MINUTES
ARLINGTON SELECTBOARD
MARCH 26, 2018
Members Present: Keith Squires, Daniel Harvey, Cynthia Browning, Reggie Jennings, Jr.,
Timothy Williams
Also Present: Jack McDonough-GNAT-TV, Holly Bakke, Darrin Jennings
The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Keith Squires.
Public Comments: Mary formally introduced Janet Barry – the new Administrative Assistant to the Selectboard. Janet began work on March 19th and is in training with Mary. Mary noted that she is acclimating very well. Janet will be working Monday through Friday 9am – 2pm unless otherwise specified. Mary stated that she will fill in for a few vacation days for Janet – in April and again in July that Janet already had ‘reserved’ before she was hired.
Minutes of Meeting of March 12, 2018: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 12, 2018 as presented. Seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion carried.
Old Business: Public Information Sign: Darrin Jennings was present to update the Board on the possibility of purchasing a ‘public information’ sign. He noted there were several choices and prices. There was discussion on the placement of such a sign. Darrin stated that there was a possibility of placing it over in front of the Battenkill Valley Health Center area. A single sided sign would be $14,000.00 and a double sided sign would be $20,000.00 and up. The Board asked Darrin to get further information on this issue.
Junk Ordinance: Ms. Holly Bakke was present and stated that she wanted to partake in this community in a meaningful way, and she noted that she feels that the Town does not necessarily reflect the pride that we feel in the Town. She stated that she had three (3) primary issues to discuss tonight: community, pride, and urgency. Holly stated that there have been several properties in the past that have fallen under the junk ordinance-noting that no discernable progress had been made in cleaning them up.. She voiced concerns about the conditions of the property by the Covered Bridge as an example. She stated that she would be willing to work as a mediator for some sort of solution regarding the Town’s Junk Ordinance. Holly stated that she would be willing to work with the Town attorney in looking at the Junk Ordinance for updating or changes. There was lengthy discussion on this issue. The Board was in agreement to review the Bennington junk ordinance as provided by Holly. Banners: Holly stated that she would like to fund two (2) banners for the Town. Mr. Williams reported that he is looking into this issue and he will be in touch with her about the banners.
Highways: Mr. Squires reported that the road crew has been filling in pothole, some scraping and routine maintenance. Bridge #25: Mr. Squires reported that the Town received two (2) bids
for work on Bridge #25 as follows: 1. Catamount Environmental, of Wilmington Vt.-to power tool clean, prime and grease the steel on Bridge #25 for a price of $14,800.00; 2. Vermont Protective Coatings of Brandon VT provided 3 options: A = $171,000.00, B = $125,500.00 and C = $92,800. There was discussion on this issue. Mr. Squires recommended going with Catamount as they did Bridge #4 for us. Mr. Williams made a motion to contract with Catamount Environmental, Inc. to do the work on Bridge #25 for the price of $14,800.00. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried.
Water Department: Warrants & Orders: Operating Account: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize payment of $7879.68 from Water Department Operating Account for Water Department Warrant Order # WD Warrant #6 dated March 26, 2018. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. Motion carried. Leak Detection: Mr. Squires reported that there will be a company in town in mid-May to determine leaks in the water system. This service will be free of charge.
Old Business: Camping on the Battenkill: Mr. Squires reported that the work on the bath houses at Camping on the Battenkill that was proposed is on hold at the present time.
Yellow Barn: Ms. Browning reported that she has been involved with some people interested in the yellow barn area – with the intent to have some gardens there. She also noted she sent the deed restrictions on the yellow barn property -to Don Keelan for his information.
Land Use Administrator: Ms. Browning reported that she is still working with Bill Henry – the new Land Use Administrator. She stated that the Town should send a letter of thanks to Al Godreau for all his years of service.
New Business: Liquor License: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve the second class liquor license for the Wayside Country Store. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. Motion carried.
2018 Appointments: Mr. Harvey made a motion to accept the proposed slate of Appointments for 2018 as corrected to have the ‘Sign Administrator’ be Bill Henry instead of Al Godreau., and to advertise for the vacancies noted, as well as elected official vacancies.. Seconded by Motion carried.
Deputy Health Officer: Harvey made a motion to suggest Keith Squires as Deputy Health Officer. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. Motion carried. The State paperwork will be completed and sent to the State.
Town Clerk Copier: The Board reviewed copies of paperwork provided by Town Clerk Robin Wilcox on a new Ricoh copier. There was discussion on this issue. Ms. Browning made a motion to purchase the Ricoh copier for a price of $5595.00 as depicted in the ordering material dated March 31, 2018. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. Motion carried.
Warrants & Orders: Payroll: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize payment of $624.00 to Keith Squires for duties as Interim Administrator for the period of March11, 2018 through March 24, 2018 as noted on Payroll Order # 13B dated March 26, 2018. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. 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 $24,769.08 for Warrant Order # 6 dated March 27, 2018. Seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion carried.
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. Mr. Harvey made a motion to enter into Executive Session for discussion of a personnel issue and to allow the two administrative assistants to remain in the room. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried. The Board entered into Executive Session at 8:47pm The Board came out of Executive Session at Session at 8:58pm. As a result of the Executive Session – Ms. Browning made a motion to hire Kyle Legacy to work on the Highway crew. Seconded by Mr. Williams. Probationary Period: Mr. Harvey made a motion to amend the personnel policy to give the two new hires a 60 day probationary period. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. Motion carried.
All Other Business: The next Selectboard Meeting will be Monday April 9, 2018. There will be a Water Commissioners’ meeting on Monday April 16, 2018.
Mr. Harvey made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Jennings. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary M. Henning, Recording Secretary
meeting video taped
cc: files, Town Clerk