August 28, 2017

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, August 28, 2017

7:00 PM

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator; Joey Stell, Chief of Police; 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 7:02 p.m.

 

2.      Agenda Review:

 

None.

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, August 14, 2017:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, August 14, 2017 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, stated he wanted to clarify that the vendor Municipal Emergency Services that was questioned at last meeting was for the purchase of air packs in the Fire Department. Motion carried.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through August 25, 2017:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through August 25, 2017 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

5.      Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator – Resolution for Municipal Planning Grant:

 

Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator, stated she wanted to give an update regarding the Resolution for Municipal Planning Grant. She said this grant would be run through the Town of Swanton but said she is requesting a Resolution Letter of Support to be signed by the Village Trustees. She said this is part of the Swanton Enhancement Project Development Task Force which Adam Paxman is a chair. She said they would like to hold a forum sometime in October of 2018. She said they have identified some areas on how to bring in new businesses and how to help existing businesses expand. She said it’s hard for businesses to expand because they just don’t have the physical ability to do so. She said for available expanding space there isn’t 10,000 square feet available. She said they are also looking at affordable, decent rental housing and child care. She said her hope is they can bring in experts from the community to help them with those target areas. She said the good news is that there is no match for this Municipal Planning Grant of up to $8000.

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, read the Resolution for Support of an Application for a Municipal Planning Grant aloud which reads: Whereas, the Village of Swanton Board of Trustees strongly encourages and wishes to continue to promote new business opportunities, to support existing businesses, and to make Swanton a vibrant  and robust community where its residents live, work, play, shop, and worship; and whereas, the Village of Swanton Board of Trustees wishes to continue to encourage and promote the revitalization of Swanton; and whereas, the Village of Swanton Board of Trustees wishes to continue to provide property owners, business owners, and residents in our community with the opportunity to participate in and have access to planning for the future development of Swanton; now, therefore be it resolved as follows:

 

1. That the Village of Swanton Board of Trustees strongly supports pursuing a Municipal Planning Grant by the Swanton Town Selectboard that will fund an economic development forum; and

 

2. That Swanton Economic Development Coordinator, Elisabeth Nance, is hereby recognized as the primary contact person responsible to coordinate all activities associated with applying for the Municipal Planning Grant.

 

Neal Speer, Village President, asked if this forum was open to the whole State of Vermont. Elisabeth stated that it was for Swanton only. She said she is looking forward to some community involvement because they may have some ideas other than hers. She talked about attracting developers to Swanton and encouraged anyone with ideas to contact her. She said she is also working on a list of commercial properties and if anyone is looking to expand there will be a list of what’s available.

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to sign the Resolution for Support of an Application for a Municipal Planning Grant. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried. The Swanton Village Board of Trustees signed the Resolution.

 

Elisabeth informed the board that she is working with Tim Smith from FCIDC as well as the State of Vermont on a couple of projects that have the potential to be great for Swanton. She said some of her smaller projects include trying to get a local building ADA accessible. She said they are working on doing some beautification projects on some of the vacant buildings in Swanton and this is harder than she thought it would be. Reg stated that he has been working with Elisabeth on some ideas and projects and he said their collaboration is working very well. She can work on some of these projects and keep him informed as to what’s going on. The Board thanked Elisabeth for her hard work on Swanton Village and Swanton Town as a whole.

 

6.      Chief of Police Joey Stell – Village Police Department Update:

 

