Minutes
Arlington Select Board
April 7, 2025
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Cynthia Browning, Jamie Paustian, Glenn Sherman, and Matt Bykowski(via Zoom)
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Nick Zaiac – Town Administrator, Stephen and Deborah Gardner, Julie Giragosian, Josh Ellison, Jim Davis, Brian Hawley – AFD Chief, Jeff White, Gerald Stockman, Doug Goulette, Joan Nash, and Mike Hall, Mike Carroll, Nicol Whalen, Karen Holzman, Josh Williams, Stephen Magliocco, and 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
Public Comments: None
Minutes of the Meeting of March 24, 2025: Mr. Paustian made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 24, 2025 as presented. Ms. Browning seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
New Business: Glebe Lot Road Discussion: Doug Goulette and Gerald Stockman, surveyors from Bowman Company from Williston VT were at the meeting. They were hired by Red Mountain LLC, who want to build a four-lot subdivision on Glebe Lot Road. They believe the tax maps and road maps are inaccurate. There are discrepancies in the records from 1817, and the John Wright survey, and discrepancies in whether the road is a Class 4 Town Road or private road. Records from past meetings show discussion and decisions were tabled in 1989 and 2007. Mr. Harvey said he had been on the Board and worked with then Chairman, Keith Squires, on the issue and wants to speak with Mr. Squires for his knowledge of this area. The Board and residents that live on the road reviewed maps from the Bowman Company, and then residents were allowed to voice their concerns to the Board. Mr. Zaiac said any change of alignment of roads requires substantial legal advice. It was also discussed that this was just a preliminary discussion, and there will need to be a warned, separate hearing, and possible site visit, pursuant to the VTRANS Right-of-Way change rules.
LEMP: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to authorize Dan Harvey to sign the revised Local Emergency Management Plan, as presented. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Appointments and Resignations: Ms. Browning made a motion to appoint Sunjit Chawla to a two-year term on the Planning Commission and to accept the resignation of ZBA alternate, Ron Weber. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Harvey asked Mr. Zaiac to draft a letter of appreciation for Mr. Weber’s years of service to the Town.
Striping Quote: The Board reviewed the quote for line striping from TopKote Applicators. It was discussed they have done the work in the past with good results. It was also discussed that the quote is 20% higher than last year due to increase labor and supply costs, and that eventually it may be beneficial to do the work in-house or work cooperatively with other towns that have the equipment as a cost saving measure. Ms. Browning made a motion to accept the bid of $9,752.00 from TopKote Applicators for striping and crosswalk painting on Town roads for 2025. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Liquor Licenses: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve a 1st and 3rd Class Restaurant Bar License for Arlington Ramuntos. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Browning made a motion to approve a 2nd Class License to Bonnie and Clyde’s Corner Market. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Fire Department Trip Request: Chief Hawley was asked by members of the Fire Department if they could travel to the FDIC trade show from April 9-12, 2025, and presented the Board with estimated expenses of $1,800-$2,000 for five members to participate. The show would allow the firemen to speak with architects, new truck and equipment vendors, and participate in trainings. Mr. Bykowski said he is not opposed to sending members to trade shows, but feels this one is too last minute to be able to get the most out of a show. He has experience with trade shows, and said it is better to be able to book appointments with vendors in advance of the show for maximum benefits. He also suggested the possibility of having regional fire truck salesmen and vendors some to Town to display their equipment for the whole department to be able to see. It was agreed this was too short notice for this year but perhaps could be planned for next year. Mr. Paustian suggested attending the Syracuse show in June. Mr. Bykowski said he’d be happy to help create a Syracuse show proposal to for the Board to review.
Town Administrator Committee: The Board discussed assembling a subcommittee for the hiring of a new Town Administrator after Mr. Zaiac’s resignation. It was discussed that applications will be accepted until Friday, April 18, 2025. Mr. Harvey said previous Town Administrator search committee members have expressed interest in being on the new subcommittee. Nicole Whalen, Todd Wilkins, Joe O’Dea and Mr. Bykowski were on the previous search committee, and Mr. Paustian said he would like to be the second Select Board member needed for this subcommittee. Ms. Browning made a motion to appoint the members for the Town Administrator selection subcommittee as discussed. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Zaiac said it is only an advisory committee, they will not make hiring decisions but will recommend the best candidates for the Board to then interview, and make the final decision.
All Other Business: None
Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Water Department Warrant #7, dated 4/4/25, in the amount of $6,186.54, with key components being BC/BS health premium for $3,757, and supplies for $1,000. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant #7, from the General Account, dated 4/4/25, in the amount of $15,357.26, with larger items being retuning the Ash Borer grant money to the State for $5,333, FD trailer sign painting, BCRC recycling fee, and Highway windshield replacement. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Browning said after researching the hourly wage of $25.00 the past Interim Town Administrator, Keith Squires, had received in 2021, Mr. Zaiac drew up a contract for Ms. Browning to work 12-20 hours per week at $25.00, as the new Interim Town Administrator. In this new position, she will only be paid for meetings she wouldn’t normally attend. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve the contract agreement for Ms. Browning as Interim Town Administrator as presented. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried, with Ms. Browning abstaining.
Executive Session: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to that premature discussion of a personnel issue would cause the municipality to suffer substantial disadvantage. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to enter into Executive Session for discussion of a personnel issue and to allow Town Administrator Nick Zaiac to remain in the room. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried. The Board entered Executive Session at 9:00PM. The Board exited the session at 9:14PM. No decisions were made as a result of the session.
All Other Business: None
Mr. Paustian made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:14PM
Minutes respectfully submitted by Janet Barry