June 12, 2017

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

ORMAN CROFT GENERATING FACILITY

126 BAKER RD.

HIGHGATE, VT 05459

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, June 12, 2017

7:00 PM

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Scott Mueller, Hydro Plant Supervisor 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 7:08 p.m.

 

2.      Tour the Orman Croft Generating Facility:

 

Neal stated that the Board would tour the Hydro Facility after going through Item #1 through Item #8.

 

3.      Agenda Review:

 

None.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, May 22, 2017:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, May 22, 2017 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

5.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, June 9, 2017:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, June 9, 2017 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman stated it was nice to see some smaller payments to VPPSA and that the Village is making power. Motion carried.

 

6.      Sign Capital Improvement Note Loan Documents for Hydro Plant from Union Bank:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, informed the Board that the Hydro Plant line of credit loan documents to repair the aging infrastructure for $442,547 was ready for the Board to sign. He said this would be a 20 year note for $442,547 with a 3.28% fixed interest rate. Reg stated there would be an annual principal and interest payment of $30,527.39. All Board members signed the necessary loan documents.

 

7.      Review Financial Management Questionnaire:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village of Swanton Manager, advised the Board that the Village has filled out their Annual Financial Management Questionnaire for 2017. He advised that Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager/Controller, fills this out for the State of Vermont auditors each year which describes the financial functions of the Village. This ensures that not one individual is responsible for all financial duties and list the names of employees who do each job in the Village Office. The Board acknowledged receipt of the Village of Swanton’s Financial Questionnaire and Neal Speer, Village President, signed the document.

 

8.      Sign MVUHS Water Line Engineering Study Loan Reimbursement Documents:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, informed the Board that the State Revolving Loan Program funding application has been filled out and is ready for board approval and signatures. He stated this will allow the Village of Swanton to get reimbursed for the engineering cost for the MVUHS water line replacement study. He said the amount of reimbursement is $28,500. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and sign the State Revolving Loan Program Funding Application so that the Village of Swanton will be reimbursed $28,500 for the engineering study on the MVUHS water line replacement job. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried. The Board signed all necessary loan documents.

 

 

9.      Tour the Orman Croft Generating Facility:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, introduced Scott Mueller, Hydro Plant Supervisor and Jason Starr, Hydro Plant operator, to the Board of Trustees. Reg stated that the 2016 Annual Village Report was dedicated to the Hydro Plant and its employees and said this was a good time to tour the plant. Scott began the tour mentioning their new control room addition that was paid for by VPPSA because of the Project 10 work done by the Hydro Plant operators. Scott then took the Board on a tour of the Hydro Plant facility.

 

10.  Discussion on Rubber Bag Replacement:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, stated he has been talking with Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, regarding moving forward with the rubber bag replacement. He said they are going to have do a 108 filing and also get voter approval so he wants to begin this process. He said there will be a lot of permits to deal with and is questioning whether or not they hire an engineer to help with this process. He said he has talked with Paul Nolan regarding the installation of the rubber bag and also with Pizzagali Construction. They both think the Village should hire an engineer. He said this whole process of replacing the bag will take approximately two weeks to complete. Chris Leach suggested Reg call H.L. Turner and see what they have to offer. Neal Speer also suggested that when they go out for bid on this project they ask whether they would like an engineer or can they handle the job without one. Reg stated that an engineer will be able to define the work in better detail and said he would do some more research on this topic. Chris Leach made the motion to authorize Reg Beliveau, Swanton Village Manager, to look into contractors, the need for engineering, dates and costs for replacement of the rubber bag at the Hydro Facility. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Eugene LaBombard asked what the lead time was on ordering the new bag. Reg thought at least six months but said he would check on it. Eugene also asked Reg if he had enough resources to help work on this project and asked Reg to let them know if not. Motion carried.

