November 23, 2015

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, November 23, 2015

7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

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

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

 

1.      Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, welcomed all to the Regular Board of Trustees meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

2.      Agenda Review:

 

None.

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, November 9, 2015:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, November 9, 2015 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach stated he wanted more clarification on his statement regarding the Wind Project meeting. He said this project doesn’t fit the definition of “public good” as set by the Public Service Board. Motion carried with clarification.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, November 20, 2015:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants (#120-#125) through Friday, November 20, 2015 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked if Warrant #124 for Swanton Enhancement Project was the water project or the community enhancement project. Adam Paxman stated this was for the community enhancement project and said it is grant money that is dispersed through Swanton Village. Motion carried.

 

5.      Discuss Gilles Tremblay Gifting 41 Brown Avenue to the Village of Swanton:

 

The Board discussed this item again and stated Swanton Village has no interest at this time in that property. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to decline Gilles Tremblay’s offer to gift 41 Brown Avenue to the Village of Swanton. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried. The Village of Swanton will send a letter to Mr. Tremblay thanking him for his offer but declining it.

 

6.      Delinquent Tax Collector’s Request to Hire Attorney Vaughn S.P. Comeau to Asisst in the Completion of Tax Sales:

 

Dianne Day, Village Clerk, explained that Swanton Village Delinquent Tax Collector Betty Cheney hires Attorney Vaughn S.P. Comeau to assist her in the process of tax sales. She is requesting permission to have him assist her for 2015. Chris Leach made the motion to authorize Delinquent Tax Collector Betty Cheney to hire Attorney Vaughn S.P. Comeau to assist her in Village tax sales for 2015. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

7.       Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Chris Leach asked about the vactor he has seen on Spring Street lately. Adam Paxman stated VT Gas hired Hardigan’s to inspect the sewer line on Spring Street to see if there were any leaks in it after all the work done there by the gas company. He said they found and repaired three sewer leaks at the expense of VT Gas Company. He said they are also cleaning the sewer line before the paving project next year. He stated Mike Menard is aware of this and has made sure the leaks were repaired to his standards.

 

Chris Leach also stated that Rep. Marianna Gamache sits on the State of Vermont Energy Committee and has stated she would like to tour the Hydro Plant. He said he would like to take her with Reg Beliveau’s permission as well as the staff there. Chris also asked if the Police Chief would be attending a Board meeting to give an update on the drug problem in the community. Village Clerk Dianne Day stated he would attend their next meeting in December.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated he met with the Town Selectboard last week regarding the Methodist Church parking lot. He said the Town Administrator will handle the leasing of the church parking lot. Adam said the Town and Village will swap each year plowing the lot. He said he suggests the poles remain in the parking lot until after snowfall. Adam said Joel Clark was a very big proponent of this agreement and is very happy with the outcome. He said there will be added parking for the community.

 

Adam also stated Christmas in the Park will be held on Saturday, November 28^th from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and hopes everyone comes out and enjoys the Christmas tree in the bandstand as well as all the lights in the park. He said they have some big surprises lined up this year and is looking forward to a great event. Chris Leach stated the use of the park lately has been great. Adam said a lot more families are attending these events with enthusiasm, smiles and respect.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach stated he met with one of the men fundraising for the Skate Park to be built at Marble Mill next year. He said this looks like it’s going to be a great Skate Park.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard reminded residents about the Village Winter Parking Ban to begin on December 1^st and run through April 15^th from midnight to 6 a.m.

 

Any Other Business: Neal Speer stated he is still working on the lighting issue at Merchant’s Row. He said the canopy needs repair and the lights there are very dim. He said he would like to see a change in the type of lights installed and have the underneath lit up and match the upper lights. He said the only light there is by Swanton Rexall and they pay for it. Chris Leach stated the Village owns that sidewalk and therefore should budget street lighting for it. Eugene LaBombard stated the ally way gets very icy and very slippery during the winter months so wanted to make the public aware of this. Chris Leach stated they would mention that to Mike Menard and see that it gets salted.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach stated Jerry Duffy passed away and he was a Village Trustee for many years. He said Swanton Village appreciates Mr. Duffy’s years of service and sends their sincere condolences on his passing.

