Minutes
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
July 10, 2023
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Todd Wilkins, Cynthia Browning, Glenn Sherman, and Jamie Paustian
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Nick Zaiac-Town Administrator, Michael Fernandez-BCCD, Mike King-Fire Chief, FD Members, Liz Blum via Zoom, Carmen Ligato-GNAT videographer, Janet Barry (via Zoom)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM, by Mr. Harvey.
Public Comments: None
Minutes of the Meeting of June 19, 2023: Mr. Paustian made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of July 19, 2023, as presented. Ms. Browning seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
New Business: School Drainage Update: Michael Fernandez, from Bennington County Conservation District (BCCD) was at the meeting to give an update of school drainage projects, at Fisher Elementary and the parking lot at the library. He said at this time the projects are stalled because the estimates that were received were pre-pandemic, and the price of materials and labor has drastically increased. If he cannot find a company who can do the job for the amount currently in the budget for the project by the October 2023 deadline, he will resubmit when enhancement grants are released by the State.
Liquor License: The Arlington Commons submitted a form to have their own 1st Class Club License, so there will no longer be a need to approve separate events. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to approve the 1st Class club License for the Arlington Commons. Mr. Sherman seconded. The motion passed, with one abstention.
Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant C23-6, from the CRF Fund, dated 7/5/23, in the amount of $17,550, to Upstate Auto Sales for the Highway Department Ford F350. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion carried. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant #13, from the General account, dated 7/7/23, in the amount of $37,022.38, which contains FD physicals and maintenance, FD Manchester Dispatch payment, BCRC recycling, Sycamore Landscape for the Cemetery, Highway truck maintenance, and Town Hall computers. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
WD Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Water Department Warrant #13, dated 7/7/23, in the amount of $6,865.85, which contains the items of Water Quality Report printing, Otter Creek Engineering, and supplies. Mr. Paustian seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Town Administrator Report: Mr. Zaiac had presented the Board with his report and asked it there were any questions or comments. It was discussed that so far, flooding from the day’s rainstorm had not been an issue. Ms. Browning complimented Mr. Harvey, and longtime past Board member and Interim Town Administrator, Keith Squires, with having the drainage issues from Hurricane Irene era addressed and repaired, which is still benefitting the Town.
Executive Session: Ms. Browning made a motion that premature discussion of property and personnel issues 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 property and personnel issues and to allow Town Administrator, Nick Zaiac, and Fire Chief King to remain in the room. Seconded by Mr. Wilkins. Mr. Paustian recused himself from the personnel portion of the Executive Session. It was discussed that personnel issues are always done between the Board and the employee, without others present. The Board entered into Executive Session at 7:18PM. The Board exited Executive Session at 8:29PM. No decisions were reached as a result of the Session.
Mr. Wilkins made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:29PM.