MINUTES
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
October 24, 2022
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Cynthia Browning, Glenn Sherman and Jamie Paustian
Members Absent: Todd Wilkins
Also Present: (In person, or via Zoom) Nick Zaiac-Town Administrator, Tory Rich-Manchester Journal, Steve McClafferty, and Janet Barry
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM, by Mr. Harvey.
Public Comments: Mr. Harvey asked for public comments unrelated to agenda. There were none.
Minutes of the Meeting of October 11, 2022: Mr. Sherman made a motion to accept as presented, the minutes of the October 11, 2022 meeting. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed, with Mr. Wilkins absent.
Highways: Mechanical Differential: Paying Mark Robinson to do mechanical work on Town equipment was discussed at the last meeting. Mr. Robinson requested being paid time and a half, $34.50 per hour, when he does this extra, mechanical work, which the Board and Mr. Zaiac agreed was a bargain. Mr. Zaiac said there will be a separate line built into the budget for this expense. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the Mechanical Differential for Mark Robinson, paid at 1.5 times his highway crew pay rate when he’s doing mechanical labor. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion passed, with Mr. Paustian abstaining and Mr. Wilkins absent.
Benedict Crossing RFP: Mr. Zaiac presented the new RFP for the Benedict Crossing project, that was discussed at the last meeting, and was edited based on input from the VTrans cultural staff, to include having consideration of the historic nature of the bridge. Bids would be due by 12PM on December 16, 2022, to be awarded at the December 19, 2022 meeting. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the language of the Benedict Crossing RFP as presented. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Wilkins absent.
New Business: Fire Department-Accept West Station: Mr. Zaiac said the Arlington Fire Protection voted to transfer West Station to Town ownership. He said the Town already pays for the insurance and the utilities have been transferred to the Town. Ms. Browning said she wished the Fire Department could offer an endowment for future maintenance of the property. Who will be responsible for storage of Fire Department items was discussed. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the acceptance of West Station by the Town of Arlington and to authorize Town Administrator, Mr. Zaiac, to negotiate details. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion passed, with Mr. Paustian abstaining, and Mr. Wilkins absent.
Park Equipment Purchase: The Board reviewed the leaf management equipment being considered to make leaf removal more efficient for one person to manage. A SCAG Windstorm Stand Alone Blower from Gerald White Sales in Danby VT for $10,704.80, and from Howe Brothers in Troy for $12,900. Mr. Zaiac said there was money left in the Park budget because Mr. Knight does not require Town insurance. Ms. Browning noted that every surplus amount does not need to be spent. It was discussed that a larger mower needs to be purchased in the future, and would be a Capital expense, and money would have to be saved for the large purchase. A newer greens mower also needs to be purchased, and may be in the next budget year. The possibility of purchasing a gator to move tools and equipment around more efficiently, and increase functionality and save time was also discussed. Mr. Zaiac said Mr. Knight is very good at reaching out to people who work at other golf courses when he needs information. Mr. McClafferty asked if historically the Town transfers surplus funds from salary account to a non-salary account. Mr. Zaiac said funds can be moved between the accounts in the budget. Ms. Browning said it’s a transition year, going from three part-time employees to one full-time employee, and being light on staff requires more equipment to make the job more efficient. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the purchase of SCAG Windstorm Blower for $10,704.80 from Gerald White Sales in Danby VT. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Wilkins absent.
Town Administrator’s Report: Mr. Zaiac said the Highway crew completed their grader training, offered by the State, worked on machines and a couple of Water Department projects and some culvert work. He said mulch will be delivered to the Park on Tuesday for the new playground area. He said he met with Fire Department chiefs for an initial budget meeting. Mr. Paustian said he was able to sit in on the grader training as well. There was a discussion on grading Town roads.
Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Grant Warrant #22-6, dated 10/20/22, to BCRC, in the amount of $1,784. 30 for a Planning Grant. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Wilkins absent.
Water Department Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant WD#20, dated Oct. 21, 2022, in the amount of $2,526.44. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Wilkins absent.
Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant #20, dated Oct. 21, 2022, in the amount of $86,406.53, with Blue Cross, Bennington County tax payment, and sand and gravel being the major expenses. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Wilkins being absent.
All Other Business: None
Mr. Paustian made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:57PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary
Cc: files, Town Clerk