MINUTES
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
May 20, 2019
Members Present: Keith Squires, Daniel Harvey, Cynthia Browning, Tim Williams, Matthew Bykowski, via teleconference
Also Present: Jack McDonough-GNAT-TV, Ann Harriet Cole
The meeting was called to order at 7:05pm by Chairman, Keith Squires
Public Comments: Ann Harriet Cole had a letter for the Board, and informed them she would be willing to be a member of the Trustees of Public Funds. Ms. Browning made a motion to appoint Ann Harriet Cole to the Trustees of Public Funds, until the next, annual election. Mr. Williams seconded. Motion passed.
Minutes of Meeting of May 6, 2019
Mr. Harvey made a motion to accept as presented, the minutes of May 6, 2019. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed.
New Business: Farmer’s Market Vendor Permit: Mr. Williams presented the Board with a vendor permit for the Arlington Community House to allow them to have the Farmer’s Market on their property from June 21, 2019-September 6, 2019. Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve the vendor permit for Arlington Community House Club, Inc., for use of their property for the Farmer’s Market, from June 21,2019-September 6, 2019. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed.
Special Event Permit: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve an application for Special Event Permit, for Caledonia Spirits, Inc, for a Meet the Maker Event at The Arlington Inn, for one ounce tasting cups and closed bottle sale by DLC certified employee, for Friday June 28, 2019, from 3PM to 8PM. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed.
Highways: Radar Speed Units: Mr. Squires presented the Board with a quote from Elan City for solar radar speed signs. The units are solar powered, and battery back- up. The price for one unit is $3450., and 2 units would be $5799. It was discussed that considering the number of requests the Town has had to control speeders, it would be beneficial to purchase 2 units. The highway crew will put them in approved locations and move them when needed. It will take approximately 2-3 weeks for delivery. The units also store data, as to how many speeders pass the sign and at what speeds they are traveling. Mr. Harvey made a motion to purchase 2 units for $5799. From Elan City. Mr. Bykowski seconded. Motion passed.
Chem-Clean: Mr. Squires said he spoke with engineers and Mark Anders from BCRC about the issues the owners of Chem Clean conveyed to the Board via a letter at the last meeting. Engineer Chrissy Haskins will put together some drawings that will hopefully better illustrate the design to the property owners. Mr. Squires said that the State is heavily involved in the 7A Sidewalk process and they have accepted the design. The entire project is in the State of Vermont Right of Way. A meeting will be set up with the owners once the sketches are completed. Mr. Squires said that Mr. Anders was going to call the Chem Clean owners to let them know how their concerns are being addressed. Mr. Bykowski said he feels the owners should be contacted by the Town to make sure they are aware of how their issues are being handled.
Job Applications: Mr. Squires told the Board he had received a few applications for the highway job. The job was posted online, in the Banner and the Vt. News Guide. Applications will be accepted until May 24, 2019.
Town Hall Parking Area: Mr. Squires said the highway crew have worked on clearing space for a larger parking area at Town Hall, and have used the dirt they removed for a home on Hale Road, to help the homeowner with a water line issue. The highway crew delivered the dirt to the homeowner, and his contractor will spread it over his property. Mr. Squires said gravel will be added to the parking area soon. He also said there are been some mechanical issues with the grader that they hope to have repaired soon.
New Truck: Mr. Squires said it will be a couple of more weeks before the new truck arrives in town. He asked for, and was granted, permission to sell the oldest truck (2000).
Water Department: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve Warrant WD#11, from the Operating Account in the amount of $137,708.69. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed. This amount includes the first of thirty payments for the water system. Mr. Squires gave the Board paperwork showing the balance in the Water Department Account, which, after this first payment, is $159,650.23.
Letter to All Water Customers: The Board reviewed and discussed a letter written by Mr. Squires and edited by Mr. Bykowski that will be mailed to all Arlington Water customers soon. The main point is to let the customers know about the large payments due, and that the Board does not wish to see a rate increase that would penalize those who keep their accounts current because some are not paying their bills. This letter will be mailed to all customers, and a second letter is planned for those who have bills outstanding for 120 days and over, notifying them that their service will be shut off without a payment plan. Mr. Squires said the homeowners usually pay on their bills when Mr. Snow goes to their homes to shut off the water.
