September 23, 2019

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, September 23, 2019

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; Philip “Butch” Patch; Crystal & Antonio Woods; Vic Woods; John & Patricia Rushlow; Rob & Ann Thomas and Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

1. Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, welcomed all to the Regular Board of Trustees meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

2. Agenda Review:

 

Neal Speer stated he needed an Executive Session to discuss Real Estate.

3. Public Comment:

 

Butch Patch informed the Board that he was hand delivered a Notice of Alleged Violation on September 16, 2019 from the VT Agency of Natural Resources. He said according to this notice, it states the description of the alleged violation to be: without first obtaining a permit, you have placed or allowed to be placed more than 10 cubic yards of waste concrete on the riverbank of the Missisquoi River on property you own and/or control located at 15 South River Street in Swanton. He said the notice further states that he has to apply for a Stream Alteration Permit for the removal of the subject waste concrete and stabilization of the riverbank by October 1, 2019. Butch said he has maintained this riverbank since he’s owned his property and has spent a lot of money stabilizing the bank over the years. Butch said he is hoping he’s not going to be a pawn in the dam removal issue. He said he has even planted vegetation in the concrete wall because that’s what the state asked for and said it’s sloped like they asked for. He said he’s done everything he’s been asked to do and now all of a sudden it’s now an issue. Neal Speer stated now that they know who to contact the Board will address this and contact that individual. Butch said the State has given him 10 days to reply and he has no problem contacting them and asking for an extension. Reg Beliveau stated he should reply so that he’s not issued a fine and also do an inquiry about why these stabilization walls are allowed on the lake along Maquam Shore Road but not the river. Eugene LaBombard asked Butch how long this wall has taken Butch to complete. Butch stated several years and said he still continues to add blocks when needed due to erosion. He showed the Board pictures of his wall. Neal stated the Board would get back to him as soon as they’ve heard something.

 

4. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, September 9, 2019 Meeting:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from the Monday, September 9, 2019 meeting as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman asked if the King Street sidewalk issue has been rescheduled. Village Clerk Dianne Day said no not as of yet, that the individual has not called to get back on the agenda. Adam stated this item should be tabled at this time. Chris Leach asked if Bruce Spaulding has worked on the Lady Liberty monument. Neal Speer stated Ron Kilburn provided them with information from the company in Boston that cleaned the monument in 1999. Ron is contacting them to see if this cleaning solution would be okay to use on it. He will let them know what he finds out. Motion carried.

 

5. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through September 20, 2019:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through September 6, 2019 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman asked about the payment made to Peak Motor. Reg Beliveau stated this was for the pumps at the Wastewater Plant. Chris Leach asked about the SS Solar payment and Eugene LaBombard asked if the payment to MVP was monthly. Motion carried.

 

 

6. Crystal Woods – Noise Complaint on Fourth Street:

 

