Minutes
Arlington Select Board
August 18, 2025
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Cynthia Browning, Glenn Sherman (at 7:40PM) , Jamie Paustian, and Matt Bykowski
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Alex Kelly, Roger Hanson, Bruce Fleming, Jen Hyatt, Deb Gardner, Mike Hess, Willy Knight-Park Supervisor, and Janet Barry ( via Zoom)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00PM, by Mr. Harvey
Additions or Deletions from the Agenda: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to add Warrants to 13A in the agenda. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motin carried unanimously with Mr. Sherman not yet at the meeting.
Minutes of the Meeting of August 4,th and 11th, 2025: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of August 4, 2025 and Special Meeting of August 11, 2025, as presented. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried, with Mr. Sherman not yet at the meeting.
Public Comments: Window Dressers Donation: Roger Hanson was at the meeting to ask for a donation from the Town to help with the costs of Window Dressers installations for local residents. The inserts are manufactured to put on the interior of buildings to help with window drafts and is beneficial for winter and summer utility costs. He said Manchester and East Dorset have also made a donation. All local help is completely voluntary. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve a one-time donation to Window Dressers of $600 from the discretionary fund. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Sherman not yet at the meeting. Mr. Harvey suggested in the future the organization could possibly receive a voter approved appropriation if they apply for consideration.
Red Mountain Discussion: Jen Hyatt and Bruce Fleming were at the meeting to voice their concerns for Red Mountain LLC’s request for an access road to build a development that has been spoken about at other meetings, and how it would affect their properties. Ms. Browning said the Town is currently seeking legal advice about this issue and everyone will have a say at a future hearing.
Covered Bridge River Access Issue: Alex Kelly was at the meeting to voice his concerns about public access to the Battenkill near his property, and his concerns for his property and safety after the letter he received from the Town’s lawyer asking him to remove the fence he installed that is in the Town Right-of-Way and blocks public access, which is allowed by the State. The Town has contracted with legal counsel for this issue. Ms. Browning said Mr. Kelly could petition the Select Board to have his fence in the Right-of-Way and the request would be considered.
Highways: Updates: Ms. Browning said she had notified Peckham they won the bid for Warm Brook Road paving project. 7A Sidewalk: The Town will be requesting more State funding for the 7A Sidewalk Project, and the State is requesting the bank be shaved back, and brush removed to address the line of site issue. She has met with BCRC representative Nick Zaiac, and engaged flaggers for the project, which is expected to happen on September 9, 2025 and take one day or less. State permits have been issued and landowners in the area will be contacted.
Covered Bridge Damage: An employee of Battenkill Valley Outdoors hit and damaged the covered bridge on Sunday, that had just been repaired from a previous accident. The owner has verbally agreed to pay for damages. Mr. Paustian took photos of the damage.
Park and Rec: Updates: Mr. Knight said it is possible the sod will be installed at the end of next week. It was discussed the bathroom partitions will be installed on Friday. It was discussed that Michael Muscato is wanting to use the softball field for Little League again this year but had not filled out any forms or had permission from the Town. Mr. Paustian said he had to work for seven hours last year to fix the bases after Mr. Muscato moved the bases and stakes, so was against granting him a permit based on his past history, as well as not following procedure this year. Mr. Paustian made a motion to not allow Michael Muscato to use the fields in Arlington. Mr. Bykowski seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Paustian said there needs to be a memorandum on what the school expects for the money they have given to the Park, and who is responsible for what.
Arlington Fire Department: Firehouse Committee: Mr. Bykowski said he would like to get quotes from different architect/engineer firms that can evaluate the firehouses and garage, and have a site plan for the Dietrich lot, to have an idea before budget season of what replacing buildings would cost.
Mr. Paustian said they had a very successful Mass Casualty Drill last week that was well attended with six fire companies and EMS Departments participating.
Finances: The Board and Ms. Browning reviewed the final 2024 audit draft from the auditors. Ms. Browning and Town Treasurer, Christian Dickinson, had reviewed the report and clarified items with the auditor. Investing Town money in different ways was discussed and the Treasurer will be consulted. It was decided to have RHR Smith proceed with the 2025 audit.
Wastewater Committee Report: Ms. Browning said the committee met last week. There is a Community Septic Pumping program to encourage homeowners to pump their septic tanks every three years.
Town Administrator Report: Ms. Browning handed in her resignation as a Select Board member so she can continue on as Interim Town Administrator, through January, when the position will be revisited. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to accept the resignation from Cynthia Browning from the Arlington Select Board to expand her role as Interim Town Administrator. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion, motion carried unanimously. The Board thanked Ms. Browning for her expanded role and previous service on the Select Board. A request for interested parties to submit a letter to the Select Board will be on the Town website and on a sandwich board in front of Town Hall, to fill the seat until March 2026 when this term ends, at which time the member could run for their own term.
All Other Business: Mr. Bykowski supplied the Board with the three responses to the RFP, and his preference, for Water Department collection agencies. He suggested a quick Water Department meeting be held before the next Select Board meeting on September 8, 2025, from 7-7:15PM, when a decision will be made.
Ms. Browning said the overflowing trash at Town Hall was scheduled to be picked up on 8/25/25, but will now be 8/21/25. Other changes will be one recycle pick up a month instead of two, and two garbage pick ups per month instead of the current one to deal with the recent unexplained increase in garbage in the dumpster.
Warrants and Orders: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve Water Department Warrant #17, dated 8/14/25, in the amount of $2,310.34. with biggest item being GMP bill, Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve Warrant #16, from the General Account, dated 8/14/2025, in the amount of $39,280.32, with biggest items being GMP, BCRC RT 7A Sidewalk payment, Lane for culverts, diesel purchases, RHR Smith for audit work, and Topkote for striping. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Executive Session: Mr. Bykowski made a motion that premature discussion of personnel, legal and property issues would cause the municipality to suffer a substantial disadvantage. Seconded by Mr. Sherman. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to enter into Executive Session for discussion of personnel, legal and property issues, and to allow Interim Town Administrator, Ms. Browning, to remain in the room. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried. The Board entered Executive Session at 8:50PM. The Board exited Executive Session at 9:39PM. No decisions as a result of the Executive Session.
All Other Business: None
Mr. Bykowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr.
Sherman seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:40PM
Minutes respectfully submitted by Janet Barry