Chief of Police Joey Stell stated that the summer has gone fairly well and said vandalism complaints are down compared to last summer. He said the new Sergeant is working out very well and has been team building with the other officers. He said they painted their office and added some new cabinets and said the officers did the labor themselves. Chief said he has mapped out some Village streets that have consistent speeding issues and those streets are Spring Street, Canada Street and Grand Avenue. He said First Street is not an issue at this time. He said they are targeting those areas. He stated they are finalizing some details and plans but are inviting the community to their National Night Out on October 21^st of this year. He said there will be a cookout and activities for the kids. Neal Speer asked about the carbon monoxide issue in the cruiser. Chief stated that depended on who you asked and said there has been no straight answer from anyone. He said modifying the vehicles after they are purchased is not the problem either. He said they are keeping the windows cracked and this is only a problem when they run the AC on max and not when they use the heater. Chris asked if they tested the other vehicles and the Chief said they did and there isn’t a problem with any of them. Eugene LaBombard mentioned a speeding vehicle on Route 207 and also stated he saw 4 wheelers on Grand Avenue today. Chief Stell stated that 4 wheelers have been an issue lately and a couple of them have been towed a couple of times this summer. He said Officers Parah, Hooper and Underwood identified who these people are and have been dealing with them. Reg Beliveau reminded people to report an incident when they see it especially when it’s vandalism. Adam Paxman mentioned the traffic at the end of the bridge and Route 78 West between 4 and 5 p.m. He asked if they could have a traffic cop there to help with the congestion. Chief stated he thought that would make it worse and he is trying to figure out why it gets so backed up there. Eugene stated he thinks drivers are not taking turns. Chief Stell stated he would talk with the Agency of Transportation and see if they have any suggestions. Adam also mentioned he would be talking with the Town regarding a traffic light by the Interstate and First Street. Chris Leach asked about the drug problem in the area and asked if they were finding syringes. Chief Stell stated yes they were but not as many as last year. He also said the heroin problem isn’t as bad as it was last year. He said with the NOTCH office expanding they’ve added more opioid addiction staff and have helped some in the community get into treatment. He said the problem is still here but they’ve added more resources and it’s helping some. Adam Paxman asked if the Chief could give them an update on Missisquoi Valley Rescue. Chief Stell said they are doing a wonderful job over there. He said they revamped their scheduling and have ordered a new ambulance. He said the old one is 10-12 years old and is breaking down too often and he said they paid off a line of credit. He said they just sent out an annual subscription drive and by doing so this will lower what they ask the Town for in taxes. He said whatever is covered by someone’s insurance company is what they’ll take for payment, if they purchase this subscription they won’t be charged anything from the ambulance service. Adam Paxman stated he wanted to do a ride along in the very near future. The Board thanked Chief Stell for coming in and giving them an update.

 

7.      Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Chris Leach stated he would like to get a sign on Gallup Court stating “Children at Play.” He said the traffic is going too fast for that street and he’s afraid someone is going to get hit. Discussion took place as to whether or not the Village could put up one of those signs and Dianne Day, Village  Clerk, is going to contact VLCT to see what they recommend.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated he received his Town tax bill and said 90% of it is for the education tax. He commended the Village for having a 2.44% increase and said he appreciates that.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated there would be a Swanton Arts Spectacular event in the Park on September 9, Halloween in the Park will be held on October 28^th and Christmas in the Park will be held on November 25^th. The Board also mentioned the Village would be holding their regular Board of Trustees meeting as well as a Public Informational Meeting on 9/11 at 7 p.m. here at the Village Complex. The public informational meeting will be held to explain the bond vote on the rubber bag at the Highgate Hydro Facility. They encouraged everyone to attend this meeting.

 

Reg Beliveau stated he would need an Executive Session to discuss personnel and Neal Speer stated he needed one for Real Estate.

 

8.      Public Comment:

 

None.

 

9.      Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss Personnel and Real Estate at 7:55 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:24 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

10.  Adjournment:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:24 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

__________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

August 14, 2017

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, August 14, 2017

7:00 PM

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager; 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 7:03 p.m.

 

2.      Agenda Review:

 

Adam Paxman stated he needed to add “Personnel” to the Executive Session.

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, July 24, 2017 and Wednesday, July 26, 2017:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, July 24, 2017 and Wednesday, July 26, 2017 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach stated he would like the Agenda Review paragraph to be made clear. At the last meeting the Board moved the Executive Session to the beginning of the meeting. Eugene LaBombard commented on Adam Paxman’s statement regarding the speed of the traffic in Rouses Point, NY. He said if you are going over the speed limit there you will be pulled over and ticketed. Motion carried with changes.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through August 10, 2017:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through August 10, 2017 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman asked if the Village has seen an increase in customers using ICloud for their payments. Lynn Paradis stated there is a steady flow and her accounts receivable aging is very consistent. He stated our Post Office checks are still pretty high so he assumes not many customers are going paperless. Lynn agreed with that statement.  Chris Leach asked about the City of St. Albans payment. Lynn stated that was the Village’s invoice for dispatching services for the year. He also asked about the Municipal Emergency Services invoice for $41,641.11. Reg Beliveau stated he believed this was for the new pump on the ladder truck in the Fire Department. Motion carried.

 

5.      Village of Swanton is requesting permission to close Community Bank Money Market for $467,984 +/- and Deposit funds in Union Bank Money Market:

 

Lynn Paradis stated the Village has a money market account at Community Bank in the amount of $467,984 and the interest rate they are paying is very low. She is requesting permission to close that account and open an account at Union Bank who is paying a higher interest rate. Chris Leach made the motion to authorize Assistant Village Manager Lynn Paradis to close the money market account at Community Bank and to open a money market account at Union Bank with those same funds. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked if there was a penalty fee for closing the money market account. Lynn stated no there was not a penalty. Motion carried.

