MINUTES
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
May 2, 2022
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Cynthia Browning, Todd Wilkins, Glenn Sherman, and Jamie Paustian
Members Absent: None
Also Present: (In person, or via Zoom) Town Administrator- Nick Zaiac, Bebe Bullock, Nicol Whalen, Gannon Osborn, Linda Crosby, Sally Manikian, Norman Robinson, and Janet Barry
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM, by Mr. Harvey.
Public Comments: Mr. Harvey asked for public comments unrelated to agenda items. There were none.
Minutes of the Meeting of April 26, 2022, and April 18, 2022: Mr. Paustian made a motion to accept as presented, the minutes of the emergency Select Board meeting of April 26, 2022. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed. Ms. Browning made a motion to accept as presented, the minutes of the meeting of April 18, 2022. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion passed with Mr. Wilkins abstaining because he had been absent.
New Business: State Park Letter of Support: Gannon Osborn, the Land Conservation Program Manager for the VT Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation was at the meeting via Zoom, and Sally Manikian, from the Conservation Fund, was in person, to ask the Board to sign a letter of support for the VT Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation acquisition of the 407-acre Red Mountain land parcel. Ms. Manikian said they are continuing on the all the work the Town had done on this project, and Mr. Osborn said they are in the first step discussions to gain easements and definite access, which would have to be guaranteed before the land could be purchased. The Board reviewed the letter, and agreed to sign with a contingency sentence added. Mr. Zaiac was able to edit, and reprint the letter for the Board to sign. Ms. Browning made a motion to add the following sentence: This support is conditional on sufficient public access and investment by project partners in the road and parking area without tax burden on the Town of Arlington, and approve as amended.Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Tax Sale Update: Delinquent Tax Collector, Linda Crosby, was at the meeting to ask the Board to authorize the cost for a mailing to homeowners with delinquent property taxes owed the Town, in preparation for a tax sale, which could be held in July 2022. The price per letter is approximately $25. A packet was supplied to the Board from Town Delinquent Tax Attorney, Kevin O’Toole, explaining the rules involved with tax sales. It was discussed that homeowners should get in touch with the Town to see if they qualify for abatements. It was also discussed that partial payments are accepted, as per VT State Statutes. A flier will also be included in the mailing, explaining the availability of a Covid era homeowners’ assistant program that could help homeowners with payment, and they can call the State to see how to qualify for the assistance. The letters will be ready for mailing in two – three weeks, and homeowners have three weeks to respond to the letters once they are received. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to authorize the tax sale mailing, not to exceed $1,000. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Arlington Commons Better Places Grant: Ms. Bullock and Ms. Whalen were at the meeting to check with the Board to see that their vision for the Better Places Grant was in line with the Board’s goals for Arlington Commons. Building a courtyard had been considered, but was deemed too expensive, so the grant money would be used for two pickle ball courts that are key in working towards the original fitness, and after school programming goals of Arlington Commons. It was discussed that it is a 2-1 match grant, and after a campaign launch date, publicity and fundraising for the needed $20,000 can begin. There would also be bleachers for tournament seating as well as café and picnic tables. Mr. Paustian asked about any parking issues that could arise, and Ms. Bullock said even after a large event this weekend, the parking had not been an issue. No action was required by the Board.
Mobile Vendor Permit: Mr. Robinson was at the meeting to ask for approval of his mobile vendor permit application to have a food truck at the park on Sundays. He already is at the Farmer’s Market on Fridays. Mr. Wilkins said the only conflict that could be an issue was if there was a dedicated event that does fundraising off selling their food. Mr. Zaiac will coordinate with Mr. Robinson if this is ever an issue. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the Mobile Vendor Permit for Norman Robinson. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Extend Wastewater Committee: The need for the Wastewater Committee to be extended was discussed. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to extend the Wastewater Sub-Committee to May 21, 2024. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Liquor Licenses: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the 2022 Renewal for 1st, and 3rd Class License to sell malt and vinous beverages, and Outside Consumption License to American Legion Post 69. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Concept Discussion; Park Washing Area: Mr. Zaiac asked for a sense of the Board to build a structure at the park to tilt mowers and allow for easier cleaning of park equipment, to be built in the back of the building. It was discussed that there is sufficient space and the water run-off will not be an issue. It was agreed that Mr. Zaiac should go forward with permitting for the project.
Old Business: Traffic Ordinance Modifications and Vote: The Board and Mr. Zaiac did the second read of the revised Arlington Traffic Ordinance that was discussed at the last meeting, that designates a “No Thru Truck” portion of Warm Brook Road beginning at the southwest end at the edge of the right of way of VT RT 7A and at the north end at the edge of the right of way of VT RT 313. Ms. Browning made a motion to accept proposed, changes to the Arlington Traffic Ordinance. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Appointment of Arlington Joint ARPA Committee Members: Ms. Browning made a motion to nominate Jamie Paustian and Glenn Sherman to serve on the Joint ARPA Committee. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Highways: Grants Paving Plan: Mr. Zaiac told the Board there are VTrans Paving Grants available to pave Crow Hill Road and Red Mountain Road. Ms. Browning made a motion to authorize Mr. Zaiac to seek bids on paving Crow Hill Road and Red Mountain Road. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Benedict Crossing Update: Mr. Zaiac explained to the Board that the Town will be awarded State money not to exceed $200,000, for the Benedict Crossing Bridge project, and he is waiting to hear from the State for the final figure, and there will be $150,000 in the Town’s bridge account in July. It was discussed that a basic concrete bridge would be the most functional, and would be able to have a 60,000-pound rating. Authorizing Mr. Zaiac make an RFP draft for the bridge replacement was discussed. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to authorize an RFP draft to be voted on at a future meeting. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Road Conditions: Ms. Browning said the people who live in West Arlington appreciate the patching work that has been done. She said she has driven Town roads and many are in good overall shape, but then some areas are very bad. She would like to see a systematic pattern of fitting in smaller repairs around bigger projects this summer. Mr. Zaiac said there will be 3000 feet of ditching in areas prone to erosion, and the crew be taking a class on the recently purchased hydro seeder, that was purchased with erosion grant money.
Town Administrator’s Report: The Board received a copy of the Town Administrator’s report. Ms. Browning asked of the status of Dietrich’s Trailer Park, that the Town had acquired at least eight years ago. Mr. Zaiac said the Fire Department wants to pursue the property, and he will have more feedback in the summer.
All Other Business: Mr. Wilkins said the firemen were inquiring if they will need an insurance rider for the chicken BBQ, and was informed that will not be required.
Water Department Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant WD#9 dated 4/28/22, in the amount of $2,610.33. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant #9, dated 4/28/22, in the amount of $16,026.84, with the biggest amount being fireman insurance and cemetery clean up. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Browning made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:28 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary
Cc: files, Town Clerk