April 11, 2022

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, April 11, 2022

7:00 PM

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau Jr., Village Manager; Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Janet Dimick, SPAN; Alan Letourneau and Ch. 16. Via Zoom: Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator; and Gordon Winters.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

1. Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

2. Pledge of Allegiance:

 

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

3. Agenda Review:

 

Reg Beliveau stated he needed an executive session to discuss personnel.

 

4. Public Comment – Janet Dimick request permission to hold Gathering of the Realms with alcohol sales, bon fire and overnight camping on Swanton Rec Fields in September 2022; Update from Economic Development Coordinator Elisabeth Nance on Downtown Implementation Grant:

 

Janet Dimick was present for this discussion. She informed the board that she has spoken with Reg Beliveau and Brian Savage and has come up with a vendor application form. Neal Speer asked what kind of performers would be at the event. Janet said they are looking at doing a 15^th century encampment with performances such as nighttime war fighting, belly dancers, sword dancers, fire dancers, jugglers, and any kind of performers that would like to attend. She said she gave a brief description at this time because she’s not sure her event will get approval and therefore hasn’t advertised it. Neal asked if any of these performers were from out of state. Janet said she is trying to keep it contained to Vermonters if possible. She said she was asked at the last meeting about how many people would attend. She said she knows of 4 other events going on that same weekend and this is brand new to Swanton. She feels there may be around 2,000 people that come through over the weekend. She said no bigger than the last Arts Spectacular that was held in the Village Green a couple of years ago. Chris Leach asked where all those cars would be parked. She said she is working on that and they need to have a discussion with the Police Chief. She said she may have to request permission to use the elementary school parking lot and also at the Fourth Street property that is vacant right now. She said people could then walk down the rail trail to the event. Adam Paxman asked about smoking in a designated area. Janet said there is no smoking allowed on the recreational fields so she may have to figure out how to handle this. She said it might just end up being no smoking allowed on the property. Adam also asked about the certificate of insurance and asked if the Arts Council was going to provide one. She said she is working on that as well and they will have what is needed prior to the event. He also asked about security and asked if she has talked with Chief Sullivan regarding that. Janet said she has not because she doesn’t know if they’re allowed to hold the event or not. She said some of them have security of their own but if they need the Village Police or Sheriff’s Department she will work that out. He also wanted to know if she has touched base with the neighboring businesses and residents. She said she hasn’t but will talk with everyone on Jewett and Blake Street prior to the event. Adam said his last question is what does she need from them? Janet said she would like permission to hold the two-day event as well as allowing the participants to have overnight camping. She said she would also talk with the fire department if approved, to get approval for a bon fire. Chris Leach said they’ve talked about parking and feels there is enough available. He said she needs to think about port-o-lets and garbage cans for the event. Janet agreed with that as well. Chris asked about how much advertising they would do. Janet said she is thinking about using WOKO and Northwest Access TV. She said this is brand new and they would like to have a good turnout. Chris asked if they considered any other areas to hold this event. She said they had but it didn’t work out. Chris said he was excited to have this event held here in Swanton. Eugene asked where the other events were being held. Janet said Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New York. She said this would be the second event held in Vermont with the other one being held in Stowe in June. Neal asked if a fee would be charged for entry. Janet said they are thinking about charging to park cars which includes entry into the fair. She said they hope to at least break even. Neal asked if there were any grants available to apply for. She said she is in the process of applying for a grant.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to authorize the sale of alcohol on the Village owned property at the Swanton Recreational fields September 10-11, 2022 for the Gathering of the Realms event pending all guidelines are met. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve the Gathering of the Realms event to be held September 10-11, 2022 at the Swanton Recreational fields as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT: Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator, said she received notification that Regional Planning has gotten permission to use the brownfield funds for Phase II clean up at the Riveria Hotel property. They are hoping to start this at the end of May with a 30-day EPA approval that needs to be done. She said hopefully they will begin to see some progress there by Memorial Day. She said they will need to abate and dispose of hazardous waste material and are also hoping this can be done in concert with the demolition. She said there should be significant movement there this summer.

