Trustees Meeting 11/25/24

Web version

 SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, November 25, 2024

7:00 PM

PRESENT: David Winchester, Village President; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Suzie Kelleher, Trustee; William “Bill” Sheets, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Matthew Sullivan, Chief of Police; Dan Chevalier, Geoff Domey, Jeannine Domey, Darci & Bernard Benoit, Jill Walsh, Renee Cioffi and Ch. 16. Via Teams: Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager and Linda.

To watch this meeting in its entirety, go to Northwest Access TV on YouTube. Unless otherwise noted, all motions carried, unanimously.

1. Call to Order:

David Winchester, Village President, called the Village Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

2. Pledge of Allegiance:

Everyone in attendance stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Agenda Review:

Bill Sheets, Village Manager, stated he needed an Executive Session to discuss a legal matter.

4. Public Comment:

None.

5. Approve and Accept Minutes from the Friday, November 8, 2024 meeting and the Tuesday, November 12, 2024 meeting as presented:

Sukie Kelleher made the motion to approve Minutes from Friday, November 8 and Tuesday, November 12, 2024 meetings as presented. Adam Paxman seconded the motion. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

6. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Thursday, November 21, 2024:

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve Village Warrants through Thursday, November 21, 2024 as presented. Suzie Kelleher seconded the motion. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

7. Swanton Village Police Department Update with Chief Matt Sullivan:

Chief of Police Matthew Sullivan was present for this update and said the Village Police responded to 142 incidents in the Village during the month of October. He said the top ten calls for service were: 13 suspicious person/circumstance, 11 directed patrol, 16 traffic stop, 6 welfare/suicide check, 4 citizen dispute, 4 parking problem, 10 motor vehicle complaint, 8 community outreach, 8 trespassing, and 4 alarm. He said out of the 16 traffic stops 10 tickets were issued and 13 warnings. He said there were 9 arrests, 10 arrest charges and 2 arrest associated with traffic stops and 9 individuals.

Chief Sullivan said his department responded to 99 incidents in the Town of Swanton for the month of October and the top ten calls for service were: 26 directed patrol, 9 suspicious person/circumstance, 24 traffic stop, 2 juvenile problem, 3 agency assistance, 4 citizen assist, 4 welfare/suicide check, 4 community outreach, 2 disorderly conduct, and 2 crash. He said there were 24 traffic stops with 14 tickets being issued and 21 warnings. There were 8 arrests, 10 arrest charges with 8 individuals and they worked 8.75 additional hours.

Chief Sullivan said they’ve been working on training in Use of Force, Firearms being certified in rifles and CPR/First Aid training. He said they’ve had some success with applicants and have several at this time. He said he’s just begun the process of going through them. David Winchester stated they’ve been busy on the Town side. Chief Sullivan said they’ve responded substantially more than VSP has in the Town of Swanton. Adam Paxman asked if there was anything that stood out that was concerning or positive. Matt said not really, he said drugs are still an issue. He said he concentrated traffic control on Route 105 and the majority were within 10 mph of the speed limit. Chief Sullivan said they executed a drug search warrant in the Town last month and said it’s the typical scenario of the people from out of state that move into the neighborhood and people with substance abuse disorder housing them. He said his guys are doing a great job and are on top of it even though there seems to be an uptick in activity recently. He said it’s always ever present. Bill Sheets, Village Manager, asked how many full-time applicants they have. Matt said they have two really good applicants for the full-time police officer position. Bill said it’s very difficult to get into the police academy now. He said by the time they do the entire hiring process it would be hard to get someone into the January class. He said they’re not giving up, but it would be difficult. Bill said there is only one department in the State of Vermont that is fully staffed, all others are looking to hire as well. Chief Sullivan said they have some strong candidates right now. The Board thanked Chief Sullivan for his update.

