 | COLCHESTER SELECTBOARD January 9, 2024 @ 6:15 p.m. (Public portion beginning at 6:30 p.m.) 781 Blakely Road 3rd Floor Conference Room __________________ |
1. Call Meeting to Order | Executive Session I | 6:15 p.m.
MOTION was made by Jacki Murphy and SECONDED by Charlie Papillo to enter Executive Session for the purpose of an interview for consideration of an appointment to the Colchester Cemetery Advisory Committee as authorized under the provisions of Title 1, Section 313 (a) (3) of the Vermont Statutes, Executive Sessions.
The MOTION carried.
2. Roll Call: Pam Loranger, Chair; Jacki Murphy, Clerk; Charlie Papillo; Maureen P. Dakin
Staff Present: Aaron Frank, Town Manager; Renae Marshall, Deputy Town Manager; Amanda Clayton, Town Engineer
Others Present: Andi Higbee, Bill Glinka
3. Public Hearing 6:35 PM
a. Hearing on FY 25 Municipal Services Budget | Renae Marshall, Deputy Town Manager
MOTION was made by Jacki Murphy and SECONDED by Charlie Papillo, having been duly warned, to open a Public Hearing to consider the proposed FY 2025 Municipal Services Budget.
The MOTION carried.
Deputy Town Manager Renae Marshall reviewed the FY 25 Municipal Services Budget process and explained how it maintains the current level of municipal services, while also addressing additional or expanding needs in public safety and other Town departments. She noted the proposed budget is $15,937,217, and that the budget, along with non-tax revenues and capital items previously approved by the voters, will result in a 4.6% increase in the municipal services tax rate, which is an increase of $84 per year on a house assessed at a value of $300,000.
Selectboard member Charlie Papillo asked how the increased tax rate’s impact on property taxes compares to last year’s, and Deputy Town Manager Renae Marshall shared that last year property owners paid $105 more than the previous year on a property assessed at $300,000 and this year the impact is $84 dollars more.
Andi Higbee asked about the Child Care Tax, and Deputy Town Manager Renae Marshall explained that this tax is required by the state and requires all employers to pay the 0.33% payroll tax, but that there is an additional employee portion as well.
Selectboard Clerk Jacki Murphy asked about the police officer positions that are being proposed, and Town Manager Aaron Frank noted that these positions are actively trying to be filled and that these proposed positions support the increased needs in public safety services.
Selectboard Chair Pam Loranger closed the public hearing.
4. Citizens to be Heard*
Andi Higbee noted that today was National Law Enforcement Day, and thanked Colchester’s law enforcement officers for the work they do for the community’s safety.
5. ACTION | Consent Agenda
a. Minutes of 12.12.2023 Selectboard Meeting
MOTION was made by Jacki Murphy and SECONDED by Charlie Papillo to adopt the Consent Agenda as it may have been modified by the Board and to take the actions indicated for each item:
a. Approve the Selectboard Minutes of the meeting of December 12, 2023
The MOTION carried.
6. Special Business Items
a. ACTION: Approval of FY 25 Municipal Services Budget| Renae Marshall, Deputy Town Manager
MOTION was made by Jacki Murphy and SECONDED by Charlie Papillo, having held a public hearing, the Colchester Selectboard moves to approve the FY 2025 Municipal Services Budget in the amount of $15,937,217 (Fifteen Million, Nine Hundred Thirty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred Seventeen Dollars), to be placed on the March 5, 2024 ballot for voter approval.
The MOTION carried.
b. ACTION: Approve and Sign Warning for Annual Meeting and Discussion Regarding Community Dinner| Renae Marshall, Deputy Town Manager
MOTION was made by Jacki Murphy and SECONDED by Charlie Papillo to approve and sign the warning for the March 4, 2024 Annual Town Meeting per the attached Warning.
The MOTION carried.
MOTION was made by Jacki Murphy and SECONDED by Charlie Papillo to discontinue the practice of holding a community dinner on the Monday evening before Town Meeting and direct staff to work with the Colchester School District to find an alternative way that the Town and School District can host a shared event, at a different time during the year, moving forward into the future.
The MOTION carried.