 

8.      Public Comment:

 

None.

 

9.      Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

None.

 

10.  Adjournment:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 7:25 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

November 9, 2015

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, November 9, 2015

7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

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

 

Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried unanimously.

 

 

1.      Call to Order:

 

Neal Speer, Village President, welcomed all to the Regular Board of Trustees meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

2.      Agenda Review:

 

None.

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, October 26, 2015:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, October 26, 2015 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, November 6, 2015:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, November 6, 2015 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion:  Chris Leach stated there are a lot of credit unions and banks the Village of Swanton makes payments to.  Motion carried.

 

5.      Interfund Borrowing Agreement Renewal:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to renew the Interfund Borrowing Agreement. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Village Clerk Dianne Day explained this was part of the 108 filing that the voters approved last year regarding interfund borrowing in the Electric Department. She advised that it needed to be renewed on a yearly basis. Motion carried.

 

6.      Discuss Gilles Tremblay Gifting 41 Brown Avenue to the Village of Swanton:

 

Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, stated he talked with Zoning Administrator Ron Kilburn last week regarding this parcel of land. He said this is considered a wetland and is assessed at $21,100 and is owned by Gilles Tremblay and Ed Hemond. Adam Paxman stated the Village should take it and subdivide it and sell to the other property owners. Eugene LaBombard stated he didn’t feel the Village should put any expense into that piece of property. He said if the neighbors wanted it they could buy it from Mr. Tremblay. Reg stated he wanted to call Gilles Tremblay and Ed Hemond and find out more information before they decide on taking the property. This item has been tabled until further notice.

 

7.      Adopt Utility Pole Ordinance:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adopt the Utility Pole Ordinance as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: Fairpoint and Comcast will be notified of the new ordinance and it will be posted in five public places. This ordinance will take effect on January 8, 2016. Motion carried.

 

8.       Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman stated the Chamber of Commerce had a successful Halloween In The Park event and MVUHS had a successful Trunk or Treat the same day. He said the Fire Department and Rescue Department was there as well. He stated their next project will be Christmas in the Park. He said they received donations for Christmas lights and is very thankful for that. Adam said he is still working on the Methodist Church parking lot issue and said hopefully they will come to an agreement soon. He said they are discussing who is responsible for snow removal between the library and the church. He said he is waiting to hear back from them and said he will keep the Board updated. He said they would like to begin this January 1^st, 2016.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach asked if the new water line has been run under the river yet. Reg Beliveau stated not yet but they are planning on doing it by the end of November. Chris asked if the sluice way was fixed yet. Reg stated not yet, he is waiting for a diver to go in first. He said their diver was doing some work at the Reservoir and he needs to get him to dive in the river. Reg stated he is continuing to work on this issue but said he may need a permit to get it done.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach stated with the heroin and drug problem being a big issue right now, he wondered if the Chief of Police could come in and talk with the Board to inform them as to what’s going on in the community. Reg thought that was a good idea and said the Drug Task Force should also come in. Neal Speer stated that there is also a problem with drugs in the work force. He said he talked with Kathy Lavoie regarding this. Reg stated they are hoping to get a lineman course here as well. Chris stated the linemen should join the Job Expo. Reg stated he sent Jim Irish to MVUHS and Swanton Village ended up getting an intern from that. He said the Village of Swanton has some big employers here such as Vermont Precision Tools, Mylan and TDI. Chris also asked if Reg has heard anything about the gas company coming into Swanton. Reg stated he believed they would be breaking ground next month. Chris also asked if employee evaluations were done. Reg stated they would be working on those next month.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated the Swanton Enhancement group will hold a community dinner to recap the year.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach mentioned the public works crew is doing a great job picking up leaves in the Village of Swanton. He also mentioned the Wind Project meeting was held here at the Village Complex and went well. He said he doesn’t believe this project meets the Public Service Board’s definition of “public good” and also said the power to be generated from this wind project is not needed by the State of Vermont.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated there is a group of residents working on putting a skate park in Marble Mill and they will be doing some fundraising for that project. Reg also said Operation Happiness will be held here December 14^th through December 19^th. He said food boxes will be picked up on Saturday, December 19^th.

