MINUTES
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
November 9, 2020
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Matthew Bykowski, Cynthia Browning, Tim Williams, and Todd Wilkins
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Town Administrator- Nick Zaiac, Jack McDonough-GNAT-TV, in person, and Traci Mulligan – Animal Control Officer, Denise Monte, and Janet Barry, via telephone.
The meeting was called to order at 6:59 by Mr. Harvey
Public Comments: None
Minutes of the Meeting of October 26, 2020: Ms. Wilkins made a motion to approve the minutes of the Select Board meeting of Oct. 26, 2020. Mr. Bykowski seconded. Motion passed.
Investigative Hearing on 10/11/20 Dog Bite: Mr. Zaiac explained the dog bite incident that took place on 10/11/20 to the Board. He said the dog attacked a neighbor’s sheep, and that he had interviewed witnesses and neighbors about the incident, and it was universally stated that the dog was loose and attacked the sheep. Ms. Mulligan, the Animal Control Officer, was on the phone to discuss her investigation of the issue. She said this dog owner has a history of being an irresponsible pet owner. She currently has two dogs, and that neither one is licensed or has vaccination records. Ms. Mulligan said she has photos of the injured sheep, and that she quickly arrived at the scene when she was called, and witnessed the dog jumping over the fence of the sheep’s field after the attack. A Sheriff was also at the scene, and the logs agree with the witnesses. Mr. Zaiac said a certified letter was sent to the dog owner, explaining the State statutes, and offering her the opportunity to appear at the Investigative Hearing, but she did not pick up the letter from the Post Office, and did not come to the Hearing. Ms. Mulligan had tried to talk to the owner, but she refused. Ms. Browning made a motion that the incident of the dog biting livestock on 10/11/20 did occur. Mr. Bykowski seconded. Motion passed unanimously. It was agreed the next step is for Mr. Zaiac to consult with Town attorney, Joe O’Dea, about how to proceed, and after having that information, an emergency Select Board meeting could be called, and not wait for the next scheduled meeting in two weeks.
New Business: Role of Zoning Administrator Discussion: The Board discussed Town Zoning Administrator, Bill Henry’s desire to step away from his position, which he has held for almost three years, and his thought that Mr. Zaiac could fill the role. Mr. Zaiac, Town Administrator, said he had been in touch with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, and they said the two offices are not statutorily incompatible. Mr. Zaiac said he would be happy to fill both positions. The Board discussed the issue and feel that Mr. Zaiac is totally capable, but they are concerned that he already has a full-time position. Mr. Zaiac said he could reach out to the surrounding towns to see if their Zoning Administrators may wish to split time between their town and Arlington, as most work very few hours. It was decided that when Mr. Henry submits his resignation to the Board, they could appoint Mr. Zaiac as an interim Zoning Administrator, and also have him purse finding a new recruit.
Old Business: Approve Water Department Delinquent Ratepayer Letter: Mr. Bykowski and Mr. Zaiac showed the Board the letter they have worked on together for the Water Department. It has the State statues and will also offer the link for the State released funds available for overdue utilities that are caused from the COVID 19 pandemic. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the draft of the Notice of Overdue Water Department Letter dated 11/9/2020. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed.
Town Administrator’s Report: Mr. Zaiac spoke to the Board about work in the Highway Department. He said he had met with the Highway Supervisor, Todd Siclari, about future projects. He said handling the first snowfall of the year went well, and he is confident the crew is ready for winter. He said the problems with the East Arlington fire hydrant project consumed a great deal of the crew’s time. Mr. Zaiac also said that Town Hall and the Park are in great shape for the winter, and that the roof extension project at Town Hall would begin 11/10/20.
Other Business:. Denise Monte was on the phone to ask about the culvert job in East Arlington. Mr. Zaiac said it will be completed in April when the ground thaws.
Mr. Harvey told the Board that Jason Greene paid the $500 from his softball league that was discussed at past meetings, and the group is enthusiastic about use the fields again next season.
Mr. Williams spoke about the Arlington Renewal Recreation Committee’s plan to purchase trail land on Red Mountain. He said it is critical the Board is aware of the responsibilities of what will be required of the Town for this plan. Mr. Zaiac said he will ask Town attorney, Joe O’Dea for more information.
Water Department: East Arlington Fire Hydrant Project: Mr. Zaiac spoke to the Board about the East Arlington Fire Hydrant Project. He said Water Department Supervisor, Burr Snow was unable to attend the meeting due to a personal issue. Mr. Zaiac said there was an issue with the hydrant being compliant because it is too high. It has been temporarily fixed by adding fill around the hydrant, and is functioning, but will be fixed permanently in 2021. Warrants and Orders: Mr. Wilkins made a motion to approve WD Warrant #22, in the amount of $2700.92. Highlights include supply bills from F.W. Webb, and traffic control for the 7A project. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed.
Warrants and Orders: Mr. Wilkins made a motion to approve Warrant #R20-11, in the amount of $15,600.00 for NEMRC reappraisal assessment fees. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to approve CRF Warrant #20-11, in the amount of $7,427.57 to Peckham Industries for work on the Sandgate Road Project. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to approve General Warrant #23, in the amount of $66,800.79, which includes a final invoice from the Sheriff’s Department. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Wilkins made a motion to approve Warrant # AP 24, in the amount of $87,154.00 for voter approved appropriations. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed.
Executive Session: Mr. Bykowski made a motion that premature discussion of a personnel issue would cause the municipality to suffer substantial disadvantage. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to enter into Executive Session for discussion of a personnel issue and to invite Mr. Zaiac to remain in the room. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried. The Board entered into Executive Session at 8:08 PM.
The Board exited Executive Session at 8:54 PM and adjourned the meeting. No decision rendered as a result of the Executive Session.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary
Meeting video taped
Cc: files, Town Clerk