Neal Speer stated Antonio and Crystal Woods were present tonight along with some of their neighbors to present their side of the story regarding the noise complaint with their rooster Onyx. Crystal introduced herself to the Board and said she and her family have lived at 11 Fourth Street for about 8 years. She said during this time the Bourgeois’ have made many complaints about their trees, their dogs and what they do on their property. She said they mostly ignore their complaints and for the most part all got along. She said in early spring 2019 her son Vic got some chicks and all were supposed to be hens for eggs but one ended up being a rooster (Onyx). She said she raised her children that when they take on an animal it is a lifetime commitment as the shelters are overrun with adoptable animals and thousands are euthanized every day. She said when they put the chicks outside because they were getting too big for the house that’s when the problems started. She said Onyx did crow as he was coming into maturity. She said the Bourgeois’ never once asked to talk to them in a respectful manner about the rooster bothering them. She said she was yelled at one morning while letting her dogs out and since then have tried different things to try and calm the situation down. She said they tried covering the cage so he didn’t crow as early, they tried a no-crow collar that they purchased from Amazon and they also moved the cage further away from the house. She said they have managed to keep him quiet during quiet times in the Village. She said when they didn’t get rid of the rooster their neighbors started calling the police on them and complaining to the Village. She said they didn’t just complain about the rooster, it ranged from the rooster to the noise from her son’s truck and from the radio playing in the garage while working in there. She said at this point it seemed pointless to get rid of the rooster to solve the problem because they were complaining about everything. Crystal said she is asking the Village to not put an ordinance in place to support the Bourgeois’ complaints. She said they are not doing anything illegal and they are Village taxpayers and take good care of their property. She said they try to follow the laws and try not to bother their neighbors and even help them out when they can.  She said if the Village puts an ordinance in place their rooster was there beforehand and grandfathered in. She said an ordinance would have to be retroactive and that is illegal.  She said Swanton has been a farming community for years and people are returning to growing their own vegetables and raising farm animals for organic food. She said putting an ordinance in place would take that choice away from them as well. She said the Bourgeois’ are wasting taxpayer dollars by using up valuable resources on trivial matters rather than important things happening as they speak. She said there are drug issues to be dealt with not roosters crowing and playing music in the middle of the day, there are far more important things to deal with. Lastly, Crystal says, if noise bothers them then living in the Village is not the place for them. She said Fourth Street is a busy street. There is a school with noisy children, there are neighbors that cut wood for their heat in the winter, and there is Swanton Limestone that makes noise all day that can be heard from Fourth Street with the blasting and drilling for stone. Neal Speer asked if those present were here in support of the Woods’. Bob Thompson stated having a rooster is no different than hearing a dog bark in the Village, he said its part of nature. He said he agrees with Crystal about this. He said back in the 1990’s his son had a race car that they would work on during the day. He said they never received one complaint. Reg Beliveau said they have made measures trying to keep Onyx quiet. Crystal said they have even looked into having the rooster neutered but it costs approximately $200. She said he seems to be more noisy when people are around and they are hoping that calms down the older he gets. She said they are hoping to get him re-homed but roosters are not in high demand. She said even if they get rid of the rooster their neighbors won’t stop making complaints on them. Neal said he appreciates their attempts at trying to remedy the situation. He said they will work together and try and come up with a peaceful resolution. The Board thanked everyone for coming in.

 

7. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman stated the Fire Chief, Police Chief and Board of Trustees received a letter regarding the fireworks that were held in the Village after the Arts Spectacular Show. He said he will acknowledge receipt of the letter. Adam also asked if there would be a comparison done on the health care insurance. He said Halloween in the Park will be held on October 26 and Christmas in the Park will be held on December 7^th. He said the Chamber of Commerce building has been moved and the carpet will be installed soon. He also said Sam and Betty will be moved to MVUHS very soon for the winter.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach stated the sidewalk on Robinhood Drive looks good. He also said there was a motor vehicle accident in front of Swanton Lumber and said the pole was hit and needs to be replaced.

 

Any Other Business: Neal Speer stated the lights and soffet looks great downtown.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard stated while traveling in different towns he has seen numerous signs stating “Engine Brake Mufflers Required.” He said this is something to keep in mind when dealing with noise ordinances. Chris Leach stated he has talked with other town officials and asked them how they measure noise.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated he received a call about littering along Maquam Shore and Lake Street. He also mentioned the Zero Energy Modular home in the Village Park that’s on display for Public Power Week.

 

 

8. Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate at 7:56 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:25 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

9. Adjournment:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:25 p.m.  Chris Leach seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________             _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                            Date

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                Date

 

 

 

September 9, 2019

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, September 9, 2019

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; Elijah Emerson, Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer; Michael & Sherlyn Bourgeois; Desireah Ladieu, Isabel Bennett; Bruce Spaulding; John Lumsden, MVUHS;  Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator; 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:

 

Dianne Day, Village Clerk, stated that Adam Noel contacted her today and cannot make tonight’s meeting so #8 is removed from the agenda. The Board suggested John Lumsden be heard under #8 instead, as well as Bruce Spaulding. Adam Paxman stated he needed an executive session to discuss personnel.

