October 13, 2021

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

REGULAR MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

7:00 PM

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau Jr., Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Gordon Winters; and Ch. 16. Via Zoom: Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

1. Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

 

2. Pledge of Allegiance:

 

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

3. Agenda Review:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, stated he needed an executive session for real estate due to potential litigation.

 

4. Public Comment:                                          

 

None.

 

5. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, September 27, 2021:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, September 27, 2021 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

6. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Thursday, October 7, 2021:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants #93-97 through Thursday, October 7, 2021 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

7. Public Hearing to Receive Public Comment and to Consider Completing Application to the FY2022 Transportation Alternatives Grant Program:

 

Elisabeth Nance said that herself along with Reg Beliveau, Neal Speer, Mark Rocheleau and Gordon Winters are on this steering committee. She said the Downtown Scoping Study is done and they are now looking for funds to implement some of the features from that feasibility study. She said there is a Transportation Alternatives Grant Program available that offers $300,000 with a $75,000 match. She said the bulk of the items they’d like to do if they received the grant are the following:

 

• The installation of an all-way stop at the Vermont 78-Grand Avenue intersection with stop bars to slow traffic, improve congestion, and improve pedestrian safety

•     The shortening of the existing crosswalk across Vermont 78 at Canada Street to improve pedestrian safety

•     The relocation of the sidewalk at Merchant’s Row to improve handicapped access

•     The relocation of a crosswalk from Memorial Hardware to Merchant’s Row to improve pedestrian safety

•     The installation of RRFBs and crosswalks at Marble Mill Park entrance to improve pedestrian connectivity and safety

 

She said they are also going to ask to shorten the crosswalk on Grand Avenue by Pump N Munch convenience store to the Village Green. She said they’d like to add bump outs there as well. She said the bulk of the work will be in front of Merchants Row to move the sidewalk out from under the walk-way. She said some of the work they had planned for in front of Marble Mill will have to wait until the bridge repairs are made. Elisabeth said the steering committee had a meeting with Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, and it was decided that the best option would be to ask the voters for the whole $75,000 next year for the grant match. Reg said this is all dependent on being awarded the grant. Elisabeth said there is clearly a need for some traffic calming and they have some short-term solutions they can do. She said the long-term solutions will be more expensive. Adam Paxman asked about the percentage that Lynn had sent in an email. Elisabeth explained how the grant was calculated and said the match would be $75,000 on a $300,000 grant. They discussed asking for the match all at once because if it’s approved you have it. The voters could approve it one year and disapprove it the next so they wouldn’t have their match funds. Adam also asked if the Village would be asking for a line item on the ballot for the new water line across the Missisquoi. He’s concerned that’s a lot to be asking for in one year. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve applying for the FY2022 Transportation Alternatives Grant Program with the understanding that they don’t need to accept it if awarded, and that the Village voters will need to approve the $75,000 grant match request. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

8. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman stated he would like to plea for people to slow down while driving. He said people are out walking, biking etc. and people need to just slow down.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard stated he wanted to thank Reg Beliveau for straightening out the busing situation on King Street. He said the bus driver is now allowed to stop on King Street and pick up children for school. He also asked Reg if they were going to begin interviewing for the Adam Paxman, Mark Rocheleau, Ed White, Crystal Lampman, himself, Lynn Paradis and Leon Begnoche are on the hiring committee.

 

9. Executive Session If Necessary:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter executive session at 7:30 p.m. to discuss real estate. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to exit executive session at 8:10 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

10. Adjournment:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:10 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________             _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                            Date

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                Date

 

September 27, 2021

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, September 27, 2021

7:00 PM

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Chris Leach, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau Jr., Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Adam Noel; Spencer and Lisa LaBarge; Mark Rocheleau and Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

1. Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

2. Pledge of Allegiance:

 

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

3. Agenda Review:

 

None.

