Minutes
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
April 8, 2024
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Todd Wilkins Glenn Sherman, and Jamie Paustian
Members Absent: Cynthia Browning
Also Present: Ali Elwell-Zaiac, Brian Hawley, Chelsea Thompson, Steven McClafferty, Mike King-AFD Chief, Courtney Nahodil, Erick Marko, Mike Wood, Mark Rondeau-Bennington Banner, GNAT-TV, and Janet Barry- via Zoom
The meeting was called to order at 7:00PM, by Mr. Harvey.
Public Comments: None
Minutes of the Meetings of March 25, 2024: Mr. Paustian made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 25, 2024 as presented. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried.
New Business: Fire Department Discussion: Fire Department members were at the meeting to discuss various items. Knox Box: Knox Box issues were discussed. Mr. Zaiac said he has a proposal to solve issues with keeping logs and Knox Box use. He had a quote for a more comprehensive system that is secure and accountable with codes, that would show who accessed the box. They would be placed in fire trucks and chief vehicles. Monitoring would be $791 per year, and Mr. Zaiac will get a quote with brackets and see if they can be moved to different trucks if need be. Dry Hydrants: Chief King said last spring he met with Troy Dare and toured the dry hydrant sites and had quotes for three swing hydrants, but nothing had been decided by the Town. Mr. Zaiac said he never received any designs last year, and he will communicate with whoever he needs to get specific designs to send to VTRANS for approval. Fire Trucks: Chief King said Truck #74 had been appraised at $40,000-50,000. He said the truck is at West Station but is not being used and has no equipment in it. He said current officers feel it should be sold and use the money to replace their SUV Truck #710. Mr. Paustian feels that is too low a price for the truck, and it should be kept by the department. Mr. Zaiac said the Capital Plan calls for a replacement SUV next year. It was decided that this issue would be warned for the next meeting. Fund Raising: Department members discussed where money raised by the Department could be safely kept for purchases they are saving to buy. Mr. Zaiac said an independent, three member, Trustees of Public Funds committee could be set up, and money would be invested.
Having the Fire Company become part of the Municipality was discussed. Mr. Wilkins said there are many legalities involved and it is an ongoing conversation, and not something that can be done mid-year, with the legal, and financial implications, and would have to be accounted for in the budget. It was said that Fire Department members will be invited to be part of budget discussions next year. The Department not having a working printer was discussed, and Mr. Paustian heard from Darren Jennings that the Company had purchased a new printer the Department can use. Being able to apply for State grants was discussed. Ali Elwell-Zaiac said she has grant writing experience and would help them apply for any grants they are seeking. Transfer of Buildings: Transferring the fire stations to Town ownership was discussed again. Mr. Zaiac said he will seek the Town’s insurance representative’s advice concerning buildings being in compliance, and being able to be used as they are currently. Deed issues were also discussed. Mr. Paustian said he will look at surrounding town’s fire stations.
Appointments: Mr. Sherman made a motion to appoint Anthony Smith to the ZBA and Jamie Paustian to the Regional Emergency Management Committee. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried, with Ms. Browning absent.
Highways: Road Inventory Confirmation: Mr. Paustian made a motion to adopt the Town Road and Bridge Standards and Network Inventory for 2024, dated 3/25/2024. Mr. Wilkins seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Ms. Browning absent.
Mr. Wilkins made a motion to allow the Town of Arlington to participate in Grants In Aid Program for 2025. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Ms. Browning absent.
Town Administrator Report: Mr. Zaiac said he did an all day training in Emergency Management, and has been preparing for legislative testimony. Mr. Paustian inquired about the Cambridge fire agreement that was approved at the last meeting. Mr. Hawley said he had met with a Cambridge representative who apologized for not notifying Arlington Fire Department before responding to a call, and said the Town should have been notified.
WD Warrants and Orders: Mr. Paustian made a motion to approve Water Department Warrant #7, in the amount of $241.85, with biggest items being the Postmaster for annual box rental, and Comcast. Mr. Wilkins seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Ms. Browning absent.
Warrants and Orders: Mr. Paustian made a motion to approve Warrant #7, from the General account, in the amount of $25,549.40, with large ticket items being RHR Smith for audit, Peckham for stone for $2,600, Miles Fuel for $5,200, and FD purchases from MES for $4,374.91. Mr. Wilkins seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Ms. Browning absent.
Other Business: None
Executive Session: Mr. Sherman made a motion that premature discussion of personnel and legal issues would cause the municipality to suffer substantial disadvantage. Seconded by Mr. Paustian. Mr. Sherman made a motion to enter into Executive Session for discussion of personnel and legal issues, and to allow Town Administrator, Nick Zaiac to remain in the room. Seconded by Mr. Wilkins. The Board entered Executive Session at 8:25PM. The Board exited Executive Session at 8:48PM. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to authorize Mr. Zaiac to contact Treasurer applicants and negotiate with the winning candidate. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Ms. Browning absent.
All Other Business: none
Mr. Paustian made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:49PM.