8. Discussion on Tree Removal in Swanton Village Green:

Suzie Kelleher stated her beautification update outlined her plans to collaborate with Heidi Britch-Valenta, the Village’s grant specialist and the Village, to remove some of the conifers in the Village Green. She said Trustee Paxman has a history with this prior to her being on the board. She said she was informed by Hank Lambert when she took over the beautification that the conifers in the park needed to come down. She said Frank Shumway, who is their current tree warden, said they needed to come down as well and discussed it with Hank Lambert, Dean Ryan and Trustee Paxman. She said they’ve identified 8 conifers in the park that need to come down due to disease. She said in her capacity as the chair she discussed with Village Manager Bill Sheets about the possibility of using beautification funds to fund replacing the trees as part of their plant 10 trees a year plan. She said she spoke with Heidi regarding the tree removal plan because she knew beautification didn’t have the money to remove the trees just as the Village doesn’t have the money to remove the trees. Suzie said when speaking with Heidi she said that Adam would like to be in charge of the removal, and she stepped back from that portion of the plan. She said that Hank Lambert is currently working on a tree planting grant, so she brought up the removal plan during her beautification update. Suzie said they need to consider that if these trees are diseased, they need to be removed because that’s part of park planning and part of the tree warden’s job to make sure our trees are healthy and maintained in our municipal parks. She said Heidi made a request for proposal because she needs an estimate for filing purposes for her grant. Suzie said there hasn’t been a final decision made yet about the removal of the trees and that’s why the RFP states “removal or maintenance.” Suzie said it will be up to the bidders to say whether or not the tree should be removed or if it can be maintained and what remediation they recommend keeping the tree. She also said if a tree is removed a new tree will be planted in it’s place. Suzie said it’s important to work together to make Swanton better, prettier and a lovely place to go.

Adam Paxman said three or four years ago he had a discussion with Hank who put him in contact with Frank Shumway. He said Frank and himself went through the park and there was one tree removed by the bandstand. He said the limbs were falling with every windstorm and as Village Trustee he wasn’t willing to see anyone get hurt. He also said they didn’t plant one in its place and that is on him. Adam said they went through the park and there are a lot of trees in the park that are in trouble.

Jill Walsh stated she’s an environmentalist and is sensitive to this stuff. She said when she heard they all had to be removed she questioned that and questioned who would make that decision. She said all these trees being removed seems extreme. Adam said they wouldn’t clear cut the park. Jill said the symbolism of the Village Green is the evergreens and we are the Green Mountain State. David Winchester asked what the disease is, Adam stated it was age. Adam said these trees are over 50 to 60 years old. David said conifers can live up to 1,000 years. Jill Walsh said if the Village insists on taking all of them down, they should consider harvesting the wood from these trees instead of chipping them up. Adam said he hadn’t thought about that but said it was a very good idea. Suzie said ultimately the tree warden has the final say as to what happens to the trees in their municipal parks and right of way. She said it’s their job to look at the trees and determine if they have disease or are healthy. She asked at what point do they follow the suggestions of the people they appoint to do these jobs. Jill said she was alarmed when she heard this. Adam said they could take a walk together in the park and look at the trees. Adam said the limbs are constantly falling and he’s not willing to let someone get hurt. Suzie said it’s time to look at the trees and see what they can do to make them healthy and keep them or take them down and replace them. Ms. Walsh said the history of those trees is important.

Geoff Domey said the unfortunate part of those trees is that he’s trimmed them and gone down there many times after a windstorm and picked up limbs for their car shows. He said those trees are dead and this would be a liability if someone was under one or had a show and someone’s $100,000 car was damaged by one. He said they fall all the time, and he thinks this is just common sense. Geoff said the liability is just too high for the Village. He said these trees are really hurting and halfway up the majority of them you can see just how dead they are. He said if anyone took the time to go walk through the park, they would see for themselves the shape they’re in. He said he believes the limit has been reached with those trees and it’s been an ongoing thing. Adam said he likes the idea that if they do take the conifers down, take the trunks and sell the boards. David asked if they were coming down for sure or not. Suzie said the companies bidding on the job will determine what trees need to come down and what trees can be remedied. Adam said it might come to only five needing to come down. Suzie said there is one tree they are definitely taking down and that one is by the swan pond. Adam said they should take Jill’s advice and sell the wood and also replant some healthy conifers when they take the others down. Adam said they need to do one step at a time. Bill Sheets said they have a sealed bid process, he’ll open and create a document for the board, the board will then discuss and decide and have another open dialogue with the public. The Board agreed and Adam said this probably won’t happen until springtime. Suzie also said if they don’t get the grant there’s no way to move on this. She said beautification might be able to piece meal it over the next ten years but not all at once. Eugene LaBombard asked how many trees are in the park. Suzie said she is working on an inventory with Frank Shumway. They are going to do an inventory on all the trees and shrubs in the Village Green and then come up with a five year plan on how they can maintain them all.

9. Discuss Funding a Request for Proposal for an Engineering Study for 74 Merchants Row, Swanton Village Municipal Parking Lot:

Bill Sheets, Village Manager, said in order to qualify for most grant opportunities a project is required to be “shovel ready.” An engineering study would get this to the point where it is shovel ready. We have available funding, $30,000, in remaining uncommitted ARPA funds, to complete an engineering study. We have a parking problem that might get worse, and this parking lot will be a critical part of that solution.

Suzie Kelleher made the motion to authorize the Village Manager to contract with VHB, to complete an engineering study for the 74 Merchants Row Parking lot. This contract, funded through ARPA, shall not exceed $30,000. Adam Paxman seconded the motion. Discussion: Adam asked if the engineer would factor in EV chargers. Bill said yes they would, they plan on installing two fast chargers there. Motion carried.

