MINUTES
ARLINGTON SELECTGBOARD
JUNE 5, 2017
Members Present: Keith Squires, Daniel Harvey, Cynthia Browning, Timothy Williams,
Reggie Jennings, Jr.
Also Present: Jack McDonough, Hoss Wuerslin-GNAT-TV
The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Chairman Keith Squires.
Minutes Meeting of May 22, 2017: Mary reported that there was a correction to the Water Department Warrant – the corrected total amount from the Water Department Operating Account was $6529.00 – this was reduced by the subtraction of taxes charges by The Blake Group. Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of May 22, 2017 as corrected. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried.
Highway Report: Mr. Squires reported that the road crew has been finishing the culvert project on Carbonti circle. They have been working on grading but weather has not been cooperating. They are currently working on cleaning bridges.
Water Department: Contract for Water Improvements on Chittenden Drive: Mr. Squires reported that three (3)RFP’s were sent out for bids to work on the water line improvements on Chittenden Drive.. The Town received one (1) bid for the work. The bid was from Weaver Excavating, Inc. of Shaftsbury, Vermont – for a total contract price of $115,000.00. Mr. Squires reported that Aldrich & Elliott’s Jason Booth recommended that the Town reject the bid with the thought of going out to bid again later in the season. Mr. Harvey made a motion to reject the bid from Weaver Excavating and leave the option open to bid again in the future. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried. Mr. Squires will check with Jason Booth to see if they will do a letter or they will want the Town to do a letter to Weaver Excavating Inc. notifying them of this decision.
Warrants & Orders: Operating Account: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize payment of $12,247.06. from the Water Department Operating Account for Warrant WD #11 dated June 5, 2017. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. Motion carried.
Water Department Ordinance: Mr. Squires reported that the Water Department Ordinance is in effect as of May 27, 2017.
Old Business: Painting Town Hall: Mr. Squires reported that the Town had received one (1) bid for painting and powerwashing the Town Hall Building, and cleaning the outside of the windows. The bid was from D.A.B. Painting, Inc – Mike Carpenter Owner. Board members reviewed the one bid. Mary noted that this contractor had been painting at the Arlington Inn. Mr. Jennings stated that he would contact the Arlington Inn to see how satisfied they were with the work and to get proof of insurance from Mike Carpenter. Ms. Browning made a motion to authorize Mr. Jennings to give D.A.B.’ Mike Carpenter the go-ahead to do the work on Town Hall with the condition that there is clarification of the bid, a reference check, and proof of insurance. Seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion carried.
Battenkill North Project: Mr. Squires reported that the proposals that came in for the Battenkill North Project are a lot higher than expected. The Town of Arlington will request an amendment to the Grant Agreement. Ms. Browning made a motion to authorize Mr. Squires to sign the request for an amendment to the Grant Agreement: ‘ IG-2015-Arlington 00020-Battenkill North’. Seconded by Mr. Harvey. Motion carried. (Letter attached to minutes on file)
Speed Cart: Mr. Harvey stated that he will be contacting the Sheriff to get the data they have collected at the speed cart location on East Arlington Road.
Dog Park: Mr. Harvey reported that Miles here in Town donated 400 feet of fencing – and gave the Town another 400 feet of fencing ‘at cost’. He reported that RK Miles donated a $50.00 gift card. There was discussion on the issue of getting the fence put up, a gate installed, and signage. Board members will set a date for a work party to get the fencing put in.
New Business: Local Emergency Operation Plan (LEOP) Adoption: Mr. Harvey made a motion to adopt the Local Emergency Operation Plan for 2017 dated 06/05/2017. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried.
Sheriffs 2017 Contract: There was discussion on the amount of Sheriff’s’ hours per week. Board members were in favor of keeping the hours per week at 20 hours/week. Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize Mr. Squires to sign the ‘Law Enforcement Contract between the Bennington County Sheriff’s Department and Town of Arlington beginning July 01, 2017 – June 30, 2018’ for $34.74 per hour for Deputy, $8.00 per hour for cruiser, and a total of 20 hours per week. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried.
Arlington Lions Club Shed Building at the Park: Board members reviewed copies of a letter from Lions President Nick Monte stating that the Arlington Lions Club rants permission to the Town of Arlington to demolish and remove a storage shed located on the southwest corner of the Lions property on route 7A in Arlington. The Lions Club assumes no responsibility or liability for the removal and disposal of the building. There was discussion on this issue. Ms. Browning made a motion to authorize Mr. Squires and Park employees/others to proceed to move ahead with the removal of the Lions Club Storage Shed. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. Motion carried.
Sunderland’s Notice to Taxpayers as of 04/01/2017: Board member reviewed a notice from Sunderland regarding a change in appraisal of real estate. Mr. Squires noted that last year Arlington sent a letter to Sunderland noting that we are a municipality and are tax exempt. He suggested a similar letter be sent again this year. Board members were in favor of this.
Flag Day: Board members reviewed a letter from the Bennington Elks inviting Board members to their annual Flag Day Ceremony on Sunday June 11, 2017 at the Bennington Elks Lodge beginning at 12:30 noon. Mr. Jennings stated that he would try to attend.
Agency of Natural Resources: Mr. Squires reported that the Agency of Natural Resources will be doing water- leak detection studies. The Board was in favor of following through on this issue.
Warrants & Orders: Payroll: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize payment of $264.00 to Keith Squires for duties as Interim Administrator for the period of May 21, 2017 through June 3, 2017 as noted on Payroll Order # 23B dated June 5, 2017. Seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion carried with Mr. Harvey, Mr. Williams, Mr. Jennings, and Ms. Browning voting in favor of the motion. Mr. Squires abstained from the vote. General Warrant: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize payment of Warrant Order #11, dated June 6, 2017 for the total amount of $31,265.35. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried.
Mr. Harvey made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary M. Henning, Recording Secretary
meeting video taped
cc: files, Town Clerk, Website