 

Elisabeth also stated she heard from VTrans Transportation Alternative Grant that the Village has been awarded the $375,000 grant for the Downtown Implementation. She said this will provide the all-way stop on Grand Avenue and First Street, shorten the crosswalk on Grand Avenue by Cody’s Restaurant, relocate the crosswalk by Ace Hardware and Merchants Row and to install the sidewalk adjacent to Merchant’s Row. She said they were the only Franklin County project to be awarded this grant. She also said there is a 20% match that is required which is $75,000. She said they planned on putting that on the March ballot but it didn’t happen. She said they will need approximately $2500 to $4000 this year and said ARPA funds could be used for that because it falls under public health. Adam Paxman asked if CBDG funds could be used for this. Lynn Paradis advised no because those are loan funds and federal funds. Adam said he would rather use ARPA funds for this. Eugene LaBombard asked if there was a certain timeline on this project. Elisabeth said no and she thinks construction would begin in four years.  Gordon Winters said he wanted to clarify that regarding the sidewalk on Merchants Row no concrete design has been planned. He said all merchants and owners will collaborate on that and all have input on the design. The Board thanked Elisabeth for her work on this project. She stated she would need the Project Commitment Form approved and signed by Reg Beliveau

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to authorize Village Manager Reginald Beliveau Jr. to sign the Project Commitment Form for the Downtown Implementation Grant. Chris Leach seconded. Chris stated that the Board of Trustees are 100% behind this project. Motion carried.

 

5. Executive Session to Discuss Contracts:

 

Reg Beliveau informed the Board that some of the Highgate Selectboard members couldn’t make tonight’s meeting so they didn’t need to go into executive session. He said he received a Memorandum of Understanding as well as a contract for them to review. He said they will schedule a special meeting if necessary in the near future for this project.

 

6. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, March 21, 2022 as presented:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept minutes from the March 21, 2022 meeting as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

7. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Thursday, April 7, 2022:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Thursday, April 7, 2022 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman asked about the payment made to AED Brands, LLC for $10,626.28. Reg informed him that the Village held CPR and First Aid classes for all employees and purchased AED machines. Motion carried.

 

8. Police Cruiser Discussion:

 

Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, stated she planned on a new police cruiser in this year’s budget and planned on it being delivered to the Village in the Fall of 2022. She said the police department is having issues finding one and some dealerships aren’t sure when they’ll get any in. She said Donnie Gilbert found one in New York that he can get now but she only has three months of lease payments figured in the budget and she needs nine months. She said she does have the option to get that one now and make their first lease payment in January 2023 which would put them behind by about $400. Adam Paxman made the motion to authorize the police department to go ahead and purchase a new cruiser now with the first lease payment being due in January 2023. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

 

 

9. Acknowledge 1^st Quarter SQRP Report:

 

Chris Leach stated this is an internal report card for the electric department. He said it measures how well the customers are treated, records outages and work orders. He said the Village is well under 1% in all categories and said this is a very favorable report. He acknowledged that the Board of Trustees have  received and reviewed the report.

 

10. Discussion on ARPA Funds:

 

Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, stated she participated in a webinar meeting last week regarding ARPA funds. She said the federal government relaxed the requirements for ARPA funds and are recommending that anyone receiving less than $10,000,000 to elect to take a special allowance for loss of revenue. She said this requires less reporting and VLCT highly recommends that everyone do it. She said this is due by the end of April and she will have to elect this special allowance or they won’t be able to at a later date. Even if they take this special allowance they can still use the funds on water and sewer projects, it just broadens what it can be used for. She said the Village will receive just over $700,000 in ARPA funds and public input is not required but is recommended. Reg stated a public hearing would be held at a later date to get public input. Chris Leach made the motion to authorize the Village of Swanton to accept the standard allowance regarding ARPA funds. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

11. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman stated the Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 30^th at 2-2:30 p.m. rain or shine. He said they need volunteers to help with the parade. He said they will also hold a community BBQ after the parade in the park. He said he has been asked if the bridge could be lined with flags this year. He also said the 150 veterans flags will be erected in the park for Memorial Day.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard asked if there was any update on the bridge repair. Reg Beliveau said they are on schedule for August and were bumped up on the list. Eugene asked if there was an update on the river crossing job. Reg said they will be doing another site visit in the near future. Eugene asked if the same summer help would be returning this summer. Reg said they haven’t discussed it yet and said he would like two individuals again this summer.

