Trustees Meeting 9/9/24

Web version

 SWANTON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SWANTON VILLAGE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

120 FIRST STREET

SWANTON, VT 05488

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, September 9, 2024

7:00 PM

PRESENT: Adam Paxman, Trustee; Eugene LaBombard, Trustee; Suzie Kelleher, Trustee; William “Bill” Sheets, Village Manager; Dianne Day, Village Clerk; Daniel Chevalier, Fire Chief; Troy Campbell, Assistant Fire Chief; Ben Lowell, Merry Souza, Sharon Bousquet and Vern Brosky III, Highgate Selectboard Members; Suzanne Washburn, Allen Letourneau, Chevon Cooper and Ch. 16. Via Teams: David Winchester, Village President and Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager.

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:

Suzie Kelleher, Village Trustee, 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:

Dianne Day, Village Clerk, stated Ryan Jones from Apparel Impact will not attend tonight’s meeting because they are rescinding their request to place clothing bins in Swanton at this time. He said they’ve expanded and don’t feel they can serve Swanton right now. Bill Sheets, Village Manager, stated he would need an executive session to discuss contracts.

4. Public Comment:

None.

5. Approve and Accept Minutes from the Monday, August 26, 2024 meeting as presented:

Adam Paxman made the motion to approve Minutes from the Monday, August 26, 2024 meeting as presented. Eugene LaBombard seconded the motion. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

6. Approve and Accept Village Warrants through Thursday, September 5, 2024:

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to approve Village Warrants through Thursday, September 5, 2024 as presented. Adam Paxman seconded the motion. Discussion: None. Motion carried.

7. Ryan Jones from Apparel Impact Request Permission to Install Clothing Donation Bins at the Village Complex:

Removed from Agenda.

8. Discussion with Town of Highgate Regarding Highgate Water/Wastewater Extension Project:

The Highgate Selectboard members were present for this discussion. Vern Brosky stated that providing the airport in Highgate with water and wastewater services is a win win for both communities and thanked the Village for working with them on this endeavor. Both boards agreed that this project could be a model for other communities to follow and agreed that it is possible to work together for the betterment of their communities. Vern stated that the airport will be able to expand and provide many jobs for the area. Sharon Bousquet said this project should be done by June or July 2025. She also said she wanted to invite the Board to their groundbreaking ceremony that will be held on Friday, September 13^th at 3 p.m. Vern said he hoped they could come and said Highgate couldn’t have done this project without the Village of Swanton and said both communities would benefit. He said he’d like to keep an open line of communication in case anything happens. Sharon Bousquet said they are also here tonight to formally ask the Village to take over the water line infrastructure once it’s complete. Adam Paxman made the motion to discuss the possibility of the Village of Swanton taking over the Highgate Airport Water Line Infrastructure once completed. Eugene LaBombard seconded the motion. Motion carried. Discussion: Bill Sheets, Village Manager, suggested the Town of Highgate work on a MOU (memorandum of understanding) that the Village can review. The Board thanked the Highgate Selectboard for coming in and said they look forward to continuing to work with them.

9. Discussion on the Swan Pond in the Village Green:

Suzanne Washburn was present for this request and said the Town of Swanton approved paying for 50% of this expense leaving a balance of $7500. Discussion took place regarding the expansion of the swan pond and whether or not they were given prior permission to expand the pond. The board members agreed that they remembered previous discussions on expanding the pond but said there wasn’t a formal motion made. Suzie Kelleher made the motion to approve expanding the swan pond in the Village Green and also approved allocating $7500 of ARPA funds to install a new liner.  Suzie asked Adam to please recuse himself from this vote. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Motion carried with two yays.

10. Swanton Village Fire Department Update with Chief Dan Chevalier and Assistant Chief Troy Campbell:

Dan Chevalier, Fire Chief and Troy Campbell, Assistant Fire Chief, were present for this presentation. They began their presentation with their Mission Statement, which is:

We are a unique, volunteer, paid on call organization that specializes in fire suppression, hazardous materials incidents, water rescue emergencies, advance vehicle extraction and fire prevention and education. Our Mission is to provide a safe, professional, and courteous team that strives to exceed the community’s expectations. We are committed to protecting life, property, and all portions of the community from the effects of fire and other emergencies. We assist with medical emergencies whenever called upon to do so. We are prepared for duty, serving with integrity, responding with compassion, and committed to professional excellence. The community of Swanton deserves nothing less.

Active Serving Members: Chris Albertson, Alexandra Bourdeau, Lawrence Bouissey, Kody Bruyette, Jordan Campbell, Jason Cross, Matt Depatie, Daryl Domina, Andre Fontaine, Sierra Francalangia, Cody Giroux, Jack Greer Jr., Cole Heyman, Gary Longe, Avery Mitchinson, Shayne Mott, Josh Packard, Lyndsay Potter, Troy Rocheleau, Matt Walker, Bruce Whalen, Barry Wood and Caleb Vanslette, firefighters. Dan Chevalier, fire chief and Troy Campbell, assistant fire chief.

