Trustees Meeting 5/11/26

Web version

SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, May 11, 2026

6:00 PM

PRESENT: Neal Speer, Trustee; Suzie Kelleher, Trustee; Damon Broderick, Trustee; David Winchester, Village President; William “Bill” Sheets, Village Manager; Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager (online); Daren Plouff, Electric Department Supervisor; Dean Ryan, Public Works Supervisor, Heidi Britch-Valenta, Grant Specialist;  Gordon Winters; Darci Benoit; BJ Benoit; Linda Daneau; Michael (online); Karen Sentoff, VHB.

To watch this meeting in its entirety, go to Northwest Access TV on YouTube. The video will also be posted on the Village’s website once it is available. 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 6:00 p.m.

2. Pledge of Allegiance:

Everyone in attendance stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Agenda Review:

None.

4. Public Comment:

None.

5. Approve and Accept Minutes from Monday, April 27, 2026, as presented:

Damon Broderick made the motion to approve the minutes from Monday, April 27, 2026 as presented. Neal Speer seconded the motion. Motion carried.

6. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Thursday, May 7, 2026:

Suzie Kelleher made the motion to approve Village Warrants through Thursday, May 7, 2026, as presented. Damon Broderick seconded the motion. Motion carried.

7. Karen Sentoff, VHB Consulting Plans for Canada Street Improvements:

Karen Sentoff shared a presentation on the overall scope of Village Transportation Improvements with focus on the Canada Street Scope of work. Karen Sentoff started with the history of the project which was a grant funded study to address traffic safety issues in the Village in 2021 which was prompted by an Agency of Transportation High- Crash-Area Designation near the intersection of Canada Street and Grand Avenue. 

Following the study, an application to the Transportation Alternatives Grant Program (TAP) for the Merchants Row area was secured in 2023. The project scope was for the area in front of the Merchants Row Storefronts and the intersection of First Street (RT 78) and Grand Avenue (RT 7). Improvements include ADA access to businesses, ADA parking spaces, improved crosswalks with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB), improved parking delineation and traffic calming treatments. 

In 2024 another TAP Grant was awarded for the Church Street area behind the Village Green from the northern end of the Village Green to the intersection with Academy Street. The scope includes the addition of substantial stormwater infrastructure to address drainage issues on the street, the regrading of the road and conversion to a one-way vehicular lane south, addition of two bike lanes, and replacing the existing sidewalk on the western side of the street with a new ADA compliant sidewalk.  Both the Merchants Row and Church Street projects have completed Preliminary Design Phase and are in Right of Way (ROW) Phase with anticipated construction dates of 2027.

The Village was awarded TAP funding for the Canada Street scope in 2025 and this project is in Preliminary Design Phase. The primary concerns in this area are the lack of universal access, the confusing traffic flow at the 5-leg intersection of Canada Street and Grand Avenue, dangerous crosswalks, the lack of bicycle facilities, standing water on the roadway, and confusing site access to a large parking lot. The proposed improvements include the elimination of the left turn lane onto Grand Avenue, sidewalk bump outs to shorten crosswalks areas, addition of RRFBs, ADA compliant parking, sidewalks and access to storefronts, site access control, the addition of a bike lane on the south side of the street, and stormwater infrastructure.

Suzie Kelleher asked about clarifying the route from the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) to our bicycle lanes because the Swanton Enhancement Project (SEP) is working on wayfinding signs. Karen Sentoff explained that together the three TAP projects will create a logical path through the Village for bicycles along Grand Avenue, onto Church Street and then across to Canada Street. Wayfinding signage will help visitors find their way and will complement the TAP projects.

The bump outs at crosswalks will reduce expose for pedestrians and will be mountable to allow large trucks to navigate the corner. The bump outs are identified in green on the plans, but the final material will be determined in later stages of design and could be stone, grass or other treatments.

This design option was selected for the ability to achieve the desired goals without a total restructuring of the roadway to meet grade at the businesses. The three storefronts facing Canada Street on the northside have different elevations which made the tie into the structures complicated.  There will be a curb from the parking area and ADA ramps onto the sidewalk.

Gordon Winters, ACE Hardware, asked about the next phases of the design and if some of the radiuses may change. Karen Sentoff confirmed that more details will be available as we get further into design and that small changes are likely, but the overall design will remain unchanged.

