March 12, 2018

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, March 12, 2018

7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

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

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

1.      Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, welcomed all to the Regular Board of Trustees meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.

 

2.      Agenda Review:

 

Disregard Item #10, left on Agenda by mistake.

3.      Swear in elected officials for 2018: Neal Speer, Village President (one year term); Chris Leach, 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 7, 2018 to perform duties:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, repeated his Oath of Office and was sworn in for a one year term; Chris Leach, Village Trustee, repeated his Oath of Office and was sworn in for a three year term.

 

4.      Appoint a Treasurer for the Village of Swanton for 2018 and swear in:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to appoint Dianne Day as Village Treasurer for a one year term. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried. Dianne Day repeated the Village Treasurer Oath of Office and was sworn in for a one year term.

 

5.      Motion that the Swanton Village Board of Trustees adopt Robert’s Rules of Procedures for the rules of procedure for the Village Trustees for the upcoming year through March 2019:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to adopt and follow the Robert’s Rules of Procedures for the ensuing year for the Swanton Village Board of Trustees procedures. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

6.      2018 Official Voting Results:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, read the Official Return of Votes for the Village Officers as well as the Official Return of Votes for all of the budget items that were voted on March 6, 2018.

 

7.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Informational Meeting Tuesday, February 27, 2018:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from the Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Informational Meeting as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

8.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, March 9, 2018:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, March 9, 2018. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked about the Kittell, Branagan & Sargent invoice for $2000. It was explained that that is a partial payment for the Village audit. Motion carried.

 

9.      Sign Bond Documents Pertaining to the Rubber Bag at the Hydro Plant:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion authorizing Neal Speer, Village President, to sign all VT Municipal Bond Bank documents pertaining to the Appointment of Authorized Representatives for the Bond of the Rubber Bag at the Hydro Plant. Chris Leach seconded. Neal Speer signed all documents. Motion carried.

 

10.  Review Public Notice Regarding Non-Profit Signs:

 

Item removed from meeting.

 

 

11.  Economic Development Coordinator request use of the Village Green on Saturday, May 19^th and Sunday, May 20^th 2018 for a Community Wide Yard Sale:

 

Elisabeth Nance stated that she is requesting permission to use the Village Green along with Don and Sue Collins for a community wide yard sale to be held on May 19^th and 20^th, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from 12 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. She said they would like to use the north end of the park and set up from the bandstand to the Lady Liberty statue. She said they may try and get vendors for food. She is asking residents if they are interested in participating to register beforehand so they can be added to the location map. She can be reached at the Town Office at 868-4421. Reg Beliveau wanted to remind residents that garage sale signs are only allowed at the intersection of Spring and Canada Street. He also said nailing signs to utility poles is not only illegal but very dangerous for linemen everywhere. Chris Leach made the motion to approve Ms. Nance’s request for use of the Village Green for a community wide garage sale on May 19^th and 20^th, 2018. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

 

12.  Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator, stated the Riviera Hotel property has been sold and she is looking forward to see what will be done with the property.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated the Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 28^th with lineup at 2 p.m. He said flyers are going out soon, the fire department is putting on a BBQ and there may even be a fly over. He urged anyone who wants to be in the parade to contact them at the Chamber Office. Adam said there will be another Arts Spectacular on Saturday, August 25^th in the Village Park with a chicken BBQ, band and fireworks. He also reminded everyone about the upcoming Car Show on Saturday, July 28^th and the Easter Egg Hunt on March 31^st at 9 a.m. in the Village Park.

 

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman also wanted to start a discussion on possibly putting up “No Parking From Here to Corner” signs by Bob’s One Stop to Cody’s Restaurant on Grand Avenue. He said parking in that area is becoming very dangerous and tickets are not stopping it. He said he would discuss this more with the Police Chief but may be requesting signs if it doesn’t change. Adam also stated he wanted to request new chairs for the board room.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach asked if in light of recent school shootings if the Police Department was working with the schools regarding safety issues. Reg Beliveau stated the schools have a plan in place but said it’s been a while since they have met. He said he would talk with the superintendent about this. He also said there will be a new superintendent coming in and he hopes he’s as focused on the kids as Winn is now.