 

6.      Authorize Assistant Village Manager to Open Checking Account at Union Bank for the Rubber Bag Replacement Job at Hydro Facility:

 

Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, explained to the Board that she is requesting permission to open a checking account at Union Bank to be used for the rubber bag replacement job at the Hydro Facility. Chris Leach asked why the Loan Anticipation Note was for $2.4 million dollars but the actual number is $2.2 million dollars. Lynn stated that she didn’t have all her numbers when figuring out what they would need for this job. She said now that all quotes and pricing numbers are in, it will cost $2.2 million dollars. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to authorize Assistant Village Manager Lynn Paradis to open a checking account at the Union Bank for the Rubber Bag Replacement Job. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

7.      Sign Union Bank Loan Anticipation Note for $2.4 Million Dollars for Rubber Bag Replacement:

 

Board members signed all necessary documents for the Union Bank Loan Anticipation Note for $2.4 Million Dollars for the Rubber Bag Replacement job.

 

8.      Approve and Set Tax Rate for 2017:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and set tax rate for 2017 at .7910. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Lynn Paradis stated that she estimated the tax rate to be .7949 in the Annual Report but said she was able to come in at .7910. She stated in the General Fund there is a $0.0071 cent change; the Fire Department came in at -$0.0003; the Police Department is up $0.0135 and the Highway Department came in at -$0.0015. She stated that overall there is a 2.44% increase in the Village taxes. On a home assessed at $175,000 the Village tax bill would be $1384.17, up $33 from 2016. On a home assessed at $200,000 their Village tax bill would be $1,581.91, up $37.71 from 2016. The Board thanked Lynn for her hard work in keeping the budgets in line and the tax rate as low as possible. Motion carried.

 

9.      Approve and Sign Bond Vote Warning for Replacement of Rubber Bag Vote to be held September 19, 2017:

 

Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, stated she is working on her 108 filing with the Public Utility Commission for the rubber bag replacement job. She said with her testimony and filing they are anticipating a vote date so the Village determined that September 19, 2017 would be their vote day and September 11, 2017 would be their Public Hearing. Lynn stated the Village will go out 25 years on this bond. She said the Village was planning on replacing the bag in 2018 but because it broke that changed things. She said the Village will no doubt go through this every 25 years or so. Chris Leach stated this is a win/win for the rate payers and the taxpayers. Reg Beliveau said the surge tank is having a lot of sediment because of the bag failure. He said it’s normally very clean but now they needed Drummac to come in and suction the sediment out. Eugene LaBombard stated that while researching replacing the rubber bag or repairing it, it cost two times more to have it repaired. Lynn said the cost for this really hasn’t changed since the last bag went in.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and sign the Bond Vote Warning for the Replacement of the Rubber Bag Vote to be held on September 19, 2017 with an Informational/Public Hearing to be held on Monday, September 11, 2017. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

10.  Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman stated he would like people to slow down with their driving. He said he is going to contact the Town of Swanton and propose a traffic light at the intersection of I-89 and First Street. He said the traffic is backed way up the Interstate. Eugene LaBombard agreed with Adam on this. Adam also stated he has been talking with one of the Selectboard members and they would like to do some fireworks next summer. Reg stated they did some for the 250^th Anniversary of Swanton and it cost approximately $3200. They discussed when they would like to have them and agreed it didn’t have to be on the 4^th of July. Adam also wanted to thank everyone who helped with the Car Show in anyway. He said they had 243 cars in the Village green. He said they received some good comments and also need to work on keeping the park handicap accessible each year. Adam also wanted to remind people about the Arts Spectacular show on September 9^th. Adam also mentioned the Ford Police Cruiser being taken out of service due to the carbon monoxide leaks. Reg stated the cruiser is back in service but they need to keep the windows down when driving it. Eugene LaBombard stated he did some research on this topic and this is only happening in police vehicles. He said it may have to do with the all the adaptations made to the vehicles after the sale. He said holes are being drilled by retrofitters and this may be causing the problem. He suggested the police department check their other vehicles as well.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman asked that when things calm down at the Hydro Plant could the Maintenance Crew fix the ceiling the Fire Department. He said some of the tiles are falling down. Eugene LaBombard suggested they take a tour of the whole building and check things over.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach asked if the Highgate Converter sale took place yet. Lynn Paradis stated it went through and said VPPSA sold their share to Transco but said Stowe and Burlington retained their shares.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard said he was approached by someone that wanted to have a hot dog stand in Swanton. Reg Beliveau stated he put them in touch with the Zoning Administrator. He said there was nothing in the bylaws for the Village.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard asked about vehicles parking in green spaces obstructing stop signs. He also mentioned the drinking fountain in the park. Adam said he witnessed someone filling 20 gallon jugs of water. Reg stated he has a new spicket to put on the fountain. Eugene also asked about the flushing of hydrants. Reg stated they did a sprinkler test over the weekend and that’s what stirred the water up. Eugene said his water is still dirty and it’s been three days already. Reg said they could check it in the morning and see what’s going on.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated that he will be doing the Channel 15 show on August 16^th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and asked who wanted to go with him. Chris Leach stated he would go this time.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau said the electric car chargers have been getting used. He said there are some workers at VT Precision Tools who use them as well as some Canadians. He also stated the Teen Center will need a letter of intent to help find a suitable home for them. He said there are some grants available but they need this letter of support.

