June 27, 2016

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, June 27, 2016

7:00 PM

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Chief of Police Joey Stell 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:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, advised he needed an Executive Session to discuss Real Estate. Dianne Day, Village Clerk, advised she had a water allocation request to bring up under Any Other Necessary Business.

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, June 13, 2016:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, June 13, 2016 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Eugene LaBombard stated he wanted the word “defensive” changed to “aggressive” under Any Other Business. Chris Leach asked if the basketball hoops were fixed, Reg advised they were now fixed. Motion carried with correction.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, June 24, 2016:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants (#70-#76) through Friday, June 24, 2016 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman asked about the Ironbrook payment. Reg Beliveau advised that was for the ultra violet system at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Chris Leach mentioned the VPPSA payment and Reg stated so far the Village is under budget for purchase power. Motion carried.

 

5.      Village Police Department Update:

 

Chief of Police Joey Stell informed the Board that Sgt. Eugene Rich is on light duty due to an injury he sustained to his shoulder after the Memorial Day Parade. He said he injured his rotator cuff and just had an MRI to determine if he needs surgery or not. He said Sgt. Rich and Don Gilbert have switched places so this minimizes the need for overtime. He said this also gives them more commercial truck stops because Officer Gilbert is DOT (Department of Transportation) certified. He said Officer Gilbert is still doing some administrative duties because Sgt. Rich isn’t familiar with everything. Chief Stell said his department received a $10,000 Governor Highway Safety grant for a digital speed sign. He said this is a zero matching grant so no local funds need to be spent on this. He said this sign will be movable between the Town and Village and it counts traffic and records speeds. He said the speed spy they’ve been using needs some major repairs and it’s not feasible to have that done. He said there are a couple of areas that have been complaining about speeding but he said the streets are very short so he doesn’t believe cars are able to go that fast. He said loud exhaust and shorter streets can be perceived as speeding.

 

He said the Village has seen a huge increase in kids from other towns hanging out. He said they are trying to identify them and address the issue. He said the summer months cause their call volume to go up as well as the warmer weather. He said the department has a new badge thanks to the Swanton Arts Council. He said they ran a contest for a new badge design and Anita Parah had the winning badge design. He said Sgt. Rich worked with the Arts Council on this contest and the new badge artwork is phenomenal. He said it displays the Swanton dam and gives ownership to the Police Department. Chris Leach asked if there were any big issues with the local drug problem. Chief Stell advised there are no changes and that his department works closely with the State and with other police departments on combating the drug problem. He said there is a lot of heroin on the forefront because of its cheap price. He said some of this heroin can be laced with fentanyl making it very strong and potent. He said this has caused several overdoses. He said drug manufacturers have taken abused narcotics and made changes where they can’t be crushed and snorted. He said those users are now on heroin. Adam Paxman asked if the police department had to use Narcan very often. Chief Stell said this reverses the affect of the narcotic and has saved a few residents in this town. He said Missisquoi Valley Rescue uses it maybe 1 to 2 times per month. The Board thanked Chief Stell for coming in and giving them an update.

 

 

6.      Update on Water Transmission Line Work on Canada Street:

 

Reg Beliveau said the Water Transmission Line on Canada Street is going good. He said tonight they have the water shut off so they can put connections on. He said by the end of the week they should be into the square by Merchants Row and by the end of July the job should be complete. He said the State has been onsite making sure there is no ground water contamination and that has been going good. Reg also said Mike Menard and his crew are improving the storm drains on Canada Street that he has had some problems with.

 

7.      Update on Paving Project (Change to Parking in the Square):

 

Adam Paxman asked if the Village was still on schedule for the paving project in the square by Merchants Row. Reg said he hasn’t heard anything and believes everything is on schedule. Adam asked if the State was making changes to the parking plan there. Reg said he would take a look at the design one more time and bring it back before the Board. He said that plan is just striping and won’t be affected by the paving. He said LocoMotion is supposed to come back and do some work and he will check with them and also with VTrans. Chris Leach said there should be a way to point people to alternative parking. Adam Paxman suggested getting parking signs like the ones that are in downtown Burlington area. He said those really stand out. Reg said Mike Menard would be using some leftover paving material in the parking lot behind the Chamber office.