 

4. Public Comment – Adam Noel to Discuss Sidewalk on King Street:                                     

 

Adam Noel stated he lives on King Street and is requesting a sidewalk be installed because his four children have to walk over to Canada Street each morning to catch the school bus. He said he drives bus and has to go down King Street but isn’t allowed to stop and pick up his kids. He said his biggest worry is in the winter time when the snow will be on the side of the road and they will have to walk in the road. He brought in a letter of support signed by three residents that live on King Street. Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, stated he asked Dean Ryan to put together a rough draft as to what it would cost to install a sidewalk on King Street. He said it would cost approximately $20,556 for the sidewalk and that doesn’t include hot mix, the curbing or any labor. He said installing a new sidewalk and crosswalk on Canada Street would cost approximately $25,556 and doesn’t include hot mix, curbing or labor either. Eugene LaBombard stated he thought when a resident requested a sidewalk they were required to pay for half of it. Dianne Day, Village Clerk, stated she would check the Ordinances to see if that is in there. Reg stated he thought it would be a good idea if he talked with Julie Regimbal at the Supervisory Union to see if Adam could stop on King Street and pick up the kids. Mark Rocheleau stated having the kids walk over to Canada Street is dangerous because of the speeding and there being no crosswalk. He said he feels they should do what is safest for the area children. Spencer LaBarge stated that Adam Noel wrote a very nice letter but said he was against having a sidewalk installed on King Street. He said the safer place to have a bus stop would be on First Street because the sidewalks and crosswalks are all up to code. It was decided that Reg Beliveau would contact the Superintendent of Schools and ask why the bus couldn’t stop on King Street. It was also decided that the Village Clerk would check the Ordinances and Policies to see if residents would have to pay for half of a sidewalk installation if they are requesting one. Adam Noel thanked the Board for their time and consideration.

 

5. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, September 13, 2021:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, September 13, 2021 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

6. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Thursday, September 23, 2021:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants #88-92 through Thursday, September 23, 2021 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

7. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman stated that one of the Chamber’s swans, Sam, has passed away. He said he was having seizures and after consulting with two vets it was determined that he needed to be euthanized. He said they are looking for another one for Betty. Reg Beliveau stated that in the wild swans only live for about one year. Mark Rocheleau stated he had taken Sam to the vets three days before he died for medical reasons. He said Sam had a real bad foot and his health was compromised when they got him. Adam said the State of Vermont is pleased with the care these birds get and said they are monitored and checked frequently by the State. He said they commend them for the care they get.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach stated the vote in Highgate regarding the Airport passed. He asked what the next steps are. Reg stated nothing as of yet, he said they are looking for more grants and then they will move forward with water and sewer. Chris asked when they will extend their runway. Reg said not until 2023 or 2024. Chris also said it was nice that St. Albans Town came in and offered their support as well.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau informed the Board that he will be posting Village owned property for hunting, fishing and trapping. He said residents will be allowed to hunt with permission only on these properties. He said he will only allow hunting with bow and arrow and muzzleloader at the Project 10 site. He said the other properties can use rifle, bow and arrow and muzzleloaders. He said “baiting” at their Johns Bridge property caused this to happen.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated he had a meeting with VTrans regarding the Route 78 bridge (see Minutes below):

 

DISCUSSION OF SWANTON VILLAGE RT 78 BRIDGE 6

9/27/21

Attendees:

Reg Bellevue, Village of Swanton Manager

Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator

Bethany Remmers, Assistant Director/Transportation Planner, NRPC

Kristin Higgins, Bridge Program Manager, AOT

James Lacroix, Bridge Program Project Manager, AOT

Jim Cota, District Project Manager, AOT

Pam Thurber, Asset Management, AOT

Jacqui DeMent, Planning Coordinator, AOT

 

Regional Priority/Significance of Bridge:

• The Village of Swanton has been trying to get this bridge, which is on Class 1 TH, programmed for 10 years. The Village Trustees have started to consider closing the bridge as they are hesitant to have a vote to bond for needed repairs.
• Bridge 6 has been ranked by the NRPC TAC as #1 priority 5 times in the last seven years. It was ranked as #2 priority for 2 of those years, due to another bridge that was closed.
• 10,800 AADT (2018) and likely to see increase in volume with completion of Canada’s Autoroute 35, which is planned for construction in 2022.
• Important trucking route connecting NY and Canada to I89

 

Village repairs & concerns

• The village has spent several thousand dollars per repair for several expansion joint repairs that have not lasted more than a few months due to the condition of the bridge.
• The village has received a quote from a consultant, McFarlane Johnson, for joint replacement at $300,000 or a more significant rehabilitation at $550,000.
• The bridge also has deck issues, scaling, substandard railings, and other issues that need to be addressed that are beyond the scope of the repairs quotes by the consultant to keep the bridge operations.
• The village has secured a $175,000 Structures grant from AOT which will help offset repair costs, but the village will still need to hold a vote to bond for the remaining repair costs, which could be rejected.
• The village discussed the bridge with legislators; an earmark is a possibility, but programming the bridge through existing AOT programs is most likely.
• The village trustees are interested in the possibility of a bypass route