 

11.  Public Comment:

 

Heather Buczkowski stated that the Dam Duck Derby will be held on September 9^th as well. She said tickets can be purchased in advance.

 

12.  Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Personnel and Real Estate at 7:52 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:42 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

13.  Adjournment:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:53 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

__________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

July 24, 2017

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, July 24, 2017

7:00 PM

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Mark Rocheleau, Chamber of Commerce; Frank Huth, 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 7:04 p.m.

 

2.      Agenda Review:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, stated he needed to add Personnel to the Executive Session and requested the Board move that item to the beginning of the meeting. He stated he would like to go into Executive Session right after Item #4.

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, July 10, 2017:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, July 10, 2017 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, July 21, 2017:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, July 21, 2017 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

5.      Executive Session to Discuss Personnel:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Personnel at 7:07 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session and re-enter Open Session at 7:30 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

6.      Fill Village of Swanton Vacancy on Northwest Regional Planning Commissions’ Board of Commissioners:

 

Chris Leach informed the Board that Elizabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator, has submitted a letter expressing her interest in filling the vacancy at Northwest Regional Planning Commissions’ Board of Commissioners. Chris Leach made the motion to accept her letter of interest and to have her fill his position at Northwest Regional Planning Commissions’ Board of Commissioners. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

7.      Approve and Sign Electric Line of Credit:

 

Dianne Day, Village Clerk, informed the Board that Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, had received a quote from the Union Bank for a Bond Anticipation Loan to finance the replacing of the rubber dam at the Hydro Facility. She said the amount of the Bond Anticipation Loan is $2.4 million dollars with a one year term and an interest rate of 1.35%.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to authorize Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, to accept the Union Bank’s quote for a Bond Anticipation Loan with a one year term and an interest rate of 1.35%. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

8.      Review SQRP Summary on 2017 2^nd Quarter:

 

Chris Leach stated the Village of Swanton is still doing an exceptional job and thanked them for that. He said this is a tool that keeps track of the Village’s work orders and billing performance. He said the Village scores perfectly in their baseline. Chris said he wanted to thank the Electric Department and the Office staff for their extremely good service and stated the Board has reviewed and is in receipt of this 2^nd quarter SQRP report.

 

9.      Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Chris Leach asked if the State of Vermont paving job was done yet. Reg Beliveau stated no they still have some jobs that need to be done. He said the rain has stopped the Village from doing some jobs so he thought the State was having the same issue.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated while driving around the Village he has noticed there aren’t as many “garage sale” signs attached to utility poles. Reg Beliveau stated this is against the law and he strongly encourages residents not to nail garage sale signs to the poles. He said you could be saving the life of a lineman by not doing this.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated he drove through Rouses Point, NY the other day and noticed how slow the traffic went through that area. He wondered what they are doing that the Village isn’t. He said their speed limit is posted at 30 mph but people drove much slower through the Town. He asked that drivers please slow down and care a bit more about each other. He asked that drivers also take notice of people trying to cross the street using the flashing crosswalks.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated there have been some issues with vehicles parking on the green spaces near corners making it difficult for other vehicles to see around. He stated the Board should review some of their old Ordinances and update them.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated that he has been working on some permits pertaining to the rubber bag at the Hydro plant. He said he is talking with the State of Vermont and also with the Army Corps of Engineers and said they shouldn’t have any issues with permits and with limitations on their timeframe. He said things are moving along and feels the Village is on track with this job.

