April 11, 2016

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, April 11, 2016

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; Terri O’Shea 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 7:10 p.m.

 

2.      Agenda Review:

 

Reg Beliveau stated he would need an Executive Session to discuss contracts and real estate.

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, March 28, 2016:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, March 28, 2016 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked if there was any more information on the Kirt Mayland Solar Project. Reg Beliveau stated he talked with VPPSA about that and is waiting on more information. Motion carried.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, April 8, 2016:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, April 8, 2016 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

5.      Hank Lambert, Swanton Enhancement Project Flower/Tree Committee to Discuss $1000 Application to the VT Urban & Community Forest Program:

 

Hank Lambert couldn’t attend this meeting so Terri O’Shea came in his place. Reg Beliveau informed the Board that Hank had found a $1,000 grant for the Village to apply for that would pay for more trees and flowers to be planted in the Village. Eugene LaBombard made the motion authorizing Reg Beliveau to apply for the $1,000 tree/flower grant. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

Terri O’Shea also informed the Board that there is a $30,000 Rural Development Business Grant that the Town of Swanton is applying for to help hire a person to focus on job creation in the Swanton community. Terri said this may only be a one year position but feels it will be great having a key person working on job creation in this community. Adam Paxman said they have been preaching it, they need someone for this job. Chris Leach said they need someone who can follow through and create jobs. Neal Speer stated a key person can make better use of the volunteers and better use their time. Reg stated Hank Lambert has asked the Board of Trustees for their support in this endeavor. Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and sign the letter of support for the Rural Development Business Grant to hire a person to focus on job creation in the Town and Village of Swanton. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

6.      Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman asked Reg if the Fire Department had ordered any of their air packs yet. Reg said he didn’t know but said he would ask the Fire Chief.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated that the Town and Village of Swanton have sent a letter to Mr. Matt Casey with the Dollar General store asking him to reconsider the façade of the proposed store on First Street. He said they are asking them to add some brick in the front as well as awnings. He said the Town Selectboard has signed this letter and he is asking the Village Trustees to sign in support of this request also.  All Board members signed the letter.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau asked the Board to sign the Resolution in support of Market-Based Visioning & Revitalization Planning in Swanton Village and the Northern Gateway. The Resolution states Whereas, the Town and Village of Swanton have a mutually desirable goal of encouraging economic development in both the Town and Village; and Whereas, the Town and Village of Swanton have a mutually desirable goal of revitalizing vacant and underused properties in the northern end of Swanton Village and the Northern Gateway; and Whereas, the Town and Village of Swanton have a mutually desirable goal of seeking grant funds to assist in paying for such a revitalization effort and thereby, improving the economic development potential of this target area; Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Village of Swanton Board of Trustee endorses the proposed market-based visioning and revitalization plan as described in a letter from Greta Brunswick, NRPC Senior Planner, dated March 29, 2016, and desires to make that endorsement a matter of public record. Eugene LaBombard made the motion for the Village of Swanton Board of Trustees to adopt and sign the Market-based Visioning & Revitalization Planning in Swanton Village and Northern Gateway. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated a lot of people are saying they like the flashing sign out front of the Complex. He said Joel Clark has done some research and has found one to be installed in the Village Green. He said the Swanton Enhancement Project would donate part of the funds and the Town of Swanton would cover the rest of the cost. He said he received a quote for $6900 and is waiting on another quote for cost comparison. Reg stated the Village and Town employees would erect the post that would hold the electronic sign and the Village would supply the electricity to the sign. Reg said this would get rid of all the signs and banners people hang at the end of First Street. Chris Leach made the motion to approve the installation of an electronic sign and message board at the end of First Street in the Village Green. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

7.      Public Comment:

 

None.

 

8.      Executive Session to Discuss Customer Accounts, Real Estate and Contracts:

 

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

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session and enter back into Open Session at 9:10 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

 

ACTION TAKEN: Chris Leach made the motion to authorize the Village of Swanton to write off a balance of $18,902.10. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: The breakdown for this is as follows: $16,630.70 in the electric department, $1151.40 in the water department, $1070 in the fire department and $50 in the highway department. Motion carried.