 

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated the Town and Village recently recognized Village Clerk Dianne Day for her work on the recent flood and said the Long Term Recovery Team will have a meeting tomorrow at 1 p.m. for an update on the flood families. He said they have been having weekly conference calls with the State of Vermont also. He said the Fire Department Cadets went out again last weekend and helped clean out another basement. He said he wants these families to know the Recovery Team hasn’t forgotten about them and are working with local churches and businesses.

 

Any Other Business: Neal Speer stated there was a Teen Center meeting today and said the soon to be new owners will be closing on the property the first week of April with the Teen Center moving in shortly after that.

 

 

13.  Public Comment:

 

None.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.  Executive Session to Discuss Customer’s Account:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss a customer’s account at 7:46 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to exit Executive Session at 7:52 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

15.  Adjournment:

 

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

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

February 27, 2018

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

INFORMATIONAL MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

7:00 PM

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Leonard “Joey” Stell, Chief of Police; Tim Girard, Fire Chief; Pete Prouty, Jason Butler, Alex Bourdeau, Daryl Domina, Ron Young, Jason Cross, Dan Chevalier, Firefighters; Sue Collins, Glen Gurwit, Suzanne Washburn, Marc Rocheleau, Sandy Kilburn, Ron Kilburn, Gordon Winters, Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator; Tom Benton 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 7:05 p.m.

 

2.   Moment of Silence:

 

Neal Speer led everyone in a moment of silence for all community members who have passed away this year and for past, present and future military personnel.

 

3.   Pledge of Allegiance:

 

Neal Speer led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

4.   Agenda Review:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, stated he needed an Executive Session to discuss personnel and Dianne Day, Village Clerk, stated she needed an Executive Session to discuss a customer’s account.

 

5    Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, February 12, 2018.

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, February 12, 2018 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

           

6.     Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, February 23, 2018:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, February 23, 2018 as presented: Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman asked about the payment of $67,896.56 made to VEEU. Village Clerk Dianne Day stated that was the energy efficiency charge on each electric utility bill paid by the Village electric customers. Motion carried.

 

7.   Informational Meeting & Public Hearing – 2018 Village Annual Warning:

 

Neal Speer read aloud the 2018 Annual Village Warning and Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, presented the following information to those present:

 

Reg showed the 2017 Tax Rate compared to the proposed 2018 Tax Rate. There is a difference of .0346. He then showed the difference in 2017 taxes compared to 2018 on a home assessed at $150,000, $175,000 and $200,000. The annual increase for fire, general, police and highway is $69.20.

 

He showed the financial statement review of the General Fund. That showed revenues were above budget by $9,681 due to the hall rental, miscellaneous revenue and change in investment values. He said expenses were under budget by $46,925 because of the delinquent tax collector, outside services and complex maintenance. Article 7 asks to place these amounts into the General Fund capital fund for future Municipal Complex upgrades.

 

 

The financial statement review for the Fire Department showed revenues were over budget by $32,322 due to miscellaneous billings and grant income. Expenses were over budget by $7,191 due to salaries and transportation expenses. Article 8 asks to place excess funds into the Fire capital fund to be used toward fire truck purchases.

 

The financial statement review of the Police Department showed revenues are over budget by $11,412 due to miscellaneous income and grant income. Expenses are under budget by $19,372 due to personnel benefits and transportation expenses. Article 9 asks to place excess funds into the Police capital fund to be used toward future equipment purchases.

 

The financial statement review of the Highway Department showed revenue was $109,515 over budget due to lease income and grant income. Expenses were $72,565 over budget due to the lease expense, transportation expenses and summer and winter street labor. Article 6 asks to place excess funds into the Highway capital fund to be used toward future equipment purchases and paving projects.

 

The financial statement review for the Electric Department showed revenues were over budget by $251,100 due to line extension jobs and VT Transco income. Expenses were under budget by $344,939 due to purchase power, distribution expenses and interest expense.

