Minutes
Arlington Select Board
July 20, 2026
Members Present: Matt Bykowski, Glenn Sherman, and Sebastian Massey
Members Absent: Dan Harvey, and Jamie Paustian
Also Present: Katie Dixon-Town Administrator, Cynthia Browning-Land Use Administrator, Martina Barnes, and Stacy Stratton-US Forest Service, Sally Manikian-The Conservation Fund, Brian Hawley-AFD, MaryAnne Holmes-AEC, Ann Mattor, Mike Hess, GNAT-TV, and Janet Barry ( via Zoom)
Mr. Bykowski called the meeting to order at 7:38PM, after Water Board Meeting
Additions to the Agenda: None
Minutes of the Meeting of July 6, 2026: Mr. Massey made a motion to approve the minutes the meeting of July 6 , 2026, as presented. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried, with Mr. Harvey, and Mr. Paustian absent.
Public Comments: None
Green Mountain National Forest Update: Ms. Barnes and Mr. Stratton gave the Board updates on projects. Ms. Barnes said nationwide there have been staff cutbacks, but not as significant in this district as has been stated nationally. Mr. Stratton showed the Board what land had been logged and what will be logged in the future and said oak trees had been planted.
Ms. Manikian spoke about the ongoing Benedict Hollow project that is continuing to have issues with property access and parking. Ms. Browning, and Highway Supervisor, Mark Robinson, had measured the turnaround area in question and there is not enough radius for large Town trucks or emergency vehicles, and using it for parking would only allow for approximately three vehicles. Homeowner, Ms. Mattor voiced her concerns about parking and her property being impacted. It was agreed that there has to be a plan to rectify parking on the Benedict Hollow side, and that it would be beneficial for Board members to personally view the land before any decisions are made.
Highway Updates: Winter Sand/Stone Proposals: Mr. Massey made a motion to approve the quote from Peckham for 1,500 tons winter sand for $18,750.00, 1500 3/8 inch stone for $26,250.00, 1 hour truck rental to haul for $184.00 and 1,000tons ½ inch washed stone for $19,500.00, for a total of $64,684.25 for the 2026-2027 year. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried, with Mr. Harvey and Mr. Paustian absent.
The chassis quote was not available in time for the meeting.
Ms. Dixon explained upcoming Highway projects will be blacktopping on E. Arlington Road, six culverts on Chunks Brook Road and eight culverts on River Road. The Highway crew will assist with ditching for the Water Department generator project on July 28, 2026, as well as ditching on Old West Road taking place soon.
Fire Department Updates: Fire Chief, Brian Hawley, spoke to the Board about purchasing turnout gear. He also said grants had been applied for that would help with additional purchases. Mr. Sherman made a motion to approve the AFD turnout gear, extra gloves and hoods from MES for $18,634.00. Mr. Massey second the motion. Motion carried, with Mr. Harvey and Mr. Paustian absent.
Mr. Hawley said the carnival had to be moved to Sunday due to inclement weather, and thanked everyone who supported the carnival.
Park Updates: Ms. Dixon presented the Board with quotes for tennis court power washing and sprinklers for four remaining greens. It was discussed that the $4,400.00 quote for sprinklers would run the golf course budget line over by $200, but funds could come from the Capital Reserve Fund. Mr. Sherman made a motion to accept the quote from Rainbow Sprinklers and Drainage for $4,400.00 to install sprinklers on four greens, with extra funds to come from the CRF. Mr. Massey seconded. Motion carried, with Mr. Harvey and Mr. Paustian absent.
It was discussed that contributions can be requested from the Park and Rec Committee.
Mr. Massey made a motion to approve the power washing quote from A1 Power Washing Services for $6,930.00 for power washing the tennis and basketball courts. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried, with Mr. Harvey and Mr. Paustian absent. It was discussed that the only days the company has available are August 17-21st, and payment is due on the day of service.
The new windows and doors will be installed soon, and new tractor tires need to be purchased.
Town Administrator Report: Ms. Dixon presented the Board with a quote from ServPro for clearing the Town Hall attic and removing hazardous materials for $24,679.30, in preparation for the ceiling tile and light fixture replacement project. It was discussed that there is $52,958.00 in the CRF Building Fund. Mr. Sherman made a motion to accept the ServPro quote for $24,679.30 for Town Hall attic clearing to be paid from the CRF Building Fund. Mr. Massey seconded the motion. Motion carried, with Mr. Harvey and Mr. Paustian absent.
Ms. Dixon said website redesign and heat pump RFP’s are being submitted. Ms. Dixon said she applied for, and had been approved for, the “.gov” domain.
Mr. Zaiac had informed Ms. Dixon that the Town will need a grant anticipation, short- term financing loan from Bank of Bennington for the 7A Sidewalk Project. Mr. Bykowski can sign the application if Mr. Harvey is unavailable to do so. Mr. Massey made a motion to go forward with short-term financing for the RT 7A Sidewalk Project from Bank of Bennington. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion; motion carried with Mr. Harvey and Mr. Paustian absent.
All Other Business: Mr. Hess spoke about brush clearing and Right Of Way (ROW) issues at Benedict Crossing. It was tabled until Mr. Paustian can be present at a future meeting, and after the Town Attorney can define access.
- Warrants and Orders: Mr. Sherman made a motion to approve WD Warrant #15, dated 7/17/2026, in the amount of $5,498.29. Mr. Massey seconded the motion. Motion carried. Most notable items being Snow Plumbing for May and June Operator Assistant salary, and GMP for $1,400.00. Mr. Sherman made a motion to approve Warrant #15, from the General Account, dated 7/17/2026, in the amount of $30,917.33. Mr. Massey seconded the motion. Motion carried. The most notable items being BCRC for 7A Sidewalk project, Capital Tractor, Dufresne for 7A Sidewalk, RK Miles for park windows, and GMP.
Executive Session: Mr. Sherman made a motion that premature discussion of a personnel issue would cause the municipality to suffer substantial disadvantage. Mr. Massey seconded the motion. Mr. Sherman made a motion to enter into Executive Session for the discussion of a personnel issue and to allow Town Administrator, Katie Dixon to remain in the room. Mr. Massey seconded the motion. The Board entered Executive Session at 8:56PM. The Board exited Executive Session at 9:28PM. No decisions were made as a result of the Session.
Mr. Sherman made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Massey seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:29PM.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Janet Barry