Minutes
Arlington Select Board
September22, 2025
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Matt Bykowski, Jamie Paustian, and Glenn Sherman
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Brian Hawley-AFD, Willy Knight-Park Supervisor, and GNAT-TV and Janet Barry ( via Zoom)
The meeting was called to order at 7:35PM, by Mr. Harvey
Additions or Deletions from the Agenda: None
Minutes of the Meeting of September 8th, 2025: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve the minutes of September 8, 2025, as presented. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried.
Public Comments: None
Highways: Updates: Warm Brook Paving: it was discussed that paving on Warm Brook Road will be delayed a week. Covered Bridge Project: Ms. Browning said the Town had not been approved for a State grant for work on the Covered Bridge initially, but that has recently changed. In order to receive the grant the Historic Preservation Society wants information on the specific fasteners and wood to be used in the renovations, and that an engineer would have to be hired by the Town. It was discussed that the bridge had already been renovated before and does not have original parts. It would just be replacing rotting parts, using like materials. Ms. Browning will clarify this information with the Historic Preservation Society.
Murray Hill Culvert: Ms. Browning said the culvert replacement on Murray Hill has been delayed due to a landowner not wanting to close the road while the project is done. Martina Barnes with the Forrest Service wants to meet with the landowner to discuss the issues, and Ms. Browning said she can accompany Ms. Barnes to meeting with the landowner.
Glebe Lot Road: Ms. Browning said the Town lawyer suggested contracting with an engineer that would work for the Town, for further Glebe Lot Road clarification and information. An engineer from MSK will begin work this week.
It was discussed that Mr. Kelly needs a zoning permit before he obtains a highway permit and a letter will be sent.
Ms. Browning said she wrote a letter to another homeowner about a barbed wire fence in the right of way.
Park and Rec: Updates: Mr. Knight said the golf course greens are good and the sod is taking, and they may be able to be played on next week. The septic line will be scoped on Wednesday, and security cameras are now in place. Ms. Browning suggested locking the restrooms when the season is over, with concerns about the dangers of drug paraphernalia being left in the bathrooms. Mr. Bykowski suggested using plywood on the outside of the doors so they can’t be kicked in, and dead bolts for the office door. Further security options will be decided in the spring. The Board granted permission for a gift card to be purchased for Joe Charbonneau for all his help on the greens project.
Softball Field: Mr. Paustian recapped the situation of the possibility of hiring Pete Geannelis to repair the softball field that was discussed at the last meeting. His estimate is $16,000, but the school has agreed to cover the cost of the red clay, which would bring the estimate to $12,000. There may be the ability to pay 50% up front and the remainder when the job is completed. Mr. Paustian will informally speak to the Park and Rec Committee to see if they would be able to help with the costs. Having AED’s that coaches could access was also discussed.
Fire Department Discussion: Mr. Bykowski said he will look into the possibility of Fleet cards for the Fire Department to be able to buy gas and diesel when Chem Clean is closed.
Mr. Bykowski also created a new draft of the FD 2004/2005 insurance reimbursements ordinance, to be able to bill insurance companies for consumable items used at accidents. Among the updates are a replacement cost service charge of 15%, and previous rates updated for inflation. Mr. Hawley suggested having electric vehicle cost reimbursement added and Mr. Paustian will check into wildland fires. Mr. Bykowski said there are companies that specialize in this type of billing and the department could be outfitted with tablets to aid in their reporting. The draft will be available for public comment at the next Select Board meeting.
Mr. Hawley requested having one additional digital radio added to their truck.
Cambridge Agreement: The Cambridge fire protection agreement signing was deferred until it can be reviewed.
New Business: APC/ZBA Alternate: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to appoint Cynthia Browning as an alternate for the APC and ZBA. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Energy Committee Appointments and Discussion: This item was tabled until the next meeting.
Zoning Enforcement: Ms. Browning said she had referred the gazebo issue to the Town lawyer
Ms. Browning said she will send a letter to the Arlington Animal Control Officer, Robert Perry, as his phone mailbox is full and he has not been able to be reached recently.
Old Business: Finance Management: The Board reviewed the letter from the Treasurer, Christian Dickinson, concerning purchasing CD’s as an investment with Town funds, and the security of the Town’s bank accounts. Mr. Bykowski read a portion of the letter:
Each account is FDIC insured up to $250K, however both the Town and the School district’s accounts have collateral pledge agreements with the Bank of Bennington which provides a pledge of securities as collateral for any balances in our accounts which exceed the amount of the FDIC coverage. Excess deposits are secured by a pledge of securities as collateral.
Ms. Dickinson wishes to be advised of upcoming spending before making decisions on purchasing CD’s, and this will discussed at a future meeting.
Town Administrator Report: Ms. Browning had submitted a written report to the Board, but all the items had already been discussed during the meeting.
All Other Business: Mr. Bykowski said he is working on an RFP for updating the website and making it easy to use and will have information before the end of the year.
Warrants and Orders: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve Water Department Warrant #19, dated 9/22/25, in the amount of $8,253.93. with biggest items being BC/BS premium, GMP, and Snow Plumbing. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve Warrant #18, from the General Account, dated 9/18/2025, in the amount of $46,144.64, with biggest items being BC/BS premiums, Capital Tractor for repairs, tax envelope order, gravel and VLCT insurance/WC payment for $12,673.00. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Executive Session: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to that premature discussion of a personnel issue would cause the municipality to suffer substantial disadvantage. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to enter into Executive Session for discussion of a personnel issue and to allow Interim Town Administrator, Cynthia Browning, to remain in the room. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. The Board entered into the Session at 9:15PM.
The Board exited the Session at 9:27PM. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to appoint Karen Krulikowski to the Select Board until Town Meeting. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Paustian made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr.
Bykowski seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:29PM
Minutes respectfully submitted by Janet Barry