 

10.  Public Comment:

 

Mark Rocheleau asked if the Village had any plans on paving Canada Street in the near future. Reg Beliveau stated that Mike Menard has been looking at it but said with this road being a little rough it slows traffic down a little. Mark stated his other issue has to do with the drinking fountain at the north end of the Village Park. He said over the weekend he watched a pickup pull up and fill a 55 gallon tank with water. He said this same truck came back about 4 hours later and filled that tank again. He said he would suggest the Village take the spicket off from the fountain so people use this as a drinking fountain only. Reg stated they had this same issue a few years back and they approached the individual who was filling tanks of water and he would come into the Village office and pay for it. He also said he thought the Village had put a spring loaded faucet on a while back. He said he would check it out and remove it so that people cannot fill large tanks of water. Mark also said he wanted to remind everyone about the Car Show this weekend and said he is hoping for a lot of cars. He thanked the Village for making the park look so nice and also said he was happy the Swans are back in the park. The Board thanked Mark for coming in.

 

11.  Adjournment:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 7:53 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 7:53 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

__________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

July 26, 2017

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

SPECIAL MEETING

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

4:00 PM

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; 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 Special Board of Trustees meeting and called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

 

2.      Approve Request for Service Engineering Quotes for Rubber Bag Installation:

 

Reg Beliveau informed the Board that the Village of Swanton had sent an Engineering Request for Proposals letter out to three engineering companies. He said those companies are H.L. Turner Group out of Concord, NH; Gomez and Sullivan Engineers out of Utica, NY; and Kleinschmidt out of Pittsfield, ME. Reg stated his letter requested a lump sum quote for the oversight on the replacement of the existing rubber dam at the Highgate Falls Hydroelectric Plant. He stated whichever engineering firm the Village goes with they would have to report to FERC and also work with Pizzagali Construction. He said he thinks the Village will only need part time engineering services for this rubber bag replacement job. He also said H.L. Turner was around when the first rubber bag was installed and the other two engineering firms have worked for the Village on other projects as well.

 

Reg Beliveau said H.L. Turner’s quote is for $16,750; Kleinschmidt’s quote is for $16,900 and Gomez and Sullivan’s quote is for $29,900. Chris Leach stated he feels the Village has more history with H.L. Turner Group but also said Pizzagali has worked with Kleinschmidt. He said there is very little difference between those two companies and asked Reg who he felt more comfortable with.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to authorize the Village of Swanton to hire H.L. Turner Group, Inc. for Engineering Services for the Replacement of the Existing Pneumatic Bladder (Rubber Dam) at the Highgate Hydroelectric Plant for a sum of $16,750. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Reg Beliveau stated he has worked with H.L. Turner Group for the majority of his time here and they know what to expect from each other. Motion carried.

 

3.      Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, gave the Board a brief update on the Rubber Bag project.

 

4.      Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

None.

 

5.      Adjournment:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Special Board of the Trustees meeting at 4:19 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 4:19 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

__________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

July 10, 2017

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, July 10, 2017

7:00 PM

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Eugene LaBombard, Village Trustee; Adam Paxman, Village Trustee; Chris Leach, Village Trustee; Reg Beliveau, Village Manager; Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager; David Jescavage, Town Administrator; and Ch. 16.

 

1. Call to Order:

 

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

 

2. Agenda Review:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, stated that David Jescavage, Town Administrator, was present tonight to discuss the Quit Claim Deed the Village did for the Town. He said the Board also needed to discuss and sign a Resolution pertaining to the Downtown area and that could fall under Any Other Business. Reg also stated he needed an Executive Session to discuss personnel.

 

3. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, June 26, 2017:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, June 26, 2017 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

4. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, July 7, 2017:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, July 7, 2017 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

The Board decided to move Item #7 Any Other Business, to Item #5.

 

5. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

David Jescavage, Town Administrator, said he would begin with the renewal of the Village Center Designation. He said this year he would like to get approval to expand the Village Center Designation which would include going across the river. He said the benefit of this would be to encourage economic growth and a business could then benefit from tax credits and grants. He said he feels the State would now approve this expanded Village Center Designation. He said he also moved the line further up Canada Street to include some of the existing businesses there. He said south on Church Street he included the senior housing units as well in case they need to do any renovations. He said he is asking the Trustees to approve a Resolution supporting the application to have the Village Center Designation approved this year. He said he wasn’t sure how the State would approve this, they could leave it the same as last year’s or approve the requested changes. Chris Leach asked if any of our local businesses been successful in using any of these tax credits or grants. Dave stated he wasn’t sure if any have used them or not. Reg stated he wasn’t sure how extensive it was to apply for any of these tax credits or grants. Dave said this is renewed every five years. Chris Leach made the motion to approve and support the renewal of the Village Center Designation Resolution with the abovementioned changes. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried. The Board members signed the Resolution.

