Minutes
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
August 5, 2024
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Cynthia Browning, Glenn Sherman and Jamie Paustian
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Mark Robinson-Highway Foreman, Matt Bykowski, Josh Williams, Steve McClafferty, “Sue” and Janet Barry- via Zoom
The meeting was called to order at 7:00PM, by Mr. Harvey.
Public Comments: Mr. McClafferty asked if the Board had received any financial statements yet. Mr. Zaiac said he would have them for the next meeting. Mr. Sherman said he would like to see them sooner rather than later. Mr. Zaiac said he will circulate them to the Board before the next meeting.
Minutes of the Meetings of July 22, 2024: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of July 22, 2024 as presented. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried.
New Business: Heating Oil Award: The Board reviewed the oil purchase options from Miles Fuels for variable or fixed rate contracts for 2024-2025. Mr. Zaiac said he has reviewed oil futures, and he feels the offer of $3.19 per gallon fixed is the best option. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve purchasing oil from Miles Fuels at the fixed rate of $3.19 per gallon. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion, with a discussion request. Mr. Paustian said last year it had been discussed that it might be an option to combine the contract the school system has with Miles, which is fifty cents per gallon cheaper, with the Town, to try to get a better price. Mr. Zaiac will contact Miles with the inquiry and the motion was tabled until the next meeting.
Solar Purchase Proposal: The Board received a proposal from Sunny Side Up Solar, LLC, to buy solar credits from the company to help offset some electricity costs, as is currently done with Lederlee. The Town could save approximately $330 annually and help offset its carbon footprint.
Ms. Browning made a motion to pass a resolution, authorizing the Town Administrator to oversee the allocation of solar generated credits to the Town’s Green Mountain Power streetlight account and to instruct accounts payable personnel to pay invoices monthly to Sunny Side Up Solar, LLC, for the amount of those credits, less 5.0%. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. McClafferty said he had looked up electricity costs from past Town Reports and produced paperwork he gave the Board and Mr. Zaiac to show his findings. He said he does not see substantial savings or any decreases in the electric bill and feels it was a bad decision to partner with Lederlee, and questioned the new resolution with Sunny Side Up Solar. Mr. Zaiac said he had never promised major savings and said there is a marginal decrease. Mr. Paustian said the school also has a similar solar agreement with approximately 12% savings. The Board asked Mr. Zaiac to research the costs and savings and the agreement will be revisited in a month.
Highways: Benedict Crossing Update: Mr. Zaiac said he had an update from MSK and the subcontractor has turned in their work, which is what they were waiting for in order for them to do their part of the project.
7A Crosswalk Proposal: Mr. Paustian discussed the dangers of crossing RT 7A, and the concept of adding a crosswalk near the staircase along RT 7A between Stewarts and E. Arlington Road. Mr. Sherman noted the dangers of large trucks parking along that area of RT 7A, and the busy parking lot of Stewarts as being hazardous. Mr. Robinson brought up ADA compliance issues at the area by the stairs. Mr. Zaiac said he is waiting to hear back from the State as to what would be required for a crosswalk in that area.
Sidewalks: The marble sidewalk on RT 7A in front of Town Hall was discussed. Mr. Robinson said it is uneven and gets hit with the sidewalk plow. Mr. Zaiac said in the historic area marble has to be used, and he will measure the area and get an idea of what needs to be done for repairs. He said there may be enough money in the sidewalk budget. Mr. McClafferty said there are also sidewalks in East Arlington in need of repair that Mr. Zaiac will also inspect.
911 Renumbering: Mr. Zaiac informed the Board of the three houses on Sunrise Lane that need to be renumbered that is being mandated by the 911 Board.
Mr. Paustian asked about striping on Red Mountain Road. Mr. Zaiac said it is technically a Class 3 road so not striped by the State. He has tried two vendors who were unable to do the work and will look for another vendor.
Mr. Paustian asked if a plugged culvert on E. Arlington Road could be replaced before school starts. Mr. Robinson said he will be on vacation next week and has a Water Department job on Woodchuck Hill after his vacation so he could not guarantee it would be done before school starts but he may be able to do a temporary fix and take out the catch basin to help with drainage. Mr. Paustian thanked Mr. Robinson and Shane Brownell for putting in extra hours recently. It was discussed that Mr. Brownell will have emergency contacts, including mutual aid with Sunderland and Sandgate road crew, if he needs help when Mr. Robinson is on vacation, and Mr. Paustian also offered assistance if needed.
Town Administrator Report: The Board did not have questions regarding the report.
WD Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Water Department Warrant #15, dated 8/2/24, in the amount of $207.85. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant #15, from the General account, dated 8/2/24, in the amount of $12,366.40, with key elements being Sycamore Landscaping for $2,285, VLCT insurance for $1,333, Miles Fuel for $1,992.60, and Fire Department maintenance for $1,541.14. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Harvey said the Board had signed a letter to Todd Wilkins, acknowledging all the work he did for the Town, and also thanked him personally and said he will be missed.
Executive Session: Ms. Browning made a motion that premature discussion of personnel, property, 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, property and legal issues, and to allow Town Administrator, Nick Zaiac, and Road Foreman Mark Robinson to remain in the room. Seconded by Mr. Sherman. The Board entered Executive Session at 8:01PM. The Board exited Executive Session at 8:42PM. No decisions were reached as a result of the session.
All Other Business: None
Mr. Sherman made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:42PM.