MINUTES OF MEETING of October 19, 2026

Commissioners in Attendance: Dan Harvey, Jamie Paustian, Glenn Sherman, and Sebastian Massey

Commissioners Absent: Matt Bykowski

Also in Attendance: Chief WD Operator, Josh Brace, Interim Town Administrator, Cynthia Browning, GNAT TV and Janet Barry, via Zoom.

The meeting was called to order by Mr. Harvey at 7:00PM

Agenda Additions or Deletions: None

Minutes of July 20,2026: Mr. Paustian made a motion to accept the minutes of the meeting of July 20, 2026, as presented. Mr. Massey seconded, motion carried, with Mr. Bykowski absent.

Public Comments: None

Report of the Chief Operator: Grant Updates: Mr. Brace said there was an additional $3,800 bill for electrical updates that came in after the others invoices, and the propane refilling of the new tank is not covered by grant funds. Peak Efficiency can be paid in 2027 and the new door will be installed next year and paid with grant funds.

Water Usage: Total water usage from 8/26/26-9/26/26 was 260,000 gallons less from doing leak repairs, and is the equivalent of two million gallons in a year.

Shut-Offs: Mr. Brace said two accounts were turned off. Payments of $800 and $500 were paid and there was a promise to pay the totals, but no additional payments have been received. It was discussed that going forward there should be a documented paper trail and signed record of scheduled payments, with 50% of the delinquent amount needing to be paid within the first two weeks.

Aged Receivables: Mr. Brace said the thirteen worse delinquencies do not seem to have been helped by the collection agency. He said renters only need to pay the current amount owed,

not the delinquent amount, per State law. He plans to come up with a more effective plan for delinquency collection by the next Select Board meeting on 11/9/2026.

Other Business: Mr. Brace said he will close the Park bathrooms for the winter once playoffs are over.

Mr. Paustian made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Massey seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:18PM

Minutes taken by Janet Barry

Arlington Select Board 

October 19, 2026 

Members Present: Dan Harvery, Jamie Paustian, Glenn Sherman, Sebastian Massey  

Members Absent: Matthew Bykowski 

Also Present: Chris Roy (via Zoom), Michael Miller (via Zoom), Mike Carroll (via Zoom), Doug Goulette (via Zoom), Stephen Magliocco (via Zoom), Debbie Gardner, Bruce Fleming, GNAT TV, Jen Hyatt, Janet Barry (via Zoom) 

Dan Harvey called the meeting to order 7:19pm 

Additions to the Agenda:  

None 

Minutes of the Meeting of  October 5, 2026: Glen Sherman made a motion to approve the minutes the meeting of October 54, 2026, as presented. Jamie Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried, with Mr. Bykowski absent. 

Public Comments:   None 

Health Insurance Renewal:  Acrisure presented the 2027 MVP health insurance renewal. Open enrollment will be soon. There will be a 6.5% increase. It is too late to make any changes. The board may revisit the topic earlier in the season next year. Glen Sherman motioned to approve the request to authorize Cynthia Browning and Janet Barry to sign insurance paperwork. Mr. Massey seconded. Motion carries, with Mr. Bykowski absent. 

Gleb Lot Road Survey Report: The report from the MSK surveyor arrived late in the day. It was an on the ground survey. It showed a different Right of Way than previous surveys. Ms. Browning shared her screen of the engineers’ maps. Further review will need to be done as well as sending the report to the town attorney. Ms. Browning will send a copy to the report to anyone who requests one. It will be discussed at future meetings.  

Benedict Crossing Bridge Updates: Benedict Crossing Bridge abutment surveys have yet to be received. It appears the roads may have shifted at Benedict Crossing. It was discussed that Vermont Law says 25 feet on either side of wherever the road is currently located. Ms. Browning will seek legal advice on the matter and discuss at a future meeting. 

Benedict Hallow and GMNF Access:  The current parking area currently fits three cars or two pickup trucks. It was agreed that the members of the board will visit the area in person. 