 

8.      Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to enter into Water Commissioner’s Meeting at 7:29 p.m. to hear a water allocation request. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried. Dianne Day advised the Board that Mark Hungerford was requesting a water allocation of 400 GPD (gallons per day) for a new three bedroom home at 324 Maquam Shore Road. Mark is aware of the fees associated with this new connection. Chris Leach made the motion to approve Mark Hungerford’s request for a 400 GPD water allocation for a three bedroom home at 324 Maquam Shore Rd. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried. Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Water Commissioner’s meeting at 7:31 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Any Other Business:  Chris Leach asked if there was any information on the oil leak in the river. Reg Beliveau stated they have no point of origin on the leak but do know that it was heating oil not diesel. He said they have no clue as to where it came from and said the State of Vermont is investigating it. Reg said this didn’t come from any of Swanton Village’s storm drains.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach asked how the storm garden was coming at Marble Mill. Reg Beliveau stated the materials have been ordered and should be in by the end of July. He said it will take a huge crane to install the 66,000 pound swirl basin and two dog box manholes. Reg said this is all being done with grant money except for Swanton Village’s labor. He said they will come in under budget on this and may look at other areas. He said they are still working on Webster Terrace.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach asked how the fundraising was going for the skate park at Marble Mill. Reg said a Zumbathon was held to raise money and he said the families are still working on it. Reg stated that Betsy Fournier from Parks and Recreation and Fit N Healthy was quite involved and he appreciated her efforts. Reg asked that people not stereotype the kids that go and hang out and play at Marble Mill, he said there are a lot of good kids there but if people are causing problems to please let the police department know.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard said the Town didn’t get awarded the economic development position grant. Reg Beliveau said they still have a part time position allocated for so the Town might still go ahead with a part time position to serve the Village and the Town.

 

Any Other Business: Neal Speer stated the new patch for the Police Department looks really nice and he said there was a great article in the St. Albans Messenger about it.

 

 

 

 

9.      Public Comment:

 

None.

 

10.  Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session at 7:43 p.m. to discuss Real Estate. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:49 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

 

11.  Adjournment:

 

 

Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:49 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

June 13, 2016

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, June 13, 2016

7:00 PM

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Mark Rocheleau, Chamber of Commerce 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:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, advised he needed to add Customer Account discussion to the Executive Session. Dianne Day, Village Clerk, advised she had a coin drop request she would bring up under Any Other Necessary Business.

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, May 23, 2016:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, May 23, 2016 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked if there was any more information on the Property Ordinance discussion. Adam Paxman advised that topic was tabled until further notice. Motion carried.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, June 10, 2016:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants (#60-#69) through Friday, June 10, 2016 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

5.      Chamber of Commerce to Discuss Swans and Map at the Chamber:

 

Mark Rocheleau advised the Board that Rise VT has asked the Chamber to post a sign on the Chamber’s property showing the bike/walking paths in the Village and Town. He said he is asking the Board’s permission on this since the Village owns the property. He said it’s a 4’x3’ sign. Adam Paxman asked if they could hang the sign under the state road sign. Eugene LaBombard stated he didn’t think that was allowed. Chris Leach stated the sign should be posted at the Village Office, the Town Office and the Chamber of Commerce’s office. He said they should check with the Zoning office to make sure a permit wasn’t needed. Reg Beliveau advised he would look into this further. Mark Rocheleau also stated the Chamber has done some renovations to their office and he would like to invite the Board to stop over on Wednesday, June 22 at 6 p.m. to see what they have done. He said they have some historical items on display and their goal is to attract tourists to the area.

 

Adam Paxman advised the Board that the swans they had last year in the Park have died. He said the State of Vermont will no longer give permits to people to raise swans because they are invasive to the State. Adam said there is no problem in getting some from surrounding areas but because of this issue they can’t put a pair in the Village Green. He said the Chamber is taking the lead and contacting the local officials and representatives and is asking residents to do the same. He said he doubt’s they will have a pair for this summer but are hoping they can for next year. Chris Leach stated they should put up a sign in the swan pond stating this. Adam said he is hoping that letters of support on this issue will help. He said they are a tourist attraction and people look forward to having them in the park. Adam also said Swanton Lumber donated some shingles and he has volunteers that are going to replace the roof on the swan house.

 

 

 

6.      Village of Swanton Employee Handbook Earned Time Change:

 

Reg Beliveau advised the Board that Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, added a change to the Village of Swanton handbook regarding part time employees receiving earned time. She also updated the disability insurance information. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve the earned time change to the Village of Swanton Employee Handbook. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