 

9.      Adjournment:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 9:11 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 9:11 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

March 28, 2016

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, March 28, 2016

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; Suzanne Washburn, Chamber of Commerce; Will & Victor Veve, CC500 Solar; and Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

 

1.      Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, welcomed all to the Regular Board of Trustees meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.

 

2.      Agenda Review:

 

Neal Speer stated that the Minutes for their Special Meeting on Thursday, March 24, 2016 will be added to Item #3 for approval.

 

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, March 7, 2016 and Thursday, March 24, 2016:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, March 7, 2016 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Thursday, March 24, 2016 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Thursday, March 24, 2016:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Thursday, March 24, 2016 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

5.      Kirt Mayland to Discuss Solar Project on Frontage Road:

 

Kirt wasn’t present yet for this discussion so moved to Item #6. Will and Victor Veve were present for this discussion, stating that Kirt Mayland couldn’t make it. Will said their solar projects border Kirt Mayland’s solar project on the Frontage Road. He said they are proposing to install a 500 KW net metering solar array. Will said Kirt’s project will be on the sand pit property and his two projects are on the Carroll Concrete property and the Marcel Begnoche property. He said they are in the application process but they don’t see any issues. He said they are meeting with the school next month and are offering extra power through net metering to the school and to the Village of Swanton. The net metering process was discussed as well as the 15% cap on solar projects. Will and Victor Veve thanked the Board for listening to their solar plans and offered to come back and answer questions when they are further along in the process. The Board thanked them for their time.

 

6.      Chamber of Commerce Request for Farmer’s Market May 28^th through October 22, 2016:

 

Suzanne Washburn stated the Chamber of Commerce is requesting permission to hold a Farmer’s Market in the Village Park on Saturday’s from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 28 through October 22, 2016. She said they mailed the Chamber’s Certificate of Insurance to the Village to have on file this week. Chris Leach asked if the Chamber was expanding the Farmer’s Market this year. Suzanne stated they would like to but need to clarify the insurance coverage piece before they can. She said vendors were told in the past that they needed to provide liability insurance in order to participate in the Farmer’s Market. She said they can’t afford to pay that along with the fee to the Chamber and wondered if the Chamber’s liability insurance covered all vendors in the Farmer’s Market. Adam Paxman stated the Chamber had requested that in the past but now feels their liability insurance will cover anyone under that event. They all agreed that the vendors do not have to provide insurance to participate, that they are covered by the Chamber’s insurance. Suzanne stated the Market will be growing because of this. Neal Speer suggested Suzanne confirm this with their insurance provider beforehand and she agreed to do so. Adam Paxman made the motion to approve the Chamber of Commerce’s request to hold a Farmer’s Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday’s in the Village Park from May 28^th to October 22^nd, 2016. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Board of Trustees moved back to Item #5.

 

7.      Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Reg Beliveau stated he has a letter for the Dollar General Store about the façade of their proposed building on First Street. He said he would bring it up tomorrow night at their JLB meeting. The Board would like Dollar General to dress their store up a little bit rather than have it look like an airport hangar.

 

8.      Public Comment:

 

Chris Leach stated his neighbor Peter Abui, who came to Vermont from Sudan, has written a book and will be at the Episcopal Church on Saturday, April 2^nd to discuss his Journey from Sudan. He said he is a very nice man and urges everyone to attend this event to meet Peter and his family.

 

9.      Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

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

 

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

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

10.  Adjournment:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:33 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:33 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

March 24, 2016

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

SPECIAL MEETING

Thursday, March 24, 2016

4:00 PM

 

 

 

 

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

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

 

1.      Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, welcomed all to the Special Board of Trustees meeting and called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

 

2.      Executive Session to Discuss Personnel:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Personnel at 4:03 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to exit Executive Session at 5:35 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

 

3.      Adjournment:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Special Board of the Trustees meeting at 5:35 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 5:35 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

March 7, 2016

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

SPECIAL MEETING

Monday, March 7, 2016

7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

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

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

 

1.      Call to Order:

 

Chris Leach, Village Trustee, welcomed all to the Special Board of Trustees meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

2.      Agenda Review:

 

None.

