April 27, 2015

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, April 27, 2015

6:30 PM

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Steve Marshall and Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

Neal Speer, Village President, welcomed all to the Regular Board of Trustees meeting and called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

 

1. Approve and accept Minutes from Monday, April 13, 2015:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, April 13, 2015 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman stated that in paragraph #4 under Any Other Business it should state “at a future” meeting instead of “at their next” meeting. Motion carried with correction.

 

2. Approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, April 24, 2015:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, April 24, 2015 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

3. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Dianne Day, Village Clerk, asked the Board to adopt and follow Roberts Rule of Order for their board meetings. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adopt and follow Roberts Rule of Order. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Any Other Business: Dianne Day, Village Clerk, advised the Board that the Franklin Grand Isle Bookmobile is requesting to hold a coin drop on Saturday, September 12, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon with a rain date of Saturday, September 19, 2015. She advised there is no other coin drops scheduled for that month. Chris Leach made the motion to approve Franklin Grand Isle Bookmobile’s request to hold a coin drop on September 12, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon with a rain date of September 19, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Eugene LaBombard seconded.  Eugene LaBombard advised they need to put up a sign that clearly states what people are donating to. Motion carried.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, advised that Board that the Village would like to allow the Farmer’s Market to place their banner in the Village Green for the season. The Board agreed to allow them to put the banner up from Thursday through Saturday each week to advertise their Farmer’s Market.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau advised the Board that Chief Joey Stell was recognized by David Blackmore, District Transportation Administrator, for teaching VTrans District 8 staff CPR and AED training on April 7^th and 8^th.

 

4. Executive Session to Discuss Legal Matters:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Legal Matters at 6:40 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 6:55 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

ACTION TAKEN: None.

ADJOURN: Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 6:56 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 6:56 p.m. Motion carried.

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

April 13, 2015

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, April 13, 2015

7:00 PM

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; and Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

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

 

1. Approve and accept Minutes from Monday, March 23, 2015:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, March 23, 2015 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

2. Approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, April 10, 2015:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, April 10, 2015 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked about vendor Superior Court of Vermont for $485.00. Village Clerk Dianne Day explained that was for filing small claim cases against individuals who haven’t paid invoices owed to Swanton Village. Eugene LaBombard asked about vendor VT Department of Health for $563.00. Reg Beliveau explained that was for testing at the Water Plant. Neal Speer asked about the Water Line Project payment for $73,757.07. Reg Beliveau stated that was for engineering services on that project. He stated they will be opening bids for that project next week and also said they have a meeting regarding Right of Way easements and permits. Motion carried.

 

3. Swanton Library Teen Advisory Board Discussion:

 

Item tabled until next meeting.

 

4. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Chris Leach commented on the water resources video that Reg Beliveau sent the Board. He also mentioned the water retention pond. Reg stated the Village is receiving a $74,000 grant for the Marble Mill project to be completed in 2016. He said the Village can do a lot of the work in house. Chris Leach also asked if the Village heard anything back from the Methodist Church regarding the parking lot. Reg stated he mailed them a letter and hasn’t heard anything back yet.

 

Any Other Business:  Chris Leach stated he went over the Summary of Power Plant Operations and asked if they are in place yet. Reg Beliveau stated yes they are and they also hired Noal Anderson today. Chris asked if the plant was making money because of the high water running. Reg stated yes they were.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach stated that Adam Paxman will be taking his place on the NWSWD board but they are waiting for the next JLB meeting to confirm this. He said he is very happy with this decision. Chris also asked if the Village has heard anything in regards to Scott Rheaume’s request for Art Boards. Reg stated he received a call from the Zoning Administrator and said he would go see him this week. Adam Paxman stated the St. Albans Messenger ran a great article on this topic but eluted to the fact that it may not happen. Reg stated if not then they could do something in Marble Mill possibly.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated he attended the Planning Commission meeting last week regarding the Town Plan and he said this is quite extensive. He said they will ratify the Plan at a future JLB meeting. He said the next Planning Commission meeting regarding this Plan will be on April 29, 2015.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard asked if there was an issue scheduling a JLB meeting? Reg Beliveau stated Cathy Fournier, Town Clerk, asked what the Village had for agenda items. The Board stated they would like to get a JLB meeting scheduled in April if at all possible.

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated he needed to follow up on the “20 Minute Parking Signs” for Merchants Row. He said he also called the insurance company about covering the Memorial Day parade. He also said the Village provided the final inquiries to the Department of Public Service for the Class Cost of Service study.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated Joe Letourneau completed a Production at the Hydro Plant report and said the information is from 1996 to present. He said this is very informative. Reg also said he talked with different department heads and told them he would like them to come in quarterly to a Board meeting and inform the Board what’s happening in their departments. The Board liked this idea. Reg also said they have a summer intern that will be working at the Waste Water Plant from MVUHS.