 

Any Other Business: David Jescavage stated that on Babbie Boulevard from Route 78 at the end of the Fournier property there is a small parcel of land. He said because it’s located in the Town of Swanton they were under the assumption that the Town owned that property. He said the Board of Selectmen made a deal with Fournier’s Farm Equipment to swap a piece of equipment in exchange for that parcel of land. He said it’s so small nothing could really be done with it other than parking for when they have their auctions. He said when he contacted their attorney to draw up the deed for it they discovered the Village owned the land. He said the Town Selectboard asked him to contact the Village Trustees and ask if they would be willing to sign it over to the Town so they could then sign it over to Fournier’s Farm Equipment in exchange for a piece of equipment. He said the Village Trustees approved that transaction and he now needs them to sign this deed. He said the Village needs to do a Quit Claim Deed which has a 30 day waiting period with notices printed in the local newspaper and notices put in public places in Town for this 30 day period. He said if anyone wanted to petition the Village to not convey it to the Town they could do a protest petition and it would then go to a public vote. He said he doesn’t foresee anything like that happening but it is a formality that needs to be done. Once the 30 day period is up and the Trustees authorize Neal Speer, Village President, to sign the deed the Town would then be able to convey it to Fournier’s Farm Equipment. He said this would benefit both the Town and Village by adding a little bit to the Grand List because as it stands now it’s pretty much useless. Chris Leach said they have discussed this and are in agreement with this. Chris Leach made the motion to approve and sign the Resolution and to give authority to Neal Speer, Village President, to sign the Quit Claim Deed at the end of the 30 day waiting period, conveying this parcel of land over to the Town of Swanton. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

6. Clarification of the Water Hauler Issue:

 

Reg Beliveau stated when they last discussed this they mentioned the customer charge staying with the Village but the water used going to the Fire Department. Lynn Paradis, stated that was not the case and said the numbers that Dianne Day, Village Clerk, gave them that evening was what it cost for the Village to make that water. She said those rates would make the Village whole on the water used. Eugene LaBombard stated that was what he assumed also. Reg Beliveau said he remembers discussion on giving the Fire Department a piece of this charge. Eugene also stated the Village has a 40% water loss and asked how that compares to other towns. Lynn stated they should be around 25% not 40%. Eugene stated that is a lot of water to be losing and suggested they wait and see where they are in a few months. He said he doesn’t believe the water haulers are taking that much water. Lynn stated the fountain in the Village Green as well as the Swan Pond take quite a bit of water and that’s not being billed for. Eugene said he doesn’t think people are using that much water from the drinking fountain. Lynn said she is talking about the cascading fountain on the other end of the park. Reg said it was metered at one time and it isn’t taking a lot of water. Eugene suggested that be checked to make sure. Reg said there is a meter there so it’s easy enough to figure out. Adam stated people are using the drinking fountain as well filling five gallon jugs at a time. Adam stated there was a leak in the Swan Pond a couple of years ago but said that was fixed before the swans came back this year. Neal Speer asked if the Board was clear on the water hauler issue. Reg Beliveau stated he was clear.

 