 

3.      Swear in elected officials for 2015: Neal Speer, Village President (one year term); Eugene LaBombard, Village Trustee (three year term); Dianne Day, Village Clerk (one year term) and Betty Cheney, Delinquent Tax Collector (one year term) were sworn in on March 2, 2016 to perform duties:

 

Dianne Day, Village Clerk, was sworn in on March 2, 2016 for a one year term by Notary Public Katie Judd. Dianne then swore in Betty Cheney, Delinquent Tax Collector, for a one year term so both could carry on with their respective positions and conduct business. Dianne Day swore in Eugene LaBombard, Village Trustee, for a three year term. Village President Neal Speer was out sick so will be sworn in this week at the Village Office.

 

4.      Appoint a Treasurer for the Village of Swanton for 2016 and swear in:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to appoint Dianne Day as Village Treasurer for 2016. Adam Paxman seconded. Adam Paxman then swore Dianne Day in as Treasurer. Motion carried.

 

5.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Informational Meeting Tuesday, February 23, 2016:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Tuesday, February 23, 2016 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Dianne Day explained that on page 3 under the Highway Department she wrote that Lynn Paradis said there were a couple of workman compensation cases in that department. That should have stated the cases were in the Electric Department. Motion carried with correction.

ice rescues.

6.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, March 4, 2016:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants (#17-#23) through Friday, March 4, 2016 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked about the payment to Kittell, Branagan & Sargent for $5480. He asked if that was for the annual audit. Reg Beliveau explained that was a partial payment for the audit. He also asked about the payment to the VT Correctional Industries. Reg explained that was for our Annual Village Report being printed. Chris asked if the Village saved a lot of money having them print the book. Dianne Day stated the Village saved about 50% having them print the book. Adam Paxman asked about the Blue Cross & Blue Shield payment for $50,114. He wondered if that was an annual charge. Reg Beliveau stated that payment was made quarterly. Motion carried.

 

 

 

7.       Review Approved Coin Drops for Fire Department; Fire Ladies Auxiliary and Lions Club. They are requesting permission to change dates:

 

Dianne Day, Village Clerk, explained to the Board that the Fire Department is requesting to change their coin drop date to Sunday, September 11, 2016; the Ladies Auxiliary would like to change their date to Saturday, June 11, 2016 and the Missisquoi Lions Club would like to change theirs to Saturday, May 14, 2016. The Board of Trustees agreed to all these changes.

 

8.      Sign Annual Financial Plan – Town Highway:

 

Dianne Day, Village Clerk, explained to the Board that this report shows what it cost to maintain the Village streets. She said the Village receives State Aid for Highways each quarter and Lynn Paradis needs to show that it costs more to maintain our streets that what we receive in State aid. Eugene LaBombard made the motion for the Board to sign this Annual Financial Plan for Town Highways. Adam Paxman seconded. The Board signed the Financial Plan. Motion carried.

 

 

9.      Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Reg Beliveau stated the Water Transmission Line job was almost complete. He said they are testing the water quality this week and then will have the line up and running. He said when this job is complete the Village may have approximately $300,000 left over and he is asking the Board if they would like to go ahead and do the Canada Street project that already has voter approval. He said that project will cost approximately $425,000 but the Board has the authority to borrow $75,000 more dollars without having to get voter approval for a bond. He said Aldrich & Elliott is asking if they should go out to bid for this project. Eugene LaBombard stated they should go ahead with the bids because they may come in lower than anticipated. They discussed Canada Street being deemed a priority back when the street study was done. Chris Leach made the motion to authorize Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, to go out to bid for the Canada Street Project with a right to refuse contingency. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Chris Leach stated this will complete Phase III of the water projects. Adam Paxman stated that the archaeological study cost $318,000 and that took money that was designated for this street as well as others. He said they could have done more if they didn’t have to pay so much for this study. Reg Beliveau stated that JP Sicard was a very good company to work with and said they have done an excellent job. Motion carried.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard stated he wanted to thank all the voters who came out and supported the Village and the Village candidates on March 1^st. Chris Leach read the results of the votes so people knew how much everything passed by. The Village had a record number of votes this year with 560 people voting.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach stated the new Health Center is now open and looks very good. Eugene LaBombard said he went in and it’s very nice and rebuilt from the floor up. Chris Leach asked if there were any comments on the Art boards. Village Clerk Dianne Day stated a lot of customers come in and say how much they like them.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated he has three quotes on hand for a new backhoe in the Highway Department. They are from Nortrax John Deere for $65,700 which includes a $30,000 trade in for their old backhoe; one from Beauregard for $74,855 which includes a $21,400 trade in and one from Milton Cat for $85,900 which includes a $30,000 trade in. Chris Leach made the motion to authorize the Village of Swanton to purchase a new backhoe in the Highway Department with the lowest bid from Nortrax John Deere for $65,700.  Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated that the Town of Swanton helped the Village with their water line break last week offering their excavator. Reg said he sent the Town a thank you letter for that.