 

The financial statement review for the Water Department showed revenues were over budget by $21,843 due to water sales and grant income. Expenses were under budget by $12,563 because of Administrative expenses and interest expense under budget in distribution.

 

The financial statement review for the Sewer Department showed revenues were over budget by $21,528 due to sewer sales. Expenses were under budget by $49,066 because of plant maintenance and administrative expenses.

 

Reg went on to show the 2017 Year in Review Projects. That includes:

• Water Project – looking into the MVU Waterline replacement, which is on this years’ ballot.
• Paving Project – State Project completed in the Spring of 2017.
• Solar Project on line early 2018. Net metered solar array on Frontage Road 2 – 500kW.
• EV Car Charging Units in the Municipal Park and Ride seeing some use.
• Northern Gateway seeing some interest in properties in that area.
• Downtown Redevelopment Project.
• Paving Project 2017 – Completed our own small projects on South River St., Lake St. and small sections on Fourth St. and Jones Ct.
• Continue to do leaf pick up and Christmas tree pick up.
• Working on a grant to GPS all our waterlines, curb stops, hydrants.
• New Sidewalk Plow – Replaces the 20 year old plow.
• General repairs continue at the Hydro Plant, preparing for re-licensing in 2023.
• FERC inspection Part 12 Report Due. No issues found. The plant continues to operate and maintain its equipment and infrastructure in accordance to FERC guidelines.
• Deflation of the rubber bladder in June. Took delivery of the new bladder in December.
• Year in Review at the Waste Water Plant – Solar Aerators continue to operate well.
• TMDL standards will challenge us.
• We continue to perform routine maintenance.
• Water Treatment Plant: Performing well, continue to perform routine maintenance.
• Continue the Blue/Green Algae monitoring.
• Electric Department: Continue to keep up on tree trimming.
• Two 500kW projects have been completed in 2017 – FNWSU – MVU, Highgate, Swanton Central/Babcock, Swanton Village Offices, Water/Wastewater Plants, Highgate Arena will use some of the solar credits.

 

The Fire Department gave a review of Article 12 purchase of two Fire Trucks.

Voting on bond of $1,442,500 – Engine 3 Replacement $577,500 and Ladder 4 Replacement $865,000. Bond amortization: Engine 3 10 years and Ladder 4 12 years. Estimated bond payment would be $169,921 with an estimated tax rate increase of $.015. There would be an estimated increase of $30.01 on a $200,000 home. Mark Rocheleau asked the Fire Department why they are asking for both trucks at the same time. He said maybe they should have asked for one at a time. The Board thanked the Fire Department for their presentation.

 

Wayne Elliott, Aldrich & Elliott, gave a presentation on MVU Waterline Replacement Bond Vote.

 

What improvements are included in the MVU Waterline Replacement?

 

·         Along VT Route 78, installation of 900 feet of new 12” waterline and appurtenances beginning at the intersection of Waugh Farm Road and running east to the MVU school entrance.

·         A new 8” waterline will extend north into the MVU site approximately 900 feet and reconnect to the existing waterline.

·         From Lafar Street, a new water service will be constructed to the Champlain Farms property.

·         The existing asbestos cement waterline will be abandoned.

 

Why is the MVU Waterline Replacement required?

 

·         This waterline is critical to the distribution system, serving the MVU High School and providing fire protection.

·         The asbestos cement waterline runs cross country making it difficult to locate and perform maintenance.

·         Leaks have occurred in this waterline segment so replacement will provide reliable long-term reliability.

·         This new waterline will provide municipal service and fire protection to the existing properties along VT Route 78.

 

What is the project cost and bond amount? Estimated Costs
Item Description	Estimated Cost
Construction	$320,000
Construction Contingency (10%)	$32,000
Engineering	$72,000
Other Costs	$9,000
Total Project Cost	$435,000
Total Bond Amount	$435,000

 

The Total Project Cost includes; construction costs, 10% construction contingency, engineering, and other costs.

The recommended bond amount is $435,000.

 

What are the available funding sources?