 

Considerations for programming:

• Once programmed, bridge would take a minimum of 4-5 years to be constructed.
• A scoping study could help expedite construction once programmed; NRPC does not typically assist in scoping projects of this magnitude, but may be able to assist if there was funding available.
• RT 78 is scheduled for paving in 2022.
• Bridge is downstream from a dam.
• There is considerable pedestrian and bicycle use of the bridge.
• The bridge is an important connection for interstate and international traffic.
• A full closure would likely not be possible due to limitations of detour and trucking use.
• Would it be possible to build the bridge near the existing bridge?
• Marble Mill is a possible site for this

 

Next steps:

• Reg to work with Jim Cota to develop a plan for extensive cleaning and oiling to help buy time and keep the bridge operational.
• Jim Lacroix will review repair quite from McFarlane Johnson and speak with the consultant directly about balancing the repairs needed to keep the bridge operational with the potential timeframe for a larger scale replacement of rehabilitation project.
• Village/NRPC to consider opportunities to pursue project scoping.
• Asset Management to consider bridge programming as more information becomes available about federal funding.

Adam Paxman said he wanted these Minutes attached to this meeting and said there are concerns about the lack of progress at Marble Mill. He said the bridge repair needs to be done first before they can begin work on Marble Mill. Neal Speer stated a temporary bridge may need to go in there and they can expand the parking lot at Marble Mill. Reg said they will have another meeting on Monday to show them how to clean and oil the bridge. He said this is very important to the maintenance of the bridge. He said he will be recommending the Village do the $550,000 repair list to the bridge.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated he would like to have a joint meeting with the Town of Swanton to discuss how they will use their ARPA funds. He said he’s been talking with Kathy Lavoie about this. Reg said the Village received $124,316.71 in August and another $230,657.95 in September. He said they have several projects in mind such as the new water line on Upper Ferris Street, installing new valves or using it for the new water line across the Missisquoi River. He said the Town Fair will be held next week and there will be discussions on how these funds can be spent. He said once they have a project in mind they will hold a public hearing to inform the public.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau said the hiring committee for the new Police Chief is himself, Mark Rocheleau, Adam Paxman, former Police Lt. Leon Begnoche, Crystal Lampman and Lynn Paradis. He said so far they have received 7 applications for the position.

 

Any Other Business: Neal Speer said there has been requests for the Town and Village to hold more Joint Board meetings. He said VLCT will be discussing the Best Practices for the ARPA funds and they suggest holding a public hearing to discuss where the money can be spent.

 

8. Executive Session If Necessary:

 

None.

 

9. Adjournment:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 7:52 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________             _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                            Date

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                Date

 

September 13, 2021

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, September 13, 2021

7:00 PM

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Chris Leach, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau Jr., Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator; Chief Leonard “Joey” Stell; Ron & Sandy Kilburn; Gordon Winters; Mark Rocheleau, Town Selectman; and Ch. 16. Via Zoom: Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager; and Janet Dimick Savoi, Swanton Arts Council.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

1. Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

2. Pledge of Allegiance:

 

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

3. Agenda Review:

 

Village Clerk Dianne Day stated Customer Accounts should not be on Executive Session. Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, stated he needed an Executive Session for personnel.

 

4. Public Comment:

 

Janet Dimick Savoi hasn’t connected to Zoom yet so will go back to Public Comment as soon as she gets on.

 

5. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, August 9, 2021:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, August 9, 2021 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

6. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Thursday, September 9, 2021:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants #75-87 through Thursday, September 9, 2021 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked about the payment made to VT Panurgy for $3199.06. Reg Beliveau stated that was for computer equipment and support. Motion carried.

 

7. Economic Development Coordinator Elisabeth Nance to Discuss Transportation Alternative Grant:

 

