MINUTES
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
September 14, 2020
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Matthew Bykowski, Cynthia Browning, Tim Williams, and Todd Wilkins
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Town Administrator- Nick Zaiac, Jack McDonough-GNAT-TV, Bebe Bullock, Carol Fairley, and Janet Barry, via telephone.
The meeting was called to order at 7:16 by Mr. Harvey
Minutes of the Meeting of August 24, 2020 and September 2, 2020: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of August 24, 2020. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the minutes of the Sept.2, 2020 Emergency Meeting. Mr. Bykowski seconded. Motion passed.
Public Comments: None
New Business: Arts and Enrichment Grant: Bebe Bullock and Carol Fairley were at the meeting to discuss the St. Margaret Mary’s Church project, and have the Select Board sign a grant agreement for $35,000, which will cover approximately $31,000 for a feasibility study, $2000 for a historic review, and the remainder for Board organization and administrative costs. There is also a separate environmental study being done by BCRC. They discussed the ideas and options for use of the building, including the possibility of having an artist’s space, a wellness/fitness center, a public workout spot, and an after-school program for middle/high school levels. It was also discussed that there could be a music venue space, and office space to rent, to offset the costs and be sustainable. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Grant Agreement # 07110-PG-2019-Arlingt. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed and paperwork was signed.
Trustee of Public Funds Appointment: Mr. Zaiac presented the resume of Paula Shulman to the Board, as a possible candidate to be appointed to the Trustee of Public Funds. The Board agreed she is highly qualified for the appointment. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to appoint Paula Shulman to the Trustee of Public Funds, until the next election in March 2021. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed. She will replace the seat held by Mr. Bykowski.
Deputy Health Officer: Ms. Browning made a motion to appoint Mr. Zaiac as Deputy Health Officer. Mr. Bykowski seconded. Motion passed.
Verizon Connect Telematics: Mr. Bykowski did a presentation for the Board about the possibility of using Telematics through Verizon Connect, that he has been researching. It offers a more efficient way to handle maintenance of the Highway and Water Department trucks, as well as offering a forward facing dash cam, that could potentially reduce insurance costs, and protect personnel in the event of an accident by offering actual footage of any issue that could take place. Devices would be placed in the desired vehicles and offers GPS, and can read check engine alerts, so that parts could be ordered ahead of bringing the vehicle to a mechanic, thereby decreasing the amount of time the vehicle would be unavailable. The product also tracks all needed maintenance of the vehicles and can also help lower fuel consumption by tracking idling and can reduce incidents of speeding. All data can be viewed on a secure website, and alerts sent to Mr. Zaiac’s phone, which would allow him to manage more efficiently. The product could eventually be used on all the Town’s heavy machinery. The cost for the Highway trucks will be $131.70 per month, and after discussing the many benefits, the Board agreed the potential savings the product offers could offset the costs. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to proceed with installation of Telematics, including forward facing dash cam and to allow Mr. Zaiac to facilitate the purchase and installation. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed.
Yellow Barn Trees: Ms. Browning has had requests from a Master Gardener program inquiring if they may plant nut or fruit trees at the Yellow Barn. After discussing the request with the Board, it was decided no decision could be made until there is a request letter with details of who will be responsible for the upkeep of any trees to be planted.
Audit Contract: Mr. Zaiac spoke to the Board about three bids from local bookkeepers for accounting work that can get the Town books up to date and to a clean baseline. The bids were from Ron Smith, from RHR Smith, CPA, $42.00 per hour, has the needed skills and has done municipal work. Vicki Dejnozka, from Complete Bookkeeping, $35.00 per hour, has not done municipal consulting and does not have CPA experience. Joe Wagner CPA, who also does not have municipal experience. After reviewing the choices, Mr. Bykowski made a motion to award the Outside Audit Bid to RHR Smith, @ $42.00 per hour with estimated 240 hours. Ms. Browning seconded. Mr. Wilkins abstained, because he is related to Ms.Dejnozka. Motion passed. The Board agreed they are appreciative of Town Auditor, Jenna Peeler, for all her work and input helping to gather this information.
Town Administrator’s Report: Mr. Zaiac reported on some of the highlights contained in his report. He told the Board the posting for the Highway Supervisor position will close on September 15th, and that he will be in touch with the Board to set up more interviews this week. He also told the Board about applying for a $19,500 grant that would cover start up and first year NEMRC Land Use module to digitize Town records, which would be a more secure way to store the information, and would allow the information to be accessible online. Future costs would be $100 per month. He also mentioned a request for an e-bike demonstration, sponsored by the Energy Committee, which they wish to hold at the Park on 9/20/20 from 4:30-6:00PM, with a rain date of 9/27/20, same time. The Board agreed to the demonstration, and Mr. Zaiac will take care of the needed permits.
Old Business: Fire Department Committee: Mr. Wilkins said he has one person that may be interested in being on the Fire Department Committee, that was discussed at a previous meeting, and is waiting to hear from some other people. He said he attended a Fire Department meeting where the Town Drug and Alcohol Policy was discussed and Fire Chief Paustian is in the process of having each member sign the Policy.
Highways: Sandgate Road Project: The Board discussed that the Sandgate Road project will begin this week, with the grind part of the project taking place 9/15-16, and the paving portion on 9/21-22, and that Mr. Zaiac has obtained professional flaggers for the project.
Other Business: Dietrich Property/Habitat for Humanity: The Board briefly spoke of the Dietrich property and Habitat for Humanity’s desire for the property. There will be an Executive Session at the next meeting, after Mr. Zaiac has time to obtain more legal information from Mr. O’Dea.
Water Department: Warrants and Orders: Mr. Wilkins made a motion to approve WD Warrant #18, in the amount of $4,496.96. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed. Highlights include Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance payment, and quarterly VLCT payments.
Warrants and Orders: Mr. Wilkins made a motion to approve Warrant # R-20-10, from the Reappraisal account, in the amount $35.00, reimbursement for postage. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to approve General Warrant #19, in the amount of $38,130.26, with highlights including health insurance payments and quarterly VLCT payments. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed.
Executive Session: None
Mr. Bykowski made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00PM
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary
Meeting video and audio-taped
Cc: files, Town Clerk