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