Elisabeth Nance, Economic Development Coordinator, stated that the Village of Swanton Downtown Scoping Study was approved back in May. She said she would like permission to apply for the VTrans Fall 2021 Transportation Alternatives Grant for up to $300,000 with a $75,000 match from the Village.  She said she has marked some items from the Scoping Study that she would like to have done with the grant funds. Those projects are Marble Mill Park: Install crossing and formalize entrance to parking with curb extension, align with efforts on Marble Mill Park master planning. First Street Intersection: Implement an all-way stop. Church Street: Stripe bike lanes on Church Street to formally accommodate the north-south bicyclists and add sharrows to the segment in front of Merchants Row. Merchants Row Area: Install sidewalk and curb ramps along frontage of commercial block; relocate the midblock crossing at the north corner of the buildings. She said she also included shortening the crosswalk at the north end of the park. She said she is asking permission to apply for this. Reg stated the Village would have 3 to 4 years to complete these projects. She said this would include design and construction for each of these projects. Adam Paxman asked if the Village had 3 to 4 years to come up with the match of $65,000 to $75,000 dollars and Elisabeth stated yes. Chris Leach wondered if there was enough room at First Street and Grand Avenue for large tractor trailer trucks. Elisabeth said yes they accounted for that in the measurements. Chris said they need to keep mentioning a truck bypass. Adam asked if there were issues with VTrans about putting up an all-way stop on First and Grand. Elisabeth said the Village could go ahead and do it but they need a design and construction study done first before they would step in and give guidance. Chief Stell stated that US Route 7 is a state highway and they would need VTrans involved in order for law enforcement to have any authority. Gordon Winters stated these short term and long term projects are coming from the Scoping Study and were approved back in May. He said they are now looking for the design and construction phase to get these projects done. Adam Paxman asked if it was possible to use some of the CBDG funds. It was determined that these are federal funds and cannot be used. Adam asked if it was possible to make a decision at their next meeting. He said he was for the projects he just didn’t know where they were going to get the $65,000 to $75,000 from. He said he wanted to sit down with Lynn and see what this would do to the tax rate. He said he wanted to be comfortable with coming up with this money and if Lynn says we can do it over a 4 to 5 year period that would be great. Eugene stated they may need to ask for voter approval for these funds. Gordon Winters stated they are just asking to apply for the grant at this point. Chris Leach said adding $15,000 per year sounds doable. Gordon said projects are coming in front of them all the time and said if the Village can’t come up with $15,000 now what will they do when the more expensive projects need to be done. He said they’ve been talking about these improvements for years now and there will come a time when they need to say they will do it or just pass on these grants. Adam said Lynn is good at what she does and he just wants to know where the money is coming from and how it will be paid. Elisabeth said they should apply now and if they are awarded it and can’t come up with the money they can decline the grant. Mark Rocheleau stated this is a great opportunity for them to take the next steps. More discussion took place about the ability to secure the funds necessary for the grant match. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve the grant application process pending financial approval by Lynn Paradis, Swanton Village Controller. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Elisabeth also informed the Board that they have applied for Brella funds for clean up of the Riviera Hotel property. She said Phase I has been completed and these funds will be used for Phase II. She said she was notified that they are in favor of funding part of this but the issue is they won’t have the funds until October. She said Northwest Regional Planning will be able to fund the rest of Phase II so it won’t cost the Village anything. Eugene asked if the timeline could be accelerated because of the safety issue of the building. Elisabeth said she would ask about that but it looks like it will be next year sometime before the building comes down. Neal Speer said the tree trimming and yard clean up will take place in the near future.

 

      4. Public Comment:

 

Janet Savoi stated she is asking permission to hold their Holiday Craft Show on Small Business Saturday, November 27^th, at the Village Complex. She said they would use Covid guidelines as well. She said they would create a map detailing where the artists are set up so that they are spaced out at different business locations. Reg said the Village hasn’t allowed anyone in the hall other than Village and Town business. He said they’ve been hesitant to open it back up to the public after seeing all the damage when it was remodeled. He also said the Department of Health may need the space again for Covid testing. Chief Stell said the State lifted the State of Emergency so the guidelines are all over the place. He said spreading out the vendors would definitely be safer. Adam stated he didn’t want anything on the walls. Village Clerk Dianne Day stated that the Village receives several calls asking to use the hall and if they allow one they should allow everyone. Reg stated the Auditorium Policy would need to be updated as well. Neal stated they would let the Arts Council know their decision in the near future. Janet said each vendor would have their own walls in their display so wouldn’t be putting anything on the hall walls. Neal said they would let her know at their next meeting. Janet thanked the board for their time.