3. Public Comment:

 

None.

 

4. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, August 26, 2019 Meeting:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from the Monday, August 26, 2019 meeting as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

5. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through September 6, 2019:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through September 6, 2019 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Eugene LaBombard asked if the large payment made to VPPSA was due to the Hydro Plant shutdown. Reg stated that was part of it but said they had very minimal water. Motion carried.

 

6. Elijah Emerson, Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer, Presentation on Electric Regulatory Industry:

 

Eli Emerson from Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer, was present for this discussion and stated that the Board as Trustees are in charge of the operations of the electric department but said it is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission. They discussed VPPSA being a good resource for the Village of Swanton because they are larger and have better buying power. He said they purchase power out of state on the Village’s behalf. Eli’s presentation included discussion on financial activities such as issuance of debt, ratemaking, regulated vs. unregulated service and out of state investments, construction and out of state energy purchases. They talked about regulated utility projects including the rebuilding of and repairing existing structures. Discussion took place regarding projects and construction and what activities are subject to Section 248/Certificate of Public Good Proceedings. They also discussed Act 250 – environmental considerations, water quality considerations, etc. Eli informed the Board of issues unique to municipal utilities under Title 30, Chapter 79; Title 17 and Title 24. Chris Leach stated they are in the process of relicensing the Hydro Plant and asked Eli if his firm needed to be involved in this. Eli stated they don’t tend to do FERC work. He said they are Vermont specific and work in water quality certifications, etc. The Board thanked Eli for his presentation.

 

 

 

7. Michael & Sherlyn Bourgeois, Rooster Causing Noise Complaint on Fourth Street:

 

Michael and Sherlyn Bourgeois, along with Desireah Ladieu, all residents from Fourth Street were present for this discussion. Michael stated he didn’t want to pick on one bird so suggested this be called a “noise” complaint and not a “rooster” complaint. He said the noise is incessant and after talking with the Zoning Administrator and Village Manager, he found out there is no noise ordinance in place for the Village of Swanton regarding farm animals. He said they need to make sure quality of life is here and they need that piece of mind. He said certain animals in the Village could affect one’s property value. Neal Speer asked them if they have contacted the Animal Control officer for Swanton and said he can’t understand how this has gone on this long without being resolved. Mr. Bourgeois stated he has and was told he doesn’t handle these kinds of issues. Elisabeth Nance suggested he contact Gary Centabar on the Town Selectboard as he works with the Animal Control Officer. Dianne Day, Village Clerk, stated she was contacted today by a lady from Enosburg who will be offering a class in October at the Swanton Public Library teaching residents how to care for chickens. She said the lady wanted to know if there was an Ordinance in place and said she would call back prior to her class. Desireah Ladieu stated she lives on the other side of this residence with the rooster and said in crows constantly and is a nuisance. The Board stated they would look into this further and would research a noise/farm animal ordinance.

 

8. Adam Noel – Discussion on King Street Sidewalk:

 

Item Tabled. John Lumsden, MVUHS Athletic Director, was given this item #. He said MVUHS will be holding their pep rally on Friday, September 20^th and he is requesting permission to have their parade on Canada Street this year instead of First Street. He said they should be coming through the Village at approximately 6 p.m. and said the MVU band will be marching this year too. He said it is also the 50^th anniversary of their alumni and some of those members will also march in the parade. He said they will also have a firework display at 8:45 p.m. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve MVUHS’s request to hold a parade on Friday, September 20^th at 6 p.m. on Canada Street in the Village of Swanton. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

