MINUTES
ARLINGTON SELECTBOARD
December 3, 2018
Members Present: Keith Squires, Cynthia Browning, Daniel Harvey, Reggie Jennings Jr, Tim Williams
Also Present: Jack McDonough-GNAT-TV, Michael Batcher- BCRC, Vicki and Mark Corey
The meeting was called to order at 7:02pm by Chairman Keith Squires
Minutes of Meeting of November 19, 2018:
Ms. Browning made a motion to accept as presented, the minutes of November 19, 2018. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion carried.
Public Comments: There were no public comments.
New Business: Boy Scout, Mark Corey, was at the meeting to speak with the Selectboard about possible projects he could do for the Town that would help him achieve his goal to become an Eagle Scout by the time he turns 18, March 2020. Possible projects that were discussed were new benches for the front of Town Hall, invasive species removal, or helping with the community garden in the spring, when the high school students are planning on starting the garden, perhaps by building a fence at the garden. All projects must meet with Boy Scout criteria, of helping others, and following the Scout motto and oath. Mr. Corey will consider what projects he wants to do and come to a future meeting with his final idea.
Old Business: Michael Batcher from BCRC, was at the meeting to review with the Board, the Hazardous Mitigation plan he has been working on for the Town. He has been focusing on historic events and mitigation goals, to determine, from past events, what should be placed at highest priority and what actions need to be taken to achieve the new goals. He mentioned that public preparedness ideas could be put on the Town website, as one way to inform the public. Ice and wind storm tree and electrical line damage was discussed, and Mr. Batcher suggested the Town could conduct a survey of trees in densely populated areas to see how many are unhealthy and need to be cut down to avoid them falling on power lines in storms. He suggested the Town and GMP work together to determine what trees are their responsibility and what are the Town’s responsibility. Also discussed were critical facilities and vulnerable population areas, and facilities with concentrated groups of people on a daily basis. The Board agreed to review the plan on their own their own and give Mr. Batcher their opinions at the December 17, 2018 meeting, as they continue to work towards their goal of a final draft of the plan.
Camping On The Battenkill: Mr. Squires informed the Board that the drainage portion of the Camping On The Battenkill project is ongoing.
7A Sidewalk Project: Mr. Squires said he had a walk-through of the 7A Sidewalk project with the State and District 1 Transportation Department employees recently. They looked at options and received an estimate from engineer, Christina Haskins, to continue the sidewalk to the east side of Chem- Clean as an alternative to going across Chem- Clean parking lot and causing future issues for the owner of that business. There may be additional funding available from the State to cover the higher costs of proceeding with this design. These issues will continue to be reviewed and decided on in the future.
Town Administrator Position: Mr. Squires said he has been compiling a list of the jobs he does so as to begin to form a definitive job description for the Town Administrator Position. Todd Wilkins from the Arlington Renewal Committee will be at the December 17, 2018 meeting to deliver what his committee has developed as a possible job description.
Chittenden Bank Property: Mr. Squires showed the Board a letter from Land Use Administrator, William Henry, with an update on the Chittenden Bank property. He has been informed, from Patrick Lopes, Enforcement Officer of Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, that the occupancy of the former bank triggers the need for a waste water permit, even if there is no apparent water supply to the building. No permit has been obtained from the current occupant, and he will likely be issued a notice of violation. He would most likely be allowed until Spring and/ or April 15, 2019, to get a waste water permit and system installed. Mr. Lopes and Mr. Henry are going to be arraigning a meeting with the occupant.
Highways: Salt Contract: Mr. Squires informed the Board that the highway crew have been busy with plowing and grading. He informed them of a salt contract that was sent to the Town from Morton Salt, a company that the Town has used in the past. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve salt contract from Morton Salt, dated 11/19/2018, to obtain salt for the 2018-2019 season for $75.87 per ton, with 400 ton maximum. Mr. Jennings seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Ball Mountain Rd. Culvert Project: Mr. Squires informed the Board that he will be getting a final price on the Ball Mountain Road Culvert Project by the next meeting.
Jaspar Lane Complaint: Mr. Squires informed the Board of another snow plowing complaint from a Jasper Lane resident. Mr. Squires explained that he spoke with the highway crew and they are trying to plow as best they can with the ground not being frozen yet. They are trying to avoid ripping into the lawns while plowing the cul-de-sac.
Parking Lot Expansion: Mr. Williams said she spoke to the Community House members and they are agreeable to increasing the parking lot size behind Town Hall. Mr. Squires said the project will be weather dependent and can only be done when the highway crew has time.
Warm Brook Rd. Intersection: Mr. Squires said he would like to look into widening the shoulder for pedestrians on Warm Brook Rd. to make it easier to walk on that road.
Dog Park: Mr. Jennings said his wife, Susan Jennings, will be posting a request for Dog Park donations on Facebook. Mr. Squires said there have been set backs and weather issues, but he is in hopes the fencing will be completed this season.
Water Department: Warrants and Orders: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve WD#24, from the Operating Account, in the amount of $323.33. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed.
Mr. Squires informed the Board that Burr Snow has been working with the State to let them know where Town pipes are buried, as the State works on a ponding water issue across from the Post Office.
Water Department Meeting: A Water Department meeting is scheduled for December 17, 2018, at 6PM, before the regular Selectboard Meeting.
Warrants and Orders: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve General Warrant #26, in the amount of $10,660.40. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion passed.
Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve payroll, 49B,dated 12/3/18, in the amount of $936.00, for Keith Squires for his duties as Interim Town Administrator. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed.
Mr. Williams made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Harvey seconded. Motion passed, meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary
Meeting video taped
Cc: files, Town Clerk