ARLINGTON WATER DEPARTMENT COMMISSIONERS
MINUTES OF MEETING of April 20, 2026
Commissioners in Attendance: Dan Harvey(via Zoom), Matt Bykowski, Glenn Sherman(via Zoon), Jamie Paustian, and Sebastian Massey
Commissioners Absent: None
Also in Attendance: Chief WD Operator, Josh Brace, GNAT TV and Janet Barry, via Zoom.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Harvey at 7:00PM
Agenda Additions or Deletions: None
Public Comments: None
Report of the Chief Operator: Mr. Brace said he and Park Supervisor, Willy Knight, had cleared brush and vines and removed roots near the storage tank and had photos to show the work that was completed.
Mr. Brace discussed the grant money being spent. He said $3,600 will need to be spent for the new pedestal to move power off the pole. A new secure door needs to be purchased, with a quote from Miles Lumber for $2,465.00. A new propane tank is recommended. Suburban Propane had a quote for one that will be double the size for $3,837.00, including removal of the old tank and installation and fill of the new one and safety tests. Mr. Brance will obtain heat pump quotes. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve the Miles Lumber quote for $2,465.00 for the new door and also to approve the larger tank purchase from Suburban Propane for $3,837.21. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Brace said he spoke to James Hawley and he will work on the moderate to major leaks, hydrant replacement and replacing service lines for homeowners that will be done this season.
Mr. Brace said he and assistant operator, Burr Snow, took their Distribution Certificate course and their license is good until 2029.
He said the meter reads are done and bills will be sent out soon.
He said Brookfield should be doing the generator project in May, and it should be offline for a day or two and they will bring a backup generator.
He thanked Mr. Knight for his help assisting in various jobs for the Water Department.
Aged Receivables: Mr. Brace said he had sent 26 late bills to Allied for collection. The moratorium for disconnection is over next month. It was discussed that the Water Department follows the letter of the law for shut offs under the State statute. Mr. Brace said notices seem to be working and payments are being made, with 30 problem accounts and payment plans being made. Mr. Harvey and Mr. Bykowski both thanked Mr. Brace and said what a good job he has done with delinquency collections.
Mr. Brace said the budget so far this year is mostly on par, with slightly higher rental line used for Brown’s, and electricity being higher with using a space heater.
All Other Business: Mr. Brace said doing a test well by the water storage tank would need to acquire 200-foot radius around the wellhead, some of which is on a neighbor’s property. He said hydrology study money could be used to have daily weather data and rain/snow measurements as well as measuring water.
Mr. Bykowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:33PM
Minutes taken by Janet Barry