Minutes
Arlington Select Board
January 27, 2025
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Cynthia Browning, Glenn Sherman, Jamie Paustian, and Matt Bykowski
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Mark Robinson – Highway Supervisor, Willy Knight – Park Supervisor, GNAT-TV (via Zoom), and Janet Barry (via Zoom)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00PM, by Mr. Harvey
Additions or Deletions from the Agenda: Ms. Browning made a motion to add Covered Bridge RFP Postponement and Liquor Licenses to the agenda, 5.2 and 5.3, respectively. Mr. Bykowski seconded. Motion carried.
Public Comments: None
Minutes of the Meeting of January 6 , 2025: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of January 6, 2025 as presented. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
New Business: Ethics Liaison Appointment and Training: The need for the Select Board and various committee members, department chiefs, and select staff to take the State mandated ethics training class, and appoint a liaison to keep records and correspond with State officials was discussed. Ms. Browning made a motion to appoint Janet Barry as Ethics Liaison, with assistance from Nick Zaiac. Mr. Bykowski seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Covered Bridge RFP Postponement: Mr. Zaiac explained that the primary bidder has pulled out because of their workload. This bidder had worked on the bridge before, and there are not many options for contractors that are knowledgeable about covered bridge repair in the area. It was discussed that the inspectors did not specify a date the repairs needed to be completed by, and the hope now is to get it on the calendar for Spring of 2026. Mr. Paustian made a motion to set the Covered Bridge RFP to a September 5, 2025 deadline. Ms. Browning seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Liquor Licenses: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the 2nd Class Liquor License and Tobacco License for Dollar General as presented. Mr. Bykowski seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the 2nd Class Liquor License, Tobacco License and Tobacco Substitute Endorsement for Stewart’s Shops as presented. Mr. Bykowski seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Old Business: Budget 2025: Mr. Zaiac shared his screen with the new figures added to the budget Including the cash on hand figure. Town Treasurer, Christian Dickinson, was on Zoom for the budget review and said the correct cash on hand figure is $354,673. It was decided that the surplus would be allocated to staff raises, as well as adding to budget lines that are less easy to spend down, but would allow it to be carried over.
Executive Session: Ms. Browning made a motion to that premature discussion of personnel, legal, and property issues would cause the municipality to suffer substantial disadvantage. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Ms. Browning made a motion to enter into Executive Session for discussion of personnel, legal, and property issues and to allow Town Administrator Nick Zaiac, Highway Supervisor Mark Robinson, and Park Supervisor Willy Knight to remain in the room. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried. The Board entered Executive Session at 7:36PM. The Board exited Executive Session at 8:29PM. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to increase baseline salaries by 3% for employees with over six months of service, and to add an additional 2% to the Town Clerk, 2.25% to the Highway Supervisor, and 1% to Highway Crew Member #1. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Old Business Con’t: Capital Plan: Mr. Zaiac shared his screen to review and discuss the Capital Plan figures. It was discussed that there is a 10-12% savings rate for Highway and Fire Department equipment and bridge maintenance. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the Capital Plan as presented. Mr. Bykowski seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Town Meeting 2025: Approve Warning and Select Board Report: The final drafts of the Warning and Select Board Report were reviewed. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the Town Meeting Warning as edited and revised at the Select Board meeting on January 27, 2025. Mr. Bykowski seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the Arlington Select Board Report for the Town Report. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Report of the Town Administrator: Mr. Zaiac said he had nothing to add to his report.
All Other Business: None
Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Water Department Warrant #2, dated 1/24/25, in the amount of $16,555.22, with largest item being health insurance premium of $1,543, hydrant replacements with ARPA funds for $8,744.04, and meter replacement for $1,996.50. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant #2, from the General Account, dated 1/24/25, in the amount of $75,191.49, with key elements being Blue Cross/Blue Shield for $17,906, Fire Department equipment to MES with ARPA funds for $10,264, and audit payment to RHR Smith for $5,800. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Any Other Business: There will be a Special Select Board meeting on February 3, 2025 at 7PM to approve the budget.
Mr. Bykowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:00PM.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Janet Barry