TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
July 25, 2022
Minutes
Attendees:
Select Board
Mike Klopchin, Chair
Bob Bixby, Clerk
Robert Congdon
Art Menard
Heidi Congdon, Treasurer
Katie Nop, Secretary
Gloria Menard, Clerk
William Chmielewski, PEG-TV
Joel Baker
Call to Order
Chairman Klopchin called the meeting to order at 6PM.
Agenda additions/deletions
N/A
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Selectman Menard motioned to accept the Regular Meeting minutes from July 11, 2022. Selectman Bixby abstained because he was not present at the last meeting; so he could not second the motion. Selectman Congdon arrived late to the meeting and Selectman Ruane was absent so there was not a quorum at this time. The Board moved onto Highway and decided they would approve the minutes when Selectman Congdon arrived.
Highway
Road Commissioner Report–
Road Commissioner Ruane was not present at the meeting to discuss. Selectman Bixby asked Joel Baker, road crew member, how the roadside mower was holding up. Joel reported that it did break down last Monday/Tuesday but is up and running again.
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
N/A
New Business
FY23 Tax Rate–
The Treasurer provided the Board with the new tax rate for FY23 (see end of minutes for the new tax rates). The Treasurer has proposed taxes be due Saturday, October 15, 2022. Selectman Menard wanted to mention that the education tax rate is significantly lower this year due to the influx of federal money. However, he warned the public that the education tax rate will probably jump the following year. Selectman Menard motioned to approve the tax rates as presented, and Selectman Bixby seconded. The motion passed unopposed. Treasurer, Heidi, reminded the public that the tax rate is not a figure she pulls out of the sky; rather it is something the voter decides every March at the ballot box. It is the same way with the education rate.
Office Chairs–
There was a suggestion that the Board get new chairs for their meeting table. Selectman Menard motioned new chairs be purchased, and for the funds to come out of the contingency fund. Selectman Bixby seconded for discussion. Heidi showed one office chair as an example. It was around $200 and offered lumbar support and several adjustment mechanisms. The other office chair was around $100 but not as high quality. Selectman Congdon asked if this purchase needed to come out contingency funds or if it could come out of Selectmen’s expenses. Selectmen’s expenses has about $550 in the budget and there’s approximately $5,000 in contingency. Selectman Bixby decided the Board might as well go with the higher quality chairs so they will last. The current chairs have lasted 30+years. The motion passed 3-0. The Board was willing to donate the current chairs to the Fire Dept if they would like them.
Chairman Klopchin asked for a motion to pass the minutes from July 11. Selectman Congdon motioned, Selectman Menard seconded and the motion passed 3-0. Selectman Bixby abstained from the vote.
Town Officer’s Report
Town Clerk, Gloria, reminded everyone that the State Primary Election is August 9 and the polls will be open from 10am-7pm. She’s requested Board’s help to set up as well as count ballots.
Select Board Member Concerns
Selectman Bixby confirmed that the August 8 Selectboard Meeting had been cancelled due to election set up and it had been. An announcement will be posted.
Selectman Congdon, on behalf of the whole Board, extended his deepest sympathies to the Bixby family with the recent passing of Joan Bixby.
Adjournment
Selectman Bixby motioned to adjourn at 6:13PM, Selectman Congdon seconded, all approved.
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
Monday, July 25, 2022
Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM
AGENDA
Call to Order
Agenda additions/deletions
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting: July 11, 2022
Highway
Road Commissioner Report
Approval of Select Board Warrants
Guests
Public Comments
Old Business
New Business
FY23 Tax Rate
Office Chairs
Town Officer’s Report
Select Board Member Concerns
Adjournment
