MINUTES
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
November 7, 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, Lisa and Jim Prosper, Vimal Marans, 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. Lisa and Jim Prosper were at the meeting to discuss the letter they had sent the Board about UTV’s, ATV’s and dirt bikes being driven on Berwal Road, and their request for road signs stating these vehicles are prohibited on Town roads. The Board and Mr. Zaiac agreed they were glad to have this brought to their attention and signage would be in the next budget. Mr. Harvey said ATV’s and unregistered vehicles have always been illegal on Town roads, and it will be good to educate people with signage, and Ms. Browning said maybe a notice could also be posted in the Banner.
Minutes of the Meeting of October 24, 2022: Mr. Sherman made a motion to accept as presented, the minutes of the October 24, 2022 meeting. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed, with Mr. Wilkins absent.
Highways: Salter Hill Extension Street Naming Vote: Mr. Zaiac explained the Vermont Enhanced 911 Board has said that a portion of Salter Hill Road is not in compliance with the naming and numbering system required. There are 3 land parcels on the shared road off Salter Hill. Residents were sent letters with suggestions to rename their portion of the road, but they did not respond. The Board discussed name suggestions. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the naming of the road off Salter Hill Road as Salter Hill Road Extension, per 911 Board letter. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Wilkins absent. It was discussed that the Board can review and change the name if they think of a better option. Mr. McClafferty asked if renaming other “Extension” roads in Town would be considered and Mr. Paustian said the only other “Extension” is School Street Extension.
Grading Update: Mr. Zaiac and the Board discussed the grading that has been done on Red Mountain and Raven Rock Road, and the South end of Old West Road. Mr. Paustian said there are several more that are still in need of grading.
Old Business: Wastewater Loan Application: The Board signed the State Wastewater Revolving Loan Program application, prepared by Mr. Zaiac, to cover costs for a wastewater study that was discussed at a past meeting. It was discussed that the cost of the study will be much less than what was anticipated. Ms. Browning made a motion that the Town of Arlington apply for the Step One Clean Water Loan from the State of Vermont Water and Wastewater Revolving Loan Program, for $41,430.00. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Wilkins absent.
New Business: Sidewalk Plow Quotes: Mr. Zaiac presented the Board with two quotes for a plow attachment for the John Deere tractor for sidewalk and park paths. Autosaver Ford for $6,655.00 and East Creek Automotive for $7,238.53. Ms. Browning made motion to accept the purchase of the sidewalk plow from Autosaver Ford for $6,655.00. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Wilkins absent.
Budget Year-End Check-In: The Board had budget reports to review. Mr. Zaiac said all departments are in solid shape, and departments have done well in keeping in budget, even with inflationary pressures. This was a check-in, and initial discussions will take place at the upcoming meetings, to start budget season. Mr. Harvey asked that Mr. Zaiac check with our fuel oil and diesel suppliers to make sure we will be adequately supplied, in light of predicted shortages. Mr. McClafferty asked about the Solar Panel Fee line in the budget. He wanted to know if the Town was getting a return on investment. Mr. Zaiac said the Town saves approximately 10% on electric rates, and we are using Lederlee, a local vendor, so the Board is under zero obligation to continue with the agreement.
Line Overruns: Mr. Zaiac presented the Board with a list of budget line overruns, including the Lister’s Office for $2000 for extra mailings and printings, Town Hall services line for $2200 for facilities improvements and weatherization and the Solar Panel Fee line, which had not been funded because there had not been a full year of the fees to be able to anticipate the expense for the budget. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the list of cost overrun lines as presented. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Wilkins absent.
All Other Business: None
Town Administrator’s Report: Mr. Zaiac said he had been doing miscellaneous grant work and the Wastewater Loan Application and wrapping up assorted projects. Water Department and Highway did two water digs for repairs, and Mr. Knight is on vacation, and Mr. Zaiac will be checking on the Park in his absence. He said there will be someone from BCRC and a Windham County representative at the next meeting to discuss an economic development project.
Water Department Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant WD#21, dated Nov. 4, 2022, in the amount of $1,958.37, which includes supplies, retirement, and water samples. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Wilkins absent.
Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant #21, dated Nov. 4, 2022, in the amount of $60,616.51, with major items being a leaf management equipment purchase, BCRC solid waste, and sand hauling expense. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Wilkins being absent.
Executive Session: Ms. Browning made a motion that premature discussion of property and personnel issues would cause the municipality to suffer substantial disadvantage. Seconded by Mr. Paustian. Ms. Browning made a motion to enter into Executive Session for discussion of property and personnel issues and to allow Town Administrator, Mr. Zaiac, to remain in the room. Seconded by Mr. Sherman. The Board entered into Executive Session at 7:52PM. The Board came out of Executive Session at 9:00PM. No decisions were made as a result of the Executive Session.
Mr. Paustian made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 9:01PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary
Cc: files, Town Clerk