MINUTES

ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD

September 12, 2022

Members Present:  Dan Harvey, Todd Wilkins, Glenn Sherman and Jamie Paustian

Members Absent:  Cynthia Browning (Ms. Browning arrived at the meeting at the time of adjournment, 7:43PM)

Also Present:  (In person, or via Zoom) Town Administrator- Nick Zaiac, Mark Towslee-Highway Foreman, and Janet Barry

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM, by Mr. Harvey.

Public Comments:   Mr. Harvey asked for public comments unrelated to agenda items. There were none.

Minutes of the Meeting of August 22, 2022: Mr. Wilkins made a motion to accept as presented, the minutes of the August 22, 2022 meeting. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Ms. Browning absent.

Highways:  East Arlington Road Tree Work:  Mr. Zaiac had two quotes for tree removal on East Arlington, and Buck Hill Roads. Greater Heights for $5,500, and Supreme Trees for $5,800. Mr. Zaiac said there were no quality differences between the two bids, and recommended Greater Heights. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to approve the Greater Heights tree work bid for $5,500. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Ms. Browning absent.

Winter Sand and Sand Trucking: Mr. Harvey read the quotes presented to the Board. Peckham for ½ inch stone delivered: $54,750, Peckham +Herrmann for delivery: $59,250, Peckham + Woodard for delivery: $52,336, Pike heavy grit blend- Pike + Herrmann for delivery: $43,500, Pike + Woodard for delivery: $40,938.  It was discussed with Mr. Towslee, that the Peckham product fits the towns needs better than the grittier Pike blend. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to approve the ½ stone from Peckham plus the Woodard trucking for $52,336. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Ms. Browning absent.

Benedict Crossing Update:  Mr. Zaiac spoke to the Board about the project changes for the Benedict Crossing Bridge. He said that the State has determined the bridge to be culturally significant and suggested transitioning from a structure grant to an engineering grant for a structure, in order to make a plan for replacement. It was discussed that engineering bids could be put out this winter. The Board agreed it was better to have a specific engineering study. Mr. Zaiac will prepare the paperwork for the grant process.

New Business:  Accounting Work RFP:   Mr. Zaiac presented the Board with a Request for Proposals for Accounting Services for the Town. He said it has been a year since Glenna Pound was hired for accounting services, but the RFP was created in hopes of finding an accounting firm better suited to the Town’s needs. The RFP would be put out in 48 hours, in hopes of having a final vote for a new accountant at the next Select Board meeting.  Mr. Wilkins made a motion to accept the RFP for Accounting Services as presented. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Ms. Browning absent.

Town Administrator’s Report: Mr. Zaiac submitted his Town Administrator Report to the Board. He said highlights of the three weeks since his last report have been paving work, accounting and grant work, and the removal of the fuel tank from the garage. Mr. Paustian asked about tree issues on Lost Lake Road, with the trees impeding vision on the road. Mr. Zaiac said he and Mr. Towslee will speak to the landowner, who at this point does not want the Town to cut his trees. Mr. Paustian asked Mr. Towslee about adding gravel to some Town roads, and was told gravel projects are budget and time dependent.   Mr. Paustian raised a question about the water line issue on Woodchuck Hill. Mr. Zaiac said the project needs further investigation of the underground infrastructure, but it is appearing that the landowner’s portrayal of the infrastructure is correct.

Mr. Harvey noted the Listers had left information of five Errors and Omissions, that are FYI, and no action needing to be taken.

Water Department Warrants and Orders:  Mr. Paustian made a motion to approve Warrant WD#17, in the amount of $2,000.95.  This includes sample tests, and standard supplies. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Ms. Browning absent.

Warrants and Orders:     Mr. Paustian made a motion to approve Warrant #17 in the amount of $37,922.81.This includes the annual BCRC fee of $6,000, and the oil tank removal invoice.  Mr. Wilkins seconded.  Motion passed unanimously, with Ms. Browning absent.

Mr. Wilkins questioned the Diligent expense of $3,858, if other platforms for posting meeting information may be less expensive, or this platform is worth the expense. Mr. Zaiac said it helps to unclutter the Town website, but he will check into transitioning to the platform the Land Use Office uses, and the Diligent expense would be left out of next year’s budget.

Other Business:  None

Mr. Paustian made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:43PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Janet Barry, Recording Secretary

Cc: files, Town Clerk