Selectboard Clerk Jacki Murphy and Selectboard member Maureen P. Dakin noted that while the health concern reasoning behind the cancellation of the community dinner associated with Town Meeting Day is valid, it is still a loss to the community. Selectboard Chair Pam Loranger added that although it is a loss, she is hopeful for a collaboration on a future event with the school district will make up for this discontinued practice. Town Manager Aaron Frank noted the Fourth of July, Autumnal Market, and Winter Carnival have been great ways for the community to get together, and Selectboard member Maureen P. Dakin added she hopes these events can continue and be expanded when possible to encourage a greater attendance.
c. ACTION: Capital Equipment and Facilities Plan Major Amendment | Amanda Clayton, Town Engineer
MOTION was made by Jacki Murphy and SECONDED by Charlie Papillo to approve a major amendment to the FY24-FY29 Capital Budget Program so that additional costs of the Burnham Memorial Library roof that is scheduled in FY24 can be funded by the Capital Budget Program as per a memo from the Town Engineer, Amanda Clayton, dated December 22, 2023.
Town Engineer Amanda Clayton summarized the increased occurrence of leaks in the Library’s roof, and shared the amendment that would approve the funding for the roof repair to be completed.
Selectboard member Maureen P. Dakin asked if securing contractors for projects like these have been a challenge, and Town Engineer Amanda Clayton noted that, in general, it has been challenging, but there is a contractor secured for the roof’s repair.
The MOTION carried.
d. ACTION: Appointment of Member to Cemetery Advisory Committee
MOTION was made by Jacki Murphy and SECONDED by Charlie Papillo to appoint:
· William Glinka as a Member to the Colchester Cemetery Advisory Committee for a 2-year term that will expire on February 28, 2026
The MOTION carried.
7. ACTION | Adjourn to Meeting of Liquor Control Commission
MOTION was made by Jacki Murphy and SECONDED by Charlie Papillo to temporarily adjourn the meeting of the Selectboard and convene a meeting of the Liquor Control Commission.
The MOTION carried.
8. Additional Business | Manager’s Recommendations
a. Pictures of Progress
Town Manager Aaron Frank shared photos of the Historical Society’s newly installed ramp, the Colchester Recreation Center’s groundbreaking, several of the Burnham Library’s and Parks and Recreation’s fall and winter programs, Town Offices winter activities and LED lighting replacements, and Public Works’ tree pruning, roadway stenciling, and training, and welcomed a new employee in the Finance department.
9. Informational Items
Selectboard member Maureen P. Dakin asked about responding to Mr. Devino’s email noting his concern with late property tax payment penalties, and Selectboard Chair Pam Loranger agreed to write a letter back to explain the complexity of, and decision not to change how late property tax payments are penalized.
10. Announcements
Selectboard Chair Pam Loranger also noted today’s significance as National Law Enforcement Day and shared the Selectboard’s appreciation to all law enforcement officers, especially Colchester Police officers.
11. ACTION | Warrants
MOTION was made by Jacki Murphy and SECONDED by Charlie Papillo to approve Warrant #24-19 in the amount of $830,923.06 and Warrant #24-20 in the amount of $391,958.08.
Deputy Town Manager Renae Marshall noted that there was one question on Warrant #24-20, line 72, vendor Savatree, inquiring if the cost was for ash tree removal, and she clarified it was to remove dead trees in the canopy over Biscayne Heights in order to maintain clearance.
The MOTION carried.
12. Executive Session II
MOTION was made by Jacki Murphy and SECONDED by Charlie Papillo to find that premature general public knowledge of contracts, pending or probable civil litigation, and personnel issues would clearly place this Selectboard at a substantial disadvantage because the Selectboard risks disclosing its negotiation strategy if it discusses these topics in public.
The MOTION carried.
MOTION was made by Jacki Murphy and SECONDED by Charlie Papillo to enter executive session to discuss contracts, pending or probable civil litigation, and personnel issues under the provisions of Title 1, Section 313 (a)(1)(a)&(e) and (a)(3) of the Vermont Statutes, Executive Sessions.
The MOTION carried.
13. Adjournment**
MOTION was made by Jacki Murphy and SECONDED by Charlie Papillo to adjourn the meeting.
The MOTION carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.