 

Any Other Business: Neal Speer reminded everyone that the Town, Village and School Board re-vote will be held on April 26^th and an informational hearing would be held on April 21^st at 7 p.m. here at the Complex. He said there will be speakers here to provide more information.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau informed the Board that the Barton Board of Trustees have voted to sell Barton Electric to Vermont Electric Coop. He said he and Lynn have been working with VPPSA regarding this and said an informational meeting will be held on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Barton. He said this will affect the remaining members of VPPSA and they have a flyer being distributed so that Barton voters know what questions to ask. He showed the recent rates of Barton, VEC and Orleans Electric. He said Barton trustees do not want to sell to Orleans Electric for some reason. Lynn said VPPSA can’t purchase it but for the last two years have been offering office help to them. Lynn said her and Reg will be at the meeting representing VPPSA.

 

12. Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate and Personnel:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter Executive Session to discuss real estate and personnel at 8:25 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to exit Executive Session at 9:12 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

13. Adjournment:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of Trustees meeting at 9:12 p.m.  Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 9:12 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

_____________________________________             _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                            Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                Date

 

March 21, 2022

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

SPECIAL MEETING

Monday, March 21, 2022

7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau Jr., Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Mark Rocheleau, Town Selectman; and Jenn Yandow. Via Zoom: Gordon Winters.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

1. Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

2. Pledge of Allegiance:

 

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

3. Agenda Review:

 

Dianne Day stated she had two items for Any Other Business. Reg Beliveau stated he needed an executive session to discuss contracts.

 

4. Public Comment – Janet Dimick request permission to hold Gathering of the Realms with alcohol sales, bon fire and overnight camping on Swanton Rec Fields in September 2022:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, read the following request letter from Janet Dimick because she was unable to attend the meeting:

 

I am writing to request permission, or be directed to who can assist with, permissions for the Swanton Arts Council project, Gathering of The Realms, that I am heading up.

Gathering of The Realms has a set date of September 10-11, 2022, at the Swanton Recreation fields. It is a combination of renaissance activities and vendors for all to come and enjoy a bit of history and fantasy.

In the planning is the inclusion of alcoholic sales. We have a local meadery and a brewery tentatively wanting to participate. The parameter we propose are as follows:

•                      Mandatory regulatory insurances and proper filings to distribute at Vermont events

•                     Roped off section with “knight” verifying legal age

•                     Limiting the number of drinks per patron

•                     Limiting time of serving to a set time frame

•                     Explicit signage stating all alcoholic beverages can only be consumed in the designated area at the designated times

 

I would like to request special permission for alcoholic sales within an agreed time frame for both days. If there are other parameters needed to meet specifications for this request, please advise.

Also, we would like to accomplish a bonfire Saturday night. What type of burn permits do we need and within what parameters?

Next, for the vendors and performers, can there be onsite camping? Specific rules are in process for those who would be spending the night on site including no alcohol, no noise after 10, and take away all you bring in. Any specific suggestions you would like to see? May we offer onsite camping for Saturday night? Can it be extended to Friday night for early arrivals? This way the vendors are responsible for their own booths and wares.

Finally, we do wish to collaborate with Swanton Village Police. Is that a discussion to have with the Chief directly or first with you, the trustees?

Other items in play, we are working with two SCA groups and a larping group for instructional mock battles and an active encampment in true era dress. Nicole Draper is thinking of games to hold through the rec dept. Abby is interested in holding something through the library as well. I am locating artisans to hold 3-4 classes leading up to the event on how to create your own character and garb.

To be noted, we have our turkey leg provider! Dan’s Northern BBQ is set to go!

I look forward to your feedback and guidance. Thank you for reviewing and discussing this event.

 

The Board began discussions regarding the event and wondered about the alcohol sales. The Arts Council would need to apply for a license from the State of Vermont for that as well as a liability insurance policy. Chief Matt Sullivan stated the brewery and meadery would be used for the license for alcohol. They discussed the mock battle and wondered how big the event would be. Neal Speer stated the bigger concern at this time would be the licensing for the alcohol sales. He said the Village of Swanton Ordinance Section 12 states “no person shall consume, open a container of, or carry an opened container of malt beverage, wine or intoxicating liquor in a “public area” within the Village of Swanton, or in any vehicle parked or operated thereon. “Public area” is defined for the purpose of this section as:

 

(1) Public highways, roads, streets, sidewalks or parking lots open to the public; and

(2) Swanton Village owned property, including parks, buildings and property designated for school and recreational use.

1. Alcohol is permitted on Swanton Village owned property for special events with a permit issued by the Swanton Village Board of Trustees and with proof of applicable liability insurance. The cost of the permit will be $100.”