 

Funding through the State of Vermont Drinking Water SRF Program is anticipated for a 20-year term at a rate of 3%. The loan is eligible for up to $25,000 in loan forgiveness through the DWSRF Program.

MVU school will contribute $193,000 to the total project cost.

 

The estimated loan amount will be approximately $217,000. Based on this information the annual loan payment to the State of Vermont, is approximately $14,600.

 

What is the projected impact on the current Water Rates?

 

A typical Village residential water customer pays a base rate of $23.16 per month. The typical residential customer is anticipated to see their base rate increase by $0.57 per month ($6.89 per year). The debt retirement for the proposed improvements will be paid by the water system customers only.

 

Glen Gurwit asked about the traffic flow during the construction phase. He said they should do it when school is out.

 

8.   American Cancer Society Bark for Life of Franklin County is requesting a Coin Drop to be held on Saturday, August 4, 2018 with a rain date of Saturday, August 18, 2018:

 

Request tabled until next meeting.

 

9.   Any Other Necessary Business:

 

None.

 

10.   Public Comment:

 

None.

 

11.   Executive Session to Discuss Customers Account and Personnel:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Customers Account and Personnel at 8:50 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 9:40 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

 

 

12. Adjournment:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 9:40 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

 

__________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

February 12, 2018

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, February 12, 2018

7:00 PM

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator 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, stated he needed an executive session to discuss personnel. Dianne Day, Village Clerk, stated she had another water allocation request to hear on Item #5.

 

3.   Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, January 29, 2018:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, January 29, 2018 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach stated he wanted a better explanation regarding the Efficiency VT charges on the electric utility bills. He said the Village of Swanton has no input in how these charges are formulated and wanted that explained. Motion carried with changes.  

 

4.   Approve and Accept Village Warrants through February 9, 2018:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through February 9, 2018 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked if the payment made to Carroll Concrete was for the concrete barricades that went up on the Foundry Street Pumping Station. Reg Beliveau said yes it was for that. Eugene LaBombard stated the postage rates went up. Motion carried.

 

5.     Cross Consulting Engineers requesting Water/Wastewater Allocation for 100 Robinhood Drive, Swanton.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to enter into a Water Commissioner’s meeting at 7:11 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve David Fosgate’s request through Cross Consulting Engineers for a water allocation of 338 gallons per day (gpd) and for a wastewater allocation of 300 gpd for his proposed business at 100 Robinhood Drive. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve Suzanne Heath’s request for a water and wastewater allocation of 500 gpd for her proposed 10 bedroom facility at 44 North River Street. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to exit Water Commissioner’s meeting at 7:15 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

           

6.     Appoint three members to serve on the Historic Preservation Commission:

 

Neal Speer stated that himself, Reginald Beliveau and Ron Kilburn have volunteered to serve on the Board for the Historic Preservation Commission and said they needed to be appointed by the Board of Trustees. Adam Paxman made the motion to appoint Neal Speer, Reginald Beliveau and Ron Kilburn as Board members for the Historic Preservation Commission. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

 

 

7.   Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Chris Leach stated the Public Works crew has done an outstanding job on snow removal recently. Eugene and Adam agreed with this as well. Adam Paxman stated Village residents are concerned about the parking in front of Cody’s Restaurant and the Post Office. He said he’s heard that if they are at Bob’s One Stop and attempt to make a left hand turn they can’t see because of the cars parked there. Elizabeth Nance stated she has seen haybales, flower pots, etc used in these spaces so that cars cannot park there. Adam stated he would talk to the Police Chief about this.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated he has been asked what the Village policy is regarding holding a beer or wine festival in the park. He said he would check with the Chief of Police on what the Village Ordinance states.

 

8.   Public Comment:

 

None.

 

9.   Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Personnel at 7:27 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:05 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 8:05 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

 

__________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

January 29, 2018

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

SPECIAL MEETING

Monday, January 29, 2018

5:00 PM

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator 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 5:04 p.m.

 

2.   Agenda Review:

 

None.