South Road: Mr. Squires said that after looking at many options, it appears that it will be most economical to drill a well for the one house on South Road that is having the chlorine contact time issue, as has been discussed at previous meetings, however the final decision has yet to be made. Ms. Browning suggested the Town should have an easement with the property owner before work would begin.
Old Business: Flooding at the Park: Mr. Squires told the Board that the trails at the park had washed away with the spring flooding and between labor, equipment and materials it has cost the Town over $3250. He is planning on speaking to David Naaktgeboren about a Park Grant that was received, to ask for reimbursements for these repairs from the grant money.
Town Administrator Committee: Mr. Bykowski constructed a letter about forming a search committee for a new Town Administrator. It was discussed that the application process for those wishing to be on the search committee must be equitable to all residents. It was also discussed that perhaps Tiffany Tan from the Banner/Journal could do an article, making people aware of this committee being formed. Mr. Harvey said he will draft another version and submit it to the Board and also circulate the final version on Facebook and post on the Town’s website. Ms. Browning said she’d like to see a paragraph in the letter stating that the voters approved the hiring of this position in March.
Red Mtn. Road Complaint: Mr. Squires updated the Board about complaints against a resident on Red Mountain Road. It has been reported that the resident is running a business without a permit. Mr. Henry, Land Use Administrator, has been in touch with the Town’s attorney, Joe O’Dea and Mr. O’Dea sent an update that the complaint was filed with the Environment Court, and is out for service with the Sheriff.
Final Invoice-Camping on the Battenkill: Mr. Squires spoke to the Board about the final invoice, to Mahar Excavating, for their work at Camping on the Battenkill. He has been in contact with the State to have the grant money released so the Town can pay the bill, and was informed the money is on its way from the State. Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve the invoice payment to Mahar Excavating, dated May 3, 2019, for $10,641.50, for HMGP Grant 02140-34000-088,to be paid upon receipt of the funds from the State of Vermont. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed.
Ms. Crosby’s Retirement Party: Mr. Harvey updated the Board on the retirement party for Linda Crosby. He said it is being held at the West Mountain Inn, on May 29, 2019, from 5-7PM. Hors d’oeuvres will be served and the cost will be paid by the guests, plus splitting Ms. Crosby’s portion.
Dog Park: Mr. Squires said he will contact Dailey’s for a possible donation of concrete, to complete the Dog Park fencing, and hopes the project will be completed by next week, weather permitting.
Storm Water Project: Mr. Squires told the Board he received a formal letter from Stone Environmental, who were hired for the State Storm Water Project. They will be coming to Arlington to look at approximately thirty drainage areas, for contamination from failed septic systems, in late June or July. The State is requiring this information for their study.
Tree Planting: Mr. Squires told the Board he had received an email from Elana Feldman from the CISMA Battenkill Watershed organization about the upcoming tree planting, habitat restoration project, scheduled for June 1, 2019, at 9:30, at the Arlington Recreational Park. She is in need of volunteers, as well as hoping to borrow tools from the Town for the project.
Town Hall Technology Upgrades: Mr. Bykowski said he has been in touch with April from E-Enable, and is planning on putting together a technology road map for upgrades for Town Hall. He hopes to present the information at a July meeting.
Town Hall Repairs: The Board discussed repairs for the back entrance of Town Hall, that has issues with snow slide. Mr. Squires asked Mr. Harvey to look at the area to see what work would need to be done to fix the problem, and to get bids for the work.
Poppy Day: Following up on the Poppy Day Proclamation from the last meeting, Ms. Browning reminded the Board that Poppy Day, observed in memory of soldiers that have served our country, will be May 24, 2019. The Proclamation was read at the last meeting by a member the Unit 69 Auxiliary, and signed by the Board.
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Warrants and Orders: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve General Warrant #11, in the amount of $31,109.39. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed.
Mr. Williams made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Harvey seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:35
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary
Meeting video taped
Cc: files, Town Clerk