Giving Back to the Community: This year the Fire department engaged in multiple activities and events throughout Swanton. These activities are an extra that the members decided to help out in, examples of these are: graffiti removal, Easter egg set up and clean up, planting flowers, parade for softball Championship and many others.

The Fire Department responded to 146 calls for service in the Town of Swanton: 58 MVA, 4 vehicle fire, 17 fire alarms, 3 structure fires, 3 trash/rubbish, 2 brush/grass, 2 gas leaks, 2 burn complaints, 20 road hazards, 5 CO calls, 12 medical assists, 3 good intent, 3 boat rescues, 9 smoke investigations and 3 ice water rescues. They also did 19 mutual aid calls.

The Fire Department responded to 48 calls for service in the Village of Swanton: 11 MVA, 8 fire alarms, 2 structure fires, 1 trash/rubbish, 3 gas leaks, 2 burn complaints, 4 road hazards, 6 CO calls, 9 medical assists, and 2 good intents. Dan said their total call volume as of September 1^st, 2024 is 213 calls for service. Dan and Troy also showed a graph that listed their calls, the day of the week as well as the time of the day. He said this way they can track their busiest times and be better prepared in the event of an emergency.

Dan also showed how many calls each truck has been on in the Village: Engine 1 19, Engine 2 9, Engine 3 5, Tanker 4, Ladder 7, and Utility 6 19. He showed the same information for the Town: Engine 1 52, Engine 2 71, Engine 3, 22, Tanker 37, Ladder 14 and Utility 6 67. He said there was a total of 326 total truck deployments.

Discussion took place regarding the usage and maintenance of the trucks as well as their training. The board thanked Dan and Troy for coming in and updating them on the fire department.

11. Swanton Village Fire Department Request Permission to Purchase Rescue Jacks:

Dan Chevalier, Fire Chief, explained to the Board that they are requesting permission to purchase some new 2-Car Deluxe Kit lift jacks for the department. He said the ones they currently have a very old and outdated and use a pin system. He said that can be difficult during an emergency and said the pins can be dropped and lost and that wastes time. He said this new system is capable of stabilizing and lifting two cars in almost any situation and can handle up to three cars in a more simple application. Adam Paxman made the motion to authorize the Fire Department spending $19,247.81 on Apex 2 Car Deluxe lift jacks. Eugene LaBombard seconded. Discussion: Dan Chevalier asked the Board if he had their permission to either sell or donate their old jacks. The board agreed to this. Motion carried.

12. Discussion on Purchase of Fiber for Swanton Village Electric:

Bill Sheets, Village Manager, said the Electric Department is seeking approval to purchase and install 72 count fiber optic cable. This will greatly enhance the Village’s ability to meet the demands of our SCADA, the AMI project, add circuit control devices, install additional remote control distribution switches, and other features. This was not included as part of our 2024 capital budget plan. We do not want to wait until 2025 due to the anticipated increased costs of fiber, plus the 14-week lead time. The hope would be to install the fiber this year, weather permitting. The other benefit to installing this fiber is the addition of additional security and surveillance capabilities as we move into 2025. Allen Letourneau asked where the funds were coming from for this purchase and Bill said it would be paid for by the electric department.

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to contract with Crossbow Communications, in the amount of $117,777 to purchase and install 15,000 feet of 72 count fiber optic cable. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

13. Introduction of a Joint Planning Commission Concept:

Bill Sheets, Village Manager, began this discussion by saying that because the Village and Town are two separate boards there are grant opportunities the Village misses out on because they’re not part of the Planning Commission. He said tonight is the first step in the discussion or planning of this and it would allow the Village to be their own entity when applying for grants. He said they are literally leaving money on the table that they can’t even apply for. Eugene LaBombard said he thought there was a joint board at one time and isn’t sure why it stopped but agreed and said let’s have the discussion. Bill said the next step would be to approach Brian Savage and ask if the Selectboard is on board with this. If so, they would then meet with the Zoning and Planning boards and have a dialogue as to the next steps. Allen Letourneau said he would only question why there was a board and then it stopped. Chevon Cooper asked if this joint board were to happen would there be equal governance by both boards. Eugene said the way it stands now is if the Planning Commission had something going on in the Village they would only consult with the Selectboard at this time because the Village isn’t part of it. Bill said he wants access to grant money they don’t have now.

14. Review and Sign Bond Anticipation Note with Union Bank for the Wastewater Plant Upgrade:

Lynn Paradis, Assistant Village Manager, informed the Board that she has acquired a bond anticipation note for a non-revolving line of credit in the amount of $7.8 million dollars through the Union Bank for the wastewater treatment plant upgrade. She said she will be able to draw down as needed and get reimbursed through state funding to minimize the interest. Eugene LaBombard made the motion to review and sign the Union Bank Bond Anticipation Note line of credit in the amount of $7,800,000.00 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade. Adam Paxman seconded. Motion carried.