Bruce Spaulding stated that about a year ago he met an individual who cleans military and war veterans headstones two days per week. He said he introduced him to this and showed him what product he uses to do so. Bruce stated he knows the Board is interested in having Lady Liberty in the Village Green cleaned and he is requesting permission to clean the four monument stones that sit at the base of the Lady Liberty. He said he is very confident this product won’t harm the stones or the statue. He said he is also looking for any individuals who would like to join him in cleaning veterans’ headstones at our local cemeteries. He said he has been doing so all summer and has a goal of getting 50 stones cleaned before winter. He said he would show anyone interested how to use this product. Chris Leach stated he thinks this is a great idea and thanked Bruce for cleaning the military headstones. Chris Leach made the motion to approve Bruce Spaulding cleaning the four base stones that sit at the Lady Liberty statue in the Village Green. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

9. Economic Development Coordinator Update:

 

Elisabeth Nance stated the words “no more than” need to come out of the Historic Preservation Commission ordinance. She also informed the Board that the Village of Swanton was awarded a VTrans grant in the amount of $34,000 to complete another traffic pattern study downtown. She said there is a 20 percent match required from the Village and she is requesting the Village budget $6800 for this next year. She said this was done in 2001 but can’t be used and needs to be done again. Chris Leach said there needs to be a steering committee that looks at traffic from the First Street intersection, Grand Avenue and Canada Street. He said he would like to be a part of this committee as well. Adam Paxman made the motion authorizing Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, to sign all necessary documents pertaining to this downtown traffic study grant. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

10. Approve and Adopt Swanton Electric Department’s Privacy Policy:

 

Chris Leach made the motion for the Village of Swanton to approve and adopt Swanton Electric Department’s Privacy Policy as written. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

11. 2019 December Transco Equity Offer/Purchase:

 

Reg Beliveau informed the Board that Vermont Transco is expecting to issue equity in November and December of this year. He said the Village of Swanton is eligible to purchase $109,810 worth of equity and said VPPSA will finance this purchase on the Village’s behalf. Chris Leach made the motion to approve VPPSA financing $109,810 worth of equity for the Village of Swanton and to also purchase any other members share if they decline. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

12. Efficiency Vermont’s Zero Energy Modular Program and Open House September 23 through October 6, Church Street on the Park Side:

 

Reg Beliveau informed the Board that Efficiency Vermont will have a Zero Energy Modular home set up on the Village Green from September 23 through October 6. He said there will be open houses on Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. He also said Public Power Day will be held on October 5^th and on September 25^th the Village of Swanton along with Efficiency Vermont, the VT Council on Rural Development and VPPSA will be interviewed on Channel 15. He urged everyone to come and check out this Zero Energy Modular home.

 

 

13. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, read aloud a letter written by Hank Lambert on behalf of the Swanton Beautification Committee of the Swanton Enhancement Project about planting 16 new trees this year. This letter also mentioned the flower boxes and additional flower beds that drew many positive comments from citizens and visitors. He thanked the Board of Trustees for their generosity and support.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman gave a shout out to the Arts Spectacular Show, especially Darci Benoit for putting on such a great show. He said the ribs and salads were a big hit and the entertainment was great too. He said it was a great show.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach mentioned the new sign at the Hydro Plant and said how nice it looked. He said he also wanted to compliment the art show held in the park and said he enjoys seeing downtown activities. He also mentioned moving forward with cleaning the Lady Liberty statue and said he feels they did that tonight.

 

Any Other Business: Neal Speer also wanted to thank the Swanton Arts Council for a great show as well as all people who were involved from the Arts Council, the food vendors and the entertainment. He said everything went great.

 

14. Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Personnel at 8:38 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:50 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 8:50 p.m.  Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________             _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                            Date

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                Date

 

 

 

August 26, 2019

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, August 26, 2019

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; Leonard “Joey” Stell, Police Chief; Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator; and Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

1. Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, welcomed all to the Regular Board of Trustees meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

2. Agenda Review:

 

None.

3. Public Comment:

 

None.

 

4. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, August 12, 2019 Meeting:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from the Monday, August 12, 2019 meeting as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked Reg Beliveau if he had a chance to call the engineer he mentioned regarding the traffic pattern downtown. Reg stated not yet but said he would look into it. Motion carried.

