MINUTES
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
OCTOBER 22, 2018
Members Present: Keith Squires, Cynthia Browning, Daniel Harvey, Reggie Jennings Jr, Tim Williams
Also Present:, Jack McDonough-GNAT-TV,
The meeting was called to order at 7:03pm by Chairman Keith Squires
Minutes of Meeting of October 8, 2018:
Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the minutes of October 8, 2018. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion carried.
Public Comments: There were no public comments.
New Business: The Fire Department had been scheduled to come to the meeting but were unable to make attend. Jessica Roberts: At the last meeting it was voted on that Jessica Roberts would be appointed to the Planning Commission. However, after the meeting, it was realized that she would make the eighth member of the Commission, so the Board decided they could offer her an Alternate position instead. Ms. Browning made a motion to appoint Jessica Roberts as an alternate to fill in as needed. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Squires also informed the Board that Mrs. Roberts had spoken with Land Use Administrator, William Henry, and had offered to volunteer in his office with filing and organizing. The Board approved her as a volunteer in the Land Use Office to assist Mr. Henry.
Lister Request: Mr. Squires said he received a request from one of the Listers to purchase the old computer from the Lister Office. The Board discussed the issue and it was decided that it is not good practice for this to occur due to the Town information being stored in the old computer.
Christmas Tree Sales: Mr. Williams told the Board that the annual Christmas tree/wreath sale at the Community House will begin on November 23, 2018. Prices will remain the same as last year, $38 per tree, with wreaths being $18 each.
Sheriff Patrols at Cemeteries: In light of the recent tombstone destruction in a Bennington Cemetery and with Halloween coming soon, Mr. Williams suggested that the Town have the Sheriff’s Department check on the Town cemeteries periodically. Mr. Squires said he will contact the Sheriff’s Department to request their assistance.
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Highways: Mr. Squires said the crew has been mowing and spot grading. Winter sand has been delivered and payment has been made, for the 2018-2019 season.
New Truck: The new Highway Department truck should be complete by the beginning of the new year.
Mr. Squires said he had spoken with the foremen, Gary Weller, and he has concerns about employees from the Medical Center parking on Church St, which will make it hard for him to plow this winter. The Medical Center is short on parking, so the employees have been using Church St. to park their vehicles. Keith asked the Board’s permission to draft a note to the Medical Center to warn them they may be asked to move their cars from Church St. during the work day so plowing can be done. He also said there will be a warning posted in the Bennington Banner, reminding residents of the Town’s winter parking regulations.
Water Department: Warrants and Orders: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve WD#10, payroll, in the amount of $4997.22. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve WD#21, from the normal operating account, for $14,867.32. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed. That amount includes $6500 to replace an automatic transfer switch at the South Road Pump Station.
Old Business: Hazard Mitigation Plan: Mr. Squires said he and Michael Batcher, from BCRC, had a very productive meeting with the Fire Department, where they discussed issues pertaining to the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Mr. Batcher is continuing to work on the structure of the plan.
Speed Cart: A speed cart was put into place on Old Mill Rd. as was discussed at the last meeting. As of now, there does not seem to be any impact on speeders, and it is thought the Sheriff’s Department may need to start issuing tickets. Mr. Squires said he is continuing to gather information about radar signs for the Town, as was discussed at the last meeting as well.
Budget Status Report: The Board reviewed an updated Budget Status Report so see how expenditures were coinciding with the original budgeted amounts. It was noted that the maintenance line in the Town garage section went over budget because they needed to buy a secure cabinet per an insurance inspection, for keeping potentially dangerous items securely locked. The Truck and Equipment maintenance line shows a larger expense due to maintenance to the grader. For the Fire Department, the maintenance line is over budget because a truck body needed a lot of repairs. And on Park and Rec, the amount paid on electricity is high due to electric heaters in the park bathrooms. Ms. Browning made a motion to accept these expenses as understandable. Mr. Harvey seconded. Motion was accepted.
Warrants and Orders: Mr. Harvey made a motion to accept Warrant # 2018-1, dated October 22, 2018, in the amount of $2664.79, for new computers and installation from E-Enable for the Lister’s Office, from the Reappraisal Fund. Mr. Williams seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve as presented, General Warrant #22, dated October23, 2018, in the amount of $68092.65, of which $41,762.95 is winter sand expense, and $11,245.45 is Bennington County tax payment. Mr. Squires seconded. Motion passed.
Mr. Harvey made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion passed, meeting adjourned at 8:10PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary
Meeting video taped
Cc: files, Town Clerk