 

10.  Public Comment:

 

None.

 

11.  Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

Chris Leach stated he needed an executive session to discuss personnel and real estate. Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session at 7:39 p.m. to discuss Personnel and Real Estate. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:45 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

 

12.  Adjournment:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Special Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:45 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Chris Leach, Village Trustee, adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

February 23, 2016

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

INFORMATIONAL MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

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; Jason Cross; Jason Butler; Betty Cheney, Delinquent Tax Collector; Glen Gurwit; Suzanne Washburn; Elizabeth Nance; Louise LaBombard and Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

1. Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, welcomed all to the Informational Meeting and Public Hearing and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

2. Moment of Silence:

 

He requested a Moment of Silence for all Military, Past, Present and Future and also for all our community members who are sick or have passed away.

 

3. Pledge of Allegiance:

 

Neal Speer led everyone in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

4. Agenda Review:

 

None.

 

5. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, February 8, 2016:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, February 8, 2016 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

6. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, February 19, 2016:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, February 19, 2016 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

7. Informational Meeting & Public Hearing – 2016 Village Annual Warning:

 

Neal Speer read the Village Annual Warning to everyone present. Chris Leach wanted to recognize Jerome Duffy for all his years of service as a Village Trustee. He said the Village has dedicated their Annual Report to him and his many years of service.  Neal stated they had a real busy year and a very enthusiastic year. He said they started it off with the Community Visit and set up Task Forces and the Town and Village are working together. Reg Beliveau thanked everyone for coming tonight and said the Town and Village had common Report covers about the Community Visit. He said the Arts Council is doing great work. He said they postponed their Community Visit Celebration but will get it rescheduled soon. He said the Boards have grown strong and together they all work hard. He then began a slideshow presentation.

 

2015 Year in Review:

 

Projects: Reg mentioned the Marble Mill Park grant for $74,880. He also mentioned:

 

• Community Visit – 5 Task forces focused on improving Swanton
• Mark Fenton Visit – A review of a walkable/bikeable Swanton
• Storm Water Grants – Marble Mill Park Grant for $74,880
• UVM Preformed a Public Tree Inventory Study of the Village – Developing an Urban Forest Management Plan
• Town/Village Grant to study a sidewalk to MVU and the Depot to join the sidewalk on Lake Street – Cross Consulting is reviewing a feasibility study now
• Healthy Work Place Grant for $3000 – Monthly health screenings, employee garden, FitBits, and the Village purchases fruits and vegetables weekly
• EV Car Charging Units in the Municipal Park and Ride – The Village received a $24,000 grant for two stations which can charge four cars
• Additional Parking Downtown – Church parking lot and next to Merchants Row. The Village and town share the maintenance on the Church parking lot and the Village leased the lot next to Merchants Row

Public Works Department

 

• Water Line Break – The crew spent over two days repairing a water line break under the Interstate Overpass
• Construction of the Transmission Lines – Construction complete, last stages of the river crossing being tested now; may be able to complete the Canada Street project too
• Early Spring – Frozen Water Lines
• Paving Project 2016 – VT 78 (First Street) and US Route 7 (Spring Street) and Grand Avenue; Bike Lanes/Share the Road Bike Lanes, and Village Square traffic changes
• Grant for Flashing crosswalk Signs/Adding Cross Walks Part of Safe Routes to School Program – First and Liberty Street, Grand Avenue and Railtrail, Canada Street
• Merchants Row Traffic Re-Design – Need to improve Merchants Row traffic, new plan increases parking by 5 spots, shifting the road closer to the Chamber of Commerce
• Bad winter so far with very cold temperatures, freezing water lines, and lots of snow

 

Electric Department

 