 

5. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through August 23, 2019:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through August 23, 2019 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

6. Approve and Accept Minutes from the Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Multi-Board Meeting:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from the Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Multi-Board meeting as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman stated that on page 6 it states “silver wheels” and it should say “super wheels”. Elisabeth Nance stated that correction has already been made. Motion carried.

 

7. Approve and Adopt Historic Preservation Commission Ordinance Change:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and adopt the Historical Preservation Commission Ordinance Change as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Elisabeth Nance stated they need to change the number of members from ten to seven. Motion carried.

 

8. Appoint Historic Preservation Commission Members:

 

Elisabeth Nance stated they have the following members for the Historic Preservation Commission: Fred Wiseman, Reg Beliveau, Neal Speer, Ron Kilburn, Jason Barney, Glen Gurwit and they have one open slot. Adam Paxman made the motion to appoint Fred Wiseman, Reg Beliveau, Neal Speer, Ron Kilburn, Jason Barney, and Glen Gurwit Historic Preservation Commission members. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

9. Economic Development Coordinator Update:

 

Elisabeth Nance stated she has been working on the sidewalk grant and should be hearing something this week about that. She said they are also working on the Marble Mill Revitalization and have held some public forums. She said there will be an ice cream social held there as well. She said they have their final draft on revamping Marble Mill and there is some controversary about whether or not to keep the basketball/tennis courts at that location. Reg Beliveau stated whether they are eliminated from Marble Mill or not they will be put in another space. Elisabeth mentioned a slideshow of new businesses in Swanton since 2015. She said there is not a lot of vacant storefronts in Swanton. The Board thanked Elisabeth for her update.

 

10. Village of Swanton Police Department Update:

 

Chief Stell was present for this update and stated the Village police responded to 142 incidents for the month of July. He said this covered everything from checking on property to agency assists. He said they issued 21 traffic warnings and gave six tickets totaling $2029. He said it was a pretty busy month. Chief Stell stated Patrolman Kyle Gagne just finished an urban and wilderness tracking program with K9 Scout. He said he is doing great and is very smart. He also said National Night Out was well attended and everyone had a great time. Reg Beliveau said he was contacted about the Homecoming Parade being held by MVU on September 20^th around 6 p.m. He said they will travel down Canada Street this year instead of First Street. Neal asked if the police received any complaints about the intersection at the traffic lights. He said the road is becoming “rippled” in that area. Chris Leach asked how the department stood regarding general crimes. Chief Stell stated crime is down but said they are on par with petty crimes. He said they are finding less needles around town. Reg Beliveau mentioned the article in the St. Albans Messenger regarding the recreation department and the drug use in the dug outs. He said Linda Cross approached him upset because it sounded like that was a hangout for use drugs. He said that’s not the case and never was.

 

11. Approve and Set 2019 Village Tax Rate for Swanton Village Tax Bills:

 

Reg Beliveau informed the Board that their estimated tax rate increase was 2.04% but it is actually only 1.98% with a tax rate of .8431. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and set the 2019 Village tax rate for Swanton Village at .8431. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

12. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Reg Beliveau stated the Efficiency VT Distribution Utility Quarterly Report for Swanton Village is out. He said this report shows what Village ratepayers paid into this program as well as what Efficiency VT has paid out in difference programs for this area. He said Public Power Day will be held on October 5^th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. He said they are getting the schools involved this year as well as Channel 15. He said they will have a show on Channel 15 with Efficiency VT, VT Gas and VPPSA. He said he is hoping this really helps the rate payers.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach stated the Fire Department’s Open House went really well and said their new ladder truck has some really great features. He also said the Ice Cream Social at Marble Mill was very nice. He asked about the dotted line on Maquam Shore Road about a mile from the Newton Road. Reg stated he believed that had to do with the bike path when the Governor did his bike ride visit. Chris also mentioned the lights at Merchants Row have been installed and look great. He said the NEPPA conference wasn’t as enlightening as he had hoped. He said hydro power was not discussed a lot and he said it’s very green energy. The board discussed the Village ratepayers being the owners of the public power utility and that they benefit greatly being the owner and not the user. Chris said it’s not in the Village charter to make money but to keep cost low and provide quality power. Chris also mentioned the car charging stations and said they should be located where people park which is downtown. Reg stated the Village received a grant for a park and ride so that’s why they were placed here. Reg said Maplefields is looking at a Level 1, 2 and 3 charging station as well. Chris asked if solar customers are paying any of the transmission or distribution charges and Reg said yes they still pay a customer charge each month.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman asked if it was possible to look into having the Lady Liberty statue cleaned that is in the Village Green. He suggested the Historic Preservation Commission look into this.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard asked how often the Village’s electric car chargers are being used. Reg stated more often lately. He said there is a monthly charge of $7.50 per unit and he hopes they get used more eventually.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau mentioned that at their NEPPA Conference Lynn Paradis received the “Distinguished Service Award” for 25 years of service in the electric utility business. He also stated that NEPPA may send apprentices to the Navaho nation because there are places that do not have any electricity. He said instead of sending them to school they will go to this nation and help install lines. He said they also worked on clarifying their Mutual Aid agreements and made the cost normalized.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau regarding the condition of the Merchants Row Bridge. He said he had to search for an email he received from Jim Cota from the VT Agency of Transportation regarding the downtown bridge last year. He said one expansion joint is broke and the July 2018 report stated the structure needs a rehab project in the very near future. Discussion took place regarding what the bridge needed and who would have to pay for it. Adam Paxman wondered what the State would do if they shut the bridge down.

 

13. Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

None.

 

14. Adjournment:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:20 p.m.  Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________             _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                            Date

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                Date

 

 

 

August 12, 2019

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, August 12, 2019

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; Heather Buczkowski; Judy Paxman; member; Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

1. Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, welcomed all to the Regular Board of Trustees meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

2. Agenda Review:

 

None.

3. Public Comment:

 

Heather Buczkowski stated the Marble Mill Project is moving along and said there will be another public hearing on August 22 and an ice cream social on August 24. She said there will also be a clean up day on August 20 and she said she would like to see more people help out with this. Heather also stated she went to a leadership conference with Karen Drennan, Joanne Reiter and Judy Paxman and it was very well attended.

4. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, July 22, 2019 Meeting:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from the Monday, July 22, 2019 meeting as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman asked if there was any progress made on the Merchants Row lighting. Reg Beliveau stated it is on their list of things to do and should be done shortly.  Motion carried.

 

5. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through August 8, 2019:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through August 8, 2019 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked about the payment made to the VT Department of Sales Tax for $9897.89. Reg stated he believed that was sales tax we collected on our commercial accounts but said he would confirm that. Chris also asked about the payment made to Attorney Paul Nolan for $7301.20. Reg stated he is the Village attorney working on relicensing the Hydro Plant. Motion carried.

 

6. Village Fire Department Appoints Jason Butler as Fire Chief:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve the Village Fire Department’s recommendation to appoint Jason Butler as the new Fire Chief for a three-year term. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

7. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Chris Leach discussed power production being down at the Hydro Plant and asked about the power usage. He asked if there had been a peak usage day yet because of the extreme heat. Reg Beliveau stated he thought there was a peak usage day in early August. He said they completed plant shut down at the Hydro Plant and they are now back online as of Friday afternoon. Chris also mentioned the SLOW stencil on Gallup Court and said it looks nice. He also mentioned National Night Out and everyone agreed it was a great turnout with great music by Dual. He talked about the severe thunderstorm that hit Route 36 last week. Reg stated the electric crew worked all night long and went home at 8 a.m. the next morning. He said he received a thank you letter from residents on Maquam Shore Rd. Chris also suggested that Reg contact Hamlin Engineering and talk with Rick Hamlin about the traffic flow study downtown. He said this is his expertise and it may be worth looking into them. He said he thought that firm worked on this project years ago for the Village. Reg said he would look into this.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated the Fire Department will be having an Open House this Saturday, August 17^th from noon to 2 p.m. He said this is their way of thanking the taxpayers for the two new fire trucks. He urged everyone to stop by the station and check them out and enjoy a free cook out. Adam also wanted to thank everyone who turned out for the 10^th Annual Car Show last week. He said there were 217 cars in the park and himself along with Mark Rocheleau are very thankful to everyone who helped make this possible. He also said they had a great 50/50 raffle and $814 was donated to the Marble Mill fund.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau said National Night Out was successful and he wanted to thank TDI for all the cooking, Geoff Domey, Rise VT, the Fire Department, Missisquoi Valley Rescue, and Crystal Lampman and her youth group. He said it was a great turnout and very well attended.