 

9.      Public Comment:

 

None.

 

10.  Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

None.

 

11.  Adjournment:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 7:55 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

October 26, 2015

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, October 26, 2015

7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Ron Kilburn, Zoning Administrator; 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:

 

Village Clerk Dianne Day advised that she had the 3^rd quarter SQRP report to be reviewed under Any Other Business.

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, September 28, 2015:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, September 28, 2015 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, October 23, 2015:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, October 23, 2015 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion:  Adam Paxman asked about the Burlington Communication invoice for $4624.00. Reg Beliveau advised that was for repair on the electric line truck radios and Public Work’s truck radios. Eugene LaBombard asked about the Business Card invoice for $4009.48. Reg advised that was for the NEPPA Conference.  Motion carried.

 

5.      Electric Line of Credit Renewal:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to renew the Electric Line of Credit for $850,000 with People’s United Bank. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried. Board members signed all necessary documents.

 

6.      Water Line of Credit Renewal:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to renew the Water Department Line of Credit for $500,000 with Union Bank. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried. Board members signed all necessary documents.

 

7.      Discuss Gilles Tremblay Gifting 41 Brown Avenue to the  Village of Swanton:

 

Chris Leach asked if there was any access to this property. Adam Paxman stated he thought the only way to access it was through Daprato Drive. He said he didn’t think you could access it because it was wetland. Chris asked what the size of the property was and Ron Kilburn stated it was .61 acres. Chris asked why the Village would want the property. The property is assessed at $21,100 and the 2015 tax bill was $156.29. The Board stated they wanted to look into this further so have tabled this item until further notice.

 

8.      MVUHS Educational Travel Group request Coin Drop for November 7, 2015:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve MVUHS’s Educational Travel Group’s request to hold a coin drop on Saturday, November 7, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, with a rain date of Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. He stated they needed to comply with a certificate of insurance and have proper safety vests and signage. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried with two yays, one nay.

 

9.      Utility Pole Ordinance Update:

 

Adam Paxman stated he has drafted the Utility Pole Ordinance after the City of Burlington’s ordinance. He said he’s made a few changes to it and would like to get this adopted quickly. He said this has become a nuisance and needs to be fixed. He stated the Chief of Police has read through it and has no problems with it. Chris Leach asked how the penalties would be collected if it came to that. Adam stated he believed tickets would be handled like a parking ticket in the Village. He has requested this be put on the next agenda for adoption. Reg Beliveau stated Fairpoint and Comcast would receive notice of this Ordinance.

 

10.  Swanton Walk-Bike Safety Action Plan from Healthy Communities Summit Update:

 

Reg Beliveau stated he met with Katelin Brewer-Colie from Local Motion, and they are trying to secure a grant through VTrans that will review Swanton’s Walk-Bike path plans. He said there are five communities in the State that will be awarded this 40 hour review from VTrans so he will continue to work with Local Motion and hopefully enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with them. He said he would keep the Board updated.

 

 

11.   Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Chris Leach stated the SQRP report measures how well the Village executes work orders, bills etc. He said he can see the Village beat the baseline in every category and has done very, very well again this quarter. Adam Paxman stated the Board acknowledges receiving this report for the third quarter.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated the paving project for 2016 is in its final design stage. He said they will be paving from the town line on Route 78 up to Merchants Row. He said he is recommending they do night time work to help alleviate traffic congestion. Adam Paxman stated if this happens they will notify residents, tenants, etc. Reg also said they are able to get 500 ton of scarified filler that will be stored at the Town garage and used between the Town and the Village. He said they are also trying to figure out a mini round about by Merchants Row.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated that the water project is coming along good and the only thing left to do is the river crossing. He said everything else has been tied in and tested. He also said their contractor backed out last minute so TDI may do the river crossing.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach stated the Village is picking up leaves and residents can pick up their paper bags here at the Village Complex. He asked what the saw horses were for in the Village Green. Reg stated that five bike racks are being installed. They will be at Lady Liberty, one by the Post Office, the Town Office, the Chamber of Commerce and one at Swanton Beach. Chris asked if Reg has heard anything regarding the Border Patrol building on Grand Ave. Reg said he has not. He also asked Reg if he has heard anymore on the Dam issue. He asked if the sluice was fixed yet. Reg said not yet but said it will be fixed.

