Trustees Meeting 5/28/24

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 SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

REGULAR MEETING

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

7:00 PM

PRESENT: David Winchester, Village President; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Adam Paxman, Trustee; Suzie Kelleher, Trustee; William “Bill” Sheets, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Chevon Cooper and Ch. 16. Via Teams: Gordon Winters.

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 7:00 p.m.

2. Pledge of Allegiance:

Everyone in attendance stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Agenda Review:

Adam Paxman, Village Trustee, stated he needed to add personnel to the executive session.

4. Public Comment:

Chevon Cooper asked when the bridge work was being done.

5. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, May 13, 2024 as presented:

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve and accept the Minutes from Monday, May 13, 2024 as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

6. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Thursday, May 23, 2024:

Suzie Kelleher made the motion to approve and accept Village Warrants #51-#54 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded. Discussion: None.  Motion carried.

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

Chief Matt Sullivan was here for this presentation and handed out the statistics for the month of April 2024. The police department responded to 172 incidents in the Village. The top ten calls for service were 23 suspicious person/circumstances, 10 citizen assist, 18 directed patrol, 8 unlawful mischief, 13 traffic stop, 14 community outreach, 7 threatening, 5 citizen dispute, 5 animal problem, and 5 trespassing. He said they conducted 13 traffic stops issuing 2 tickets and 11 warnings and made 3 arrest with three individuals.

Matt informed the board they put their speed data trailer out and gathered some pretty serious information regarding speeding especially on St. Albans Road and Grand Avenue. He said the data shown gives them an idea of where to patrol and at what times. He also said the information provided on South River Street was from 2023 but they will be getting some data there for 2024. The information below is what the speed trailer picked up:

TRAFFIC DATA

Speed Trailer St. Albans Rd. northbound 4/12/2024-4/30/2024

41,338 vehicles

35,890 vehicles above the speed limit of 40 MPH

27,809 vehicles (67% of total) 41-50 MPH

7,587 vehicles (18% of total) 51-60 MPH (1600-0200 2,402 total 32%)

453 vehicles (1.1 % of total) 61-70 MPH (1600-0200 146 total 32%)

37 vehicles (0.09% of total) 71-80 MPH (1600-0200 12 total 32%)

4 vehicles (0.0097% of total) 81-90 MPH (1600 hours x2, 2000 hours, 2300 hours 4 total 100%)

Speed Trailer Grand Avenue southbound 4/30/2024-5/14/2024

31,860 vehicles (majority of traffic 0600-1800 hours)

20,358 vehicles above the speed limit of 30 MPH

19,086 vehicles (60% of total) 31-40 MPH

1,220 vehicles (3.8% of total) 41-50 MPH

30 vehicles (0.094% of total) 51-60 MPH

2 vehicles (0.0063% of total) 61-70 MPH

17 vehicles (0.053% of total) 71-80 MPH

3 vehicles (0.0094% of total) 81-90 MPH

Speed trailer S. River Street southbound 8/13/2023-8/22/2023

8599 vehicles (majority of traffic 0600-1800 hours)

3,845 vehicles above the speed limit of 40 MPH

115 vehicles 0-10 MPH (1.4% of total)

315 vehicles 11-20 MPH (3.75% of total)

619 vehicles 21-30 MPH (7.2% of total)

3700 vehicles 31-40 MPH (43% of total)

3543 vehicles 41-50 MPH (41% of total)

272 vehicles 51-60 MPH (3.2% of total)

29 vehicles 61-70 MPH (0.34% of total)

1 vehicle 81-90 MPH (0.012% of total)

Matt said they responded to 270 incidents in the Village and Town and the top ten calls for service were 82 directed patrols, 31 suspicious person/circumstances, 11 citizen assist, 20 community outreach, 15 motor vehicle complaints, 10 agency assistance, 9 welfare/suicide checks, 10 unlawful mischief, 9 threatening and 31 traffic stops. He said they conducted 31 traffic stops, issuing 8 tickets and 27 warnings, had 6 arrests charges with 6 individuals.

Chief Sullivan also read the Board part of the press release from the States Attorney’s Office regarding the murder at 45 First Street in Swanton in July of 2021. It says, in part, “Dominque Troupe, 37, of Colchester, Vermont was convicted following a six-day jury trial in United States District Court in Rutland of drug, gun, and robbery offenses. Troupe, who was arrested in September 2022, remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending post-trial proceedings.” Matt said Troupe was a crack cocaine dealer to residents in Swanton and said Elijah Oliver, 22, of Massachusetts started selling crack cocaine as well resulting in a significant diminution in Troupe’s sales. Because of this Troupe and two of his re-distributor’s came up with the idea to rob Oliver of his drugs and money. He said during this attempted armed robbery Oliver was shot twice and killed. Troupe faces a mandatory minimum 15-year sentence and potential maximum sentence of life. He said the press release also thanked the numerous agencies involved in this investigation.