 

Any Other Business:  Reg Beliveau informed the Board that he was approached by a couple of skateboarders from Swanton and they are requesting a place to skateboard. He thought maybe there was a place in Marble Mill for this. The Board thought this was a good idea also. Adam Paxman stated the Recreation Department should work on this. Chris Leach asked if they should put this skateboard park issue on the ballot in March 2016. Eugene LaBombard stated the Village Manager should contact the insurance company regarding this also. He also said there are 4 wheelers riding up Spring Street and the police should be notified.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated he attended the MVU School Board meeting and discussed the sidewalk grant “Safe Routes to School” plan. He said the Village would be painting the Bus Route on the sidewalks for the kids. He said they are still waiting to hear back on the sidewalk grant. He also said bids for the Water Project would be opened at the Village on April 21 at 8:30 a.m.

 

5. Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

None.

 

ADJOURN: Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 7:50 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

March 23, 2015

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, March 23, 2015

7:00 PM

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Tim Smith & Kathy Lavoie, FCIDC; Scott Rheaume & Brad Bergeron, Swanton  Arts Council; and Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

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

 

1. Approve and accept Minutes from Monday, March 9, 2015 and Special Meeting Monday, March 16, 2015:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, March 9, 2015 and Special Meeting from Monday, March 16, 2015 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

2. Approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, March 20, 2015:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, March 20, 2015 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

3. Tim Smith – FCIDC 2015 Update:

 

Tim Smith asked that we move to Item #4 because he was waiting for Kathy Lavoie to get there.

 

4. Scott Rheaume – Swanton Arts Council:

 

Reg Beliveau stated that Scott Rheaume and Brad Bergeron were present for this item. He stated that the Swanton Arts Council would like to install art board walls and have murals painted on them. Scott stated that the walls would be 8’x8’ and they would like to erect them in different areas of the Village and Town. He said they would be two sided and open for anyone in the community to paint on. He said they would be very easily seen and would be patrolled if anything negative were to be put on them he would immediately paint over that. He stated that there are very talented people in the community and this would bring the community together. He said he would like these installed at the entrance and exits of the Village and Town. Chris Leach asked what kind of structure would be put up and Scott said it would be plywood. Chris suggested Dig Safe would need to be contacted before they put the signs up. Adam Paxman suggested they contact the Zoning Office because he was concerned these may be considered billboards or a sign. He said he was all for it and doesn’t see any issues. Scott stated he would like to put a plaque next to each sign informing the public of who they are and that this is an open canvas. Reg suggested one be installed by the Chamber of Commerce office, one on the corner of the Village Complex property and one by John’s Bridge. Neal Speer stated that if this board approved this he may need to come back after talking to the Zoning Board and Town of Swanton. Adam Paxman made the motion to approve Swanton Arts Council request to erect Art Walls pending approval of the Zoning Administrator and Town of Swanton. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

3. Tim Smith – FCIDC 2015 Update:

 

Tim Smith and Kathy Lavoie were present for this item. Tim stated that he is getting around to the all the Boards in Franklin County and said Kathy Lavoie is joining him. Kathy stated the Workforce Development came up a lot in the Community Visit. Tim stated that they realize they don’t publicize that area enough and are working on it. He said they are trying to capture people coming into the community and brand the region. He said they are in talks about a Welcome Center kiosk to catch traffic. He said they also continue to send people to Canada to recruit business. They also talked about their other focus which is the diversified agricultural food market, Farms & Food Directory which is all USDA certified. Tim said Kristin Hughes from NMC along with FCIDC are working on promoting local foods. Kathy stated the Job Expo is Thursday at the Collins Perley Complex which is open to the public in the afternoon. They said 600-700 people will attend that. Chris Leach stated they are trying to promote a lineman course and asked if there was any word on that. Reg stated the Village went to MVU last week looking for students interested in becoming a lineman or a waste water operator. Kathy Lavoie said she has an Enosburg high school student who is coming in April to job shadow. Reg stated the Village hired Katie Judd who worked with Kathy Lavoie a few years ago and they are hoping to get future linemen. He said they will work with MVU on Career Day.

 

Tim Smith said they had a meeting last week in Sheldon and Jack Dufresne expressed concern that there were no propane technicians in the area. He said when the gas line went in through Enosburg most of the technicians came from Chittenden County. He said Kathy is now working on developing a training course for this locally. Kathy said her Workforce Investment Board helped 300 young adults get into higher education or jobs. She said last year she worked with 63 young adults and placed 49 of them. She said their training center has seen 1300 adults tested there for the FBI, TSA, Border Protection and the US Postal System. She said she is anticipating 1400 to 1500 being tested this year. She also mentioned that Larry Fadden is teaching an Industrial Maintenance Program and Chandler Ede is teaching a Welding and Advanced Heating & System Repair class. She said Ben & Jerry’s team is training there now. She said they work with area businesses, CCV, Northwest Tech Center, Cold Hollow and the area High Schools.