7.      Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Neal Speer stated the Police Department is having a ceremony at the Swanton Library to display the patch design contest held by the Swanton Arts Council. He said Anita Parah won the patch design and he advised everyone to look for the date and time and attend this ceremony.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard stated a concerned resident contacted him regarding the height of the basketball nets at Marble Mill. Reg stated he will look into this, that he hasn’t pursued it because he had higher priorities. He said he would go down and check it out this week.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard stated he wanted to remind people to drive more carefully. He said he has seen so much aggressive driving lately and this needs to stop. He said a lot of New York vehicles are speeding throughout the Village and he wants a higher police presence out there. Reg Beliveau stated he would talk with the Chief of Police tomorrow about this.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach stated he wanted to recognize Reg Beliveau’s efforts regarding the Dollar General Store. He said the store looks great and he appreciates his efforts in getting them to dress the store front up. Reg stated it was a joint effort by the Town Selectboard and the Village Trustees. Chris stated the Village should send them a letter thanking them for their efforts. Chris also said the residents on Gallup Court really appreciate the new LED street lights. He also asked about the Sidewalk Study meeting with Peter Cross held last week. Neal Speer stated they had a really good turnout. Eugene stated he walks a lot throughout the Village but hesitates to go on South River Street because it’s dangerous walking there.

 

Any Other Business: Village Clerk Dianne Day stated the Franklin Grand Isle Bookmobile is requesting permission to hold a coin drop on Saturday, July 9, 2016. Chris Leach made the motion to approve the Bookmobile’s request to hold a coin drop on Saturday, July 9, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried with 2 yays, and one nay.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated the water line project began today on Canada Street. He said he wasn’t sure when the State would be doing their repaving project but said the water line job would be done beforehand. He said the Village did new curbing on Church Street and the Electric Department also installed new LED street lights throughout the Village. Reg also stated the Village will again be receiving Hydro Incentive Program funds. He said last year the Village received approximately $54,000 and this year they are getting $21,886. He said they have already applied for next year’s program and hope to receive funds next year too. Reg said the Village hopes to finish the storm water project at Marble Mill by the end of July. He said he would like to revisit the Webster Terrace area one more time and hopefully be able to utilize the land there. He said there is one homeowner that doesn’t want this done on their property. Reg also said they are doing the final changes on the car charging station and that should be up and running soon.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman said he wanted to thank everyone for attending the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. He said it was a very good turnout and Joel Clark did an excellent job on the monument. He said if anyone is interested in joining the Memorial Day committee to look him up.

 

8.      Public Comment:

 

None.

 

 

9.      Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to enter into Executive Session at 7:40 p.m. to discuss Real Estate and Customer Accounts. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:22 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

 

 

 

10.  Adjournment:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:23 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:23 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

May 23, 2016

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, May 23, 2016

7:00 PM

 

 

 

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

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

1.      Call to Order:

 

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

 

2.      Agenda Review:

 

None.

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, May 9, 2016:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, May 9, 2016 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, May 20, 2016:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants (#55-#59) through Friday, May 20, 2016 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach stated VPPSA is getting paid quite a bit, Reg Beliveau stated production is good right now at the Hydro Plant. Motion carried.

 

5.      Sign Loan Documents for Bucket Truck in Electric Department:

 

Dianne Day advised the Board that the loan documents were prepared and ready to be signed for the new bucket truck in the Electric Department. She said the voters of Swanton Village approved this purchase last year, which cost $209,000. He said this loan is through People’s United Bank with an interest rate of 2.60%. Adam Paxman made the motion for all Board members to sign the Electric Department Bucket Truck loan documents, borrowing $209,000 with an interest rate of 2.60% through People’s United Bank. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried. Board members signed the necessary documents.

 

6.      Property Ordinance Discussion:

 

Adam Paxman asked if this item could be tabled until he is able to further investigate this topic. Reg Beliveau stated he talked with the Health Officer and the Zoning Administrator and they have no control over some of the topics mentioned. They said the Village would need an Ordinance in place to enforce those things. Item tabled.

 

7.      SQRP Report for 1^st Quarter 2016 Ready for Review:

 

Chris Leach stated the Board of Trustees have reviewed the first quarter SQRP and are happy with everyone’s performance.

 

8.      Missisquoi Valley Rescue Requests Coin Drop on Saturday, October 1, 2016 with October 8^th as Rain Date:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve Missisquoi Valley Rescue’s request for a coin drop on Saturday, October 1, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon with a rain date of Saturday, October 8, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.  Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

 