 

3.   Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, January 22, 2018:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, January 22, 2018 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, stated the BAU/Hopkins payment was for the centrifuse at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Motion carried.  

 

4.   Approve and Accept Village Warrants through January 26, 2018:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through January 26, 2018 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

5.     Adopt Resolution Certificate (IA) for the MVUHS Water Line:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adopt Resolution Certificate IA for the purpose of financing the cost of making public water system improvements, namely the replacement of the Missisquoi Valley Union High School waterline, the cost of such improvements estimated to be $435,000. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

           

6.     Adopt Resolution Certificate (IB) for Overages on Previously Constructed Water Lines:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adopt Resolution Certificate IB to spend and/or apply $200,000 in surplus funds from the original Water Treatment Plant bond vote to other projects and costs, which is the loan forgiveness amount that was granted by the State of Vermont for the Water Plant upgrade. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

7.   Adopt and Sign 2018 Annual Warning:

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adopt and sign the 2018 Annual Warning as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

8.    Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator, to Discuss CIRD Grant Application:

 

Elizabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator, informed the Board that Swanton had applied to be one of the VT Councils on Rural Development Model Community Development for 2018. She said they were one of the two that were selected and this is centered around energy, transportation and weatherization. Reg Beliveau stated he thinks this could be advantageous for Swanton in getting their Tier 3 rating. He said they’ve already met their Tier 1 and most of their Tier 2 ratings. Elisabeth said they will be starting in September 2018 and if anyone is interested in joining to let her know. She said this will help some low income people so they are looking at opportunities for them such as weatherizing their homes, etc. Reg stated they are looking at ways to incentivize landlords on maintaining and weatherizing their rental units also. He said this will help improve the aesthetics of the property as well as help the tenant with weatherization so electric and heating bills aren’t so high. Adam Paxman asked if Efficiency Vermont was involved in this. Elisabeth stated yes they were at the table too. Eugene LaBombard stated with the amount of money the Village sends them on a monthly basis they should be involved. Chris Leach stated they should be looking at ways to decrease the amount of money Swanton Village customers pay to Efficiency VT. He said the State of Vermont Efficiency VT program calculates how much this charge is going to be with no input from utility companies. Reg stated other utilities feel the same way and are frustrated with them also.  Elisabeth stated that having Reg Beliveau and Duane Couture at the table discussing what Swanton electric does made a huge difference and she appreciates their efforts. Chris stated he would like someone to explain to him how these solar or wind projects are designed to put more electricity out than the owner requires which in turn lessens the utilities ability to make money. Elisabeth stated they were drawn to the Village because they’re a municipally owned utility and because they already had their community visit. She said this will be community driven and what the community wants as goals. She said the Planning Commission is working on a Energy Plan as well. Reg asked if any of the Trustees had seen this Energy Plan. They have not. Elisabeth asked how they bring solar on if it ends up causing the utility to lose revenue. Reg mentioned the NIPA Block in which money was set aside for low income families. He said he would like to have a solar farm that would be declared their NIPA Block. He said on average the Village mails 800 disconnect notices each month and certain people are economically challenged. He said this solar farm could generate electricity and sell it for 15 cents on the open market and put it in a bucket. He said out of that bucket, for customers who make less than $30,000 per year, he would offer them this power for 8 cents. Reg said VPPSA was intrigued with that concept and he would love for someone to jump on this bandwagon and make it happen. Eugene LaBombard asked if solar customers were paying any distribution charges. Reg stated they are not, but they are paying a customer charge but said it’s not enough. Eugene stated this is how companies go bankrupt. He said they should be made to pay for the distribution as well.