 

He said after they get their vendors lined up and alcohol permits in place they would then need to get a permit from the Village for the event. Adam Paxman asked if the recreation fields were owned by the Village. Reg Beliveau stated the property is in the Village and the buildings are owned and maintained by the Town. Eugene LaBombard asked if the event would be limited in size and asked if additional police coverage would be needed. He asked if the Arts Council should have to pay for extra police coverage. Chief Sullivan said that would depend on the size of the event and said the police department would review the permit application and make appropriate recommendations. He said he would also suggest double fencing around the beer tent area high enough so that no one could jump the fence and not be screened by who’s trained at looking at ID’s for entrance. Adam asked if we had a permit in place. Dianne Day, Village Clerk, said she thought an approval letter could work as the permit. She said these are new, updated ordinances and as of now there is not a permit in place. She said she could create one for the Village. Adam suggested a permit application be made. Neal said he would like to see more of an agenda for the event. The Board asked about the lighting that’s there and also suggested they contact the nearby residents in the area. Chris Leach asked if this should be held at the Franklin County Field Day site. Neal stated they are asking to use the recreation property so they will go with that. Neal said he doesn’t have a problem with the permit but would like more information first. Dianne Day stated she would schedule Janet for their next Trustee’s meeting.

 

5. Approve and Accept Minutes from Thursday, March 14, 2022 as presented:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, March 14, 2022 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

6. Approve and accept Village Warrants through Thursday, March 17, 2022:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Thursday, March 17, 2022 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

7. Formally Request a Re-Vote on Article 10 – Shall the voters of the Village of Swanton authorize the Board of Trustees to allow the Retail Sale of Cannabis within the Village of Swanton:

 

Neal Speer stated the timing was off the first time they voted on this because an interested party contacted us just prior to adopting the warning. He said both the Village and Town should have voted on this issue. Adam Paxman made the motion to authorize the Village of Swanton to hold a re-vote on whether or not the Trustees would allow the retail sale of cannabis in the Village of Swanton. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

8. Approve and Adopt Warning for April 26, 2022 Re-Vote of Cannabis Article:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adopt the Warning for a re-vote on the cannabis article to be held on April 26, 2022. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

9. Swanton Village Police Department Update:

 

Chief Matthew Sullivan stated the Village Police Department responded to 59 incidents in the month of February. He said they issued 14 traffic warnings and 2 traffic tickets. He said the following is a  breakdown of their top 10 calls for service in both the Village and Town: 4 Welfare Checks; 20 Traffic Stops; 12 Suspicious Person/Circumstance; 10 Community Outreach; 9 Agency Assists; 8 Citizen Disputes; 8 Citizen Assists; 8 Motor Vehicle Complaints; 6 Family Fight/Domestics; and 5 Alarms. Chief Sullivan also showed the list of arrests made in February and they include Domestic Assault, Unlawful Trespass, Driving Under the Influence, and Driving with Criminally Suspended License. Chris Leach stated his handout is very well written and Neal agreed saying this provides a lot more detail. Chief Sullivan stated the house involved in the homicide is back in the landlord’s possession. Neal stated that VT State Police put out a recent update on the North River Street property that was also involved in the homicide. Chris also asked if there were a lot of incidents of vandalism and shoplifting. He said he hears that from his constituents. Chief Sullivan said there have been some but nothing too alarming. The Board thanked him for his update.

 

10. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Dianne Day, Village Clerk, stated that Nicole Draper reached out to request holding Food Truck and Market Sundays in the Village Green again this year on the third Sunday of every month May through September. Adam Paxman made the motion to approve Food Truck and Market Sundays in the Village Green on the third Sunday of every month May through September. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Any Other Business: Dianne Day, Village Clerk, stated that Joanne Crawford from the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, is requesting permission to hold a skateboard workshop at Marble Mill on Saturday, July 9^th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon with a backup date of Saturday, July 23, 2022. Adam Paxman made the motion to approve Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi’s request to hold a skateboard workshop at Marble Mill on Saturday, July 9^th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon with a backup date of Saturday, July 23, 2022. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Any Other Business: Mark Rocheleau asked if the Village planned on doing any tree cutting in the Village Green. Reg said he would discuss this with Tree Warden Hank Lambert and will walk through the park to see what needs cutting.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated that he received an email from Fire Chief Jason Butler stating they held their annual meeting and said the officers remained the same as last year. They are: Fire Chief Jason Butler; Assistant Chief Jason Cross; Captain Daniel Chevalier; Lieutenant Troy Campbell; Lieutenant Lawrence Bouissey and Lieutenant Keesy Jaring. He said they will have two lieutenants in Training this year, Matthew Walker April through September and Matt Depatie October through March.