Matt also informed the Board that ATV’s are becoming an issue because they are allowed on Town roads only, not State Highways or Village Streets. He said the drug issue is a constant issue, they are making progress and have displaced some drug dealers to other areas. He also said Ashley Chevalier started her position today as Administrative Assistant in the Police Department.

8. Discussion on the 124 First Street Property:

Suzie Kelleher stated she added this to the agenda because people are concerned about where the funds came from to purchase 124 First Street and also said people are upset because they didn’t get voter approval to purchase it and didn’t get their input on how to spend ARPA funds. Bill Sheets, Village Manager, handed out a list of expenses that pertain to 124 First Street. He said the purchase of this property was talked about in open session on a regular basis. Suzie said she believes there is more of an issue because the Town held a special meeting asking residents how they wanted to spend the ARPA funds and the Village did not. Chevon Cooper said whether it was required or encouraged the Town held their community meeting and then the Village held their community meeting. Chevon said they talked about what to do with the funds, whether to use it for Covid issues or infrastructure issues. Chevon said the ARPA funds came to towns for the people and the Village spent $400K on purchasing 124 First Street. She said the Town allocated half of their ARPA funds, $600K to go towards a community center which has been overshadowed and put on the shelf because of the public safety facility, the state taxes and school taxes. Chevon said the Village is allowed to purchase property, but she would much rather have seen those funds go towards the community center along with the Town’s portion. She said a community center would go a lot further than a public safety facility. She said residents are upset because the Village can purchase property without voter consent. She said this is in the Village Charter and asked if this is something that can be changed through a vote. Dianne Day, Village Clerk, said in order to change your Charter the VT Legislature needs to approve what changes you are seeking and then Village voters would need to approve those changes as well. Adam Paxman said when the Village received the ARPA funds Reg Beliveau had put together a spreadsheet of all the projects that needed to be done and it totaled over $20 million dollars. He said the Village only received a little over $750K. He said they listened to the residents but also needed to take into account all the projects that needed to be completed. He said the bridge repairs alone could have just been put on the taxpayers but said they chose to use ARPA funds for that instead. He said they need to plan ahead for the 2029 bridge replacement because 10 to 20% of that will fall on the Village taxpayers only, not Town taxpayers. Bill said the Village received $710K in ARPA funds. Adam said he would not have supported using ARPA funds for a community center. Dianne Day said both Village and Town taxpayers pay for that if it’s in the Town’s General Fund. Chevon said the Village spent the $400K on the property for the public safety facility which didn’t get voter approval. She asked what would happen with that now. Eugene LaBombard said if there’s going to be any Village expansion of any kind they would need that property regardless. She asked what the Village has done with the remaining $310 in ARPA funds. Bill said the vast majority of those funds were used for ReArch and Weimann & Lamphere for the architectural designs for 124 First Street. He said a lot of that is still usable and can be used for the next project. He said pretty much everything that’s in the ground there has been dealt with and its money they don’t need to spend again. Chevon asked how they would go about getting the Charter changed so that the Village couldn’t purchase property without voter approval. Dianne Day said either the Board could go ahead and initiate that Charter change but if they don’t agree with that the registered voters can petition the Board. She said she would find out how that process would work and would let Chevon know. Suzie thought they should put that question on their March ballot and ask the taxpayers. Chevon also asked about changing the Board from a 3-member board to a 5-member board. Suzie said that question could go on the ballot as well. It was decided that they would end the discussion about 124 First Street and advise the Village Clerk to put Charter update on the agenda in a couple of months so that some research could be done.

9. Finalize Request for Proposal for 6 South River Street Property:

Bill Sheets, Village Manager, said he received the executive summary from ECAA regarding the 6 South River Street property. He said Northwest Regional Planning feels this is a good time for the Village to send out an RFP to interested developers who are interested in this property. He said they will select a developer and then work with that developer to put the remaining corrective actions in place. He said there are four alternatives recommended with different actions. He said this RFP will be beneficial in identifying what the next steps are. Adam Paxman said he didn’t like being told what they need to do with this property by Regional Planning. Bill said this information comes from KAS and makes sense. He said these are natural steps to take and would like to start advertising the RFP. Suzie read the four alternatives which are: Alternative #1 – No Action; Alternative #2 – Excavation and off-site disposal of all contaminated soil; Alternative #3 - Excavation and disposal of all contaminated soils on the eastern portion of the Site and install engineered barriers on the western portion of the Site; and, Alternative #4 – Excavation and disposal of all contaminated soils on the eastern portion of the Site and the installation of a physical barrier to restrict access to the western portion of the Site. Bill thought a committee should be formed to review the RFP’s. Suzie Kelleher made the motion to authorize the Village of Swanton to release this RFP to various entities for the development of 6 South River Street. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Eugene LaBombard stated they need to continue with this and the burden is the Village’s. He said if nothing had been done about this that building would still be standing. He said he’s very disappointed they’ve spent so much money, but they need to continue on. Motion carried.