7. Update on Orman Croft Generating Facility Dam:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, stated the new rubber bag was ordered and said their attorney talked with the Public Authority Commission and they approved replacing the rubber bag dam. Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, stated they are still going to have to do a 108 filing but they have agreed to move it along and not drag their feet with it. She said after they receive the Public Authority Commission’s approval with the 108 filing they will need to get voter approval as well. She said the bag is ordered but the Village doesn’t have regulatory approval yet. She said they can’t file the 108 until they get all the moving pieces together. She said she’s gotten a quote on the legal expense, she’s waiting on the engineering quote and also the installation quote. Reg said they’ve had conversations with the contractor that gave them a quote last fall. He said their attorney suggests the contractor give an updated quote at this time. Reg said he met with the contractor and he’s hoping he has that updated quote by the end of the week. Reg also said he’s contacted an engineer and because this is only done every 25 years or so they will need to use an engineer on parts of this job. Chris Leach stated the more safety checks they have the better off they’ll be. Reg said he will be talking with the Army Corps of Engineers this week also about doing work on the river. He said he also needs to contact the Agency of Natural Resources as well regarding permits but said that should go smoothly. Chris said this is a replacement not an upgrade. Reg agreed and said the last time this was done there were a lot of upgrades that took place and that’s not the case with this one. He said they are going to get a diver in there to see what’s left from the last installation. He said they may also recommend a roadway be put in for the crane to bring the bag in. He said hopefully early to mid October the bag will be here and it will be quick turn around. He said one of the reasons they are moving forward like they are is because if they wait they might not be able to install the dam in the winter time and the revenue loss would be extreme. He said VPPSA did an analysis and it would be well over $300,000. Lynn said the increase in power costs is going to be more than what the bond payment would be yearly if they lost that revenue. Reg said the St. Albans Messenger has done a great job in getting accurate information out about the issues the Village is facing. He said they should have a sit down with Channel 15 to get the information out there about this topic. He said he’d like to have a live show where people can call in with questions. He said the more information they get out there the better off they’ll be. He said yes there will be an increase in the rates but they had already anticipated that because the bag was due to be replaced in 2018. Eugene LaBombard stated that the increase would be a lot more if they didn’t replace it. Reg said he’s gathered a lot of information in a week’s time and things are moving along nicely so far. He also said he heard back from the manufacturer of the bag and they took off the expedited fees they were charging the Village. The Trustees were glad to hear that and said they appreciated it. Chris Leach said he’s always had a lot of respect for Pizzagali as well. Reg said the cost of this bag is less than what it cost 25 years ago. He said he was told with this new design it should last approximately 25 years. He also said the trash rake is really taking a beating right now with all the debris. The Board thanked Reg for the update and offered their help if he needed it. Lynn stated that at their next meeting she would have a line of credit that would need to be approved and signed also.

 

8. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Chris Leach stated with his resignation from Northwest Regional Planning Commission they need to find a replacement from the Village of Swanton to represent the Village. He asked if they should advertise or if they knew of anyone that would be willing to do it. Eugene LaBombard mentioned Elizabeth Nance and said she would be perfect for this position. Chris Leach stated he would go see her and ask her if she would be interested in doing this.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman said the Chamber of Commerce Car Show will be held on July 29^th and he urged everyone to come and check it out. He also said there was a small sink hole by Marble Mill and said it’s already been taken care of. Adam also said he would like to remind people to slow down as there are a lot of people walking and riding bikes. Eugene stated they should revisit making Brown Avenue a “no left turn” street.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard said they should consider getting registered for the NEPPA Conference coming up. Reg stated he just received some information on that. Adam stated he couldn’t go this year and Eugene stated he would be going. Lynn stated she would check out the cost and let them know. The NEPPA Conference is in Rhode Island this year.

 

Any Other Business: Neal Speer stated the swans are doing fine and seem to be right at home in the park. They stated how pretty the swans are and said they seem happy.

 

9. Public Comment:

 

None.

 

10. Executive Session to Discuss Personnel:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session at 7:51 p.m. to discuss Personnel. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:21 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

11. Adjournment:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of Trustees meeting at 8:21 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:21 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

__________________________                                ____________________

Neal Speer, Village President                                       Date

 

 

__________________________                                ____________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                           Date

 

June 26, 2017

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, June 26, 2017

7:00 PM

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager; 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 7:04 p.m.

 

2.      Agenda Review:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, stated he needed to add Real Estate to the Executive Session and also had one item to be added to Any Other Necessary Business.

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, June 12, 2017:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, June 12, 2017 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, June 23, 2017:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, June 23, 2017 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

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

 

Dianne Day explained to the Board that currently the Village of Swanton does not charge water haulers for filling their tanks at the Village Fire Department. She said the Village is proposing to charge like we charge a Commercial Town customer. There would be a $92.63 customer charge per month, as well as charge of $5.11 per 1,000 gallons of water. For example, a water hauler taking 12,000 gallons of water for the month of June would be charged $92.63 customer charge and $61.32 for the water, for a total monthly bill of $153.95.

 

She said at this time, the Fire Department is getting a flat donation from these individual water haulers, which varies from year to year depending on how much water they take.

 

She stated she called Milton and currently they charge $7.08 per 1,000 gallons but said they are going to raise that price. She said they heard they also charged them for the cost of a water meter but she didn’t confirm that when she talked with her. They do have a meter and keep track of usage that way.