• Continue to keep up on Tree Trimming – Proven to eliminate outages during snow/ice storms
• Received the Utility Truck
• Ordered the Bucket Truck, expecting a June Delivery
• Took Delivery of the Digger Truck – All part of the 108 PSB request for financing
• Many estimates for large solar projects within our service territory

 

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
• House Draft Bill H35 – will be a concern to our operations; sharply reduces our discharge limits for phosphorus; reviewed proto-type Phosphorus removal methods
• Many repairs and upgrades to the plant

 

Water Treatment Plant

 

• Plant continues to operate well
• We are monitoring point for Blue-Green Algae
• E-Maintenance Plan – preventative maintenance plan for all assets of the Village

 

Hydro Plant

 

• General repairs continue preparing for re-licensing in 2023 (7 years out)
• This is a minimum of a 5 year process before license is due
• Improved Control Room for the Operators – VPPSA paid for this because the Operators dispatch for their P-10 site
• FERC visit and Inspection of the Rubber Dam – need to investigate repair or replace

 

Reg then went on to explain the Tax Rate. He showed the 2015 Actual vs. the 2016 Proposed Tax Rate. General was 0.0725 to 0.0718; Fire Dept. was 0.0391 to 0.0440; Police Dept. was 0.3404 to 0.3641; Highway was 0.2887 to 0.2938. The 2015 Actual Tax Rate was 0.7407 and the 2016 Proposed Tax Rate is 0.7737 with a change of 0.0330 cents. The increase on a $200,000 home with the proposed tax rate is $66.00.

 

Reg then introduced the 2016 candidates for this year which are Neal Speer for Village President, Eugene LaBombard for Village Trustee, Dianne Day for Village Clerk, and Betty Cheney for Village Delinquent Tax Collector.

 

Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, proceeded to go over the budgets. She started with the General Department stating that this covered the Village Complex. She said this budget has gone down by about $1500.

 

 

 

Fire Department: Lynn stated this department is up this year due to an increase in salaries, FICA expense and Workman’s Compensation. She said they have VLCT for their insurance and the fire department is in a pool with other fire departments. If workmens compensation numbers are up, everyone will see an increase. Tim Girard, Fire Chief, stated that 2015 was a very busy year and they are thankful there was no loss of life. He said the weather was very hard on their equipment. He said they meet every Monday evening and have a very aggressive training officer. He said they have great personnel that take care of their gear and equipment. He introduced Jason Butler and Jason Cross and said they are the backbone of the department.

 

Police Department: Chief Stell stated the increase in his department comes from an increase in salaries due to investigations, workman’s compensation and training requirements. Suzanne Washburn asked how the Town contract was going and Chief Stell said it was going good. Reg Beliveau stated that Chief Stell also attends the Substance Abuse programs as well.

 

Highway Department: Lynn stated this department was up a bit due to workman’s compensation. She said there were a couple of cases in the Electric Department last year but that the rates from the state increased across the board. She said it was up about $20,000 this year for all departments. Lynn said Mike Menard didn’t do any paving in 2015 and is going to do two year’s worth in 2016. She said they have also received bids on purchasing a new backhoe. She said this piece of equipment is approximately 15 years old and rolls every day. Lynn said now is the time to replace it because they can still get a good price for trade in and she said they have money set aside for this purchase. She said the next piece of equipment to get replaced will be the sidewalk plow.

 

Electric Department: Lynn advised everyone that the Village may need a rate increase this year. She said her audit is complete and VPPSA is working on a rate increase for her. She said the Village still has the second lowest rates in the State of Vermont. Lynn said the purchase power and labor rates are over budget again. She said they are not generating great numbers at the hydro plant. They have done a lot of maintenance at the plant and are now on a maintenance routine. She said there are a lot of solar projects in the works and that is keeping the line crew very busy. She said they will get reimbursed for those by the project owners. Suzanne Washburn asked what if the Village put in their own solar project. Reg Beliveau stated they make 80% of their own power and he said VPPSA is looking into that for the Village. Chris Leach stated everyone is putting in solar or wind projects and their generation is going into the grid. He said hydro power is not considered renewable so they have to purchase power. He said regardless they are doing their best to keep the rates low and reliable. Elizabeth Nance asked why hydro power wasn’t considered renewable. Reg stated because it’s not “new” renewable and their plant is too old. Lynn also stated that one of the electric bonds will be paid off this December and that will free up about a half a million dollars. She said the other two bonds are scheduled to be paid off in 2019 and 2023. She said the Village paid off about $1.2 million dollars in bonds in 2015 and they are now beginning to see some debt paid off.

