Minutes Arlington Selectboard July, 12, 2010
Members Present: Keith Squires, Daniel Harvey, Cynthia Browning, Lawrence Molloy, Reggie Jennings, Jr.
Also Present: Gary Weller-Highway Dept., Dean Darling-GNAT-TV, John Broderick-Regional Affordable Housing Corp of Bennington (RAHC)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Chairman Keith Squires.
Minutes of Meeting of June 28, 2010 & Special Meeting of July 7, 2010: Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of June 28, 2010as submitted. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Squires noted that at the Special Site meeting of July 7, 2010 – the measurements documented in the minutes were not correct and should read as follows – in the second paragraph – 4 lines down – instead of “10 foot” traveling lanes – it should read “9 foot traveling lanes”; and under # (2) – instead of “expanded by about 1 and ½ feet” – it should read” expanded by about 1 foot”. There was some discussion regarding the paragraph about Mrs. Bowen being asked to come back to the meeting to hear the Board’s proposal – with Mr. Harvey stating he felt Mrs. Bowen did not “hear” all the proposals. Ms. Browning stated that Mrs. Bowen had interrupted Mr. Squires several times and then left the site meeting. It was not determined whether Mrs. Bowen had fully heard the proposals made by the Town, – but Board members were in agreement that the minutes were okay (as submitted) on this issue. Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve the minutes of the Special ‘Site’ meeting of July 7, 2010 as corrected. Seconded by Ms.Browning. The motion carried with Mr. Squires, Mr. Molloy, Mr. Harvey, and Ms. Browning voting in favor of the motion. Mr. Jennings abstained from the vote stating he had not been present at this site meeting.
Regional Affordable Housing Corp (RAHC) Update: At this point in the meeting – Mr. John Broderick – representing the Regional Affordable Housing Corporation (RAHC) introduced himself to the Board. He noted that he had been the Director of RAHC for one and ½ years now. He thanked the Board for its past support for the RAHC projects in Arlington. He noted that RAHC is looking at doing re-investment(s) at some of their projects. These are usually done at the end of 15 years and are seen as “long term commitments”. John thanked Ms. Browning for her Legislative work in protecting the budget of Vermont Affordable Housing. Mr. Squires stated that the Town occasionally receives complaints from RAHC residents. John replied that he would be the contact person to handle any complaints. He noted that this is a “learning process” and RAHC is addressing problems as they arise -as much as they can – given their limited resources at this point in time.
Highway Report: Gary reported that the road crew is still mowing, they did another culvert on lower River Road, and have re-graded and chlorided areas that had been roughed up by skidders. Gary reported that they cleaned up a large tree on Ball Mt. Road. Mr. Squires stated that he would call the property owner who had called the Town several times asking that the tree (which had been cut down and left on her property) be removed. Ms. Browning noted that the planks on the Benedict Bridge seemed to be “buckling” or curling up on the plank ends on very hot days. Mr. Squires will look into this issue. Gary reported that the Sandgate Road sign has been replaced and the crew replaced the ropes/cables by the Covered Bridge area.
- Bowen Property 3995 River Road-Update: Mr. Squires reported that several members of the Selectboard as well as Highway Foreman Gary Weller, and road crew member Eugene Stone met at the Bowen property – 3995 River Road – on Wednesday July 7th – to look at the site and determine what – if anything needed to be done. Mr. Squires stated that now that the Town has “started this discussion” – we need to follow it up. He noted that after the recent rain there is washout at that area and this limits the travel lane of the Town road at that point. Mr. Squires stated that the road could be widened out or raised up at this point and this would take care of the problem. There was discussion on this issue. It was noted that the stonewall the Bowens have in place is a traffic hazard as it comes out into the road/right of way. Mr. Squires stated that this fall the Town should do what is necessary to improve this area of River Road. Ms. Browning stated that the safety of the public is paramount. She suggested writing a letter to Mrs. Bowen outlining the basis of what the Town plans to do – a “statement of the Town’s analysis of the situation, and the legal basis of what we plan to do”. The Board was in agreement that this would give Mrs. Bowen/Bowen family members a chance to respond to the proposed plans. The Board was in agreement that the Town needs to proceed with this issue. Members felt that what the Town is proposing is reasonable – but the Town needs to justify what has to be done at that site. Gary Weller stated that John Thompson is looking up some old photos of the road and where it was actually situated. Gary stated that it is a matter of what is safe for the road and anyone traveling on it. Mr. Squires will draft a letter to Mrs. Bowen for review at the next Selectboard meeting.
