Special Selectboard Public Hearing 1-10-24

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2024 01 10 Public Hearing Draft Minutes 1 MB

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TOWN OF SWANTON

SPECIAL SELECTBOARD MEETING

    PUBLIC HEARING

Swanton Central School Cafeteria

24 Fourth Street, Swanton, VT 05488

In-Person & By Zoom

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

7:00 PM

Present: Earl Fournier-Chair, Nicole Draper, Steve Bourgeois, Cody Hemenway, Joel Clark-members, Brians Savage-Town Administrator, Cathy Fournier-Town Clerk, Christina Candels-Administrative Assistant

Community Members Present: Christopher Lake, Nancy & Dick Hazard, Greta Boulerice, Dee Krzynski, Karen Bratland, Eileen Skiff, Tim Skiff, Kevin Daignault, Deb Bourgeois, Julie Regimbal, Maurice Gagne, Jennifer Fitzsimmons, Raymond Tardif Jr, Allen Letourneau, Suzie Kelleher, Anna Rocheleau, Sandra Dubois, Alexis Dubois, Harry Curth, David & Clare Beebe, Patti & Mike Arnold, Alan Norris, Scott Godin, Lisa Quimette, Nancy Barkyoumb, Lyle Poirier, Gordon Winters, Karen Luneau, Ron & Sandy Kilburn, Michelle Racine, Shawn Flanagan, David Winchester, Lynn Savage, Stephanie Menard, Colen Gurwitt, David Chevalier, Jason Cross, Richard Bushey, Brian Burns, Ray Trombley, Heath McAllister, Lora McAllister, Yashua Pastina, Shawn Howe, Charles Godin, Kim Pedersen, Jeanine Domey, David Hubbard, Carol Hubbard, Ashley Rox, Brian Desrochers, Chevon Cooper, Casey Stetson, Ronnie Ouimette, Mike Barkyoumb, Bill Nordberg, Michelle Nordberg, Scott & Jori Dean

Zoom Participants: G. Horton, David Horton, Kyle, Citizen. Linda, Mike Walke, Katie Gordon, Mary Stanley, Danci, Kevin’s iPad, Justina Jannett, Amy Foster, Darcy Scott, 802-734-0078, Dillon Dupon, Steven Martel, Josh Ellerbrock, Amy Fletcher, Meagan Conly, Nicole Cross, Chad, T Entered

QUESTION:  DO THE RESIDENTS OF THE TOWN OF SWANTON

                         WANT FULL TIME POLICE COVERAGE?

We want your input on what you want for future police coverage.

1. Call to Order

Mr. Fournier called the Public Hearing to order at 7:05pm.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

Mr. Fournier led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Power Point Presentation

Mr. Fournier asked those present to hold questions until after Mr. Savage’s presentation. The question Mr. Fournier stated they would like to know as a board is are the residents of Swanton happy with current Police coverage and do they want to see more?

Mr. Savage presented a PowerPoint presentation. Please see attached.

Mr. Fournier then opened the floor to questions & comments.

4. Public comments and questions

Members of the community spoke and asked different questions to which Mr. Fournier did his best to answer. Mr. Fournier asked everyone whom spoke to state their name, if they live in the Town or Village and how they feel about Police coverage.

Do the Town residents want full time police coverage in 2025? Are they satisfied with the 2024 proposal of 10 hours a day?

Members of the community whom spoke are listed below:

Alan Letourneau, Karen Bratland, Casey Stetson, Ashley Rocks, Alan Norris, Raymond Tardiff, Brian Desrochers, Tim Skiff, Moe Gagne, Heath McAllister, Jennifer Fitzsimmons, Carol Hubbard, Michelle Norberg, Shawn Howard, Scott Dean, David Winchester, Gordon Winters, Sandy Dubois, Chevon Cooper, Sandy Kilburn

Members in Zoom whom asked questions read aloud listed below:

Dillon Dupont, Amy Fletcher, Justina Jennett

5. Wrap up

Community members present & on Zoom asked if the board members supported the increased police protection?

Mr. Joel Clark does not support the village proposed project the cost is too expensive to Town residents. Mr. Clark does support the Swanton Village Police and the increase to 10 hours a day effective 4/1/24.

Mr. Steve Bourgeois supports the increase to 10 hours a day but does not support the new facility/full time coverage. Mr. Bourgeois feels there is other options out there not yet considered, this full-time option is too expensive. Mr. Bourgeois fully supports the Fire & Police departments.

Mr. Cody Hemenway does not support the full-time coverage project. Mr. Hemenway supports the 10 hours a day contract but that the Town should have more of a say & voice. Mr. Hemenway fully supports the Police department. The increase in the 2024 budget includes a lot of uncontrollable expenses.

Ms. Nicole Draper thanked everyone for coming, Ms. Draper does support the 10 hour a day coverage for 2024 to vote on at Town Meeting Day. Ms. Draper stated the monthly updates does show what the Police are doing in the Town. Ms. Draper feels they need to ensure the Town residents have a say and a voice.

Mr. Earl Fournier supports the 10 hour a day coverage to be voted on at Town Meeting Day. Mr. Fournier has concerns about the amount Swanton Village is putting before the Village residents. Mr. Fournier believes the affordability can be worked out by partnering with other Towns. Mr. Fournier stated no matter what direction it will cost more.

VI.       Adjournment

Ms. Draper made a motion to adjourn at 8:45pm, seconded by Mr. Bourgeois. Motion carried.

Respectfully Submitted By

Christina Candels-Administrative Assistant