 

Kathy said they are trying to create a CDL class here and are working with the St. Albans Coop and McDermott’s on this. She said they need to find a 20,000 square foot paved lot for this class to do training on. Chris Leach said he heard there is talk of a major expansion at the Highgate Airport and asked if there were any opportunities there. Kathy stated she just met with him. Neal Speer asked if they heard when Interstate 35 from Canada will be completed. Tim said he believes 2017 or 2018. They hoped the border in Highgate Springs will be better staffed to handle this. The Board thanked Tim and Kathy for their update.

 

5. Methodist Church Parking Lot Discussion:

 

Reg Beliveau stated that Rich McVicker wanted to know if the Village would take over the parking lot owned by the Swanton Methodist Church. Eugene Labombard stated he knows a lot of cars park there during the day. Reg stated the church’s position is it is being used for community parking so Mr. McVicker is hoping the Village would take it over. Chris Leach stated he thought the Village plowed it. Reg stated the Village used to but had some issues and stopped. He said the Town was plowing it but they stopped also because of issues. Reg stated the Village should meet with them and discuss this. Neal Speer said just ask them what they expect because he can see this going back to the same issues. He suggested the Village send them a letter asking what the Church expects and what they want. The Board agreed to table this item until further information is gathered. Item tabled.

 

6. Amend and Sign Financial Policies:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to amend the Financial Policy as presented. The Board will sign documents once revisions are made and presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

7. Class Cost of Service Update:

 

Reg Beliveau stated the Department of Public Service has requested more information from the Village that Steve Farman from VPPSA will be answering.

 

8. Ben & Jerry’s Request for a Coin Drop for August 2015 to benefit Relay for Life:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve Ben & Jerry’s Relay for Life Coin Drop to be held on Saturday, August 1, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon with a rain date of Saturday, August 8, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

9. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman stated he is working on the Memorial Day Parade on May 25^th and is requesting the Village of Swanton to sponsor the parade. Eugene LaBombard asked if this would require the Village to put funds up for the parade. Adam stated no he is asking to use the Village’s insurance umbrella for the parade. Chris Leach suggested they check with the Village’s Insurance company first. Reg Beliveau stated he would do so and let them know.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard stated he heard another negative comment about the lack of lighting downtown by the Post Office. Reg Beliveau stated he would check it out after the meeting.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach asked if parking issue on Merchant’s Row has been resolved. He asked if they are going to put up “20 Minute” parking signs now. Reg Beliveau stated they need to talk about this in Executive Session.

 

Any Other Business: Dianne Day informed the Board that MVUHS Substance Free Committee is asking to change their approved Coin Drop dates from April 11, 2015 to April 18, 2015 with a rain date of April 25, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve MVUHS Substance Free Committee’s request to change Coin Drop dates to April 18, 2015 (rain date April 25, 2015) from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.  Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

10. Executive Session to Discuss Customer Account:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Customer Account at 8:13 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 9:18 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: The Village of Swanton will order “20 Minute Parking” signs to be placed in front of Swanton Rexall on Merchant’s Row.

 

ADJOURN: Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 9:20 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

March 9, 2015

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, March 9, 2015

7:00 PM

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Brad Aldrich and Rachel Marvin, Aldrich & Elliott; and Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

Neal Speer, Village President, welcomed all to the Regular Board of Trustees meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

 

1. Swear in elected officials for 2015: Dianne Day, Village Clerk (one year term); Neal Speer, Village President (one year term); Chris Leach, Village Trustee (three year term); and Betty Cheney, Delinquent Tax Collector (one year term).:

 

Eugene LaBombard swore in Dianne Day as Village Clerk for a one year term. Dianne Day swore in Neal Speer for Village President for a one year term. Betty Cheney was given oath at her office. Chris Leach will be in late and will be sworn in at that time.

 

Moved to Item #5 until Chris Leach arrives.

 

5. Brad Aldrich – Elliott & Aldrich – Agreement for Bid and Construction Phase New Reservoir Transmission Main – Contract #2 for $197,700:

 

Neal Speer asked Brad Aldrich to discuss this until Chris Leach arrived. Brad explained they are ready to go out to bid on the transmission line job and a few details to work out would like to advertise for bid next week. He said Aldrich & Elliott would take Swanton Village through the Bid Phase Services, the Construction Phase and any Special Services that would arise. He said they would conduct a bid opening for Swanton Village and then come back to Swanton Village with a bid recommendation. He said they would hold a pre-construction meeting, get the contractor lines up and monitor the construction with monthly job meetings. Eugene LaBombard asked about the 500 day duration of services. Brad explained that services start today and run through October or September of next year. He said they would check the warranty and determine if there were any issues. He said services end a full year after the project is complete. Neal Speer asked if UVM was done with the archaeological work. Rachel Marvin stated UVM wanted to come back and do a few more test pits but that was covered under the fee Swanton Village already paid them. She said they want to check by the river where they want to dig but it won’t interfere where they are working. Eugene LaBombard stated they are having a lot of problems with frozen pipes and asked if the transmission line would be insulated. Rachel stated that this is a large 16” pipe and would be constantly flowing but said it would have a heat trace in it for precaution. She said this is something Mike Menard could turn on if he wanted to. She said they are confident it will be fine.

