MINUTES
ARLINGTON SELECTBOARD
MAY 8, 2017
Members Present: Keith Squires, Daniel Harvey, Timothy Williams, Reggie Jennings, Jr.,
Cynthia Browning
Also Present: Obrian Ellis-GNAT-TV, Susan Jennings, Maureen Harvey
The meeting was called to order at 7:05pm by Chairman Keith Squires.
Minutes Meeting of April 24, 2017 & Special Meeting of May 1, 2017: Mr. Jennings made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of April 24, 2017, and the Special Meeting of May 1, 2017 as presented. Seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion carried.
Highway Report: Mr. Squires reported that the road crew has been grading and putting down chloride. They worked on cleanup after the recent storms. Mr. Squires reported that there was quite a bit of damage at the Evergreen Cemetery and the Town will be filing with our insurance company for damaged headstones, and the vault at the cemetery. Grants: Mr. Squires reported that the Town was approved for a Structures Grant for 2017 from AOT = Grant # BC1842 for $16,920.00 for Bridge #25 River Road. The Town was also approved for a grant from the Rural Bridge Program – for $8,000.00 – Grant # BRO212 – for road and culvert inventory. Mr. Squires reported that he had a verbal proposal for Ball Mountain Road culvert replacement – a box culvert replacing a five foot culvert –for the amount of $137,168.00. Ms. Browning made a motion to authorize Mr. Squires to sign the agreements for the grants for Bridge #25, the Rural Bridge Program, and the Ball Mountain Road culvert. Seconded by Mr. Harvey. Motion carried. Tree Removal: Mr. Squires reported that the Town had received two (2) quotes for the removal of two trees at 70 Crow Hill Road: 1. Supreme Tree Service of Bennington = $1600.00, chipping the small wood with the Town removing all large pieces; 2. Trees, Inc. of Rutland = $1550.00 with the Town, chipping the smaller wood and the Town removing all large pieces. Mr. Harvey made a motion to contract with Trees, Inc. to remove the two silver maples at 70 Crow Hill Road at a cost of $1550.00 per their proposal 40127. Seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion carried. 7A Sidewalk-Park Bike/Ped Path: Mr. Squires reported that grant applications for the bike/ped path must be in by July 14, 2017. He stated that BCRC will be putting the application together for this grant. Ms. Browning stated that she wanted a written acceptance for the proposed design from Chem Clean – stating that they are okay with the proposed sidewalk prior to submission of the grant application. There was some discussion about the proposed sale of the Catholic Church property and who should be notified about the proposed sidewalk if the property sold.
Dog Park: At this point in the meeting – Mr. Squires moved ahead to accommodate Susan Jennings and Maureen Harvey representing the Dog Park Committee. Maureen reported that she had some figures on the temporary four foot fencing – approximately $600.00. The Board was in favor of having the ladies look into getting possible materials donated and then go from there to see what would have to be purchased. Maureen stated that they would move ahead with this project and report back to the Board with an update.
Water Department: Mr. Squires reported that a week ago (Monday May 1st) there was a lightning strike that hit the pump house on South Road and damaged the whole system. The system was off line but the Town was supplied from the holding tank as well as Red Mountain spring. Repairs were made and the water came back on line on Wednesday about 5pm. Mr. Squires noted that the only people that were really out of water were on South Road. Mr. Squires noted that when all the bills are in – we will be looking at about $12,000.00 to $14,000.00 – these costs will be submitted to our insurance company.
Warrants & Orders: Operating Account: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize payment of $9,568.88 from the Water Department Operating Account for Warrant # WD#9 dated May 8, 2017. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. Motion carried.
Old Business: Shires Housing: Mr. Squires stated that there was no new information on this issue. Work on this project is slated to begin in July.
Camping on the Battenkill: This issue was tabled until the next Selectboard Meeting.
New Business: Letter of Support: Mr. Squires reported that the Town had received a request from a letter of support from the Town of Jackson New York. The Town of Jackson is seeking funding assistance from New York State’s ‘Culvert NY Program’ for help with the replacement of the bridge located just past property at 288 Murray Hollow Road. Since Murray Hollow Road serves as an access road for several parcels in the Town of Arlington – the Town of Jackson would greatly appreciate a letter of support from us. The Board was in favor of sending a letter of support to the Town of Jackson to accompany their funding application to the ‘Culvert NY Program’. Shires Marathon: Board members reviewed an email from Dara Zink regarding the Shires Marathon – that will be run Sunday May 21, 2017. It was noted in the email that there are fewer participants this year. The race starts at Bennington College at 8am. It will run through Arlington from Old Depot Road north and onto East Arlington Road – over to the Chiselville Covered Bridge and along Sunderland Hill Road. There will be volunteers along to course to assist with any road crossings and there will be water stops – there will be a water stop at the Federated Church in East Arlington and at the Chiselville Covered Bridge. A copy of insurance has been provided. Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve the Shires Marathon and acknowledge the proposed route through Arlington. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried.
Warrants & Orders: Payroll: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize payment of $288.00 to Keith Squires for duties as Interim Administrator for the period April 23, 2017 through May 6, 2017 as noted on Payroll Order #19B dated May 8, 2017. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried with Mr. Harvey, Mr. Williams, Mr. Jennings, and Ms. Browning voting in favor of the motion. Mr. Squires abstained from the vote. General Warrant: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize payment of Warrant Order #9 dated May 9, 2017 for the total amount of $33,858.72. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. Motion carried.
All Other Business: Reminder: There will be a Water Commissioners meeting Monday May 15, 2017 at 7pm.
Flags: Mr. Williams reminded that the new flags will be put up this Saturday May 13th.
Road Sign in East Arlington: Mr. Harvey noted that there is some ‘foliage’ on East Arlington Road that has leafed out and somewhat blocks the flashing road sign. The Board was in favor of contacting Sunderland regarding this issue as it is their sign. Ms. Browning noted that the landowners should also be contacted regarding the possible trimming of the bushes.
Emergency Management Training & Volunteers: Mr. Squires reported that it is getting more difficult to get volunteers for rescue, fire, etc. He noted that it is a Statewide problem, and perhaps there could be some kind of financial incentive discussed at the State level. Some of the towns around are looking at taxes (municipal, etc). Perhaps a percentage discount on an individual’s income tax (set at the State level) could be explored. There was discussion on this issue.
Former Chittenden Bank Property: Mr. Squires reported that the court hearing that was to take place was cancelled. Mr. Squires stated that he has no information as to why this was cancelled.
Sidewalk in front of Town Hall: Mr. Squires stated that he has to get a contractor in to look at the area. There is no further update on this issue.
Executive Session: Mr. Harvey made a motion that premature discussion of a personnel issue would cause the municipality to suffer substantial disadvantage. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried. Mr. Harvey made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss a personnel issue. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried. The Board entered into Executive Session at 8:15pm. The Board came out of Executive Session at 8:34pm. There were no motions or decisions made as a result of the Executive Session.
Ms. Browning made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Harvey Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:36pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary M. Henning, Recording Secretary
cc: file, Town Clerk