Minutes
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
February 26, 2024
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Todd Wilkins, Cynthia Browning, and Glenn Sherman
Members Absent: Jamie Paustian
Also Present: Mark Robinson – Highway Foreman, Highway Crew Member- John Kent, Steve McClafferty, Don Keelan, Bill Bullock, via Zoom – Mark Rondeau – Bennington Banner, Lance Lange, Keegan Douglas and Janet Barry
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM, by Mr. Harvey.
Public Comments: Steve McClafferty had paperwork for the Board from the Federal Register, concerning ARPA fund usage. After researching the information, it is his opinion that the Town purchasing an excavator or golf course sprinklers would not be permitted. He also said that even though he offered his help in formatting the Town Report, he does not feel the final product is formatted well and has noticed typos in the content. Mr. Zaiac was not able to attend the meeting, and it was agreed that ARPA funding will be discussed at a later date.
Minutes of the Meetings of February 5, 2024: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of February 5, 2024 as presented. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Paustian absent.
New Business: Liquor License: Bill Bullock was at the meeting as a representative for Arlington Common, to answer any questions the Board had about the One Time Occasion Liquor License being requested for the Fly- Fishing Festival for May 3-5, 2024. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the Arlington Common DLL Application for the Fly-Fishing Festival for the dates of May 3-May 5, 2024. Mr. Wilkins seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Paustian absent.
Grant Agreement for Hazard Mitigation Plan: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the award from the VT Department of Public Safety for $9,862.50 for Agreement #02140-31239-005B. Mr. Wilkins seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Paustian absent. The award only requires Mr. Harvey’s signature and is used to do required updates to the Town Hazardous Mitigation Plan.
Speed Study Authorization: The Board received a letter from Lance Lange on Hillside Road, with his concerns of speeding on the section of RT 313 that passes his house, and is owned by the State, and his desire to have the Town request a speed limit review from the State, in hopes of having the speed limit lowered to 25MPH. It was mentioned that Mr. Zaiac is in the process of obtaining a permit to allow the Town’s speed sign to be placed in the area. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to send an official speed study request for the RT 313W area of River Road. Ms. Browning seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Paustian absent.
Personnel Policy: The Personnel Policy has been drafted with a few minor edits that were discussed at the last meeting. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to approve, as written, the Town Personnel Policy, dated February 26, 2024. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion carried, unanimously, with Mr. Paustian absent.
Letter of Resignation: Ms. Browning made a motion to accept the letter of resignation from Town Auditor, Jenna Peeler, and request Mr. Zaiac send a letter of thanks for her service. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Paustian absent. Mr. Wilkins said he wanted to publicly thank Ms. Peeler for all her hard work on the Town’s behalf, and Mr. Harvey said Ms. Peeler has always proven to be competent, professional, and very helpful, and the other members agreed they were grateful for all she has done.
Fire Department Radio Spending Approval: It was discussed that the Fire Department has requested new radios from Central Vermont Communications for $6,014.43. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to table the decision until more information is available. Ms. Browning seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously with Mr. Paustian absent.
Town Meeting; Final Planning: It was discussed that at this time, the budget can only be voted at Town Meeting and not on the ballot, so townspeople need to attend the meeting in order to be able to vote on the budget. The way other towns handle this situation will be researched for the future.
Highways: Highway Foreman Mark Robinson agree to delay the talk about future Highway equipment purchases until after Town Meeting, and after ARPA fund requirements are clarified.
Ms. Browning said she will meet with Water Supervisor, Burr Snow, and Mr. Sherman to discuss Water Department needs and projects.
New Business Con’t: NEMRC Agreement: With the resignation of Town Auditor, Ms. Peeler, the Board discussed an agreement with Cynthia Stoddard from NEMRC for additional services to the Town, such as monthly reconciliation of bank accounts, review of all funds for inconsistencies, spot check payment to vendors, and complete a report of findings for the Treasurer and Board. There is money in the budget to cover this expense. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the agreement with Cynthia Stoddard and NEMRC for remote service for 5 hours per month for $145.00 per hour, with travel time being billed at $72.50 hour, as needed, as summarized in the letter to the Board and to authorize Dan Harvey to sign the agreement. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Paustian absent.
Town Administrator Report: There were no questions or discussion of the report.
Other Business: Mr. Wilkins said that he and Park Supervisor Willy Knight, and Mr. Zaiac had a successful meeting with the Park Committee for the new playground, and all is approved. Mr. Knight is meeting with vendors.
WD Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Water Department Warrant #4, dated February 23, 2024, in the amount of $5750.18, with key components being BC/BS payment, GMP payments, fuel and propane purchases. Mr. Wilkins seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Paustian absent.
A Warrant for mandated contributions to the retirement system was questioned, and Ms. Browning would like better explanation from the Treasurer going forward. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve PRW02, dated February 26, 2024, in the amount of $16,470.04 for VT Mandated Contributions to the Retirement Systems. Mr. Wilkins seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Paustian absent.
Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant #4, from the General account, dated February 23, 2024, in the amount of $44,014.99, with key items being salt purchase for $5,700, BC/BS payments, printing of the Town Report and GMP payments. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Paustian absent.
Executive Session: Ms. Browning made a motion that premature discussion of personnel and legal issues would cause the municipality to suffer substantial disadvantage. Seconded by Mr. Sherman. Ms. Browning made a motion to enter into Executive Session for discussion of personnel and legal issues. Seconded by Mr. Sherman. The Board entered Executive Session at 8:01PM. The Board exited Executive Session at 9:15PM. No decisions were made as part of the Session.
All Other Business: none
Mr. Sherman made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:16PM.