 

7:25 p.m. Chris Leach arrived. Dianne Day swore Chris Leach in as Trustee for a three year term. He stated he has always been happy with the services provided by Aldrich & Elliott and said this project would be no different. Brad stated he would need a motion authorizing the Village Manager to approve and sign this Contract.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to authorize Reginald Beliveau, Village of Swanton Manager, or Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, the authority to sign all necessary documents pertaining to the New Reservoir Transmission Main Contract #2 for $197,700. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

2. Appoint a Treasurer for the Village of Swanton for 2015:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to appoint Dianne Day as Treasurer for the Village of Swanton for a one year term. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried. Dianne Day accepted appointment.

 

 

 

3. Approve and accept Minutes from Informational Meeting Wednesday, February 25, 2015:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from February 25, 2015 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

4. Approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, March 6, 2015:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Warrants through Friday, March 6, 2015 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

6. Class Cost of Service Update:

 

Lynn Paradis stated a Public Hearing would be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 here at the Village Complex. She said the only thing she’s been asked is whether or not Swanton Village would like to phase this in and she replied that the Village did not want to do that. She said this is revenue neutral for the Village and as soon as the Department of Public Service approves it then Swanton Village can implement it for their customers. Lynn stated she would keep the Board informed.

 

Lynn Paradis stated she would need an Executive Session for Customer Account and Chris Leach stated he would need one for Personnel.

 

7. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Dianne Day, Village Clerk, read the voting results to the Board.

 

8. Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

Chris Leach made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Customer Accounts and Personnel at 7:50 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:50 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

ADJOURN: 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

 

 

 

February 25, 2015

 

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

INFORMATIONAL MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

7:00 PM

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Joey Stell, Chief of Police; Tim Girard, Fire Chief; Betty Cheney, Delinquent Tax Collector; Glen Gurwit; Suzanne Washburn; Pat Gaboriault; Jason Cross; Brian Paradis, Boy Scouts; Tony Russo; Sandra & Ron Kilburn; and Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

Neal Speer, Village President, welcomed all to the Informational Meeting and Public Hearing and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. He requested a Moment of Silence for all Military, Past, Present and Future and then recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

1. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, February 9, 2015:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, February 9, 2015 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

2. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, February 20, 2015:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, February 20, 2015 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

3. Adopt Village of Swanton Financial Policies Handbook:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adopt the Village of Swanton Financial Policies Handbook as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Eugene LaBombard stated all Board members received this policy several weeks ago, looked it over and all initialed it and accepted it. Motion carried.

 

4. Update Village of Swanton Smoking Policy to Include E-Cigarettes/Vapor Cigarettes:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, stated he would like the Board to consider E-cigarettes the same as regular cigarettes and tobacco. He said some people think they can smoke E-cigarettes in an office or in a restaurant. Chris Leach stated the same restrictions should apply to E-cigarettes. Chris Leach made the motion to adopt the E-cigarette policy and update the Village of Swanton Personnel Handbook. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

5. Informational Meeting & Public Hearing – 2015 Village Annual Warning:

 

Neal Speer advised everyone about the error on page 19 in the Annual Village Report. He advised the correction was printed and placed in the books there and was also put on the Village’s website. Neal also read the Village Annual Warning. Reg Beliveau also introduced Brian Paradis, who was there from the Boy Scouts. He is working on his Communications Merit Badge, which is the final step in becoming an Eagle Scout. Reg then began a slideshow presentation.