10. Approve Swanton Library using Village Green Park and Bandstand for Rocking Ron the Friendly Pirate Show July 17^th from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve the Swanton Library using the Village Green Park and Bandstand for Rocking Ron the Friendly Pirate Show on July 17^th from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Suzie Kelleher seconded. Motion carried.

11. Discussion on Cleaning the Civil War Monument, Lady Liberty Statue on the Village Green:

Suzie Kelleher said the Civil War Monument in the Village Green, Lady Liberty, needs to be cleaned and she is willing to do that. She said she has talked with Bruce Spaulding and the Historical Society and they gave their blessing for her to do this. Dianne Day, Village Clerk, stated this was talked about years ago and the only concern then was what the statue was made of and if that cleaner could be used on it. Suzie said she has talked with Bruce Spaulding about what he uses on the gravestones to clean and said it’s ok to use the same cleaner on the statue. Adam Paxman and Eugene LaBombard were both ok with Suzie doing this and thanked her for offering.

12. Discuss and Approve Downtown Block Party Request:

Suzie Kelleher, Trustee, stated she is working with Darci Benoit, Abigael Gaudette, and Nicole Draper on a “Downtown Block Party” to be held on July 26^th from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Village Square and Village Green and would like board approval to do so. She said the purpose of the block party is to encourage community engagement, draw residents and visitors to the downtown area and to support local businesses by increasing foot traffic during a period of construction-related disruption. Suzie said some of the activities and attractions are live music set up by the Chamber of Commerce, face painting, crafts, lawn games, and a bounce house. She said they will work with community partners and local organizations to set up booths in the park, showcasing their services and engaging with attendees. Suzie also said she will ask local businesses to extend their hours and to offer specials or promotions to attract attendees. She said the Chamber of Commerce will be used as a cooling station and port-o-lets will already by on-site for the Car Show. Suzie said she is requesting use of the park and square for the event and is asking for financial support to purchase two banners. One will say “Swanton Downtown is Open for Business” and the other one will say "Join us for the Downtown Block Party 7/26 5-8 p.m.” She said face painting and the band are funded by the Swanton Arts Council, craft supplies are provided by the library, she said they are seeking approval from SEP to fund the bounce house and lawn games will be managed and provided by the Recreation Department. Bill Sheets, Village Manager, stated Town Administrator Brian Savage called him today and said there are funds available in the general fund to support this request. These are funds paid by both Town and Village taxpayers and are available for this cause. Adam Paxman made the motion to approve the Downtown Block Party to be held on July 26^th from 5 to 8 p.m., with banners being paid for by the Town general fund. Eugene LaBombard seconded the motion. Discussion: Bill Sheets, Village Manager, stated if the Town decided not to pay for the banners out of the general fund, the Village would pay for those banners. Adam amended his motion to reflect that change. Motion carried.

13. Discussion on the Electric Outlets on Merchants Row:

Suzie Kelleher said she was approached by some store owners on Merchants Row about having some electrical outlets installed outside their stores so they can decorate for different holidays. They wanted to know if they should contact the owner of the building or the Village. Bill Sheets, Village Manager, said they are researching ownership of the sidewalk at this time and said that is the only thing in question as far as ownership goes. The board discussed this and determined it would be the responsibility of the building owners to have outlets installed.

14. Appoint New Transportation Advisory Committee Representative:

Bill Sheets, Village Manager, stated that Reg Beliveau has stepped down as the Transportation Advisory Committee Representative and he would recommend Heidi Britch-Valenta for that position. Adam Paxman made the motion to appoint Heidi Britch-Valenta as the new Transportation Advisory Committee Representative for Swanton Village, and appointed William Sheets, Village Manager, as alternate representative. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried.

15. Village Manager Update:

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission:  FERC conducted a physical security assessment of our Highgate Falls Hydroelectric Project on May 16^th. We will receive the full assessment soon, but this inspection appeared to go well. This is not the Dam inspection but the actual physical security of the entire facility.

June 17^th:  Our Trustees are invited to attend the Selectboard meeting to discuss economic development and other related topics.