 

Elisabeth said the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design has an application that’s due on February 16^th. She said they would work with them through the National Endowment for the Arts and said selected rural communities will receive a $10,000 cash stipend for planning and hosting a two-day community design workshop and follow up activities. One workshop that caught her eye was “redesigning Main Street as a local street versus state highway.” She said she has Merchants Row in mind for this. She said her goal is to get the Main Street grant that they applied for last year which is $50,000 and to also use this one in conjunction with it. She said this $10,000 grant has an in-kind match and they can apply her salary towards this match as well as rental space etc. She said her deadline to apply is February 16^th and she is asking the Board if they would like her to move forward with this. Reg asked how long they had to spend the grant. She thought it was one year from the award. Adam Paxman asked if they had the time to invest in this. Neal asked if the Town was involved with this at all. Elisabeth stated that because it was Merchant’s Row they were not but she would like a letter of support from them regarding this. The Board stated that if she had time then to go ahead and fill out this application.

 

9.    Any Other Necessary Business:

 

None.

 

10.   Public Comment:

 

None.

 

11.   Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

None.

 

12. Adjournment:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Special Board of the Trustees meeting at 5:58 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 5:58 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

 

__________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

January 22, 2018

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, January 22, 2018

7:00 PM

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; David Jescavage, Town Administrator; Joel Clark, Chair Selectman; James Guilmette, Selectman; Ron Kilburn, Historical Society; Catherine Dimitruk, Northwest Regional Planning; Tim Girard, Fire Chief; Pete Prouty, Jason Cross, Jason Butler, Nick Schuster, and Alex Bourdeau, Firefighters; Butch Patch 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 7:05 p.m.

 

2.   Agenda Review:

 

None.

 

3.   Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, January 8, 2018:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, January 8, 2018 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Eugene LaBombard asked if we knew what the payment made to Cross Machines was for. Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, stated that was for the trash rake at the Hydro Plant. He also asked about BAU/Hopkins. Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, stated he hadn’t had a chance to look that one up but would do so. Motion carried.           

 

4.   Approve and Accept Village Warrants through January 19, 2018:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through January 19, 2018 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked what the payment of $35,031.27 to Cogsdale was for. Lynn Paradis stated that was for the Village’s annual maintenance agreement, software support and upgrades for the billing system. Motion carried.

 

5.     Sign Hydro Bond Sale Documents:

 

Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, stated these loan documents were for financing the installation of the rubber bag at the Orman Croft Generating Facility at a cost of $2,200,000. This was voted on and approved at a Special Meeting held September 19, 2017. The Village of Swanton board members and Village Clerk signed all necessary loan documents.

           

6.     Town Selectboard to Discuss Issues of Mutual Interest:

 

Joel Clark, Town Chair of the Selectboard, stated that he wanted to begin by saying how impressive the cooperation between the Town and the Village was during the recent flooding disaster. He said they are very fortunate to have Reg Beliveau and Joey Stell as he witnessed them handle the flooding event. Neal Speer stated it was amazing how much help they got from the State of Vermont and how quickly they responded to Swanton. Reg Beliveau stated he is still having weekly meetings with the National Weather Service and said during that event the river rose more than 10 feet. He said he is hearing talk that if the rubber bag was installed at the Hydro Plant this wouldn’t have happened. He said that’s not true, it would have because the plant can only handle so much water. He said maybe with global warming this may be the new norm. Reg stated that the night of the flooding Assistant Chief Jason Cross worked out in the field and Chief Tim Girard worked here. He said this worked very well. He was also impressed that he didn’t have to hunt for assets, agencies were calling here and offering their services. He said during the 1998 Ice Storm it was very difficult getting help but with this event help came fast. He said Joe Flynn and Governor Scott arrived on Saturday and he was very thankful for that. Ron Kilburn stated as a private citizen he was very proud to see the response he saw and said it made him feel good and safe. Reg Beliveau stated that so far 96 homes have been inspected. He said 14 homes are unaccessible, 2 have major damage, 24 have minor damage and 10 have electrical issues. He said the state has provided water test kits free of charge for residents who need their water tested after the flooding. Catherine Dimitruk from the Northwest Regional Planning Commission, stated that there are individual case managers assigned to folks that were affected by the flooding. She said unfortunately there isn’t anything that can be done about expenses that have already been paid but for any future expenses there is help out there for this through the Red Cross, local churches and the AmeriCorps. She said some residents will need to have zoning/building permits for repairs and she is hoping the Town of Swanton would waive any fees associated with this. She also said they would need to go before the Development Review Board and she hopes the Town can waive that too. She said two homes have major damage and they may not be able to rebuild in that location. David Jescavage, Town Administrator, stated that himself and the Zoning Administrator are already working on this and are planning on waiving all fees associated with this. Joel Clark stated they would have an emergency meeting tonight to act on waiving all fees associated with this disaster. David also commented that he was at the Village on Friday when the Red Cross was there and said he heard numerous times how much praise residents have for the Fire Department. Tim Girard, Fire Chief, stated this was a great team effort.