9.      Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman mentioned the Memorial Day Parade being held on Monday, May 30^th at 2:30 p.m. He said there will also be a ceremony in Flat Iron Park honoring those who died during WWI and on. He asked everyone to fly their flags to honor our veterans – past, present and future.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman gave a reminder that the speed limit on Spring Street is 30 miles per hour. He said there are a lot of bikers, pedestrians etc on the road and they need to be more careful.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated the swans are not in yet this year and the Chamber of Commerce is working on getting a pair of swans with the Agency of Natural Resources. He said they hope to have some soon and to please be patient.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau said the Board will need to meet with Engineer Peter Cross at the Town Selectboard Meeting on June 7, 2016. He said they need to discuss the sidewalk study that’s been done.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated the Village needs to get the Personnel Handbook to their attorney for review and said they needed to add a workman’s compensation change. The Board agreed to have an attorney review the handbook.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated the Canada Street water line project will begin the first week of June and will take approximately 6 weeks to complete. He said it will be done prior to the State paving Canada Street at the end of July or beginning of August.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach said he wanted to thank Joel Clark for all his hard work on the Monument in Flat Iron Park, as well as the Village crew for the work they did on the sidewalk there. He said it looks great. Reg stated they all worked very well together. Chris also mentioned the flowers in the park and on the bridge and said how nice they look. Reg stated they are looking for volunteers to help keep them watered so if anyone was interested they could contact Sandy Kilburn. Chris also said the Art Walls look great.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman said the Recreation Department was holding a Swanton Community Festival on Sunday, May 29^th from 12 to 6 p.m. in the lower parking lot off of Jewett Street. He said the stations are free but donations are appreciated. They will have bouncy houses, sumo wrestling, dunking booth, concession stands, photo booth and live music. He said this is being hosted by Jaz Entertainment.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated he traveled to Venice, Quebec and talked about businesses and activities across the border He said they toured museums, talked about the river boat tour issues regarding the border crossing. He said they also toured the wildlife refuge. He said it was a very nice visit.

 

10.  Public Comment:

 

None.

 

11.  Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to enter into Executive Session at 7:33 p.m. to discuss Real Estate and Personnel. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:35 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

12.  Adjournment:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:35 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

May 9, 2016

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, May 9, 2016

7:00 PM

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Brad Aldrich, Aldrich & Elliott; 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:

 

Adam Paxman advised he needed to go into an Executive Session to discuss Legal Matters and would like to move #9 to #5.

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, April 25, 2016:

 

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

 

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

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants (#49-#54) through Friday, May 6, 2016 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

5.      Executive Session to Discuss Legal Matters:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session at 7:15 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session and re-enter Open Session at 7:47 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried, back in Open Session.

 

ACTION TAKEN: Adam Paxman made the motion to deny JP Sicard’s claim regarding directional boring on the Water Transmission Line job and directed Aldrich & Elliott to respond via a letter. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

6.      Brad Aldrich, Aldrich & Elliott, to discuss Canada Street Water Line Replacement Job, Bid Analysis and DBE Effort:

 

Brad Aldrich stated they advertised for bids and received 7 bids for the Project #5 Canada Street job. He said they opened bids on April 26, 2016 and JP Sicard came in with the lowest bid at $334,480. He said the bids ranged from $334,480 to $505,950. Brad stated Aldrich & Elliott are recommending the Village of Swanton award the bid to JP Sicard. He said they did the water transmission line job and that went really well. He said they like working with Mike Menard and Reg Beliveau and he feels the Village got a quality job from them. Brad stated he received JP Sicard’s Bid Analysis and DBE Effort (Disadvantage Business Enterprise) and is very comfortable with it. He said this entails JP Sicard documenting they followed all necessary procedures. Aldrich & Elliott sent a draft of this to the State of Vermont and they are happy with their bid package as well. Brad stated he needs the Village to accept JP Sicard’s bid and to also recognize their DBE Efforts. Chris Leach made the motion to accept JP Sicard’s bid of $334,480 for the Village of Swanton Project #5 Canada Street Job and to also recognize their DBE Efforts. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

Reg Beliveau advised there are some left over funds from the original contract as well as a $200,000 debt forgiveness. He said the Village has the authority to extend their two bonds by $75,000 without voter approval and he would suggest they do that for this Canada Street Job.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion pursuant to 24 VSA 4755(a)(4) to increase the amount of indebtedness authorized at the August 24, 2010 and March 5, 2013 special meetings of the Village of Swanton by $75,000 for each authorization. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Brad Aldrich stated that Canada Street was recognized pretty early on as needing improvements. He said right now the pricing is very favorable. He said the other factor on getting this street done is that VTrans is resurfacing at the end of July and they only come in every 16 years so the need to do this now is urgent. Reg Beliveau said they will be replacing a 12” line with a 16” inch line and this will help the water pressure throughout the Village. Chris Leach stated there are some states dealing with pretty serious water line issues and the Village of Swanton would like to stay ahead of that. Reg also stated the Village has applied for a grant in which mapping of all their hydrants would get done. He said he’d like to commend Mike Menard and his crew because contractors like coming here to work with them. He said JP Sicard really helped them out on a water line break over the winter and that was very much appreciated. Motion carried.