Hydro:  Work is progressing on the manufacturing of the control ring for Unit 1. Work will begin tomorrow, May 29^th, on the installation of the repaired lower guide bearing for Unit 2. That unit should be back online within the next few days.

Missisquoi River Crossing:  We are anticipating a June 24^th start date for this project, with the boring the first step. G.W. Tatro’s staging area will be across from the boat launch on Foundry Street in Village owned land.

Northern Forest Canoe Trail:  On May 22^nd at 10 am Trustee Kelleher, Heidi Britch-Valenta and myself met with Alex Delhagen. This is a continuation of past conversations related to re-establishing a campsite just for people utilizing the river that wish to spend the night. They had an area in the past and wish to look at this possibility again, making this a viable spot. A great potential spot was identified in front of the tennis courts. They will continue to research and will make a presentation to the Trustees, likely this fall.

Village Center Designation Update:  On 05/21/24 we had a preliminary discussion about updating this map. We are doing so in collaboration with the Town, and will bring any proposals to the Trustees, the Swanton Planning Commission, and the Town Selectboard.

W. Scott Mueller Hydro-Electric Summer Internship Program:  On 05/29 we interview candidates at MVU, and we will be selecting one to work as a summer intern in this program. Once again, thank you to Attorney Paul Nolan, who started this initiative by donating $2,500 annually.

Stormwater, Jones Court:  We held a public meeting at the Swanton Municipal Complex on Wednesday May 15^th at 6:30 PM. The Village of Swanton formally acknowledged responsibility for stormwater in Jones Court in 1998. We will continue to work with Watershed Consulting and the residents of Jones Court. We have sent out a letter to all residents highlighting the next steps.

Stormwater:  120 First Street:  We received zero bids for the second time for this project. We are now in the process of soliciting/inviting bids from multiple vendors to determine the next steps.

B-6 Bridge Update:  We are still collaborating with the selected vendor, Dirt Tech, to lock in the exact date for the bridge repair. We are in the process of notifying as many companies and citizens as possible about this project and subsequent bridge closure. Our Public Works has ordered all detour signs, and we are in the process of securing the required number of variable message boards. This will have a significant impact on our public works team but will result in significant savings to our citizens. We are beginning the Dig Safe notification for pre-marking for the temporary closure/detour signs. We will do our best to personally notify homeowners prior to the usage of the right-of-way on their property for signage.

Wastewater:  All bids have been received. The apparent low bidder was Kingsbury Construction. We have a Total Project Cost Summary, using expected funding prior to final design approval, which could have an impact on subsidy/grants. We should be able to finalize this contract within the next month or so.

Merchant’s Row:  We should receive the handicap ramp for Merchant’s Row later this week and install that within the next couple of weeks.

Agency Wide Training:  On July 18^th, the Village will be hosting a two hour in person training titled “Respect in the Workplace.” This training will be delivered by highly respected attorney and trainer Kerin Stackpole. We hope to hold this and similar training sessions annually for our members. Since our last meeting we were notified that we did receive a grant from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns in the amount of $2,500, which pays for all but $250 for the cost of this training.

16. Any Other Necessary Business:

Adam Paxman wanted to thank everyone who helped with the Memorial Day Parade held on Monday. He said the rain stopped in time for the parade and the turnout was phenomenal. He wanted to thank the Swanton Village Fire Department for the roadblocks, participation and BBQ, the VFW veterans and auxiliary. He said the band was great also. Adam also mentioned the veteran flags that are in the park and said they would come down Saturday at 9 a.m. He thanked the MVU girls softball team for helping this year with setting the flags up. Adam said it’s very humbling and he’s very proud to be a part of this. He also reminded everyone about the upcoming car show to be held on Saturday, July 27^th.

Any Other Business: Suzie Kelleher wanted to remind everyone who’s interested in the 5K run being held during the Cornfest, that a signup sheet can be found at the Swanton Recreation office. David Winchester said it was great seeing the Abenaki Pow Wow being held again this year. Suzie said that if someone is interested in volunteering at the Abenaki food pantry or any of their many programs, there is a form on their website they can fill out and send in.

17. Executive Session to Discuss Personnel:

Suzie Kelleher made the motion, seconded by Eugene LaBombard, to go into Executive Session at 8:45 p.m. to discuss personnel where premature general public knowledge of the subject matter would place the Village at a substantial disadvantage. Motion carried.

Suzie Kelleher made the motion to exit Executive Session at 9:10 pm. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

ACTION TAKEN: None.

18. Adjournment:

Suzie Kelleher made the motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Board of the Trustees meeting at 9:11 p.m. Eugene LaBombard seconded. There being no further business at hand, David Winchester, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 9:11 p.m. Motion carried.

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David Winchester, Village President                  Date

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Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                Date