MINUTES
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
February 18, 2019
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
Public Comments: There were no public comments.
Minutes of Meeting of February 4, 2019
Mr. Jennings made a motion to accept as presented, the minutes of February 4, 2019. Mr. Harvey seconded. Motion carried.
New Business: Recreation Committee: Mr. Squires said he had received a Purchase and Sales Agreement from Hooper Pickering on behalf of the Arlington Renewal Recreation Committee, about their plan to purchase a parcel of land on the west side of Red Mountain. Mr. Squires said he’d like to send it to the Town attorney for review, with the Board’s permission, which was granted.
Liquor License: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve a 2nd Class Liquor License for The Cheese House. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed.
Highways: Mr. Squires said there were issues with some roads in the area due to the extreme weather issues. He said Berwal Road was the worst it’s ever been, and was caused from the deep freeze, then the sudden, hot sun of the effected roads, and large rainstorms. He said roads all over the State had been similarly affected. The Highway Foreman worked on Berwal Road over the weekend to try to correct the issues, and that in the future, ditches may have to be added to prevent further issues, although that would affect some homeowner’s lawns. Mr. Squires said the crew also had a little trouble with the grader but it is now repaired.
Water Department: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve Warrant WD#4, from the Operating Account in the amount of $2970.82. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed.
Old Business: Town Administrator Position: There was a meeting on Saturday, February 16, 2019, about Article 10, the Town Administrator Position. Mr. Squires said he was disappointed in the turn out. The continued debating point is a Full Time position versus a Part Time Position, which is what the Board feels is appropriate. Mr. Squires said he informed the group that if they wanted to pursue the positon being full time, they would need to have a petition signed by a percentage of the Town voters and a Special Election in the future. The next meeting is Monday, February 25, 2019 at 7PM.
Digital Message Board: There was discussion on the status of a Digital Message Board that had been proposed last year. Mr. Squires informed the Board that we are waiting to have an easement deed signed by the Battenkill Valley Health Center.
Solid Waste: Mr. Squires presented a memorandum from BCRC regarding proposed changes to the contract with Casella, to the Board for review. The contract with Casella has expired. Michael Batcher, from BCRC, is the facilitator for managing the contract for the Town’s Solid Waste Removal. Casella has been losing money due to the costs associated with MRF- Material Recovery Facility in Rutland that processes recyclables, and they want to shift the cost of the money they are losing onto the Town. Mr. Batcher is researching other options for the Town, such as the possibility of another hauler, before making any decisions. The State requires the Town to provide a place for people to bring their recyclables. Mr. Squires asked that the Board review the memorandum and it will be discussed further at the next meeting.
RT 313 West Property: Mr. Squires showed a letter Mr. Henry, Land Use Administrator, sent to the administrator of the estate of a local property on RT 313West, that has been found in a dangerous condition and is liable to collapse. They were warned that they need to contact Mr. Henry within fifteen days on how they wish to address the situation.
Warrants and Orders: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve General Warrant #4, in the amount of $33,481.79. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion passed.
Executive Session: Mr. Harvey made a motion that premature discussion of a personnel issue would cause the municipality to suffer substantial disadvantage. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried. The Board entered into Executive Session at 8:15PM. The Board came out of Executive Session at 8:30.
Mr. Harvey made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Williams seconded. Motion passed, meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary
Meeting video taped
Cc: files, Town Clerk