Darci Benoit, Bees on Broadway, inquired about the difference in storefront entrance designs. William Sheets explained that an access with one step doesn’t require a railing, but an access with two steps does require a railing.  The width of the sidewalk was anticipated to be 8 feet at this widest point. William Sheets further clarified that the mission on the project is not to increase business landscape but to improve walkability and universal access for the general public.

Karen Sentoff discussed the timeline for the project. The survey and historical assessments have been completed.  Once Preliminary Design Phase is complete, we will move to National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) review which has been taking about six months for the state to review and approve.  Then we would go through ROW Phase and secure any necessary temporary easements, followed by Final Design Phase and Construction Documents. It was anticipated that it would be constructed in 2028-29 construction seasons. The Board thanked Karen Sentoff for her presentation.

8. Swanton Village Electric Department, Daren Plouff:

Daren Plouff, Department Supervisor, was present to provide updates to the board on the Department’s accomplishment.

Electric Vehicle Chargers- Two Level 3 Charge Point Chargers will be installed at 74 Merchants Row and two Level 2 Chargers will be installed in the Municipal Complex parking lot. The units are on site waiting for installation. Cummings Electric will be the contractor to install the units this summer.

Dept of Public Safety Grant- A DPS grant will provide $146,131 for tree maintenance work.  The majority of the Department’s tree maintenance budget will be used to meet the $71,779 match requirements. H Bros Tree Service, LLC, was selected through an open bid process to perform the grant funded work. We are waiting for a signed DPS grant agreement before we give H Bros the Notice to Proceed with the estimated 11 miles of maintenance work.

 At our last meeting Trustee Broderick requested an inventory of trees within our right of way on Maquam Shore Road. On April 28^th, the Electric Department did a rough survey of all trees within our right-of-way on Maquam Shore Road. There are approximately 100 Ash trees, and 100 other trees in our right of way.  The assessment did not identify any trees that pose an imminent danger. In the past some of these trees were not removed based upon the wishes of the homeowner. Swanton Selectboard is also concerned with trees outside the right-of-way that may also pose a risk to our lines. If a homeowner notices a tree on their property that they feel might damage our lines, they are encouraged to contact the Village and we can evaluate. In some of these cases the responsibility may remain with the owner.

Necessary Infrastructure Upgrades- The Department has been working with an Engineer from PLM Electric Power Engineers to assist with the installation of 4 new Reclosures at the substations. Replacements were ordered and will be on back order for approximately eight months. That Engineer is also assisting with the completion of the Solar Project on Beebe Road.

Customer service line work was completed on Brosseau Road. A new utility pole was placed for the new building at 124 First Street.

Other Updates-AMI Meters- There are still 28 water meters and 120 electric meters to be changed. Anticipated completion date of June which is dependent upon delivery of the last shipment of meters.

A new bucket truck should arrive this year approximately 16 months after it was ordered. The old truck will be sold at auction which was determined to be the most practical option for resale in the past.

9. Discussion on Water and Sewer Rates:

Suzie Kelleher started the conversation regarding the Board’s decision on a request for consideration of a reduced Not-for-Profit rate for utility customers at their meeting on April 27^th. Beth White, Habitat for Aviation and John Fitzgerald, Chapter EAA had approached the Trustees to request consideration of a new pricing tier for Not-for-Profit entities that do not have high usage rates and are making a positive contribution to the community.  Suzie Kelleher noted that both entities had done a fine job of highlighting the significant impact of their work, but that the Trustees had discussed the issue in executive session, and they were not able to find a way to implement the recommended reductions to one segment of the customers that would be equitable to the remaining users.  Neal Speer added that he was impressed with the work that was being done, but due to the current increase in rates being implemented for all users, it would be an extreme burden to add a further percentage to residential or commercial users to cover usage by not-for profits.  Damon Broderick echoed these comments and added that the proposed change would lead to a substantial shift in revenue that could lead to undue burden on other users that wasn’t equitable or sustainable. William Sheets explained that the rates have been reviewed by Aldrich & Elliott in the past and he will invite Jason Booth to a meeting in the future to explain the concepts behind the multiple layers of pricing again. David Winchester agreed with the Trustees and the discussion ended.  The summary of the discussion was provided solely for transparency and closure for the request and did not result in a board action.

