Minutes
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
January 3, 2023
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Todd Wilkins, Cynthia Browning, Glenn Sherman, and Jamie Paustian.
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Nick Zaiac-Town Administrator, Michael Rudiakov-GNAT, and Janet Barry
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM, by Mr. Harvey.
Public Comments: None
Minutes of the Meeting of Dec. 19, 2022: Ms. Browning made a motion to accept as presented, the minutes of the Dec. 19, 2022 meeting. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
New Business: Town of Jackson Agreement: Mr. Zaiac said the Town of Jackson had not sent the agreement, so the item was tabled.
Budget and Warning 2023 Overview: The Board and Mr. Zaiac discussed the budget lines for 2023, which Mr. Zaiac said addresses inflationary issues. Some of the lines that were discussed was an increase in the Highway gravel line, to make gravel a top priority. Some of the gravel cost will be offset by $5000-$7000 from the State’s Grants -In- Aid for the River Road project. The proposed budget would fund five culvert jobs on Warm Brook Road, and level funds the CRF bridge line, the Park, and cemeteries. Five thousand would be added to the CRF Fire Truck line. The Town Clerk salary would be leveled to the Treasurer salary amount. The proposed budget would allow for an $8000 increase for Fire Department new equipment line for needed turn out gear. It was discussed that the Public Safety budget line was $27,000, with only $7,000 used in 2022, due to the lack of enough State Police manpower for additional patrols. It was discussed that it could be lowered to $15,000 for the new budget. It was discussed that the Yellow Barn roof will be done this year with money that is left in the CRF fund after the other preservation work was done this year. The need for wage increases to cover cost of living for the employees was discussed, and Mr. Zaiac had several options of amounts in his slide show. The need to modernize Park Usage Agreements was discussed, as the Town currently bears the electricity expense for functions at the Park, and the organizations utilizing the park should compensate for the electricity usage and trash removal. Mr. Wilkins said he’d like to see improvements to the Park, like greens replacement, be considered in future budgets, and the Board agreed there needs to be a plan in place for future Park budgets for this purpose.
Ms. Browning said she appreciated the Lion’s Christmas tree display on 7A, but it has been a barrier to the RT 313 site line, and in the future should be moved back two feet from the road. She also said there is a tree down on a property on Old Mill Road that needs to be addressed. Mr. Zaiac said a letter can be sent to the homeowner, explaining that the tree being down can affect the homeowner’s property as well as Town infrastructure if it blocks the flow of water.
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. Wilkins. Ms. Browning made a motion to enter into Executive Session for discussion of a personnel issue and to allow Mr. Zaiac to remain in the room. Seconded by Mr. Wilkins. The Board entered into Executive Session at 8:15PM. The Board came out of Executive Session at 8:383PM. No decisions were made as a result of the Executive Session.
Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve CRF Warrant #23-1, dated 12/29/22, in the amount of $16,802.43, to Deere Credit for the grader lease to buy contract. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Water Department Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant WD#1, dated 12/29/22, in the amount of $4,699.90. Mr. Paustian seconded. It includes invoices for the hydrant job and pump house heater. Motion passed unanimously.
Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant #1, dated 12/29/22, in the amount of $14,361.16, with key components being salt purchase for $5,800, FD protective clothing, and Miles Fuels. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Other Business: Ms. Browning and the Board thanked Mr. Zaiac for all his work on the preliminary budget.
Mr. Paustian made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:44PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary
Cc: files, Town Clerk