 

Any Other Business: Eugene LaBombard advised Reg to purchase a new refrigerator for the office staff because the one they have no longer works.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated he is waiting to hear back from the Methodist Church trustees regarding the parking lot. He also said there will be Halloween in the Park on Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and Arts Council. He said the Library will be showing a scary movie afterwards. He also said Christmas in the Park will be held on November 28^th from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

 

12.  Public Comment:

 

Ron Kilburn thanked the Board for putting up with him for the last 12 years as Zoning Administrator. He said his last day on the job is Friday, October 30^th. He said it’s been a positive experience and overall a great opportunity. Adam Paxman wished him the best of luck. Neal Speer stated he appreciated his efforts and wished him well.

 

13.  Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

None.

 

14.  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 28, 2015

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, September 28, 2015

7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; 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:

 

Adam Paxman stated he would need an Executive Session to discuss Real Estate.

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, September 14, 2015:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, September 14, 2015 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, September 25, 2015:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, September 25, 2015 as presented. Chris Leach seconded. Discussion: 
Adam Paxman asked about Advanced Emergency Products. Lynn Paradis and Reg Beliveau stated they couldn’t remember that one but would look it up and let them know. Lynn stated it would be for either the Fire Department or the Police Department. Reg Beliveau informed the Board that Northrup Grumman was where they purchased their meter reading equipment. That question was asked at the last Board meeting.  Motion carried.

 

5.      Sign Electric Digger Truck Loan Documents:

 

Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, explained to the Board of Trustees that the loan documents were prepared and ready to sign for the Electric Digger Truck that Swanton Village voters approved in August 2014. She said the truck should arrive in October. She stated that she checked rates at Union Bank, Peoples United and Merchants Bank. Union Bank was 2.25%, Peoples United was 2.5% and Merchants Bank was 2.75%. The loan amount is $212,000 and she went with Union Bank because they had the lowest interest rate. Lynn advised the Board she needed approval to secure the loan through Union Bank as well as signatures from the Board.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to authorize Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, to secure a loan with Union Bank in the amount of $212,000 with an interest rate of 2.25% to purchase the Electric Digger Truck. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach asked if they would be selling the current truck and Reg Beliveau stated they would. He said the Village of Swanton would put a bid out “as is” for the old truck and said he believes they will get more for it selling it outright rather than trading it in. The Board members signed all necessary documents pertaining to the loan.

 

 

 

6.      August Financial Statements:

 

ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT: Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, advised that the bucket truck has been ordered for this department and said it would take a year to get it built. She also said that the September 2015 billing is the first bills under the new tariff so this is showing a little bit more revenue for the Village. She also said they are approximately $300,000 over budget in purchase power because KW sales are higher than what VPPSA budgeted for. She said power supply expenses are forecasted to be over budget at year end and distribution expenses are under budget by about $72,000. She said Duane Couture, Electric Line Foreman, still has tree trimming to do and said they have been extremely busy with line jobs and estimates. Lynn also said bond payments are coming due and it looks like there is a profit on paper but in reality there isn’t. She said the Village has a bond payment due this fall and one more next year and that will free up about $500,000 per year. She said as of right now the numbers aren’t supporting a rate increase. She said they need to start working on their FERC renewal next. Chris Leach asked if their new strategy of managing the pond has helped any. Reg stated they need to look at the generation. Lynn said the KW’s are going up but they are being paid less for them because there is too much product on the market.