 

Any Other Business: Neal Speer stated he wanted to thank everyone who turned out for Rise VT’s bike ride with Governor Phil Scott. He said there were 30 riders from St. Albans to Swanton. He said they were able to speak with the Governor at his Swanton stop at the Ron Kilburn Transportation Museum about issues they are trying to address. He said Rise VT had a great local turnout as well. Reg Beliveau said he had a Hazmat Training day on Saturday and couldn’t make this event. Neal also wanted to mention all the work going on with the new Ace Hardware building. He said they are making progress.

 

8. Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate:

 

Adam Paxman made a motion, seconded by Chris Leach, to go into executive session at 7:32 p.m. to discuss Real Estate.  Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:38 p.m., seconded by Eugene LaBombard. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

9. Adjournment:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:38 p.m.  Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:38 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________             _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                            Date

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                Date

 

 

 

July 22, 2019

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, July 22, 2019

7:00 PM

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau Jr., Village Manager; Karen Drennan, Town Selectboard member; Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

1. Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, welcomed all to the Regular Board of Trustees meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

2. Agenda Review:

 

Adam Paxman stated he would like to add Personnel to Executive Session.

3. Public Comment:

 

None.

4. Approve and Accept Minutes from Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Meeting:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from the Wednesday, July 10, 2019 meeting as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman asked about the Franklin Miller invoice. Reg Beliveau stated that Scott Mueller purchased parts from this company for the pumping station on Foundry Street. Chris Leach stated Gallup Court was paved and it came out very nice. He said the residents and children are enjoying the road very much. He stated he received positive comments from the letter that was delivered to each resident there. He said some residents were surprised that the speed limit was 30 mph. He said he would like to see more of a police presence on that street.  Motion carried.

 

5. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through July 19, 2019:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through July 19, 2019 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked about the payment made to the City of St. Albans for $12,512. Reg Beliveau stated that was for their dispatching services and said this is an annual invoice. Motion carried.

 

6. Swanton Village Police Department Update:

 

Chief Stell stated that for the month of June they handled 167 complaints in the Village. He said they were very busy. He said they wrote 33 traffic warnings and issued 3 traffic tickets totaling $348. He said their new vehicle is up and running and working out very well for the K-9 unit. Scout is at the academy finishing up his tracking certification and search and rescue certification. He said the dog has been used once already for drugs and located some crack cocaine in a house they did a search on. Neal Speer asked if the drug complaints were up or down. Chief Stell stated they have been down recently in both the town and Village. He said they are seeing more crack cocaine and cocaine rather than heroin. He said that could be because of the overdose issues with heroin but said that is just speculation. He said they are seeing needles deposited throughout the Village more so than in the Town. He said they have managed to curb the use of drugs from the recreation fields. He said officers are there once or twice per night checking the dugouts. He said they haven’t caught anyone in there but this has curbed the activity. Adam Paxman asked what people should do if they find a needle somewhere. Chief Stell stated they can call the police and they will go pick it up. He said there are some diabetics that don’t know how to properly dispose of their needles. He said if they can go to the Vermont Department of Health’s website they can see how to dispose of a needle properly. Adam asked if the Department was doing any drug take back days. Chief Stell said this is done twice per year and they did one in the Spring and will be doing one in October. He said this is done with the DEA. They partnered with Swanton Rexall in the spring and will no doubt partner with NOTCH for the event held in the fall, he said. He thought they collected nearly 50 pounds of medication in the spring. He said the DEA retrieves this medication and destroys it. Chris Leach asked if there was any pattern in the 167 calls for service. Chief Stell said no there wasn’t but said there were a lot of juvenile problems due to kids being out of school for the summer. He said a lot of these calls were kind of innocent but still needed to be checked out. Chris asked if they had problems with people not wanting to leave the park at night. Chief Stell said no that’s usually not an issue. Chris asked if people were hanging out at Marble Mill. Chief Stell said not that much. Reg Beliveau stated the police department received a grant for some LED lighting and said National Night Out is scheduled for August 6^th this year. Chief Stell said this event will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Reg also said the police department received a USDA grant for $7400 and that will be used for the K-9 unit.