 

Any Other Business: Jenn Yandow stated she is still working the possibility of putting a car charging station down by the Chamber of Commerce’s building. Reg stated he would like to have the Village’s Electric Rate Tariff updated to include installing meters on the car chargers here at the Complex and have them sponsored by local businesses. He said this would benefit the general public who needs to charge their vehicle and would also benefit the businesses achieve green credits. He said he would continue to look into this and work with VPPSA and the Energy Committee on it.

 

11. Executive Session to Discuss Contracts:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter Executive Session to discuss contracts at 7:40 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:12 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

12. Adjournment:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Special Board of Trustees meeting at 8:12 p.m.  Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:12 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________             _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                            Date

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                Date

 

March 14, 2022

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, March 14, 2022

7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau Jr., Village Manager; Gordon Winters and Ch. 16; Via Zoom: Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager; Sarah Lunn and Lindsey Wight, Missisquoi River Basin Association.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

1. Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

2. Agenda Review:

 

None.

 

3. Pledge of Allegiance:

 

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

4. Public Comment – Removal of Knotweed at Marble Mill with Goats Discussion, Sarah Lunn & Lindsey Wight:

 

Sarah Lunn and Lindsey Wight attended this meeting via zoom and explained the following to the Board of Trustees: The Missisquoi River Basin Association (MRBA) is a non-profit focused on improving and protecting the ecological integrity of the Missisquoi watershed basin. The MRBA has been working for the past few years on researching methods of mechanical control of Japanese knotweed which is a prevalent invasive species within the Missisquoi watershed. The MRBA is proposing a trial control method in Marble Mill Park in Swanton on a patch of knotweed to enclose in fencing and bring in a goat herd to eat the knotweed. It is the hope of the MRBA to host a goat herd (which has already been acquired) that will eat the knotweed down to a level and eventually will allow for native plantings on top. This may take multiple visits of the goat herd, however this will not be at any cost to the Village and all costs will be covered by the MRBA. The MRBA also proposes that if the Village is interested, a local event can be planned for community members to meet the goats at the park as well as have passive education on the threat of invasive species, especially Japanese knotweed in the Missisquoi watershed.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to allow Sarah Lunn and Lindsey Wight from the Missisquoi River Basin Association (MRBA) to fence in a goat herd at Marble Mill Park to eat invasive Japanese Knotweed. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

5. Approve and Accept Minutes from Thursday, March 3, 2022 as presented:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Thursday, March 3, 2022 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

6. Approve and accept Village Warrants through Thursday, March 10, 2022:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Thursday, March 10, 2022 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

7. Hydro Relicensing Update:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, was discussing the relicensing process with the Board and told them how difficult this process really is. He said their license is up in 2024 and it takes a lot of time and effort. He told the Board how well the team at Hydro is working. He also said Morrisville has spent over $1 million dollars so far on their relicensing effort. Neal stated the Village of Swanton has nearly the lowest rates in the State and they would like to keep it that way. Reg informed the Board that he will meet with the agencies involved in April to discuss DME’s. The Board encouraged Reg to keep going and update them when possible.

 

8. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman stated the Chamber of Commerce would like permission to use the park on Saturday, April 16 for their annual Easter egg hunt. He also stated that on Good Friday, April 15^th, the three local churches will be holding their annual cross walk through the Village. Reg suggested he contact the Police Department to let them know. Adam said his word for the week is Ukraine and asked everyone to pray for those folks. Neal asked Adam if they announced the Citizen of the Year award the other night. He said no he didn’t but it was in the paper and they named Herb Bartemy from TDI Repair. Neal stated well deserved and said they are totally community oriented.

 

Any Other Business: Neal Speer said he would like to thank all the participants from last week’s joint board meeting. He said he think they’ve accomplished a lot and said hopefully they can have many more in the near future. Reg stated someone questioned why there was no press release regarding the First Street property and the murder that happened there. Reg said he talked with the Chief of Police about that and he told him VSP is the lead agency and they are not done with their investigation.

 

9. Executive Session to Discuss Customer Account, Real Estate and Personnel:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter Executive Session to discuss customer account, real estate and personnel at 7:50 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:32 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

10. Adjournment:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:32 p.m.  Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:32 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________             _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                            Date

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                Date