 

2014 Year in Review:

Projects: Reg mentioned the Storm Water Grants the Village received on Academy St. for $8,000 and at Marble Mill Park for $74,880. He said the Village contributed equipment and labor on these projects. He also mentioned:

 

• UVM Preformed a Public Tree Inventory Study of the Village
• Town/Village Grant to study a sidewalk to MVU and the Depot to the sidewalk on Lake Street
• Healthy Work Place Grant for $3,000
• Christmas Lights
• Community Visit was Awarded and a Resolution was signed by the JLB supporting the Swanton Enhancement Project and the Community Visit
• Awarded a Paving Project for VT Route 78 (First St.) and US Route 7 (Spring St.) in 2016

Public Works Department

• Paving – Fourth Street was completed; Second Street was completed; Improved RT78 and Bridge approach due to the ruts in the road
• Emergency repair of the waterline across the river which needed an outside contractor to help with the repair. By doing some of the repair work the Public Works crew saved the Village thousands of dollars
• Reviewing final permits for transmission line – should go out to bid in Spring of 2015
• Replaced lights in Flat Iron Park
• Storm Water Bio-retention area - $8000 grant to treat ½ acre
• Leased vactor and replaced 17 year old one
• Bad winter so far with very cold temperatures, freezing water lines, and lots of snow

Electric Department

• Continue to keep on tree trimming, December snow storm and helped out Vermont Electric Coop
• Received the Utility Truck
• Still spec-ing the Bucket Truck
• Ordered the Digger Truck – all of these part of the 108 PSB request for financing
• March 10^th Public Hearing for the CCoS Study

Waste Water Plant

• Refurbished the UV system was in-service retrofitting the 20 year old system (Jim Irish saved the Village hundreds of thousands of dollars on this UV system). They were quoted a system for over $400,000 and Jim did some research and was able to get it retrofitted for approximately $68,000. Reg stated he has submitted Jim for an award for his outstanding work
• House Draft Bill H35 – will be a concern to our operations; sharply reduces our discharge limits for phosphorus
• ECO-Bag was purchased – to store sludge dredged from the lagoons

Water Treatment Plant

• Work of the caustic storage tank
• Plant continues to operate well

Hydro Plant

• General repairs continue preparing for re-licensing in 2023 (8 years out)
• This is a minimum of a 5 year process before license is due
• This is also part of the 108 PSB Finance
• Production was up in 2014
• Purchase power was over budget by $431K

 

Reg then went on to explain the Tax Rate. He showed the 2014 Actual vs. the 2015 Proposed Tax Rate. General was 0.0777 to 0.0729; Fire Dept. was 0.0354 to 0.0373; Police Dept. was 0.3197 to 0.3422; Highway was 0.2903 to 0.2903. The 2014 Actual Tax Rate was 0.7231 and the 2015 Proposed Tax Rate is 0.7427 with a change of 0.0195 cents. The increase on a $200,000 home with the proposed tax rate is $39.00.

 

Reg then introduced the 2015 candidates for this year which are Neal Speer for Village President, Chris Leach for Village Trustee, Dianne Day for Village Clerk, and Betty Cheney for Village Delinquent Tax Collector.

 

Ron Kilburn asked Reg if he had a preference what side of the road the sidewalk would go on on South River Street. After discussion they all agreed it should go on the river side of the road. Suzanne Washburn asked if the Village was preparing for any Village employees to retire. Lynn Paradis stated supervisors here do have someone in mind that would take over their positions and they need to start having more discussions regarding that.

 

Glen Gurwit stated he is thrilled with everything he has seen here tonight but is very concerned about the crime taking place in the Village. He mentioned the recent bank robbery, the pizza place robbery, the Post Office, etc. He asked what’s being done about this because it’s out of control. Chief Stell stated the Village isn’t exempt from the heroin or opiate problem and said 99 to 100% of the robberies are all addiction related. He said the Post Officer robber had a $400 a day heroin habit. He said the Police Department is working with the medical community, mental health and schools to intervene beforehand with a rapid intervention program. He said now someone could go directly to treatment instead of court and that is set to kickoff very soon. He said the drugs on the street are very cheap and that causes a big problem for them. He said even amongst all this Swanton is still the fourth safest community in the State of Vermont and the safest in the County. He said they are diligently working the TD Bank robbery case and hope to have something very soon on that.

 

Reg Beliveau stated that in a small community anyone you lose to drugs is a big deal. He said they had their first Health & Substance Abuse meeting last week and they are committed to making the community safer.

 

Sandy Kilburn thanked Reg and the Board for everything they have done. She said they are an inspiration, they do good work and she appreciates everything they do. Chris Leach stated he wanted to congratulate Brian Paradis, Boy Scout, on his endeavor to pursuing Eagle Scout.

 

6. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

None.

 

7. Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Personnel at 8:33 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 9:50 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: No Action.

 

ADJOURN: Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Informational Meeting and Public Hearing at 9:51 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 9:51 p.m. Motion carried.

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

February 9, 2015

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, February 9, 2015

7:00 PM

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Jack Paige, Chamber of Commerce; and Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

Neal Speer, Village President, welcomed all to the Regular Board of Trustees meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

 

1. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, January 26, 2015:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, January 26, 2015 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked how the Community Visit went? Neal Speer stated there was an agenda item for that discussion tonight. Motion carried.