 

11.  Discussion on Water Haulers Filling Up at Fire Department:

 

Dianne Day, Village Clerk, explained to the Board that some Village employees were having a discussion on whether or not the Village should charge individual water haulers for water coming out of the Fire Department. After some thought Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, suggested that if we do charge we use the “Commercial Town” rate structure which would be $92.63 customer charge per month and charge $5.11 per 1,000 gallons. As an example, if a water hauler were to get 12,000 gallons of water for the month of June it would cost $153.95. Dianne told the Board that the way it stands now is these water haulers are giving Star Hose a donation and that over the years Star Hose has purchased three fire trucks and that has helped the tax payers tremendously. She told the Board she wasn’t sure how much of a donation they paid to the Fire Department. Chris Leach suggested the Village charge the water hauler the customer charge and give the Fire Department the usage portion of the bill. He asked if we knew how other towns were charging private water haulers for their water. Dianne stated she didn’t know but said she would do some more research and find out. The Board suggested this item be tabled until further information was gathered and requested it be put on the next agenda.

 

12.  Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Neal Speer stated he wanted to congratulate the light crew for the street lights on downtown Merchants Row. He said he really appreciates it and it brightens up the downtown area.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach stated he was stepping down from his position as Northwest Regional Planning Commission commissioner as of June 30, 2017. He said they need to find a Swanton Village representative and they meet once per month. Neal Speer thanked Chris for his input on the board.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated he wanted to thank everyone that helped with the Memorial Day Parade. He said the Police Department, Fire Department, Fire Cadets, Village Public Works and Village and Town employees all helped tremendously. He said on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, he thanks them all.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated the big fountain in the Village Green is leaking and has some stones missing in the base of the fountain. He said it’s in pretty bad shape and they should think about refurbishing it. Neal Speer stated he knows a local mason and he will get in touch with him and get a quote on what it would cost to fix. Reg stated they could put a separate line item on the ballot in March 2018 to refurbish it. Reg also stated he needs an Executive Session to discuss real estate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.  Public Comment:

 

None.

 

14.  Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate at 8:32 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to exit Executive Session at 9:00 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

15.  Adjournment:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 9:00 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

__________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

May 22, 2017

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, May 22, 2017

7:00 PM

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Joey Stell, Chief of Police, David Kachajian, Sergeant 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 7:07 p.m.

 

2.      Agenda Review:

 

None.

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, May 8, 2017:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, May 8, 2017 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman asked if Reg Beliveau had any word on ordering Municipal Parking Signs. Reg said not as of yet but would look into it. Chris Leach asked about a speed study on Gallup Court. He said their “Children At Play” sign has come up missing and he feels 30 mph is too fast for that street. He said he would appreciate more police presence in that area. Chief Stell stated that any speed limit below 30 mph would not be enforceable. He said he would work on more police presence in that area. Motion carried.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, May 19, 2017:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, May 19, 2017 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

5.      Meet and Swear In New Police Sergeant:

 

Chief Stell stated that after a selection committee review the Swanton Police Department came to hire David Kachajian as their new Police Sergeant. He said he has over 20 years experience and also has supervisory experience. He said he is a good fit for their department and he looks forward to working with him. David thanked the Chief and introduced himself to the Board. He said he is looking forward to this next chapter in his police career. Dianne Day, Village Clerk, swore David in as the new Police Sergeant for the Swanton Village Police Department.

 

6.      Review Revised Highgate Converter Sale/Transco Equity Purchase:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, explained to the Board that three towns have opted out of the Highgate Converter Sale Equity Purchase so VPPSA has provided them with a revised memorandum. As part of the sale, Transco will be amending its Operating Agreement to include the ability to issue equity specifically to the Highgate joint owners. VPPSA has requested that Transco include specific language in the Operating Agreement revisions so that:

1. The equity will be offered directly to each VPPSA Highgate participant based on the participant’s project participation share.
2. Each participant can choose to “assign” its equity allocation to VPPSA thereby allowing VPPSA to purchase the equity for the benefit of the participant, in the same manner as it does for general equity issuances.
3. If any participant chooses not to purchase the equity offered to it (or if any VPPSA member chooses not to purchase general equity in the future) VPPSA will have a right to purchase that equity before it is offered more broadly to others.