 

Water Department: Lynn said the Village paid their first bond payment on the water plant this year and they will pay their first payment on the water transmission line in 2017. She said it was a rough winter last year and they incurred a lot of expenses with frozen pipes. She said the plant is working well and the Village’s rate increase is set to begin in March.

 

Sewer Department: Lynn advised everyone that the Village paid off a CSO bond in this department and is scheduled to pay another one off next year. She said this department hasn’t seen a rate increase since 2014 and this department will also have one in March. She said they have done a lot of their upgrades through depreciation funds. They are waiting to see what happens with the phosphorus issue and she said that may cause another rate increase.

 

Reg Beliveau stated he just started his 5^th year working for the Village and said he appreciates the support given to him. He also thanked his staff for everything they do.

 

Neal Speer stated it was a breath of fresh air working with Reg and said the Village has a great team, either elected or with the workforce. He said it’s very gratifying to work with a team to get things done. He said the Village has a great leader, a great workforce and also said the Town and Village are working great together. He said he is running again for Village President and appreciates everyone’s support. The other candidates on the ballot this year are Eugene LaBombard, Village Trustee, for a three year term; Dianne Day, Village Clerk, for a one year term; and Betty Cheney, Village Delinquent Tax Collector, for a one year term.

 

 

 

 

8. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

None.

 

 

9. Public Comment:

 

Suzanne Washburn said she’d like to commend the Village and Town. She said it’s very encouraging and she hopes they keep up the good work.

 

10. Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

None.

 

11. Adjournment:

 

 

ADJOURN: Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Informational Meeting and Public Hearing at 8:28 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:29 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

February 8, 2016

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, February 8, 2016

7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Chief of Police Joey Stell; Sgt. Eugene Rich 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.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, January 25, 2016:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, January 25, 2016 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, February 5, 2016:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants (#6-#12) through Friday, February 5, 2016 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion:  Eugene LaBombard asked about the MMWEC invoice stating he didn’t recognize the name, he was informed that was for purchase power from Massachusetts Wholesale Electric Company. Motion carried.

 

ice rescues.

5.      Sgt. Eugene Rich, Abenaki Tribal Representative – Community Update:

 

Sgt. Eugene Rich, Abenaki Tribal Council Representative, informed the Board that the Abenaki’s are changing their philosophy to be more community inclusive. He said not only are the Abenaki interested in maintaining grants for themselves but also one’s that are good for the community as a whole.

 

6.       Swanton Village Fire Department request Coin Drop on May 14, 2016 with a rain date of May 21, 2016:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve the Fire Departments request to hold a Coin Drop on May 14, 2016 with a rain date of May 21, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

 

7.      Swanton Village Fire Department Auxiliary request Coin Drop on August 6, 2016 with a rain date of August 27, 2016:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve the Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary’s request to hold a Coin Drop on August 6, 2016 with a rain date of August 27, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

 

 

8.      Paving Project and New Traffic Design Discussion

 

The Board of Trustees stated they liked the new Merchant’s Row design but asked Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, to follow up with area businesses because it may impact delivery to them with tractor trailers. The Board also discussed lowering the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph in the Village of Swanton. Chief Stell explained that the court system won’t recognize someone being ticketed unless it’s 10 miles over the speed limit due to odometer accuracy. He recommended not reducing the speed limit throughout the Village. He said their speed study showed the average speed through the Village to be 28 to 30 miles per hour (mph). He said the speed study shows there isn’t a problem with speeding. He said maybe 1 to 2% exceed the speed limit but overall residents are following the limit. He said the speed study on Spring Street showed the average speed to be 31 mph. He said Grand Avenue during the daytime had an average speed of 28 mph which is actually under the posted speed limit.

 

 

9.      Any Other Necessary Business:

 

None.

 

 

10.  Public Comment:

 

None.

 

 

11.  Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

None.

 

 

12.  Adjournment:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:00 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date