 

WATER DEPARTMENT: Lynn stated at year end they will be under budget but not too bad. She said water sales are off a little bit maybe because people are conserving more. She said this department is looking good overall. Labor is over budget because of heating costs. She said maintenance of plant labor is under budget and maintenance of service is over budget because of frozen pipes in the winter. She said overall this shows a profit on paper but she will be paying off debt service. Chris Leach asked if a rate increase was necessary at this time and Lynn said she was hoping to not have a rate increase in 2016. She said their first bond payment on the current project will be due in 2017 so a rate increase will be necessary then.

 

SEWER FUND: Lynn said they haven’t raised the rates in this department in a couple of years but said they will need to in 2016.  She said sales are off track and one of their special sewer accounts is using less water. She said as of right now they are over budget by about $17,000 because the solar aerators are not functioning properly. Reg stated he had a phone call with the company and is contemplating hiring an attorney to negotiate a new contract with them. He said they seem to only get about 8 months of the aerators working properly then they have trouble with them. Lynn said chemicals were over budget by about $7000 and said this could be a timing issue but said she would check it out further. She said they will end the year with a net loss in this department. She said they have one final payment on the CSO project and she is funding depreciation in the rates. Chris Leach asked if they heard any more about the storm water issue. Reg stated there is one resident holding them up but is hoping to get it resolved soon. Adam Paxman asked why outside services employed was up and Lynn said that was for engineering services at Marble Mill but said grant money will be coming in to offset that.

 

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: Lynn said street lighting in this department is over budget but said she doesn’t have cost of service factored in yet. She said the Village hasn’t completely changed to LED lighting yet but would be phasing it in over the next couple of years. She said summer streets labor is under budget and they will break even in winter streets labor. She said the crew just finishing a new sidewalk in the Village Green, She said if everything goes as planned they will profit approximately $1500 in this department. Chris Leach asked with oil prices going down are paving prices down. Reg said he needed to check on that and also said he is going to bargain with the chemical companies to get shipping costs down.

 

GENERAL FUND: Lynn said the Downtown Enhancement grant is in this fund and she doesn’t have the offsetting numbers yet. Adam Paxman asked about the miscellaneous general expenses and Lynn said the Village received a wellness grant and planted a garden with the funds as well as a healthy lifestyles coach, and purchase fruits and vegetables for the employees. She said this fund also shows a profit at year end.

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT: Lynn stated there are some miscellaneous billings not budgeted for such as hazmat calls. Because of this their salary line is over budget by about $6000. She said as of now they are under budget on transportation, fuel and testing. She said last year they had a $12,000 repair on one of the trucks so that can blow their budget real fast. She said as of right now they are showing a profit in the department.

 

POLICE DEPARTMENT: Lynn said salaries are over budget by about $10,000 and she is not sure why. She said full timers must be covering shifts that the part timers cannot. She said as of right now they are showing a $3600 profit. She said they sold the old Crown Vic cruiser. Chris Leach asked what they were doing with the Army surplus vehicles. Lynn said one is being used in the maintenance department and they are looking into selling the other one.

 

COMMERCIAL BUILDING FUND: Lynn said plant maintenance and supplies are under budget and that is what is driving the profit for year end in this department.

 

Lynn said she is budgeting for next year so asked the Board to let her know if there is anything they want added to her budget. Chris Leach said he would like to see the Village continue to fix old water pipes throughout the Village. Lynn said when the transmission line project is done they plan on doing one street at a time.

 

7.      Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Eugene LaBombard stated he noticed some tree stumps on Taylor Drive that need removing if possible. Reg Beliveau stated he would check it out. He said he also plans on doing a tree replacement program where the Village will replace a tree cut with a new tree. Eugene also said he has noticed a lot of overgrowth on the Village sidewalks. Reg stated the Village plans on pulling the sidewalk near the Civil War Cemetery on Church Street.

