MINUTES
ARLINGTON SELECTBOARD
JULY 3, 2017
Members Present: Keith Squires, Daniel Harvey, Cynthia Browning, Timothy Williams,
Reggie Jennings, Jr.
Also Present: Jack McDonough-GNAT-TV,
Public Commentary Regarding 7A Sidewalk to Rec Park: At 7:00pm -Mr. Squires opened the floor for comments on the proposed sidewalk that will run from the center of Town to the Rec Park. He noted that this is a required hearing in order to move forward for any more funding for the project. Mr. Squires stated that there are currently cones set out at Chem Clean- to ‘simulate’ where the sidewalk will go. Board members discussed various aspects of this proposed project. Mr. Squires reported that the application has to be in to the State this month to be eligible for the funding. He noted that the State might not accept the proposals – but we would not know until we sent it in. Mr. Williams asked about the placement of a crosswalk. This was thought to be in front of the Catholic Church area. There are still several open questions on this whole issue. Mr. Harvey made a motion to give BCRC the ‘go ahead’ to prepare the application for future funding. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried. Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize Keith Squires to sign the funding application for the sidewalk- when it is ready – on behalf of the Board. Seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion carried.
The regular Selectboard meeting was called to order at 7:36pm by Chairman Keith Squires.
Minutes Meeting of June 19, 2017: Mr. Williams made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of June 19, 2017 as presented. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. Motion carried.
Highway Report: Mr. Squires reported that there was no serious damage around Town from the severe storms of the past couple of weeks. Ms. Browning expressed thanks to the highway crew for mowing at the yellow barn area. Board members were encouraged to take a look at the former Dietrich property to consider the possibility of mowing this area. Mr. Squires reported that Highway crew member Eugene Stone will be retiring at the end of this month. Mr. Squires noted that we will need to start the search for a new Highway employee.
Letter of Intent for Municipal Roads Project: Board members agreed to sign the letter of intent for the municipal roads pilot project. Mr. Squires stated that he would invite Jim Henderson of BCRC to come to the next Board meeting as he is in charge of heading up this program in this area.
Water Department: Mr. Squires reported that meters are being read for end of quarter billing. He reported that the $20,000.00 grant we applied for from the ‘Drinking Water Asset Management Grant’ program has been approved. Ms. Browning made a motion to authorize Mr.
Squires to complete the rest of the paperwork for the $20,000.00 for the Drinking Water Asset Management Grant and return it to the State. Seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion carried. BCRC will be doing a lot of the inventory work and this project will be done this year.
Warrants & Orders: Operating Account: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize payment of $7,353.75 from the Water Department Operating Account for Warrant WD#13 dated July 3, 2017. Seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion carried.
Old Business: Sidewalk in Front of Town Hall: Mr. Williams provided a rough sketch of possible work that could be done in the walkway & sidewalk area in front of Town Hall. Mr. Williams stated that he had someone (who has some background in this type of work) look at this area. There was discussion on this issue. Board members discussed using a ‘mosaic’ pattern of marble rather than large squares of marble. There was discussion regarding just using concrete with minimal marble. If the area was grassed in – the grass would most likely have to be replaced every year. Board members agreed that there needs to be a new ‘pedestrian crossing’ sign in the middle of the crosswalk as the old one was broken. Board members were in favor of having Tim Williams continue to pursue this project. Mr. Williams and Mr. Squires will measure the area tomorrow. Mr. Squires will review past bids and do some estimates to get some idea of what we are looking at as far as cost of this project.
Dog Park: Mr. Squires reported that he should have gates and posts for the dog park this week. He will also be getting some fencing for the area. Mr. Harvey reported that banners are being ordered and the waste bags will be installed in the area as well. Fund raising will start for this project.
Outside Audit: Mr. Squires noted that we need to contact the auditors as there is a single audit due by the end of July. Mary will try to follow up on this issue to get a date as to completion.
New Business: Tree by St. James Rectory: Ms. Browning voiced concern about the large spruce tree south of the St. James Rectory. She noted that it looks to be in poor condition and is concerned about sidewalk safety. Mr. Squires stated that he would take a look at this.
Battenkill Valley Health Center: The Board acknowledged the work done by the Battenkill Valley Health Center – in getting all the permitting, etc. work done at the former Dietrich property. They did not use the property and turned all the permits, etc. back to the Town.
Warrants & Orders: Capital Reserve Fund: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize payment of Capital Reserve Fund Order # CR#2 dated 7/3/17 for the amount of $491.05 – to Miles Lumber for Dog Park expenses. Seconded by Ms. Browning. In discussion, Mr. Squires noted that the donations for the Dog Park had gone into the Yellow Barn Fund – and will be coming out of this fund. Motion carried.
General Warrant: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize payment of Warrant Order # 13 dated July 5, 2017 for the amount of $12,573.32. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried.
All Other Business: Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines: Board members were given copies of the proposed Arlington Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines to review prior to the Board meeting on July 17, 2017. Mr. Squires noted that he will ask the officers to attend the meeting on the 17th.
Reminder: There is a Water Commissioners Meeting on Monday July 10, 2017.
Mr. Harvey made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary M. Henning-Recording Secretary
meeting video taped
cc: files, Town Clerk