- Ice Pond Farm Road Tree Removal: Mr. Squires reported that there are three (3) dead maple trees by the former Hauben property on Ice Pond Farm Road. The present property owners were contacted and do not have any problem with the removal of these trees. Mr. Squires reported that the Town had received two (2) proposals to remove the trees: 1. Trees, Inc. Proposal dated 7/7/10 – to fell and remove brush, (the Town will remove the cut trees) = $510.00; 2. Personette Tree Service proposal dated July 12, 2010 = $600.00. Mr. Harvey made a motion to accept the proposal from Trees Inc. to cut the three trees on Ice Pond Farm Road at a cost of $510.00. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried.
- Road Salt: Mr. Squires reported that Daileys in Shaftsbury was going to be used for salt storage (for town members of the Southwestern Vermont Municipal Association) this fall but this has fallen through. He also reported that the State of Vermont had gone out for bids and had surveyed each town to see how much salt is used per season. The State accepted Cargill’s bid at $59.90 (per ton). Mr. Squires noted that there will be further discussion on this issue (both with the SWVMA and the Town)
- E-Mail from Property Owner at 3378 Vt. Rte 7A: Mr. Squires reported that the Town had received an email from a Ms. Sandy Ciccone – property owner at 3378 Vt. Rte 7A voicing concerns about speeding in that area (just South of the Cutleaf Maples Motel). She asked if the speed cart might be placed “further out of Town” – perhaps where vehicles are getting off Rte 313E access road. Mr. Squires noted that this is really “beyond our control” as it is a State highway. He will let the Sheriff’s Department know about this area, and we still have the speed cart so this could be placed somewhere in that vicinity where space allows.
Old Business:
- Finances: Mr. Squires reported that we have $70,000.00 in the bank, noting we are not in bad shape. The Delinquent Tax Collector brought in $38,400.00, and Highway aid is expected in as well.
- Policies & Procedures: There was no new information on this issue at this time. Gary will bring in one of the ‘Cigna brochures’ that the Highway crew is receiving, and Mary will continue to pursue this issue to check the status of the Highway crew as far as being ‘registered’ in the Wellness program(s).
- Town Hall Repairs/Services: Mr. Harvey reported that the windows have been ordered. Mr. Squires noted that we have been talking about replacing the door downstairs – but in recent weeks the musty/mold odor has ‘resurfaced’ in the Town Clerk’s office and the hallway. There was discussion on this issue. Mr. Squires stated that he thought it might be the carpet – noting the carpets (both downstairs and in the Selectboard office) have not been cleaned in several years. The Board was in favor of having the carpets professionally cleaned to see if this alleviates the mold/musty odor. This may put off replacing the door. Mr. Squires will try to get an estimate to get the carpet cleaning done.
- Church Street Sidewalk-Update: Mr. Squires reported that he had a conversation with Townscape’s Dot Grout regarding the Memorial Trees. He stated that Dot and other interested parties are supposed to be coming in to take another look at the plans and to discuss what is proposed as far as the Townscape Memorial Trees. Ms. Browning stated that she will check to see where the paperwork is at this point in time. Mr. Squires reported that it is possible that the drainage work might be done this Fall – the trees would be moved in the Spring of 2011. Mr. Squires reported that he had received a call from a St. James Church representative who asked if the Town could remove the dead spruce tree in front of the Episcopal rectory. Mr. Squires asked Board members to take a look at this tree for reference.