15. Village Manager Update:

Missisquoi River Crossing:  The subcontractor, Henniker Directional Drilling, has finished their work. The contractor, G.W. Tatro, will be completing the water connection within the next week. They have completed work on the connection on the Foundry Street side and have moved over to the valve box on the Webster Terrace side. The first part of the Foundry Street paving project is complete, and the remainder will be done once all the heavy equipment has been moved. The project remains on time and is scheduled to be completed around October 1^st.

Grand Avenue Sidewalk Replacement: We were able to secure $75,000 for the replacement of a section of sidewalk on Grand Avenue. The Village of Swanton was one of only thirteen communities to receive funding from the 2024 Vermont Agency of Transportation Small Scale Bicycle and Pedestrian Grant. We do have a $75,000 match that we indeed to meet with in-kind labor and equipment.

Revolving Loan Fund: We have finalized another revolving loan, as part of the Village of Swanton revolving loan fund. We encourage eligible businesses, who need a small amount of supplemental funding through a revolving loan, (up to $5,000), to explore this as a funding source. It is important to support our local businesses as much as possible and the interest rates are incredibly favorable. Chevon Cooper asked if this was just for someone starting up a business. Bill said no, it could be used for an upgrade or renovation on an existing business.

No Trespassing: Just a reminder that there is no trespassing/overnight camping on Village property. We are having continued issues with this, specifically off Foundry Street. The Police Department will continue to monitor this area, issue Trespass orders and make arrests as necessary. Allen Letourneau asked if this is the only problem area or are there others. Bill said it could be broader in Swanton but not in the Village. Chevon Cooper asked if these were homeless people or were they camping. Bill said he didn’t know their status but believed they are homeless. Chevon said there have been concerns in St. Albans where people were camping too close to the school and also said they took down the “tent city” area. Bill said there is an ordinance in place in the Village that states no one can camp on the Village owned parks.

Lead Service Inventory: The Village must meet the state and federal regulations requiring all Vermont public water systems to inventory all drinking water service lines that connect homes/buildings to the water system by October 16, 2024. Village employees, working with Aldrich and Elliott, will be contacting residents, including in person, to complete this inventory. The in-person survey started today, September 9^th and will be done on an additional date in the next week or so.

Public Works opening:  This job opening has been posted and we encourage all interested to apply. We will consider all levels of experience to find the right person for a career with the Village of Swanton.

Wastewater: This project is fully underway, with Kingsbury mobilized, and demolition and early project work occurring.

Opioid funding: On 09/09/24 Chief Matt Sullivan and I spoke to Belinda Bessette of Northwest Counseling and Support Services (NCSS) and Crystal Lampman of Franklin County Caring Communities (FCCC). They are creating a program which will meet the criteria of the Opioid Settlement Fund to develop a program focused on Swanton and those within Franklin County, to address the misuse and abuse of opioid products. The Village of Swanton has been the recipient of just over $20,000 and we do not have the internal capacity to mitigate and educate related to the misuse of opioids. NCSS and FCCC will produce a suggested program for the Trustees’ consideration within the next several weeks.

Hydro:  The week of September 9^th is here, and we will have shut down for maintenance, with only unit 5 and its independent pen stock being used to meet minimum flow requirements. We will be offering a tour for the Board of Trustees on Wednesday September 11^th from 10 -12. This tour will include the dewatered pen stock, empty surge tank and other areas that are normally not accessible.

Chevon Cooper asked about the Ordinance in place about camping on Village property and asked what resources and information are given to the individuals they are asking to leave. Bill said some don’t ask for help, they just leave. He said sometimes they come back and Chief Sullivan would then approach and have to give a trespass order but treating the individual with empathy and compassion and asking what services they need and what they’re suffering from. He said just the other day they helped an individual that needed to get back to New York. He said he wants to let everyone know they are not overrun with this problem. Chevon said she heard Burlington police were shipping homeless people to St. Albans and they are already dealing with this problem and don’t need it added to. She asked what time the parks close.

16. Any Other Necessary Business:

None.

17. Executive Session to Discuss Legal Matters and Contracts:

Adam Paxman made the motion, seconded by Eugene LaBombard, to go into Executive Session at 8:43 p.m. to discuss confidential legal and contract issues where premature general public knowledge of the subject matter would place the Village and others at a substantial disadvantage. Motion carried with two yays.

Adam Paxman made the motion, seconded by Eugene LaBombard, to exit executive session at 9:36 p.m. Motion carried.

ACTION TAKEN: None.

18. Adjournment:

Eugene LaBombard made the motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Board of the Trustees meeting at 9:37 p.m. Adam Paxman seconded. There being no further business at hand, Suzie Kelleher, Village Trustee, adjourned the meeting at 9:37 p.m. Motion carried.

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David Winchester, Village President                  Date

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Dianne Day, Village Clerk                                Date