 

8. Swanton Village Police Department Update:

 

Chief Leonard “Joey” Stell stated the Village Police Department responded to 185 calls for service during the month of August. He said 18 traffic warnings were issued with most offenses taking place on Spring St., Canada St. and First St. He said they issued 6 traffic tickets totaling $1640. He said the police department is now using a new records system from the state. He said they will now be able to print much more robust reports and be able to track officers time better. He said this will show how much time they spent on scene, time spent on paperwork, etc. He said they will be able to use this information to see where improvements are necessary. Chris Leach said he fully supports the police department but said his constituents would like to see what crimes are being committed, are they catching the perpetrators and what are the sentences. Ron Kilburn said that conviction information can come from the State’s Attorney’s office. Chief Stell asked the Board where they would like him to install their new solar powered speed display sign. It was decided to put it on Canada Street. Gordon Winters stated out of his 6 Ace Hardware stores, his Swanton store has been hit the hardest with retail theft. Sandy Kilburn asked Chief Stell about the junk cars on Fourth Street. He said he would make a phone call regarding those tomorrow.

 

9. Sign Loan RF3-404-2.0 Loan Approval:

 

Reg Beliveau stated this loan for $63,800 for the engineering of the new water main crossing the Missisquoi River. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and sign the Vermont State Revolving Loan # RF3-404-2.0 for $63,800 for engineering services for the new water main crossing the Missisquoi River. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

10. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Mark Rocheleau stated the bridge is really clunking again. Reg Beliveau stated that on November 21 they will do more repairs. He said the Village will have to do a bond vote in the spring to complete the major repairs necessary. He said they did receive a structures grant and that will help do work in the spring.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated the Boy Scouts have asked permission to put signs in the park looking for scouts to join. The Board approved this request. Adam asked if there were any updates on the FERC relicensing at the Hydro Plant. Reg stated the Agency is causing some issues trying to wrap the Swanton lower dam into the license. Neal Speer stated they didn’t last time so why would they try and do that now. Reg stated he feels they no longer want dams in the State of Vermont. Adam said they approve all of them in Chittenden County. Adam stated he would have an update at our next meeting from the Chamber of Commerce about Halloween in the Park and Christmas in the Park.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard stated Highgate will hold their vote tomorrow on their airport expansion project. He said he supports what they are proposing and said the Village has the capacity for that project. He said he hopes it gets approved. Eugene also said he noticed the job ad for the Police Chief and said it was very well written. Reg said so far he has received 3 local applications and 3 from the New Jersey area.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau informed the Board that he has a proposal from McFarland Johnson for design services necessary to replace the deteriorated bridge joints on both sides of the bridge, not to exceed $74,316. Adam Paxman made the motion to authorize Reginald Beliveau Jr., Village Manager, to sign the proposal/agreement from McFarland Johnson not to exceed $74,316 for engineering services for bridge repair. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated they attended the NEPPA conference in August and it was very good. He said Neal Speer was awarded the Commissioner of Community Service Award. He said some of the conferences were very informative and covered offshore wind, small nuclear, and hydrogen powered vehicles. Eugene agreed and said it was very informative and said in the next 10 to 20 years there will be a lot of changes. Neal said there were great speakers and he appreciated the award. Reg also said he heard that there were sales from the energy committee ride and drive event they held. He said they will be holding another one on heat pumps for residential homes and the rebates offered. Gordon Winters said the rebates on electric lawn mowers, chain saws, etc. was very successful.

 

Any Other Business: Sandy Kilburn congratulated Neal on his award. She also stated she would like it if joint board meetings were held again.

 

11. Executive Session If Necessary:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter Executive Session at 8:43 p.m. to discuss personnel. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to exit Executive Session at 9:15 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

12. Adjournment:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 9:15 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________             _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                            Date

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________    ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                Date

 

August 9, 2021

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, August 9, 2021

7:00 PM

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Chris Leach, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau Jr., Village Manager; Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Carrie Johnson, St. Albans Town Manager; Brendan Deso, St. Albans Town Selectboard Chair; Daniel Handy and Ch. 16.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

1. Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

2. Pledge of Allegiance:

 

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

3. Agenda Review:

 

None.

 

4. Public Comment:

 

Neal Speer stated he wanted to thank Dean Ryan, Public Works Foreman, and his crew for the nice job they’ve done on the bridge.