10. Select a Construction Manager for the Proposed Construction for Swanton Village Electric, located at 124 First Street:

Bill Sheets, Village Manager, said they plan on moving the electric department next door to 124 First Street and evaluated bids received in October. Adam Paxman made the motion to authorize the Village Manager, William Sheets, to enter into a contract for Construction Management services for Swanton Village Electric with Connor Contracting Inc. based on their proposal dated October 17, 2024. The Preconstruction services provided prior to bond vote and covering the period of November 25, 2024 to March 4, 2025, shall not exceed $6,400.00. Discussion: Adam stated once they have drawings they will have some public hearings. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

11. Approve Funding for Hometown Heroes Banners for Heroes Killed in Action, Using ARPA Funds:

Adam Paxman said there are 12 remaining veterans that need sponsorship and the Town of Swanton committed to paying for six of them. Adam Paxman made the motion to authorize the Village of Swanton to pay for six Hometown Hero Banners in the amount of $1050.00, using ARPA funds. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried with two yays (Adam and Eugene) and one abstention (Suzie). Motion carried.

12. Approve Letter of Support for a Transportation Alternatives Grant for the Canada Street Streetscape:

Bill Sheets, Village Manager, began this discussion by detailing the streetscape plans on this $600,000 Transportation Alternatives Grant. He said this is a continuation from the Merchants Row and Church Street Downtown Safety Study and would probably take two to three years to complete. Bill said this is Phase III of the Downtown Safety Improvements in the state designated Village area and would complete the majority of the major recommendations of that study. He said there would be an elimination of a left-turn lane and addition of a dedicated bike lane that would reduce confusion and risk at the heavily traveled intersection of State Routes 78 and 7. Eugene LaBombard was concerned about where the funds would come from, being that the Village’s share of this $600,000 grant is $150,000. The Board discussed adding smaller amounts to the highway budget over the next couple of years or adding a separate line item to the Village ballot in March. They also discussed the possibility of going out for a bond vote. Adam Paxman suggested they table this item until their next meeting so that they can determine more about how they’re going to fund this grant opportunity. Item tabled.

13. Village Manager Update:

MVUHS Tours: During the past week we have had seven class tours between the Police, Fire and Hydroelectric Departments.

Local Option Tax: As discussed in our joint meeting with the Swanton Selectboard the Village and Town will collaboratively seek legislative changes this year to equitably share this tax, if approved by the voters in future years. The Village will not pursue a local option tax in 2025.

Vietnam Memorial Veterans Memorial Bridge: The State of Vermont will meet with the Swanton Village Trustees in a public forum to discuss next steps for the planned 2029 bridge project. They will look to identify a date to meet at some point in the winter of 2025. We will invite the Swanton Selectboard to this meeting to hear options and be engaged in the dialogue.

Wastewater:  This project is progressing well, with significant progress in all project phases. Prior to significant snowfall I would urge the Board to come down to see the progress. As a reminder it is a mandatory safety vest and hard hat site. David Winchester, Village President, asked about the centrifuge. Bill said it has been delayed some.

14. Any Other Necessary Business:

Suzie Kelleher mentioned the following upcoming events in Swanton:

• November 30^th: Small Business Saturday and Christmas in the Park at 3:30
• December 7^th: Get Donuts with Santa at MVR from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 90 Proof will be playing at the Swanton VFW starting at 8 p.m.

Suzie also gave a shout out to MVU’s National Arts Honor Society for the holiday storefronts they painted at The Parts Store, the Green Mountain Bistro, and Bees on Broadway.

Any Other Business: Adam Paxman said he wanted to thank the Village Electric Department for helping with the Christmas lights in the park and also wanted to thank Geoff Domey for helping him get the tree for the bandstand. He said it’s really becoming a community event.

Any Other Business: David Winchester said the lights in the park look nice and said he would also like to thank Jami’s Auto for the pro bono work he did for the Fire Department and for the Abenaki Food Pantry’s truck.

15. Executive Session if Necessary (Legal):

Suzie Kelleher made the motion, seconded by Adam Paxman, to go into Executive Session at 8:03 p.m. to discuss confidential legal issues where premature general public knowledge of the subject matter would place the Village and others at a substantial disadvantage. Motion carried.

Adam Paxman made the motion, seconded by Suzie Kelleher, to exit executive session at 8:24 p.m. Motion carried.

ACTION TAKEN: None.

16. Adjournment:

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Board of the Trustees meeting at 8:25 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, David Winchester, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Motion carried.

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David Winchester, Village President                  Date

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Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                Date