 

Joel Clark stated the other topic they wanted to discuss was the purchase of the two fire trucks. He said the presentation that the Fire Department gave them was very informative and great. He said they now have a better understanding of the numbers and he wants to go on record as supporting this purchase. Reg Beliveau stated he talked with Lynn Paradis and they feel it will be in everyone’s best interest if next year when discussing the Fire Department’s budget they do it as a joint board meeting. That way the Fire Department only needs to give their presentation one time. Both boards agreed to this. More discussion took place on the replacement truck fund. Eugene LaBombard was upset that there will no longer be a fund there for the future generation.

 

Joel Clark said they also wanted to discuss doing a fireworks display this coming summer. He said the Town will seek donations for this purchase but said they need to figure out when to have them. They mentioned the car show, the art spectacular event, National Night Out, and the 4^th of July. He said let’s start thinking about when and where and hopefully they can get another event planned. Joel said on April 12, 2018 at 11 a.m. the VT National Guard is planning an event to be held in Flat Iron Park to honor Cpl. Lord. He was the first Vermonter to die in World War I. He said there will also be an event at the Armory on Ferris Street.

 

Ron Kilburn stated that back in October 2017 he talked about repairing the bandstand and fountain in the Village Green. He said a committee was formed and they received some quotes on what the repairs would cost. He is asking if there is enough money set aside for these repairs. Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, stated she put $4000 in the budget for the fountain. Ron asked if the Village could come up with at least $2000 for the bandstand so both could be done this coming summer. Lynn stated she could use funds from the Swan account for the bandstand as well.

 

7.   Missisquoi Valley Lions Club Request Coin Drop June 2, 2018:

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve Missisquoi Valley Lions Club request for a coin drop on Saturday, June 2, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, with a rain date of Saturday, June 9, 2018. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Neal Speer congratulated Adam Paxman on receiving the Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year award. Motion carried with two yays, one nay.

 

8.    Update on Missisquoi River Flood:

 

This item was already discussed on Item #6.

 

9.   Adopt 2018 Budgets as Presented:

 

Eugene LaBombard asked if Lynn needed to make any changes to make sure the repairs get done to the bandstand. She stated she didn’t have to because she would use funds that are in the Swan fund. Lynn advised the Board that the solar project on the Frontage Road is online and generating revenue. She said Swanton Village, the Water Treatment Plant and the Wastewater Treatment Plant are getting some of the benefit. She said she is not anticipating a rate increase in the electric department until 2019. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and adopt the 2018 budgets as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Lynn Paradis stated that she doesn’t need a water rate increase at this time but she does need one in the sewer department. She said she needs to raise the customer charge from $33.88 to $34.04 and the water consumption charge from $4.01 per one thousand gallons to $4.10 per one thousand gallons. She said she would like this to go into effect March 1, 2018. The Board agreed to this. Chris Leach thanked Lynn for a good job as usual on the budgets. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.   Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman said that on last year’s ballot the Village asked the question if Village taxpayers were in favor of holding coin drops or not. He said that passed by only four votes so he is considering having it put on the ballot again this year. He said he would know for sure by next week.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated that Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator, sent grant paperwork to review. He said this grant applies to roads and streets and it is a matching grant. He said the match can be in the form of labor. He said they also need to form a board for the historic preservation committee. He said so far he is on the board as well as Ron Kilburn. Neal Speer said he would be on the board as well.

 

11.   Public Comment:

 

None.

 

12.   Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

None.

 

13. Adjournment:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:06 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

 

__________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date