MINUTES
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
September 24, 2018
Members Present: Keith Squires, Daniel Harvey, Reggie Jennings Jr, Tim Williams
Members Absent: Cynthia Browning
Also Present: Jack McDonough-GNAT-TV, Michael Batcher
The meeting was called to order at 7:30pm by Chairman Keith Squires, following the Water Department Meeting
Minutes of Meeting of September 10, 2018:
Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve the minutes of September 10, 2018. Mr. Williams seconded. Motion carried.
Public Comments: There were no public comments.
Old Business: Michael Batcher from BCRC was at the meeting to continue the discussion of the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Mr. Squires asked him what we need to focus on to move the plan forward. Mr. Batcher explained that part of the plan is summarizing natural events that have occurred to give an idea of the likelihood of similar events happening again. He said it would also be helpful if the Town could post information on it’s website that could help townspeople, such as information on Lyme disease and how people can protect themselves from the disease. Mr. Squires asked Mr. Batcher if he could give the Board direction in making the new plan. Mr. Squires said he feels preparedness is one of the keys to making a plan. He would also like information on what Emergency Services will look like in the next 10-20 years. This will continue to be a focus of discussion in the coming months. Mr. Batcher said he will redraft the plan into a more complete form and then ask the Board for detail on local events. He will have this done in the next few months and will meet with the Board again by the end of the year.
Mr. Batcher said there will be a Conservation meeting at Town Hall on November 14, 2018 from 4-6PM, to discuss the Ash Borer and the invasiveness of these insects and the danger to ash trees. He said this information could also be included in the hazard plan.
Highways: Road Salt: Mr. Squires said we are on a list to qualify to receive salt from the vendor that was awarded the State contract and will benefit from the price the State accepted. Apalachee, LLC was awarded the State contract. We have submitted the proper form and are waiting for the formal contract. The State accepted price is scheduled to be $69 per ton. He stated we usually sign up with two-three different vendors in case one company runs out of salt during the winter. He said American Rock Salt gave a quote of $74.76 per ton for the 2018-2019 season. Mr. Squires made a motion to accept the quote from American Rock Salt for $74.76 per ton. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion passed.
Water Department: Warrants and Orders: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve final payment on the Bond Bank to Bank of Bennington for loan #550001598 in the amount of $58,000.00. Mr. Jennings seconded, motion passed. Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve WD Payroll #9, dated September 17, 2018, in the amount of $4997.22. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve as presented WD#19, dated September 24, 2018, from the operating account, in the amount of $25,576.60. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion passed. This includes $15,467.50 for payoff to Bank of Bennington for Bond Bank.
New Business: Dog Complaint: Mr. Williams said he had received a complaint of 2 barking dogs, but he spoke to the owners and the issue has been resolved, but he said the dogs have not been licensed which is against Town and State ordinances. Mr. Squires asked that the owners name and address be turned over to the Town Clerk who will send a letter requesting they be licensed.
Yellow Barn Garden: The Selectboard received a letter from Breana Einsig from the Arlington High School/Middle School Environmental Club saying she would like her club to create a school garden at the Yellow Barn. The Board is in favor of allowing the program. Ms. Browning offered, via email, to meet with the teacher and students on their Community Service Day, on October 19, 2018, and Mr. Williams said he would be willing to speak to Ms. Einsig and offer his advice as well. Ms. Einsig has been emailed with this information.
Insurance Claim: Mr. Squires informed the Board that the Town received a check for $3176.00 from Coca Cola for a tractor trailer accident the Arlington Fire Department responded to on March 2, 2018. The amount of the claim covers the cost of the Fire Department fees for their services. The check will be deposited into the Fire Truck Reserve Fund by the Treasurer.
Liquor Licenses: American Craft Spirits Inc. requested a one- time liquor license for an event they are catering. Mr. Harvey made a motion to allow American Craft Spirits Inc. to serve alcohol at their event at Arlington Inn on October 5, 2018, from 5-8PM. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion passed.
Mr. Squires had a letter from Town Clerk Robin Wilcox asking that she be allowed to approve applications for one time, special event liquor permits. Mr. Harvey made a motion to allow Mrs. Wilcox to act on special events permits on her own without going before the Board. Mr. Williams seconded. Motion passed.
Cemetery Commissioner Letter: The Selectboard received a letter from the Cemetery Commission stating they would like to better know how the cemetery money is being used. It was decided that a meeting will be called for the Cemetery Commissioners, Trustees of Public Funds representatives and the Board, to be held on Monday October 8, 2018 at 6PM.
Lister’s Computers: The Board received a letter from the Lister’s Office requesting new computers before the next reappraisal. They received a quote from E-enable for 3 computers and installation for $2978.79. The Town receives money from the State for reappraisal and maintenance needs. There is currently a $211,974.14 balance in that account, and $83,974.14 would be remaining after the new computers were purchased. Mr. Squires made a motion to approve purchasing three new computers for the proposed cost of $2978.79. Mr. Harvey seconded. Motion passed.
Warrants and Orders: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve as presented, General Warrant #20, dated September 25, 2018, in the amount of $46,408.20. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion passed. This amount include quarterly PACIF payments and VLCT Unemployment payments, as well as $14312.67 for fire truck maintenance.
Executive Session: At 8:50 Mr. Harvey made a motion that premature discussion of a personnel issue would cause the municipality to suffer substantial disadvantage. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. Motion carried. The Board came out of Executive Session at 9:05. No action to be taken as a result of the Executive Session.
Mr. Harvey made a motion to adjourn at 9:06. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion passed, meeting adjourned at 9:06PM
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary
Meeting video taped
Cc: files, Town Clerk