 

7.      Property Ordinance Discussion:

 

Adam Paxman stated he’s been working with the Downtown Enhancement Project and they want the community to look as nice as it possibly can and for people to take pride in their property. He said there are a lot of properties not being cared for and he would like to enact a Property Ordinance to ensure properties are better cared for. Chris Leach said he believed this was a good idea but wondered how this could be done. He reminded the Board about the Pig Farm/Hotel situation that took place in Stowe, VT and the pig farmer was within his rights to operate it. He suggested maybe putting a question on the next ballot asking voters what they thought about this idea. Reg Beliveau said he would talk with Darlene at the Zoning Office and Dan Billado who is the Swanton Health Officer. He said a lot of these safety issues are already enforced by the Fire Department. Adam said maybe they didn’t need an Ordinance in place, maybe they just need to talk to residents. Reg Beliveau also said there are church groups and civic organizations where you can adopt a home and help them with painting, repairs, etc. He said there are grants available if you live in the downtown area as well as tax credits. Adam said he liked the idea of Reggie checking with Zoning and the Health Officer and they would continue to work on this to figure out the best way to go about it. Chris Leach said to keep this item on the agenda and they will do more investigating.

 

8.      Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Chris Leach stated the legislature just closed and he wondered how the decision on citing renewable power was made. Reg Beliveau said from what he understood this bill gives more say for citing agricultural fields and downtown areas for renewable power.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman said he would like to remind everyone about the Memorial Day Parade coming up on Monday, May 30^th at 2:30 p.m.  He said the parade route starts at Raleigh Field and continues up Grand Avenue to the Village Green, with a special ceremony at Memorial Park (Flat Iron Park) honoring those Killed in Action during WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam and the Iraq-Afghanistan Conflict. He said there will be an Open house and BBQ at the VFW Post 778 following the parade. For more information, please call 393-1840 or 868-5404.

 

9.      Public Comment:

 

None.

 

10.  Adjournment:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:27 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

April 25, 2016

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, April 25, 2016

7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

PRESENT: Chris Leach, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Joey Stell, Chief of Police and Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

1.      Call to Order:

 

Chris Leach, Village Trustee, 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, April 11, 2016:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, April 11, 2016 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, April 22, 2016:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants (#44-#48) through Friday, April 22, 2016 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman asked about Warrant #45, vendor JP Sicard, payment #6. Reg Beliveau stated that was for the water project. Chris Leach mentioned the VPPSA payment and Reg Beliveau stated that the Village was doing well on purchase power. Motion carried.

 

5.      Ben & Jerry’s Relay for Life Request to Hold Coin Drop August 6, 2016:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve Ben & Jerry’s Relay for Life Coin Drop to be held on Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried with two yay’s and one nay.

 

6.      Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Reg Beliveau stated that on Wednesday, May 4^th there is the 89^th Annual Vermont All-State Music Festival being held in the Village. There will be a parade coming up Grand Avenue, First Street, and down Fourth Street back to the school. He said the Police Department put a message on the flashing sign in front of the building so residents can expect some delays. He said there will be approximately 30 bands playing and they will stage at Swanton Central School. He said there will be a viewing stand in the Village Green. Eugene LaBombard said they are looking for housing for the students but didn’t know the details. Reg stated there is a link on the Village website and they need housing for about 50 more kids.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated that the Town Selectboard and Village Trustees got together and drafted a letter to send to the Dollar General Store about the front of their new building and they have agreed to implement the changes the two boards asked for. He said they are changing the façade up to the bottom of the windows by putting either stone or brick on it.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated the Village will open bids Tuesday, April 26^th for the Canada Street water line job. He said there are some contract issues that will need to be discussed in Executive Session.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach said there is a very worthwhile cause happening regarding the Village’s Fallen Heroes from the Civil War forward. He said their names are being added to the Monument that’s in Flat Iron Park. They are also making a sidewalk up to the Monument and will also purchase a bench. He said they are looking for donations and no amount is too small. He said donations can be made payable to the VFW Post #778 and cash donations can be picked up if they call Joel Clark at 393-0550. Adam Paxman said the dedication of this Monument will be done on Memorial Day May 30^th, 2016.

 

7.      Public Comment:

 

None.

 

8.      Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate and Contracts:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate and Contracts at 7:15 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:58 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

9.      Adjournment:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:58 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Chris Leach, Village Trustee, adjourned the meeting at 8:58 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

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