Minutes
Arlington Select Board
May 4, 2026
Members Present: Dan Harvey(via Zoom), Matt Bykowski, Jamie Paustian, and Sebastian Massey
Members Absent: Glenn Sherman
Also Present: GNAT-TV, Katie Dixon, and Janet Barry ( via Zoom)
Mr. Harvey called the meeting to order at 7:02PM.
Additions to the Agenda: None
Minutes of the Meeting of April 20, 2026: Mr. Paustian made a motion to approve the minutes the meeting of April 20, 2026, as presented. Mr. Bykowski seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Public Comments: None
Highway Updates: 7A Sidewalk: Ms. Browning said there had been a pre-bid meeting for the 7A Sidewalk project at Town Hall with Mr. Zaiac-BCRC, and the engineers.
Covered Bridge Update: Ms. Browning said she will pursue checking with the State for design specifications for grant money for the covered bridge repairs. Mr. Paustian will meet with Joe Poston who has agreed to do the work and will take measurements. He also suggested using fireproof paint and will check on the price. It was discussed that with or without grant money the bridge needs to be repaired.
Ms. Browning said a Green Mountain National Forrest representative said the current Highway turnaround on Benedict Hollow Road is partially on the land they wish to purchase and asked that it could be moved down the road. Highway Supervisor said the turnaround should be large enough to accommodate a tandem truck if one is purchased in the future.
Ms. Browning said she had been in touch with a landowner that wanted to add an eight-foot addition but had to deny the request because it is too close to the Town Right of Way
Mr. Robinson will do test pits on Tuesday with the Otter Creek engineer for the wastewater investigation.
Park and Rec Updates: Ms. Browning said hasn’t heard if Mr. Sherman had the quote for new door and windows at the Park that was discussed at the last meeting.
The site needs to be prepped before the concrete work Mr. Sherman is doing can be completed.
The possibility of having internet service at the Park in the future was discussed, which would allow for security cameras to be installed.
Fire Department Updates: Mr. Paustian said the Fire Department and Fire Company will be having a carnival on July 17 & 18th for the Company’s 100th anniversary. It was discussed an insurance rider will be needed for the fireworks.
Mr. Paustian said upcoming 2027 EPA regulations will increase fire truck prices by $25,000-$40,000. Buying the chassis now and being grandfathered for the new regulations was discussed.
MERP RFP: It was decided that the RFP for insulation at Town Hall will be put on hold until the new Town Administrator arrives.
Mr. Novotny will evaluate the electricity at Town Hall in anticipation of heat pump installation.
Having the drop ceiling in the meeting room replaced when the insulation is done was discussed.
Energy Committee: The Board had the final signed version of the bylaws change that was voted on at the last meeting.
CD’s: Ms. Browning said the Treasurer had opened three short term CD’s for one million dollars so higher interest could be earned.
Transition Planning: The new Town Administrator, Katie Dixon, will start on May 18, 2026. Mr. Bykowski is compiling a list of projects for Ms. Dixon to address.
Ms. Browning said she is willing to continue in the Land Use office and then she will be in the building if Ms. Dixon needs any assistance.
- Warrants and Orders: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve Water Department Warrant #9, dated 5/1/26, in the amount of $5072.46. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried, with Mr. Sherman absent. This included the payment for the door replacement that was discussed at a past meeting. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve Warrant #9, from the General Account, dated 5/1/2026, in the amount of $50299.05. Mr. Massey seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously with Mr. Sherman absent. Most significant item being the quarterly insurance payments to VLCT.
- All Other Business: Mr. Paustian said he will meet with the person to replace the gate on E. Arlington Road over Warm Brook.
Mr. Paustian made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Massey seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:46PM.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Janet Barry