 

Any Other Business: Neal Speer said there is a light in front of Swanton Rexall that is out. Reg asked if they noticed a difference over there because one of the store owners changed a light and it brightened that area up quite a bit.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau informed the Board that he had a discussion with the State of Vermont regarding the 2016 paving project. He said the State confirmed they are going to put in bike lanes where they can, and two new crosswalks – one on Liberty St. and one on Greenwich St., using high visibility paint. He said Merchants Row will be striped and have new signage. He said Mark Fenton will be here on October 9^th working on the traffic flow and walkability of downtown. He said he also asked the State about raising the railings on the bridge and bringing it up to code.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau stated there has been a lot of talk lately about the sluice way on the lower dam. He said he contacted the State of Vermont and asked if they knew of any funds available to help with repairing the dam. He was told no. Reg stated they have money to help take it down but don’t have any to help repair it. He said they are claiming that when the water is low this is starving endangered fish in the river by Marble Mill, on the other side of the river. He said he has contacted an engineer regarding some restoration on the dam and is also waiting to hear back from their attorney Paul Nolan. He said he would keep the Board updated.

 

8.      Public Comment:

 

None.

 

9.      Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate (attorney-client privileged information) at 8:07 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to exit Executive Session and re-enter Open Session at 9:08 p.m.

 

ACTION TAKEN: Adam Paxman made the motion to authorize Reg Beliveau, Village Manager, to move forward with an RFQ for the Lower Swanton Dam and to also take into consideration repairs/restoration of the dam. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

10.  Adjournment:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 9:09 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 9:09 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

September 14, 2015

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, September 14, 2015

7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Village President; Chris Leach, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Reginald Beliveau, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Brian Savage 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 7:07 p.m.

 

2.      Agenda Review:

 

No changes were made to the Agenda.

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, August 10, 2015:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, August 10, 2015 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, September 11, 2015:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, September 11, 2015 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman asked what vendor Northrop Grumman Systems for $13,647.50 was for. Reg Beliveau stated he couldn’t remember that one but would find out and let the Board know. Eugene LaBombard asked if warrant #83 was for the Village credit card and also asked if the water line job was on schedule. Reg Beliveau said yes for both. Eugene LaBombard asked about the payment to Prime Electric. Reg Beliveau stated it was for the Hydro Plant during plant shutdown. Motion carried.

 

5.      Franklin Grand Isle Chapter of Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity request for a Coin Drop on Saturday, October 10^th with a Rain Date of Saturday, October 17, 2015:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve Franklin Grand Isle Chapter of Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity’s request to hold a coin drop on Saturday, October 10^th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon with a rain date of Saturday, October 17^th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman stated he would like to limit the number of coin drops to three per year. Chris Leach stated he was fine with having one per month and Eugene LaBombard agreed with that. Chris stated people can avoid the coin drop because of where it’s located if they want to. He said this is a very good fund raising event for a lot of charities. Motion carried with two yay’s and one nay.

 

6.      Utility Pole Ordinance Discussion:

 

Adam Paxman stated he asked Reg Beliveau if he could take on the Utility Pole Ordinance that the Village of Swanton was working on last year. He said there are still several utility poles throughout the Village that need to be removed and are not being removed. Adam stated he wanted to draft an Ordinance with help from Reg Beliveau and Chief Stell. He said this Ordinance will expedite the removal of old utility poles. Reg stated he had it drafted last year and Fairpoint came in and did their job. He said Comcast and Fairpoint have equal burden in attaching and removing their services from utility poles. Chris Leach was concerned with how it would be enforced. Adam stated there are about 50 poles that need to be removed and he said he would keep the Board updated on his progress with the Ordinance.

 

7.      Electric Bucket Truck Approval:

 

Reg Beliveau stated the Village of Swanton received a quote from Altec for $207,921 to build the Electric bucket truck that the voters approved back in March. Chris Leach made the motion to authorize the Village of Swanton to accept Altec’s electric bucket truck bid for $207,921. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

8.      Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Chris Leach stated there is an important JLB meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015 regarding the Town Plan. Brian Savage, local Swanton Representative, stated right now this Town Plan has to be done every 5 years but the House just passed a bill stating it would be done every 8 years from now on. He said they are just waiting for Senate approval of this. Chris Leach stated a Town can amend their Town Plan at any time if they needed to. Adam Paxman agreed and said this is a working document. Eugene LaBombard stated they would also meet on September 23^rd to ratify the Town Plan.

