MINUTES
ARLINGTON SELECTBOARD
NOVEMBER 20, 2017
Members Present: Keith Squires, Daniel Harvey, Cynthia Browning, Timothy Williams,
Reggie Jennings Jr.
Also Present: Jack McDonough-GNAT-TV,
Lee Cross, Earl LaBatt, Joe Garger – Town Listers
Todd Wilkins, Mark & Priscilla Klauder, Dean Measeck, Darrin Jennings-Governance Committee
The meeting was called to order at 7:02pm by Chairman Keith Squires.
Minutes Meeting of November 6, 2017: Mr. Williams made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of November 6, 2017 as submitted. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried.
New Business: Town-wide Reappraisal: At this point in the meeting – Mr. Squires moved ahead to ‘New Business’ to accommodate the Listers who were present for discussion of reappraisal issues. The Town’s three (3) Listers were present for discussion of a Town-wide reappraisal. They presented the Selectboard members with copies of bids they have received regarding a reappraisal. Board members reviewed copies of the proposals and a proposed contract with NEMRC. The Listers reported that they had searched 22 certified companies given to them by their District Advisor. They contacted many of the 22 but only received two viable bids: NMREC = $124,800 – or $90.00 per parcel; and Green Mountain Appraisers = $229,075.00 or $175.00 per parcel. The Listers stated that they were impressed with NEMRC’s references and experience and recommended that the Board approve contracting with NEMRC. There was discussion on this issue. The Listers stated that they will be involved with this whole process. It was noted that there is $196,751.09 in the Reappraisal Fund. Mr. Harvey made a motion to contract with NEMRC per the ‘Reappraisal Agreement’ between the Town of Arlington and NEMRC for completion of appraisal of all Town of Arlington properties – reappraisals will begin in June of 2019 and be completed by June of 2021 at a cost of $124,800 or $90.00 per parcel. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried.
Highways: Mr. Squires reported that the road crew has been working with the Water Department to repair a break at the junction of Rte 313 and 7A. They will be working on a small leak in East Arlington tomorrow (11/21/17). They have been doing routine maintenance as well.
White Creek Agreement: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize Mr. Squires to sign the agreement between the Town of Arlington and the Town of White Creek to perform winter highway services in South Arlington through April 2018 for a fee of $105.00 to plow each trip and $105.00 to sand each trip. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried.
Requisition for Payment: Mr. Squires reported that the paving on Maple Hill Road is complete, noting that it ran over cost a bit at $41,845.46 – with the State to reimburse the Town for $25,440.00. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the requisition for payment for the Maple Hill Road work – Requisition form TA-65 PO1736 for $25,440.00. Seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion carried.
Covered Bridge Damage: Mr. Squires reported that on 11/17/2017 – the covered bridge in West Arlington was damaged by being hit by a vehicle. The responsible party was working to fix the damage.
Windshield Damage by a Town Truck: Mr. Squires reported that one of the town trucks spilled some loose gravel on the highway – damaging a windshield of a vehicle following behind. The vehicle’s owner called Town Hall and spoke to Mr. Squires who informed him to have the windshield repaired and invoice the Town. The Town received an email with a quoted price for repair as well as photos of the broken windshield. Mr. Squires noted that we are waiting for the invoice on this.
Projects: Mr. Squires reported that Bridge #25 (Covered Bridge) has been approved for cleaning and painting for $16,000.00 – these projects will be done next year. The Ball Mountain Road culvert has been approved for $200,000.00. Mr. Squires also noted that the Town will be reimbursed for the River Road project at $10,000.00, and for the Berwal Road project at $11,240.00.
Water Department: Warrants & Orders: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize payment of Water Department Order # WD Warrant #23 dated November 20, 2017 for the total amount of $3,315.55. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. Motion carried.
Old Business: Camping on the Battenkill: Mr. Squires reported that the Town received the specs on the work to be done at Camping on the Battenkill. The Town will go out to bid on this work – with the hopes that it can be finished before the end of the year.
Dog Park: Mr. Jennings asked to put the dog park ‘directional’ signs up on the fencing in the park as he feared they would be ‘lost’ in the snow this winter. The Board approved this.
Town Hall Sidewalk: The work in front of Town Hall on the sidewalk will be postponed until next spring.
New Business: Transfer Station-Casella: Mr. Squires reported that the dumping of bulky items (mattresses, etc) was discussed at the last meeting of the towns’ alliance. It has been in our contract for many years that Casella would accept bulky waste – but the towns are all seeing more and more dumping beside the road or in the woods. Mr. Squires noted that several towns are trying a new system out. Anyone wanting to dump a bulky item would get a sticker (one per item to be dumped) from the Town Clerk for a $5.00 fee – and could then take the item to the dump – the dump would then – turn over any other costs to each town. There was discussion on this issue.
Town Governance Committee: Several members from the Town’s newly formed ‘Governance Committee’ were present at tonight’s meeting – primarily to observe. Mr. Williams (who is on this committee) handed out a list of items to be considered for discussion and possible action in the near future. The list of proposed items to be addressed was put together by the Governance Committee. Todd Wilkins – Chair of this committee – noted that the group has only met twice and will be attending more Selectboard meetings in the future. It was noted by committee members that there is a need for better and more communication between all Town boards, committees, and groups, as well as the other committees formed, and the local citizens.
Warrants & Orders: Payroll: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize payment of $408.00 to Keith Squires for duties as Interim Administrator for the period of November 5, 2017 through November 18, 2017 as noted on Payroll Order # 47B dated November 20, 2017. Seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion carried with Mr. Harvey, Mr. Williams, Mr. Jennings, and Ms. Browning voting in favor of the motion. Mr. Squires abstained from the vote. General Warrant: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize payment of Warrant Order #24 dated November 21, 2017 for the total amount of $20,930.48. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. Motion carried.
All Other Business: Upcoming Events: Mary reported that there will be a public meeting at the Bennington County Courthouse on Thursday December 7, 2017 at 5:30pm for discussion of the preliminary proposed County budget for the fiscal year beginning February 1, 2018.
Mr. Harvey made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary M. Henning, Recording Secretary
cc: files, Town Clerk