10. Village Managers Update, William Sheets:

Hydro Update:

• Dam Alternatives Analysis-We held the kickoff meeting with Gomez and Sullivan, the selected engineering firm. We will prioritize engineering for the interim solution that could last for a couple of years while we determine the best long-term solution. Gomez and Sullivan will have two weeks to propose options that might be acceptable to FERC as an interim that will restore some of our capability to produce hydroelectricity. We will keep FERC up to date on possible interim engineering solutions to help determine the best path forward for a proposal that will work for everyone.
• General Operations: Following the rain event last week we were able to get back to covering most of our load during non-peak hours, producing 6 MW around the clock. Prior to that, with reduced flows we were down to 3.2 at one point, and without significant rain events we will be back there soon. This morning, we were 5.0 megawatts. Individual unit status is below:

Unit 1 is available/online and performing to standard.

Unit 2 is down due to a vibration at about the 60 percent mark. The Unit 2 exciter is inoperable.

Unit 3 is available/online and performing to standard.

Unit 4 is available/online and performing to standard.

Unit 5 is available/online and performing to standard.

• Hydro Media coverage: The St. Albans Messenger, as well as Vermont Public, had coverage related to the impact on Electric rates due to the failure of the rubber bladder.

New Cleaning Service: We want to thank both David and Louise Chase for their decades of dedication to taking care of the complex. We lost David in 2023, and Louise is set to retire next month. We have contracted with Danielle Bouchard of Dee’s Residential and Commercial Cleaning, a local organization that is already vetted and cleared through CJIS to work in police facilities, as she does work for St. Albans City PD. She will work closely with Louise during the next month for a seamless transition.

Upcoming Events

• Joint Meeting Reminder: Meeting with the Town Selectboard at 6 PM on June 2^nd to review, discuss and approve the sharing agreement related to the Local Option Tax.
• LVRT Parking Lot Grand Opening: Saturday May 16^th at 10:00 at the new parking lot on Robin Hood Drive

Village Green: Dan, Ashley and Avery Chevalier, joined by other FD members, cleaned out the leaves in the Swan Pond in preparation for their return. Dean and his team ensured that the water was turned on and ready to go for Swans and the Fountain. Darci Benoit added that the Swans would be returned to the site next week.

Electric: Building Update: The water tables are much lower than expected and the mitigation of soil is not as significant as originally thought. We initially had two FRAC tanks on site to treat contaminated water. One has been removed as we have not needed to treat any significant amount of water up to this point. Casella has removed the one small load of contaminated soil that we had on site. The tires that had been used to weigh down the plastic on the contaminated soil have been removed because they were not needed.

The concrete footings have been completed for the office side, with the foundation walls formed and poured today for the office portion of the building. The hope at this point is for all concrete work to be completed this week. Next week the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing crews will start to arrive.

Public Works: The Hot Mix plant is open, and the Public Works team is fixing potholes in the area. They spent two full days on First Street, and they will concentrate on Route 78 next. Maquam Shore Beach will be ready to open this week. Suzie asked about ways to secure the Beach against further damage. Ideas were discussed but no plan was agreed upon.

They have a few meter pits remaining and then will help finish the rest of the water meters. We have about 28 remaining overall. A. Cooper Mechanical will install units for business locations, and Public Works will do the rest.

The Town provided a bike repair station that will be situated near the bike rack in the park.

Street Sweeping should be finished in two more days.  

Water: The team attended a training and is ready for the 12^th year of cyanobacteria testing for this summer. Routine maintenance is always ongoing, we are contracting out for the removal of two large problem trees, which jeopardize both our electric lines and our lagoon.

Wastewater: Upgrade - Kingsbury is doing landscaping as the project nears completion. They have turned on the new filters and are in the process of cleaning them and getting them online. The only remaining construction is the missing pieces of siding that we are still waiting on for the filter building. The rest of the project is primarily punch list items. There will be an open house on site at the end of the summer.
 

