MINUTES
ARLINGTON SELECTBOARD
DECEMBER 27, 2017
Members Present: Keith Squires, Cynthia Browning, Timothy Williams
Members Absent: Reggie Jennings Jr., Daniel Harvey
The meeting was called to order at 7:13pm by Chairman Keith Squires.
Minutes Meeting December 18, 2017: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of December 18, 2017. Seconded by Mr. Williams.
Highways: Mr. Squires reported that there have been some issues with the sander on the new truck – but these have been resolved. The road crew is dealing with the storms as they occur.
Water Department: Warrants & Orders: Mr. Williams made a motion to authorize payment of Water Department Order WD Warrant #26 dated December 29, 2018 for the total amount of $13,727.77. Seconded by Ms. Browning. In discussion, Mr. Squires noted that $13,408.64 was repayment of the Highway Department for their time on Water Department projects. Motion carried.
Old Business: Camping on the Battenkill: Mr. Squires reported that at the last meeting the Board contracted to do the electrical work with Cutler Electric LLC. The Board held off on the plumbing work as they were looking for further information from Mr. Miller. Mr. Squires reported that he was in contact with Mr. Miller who broke the project down into two pieces –1. All the water line work, excavation, etc = $20,000.00; and 2. Work in the bath house = $16,578.00. Mr. Williams made a motion to approve the portion of Miller Plumbing & Heating of Bennington to do the water line and spigot work for $20,000.00 per the bid received 12/22/2017. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried. Mr. Squires will contact MR. Miller on this issue – informing him that we need copies of insurance, etc.
New Business: Liquor License: Mr. Williams made a motion to approve the renewal of the 2018 second class liquor license for The Cheese House. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried.
Dog Park: Mr. Squires noted that we will have to include money in the Park budget for the Dog Park fencing. He noted that the installation and the four (4) gates are not included in the figures at this point in time. The rough figure is $2800.00.
Park Committee Meeting: Mr. Williams reported on the Park Committee meeting of December 20, 2017. He noted that the Park Board had ‘opened’ the door’ to the new Park Committee members for discussion and conversation. Board members reviewed paperwork on the financials of the Park Board – obtained by Mr. Williams per a written request by him.
Warrants & Orders: Payroll: Mr. Williams made a motion to authorize payment of $864.00 to Keith Squires for duties as Interim Administrator for the period of December 3, 2017 through December 23, 2017 as noted on Payroll Order #52B dated December 27, 2017. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried with Mr. Williams, Mr. Squires, and Ms. Browning voting in favor of the motion. General Warrant: Mr. Williams made a motion to authorize payment of Warrant Order # 27 dated December 28, 2017 for the amount of $18,803.72. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried.
All Other Business: Conservation Fund Group: Mary reported that Sally Manikian from the Conservation Fund Group emailed that she plans to (tentatively) attend the April 9, 2018 meeting of the Selectboard to give a presentation to the Board on the lands the Group purchased.
Budget 2018: Board members reviewed and discussed proposed budget figures – provided by Mr. Squires. Mr. Squires noted that the year has not yet been closed out so we do not have December figures available. Mr. Squires noted there are two (2) major projects to consider for budgeting in 2018 = 1- the 7A sidewalk, and 2 – the Ball Mountain Road culvert. There was discussion on various budget lines. The Board was in agreement to contact the janitorial service to make sure that the service we are getting is up to par. There was discussion on wages and possible increases. Mr. Squires noted that just using these ‘rough’ figures – that would put the budget up by 2.9%. Mary reviewed the agencies that are increasing the amounts they want for Appropriations. She will send letters to these agencies informing them that they will need to provide a petition for their increase.
Executive Session: Ms. Browning made a motion that premature discussion of a personnel issue would cause the municipality to suffer substantial disadvantage. Seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion carried. Ms. Browning made a motion to enter into Executive Session for discussion of a personnel issue. Seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion carried. The Board entered into Executive Session at 9:16pm. The Board came out of Executive Session at9:26pm. There were no motions or actions taken as a result of the Executive Session.
The next regular meeting of the Selectboard will be January 8, 2017, with Budget 2018 meetings to be scheduled that week.
Ms. Browning made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at9:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary M. Henning, Recording Secretary cc: files, Town Clerk