Minutes
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
April 24, 2023
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Todd Wilkins, Cynthia Browning, Glenn Sherman, and Jamie Paustian
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Nick Zaiac-Town Administrator, Mark Robinson-Highway Foreman (via Zoom), GNAT videographer, Fire Department Members Mike King, Jay Coonradt, and Vince Thompson, Burr Snow, Alexander Burke, Jane Jenkins, and Janet Barry, via Zoom
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM, by Mr. Harvey.
Public Comments: None
Minutes of the Meeting of April 10, 2023: Ms. Browning made a motion to accept as presented, the minutes of the April 10, 2023 meeting. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
New Business: Fire Department Discussion: Chief King spoke to the Board about various matters. They discussed dry hydrants, that are prone to getting silt in them and have always been problematic. He said he is getting quotes from Mark Davis for a pipe that could help elevate some issues. Mr. Zaiac said there may be grant money available for the project. It was discussed that the maintenance of dry hydrants is of mutual concern with Sandgate and Arlington and a letter could be sent to the Sandgate Select Board that would invite them to start a conversation about the issue. Mr. Zaiac will get a list of hydrants. It was discussed that there are hydrants that need to be repainted. Chief King said the new truck is done in Buffalo and is going to St. Albans for ladders and lettering. Selling truck 75, which has a severe water leak and is unusable, at auction, was discussed. Mr. Paustian made a motion to try to sell Truck 75 at Auction International, with a minimum bid of $1,500. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The possibility of having Manchester take over Fire Department dispatch was discussed. It would cost $2300 for new equipment, but Mr. Zaiac will meet with the Manchester Town Administrator to discuss a contract, before any purchases are made. Changes to Fire Department policy will be warned for review at the next meeting. It was decided that the structure of a Chief Subcommittee will be two Select Board members, two Fire Department members, and one member from the general public. The Fire Department Building Subcommittee will consist of two Select Board members, 2 Fire Department members and three members from the general public.
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. Sherman. Ms. Browning made a motion to enter into Executive Session for discussion of a personnel issue and to allow Jane Jenkins to remain in the room. Seconded by Mr. Wilkins. The Board entered into Executive Session at 7:40PM. The Board came out of Executive Session at 8:09PM. No decisions were reached as a result of the Executive Session.
New Business, Con’t: Appointments: The Board discussed the expectations and legalities associated with being a ZBA member with Alexander Burke, a local prosecutor interested in being appointed to the ZBA. He works with property disputes and advises the State Police in property issues as part of his profession. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to appoint Alexander Burke to a 2 year term on the ZBA. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
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 and Mr. Robinson to remain in the room. Seconded by Mr. Paustian. The Board entered into Executive Session at 8:19PM. The Board came out of Executive Session at 8:45PM. No decisions were reached as a result of the Executive Session.
New Business Con’t: Delinquent Tax Collector Letter: The delinquent tax collector has prepared 14 letters to advise homeowners their property will go to tax sale. The cost for each letter is $30. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to approve the mailing of the delinquent tax letters, not to exceed $420. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Liquor Licenses: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve a 1st, and 3rd Class Club License, and an Outdoor Consumption Permit for American Legion Post 69, Inc. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the Request for a Catering Permit for Thyme Tables Catering, Inc, for an event at Arlington Commons. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion carried. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve a Catering Permit for Couch and Cork, LLC, for an event at the Arlington Commons on April 27, 2023. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion carried.
All require only verbal authorization.
Wastewater Project Budget Adjustment: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the application for the Wastewater Project from the State revolving loan program for $103,465. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Capitalization Policy: Mr. Zaiac explained he has been working on a Capitalization Policy on the advice of the auditors, to help going forward in tracking assets and having a unified policy. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the Capitalization Policy as presented. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Old Business: Anchor Easement: This item had been delayed from the last meeting for review. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve of the anchor easement for Green Mountain Power, on pole #43- #485425, and to allow Town Administrator, Nick Zaiac, to sign. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
All Other Business: Ms. Browning said she will be drafting a letter concerning various things discussed at the previous meeting, such as using the kiosk at the river to alert the public for water levels, law enforcement patrols, and the suggestion to supply additional public facilities, and will submit it to Mr. Zaiac for his review and ideas, and it will be discussed at a later date.
Town Administrator Report: Mr. Zaiac said he has been working on the Capital Asset Policy and the in-house audit, which should be done in a few days. Mr. Paustian said there is a fence on Carbonti Circle that was hit by a Town plow driver that still needs to be repaired. Mr. Zaiac said he will send a letter to the homeowner.
Water Department Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant WD#8, dated 4/21/2023, in the amount of $1,498.09, with key elements being BC/BS premium and GMP. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant #8, dated 4/21/23, in the amount of $30,960.30, with key elements being the new Park golf cart, MTE Park greens mower, and White Creek Plowing. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
All Other Business: It was mentioned that there was some damage to a Town culvert and a fence and Mr. Zaiac will talk to the White Creek crew about the damage. Mr. Paustian said he has been speaking to Salem Farm Supply about the bagger the Town was sold that is useless. They are talking to their managers about taking it away and giving a refund.
Mr. Paustian made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 9:19PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary Cc Town Clerk Files