 

9.      Public Comment:

 

Brian Savage stated Act 248 trumps anything to do with the utility industry and said large wind and solar projects are taking over. He said the Rocky Ridge wind project towers being proposed are larger than the ones in New York. Brian stated that he and Marianna Gamache have been working on power projects, in the case of generation, and said they will have to go through local Zoning and Planning Commissions. He said they met with the Governor last week and it went better than he expected.

 

10.  Executive Session to Discuss Legal Matters:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Legal Matters at 7:30 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

Chris Leach made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:27 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

11.  Adjournment:

 

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

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date

 

 

 

August 10, 2015

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, August 10, 2015

7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

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

 

No changes were made to the Agenda.

 

3.      Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, July 13, 2015:

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, July 13, 2015 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Adam Paxman asked for clarification on the Water Fund paragraph. Chris Leach asked when the next JLB meeting was scheduled for. Adam Paxman stated it was scheduled for September 16, 2015. Chris stated they needed to discuss the Methodist Church parking lot issue at that meeting. Eugene LaBombard said they should also contact the Village’s insurance company to see if the liability coverage would be sufficient if the Village were to maintain that parking lot. Adam stated he would talk with Joel Clark regarding this and do some homework before the meeting so they are prepared to discuss it. Motion carried.

 

4.      Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Friday, August 7, 2015:

 

Chris Leach made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants through Friday, August 7, 2015 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: Chris Leach asked about the St. Albans Police Department payment for $56,429.06. Reg Beliveau stated that was for dispatching services and said that Missisquoi Valley Rescue and Fire pay a portion of that bill. Motion carried.

 

5.      Cogsdale Billing Software Upgrade Quote:

 

Reg Beliveau explained to the Board of Trustees that the Village office needed to upgrade the billing software program that they are currently using at an expense of $25,200. This will include upgrading GP Dynamics and Cogsdale to the latest version of GP2015 with technical upgrade assistance, new feature training and project management. This covers the Village’s annual maintenance and support he explained. Adam Paxman made the motion to authorize the Village of Swanton to accept Cosgdale’s quote of $25,200 to upgrade the billing software to CSM/GP2015. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

6.      ICloud Online Billing Update:

 

Reg Beliveau explained to the Board that he received the ICloud Online Billing contract and asked them to change it from a 3 year contract to one that states the Village can terminate at any time if not satisfied with the program. Reg also explained that when the Village offers this online billing to their customers the Village will be able to discontinue paying the hackers insurance they now need to carry because the Village holds customer’s credit card information. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to authorize the Village of Swanton to enter into a contract with ICloud Online Billing to offer online billing services to the Village of Swanton ratepayers. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried. Reg also stated a representative will be at the NEPPA conference so the Board will be able to ask questions then also.

 

7.      Set 2015 Tax Rate:

 

Reg Beliveau stated that Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, estimated the tax rate in the Village Report to be .7427 but because the Grand List increased a bit it actually needs to be .7407 for 2015. Chris Leach made the motion to set the Village of Swanton tax rate at .7407 for the year 2015. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

8.      Hungerford Brook Grant Proposal:

 

