Minutes
Arlington Select Board
October 20, 2025
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Matt Bykowski, Jamie Paustian, Glenn Sherman and Karen Krulikowski
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Brian Hawley, Eric Marko -AFD , Don Keelan, Deb Gardner, Tim and Lynn Williams, Roger Hanson, Jean Freebern, Garrett Seigel, Alexandra Hurst, Sharon Rosenthal, Bill Laberge, Chuck and Charlene Webster, Mardi Crane-Godreau, Mary Anee Holmes, Fred Pickering, Willy Knight-Park Supervisor, and Nick Zaiac, Rachael Senecal, GNAT-TV and Janet Barry ( via Zoom)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00PM, by Mr. Harvey
Additions or Deletions from the Agenda: None
Minutes of the Meeting of October 6, 2025: Mr. Paustian made a motion to approve the minutes of October 6, 2025, as presented. Mr. Bykowski seconded. Motion carried.
Public Comments: Mr. Williams inquired about the Arlington Animal Control Officer. He asked how often he is paid, which is once per month, and if he has been able to be reached after some issues in contacting him were discussed at a previous meeting. Ms. Browning said she had spoken to him and his mailbox had been full that time in question but was cleared, and he can also be reached by text. He is also the Shaftsbury animal control officer.
Karen Rosenthal asked about minutes of a Planning Commission meeting concerning the Red Mountain land parcel. She was advised to contact Joan Nash, or the Planning Commission because the Board was not part of the Planning Commission meeting.
Roger Hanson said the there are signs at the Yellow Barn Garden that say “Community Garden” and he has video and license plate of someone taking vegetables that had not worked at the garden. He would like the Town to take down the Community Garden signs. There is already a “Private” sign that is visible. He said while produce is donated this had been stealing. He also said he would like to commend Willy Knight on how well he is maintaining the Park.
Highways: Updates: Warm Brook Paving: The Warm Brook paving project continues. The cement has been injected, and it has been graded and will have the final paving next week, weather permitting.
Ms. Browning said the final draft of the Glebe Lot Road survey has not been completed but should be available at the next meeting.
Backhoe Repairs: Ms. Browning said there are significant repairs needed for the backhoe due to transmission issues. The quote for a new transmission is $20,000 and to rebuild the existing one is $11,000-$15,000. Highway Supervisor Mark Robinson had suggested going with the rebuild option. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve the repair of the 2015 John Deere backhoe transmission, not to exceed $15,000. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Town Hall Sidewalk: Mr. Webster from the Community House had a signed petition he read to the Board requesting immediate action be taken to repair the marble sidewalk from Town Hall to the Arlington Inn, for safety and historic preservation. Mr. Zaiac, 7A Sidewalk Project Manager for BCRC, said the project has always called for marble to be replaced for this Federally funded project which is scheduled to be just under $700,000. He said the final funding has been secured and he expects it to go out to bid by January 2, 2026. It was discussed that there have been many State delays that were out of the Town’s control and also landowner issues to be dealt with before it could proceed. Mr. Robinson’s suggestion to take up the broken marble and put gravel down for a temporary fix was discussed, as a way to help with making the area safer until it can be officially repaired in the spring.
Old Business: Energy Committee Members: Residents wishing to be appointed and or reappointed to the Energy Committee introduced themselves to the Board. The nominees are Mardi Cran-Godreau, Bill Laberge, Mary Anne Holmes, and Alexandra Hurst.
Mr. Pickering spoke to the Board again about his prior verbal approval from the Town for a fence in the Town Right of Way on his property that had been discussed at the last meeting. He had received legal papers from the Town attorney regarding the issue. It was decided that Ms. Browning will view the property, and Board members will also look at the site.
Park and Rec: Updates: Mr. Knight said the garage door track is broken and needs to be repaired. There is also an issue with the heater in the men’s room. Securing the doors with strong plywood for the winter was discussed again. Mr. Paustian said he had met with the Park and Rec Committee and they agreed to use remaining funds leftover from the greens project for the softball field project. The Town will also be reimbursed from the Park and Rec Committee for the invoices the Town paid for the greens project that will now be used towards this new project. As well as the school contributing towards the project as was discussed at previous meetings. He said the work can start this week. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve the Rec Park softball field improvements project for $16,500, not to exceed $21,000. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
New Business: Municipal Planning Grant: Mr. Zaiac, from BCRC, spoke to the Board about signing the resolution for applying for a Municipal Planning Grant for a new town Plan with the focus on facilities, utilities and housing. BCRC is the agent, with the Town having a 10% match of $3,000. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve applying for the Municipal Planning Grant. Ms. Krulikowski seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Fire Department Discussion: Chief Hawley had a quote from MES for turn out gear. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve the purchase of turn out gear from MES for $20,096. Ms. Krulikowski seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Hawley said there are issues with the repeaters and he will call the radio company.
FD Insurance Reimbursement Ordinance: Mr. Bykowski had the final copy of the Ordinance for Fire Department Insurance Reimbursement. This was the final hearing. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve the FD Service Reimbursement Ordinance, amended on 10/20/25. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Browning said she is waiting to hear back from the lawyer concerning the FD Cambridge agreement that was discussed at the last meeting.
Town Hall Improvements: Ms. Browning said there are safety improvements on the boiler at Town Hall that need to be completed after it was inspected by an insurance representative.
Having the threshold at a front facing door at Town Hall repaired, and then having it as an emergency exit was discussed.
New Business: Board of Civil Authority Appointments : Ms. Browning said she and Robin Wilcox had been advised by the Secretary of State that for election purposes the three Republicans wishing to be appointed to the Board of Civil Authority have that right. Democrats would also have the same right. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to appoint Joe and Susan Gervais, and Wendy Bucchieri to the Board of Civil Authority as Republican representatives. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried, with Ms. Krulikowski opposed.
Town Administrator Report: Ms. Browning had submitted a written report to the Board. She said she has been working on health care issues and preparing for the next Wastewater Committee meeting. The Town attorney said they have cleaned out their files and there are files pertaining to Arlington that Ms. Browning will pick up and store at Town Hall.
All Other Business: License Approval: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve the 3rd Class Hotel License for the Arlington Inn. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Only verbal approval is required.
- Warrants and Orders: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve Water Department Warrant #21, dated 10/16/25, in the amount of $5,776.46. with most significant items being health insurance premium and GMP. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve Warrant #20, from the General Account, dated 10/16/2025, in the amount of $51,774.36, with the most significant items being BC/BS premiums, Bennington County taxes and FD tires. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
- 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 and to allow Town Administrator, Cynthia Browning to remain in the room. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. The Board entered into the Session at 9:04PM.
- The Board exited the Session at 9:48PM. No decision was made as a result of the Session.
Mr. Bykowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr.
Sherman seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:48PM
Minutes respectfully submitted by Janet Barry