Minutes
Arlington Select Board
November 17, 2025
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Matt Bykowski, Jamie Paustian, and Karen Krulikowski
Members Absent: Glenn Sherman
Also Present: Brian Hawley-AFD Chief, Mike Hess and GNAT-TV and Janet Barry ( via Zoom)
The meeting was called to order at 7:05PM, by Mr. Harvey
Additions or Deletions from the Agenda: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to add travel trailer to 5.1 Highway, and tracks for FD utility vehicle to 8.3 Fire Department. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion, motion carried, with Mr. Sherman absent.
Minutes of the Meeting of November 3, 2025: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve the minutes of November 3, 2025, with one small typo corrected. Ms. Krulikowski seconded. Motion carried.
Public Comments: Mike Hess was at the meeting to ask about updates to the Benedict Crossing Bridge area. He was advised that Ms. Browning had measured, but was unable to attend the meeting, and the issue is in process.
Highways: Salt Order: The Board reviewed three proposals for winter salt. Eastern Salt for $95.25/ton, Apalachee Salt for $99.50/ton, and Morton’s Salt for $84.98/ton, all delivered. Highway Supervisor, Mark Robinson, recommended Eastern and Apalachee as they have had good luck with both companies in the past. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to contract for 400 tons from Eastern Salt for $95.25/ton and 200 tons from Apalachee Salt for $99.50/ton. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Sherman absent.
Updates: Warm Brokk Rd paving is complete. The crew is doing truck maintenance and pothole filling as weather allows. Mr. Bykowski said the truck telematics are working and ready for winter plowing.
Travel Trailer: Mr. Harvey explained he found out about a travel trailer illegally parked in the Park lot. He observed the license plate was obscured. He took photos and the Highway Department was able to tow it to Dietrich’s lot. Mr. Paustian will contact the VT State Police.
Arlington Fire Department: Tracks Purchase: The Board reviewed the invoice from Alaska Bush Tracks for tracks for the Fire Department’s side by side, that offers a wider stance for more stability. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve the purchase of Alaska Bush Tracks from Alaska Bush Tracks LLC for $3,516.00 from the FD New Equipment line. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Sherman absent. The invoice was paid as a single item in Warrant #24.
Amendment to the Alarm Ordinance: Mr. Bykowski had the first draft of the updated Fire Alarm Ordinance. The original was from March 7, 1983. The draft will be reviewed at the next meeting with the first reading. Any recommendations can be sent and the clean copy will be ready for public comment at the third meeting from tonight.
Fire Protection Deed: Mr. Bykowski said that the long-awaited transfer of the Fire Protection properties to the Town of Arlington is ready for Board approval after Joe O’Dea completed the complicated deed work. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve the transfer of Arlington Company #1 Inc. four parcels in East Arlington and one in West Arlington, to the Town of Arlington, to be combined as one deed to be recorded in the Arlington Town Clerk’s office. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Sherman absent.
Grant Writing Proposal: The Board reviewed the FD grant writing services from Lexipol for narrative writing for $2,250 and full application for $4,500. It was decided the request would be put onto the next agenda.
Chief Hawley asked about the status of the Fire House Committee. Mr. Bykowski said there is a site plan, and an architect/engineer will need to be hired and will be part of the 2026 budget. The goal is to have the most concise plan with the best value for the taxpayers.
Chief Hawley said they are in the preliminary process for the purchase of a new fire truck. A company representative has given them four different options and will come to Arlington this week.
Arlington Rec Park: Updates: Mr. Paustian said the softball field is 94% complete, and another load of clay will be delivered in the spring. Water on the parking lot side is a concern and will need to be addressed. Mr. Paustian talked with the nursing association about obtaining AED’s for the park and possibly Town Hall. Mr. Bykowski will check with the Manchester Recreation Department for their use of AED’s.
Lister’s Office: It was discussed that the Lister office is essentially down to one, with the passing of Earl Labatt and Mr. Garger retiring at the end of December. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to appoint Collette Galusha to the position of Lister until March Town Meeting. Ms. Krulikowski seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Sherman absent. Ms. Galusha would have the option to run for the office in March.
Energy Report: This item was tabled for this meeting.
Wastewater Committee Report: Ms. Browning had supplied the Board with information on the Wastewater meeting that will be held on December 4, 2025. Notices will be posted and public notice will be in the Bennington Banner.
Town Administrator Report: Ms. Browning supplied the Board with a report. The Board appreciated all the information Ms. Browning provided in her absence from the meeting.
All Other Business: None
- Warrants and Orders: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve Water Department Warrant #23, dated 11/13/25, in the amount of $8,275.72. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried unanimously. The most significant items were GMP, BC/BS premium for $3,737, and State permit fee. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve Warrant #23, from the General Account, dated 11/13/2025, in the amount of $68,424.75. Ms. Krulikowski seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Most significant items being BC/BS premiums, softball field repair invoice, NEMRC fees, stone from Peckham, tires for Highway and loader repair for $14,511.
- Executive Session: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to that premature discussion of personnel and legal issues 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 personnel and legal issues. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. The Board entered into the Session at 8:05PM.
- The Board exited the Session at 8:43PM. No decision was made as a result of the Session.
Mr. Bykowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr.
Paustian seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:43PM
Minutes respectfully submitted by Janet Barry