Chris Leach made the motion to authorize Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, to assign the Village of Swanton’s equity in the Highgate Converter Sale over to VPPSA. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

 

7.      Sign Trackless Plow Lease:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, informed the Board that the lease documents for the new Trackless Plow were ready to be signed and he had Dianne Day, Village Clerk, read the lease resolution to the Board. Eugene LaBombard made the motion authorizing Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, to sign all necessary documents pertaining to the lease agreement between the Village of Swanton and Tax Exempt Leasing Corp for $105,000 over 5 years at 3.19% with an annual payment of $22,339.14. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

8.      Hydro Line of Credit Discussion:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, informed the Board that the Village has received the terms and conditions for Capital Improvements to replace the aging infrastructure at the Highgate Hydro Facility from Union Bank. He said this would be a 20 year note for $442,547 with a 3.28% fixed interest rate. Reg stated there would be an annual principal and interest payment of $30,527.39. Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Capital Improvement Note from Union Bank for $442,547 over the next 20 years with a 3.28% fixed interest rate to replace the aging infrastructure at the Highgate Hydro Facility. He also authorized Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, to sign all necessary documents pertaining to this Capital Improvement note. Chris Leach seconded both motions. Motions carried.

 

9.      Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Chris Leach stated he wanted to address the speeding issue in the Village of Swanton. He said they need to keep this under control and said he would like all smaller streets in the Village to be reduced to 20 mph. Reg Beliveau said he would discuss this with the new Police Sergeant and with the Chief of Police and see if they have any new ideas about this issue.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard stated traffic was jammed a few days ago over by Riverside Cemetery. He said it’s extremely busy between 3 and 4 p.m.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman said he wanted to remind everyone about the upcoming Memorial Day Parade on May 29^th at 2:30 p.m. He said to expect delays because Grand Avenue would be closed from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman said there are some trees in the Village Green that need to come down and asked if Gabree’s Tree Trimming can come in and take a look at these trees. Reg stated they’ve been looking and identifying what tree’s that should come down and said they could put this in next year’s budget. He said the Electric crew will be taking down some of the limbs and some of the trees but said they would need to budget for this. He said they also plan on removing the sidewalk that runs through the middle of the park.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman said he has no further information regarding the swans but would let the Board know as soon as he hears anything. He asked if there was an update on the paving issue. Reg Beliveau said he sent a list to the State of Vermont detailing areas of concern. He said there is standing water over near Bourne’s Energy and by Bob’s One Stop. He said they started working on all side streets and driveways, and also put top soil down and seeded those areas. He said he needs to find out what’s going to happen if the Village doesn’t sign off on this project. He said it hasn’t gone well. Eugene stated his driveway was still in poor condition.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman said he is still interested in making Brown Avenue a dead end street. Reg Beliveau said it can’t be made a dead end street because of the bank but they could make it a “No Left Turn” street from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adam said he wants to move forward on this because it’s a very hard street to come off from if you’re turning left.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau informed the Board that he was approached by a local businessman asking to make individuals selling Christmas trees, etc. to purchase a peddlers permit.

 

Any Other Business: Dianne Day, Village Clerk, showed the Board some of the books from the 1800’s that were preserved by KoFile. She also showed them the hard cover books that the Village Reports were made into. The Board was pleased with the outcome.

 

Any Other Business: Neal Speer mentioned the lights at Merchants Row and asked if Reg had an update regarding this. Reg stated the electric department has put together a quote for the lighting and they are getting it to the store owners. He said the new LED lights cost pennies to operate. Chris Leach stated the Village should pay for the lights on Merchants Row because they own the sidewalk there. Neal stated he wanted this topic on the next agenda because he also feels the Village should provide the lighting there on Merchants Row. Neal also mentioned the Swanton Enhancement group held a meeting last week and he didn’t know anything about it. He said he wanted it noted that they need to do a better job getting the word out there regarding their meetings. Adam said all steering committees gave an update. Neal asked when the Fairweather meeting was, Adam stated it was on 6/1 at the Town Office.

 

10.  Public Comment:

 

None.

 

11.  Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate at 8:02 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:30 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

12.  Adjournment:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:30 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

__________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date