 

2. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, February 6, 2015:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through February 6, 2015 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach stated the Village is doing a lot of tree trimming lately and asked if it was a good time to do it when the ground was frozen. Reg Beliveau stated they are doing a lot and it was a good time to do it. Adam Paxman asked what the Fairpoint payment was for. Reg Beliveau stated that was for pole attachment work orders. Motion carried.

 

3. Chamber of Commerce Requests for a Farmer’s Market in the Summer of 2015 on Village Green:

 

Jack Paige, Chamber of Commerce President, request permission to hold a Farmer’s Market on the Village Green this summer beginning May 23, 2015 and running through October 17, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each weekend. He is also requesting permission to hold an Open Market the first Saturday of each month during the same time period. He stated that this would be for non-profit groups selling antiques or furniture. He said no food would be allowed as well as no clothing or garage sale type items. He said the Chamber of Commerce would have an application on the website for interested groups or individuals to fill out. He said they are also interested in holding different events during the Farmer’s Market so if any business is interested in that he said to contact the Chamber for more information. Jack also asked for permission to put up a banner for the entire summer for the Farmer’s Market rather than the two week policy states. Chris Leach stated he felt the Board could make an exception to this policy and let the Chamber put up a decent looking banner for the summer advertising their Farmer’s Market.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve the Chamber of Commerce’s request to hold a Farmer’s Market from May 23, 2015 through October 17, 2015 with an Open Market the first Saturday of each month on the Village Green. Eugene Labombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

4. Community Visit Discussion:

 

Neal Speer stated the Community Visit was very well attended and said there was over 200 for the meal at MVU. Reg stated there were three sessions going on at all times with 40 to 60 people at each session. He said on February 17 at 6:30 p.m. the Village will be hosting a meeting to follow up on the substance abuse meeting here at the Village Complex. He said the Village and the Police Department will be hosting that meeting. Adam Paxman said approximately 45 people attended the Community Recreation meeting and there is now a group forming called the Swanton Arts Council group. He said they will do small events to begin with. Reg stated on March 5^th there will be a follow up meeting here at the Village Complex to see if there is any funding available for Swanton. Reg said people love the services in the Village as well as the electric rates, the crews, the tree trimming, etc. He said some of the things he heard discussed where a traffic study by Merchants Row, parking issues and the flow of traffic there as well as the Robinhood Truck Route on Grand Avenue. Neal Speer stated that Canada’s Route 35 should divert a lot of truck traffic when it’s complete. They also discussed a Bike Path on Route 78 West and on Spring Street. Reg again reminded everyone about the meeting on Thursday, March 5^th at 6:30 p.m. here at the Complex.

 

5. Electric Cost of Service Update:

 

Reg Beliveau stated the Village put Warnings in the utility bills for a public meeting that will be held on March 10 at 7 p.m. at the Swanton Complex. Reg stated this Public meeting will discuss the proposed percentage changes to rates by customer class as follows: residential: 4.6% increase; residential demand: 5.3% increase; small commercial: 6.6% increase; large commercial/industrial: 4.1% decrease; street lighting: 48.9% decrease; security lighting: 31.4% decrease.

 

6. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman stated that on Monday, May 25, 2015 he will join three others in putting on a Memorial Day Parade and BBQ in the Village Square. He said there will be a bouncy house in the park as well as other events for our Veterans who gave all for our country if the Board agrees. He said so far himself, Joel Clark, Camille Freeman and Chad Ste. Marie will be working to make this year’s event better than last years. Reg Beliveau suggested he contact the Swanton Enhancement Committee for help with this event. Adam said he already talked with the Police Department and said he would talk with the Enhancement Committee as well. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve Adam Paxman’s request to hold this event in the Park on May 25^th, 2015. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach asked if there has been anything done on VPPSA’s recommendation to have an engineering firm come in and look at the Hydro facility. Reg Beliveau stated they are forming a Hydro Subcommittee at VPPSA that will look at Hydro facilities. He said the Village is up for FERC re-licensing in 2024. He said Morrisville is going through it now and are having a lot of issues. He said the Village may group up with other Municipalities going through re-licensing at the same time. He said he met with Paul Nolan and discussed this as well as the Lower Swanton Dam. He said he has submitted an extension on that because they are looking at development and Paul will put together a Scope of Development and put it out to bid.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated some of our Village residents may have received a notice about an insurance company offering to insure their water line service. He said Police Chief Stell advised him they are not licensed to sell insurance in the State of Vermont. Reg advised the Board the Village put a notice on Facebook and on our Website informing the residents about this.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau informed the Board that Lynn did some re-vamping of the Financial Policies and she wants the Board to look them over and if they have any questions to ask her in the next week or so because she would like them approved and adopted at the next Board meeting. Reg said they are about to receive a $74,000 grant for Marble Mill and they will need some of these financial policies approved.

 

Reg Beliveau stated he would need an Executive Session for Customer Account, Personnel and Real Estate.

