MINUTES
ARLINGTON SELECTBOARD
NOVEMBER 5, 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 7:00pm by Chairman Keith Squires
Minutes of Meeting of October22, 2018:
Mr. Harvey made a motion to accept as presented, the minutes of October 22, 2018. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion carried.
Public Comments: There were no public comments.
New Business: Budget 2019 Mr. Squires started the meeting saying that the Board needs to start thinking about upcoming Budget 2019 time, and what possible expenses should be considered for the upcoming year. For Town Hall, he said the back entry roof area needs to be extended to protect from snow sliding onto someone entering/exiting the building. Also, the ceiling in Town Hall needs some repairs, and the front entry doors need some repairs as well. Mold is growing on the North side of the building, and needs to be cleaned. He would also like to look at expanding the parking area in the rear of Town Hall. As owners of the property, the Community House will need to be consulted on this possible project. Mr. Squires feels the Town’s Highway Department would be able to do the work, and it would ease the congested parking that can be an issue. Mr. Squires also stated it would be wise to start a fund dedicated to taking care of local ash trees, should the Emerald Ash Borer become a problem, as is expected to happen in the near future. He also said the Board might consider raising the amount in the Sinking Fund/Excavator Fund because the cost of new equipment has recently risen significantly. For the Rec Park expenses, Mr. Squires said he has been informed that the Masons’ Lodge feels they can fund one third of the expense of fixing up the ice skating area at the Park, as had been previously discussed at a meeting on September 10, 2018. He said the Board needs to look at how the remaining amount could be funded. Also, he was informed by Gerry Woodard that the septic tank at the park is starting to decay, and while not urgent, could be a significant expense in the future. Mr. Woodard will be getting figures together for the project. Mr. Squires also informed the Board that health insurance costs will rise in 2019. The premiums will increase by $3773.52 for 2019. Ms. Browning said she feels the West Arlington Covered Bridge is in need of some paint and maintenance in the upcoming year.
Sunderland Funding Request The Board received a letter from the Sunderland Selectboard regarding funding requests for 2019. The letter states if the Town of Arlington wishes to receive the same funding as it did for 2018, which was $5000, only a letter requesting that need be sent to their Board.
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Highways: Mr. Squires said the crew has been building new fenders and getting equipment ready for winter. Ball Mountain Road Culvert Mr. Squires said he will be getting prices and applying for State permits for the culvert replacement project on Ball Mountain Road and expects the work to begin in June 2019.
Water Department: Warrants and Orders: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve WD#22, from the Operating Account, in the amount of $1978.68. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed.
Old Business: Hazard Mitigation Plan: Mr. Squires said Michael Batcher, from BCRC, is putting together all the information from the last three months of discussions for the Board to review in the near future. Efficiency VT Mr. Squires said he received a letter from Efficiency Vermont about no cost energy saving audits the organization is offering to Arlington business owners. He asked Mr. Harvey to post the information on Facebook and said the Town Clerk will post it on the Town website as well.
Solid Waste Alliance Report Mr. Squires said he received the quarterly Solid Waste Alliance report, that shows the quarterly expenses by each town from July 2018-September 2018. It also has a summary of the activities the BCRC has had on behalf of the Alliance.
Old Mill Road Properties There was discussion by the Board as to the possibility of the owner of properties on Old Mill Road wanting to become tax exempt for his entertainment facility and rental units. In order to become tax exempt, the request would have to be on the ballot in March 2019 and voted and approved by Arlington residents.
Warrants and Orders: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve Order #45B, payroll for Keith Squires for his duties as Interim Town Administrator, in the amount of $792.00. Mr. Williams seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve Warrant order #2018-2, Reappraisal Fund, in the amount of $302.50, for computer installation in the Listers’ Office from E-Enable and NEMRC. Mr. Williams seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve Warrant #24, for Appropriation disbursements that were voted on in 2018, in the amount of $72,154.00. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve General Warrant #23, in the amount of $23,547.17. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed.
Mr. Jennings made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Williams seconded. Motion passed, meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary
Meeting video taped
Cc: files, Town Clerk