 

5. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, July 26, 2021:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Minutes from Monday, July 26, 2021 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

6. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Thursday, August 5, 2021:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants #72-74 through Thursday, August 5, 2021 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

7. Brendan Deso to Discuss Infrastructure:

 

Brendan Deso, St. Albans Town Selectboard Chair, stated he wanted to discuss the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds they will be receiving. He said the Town of St. Albans will be getting just under $2 million dollars and they would like to use it toward water and sewer infrastructure. He said they are out exploring options so they can invest that money as responsibly as possible. He said the Town’s tax rate is about .40 cents with a $6 million dollar budget. He said the two largest budget items for them are their public works department and paying for policing services from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. He said they pay for 48 hours per day of police coverage. He said their north end has water and sewer services to it but they’re not exactly ok with the perimeters around that service. He said there might be a better option available for that market and he said they’ve noticed the Village has had good organic growth on Route 207. He said he’d like to get services into that southern growth district because several businesses are already there such as Tractor Supply, Gagne Brothers Auto, Mother Hubbard’s and the Church. He said he’d like to work with the Village to see if there are any options available to maybe centralize a sewer containment system for that area. He said they don’t have anything particular in mind and said the Village knows this business better than they do. He said he’d like to work with Swanton Village and Town for some sort of municipal water and sewer system. He said he’s noticed how well the Village is working with the State of Vermont and Town of Highgate regarding the Highgate Airport infrastructure expansion. He said in a couple of weeks they will be meeting with the Town of Georgia to have a similar discussion as well. He said there are a lot of options available to them and he’d like to keep working together and having discussions. Neal Speer said he appreciates the compliments and said they are working hard with Highgate to get their expansion approved. Reg Beliveau said the Village has the luxury of having one of the best engineering firms in the State, Aldrich & Elliott, to help them with their water infrastructure or water plant upgrades. He said they looked into running water services south several years ago and it was going to cost upward of $7 million dollars. He said there would need to be pump stations along the way because Exit 20 has higher elevation than their Reservoir. He said there are other options available such as Janes Road down to St. Albans Town. He said there is no sewer infrastructure down Maquam Shore Road and that would be very pricey to install. Brendan said if the Town of Highgate moves forward with the Airport expansion and fills up, companies will continue to move north and he wants to be able to support that growth and capitalize on it. He said the growth in the next 10 years should be significant and this is a once in a generation lifetime to see it happen. He said he’d love to work together to facilitate commercial or industrial growth in the Village’s south end and the Town’s north end because it would put them that much further ahead. He said they’d like to keep meeting with Reg and maybe form a subcommittee with some board members and trustees to work on ideas. Neal said everyone will need to work together to make things happen. Reg said they should begin by letting their Congressional staff know that they are partnering with Highgate and St. Albans Town and hopefully they send them some more money to get things done. Brendan said he would like the Board’s approval to continue to work with Reg and Aldrich & Elliott to see if any of these ideas are feasible. The Board agreed to this and said the more they talk about growth the better it is for everyone.

 

8. Approve and Set the Village of Swanton 2021 Tax Rate:

 

Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, stated the grand list has gone up a bit and she estimated the Village tax rate to be .8843. She said she has figured it to now be .8805 which is less than a 1% increase. She said the Village will raise $1.4 million dollars in taxes. Adam Paxman stated he was very happy that there is a less than 1% increase and the board thanked Lynn for her hard work on the budgets. Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and set the Village of Swanton 2021 tax rate at .8805. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

9. Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman stated SPAN is about to install their third art wall at the Swanton Beach. He said the art walls are going well and the positive outweighs any negative. Neal Speer said he agreed and said they have done a great job. Adam also asked residents to stop speeding, to slow down because people are out walking and bike riding. He also said the Car Show was a great success with 197 cars. He said “Best of Show” went to a 1956 Chevy Nomad. He said the 50/50 raffle generated $1597 with two winners each getting $399.50. He said the balance of the raffle would go toward more community events.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach stated National Night Out had a great turnout with good music and good food. He said it was really nice to see real support for the Village and the Police Department. Neal said it was a great time and said TDI Repair did a great job with the BBQ.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated the Village welded a plate on the Merchants Row bridge and said more work will be done on it soon.

 

Any Other Business: Neal Speer said he has a cleaning and tree removal crew ready to go on the Riviera Hotel property to get rid of the excess growth there. He said there may be some Brownfield funds available and said progress is moving slower than he’d like.

 

10. Executive Session to Discuss Customer Account:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter Executive Session to discuss customer account and personnel at 7:40 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

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

 

ACTION TAKEN: Adam Paxman made the motion to move ahead with the opportunity to increase the Village water line from a 2” line to an 8” line on Upper Ferris Street. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to accept the retirement letter from Chief of Police Leonard “Joey” Stell. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

11. Adjournment:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:28 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m. Motion carried.

 

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Neal Speer, Village President                            Date

 

 

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Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                Date