MINUTES
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
July 16, 2018
Members Present: Keith Squires, Cynthia Browning, Daniel Harvey, Reggie Jennings Jr, Tim Williams
Also Present: Jack McDonough – GNAT-TV, Michael Batcher- BCRC, and Ashley and Nilson Illinski
The meeting was called to order at 7:05pm by Chairman Keith Squires
Public Comments: Ashley and Nilson Illinski were at the meeting to address large trees that are hanging over their fence from the Dietrich lot. A large branch has fallen into their yard recently, and they are concerned of a safety hazard to their family from the large trees that could also fall into their yard. They presented photos to the Board. Mr. Squires said that he has asked Gary Wellar to get an estimate to cut down the biggest tree. The Board will make a decision as to what the next step is when they receive the estimates.
Minutes Meeting of July 2, 2018:
Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the minutes of July 2, 2018 as presented. Seconded by Mr. Harvey. Motion carried.
New Business:
Hazardous Mitigation Plan: Mr. Michael Batcher from BCRC was in attendance to discuss the Town’s Hazardous Mitigation Plan. He said that the state requires the Town to have their mitigation plan renewed every five years, and that the State requires the plan to be in place in order to qualify for State funding. The plan is designed to assess hazardous conditions, such as disease outbreaks, wind storm hazards, flood hazards, etc, and to develop mitigation plans to address these types of issues. Mr. Batcher asked that Arlington start a Planning Team. After discussion, it was agreed that the Board will be the mastermind of the plan and will call in others as needed to help achieve the plan’s goals. Mr. Batcher stated that FEMA looks for public participation to be part of the planning process, so it was decided that the Board will dedicate a few minutes at the beginning of upcoming meetings to discuss the progress being made on the plan. It was also decided that information on the plan will be posted on the Town’s website, and the agenda for the meetings will also be posted on the website, and in the Bennington Banner so the public will continue to be aware of the meetings and when they take place.
Fuel Tanker Accident Settlement: Mr. Squires presented a letter to the Board that was emailed from the Cunningham Lindsey Insurance Company. In the email, company representative, Mark Luehrs, offered a settlement of $4800, for the original bill from the Town for $7600. This is been an ongoing process for almost a year. Mr. Squires suggested accepting the offer so the Town may finally be reimbursed for at least a portion of the amount billed. Mr. Harvey made a motion to accept the offer from Mark Luehrs of Cunningham Lindsey, dated July 11, 2018, of $4800. Ms. Browning seconded the motion. Motion passed. The funds will be deposited into the Truck Sinking Fund.
There was a brief discussion that the Board is waiting for the Education Tax Rates to be set for the year.
Delinquent Dog Licenses: The Town Clerk compiles a list of delinquent dog licenses every year and the information is turned over to Traci Mulligan, Animal Control Officer. Mr. Squires asked the Board if they feel the Town should send another letter to the pet’s owners, but that it would require additional expense for postage on top of the expenses already incurred from the other notifications the Town has sent to the owners. Mr. Williams suggested having Traci Mulligan contact each of the owners on the list to try to receive the delinquent fees.
It was noted that William Henry, Land Use Administrator, sent a letter to the Board asking if he could be appointed as an alternate to the Planning Commission. Mr. Squires made a motion to appoint Mr. Henry as an alternate to the Planning Commission. Mr. Harvey seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Ms. Browning made a motion to appoint Mr. John Williams as an alternate to the ZBA. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion passed.
Mr. Harvey made a motion to accept the resignation from Maureen Harvey, with regrets, from the ZBA, Mr. Williams seconded. Motion passed.
The Board looked at the current Budget Status Report.
Highways: Mr. Squires stated the crew have been doing routine mowing and grading. There was a letter sent to the Town Clerk with a complaint from a resident of Jaspar Lane about plowing issues. It will be looked into to see if it is something the Town needs to address.
Water Department:
Warrants and Orders: Payroll: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize payment for WD#7 Payroll, dated July 16, 2018, in the amount of $4997.22. Ms. Browning seconded, motion passed. Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve B35 Bond Bank, dated July 16, 2018, in the amount of $590.38 to Aldrich and Elliot for services on project #16077.000, invoice #77818. Ms. Browning seconded. Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve Water Department Operating Account, WD#14, for $1900.07. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion passed.
It was decided to change from having monthly Water Commission meetings to quarterly meetings to coincide with billing cycles, to be held before regularly scheduled Selectboard meetings. The next Water Commission will be October 8, 2018.
Mr. Squires stated that State representatives were in town on July 12, 2018 for an assessment of the whole water system, which is done every two years.
Old Business: There was a brief discussion on the electronic sign that is being considered for placement in front of the medical building on RT 7A.
Warrants & Orders: General Warrant: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve Warrant Order #15, dated July 16, 2018, in the amount of $20394.93. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed.
Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve Payroll #29A, dated July 16, 2018, in the amount of $7912.24. Mr. Williams seconded. Motion passed.
Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve Payroll#29B, dated July 16, 2018, for Keith Squires, in duties as Interim Administrator. Mr. Williams seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Squires abstained.
Mr. Williams made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Jennings seconded. Motion passed. Meeting was adjourned at 8:35PM
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary
Meeting video taped
Cc: files, Town Clerk