11. Any Other Necessary Business:

Wayfinding Project-Suzie Kelleher shared information from her meeting with Nicole Draper, Recreation Department, and Earl Fournier, Selectboard Member, on the proposed wayfinding signs for points of interests in the Village area. The Town has allocated funding to Promote Swanton’s plans for signage to guide visitors within the Village with 8 pedestrian, 2 bicycle parking, 5 for vehicles, and 5 for municipal parking lot signs. She provided a map to the Trustees with proposed locations and is seeking approval from the Trustees to move forward with Phase 1 funding and to seek out funding for Phase 2 which will identify river access areas for boating and fishing. Promote Swanton would also like to create an outfitter building at Marble Mill Park to loan out kayaks, paddleboards, fishing equipment and pickleball equipment. The Recreation Department would hire 2 summer employees to manage the rentals.  The Trustees liked the idea.  Suzie Kelleher said they would like permission to go forward with the portion of the project they have funding for and to start seeking funding for the next phases to add boating fishing signs and to develop the equipment rental station. She will meet with Promote Swanton next week to discuss it.  The Board was fine with the project moving forward as described.

Automated Meters- Linda Daneau said she attended the meeting because she thought she was on the agenda. William Sheets said she was scheduled for executive session to discuss private customer account information. Linda Daneau declined to go into executive session to discuss the issue.  The Trustees agreed to discuss the issue in open session. She was present to discuss the “opt out” fee for Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Smart Meters. Linda Daneau had declined to replace her existing meter with an AMI Meter based on health concerns from radiation and potential fire risk from lithium batteries. She said that she started the conversation in December and has not received answers yet regarding relief from the fee. Suzie Kelleher explained that residents have been incentivized to convert to AMI meters to reduce the Electric Department workload and simplify the documentation and billing process. Each manual meter reads requires staff and the Village must maintain old software to track the usage and produce billing information. Lynn Paradis said they had to purchase the old software last year because it failed and they could not move away from it until all meters were changed out. The probe instruments to read the old meters are also expensive and they are being phased out. Linda Daneau suggested they go back to using the analog meters and she offered to take a picture and send it to the Village each month to document her usage. Customers that decline to switch meters are getting a $100 monthly fee to maintain the outdated meter. Linda Daneau said she has been paying her utility bill but not the opt-out fee but she was told that her water would be shut off unless she paid the balance due. She has spoken with other communities, and they do not assess an opt-out fee to customers. Neal Spear explained that they were acting in the best interest of the utility and customers to move toward efficiency and reducing overhead. Previously the Village paid one full time person just to read meters.   The conversation went in different directions and covered topics from 2014, and allegations of nepotism were made.  Damon Broderick asked if Linda Daneau was offered a meter pit to mitigate concerns for the AMI meter.  She said she had been offered this, but it did not satisfy her concerns unless it was 10-15 feet away from her home. The Board agreed to investigate options for a meter pit, and they encouraged Linda Daneau to continue her own research. The Board agreed to not shut off her water if she pays her usage fee and they will come to a determination regarding the viability of a meter pit.  Suzie Kelleher made a motion to table the issue until further information is available. Damon seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

Linda Daneau then requested all documents connected to the Highgate/Swanton water line on Canada Street. The Trustees were confused about the request.  Lynn Paradis was able to confirm that the Highgate Water Association had dissolved and transferred ownership of the line from the Village boundary up Spring Street (RT 7) to the Begnoche Farm. The Association transferred approximately $9,000 in reserve funding to the Village for future repairs. The Board thanked Linda Daneau for bringing her concerns forward and said they would be in touch to discuss the meter pit.

12. Proposed Executive Session to Discuss Personnel Issues:

Suzie Kelleher made the motion, seconded by Damon Broderick, to go into Executive Session at 7:25 p.m. to discuss confidential personnel issues and customer accounts where premature general public knowledge of the subject matter would place the Village or person involved at a substantial disadvantage. Motion carried.

Suzie Kelleher made the motion to exit Executive Session at 8:31 p.m. Damon Broderick seconded. Motion carried.

17. Adjournment:

Neal Speer made the motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Board of the Trustees at 8:32 p.m. Damon Broderick seconded. There being no further business at hand, David Winchester, Village President, adjourned the meeting at 8:32 p.m. Motion carried.

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David Winchester, Village President                              Date

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Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                             Date