 

Dianne stated she called St. Albans City and they are currently charging .656 cents per 100 gallons which amounts to $6.56 per 1,000 gallons of water as well as a $50 hook up fee. A 12,000 gallon water usage bill would cost $78.72 for water and a $50 hookup fee, for a total bill of $128.72. She said she thinks they only charge that $50 once for the summer.

 

The problem the Village is having now is that the water haulers are not coming in to the Village Office and letting them know how much water they are taking. They go into the Fire Department through the back garage and help themselves to the water and also come after hours and on weekends. There is a water meter out there but no one is recording the usage. She asked if the Village should put a lock on the water valve and only allow them to come during business hours and not after 4 and on weekends.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to structure a water usage charge for the water haulers the same as a Town Commercial account is charged to be effective as of July 1, 2017. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked that each individual water hauler be notified by letter explaining these charges and also stated they need to come during business hours. If they need water on the weekends or after hours it would have to be scheduled with the Fire Department and at their discretion. Motion carried.

 

6.      Discussion on Highgate Dam:

 

Chris Leach stated he just wanted to mention how the situation up at the Hydro Plant was handled very well. He said there was no major flooding and the quick action taken by everyone involved was perfect. Reg Beliveau said he would give a walk thru of how the events unfolded on June 14^th. He said at approximately 2 p.m. the Hydro Plant received an alarm on the dam. He said it was reset immediately and then it went off again. It showed that the rubber bag was holding pressure but was not working properly. He said the operator decided to take a walk over and check it out and could see the bag was hissing at the fold by the bottom of the concrete. She then activated the EAP (Emergency Action Plan) and turned the units on 100%. Reg said it was determined that they couldn’t initiate a repair but instead would have to do a slow release. He said 1 to 2’ of water was flowing over the bag per hour which is comparable to spring runoff. He said they couldn’t put anyone inside the bag because it was too dangerous. Reg said the EAP was lifted at approximately 9:20 p.m. He said the first couple of hours were pretty scary but everything went according to plan. He said they called FERC and the bag manufacturer show up last week. He told Reg that they have made some changes in the rubber bag design and they are now rated to last approximately 25-30 years. He said a new bag will cost about $1,432,000 and they received a quote a few months back and the installation cost was approximately $620,000. Reg said the Village will have to hold a Public Vote and also do a 108 filing in order to replace the bag.

 

Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, stated that this project will cost approximately $2.4 million dollars for everything and she has asked Union Bank to provide her with a quote on some long term financing. She said her testimony is written and the Public Service Board will analyze it. She said it’s in the best interest of our ratepayers to get this rubber bag replaced as soon as possible. Reg stated the Village would hold public hearings and get this information out to the public as soon as things allow and he said he’s hopeful the Village taxpayers would approve this purchase. Lynn stated the Village was intending on applying for a rate increase next year due to the solar projects being built. She said she anticipates a 5-7% increase. Lynn stated Al Mosher was invaluable to the Village with his knowledge of the rubber bag and installation of it. She stated she would like Al to be an integral part of this rubber bag replacement. She said the hydro operators are working 12 hour shifts and they are having issues with the racks being filled with debris from the river bottom. The Board of Trustees were in agreement when saying they wanted this to move forward as soon as possible and to get the bag ordered. Adam Paxman made the motion to authorize the Village of Swanton to order a replacement rubber bag for the Orman Croft Generating Facility. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

7.      Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Reg Beliveau informed the Board that he received a letter from the Northwest Regional Planning Commission asking for a letter of intent from the Village of Swanton for their RPC/DEC Municipal Roads Grants-In-Aid Pilot Project. He stated this would provide funding for road construction, proper ditching etc. He said the Town of Swanton is also participating in this pilot project. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to authorize the Village of Swanton to sign a Letter of Intent and participate in the RPC/ DEC Municipal Roads Grants-In-Aid Pilot Project. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Any Other Business: Lynn Paradis stated that last week herself, Brian Bishop and Reg Beliveau met with the State of Vermont regarding the MVUHS water line replacement job. She said there are a lot of hoops to jump through and she will be putting a separate line item under Capital Improvement in her budgets for next year.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated he wanted to welcome Sam and Betty home and said they once again have swans in the Village park.

 

8.      Public Comment:

 

None.

 

9.      Executive Session to Discuss Customer Account and Personnel:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Customer Account, Personnel and Real Estate at 8:11 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to exit Executive Session and re-enter Open Session at 8:38 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: Chris Leach made the motion to do a Quit Claim Deed of a small triangular piece of property in the Industrial Park on Jonergin Drive over to the Town of Swanton. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

 

10.  Adjournment:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:40 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

__________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date