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Sandgate approves routine orders, advances banking transition and purchases $5,000 snowplow
Summary
The Selectboard approved prior minutes and routine orders, noted a $5,000 purchase of a new snowplow, advanced banking and NEMRC transitions for town administration, addressed vendor payment issues and noted technology and auditor staffing needs.
The Sandgate Selectboard approved minutes and signed routine orders while discussing several administrative and fiscal items at the March 4 meeting.
Joe Nolan moved and Rob Viglas seconded approval of the Feb. 16 and Feb. 20 minutes; the motion carried. The board noted a new snowplow purchase for $5,000 reported in the road report.
Administratively, the board is transitioning banking signatories and account administration to the newly elected Town Clerk and Treasurer. Officials reported Bank of Bennington updates are complete and M&T Bank changes are expected to finish next week. The town’s NEMRC financial software transition is also in progress.
On vendor payments, a truck payment will be made at a reduced amount, and the board agreed that a late charge from John Deere was legitimate and must be paid. The board noted that Fane was overpaid earlier and now has a credit for road salt; Road Foreman Jay Wilson will attempt to use that credit before the season ends to resolve the overpayment.
Technology needs were raised: the town laptop that had been loaned or sent for repair has not been returned, and the board said new laptops will be required for staff, including Phyllis. Linda Schmidt said she reached out to Mike, the town’s tech consultant, for guidance on security and hardware purchases.
On audits, Valerie DePeyster is currently the sole continuing auditor; Peter may continue temporarily and Selectboard member Rob Viglas said he would ask a neighbor to assist. The board has received one response to an RFP for a professional audit and is continuing procurement work. The minutes record a suggestion to align the auditor salary with the lister salary.
Why it matters: These administrative decisions affect the town’s ability to pay vendors, maintain equipment, and keep financial systems operating under new clerical leadership.
The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.; the next meeting is March 16 at 6 p.m.
