
Neal Speer, Village President, welcomed all to the Regular Board of Trustees meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Agenda Review:
None.
3. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, November 9, 2015:
Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, November 9, 2015 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach stated he wanted more clarification on his statement regarding the Wind Project meeting. He said this project doesn’t fit the definition of “public good” as set by the Public Service Board. Motion carried with clarification.
4. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, November 20, 2015:
Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants (#120-#125) through Friday, November 20, 2015 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked if Warrant #124 for Swanton Enhancement Project was the water project or the community enhancement project. Adam Paxman stated this was for the community enhancement project and said it is grant money that is dispersed through Swanton Village. Motion carried.
5. Discuss Gilles Tremblay Gifting 41 Brown Avenue to the Village of Swanton:
The Board discussed this item again and stated Swanton Village has no interest at this time in that property. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to decline Gilles Tremblay’s offer to gift 41 Brown Avenue to the Village of Swanton. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried. The Village of Swanton will send a letter to Mr. Tremblay thanking him for his offer but declining it.
6. Delinquent Tax Collector’s Request to Hire Attorney Vaughn S.P. Comeau to Asisst in the Completion of Tax Sales:
Dianne Day, Village Clerk, explained that Swanton Village Delinquent Tax Collector Betty Cheney hires Attorney Vaughn S.P. Comeau to assist her in the process of tax sales. She is requesting permission to have him assist her for 2015. Chris Leach made the motion to authorize Delinquent Tax Collector Betty Cheney to hire Attorney Vaughn S.P. Comeau to assist her in Village tax sales for 2015. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.
7. Any Other Necessary Business:
Chris Leach asked about the vactor he has seen on Spring Street lately. Adam Paxman stated VT Gas hired Hardigan’s to inspect the sewer line on Spring Street to see if there were any leaks in it after all the work done there by the gas company. He said they found and repaired three sewer leaks at the expense of VT Gas Company. He said they are also cleaning the sewer line before the paving project next year. He stated Mike Menard is aware of this and has made sure the leaks were repaired to his standards.
Chris Leach also stated that Rep. Marianna Gamache sits on the State of Vermont Energy Committee and has stated she would like to tour the Hydro Plant. He said he would like to take her with Reg Beliveau’s permission as well as the staff there. Chris also asked if the Police Chief would be attending a Board meeting to give an update on the drug problem in the community. Village Clerk Dianne Day stated he would attend their next meeting in December.
Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated he met with the Town Selectboard last week regarding the Methodist Church parking lot. He said the Town Administrator will handle the leasing of the church parking lot. Adam said the Town and Village will swap each year plowing the lot. He said he suggests the poles remain in the parking lot until after snowfall. Adam said Joel Clark was a very big proponent of this agreement and is very happy with the outcome. He said there will be added parking for the community.
Adam also stated Christmas in the Park will be held on Saturday, November 28th from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and hopes everyone comes out and enjoys the Christmas tree in the bandstand as well as all the lights in the park. He said they have some big surprises lined up this year and is looking forward to a great event. Chris Leach stated the use of the park lately has been great. Adam said a lot more families are attending these events with enthusiasm, smiles and respect.
Any Other Business: Chris Leach stated he met with one of the men fundraising for the Skate Park to be built at Marble Mill next year. He said this looks like it’s going to be a great Skate Park.
Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard reminded residents about the Village Winter Parking Ban to begin on December 1st and run through April 15th from midnight to 6 a.m.
Any Other Business: Neal Speer stated he is still working on the lighting issue at Merchant’s Row. He said the canopy needs repair and the lights there are very dim. He said he would like to see a change in the type of lights installed and have the underneath lit up and match the upper lights. He said the only light there is by Swanton Rexall and they pay for it. Chris Leach stated the Village owns that sidewalk and therefore should budget street lighting for it. Eugene LaBombard stated the ally way gets very icy and very slippery during the winter months so wanted to make the public aware of this. Chris Leach stated they would mention that to Mike Menard and see that it gets salted.
Any Other Business: Chris Leach stated Jerry Duffy passed away and he was a Village Trustee for many years. He said Swanton Village appreciates Mr. Duffy’s years of service and sends their sincere condolences on his passing.
8. Public Comment:
None.
9. Executive Session (If Necessary):
None.
10. Adjournment:
Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 7:25 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m. Motion carried.
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Neal Speer, Village President Date
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Dianne Day, Village Clerk Date