Minutes
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
August 19, 2024
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Cynthia Browning, Glenn Sherman and Jamie Paustian
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Mark Robinson-Highway Foreman, Matt Bykowski (via Zoom), Dara Zink – BCRC, Karen Krulikowski, Willy Knight – Park Supervisor, Brian Hawley – AFD Chief, and Janet Barry- via Zoom
The meeting was called to order at 7:00PM, by Mr. Harvey.
Public Comments: Karen Krulikowski was at the meeting to propose a change in the 50MPH speed limit on the mile section of road around Benedict Crossing Rd to the Reed house to 40MPH for the safety of the residents, with difficulties of entering from the driveways and crossing for mail. Mr. Zaiac said he will request a traffic speed study from the State.
Minutes of the Meetings of August 5, 2024: Mr. Paustian made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of August 5, 2024 as presented. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion carried.
New Business: Hazard Mitigation Plan Kickoff: Dara Zink from BCRC was at the meeting to kick off the updating of the Town’s HMP that was last done in 2019. She said she hopes to have it completed by 2025. She had a slide presentation, explaining the four phases of the planning process, such as risk assessment, and mitigation strategies. FEMA is requesting more public input for the new plan. Ms. Zink said the time commitment for any volunteers would be for six meetings that are 1-1.5 hours each, with emails also helping to keep volunteers updated.
Heating Oil Award: The Board voted on the heating oil contract with Miles Fuel that was discussed at the last meeting. Mr. Zaiac had tried to have the same contract as the school system, but he was told the school receives the lessor per gallon price because their location is such that the tankers can deliver directly the school. Ms. Browning made a motion to award the heating fuel oil contract for the 2024-2025 season to Miles Fuels for $3.19 per gallon, fixed rate, based on the signed contract. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
ARPA Park Mower: The Board reviewed the five different bids Mr. Knight obtained for a new mower for the park, to be purchased with ARPA funds, that ranged from $17,600-$20,318. The new mower would have a bagger and would help with leaf clean up and can also take care of the Town Center grass. Ms. Browning made a motion to authorize the purchase of the Scag Turftigen 38 kol with bagger from Gerald White Sales for $17,600. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Fireworks Permit: Mr. Sherman made a motion to approve the fireworks permit for Fischer Elementary School PTG for August 24, 2024 at dusk, with a rain date of August 25, 2024. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Executive Session: Mr. Sherman made a motion that premature discussion of personnel, property, and legal issues would cause the municipality to suffer substantial disadvantage. Seconded by Mr. Paustian. Mr. Sherman made a motion to enter into Executive Session for discussion of personnel, property and legal issues, and to allow Town Administrator, Nick Zaiac, Road Foreman, Mark Robinson, and AFD Chief Brian Hawley to remain in the room. Seconded by Mr. Paustian. The Board entered Executive Session at 7:55PM. The Board exited Executive Session at 9:18PM. Ms. Browning made a motion to appoint Matt Bykowski to serve as a Select Board Member, filling Mr. Wilkins’ seat, until Town Meeting Day in March 2025. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Town Administrator Report: The Board did not have questions regarding the report.
WD Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Water Department Warrant #16, dated 8/15/24, in the amount of $2,111.41, with the biggest item being GMP payments. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant #16, from the General account, dated 8/15/24, in the amount of $29,126.24, with key elements being generator maintenance for $2,200, striping with Topkote for $7,904, and $8,250 for Manchester Dispatch Services. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
All Other Business: Mr. Zaiac said there will be a Special Water Department Meeting on Monday, August 26, 2024 at 7PM.
Mr. Paustian made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:24PM.