TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
February 16, 2022
Minutes
Attendees:
Select Board
Mike Klopchin, Chair
Bob Bixby, Clerk
Robert Congdon
Cash Ruane
Katie Nop, Secretary
Steve, PEG-TV
Call to Order
Chairman Klopchin called the meeting to order at 6:09PM.
Agenda additions/deletions
N/A
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Selectman Ruane motioned to approve the Regular Meeting minutes from January 24, 2022 as presented. Selectman Bixby seconded, all approved.
Highway
Road Commissioner Report– Road Commissioner Ruane reported that the weather has been up and down. The road crew hopes that with the warm weather expected for tomorrow, they will be able to fill potholes on Chambers Bridge, Walker Mountain Road, and Cold River Road.
Comp Time discussion– The Road Commissioner had spoken with his crew and the Treasurer briefly about implementing a comp time benefit. Cash’s recommendation was to allow the road crew to accrue up to 30 hours of overtime that they can put towards a vacation bank. 30 hours of overtime is equal to 48 hours straight time. Cash and Heidi had discussed the legalities of this and found that comp time must be used within the calendar year or paid out by the end of the year. Mike wanted Cash, Heidi, and Katie to get together and draft a policy to present for the next Board meeting. Once they finalized a policy, it would have to be added to the personnel policy. Selectman Bixby had questions about comp time running on a calendar year or the fiscal year. He was concerned about the road crew accruing comp time at this time of year and then not being able to use it before the end of the year. The Board discussed the pros and cons of it running on fiscal year v. calendar year. Selectman Congdon joined the meeting at this point, and wanted to make sure the Board had talked about guidance on comp time camp and when the vacation time could be used. Selectman Ruane motioned to table the discussion and have a comp time policy draft ready for next meeting; Selectman Bixby seconded for discussion. He added that he would also like input from the road crew employees on this discussion. The motion passed unopposed.
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
Kingsley Covered Bridge Preliminary Plans– The Board did not have any comments on the current plans. Katie asked if she should post the letter on the website with the plans and they confirmed that yes, that would be a good idea.
New Business
Inclusion Resolution discussion-Katie reminded the Board that Selectman Wilbur had shared a newspaper article with the Board about an inclusion resolution. It was brought to his attention by a townsperson and Selectman Wilbur wanted to bring it before the board for consideration. The article states that Governor Scott signed a proclamation of diversity and inclusion for the state, last May. Several towns in Vermont have adopted the declaration. Selectman Congdon stated that Clarendon will follow state policy, but there is no need for adoption. He thought personally, Clarendon is already welcoming to businesses and people. The Board didn’t feel it was necessary to put another layer of bureaucracy on top of it. Chairman Klopchin asked Katie to post a summary of this discussion on the website.
PACIF Loss Control Recommendations– Katie explained the loss control items. There are several recommendations from our insurance (PACIF) that should be completed. Items include (but are not limited to) electrical issues at the Town Hall and Transfer Station, updating first aid kits, getting ergonomic office equipment, and getting written programs in place for the Town Garage. In order to receive 100% reimbursement on the Safety Grant, all high priority items have to be closed out and 50% of all recommendations from 2020 forward have to closed. Katie would like to tackle all the electrical items and high priority items, and asked the Board for permission to seek quotes for said work. Selectman Ruane motioned to have Katie contact electricians to get quotes for the electrical work. Selectman Bixby seconded. Katie confirmed that she would bring quotes to the next meeting for the Board to review. The motion passed unopposed.
Safety Grant– Selectman Congdon motioned to have the Chairman sign the grant on behalf of the Board for the office items. Selectman Bixby seconded, and all Board members approved. The safety grant is offered by our insurance company and encourages us to apply for supplies or equipment that directly impact employee health and safety. This year, the Town applied for standing desks, an office chair, and filing cabinets for the Town Hall.
Town Officer’s Report
N/A
Select Board Member Concerns
Chairman Klopchin wanted to inform the Board that he has had phone calls with Todd Fillmore. Todd requested that a couple Select Board members attend the School Board meeting that was tonight. Mike informed him that there was a Select Board meeting tonight as well, thus leaving them unable to attend. Chairman Klopchin advised Todd to refer to past minutes to understand how the Select Board felt about MRU. Selectman Congdon stated that the School Board issues have heated up again, which is normal during election time, but from the Select Board’s point of view, they understand all records are public records. Selectman Congdon, as a citizen of this Town, did express his disappointment with the School Board. Chairman Klopchin said that the Select Board tries to do right by the taxpayer, and at this time, the Select Board has laid this issue to rest.
Selectman Congdon noted that there was an email where the School Board expressed disappointment with the Clarendon Select Board. He explained that the two boards are separate entities and serve different purposes. The Select Board serves the citizens of this town and they feel they did the right thing, by allowing citizens’ voices to be heard. Selectmen Bixby and Ruane agreed.
Selectman Bixby reported to Cash that there was a pothole on Cold River Road, near Pine Rock Lane. Cash said they’re hoping to fix that tomorrow.
Selectman Ruane reminded the public that the town’s informational meeting is on Monday, February 28, 2022 at the Clarendon GRANGE HALL at 7:30PM. Town meeting day/voting is on March 1, 2022 at the Clarendon Town Hall from 10am-7pm.
Selectman Congdon motioned to cancel the February 28th Select Board meeting. Selectman Bixby seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment
Selectman Bixby motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:44PM, Selectman Congdon seconded, and all Board members approved.
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM
AGENDA
Call to Order
Agenda additions/deletions
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting: January 24, 2022
Highway
Road Commissioner Report
Comp Time discussion
Approval of Select Board Warrants
Guests
Public Comments
Old Business
Kingsley Covered Bridge Preliminary Plans
New Business
Inclusion Resolution discussion
PACIF Loss Control Recommendations
Safety Grant
Town Officer’s Report
Select Board Member Concerns
Adjournment