Reg Beliveau stated he was contacted by Jaime Tibbits from Agrilab Technologies LLC regarding a grant that they applied for along with Friends of Northern Lake Champlain (FNLC) which would entail planting trees on property owned by the Village of Swanton on Route 207 and Woodshill Road. This grant is called the Trees for Streams project and is funded 100% by the Vermont Community Foundation’s Lake Champlain and Tributaries Restoration Fund. As a condition of Agrilab and FNLC covering 100% of the cost of trees and shrubs and coordinating volunteers and planters to implement the project, the trees must be maintained for a minimum of 10 years. By agreeing to this project, the Village agrees there will be no cutting or clearing of these trees/shrubs for farming or views. Reg provided the Board with a map showing a 7.4 acre planting area by Hungerford Brook and another 3.15 acre area off from Woodshill Road. Chris Leach made the motion to authorize the Village of Swanton to accept Agrilab and Friends of Northern Lake Champlain’s Trees for Streams grant for trees and shrubs to be planted on property owned by the Village of Swanton by Hungerford Brook and on Route 207, funded 100% by the Vermont Community Foundation’s Lake Champlain and Tributaries Restoration Fund. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

9.      Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention Task Force Request to hold a Block Party at Flat Iron Park Saturday, September 12, 2015:

 

Reg Beliveau informed the Board that he was contacted by Rev John H.D. Lucy regarding a Block Party. He said the Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention Task Force are requesting permission to hold a Block Party on Saturday, September 12 on Flat Iron Park off of Grand Avenue. He said they are hoping to bring the community together as an indirect means for preventing substance abuse and feels York and Second Streets are particularly being targeted as neighborhoods in need of some love and support at this time. He said they will have a banner, a photo booth, games, food and music so will need a sound system set up. He said Turning Point from St. Albans and other church groups will also be there involved as hospitality groups. Adam Paxman made the motion to approve the Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention Task Force’s request to hold a Block Party on Saturday, September 12^th at Flat Iron Park. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

 

10.  Any Other Necessary Business:

 

Adam Paxman asked how Fairpoint was doing regarding taking down old utility poles. Reg Beliveau stated they were doing fine and keeping to their agreement with the Village.

 

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman stated the Chamber of Commerce held their 6^th Annual Car Show on July 25^th and had 217 cars in the Village Green. He said they had a great day with great support. He said they were able to make three donations this year, one to the Teen Center, the Cub Scouts and the Food Shelf. Adam said next year’s 7^th Annual Car Show will be held on July 24^th. He also said he received an email from a couple who attended stating what a great show it was and what a great place Swanton was to raise a family in. He said he heard a lot of beautiful comments that day.

 

Any Other Business: Chris Leach asked about the new building at the Hydro Plant. Eugene LaBombard stated he went up to see it and it’s almost complete. Reg Beliveau stated it was done under budget so they are putting in a computer screen and camera in which will allow the operators to see everything while they are in that building. Reg stated he would like to hold a meeting there in the near future and also at the sewer plant. Chris also stated he is on the Energy Commission and said he needs some information. He said he has generated some questions he’d like answers to. He said it appears to him they way they are being pressured regarding purchase power they are being set up to fail and he’d like to ease his mind or bring light to it. Reg stated it’s not just here it’s in the whole northeast and NEPPA is looking at price fixing in the New England region. Chris said he is very concerned and Eugene stated he is also. Reg suggested they talk with Dave Mullett at VPPSA and have their questions ready for the NEPPA conference which will be held August 23^rd through the 27^th at Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Reg also said they are not talking about VT Public Power enough and hope to bring it to light at the legislative rally in Washington in March.

 

Reg Beliveau stated he needed an Executive Session to discuss Real Estate.

 

Any Other Business: Reg Beliveau informed the Board that the water transmission line job was coming along great. He said six fire hydrants were installed on the Waugh Farm Road. He said there is still landscaping to be done to asked that the residents that live there be patient. He also said they are getting ready to do the directional boring next week.

 

11.  Public Comment:

 

None

 

12.  Executive Session (If Necessary):

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to enter into Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate at 7:55 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adam Paxman made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:30 p.m. Chris Leach seconded. Motion carried.

 

ACTION TAKEN: None.

 

13.  ADJOURNMENT:

 

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adjourn the Regular Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:30 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Neal Speer, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Motion carried.

 

 

 

_____________________________________          _______________________________________

Neal Speer, Village President                           Date

 

 

 

_____________________________________          ___________________________________

Dianne Day, Village Clerk                               Date