Minutes
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
December 19, 2022
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Glenn Sherman, and Jamie Paustian. Cynthia Browning arrived at 7:10PM
Members Absent: Todd Wilkins
Also Present: Nick Zaiac-Town Administrator, Michael Rudiakov-GNAT, and Janet Barry
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM, by Mr. Harvey.
Agenda Addition: Mr. Paustian made a motion to add the Letter of Support for Arlington Commons to the agenda. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried, with Ms. Browning and Mr. Wilkins absent.
Public Comments: None
Minutes of the Meeting of Dec. 5, 2022: Mr. Sherman made a motion to accept as presented, the minutes of the Dec. 5, 2022 meeting. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed, with Ms. Browning and Mr. Wilkins absent.
New Business: Accept Resignation of Ali Elwell Zaiac from Trustee of Public Funds: Mr. Paustian made a motion to accept the resignation of Ali Elwell Zaiac from the Trustee of Public Funds. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried with Ms. Browning and Mr. Wilkins absent.
Appoint Carol Fay to Trustee of Public Funds: Mr. Zaiac said Ms. Fay sent a letter of interest in the Trustee position and has an extensive HR background, and he had a lengthy telephone conversation with Ms. Fay. Mr. Paustian suggested that prospective appointees come to the meetings so the Board can meet them before any vote. Mr. Zaiac said going forward that would be the practice. Mr. Paustian made a motion to appoint Carol Fay to the Trustee of Public Funds. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried, with Ms. Browning and Mr. Wilkins absent. Mr. Zaiac said there may be an opening for a ZBA member in the near future and there are often rolls in the Town government needing to be filled by interested parties.
Benedict Crossing TA 65 Closeout: Ms. Browning arrived to the meeting. The Board discussed the need to close out the TA 65 State grant in order to be able to proceed with obtaining the design grant the State is requiring for Benedict Crossing. Mr. Paustian made a motion to close out the TA 65 grant with the State of Vermont. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried, with Mr. Wilkins absent.
Benedict Crossing Engineering Award: Mr. Zaiac said there was one response for the Benedict Crossing project from MSK Engineering, in line with the expectations of the State and grant requirements, for $104,600. Mr. Zaiac said it will be an engineering design best suited for the Town’s needs, and obtaining the grant minimizes the cost to taxpayers for the project. Building expected to be in spring of 2024. The Board discussed the possibility of bonding for Benedict Crossing and Bridge #4 (East Arlington Bridge). Mr. Zaiac said he will see if there is State money available for Bridge #4 in the spring. Ms. Browning made a motion to award the scoping engineering study to MSK Engineering for $104,600. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Wilkins absent.
The Board tabled the Town of Jackson, Murray Hill, Plow agreement because the paperwork has not been sent to Town Hall.
Letter of Support for Arlington Commons: Mr. Harvey read the Letter of Support for Community Recovery & Revitalization Program, being sent to Joan Goldstein, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Economic Development, Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development: This letter affirms that the Community Recovery and Revitalization Program application by the Arlington Common is compatible with goals laid out in the town plan, including those associated with public health, recreation, and economic development as embodied in its work in the arts. The Select Board affirms its support for projects ongoing at the Arlington Common, including those laid out in the institution’s application for the program. The Select Board notes that it has repeatedly supported grant proposals associated with the project in the past and constitutes to do so. Ms. Browning made a motion to authorize Mr. Harvey to sign the Letter of Support for Community Recovery & Revitalization Program dated December 19, 2022. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion passed unanimously with Mr. Wilkins absent.
Highways: Ms. Browning said she appreciates areas of River Road being fixed by the Highway crew, and that the sidewalks were done quickly after the storm.
Water Department Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant WD#24, dated 12/15/22, in the amount of $4,921.21. Mr. Paustian seconded. It includes GMP and insurance payments and supplies. Motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Wilkins absent.
Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant #25, dated 12/15/22, in the amount of $28,043.03, with highlights being health insurance, unemployment and liability insurance premiums and GMP payments. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed
Mr. Paustian made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:40PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary
Cc: files, Town Clerk