 

7. Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Personnel, Real Estate and Customer Account at 8:12 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 10:00 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: Adam Paxman made the motion to authorize Reg Beliveau to hire a new Hydro Plant Operator. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

ADJOURN: Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 10:05 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 10:05 p.m. Motion carried.

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

January 26, 2015

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, January 26, 2015

7 PM

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; David Mullett and Brian Callan, VPPSA; Joe Letourneau and Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

Neal Speer, Village President, welcomed all to the Regular Board of Trustees meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.

 

1. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, January 12, 2015:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, January 12, 2015 and as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

2. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, January 23, 2015:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through January 23, 2015 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman asked about the US Bank payment. Lynn Paradis explained that was for their monthly bond payments. Motion carried.

 

The Board decided to move to item #4 because Chris Leach was coming in late.

 

4. Electric Cost of Service Update:

 

Reg Beliveau stated the Village put Warnings in the utility bills for a public meeting that will be held the first week in March. He said they are waiting for an approval notice back from the Public Service Board. He said this is revenue neutral, the Village is just cost shifting but said this could take several more months to complete. He said this is normal course of business for the PSB.

 

5. Adopt and Sign 2015 Annual Warning:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, read the 2015 Annual Warning to the Board members. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adopt and sign the 2015 Annual Warning as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

6. 4^th Quarter SQRP for Review:

 

Chris Leach stated he wanted to congratulate the electric crew and the office crew for another great quarter. Eugene LaBombard asked if anyone ever commented on a bill error that the Village had last quarter. Lynn Paradis advised no.

 

The Board moved back to Item #3

 

3. 2015 VPPSA Update:

 

David Mullett and Brian Callan from VPPSA were present for this presentation to try and explain to the Board how they determine Swanton Village’s budget for the coming year. They presented a handout covering some of the topics they look at at the Hydro Plant. The handout included the following:

• Relationship of Market Prices to PS Budget
• Historical Power Supply Budget to Actual Costs
• Highgate Falls Efficiency Gains
• Historical Power Supply $/kWh Relationship to Market Energy Prices (Forecasted View Also Provided)
• Power Supply Cost Actual to Budget Variance 2003-2014
• Avg Daily MWh Production (including Unit 5)/Avg Daily Million Cubic Feet of Water (Swanton Gauge)
• Highgate Falls Average Daily Output Using Different Flow Values
• 2013-2014 Missisquoi River Flows
• 2014 Availability/Online Percentage for Highgate Falls
• Next Steps?
• Suggest technical engineering assessment of Highgate Falls – when to use which unit depending on flow of river in order to maximize value; upgrades needed?

 

Brian Callan stated that after all their research and data collected VPPSA feels Swanton Village would benefit greatly by having an engineering company come in and study the facility to see how it could run better. He stated over the last year they ran an experiment with running Unit #5 but feels an engineer can better read the collected data. He said the plant would also benefit with needed upgrades. The Board thanked Brian and David for coming in and giving them this presentation.

 

7. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman asked how the Village was doing with collecting their delinquent taxes. Lynn Paradis stated she feels some tax sales are needed at this time and said she is carrying numbers over from year to year and would like to see those cleared up.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau reminded everyone of the upcoming Community Visit being held on Wednesday, January 28^th. He said he would be closing the Village office at 2 p.m. so that the employees could attend and he urged all residents to attend these meetings.

 

8. Executive Session to Discuss Personnel:

 

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

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 10:43 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

ADJOURN: Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 10:45 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 10:45 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

January 12, 2015

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, January 12, 2015

7 PM

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager (via telephone); Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Joey Stell, Police Chief and Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

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

 

1. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, December 22, 2014:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, December 22, 2014 and Thursday, January 8, 2015 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

2. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, January 9, 2015:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Janaury 9, 2015 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked about the Union Bank payment on Warrant #135. Reg Beliveau stated that was the line of credit paid back. Motion carried.

 

3. Electric Cost of Service Update:

 

Reg Beliveau stated there will be a meeting this week in Montpelier with the Village Attorney and Steve Farman from VPPSA regarding the Cost of Service Update. He said this is just a formality to finalize the reclassification of rates and hopefully the Village can put these in effect very soon. He said he would keep the Board updated on this matter.

 

 

Will call Lynn Paradis at home to conduct #4 through #6, will move to item # 7.

 

7. Swanton Missisquoi Valley Lions Club Request Coin Drop for June 2015:

 

Dianne Day, Village Clerk, explained to the Board that the Missisquoi Valley Lions Club had requested a Coin Drop for Saturday, June 6, 2015 with a rain date of Saturday, June 13, 2015. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve their request to hold a coin drop on Saturday, June 6, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon with a rain date of Saturday, June 13, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman would like to see this coin drop moved to July instead of June. Motion carried with two yay, one nay.

