Minutes
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
December 5, 2022
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Todd Wilkins, and Jamie Paustian
Members Absent: Cynthia Browning and Glenn Sherman
Also Present: (In person, or via Zoom) Jonathon Cooper-BCRC, Michael Rudiakov-GNAT, and Janet Barry
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM, by Mr. Harvey.
Public Comments: None
Minutes of the Meeting of Nov. 21, 2022: Mr. Paustian made a motion to accept as presented, the minutes of the Nov. 21, 2022 meeting. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed, with Ms. Browning and Mr. Sherman absent.
New Business: Economic Development District : Jonathan Cooper from BCRC returned to the meeting to ask for a letter of support from the Board for the forming of the Southern VT Economic Development Zone, and to answer questions from the previous meeting. The Southern Vermont Economic Development District (EDD) is a proposed multi-jurisdictional non-profit entity, which will be recognized at the local, state and federal levels, and will lead planning and development, and coordinate funding and implementation for locally based and regionally driven economic development and projects in the Southern Vermont Zone. It was discussed that there is a mechanism in place for modification of proposals if the municipality feels changes should be made. The EDD recognizes that municipalities are a valuable player in economic development. The organization would begin with technical assistance and then implementation. It was discussed that there is no downside to the Town in supporting the project. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to approve the support of the EDD. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried with Ms. Browning and Mr. Sherman absent. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to authorize the Chair, Mr. Harvey, to sign the letter when it is available on Town letterhead. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried with Ms. Browning and Mr. Sherman absent.
Budget 2023: Mr. Harvey asked for any thoughts, questions or concerns as budget season begins. Mr. Harvey said the Select Board took a drop in pay in the crash of 2008 and at some point the Board needs to consider small incremental increases to the Board stipend, and to also consider a small token, perhaps $500 each, for Water Board Commissioners, who currently receive no stipend for that role. Mr. Wilkins said there needs to be an increase in the gravel budget, after having focused on updating and replacing equipment in this year’s budget. He said Mr. Knight has done a phenomenal job keeping the Park top notch, and perhaps a new greens mower could be added to the budget. Mr. Paustian said the garage needs improvements and having internet and cameras at the garage needs to be pursued. Mr. Wilkins said maybe a subcommittee could be formed in 2023 with the goal of replacing the garage. It was discussed that paving needs to be done to the top of Berwal, Crow Hill and Wilcox roads. Mr. Harvey said Highway surplus funds can be carried into the next budget year.
All Other Business: Mr. Paustian spoke to the Board about the culvert work needing to be done on Murray Hollow Road in order for the Jackson NY highway crew to continue to plow the road. They are currently refusing to plow the entire road because the small culvert in place there allows ice to build up and cover the road. It was discussed that the highway crew should be able to replace the culvert in the next few days, as temperatures are supposed to be warm enough for the project to be done. It was discussed that there is a brief, Special Water Board meeting Wednesday, December 7th at 6:30PM, to vote overspending a budget line.
Town Administrator’s Report: The Board has the report in their packet for review.
Water Department Warrants and Orders: Mr. Wilkins made a motion to approve Warrant WD#23, in the amount of $1,448.96. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Ms. Browning and Mr. Sherman absent.
Warrants and Orders: Mr. Wilkins made a motion to approve Warrant #24, in the amount of $14,005.57, with highlights being Fire Department new equipment and fuel oil. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously, with Ms. Browning and Mr. Sherman absent.
Executive Session: Mr. Wilkins made a motion that premature discussion of a property matter would cause the municipality to suffer substantial disadvantage. Seconded by Mr. Paustian. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to enter into Executive Session for discussion of a property matter. Seconded by Mr. Paustian. The Board entered into Executive Session at 7:52PM. The Board came out of Executive Session at 8:11PM. No decisions were made as a result of the Executive Session.
Mr. Paustian made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:11PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary
Cc: files, Town Clerk