- Norman’s Attic: Board members reviewed copies of an email from Judie Brower – one of the organizers of the St. James sponsored ‘Norman’s Attic’. She was asking for help and volunteers to work the event on August 7, 2010 as there were concerns about the amount of traffic, etc. Mr. Squires reported that as part of Norman’s Attic – the sponsors of the event always ask if they can use the area in front of Town Hall for vendors. Mr. Molloy made a motion to allow vendors to set up in front of Town Hall for Norman’s Attic on Saturday August 7, 2010. Seconded by Mr. Harvey. Motion carried. Mr. Squires signed the permission paperwork for this.
- Fire Truck-1972 Oren: Mr. Squires reported that on July 5th – the Fire Department from the town of Alexandria New Hampshire came over and picked up our old 1972 Oren fire truck. The truck has been removed from our insurance policy and registration.
New Business: Firemen’s Carnival: Mr. Squires announced that the Firemen’s annual carnival will be held on Friday July 23, and Saturday July 24, 2010 at the Fisher Elementary School. There will be fire truck and tractor rides, amusement rides, chili cook off, and fireworks Saturday evening at 10pm. The Board was in favor of Mr. Squires using the little tractor at the carnival for some of the ‘rides’. Mr. Squires reported that there will be Sheriff’s Department coverage that will not cost the Fire Department any monies as the Sheriff’s have rearranged their schedules to accommodate this event/Town coverage.
Warrants & Orders: Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize the payment of $340.00 to Keith Squires for work as Interim Supervisor for the period 06/27/2010 through 07/10/2010 as noted on Payroll Order #28B dated July 12, 2010. Seconded by Ms. Browning. Motion carried with Mr. Harvey, Mr. Molloy, Mr. Jennings, and Ms. Browning voting in favor of the motion. Mr. Squires abstained from the vote. Mr. Harvey made a motion to authorize payment of Warrant Order # 13 dated 7/13/10 for the amount of $14,947.89. Seconded by Mr. Molloy. In discussion of the motion, Mr. Squires noted that large payments included: payment for work on the garage doors, the annual payment to NEMRC for ‘Disaster Recovery Program’, and the adjustment for Workmen’s Compensation after their annual audit, and cemetery maintenance. Motion carried.
All Other Business:
- Setting Tax Rate: Mr. Squires reported that the Grand List should be finalized by the time of the next Selectboard meeting at which time the Board will set the tax rate.
- Town Truck: Mr. Squires reported that he and Gary are still in the process of getting more numbers/figures for the truck body, etc.
- Sandgate Road: Mr. Squires reported that he is still getting numbers for the Sandgate Road Project.
- Roadside Mower: Mr. Squires reported that he and Gary are looking into purchasing a ‘sickle bar mower’ to help with the roadside mowing.
- Upcoming Meetings: Mr. Squires reported that the Town is scheduled to appear before the Planning Commission on Thursday July 22, 2010 for a site review for application for a conditional use permit for an educational and recreational park at the Yellow Barn Farm. After the Planning Commission meeting on the 22nd – the Town is scheduled to go before the ZBA on Wednesday July 28, 2010 for the same issue.
- Drainage East Arlington Road: Gary Weller noted that there is still drainage running out across the sidewalk and onto East Arlington Road at the site (discussed at previous meetings) on the east side of Buck Hill Road. Mr. Squires stated that he would check into this issue as the property owner was supposed to get this fixed.
- Fire Department Reimbursement Billing: Mary reported that – to date – in 2010 – we have received $1640.00 for Fire Department incidents that have been billed out.
Mr. Molloy made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Harvey. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary M. Henning, Recording Secretary
meeting audio & video taped
cc: files, T. Clerk
