TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
December 27, 2021
Minutes
Attendees:
Select Board
Mike Klopchin, Chair
Bob Bixby, Clerk
Robert Congdon
Cash Ruane
Rick Wilbur
Heidi Congdon, Treasurer
Katie Nop, Secretary
William Chmielewski, PEG TV
Sgt. Cross
Call to Order
Chairman Klopchin called the meeting to order at 6:18pm.
Agenda additions/deletions
N/A
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Selectman Congdon motioned to approve the Regular Meeting minutes from December 13, 2021. Selectman Bixby seconded and the motion passed unopposed.
Highway
Road Commissioner Report- Road Commissioner Ruane reported that there have been small snow storms consisting of ice and snow. The 3-man crew has been able to handle them so far. Selectman Bixby mentioned that there is a pothole on Pimple Hill Road that should be fixed.
Approval of Select Board Warrants
All new warrants and warrants previously signed by the designated Select Board Member were approved and signed by all Select Board Members.
Guests
N/A
Public Comments
N/A
Old Business
Speed Limit Discussion– Katie provided the Select Board with the School Board’s feedback regarding implementing a school zone speed limit in front of Mill River Union High School. The School Board felt that whatever speed is chosen, enforcement is key to change. The School Board thought the best approach would be to set the speed limit at 25mph and put-up signs that indicate the speed limit, individual vehicle speed, and flashes/displays that speed. The School Board would also like to see if any in-state vendors had these types of signs; they are also not interested in paying the full amount for such signs. Selectman Wilbur invited Sgt. Cross of the Rutland County Sheriff’s Department to be a part of the conversation. Sgt. Andrew Cross addressed enforcement issues and stated that they do try to patrol that area during drop off and pick up times; its hit or miss. The traffic study was helpful to review any patterns of speeding. He felt that putting in a speed limit that is only in effect during school hours, is more difficult on the prosecution side of things, if they were to issue a ticket. Sgt Cross thought that radar speed signs that have a blue strobe light are effective. Chairman Klopchin asked Sgt. Cross to look into where the Town could purchase those from. Katie asked the Select Board on clarification if they thought the School Board wanted the 25mph speed limit in effect around the clock. The Select Board was in agreement that it sounded like around the clock, all year long. Selectman Wilbur interjected that from the beginning he had been a proponent of a lowered speed limit that was consistently enforced. Furthermore, he believes that a town-wide 35mph speed limit would be a safer option and 25mph in front of the schools. Sgt Cross stated that speed limit changes are usually due to the crash reports and Clarendon has a pretty good track record. He did recommend Moulton Ave being lowered to 25mph. Selectman Congdon said that if there are enforcement issues and adding a time limit is going to cause more issues, then maybe 25mph all year long in front of the school would be the best option. Selectmen Bixby and Ruane agreed. Katie clarified what kind of signs the Board would like quotes for. They wanted to find signs that were solar operated, radar speed detecting, and flashed blue. Chairman Klopchin asked that Sgt. Cross gather some information on these signs and pass them along to Katie. The Select Board thanked Sgt. Cross for his presence. Katie will send an email to the School Board to update them about this situation.
New Business
Health Officer Appointment – Selectman Congdon motioned to recommend Richard Griffith to the Dept. Of Health to be reappointed as Town Health Officer. Selectman Bixby seconded, and all approved. Chairman Klopchin signed the paperwork. Katie let the Board know that the form requires an explanation of why they recommend the individual. The Board responded that they have been pleased with his work, and would like to see him continue.
Firework Permit– There were two firework permits up for approval, one on Airport Road for 1/1/22; and one on Elm Hill Drive for 12/31/21. Selectman Congdon asked if the individuals had requested the firework permits within the required timeline of 15 days prior to the display. Katie responded in the negative, but explained that, that was her fault; she had been placing firework permit requests on meeting agendas closest to the date of display. Chairman Klopchin asked if the permit or info about firework permitting is on the website. Katie said that it is not. The Board made clear that going forward firework permits must be sent in for approval 15 days prior. Selectman Ruane motioned to approve the 2 firework permits; and Selectman Bixby seconded for discussion. Chairman Klopchin stated that given the request period is not posted on the website, that the Board should approve these two permits, but going forward the 15-day notice be required. The motion passed unopposed. Katie said that she would make a notice to put on the website with this information, along with the permit application.
Selectmen’s 2022 Meeting Schedule– The Board looked over the meeting schedule. Selectman Congdon suggested the Board meeting on the 2nd Monday of February be moved to Wednesday the 16th. Selectman Congdon motioned to approve the 2022 Select Board meeting schedule, so long as the meeting on February 14th gets moved to the 16th. Selectman Ruane seconded, and the motion passed unopposed.
Town Officer’s Report
Heidi, Treasurer, reported that they are at the tail end of wrapping up the FY23 budget.
Katie, Secretary, reported that her and Chairman Klopchin will be setting up the Town’s portal with the Treasury and confirming their account. This is the next step in dealing with ARPA funding. Back in July, the Board certified receiving the funds and assigned Chairman Klopchin as the Account Administrator. The first reporting is due in April of 2022. No action is being taken right now beyond setting up the account.
Select Board Member Concerns
The Board hopes everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Selectman Ruane urged everyone to drive safe this New Years.
Executive Session – Personnel
Selectman Congdon motioned to move into executive session for an unspecified time limit about personnel. Selectman Bixby seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Selectman Congdon motioned to come out of executive session and Selectman Bixby seconded. The motion passed 4-0. Selectman Congdon stated that a discussion was had surrounding future action of the Board about a position that will likely have an opening, due to the Board not reappointing this individual in March. Currently, information is being gathered, in lieu of making a decision tonight.
Adjournment
Selectman Congdon motioned to adjourn at 7:49PM. Selectman Wilbur seconded, and all Board members approved.
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
BUDGET MEETING
Notice
Monday, December 27, 2021
Clarendon Town Hall @ 5:00 PM
Agenda
Call to Order
Agenda additions/deletions
Budget discussion
Public Comments
Recess
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
Monday, December 27, 2021
Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM
AGENDA
Call to Order
Agenda additions/deletions
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting: December 13, 2021
Highway
Road Commissioner Report
Approval of Select Board Warrants
Guests
Public Comments
Old Business
Speed Limit Discussion
New Business
Health Officer Appointment
Firework Permit
Selectmen’s 2022 Meeting Schedule
Town Officer’s Report
Select Board Member Concerns
Executive Session – Personnel
Adjournment