 

7. Sign Roads and Bridge Standards:

 

Reg Beliveau stated that it was time for the Village of Swanton to adopt the Town Road and Bridge Standards again and said this applies to the construction, repair and maintenance of town roads and bridges.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adopt and sign the Town Road and Bridge Standards as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

8. Water Allocation Request for Marc Gabree, US Route 7 North Subdivision:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into a Water Commissioner’s meeting at 7:25 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve Marc Gabree’s request for 400 gallons per day for a new 3-bedroom single family home on US Route 7. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Water Commissioner’s meeting and re-enter Open Session at 7:28 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

9. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman said the new ladder truck will hopefully be in by the end of August. It’s at Lake Region now and they are finishing things up on the truck. He also said Saturday, August 17^th the Fire Department will hold an Open House with free food. He said stop by and check out the new trucks. Adam also gave kudos to Assistant Chief Jason Butler for being awarded the Fire Chief/Assistant Chief Award of the Year by the VT State Fire Chiefs Association.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated he had a couple of bond documents that needed to be signed. He said one is for the fire truck and one is for the wastewater facility. Adam Paxman made a motion authorizing Village Manager Reginald Beliveau to sign all necessary bond documents with the VT Municipal Bond Bank for the new fire truck. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau further explained the next bond to be signed was for $41,700 and was for the evaluation of the wastewater facilities and development of the phosphorus reduction plan as required by the discharge permit. Chris Leach made the motion to authorize Village Manager Reginald Beliveau and the Village Board of Trustees to sign all necessary bond documents through the VT Municipal Bond Bank for $41,700 for the wastewater facility evaluation and development of the phosphorus reduction plan. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

Any Other Business: Neal Speer stated the Village Electric crew did a great job putting the electric service in behind the new Ace Hardware store and by Marble Mill. He said he’d also like to thank the Town of Swanton for the use of their equipment and thanked them for cleaning the bamboo out on South River Street. Reg Beliveau said the Village is still working on the new playground area sidewalks. Adam asked if everything was done there yet and Reg said the construction was done but they are working on landscaping and sidewalks. He said there will be an open house in the fall.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated that August 10^th Rise VT will host a 35 mile bike ride and the Governor will be in town at that time. Reg said that same weekend HazMat will hold a training he will be involved in.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau showed the Board three different designs of the new office building. He said there still needs to be some changes done but the majority has chosen design #1. He said the Police Department needs to be made bigger, the bathrooms need to be handicap accessible and the bay for the trucks needs to be larger. He said nothing is in place yet and as soon as they do have something more solid he will bring this back to the board. Neal asked if anymore was done regarding the lighting on Merchants Row. Reg said he would talk with Duane about that this week.

 

 

 

 

 

10. Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate and Personnel:

 

Adam Paxman made a motion, seconded by Chris Leach, to go into executive session at 7:39 p.m. to discuss Real Estate and Personnel.  Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:38 p.m., seconded by Adam Paxman. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

11. Adjournment:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:38 p.m.  Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:38 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________             _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                            Date

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                Date