 

8. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman stated the Chamber of Commerce would like to request Saturday, July 25, 2015 for their 6^th Annual Car Show from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Village Green. He said they would like to close Academy Street on both ends for this event as well and would also have the Fire Department on stand-by. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve the Chamber of Commerce’s request to hold their 6^th Annual Car Show on Saturday, July 25, 2015 in the Village Green. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Any Other Business: Reginald Beliveau stated the Community Visit will be held on January 28, 2015 beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the Swanton Library and the Village Office and Trinity Episcopal Church. He said the Village sent a copy of the schedule along with the utility bills for all Village residents so hopefully there will be a good turnout. He said he would like to close the Village office at 2:00 P.M. so Village employees can attend these sessions. Adam Paxman stated the Chamber of Commerce will be announcing their Citizen of the Year Award at the dinner being held at MVU from 6 to 7 p.m. in the commons room. The Board urged everyone to attend this Swanton Community Visit.

 

The Board called Lynn Paradis at home to conduct #4 through #6.

 

4. Capitalization Limit Approval:

 

Lynn Paradis stated that currently there isn’t a policy in place for this but she would like to increase the amount she depreciates from $1,000 to $5,000. She said currently she would have to depreciate computers and several other small items and basically these are considered “throw away” items today. Chris Leach made the motion to authorize Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, to change the Village’s Capitalization Limit from $1,000 to $5,000. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

5. Review Water & Sewer Rates:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into a Water Commissioner’s meeting to review water and sewer rates at 7:35 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Lynn Paradis stated she reviewed the water and sewer rates and feels the water rates need to increase a small amount and the sewer rates can remain the same. She said a Town customer using 5,000 gallons of water monthly would increase $4.56 per month. A Village customer using the same would increase $2.28. The fixed rate would increase from $19.19 per month to $22.14. She also said by doing this she would be able to purchase water meter reading equipment that was necessary at this time. If the Board agreed to this she would like to implement this for the March billing. Adam Paxman asked if it would make sense to have a larger increase now instead of a smaller one. Lynn stated she would feel better doing smaller rate increases because it was easier on the customers.

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve a water rate increase as proposed by Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried. Chris Leach made the motion to exit Water Commissioner’s meeting at 7:40 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

6. Adopt 2015 Budget:

 

Electric Department: Lynn Paradis stated she is getting ready for the Village audit next week. She said she is also waiting on her Purchase Power numbers and will talk to VPPSA to see if the Village needs a rate increase. She feels they will need a 3 to 4% rate increase at this time. She said a new customer came online in late November and that may counter balance that but she’s not sure. She said another large customer may also come online but it’s not known and measurable at this time. She said this budget reflects a 2% salary increase and they increased their tree trimming budget also. Reg Beliveau stated that VPPSA will be at the next Village meeting to discuss trends for the coming year.

 

Water Fund: Lynn stated their first debt service payment will be due in August 2016.

 

Sewer Fund: Lynn said in 2014 the plant is fully depreciated and their final debt payment will be made in 2015. She said this will amount to a $60,000 bond payment and about $12,000 in interest going forward.

 

Highway Fund: Lynn said if the Grand List doesn’t change this department is level funded. She said Mike Menard asked to put the sidewalk plow on the back burner for now as well as the backhoe and lawn tractor. He said he would make everything work as long as he could this year. She said he reduced his paving budget because next year the Class I project will be done, so instead of reducing the taxes she put $25,000 in the equipment line item and put the funds aside to go towards equipment for next year. She said the tax rate didn’t change in this fund.

 

General Fund: Lynn stated the furnace needs to be changed in the Office complex and the sidewalks will be replaced. She said the furnace is at least 20 years old and the sidewalks need to be ADA (American Disability Act) Approved. She said they would also like to put an awning over the front door and possibly install new doors.

 

Fire Department: Lynn said there was an increase in property insurance and workmans comp insurance as well as salaries in this department. She said they took out the extrication tools and will put that on a separate line item.

 

Police Department: Lynn stated this budget is going up a little due to salaries. She said this is due to a DUI patrol but they had grant revenue for these patrols as well. She said they had an officer in the Academy and one out on medical leave so had to cover these shifts. Adam Paxman stated the officers have written $34,000 in traffic tickets but have only received $1,000 in payment. Chief Stell stated they will only receive about 50% of those fines back in the next year or so.

 

Commercial Building Fund: Lynn stated this fund shows what the Village is currently getting as well as insurance, water and sewer, and maintenance. She said the Village breaks even in this fund.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and adopt the 2015 budget as presented with a 2.70% increase. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

9. Executive Session to Discuss Personnel:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Personnel at 8:14 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to exit Executive Session at 10:55 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

ADJOURN: Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 10:56 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 10:56 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date