Planning for Wastewater Initiative:  The October 8, 2026 meeting did not have any attendees. A public meeting will be scheduled in November. The wastewater committee members will meet prior to taking any information to the board. 

MERP Updates: The mini MERP that was used in a prior year for energy committee outreach has remaining funds. The energy committee asked if they could purchase a heat sensing camera that could then be stored at Town Hall. Residents could request its use. The board asked that the energy committee have a formal proposal for the next meeting before any decision can be made. The final step of the MERP project will begin tomorrow with Vermont comfort installing the foam insulation. 

7a Sidewalk Project: The sidewalk project is near completion but is 8-10 days behind schedule. 

Murray Hollow Culvert: It was discussed that Ms. Browning has not heard back from the landowners involved in this area. It was agreed to not pursue this culvert through Trout Unlimited at this time. 

Highway Updates:  Salt Quotes: Mr. Harvey read the three salt quotes that highway foreman Mark Robinson had received. Mr. Robinson suggests using Eastern Salt for 400 tons at $102.36 per ton delivered, Apalachee for 200 tons at $109.50 per ton. Cargill is $110.75 per ton and could be used if any additional salt is needed. 430 tons was used last winter. Mr. Paustian made a motion to approve 400 tons of salt from Eastern Salt at $102.36 per ton delivered and an addition 200 tons from Apalachee at $109.50 per ton delivered and to allow board chair Dan Harvey to sign the contract. Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried, with Mr. Bykowski absent. 

Outfitting New Town Truck: The board reviewed two quotes for stainless steel body for the new town truck. HP Fairfield for $127,133 with delivery 12 months from the time of signed contract. Viking equipment for $137,000 with delivery 24 months from time of signed contract.  It was decided that updated figures from the capital reserve truck fund will need to be reviewed at the next meeting before a decision is finalized. 

Park Updates: Ms. Browning informed the board of a request for a memorial plaque to be affixed to a bench at the park. New locks have been installed at the bathrooms. The leaf blower will need a new motor. Mr. Jennings will paint the bathrooms before the heat is turned off. 

Fire Department Updates: Fire prevention demonstration at the school was a success. Mr. Bykowski will have information on the term of officers for the next meeting. 

 Liquor License: Mr. Sherman made a motion to approve Battenkill Report LLC doing business at Arlington Inn for a third class hotel license. Mr. Massey seconded. Motion carried, with Mr. Bykowski absent.  

Town Administrator Update:   Ms. Browning informed the board that she received a phone call from a woman claiming to have ownership of the abandoned trailer that has been discussed at previous meetings. The woman will have until the next meeting to show proof of ownership. 

Warrants and Orders:  Mr. Sherman made a motion to approve WD Warrant #21, dated 10/16/2026, in the amount of $15,645.34. Most significant items were Collection fees, sample tests, GMP payments, and Otter Creek payments. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried, with Mr. Bykowski absent. Mr. Sherman made a motion to approve Warrant #21, from the General Account, dated 10/16/2026, in the adjusted amount of $140,760.22. Mr. Massey seconded the motion. Motion carried, with Mr. Bykowski absent. The most significant items being Covered Bridge repair for $95,000, NEMRC fees, and Gleb lot Road survey, 7a sidewalk payment, and fuel for town trucks. 

All Other Business:   None 

Mr. Pausian motioned to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Massey. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:34PM. 

Minutes respectfully submitted by Janet Barry 

   For the Monday, October 19, 2026 Meeting at 7 pm upstairs at the Town Hall 

   The AWD meeting will be first at 7, followed immediately by the ASB meeting.  

Topic: Arlington Water Department and Select Board Meeting 

Time: Oct 19, 2026 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Join Zoom Meeting 

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ARLINGTON WATER DEPARTMENT AGENDA 

( 1. ) Call to Order 

( 2. ) Minutes 

( 3. ) System Operator Report 

( 4. ) Accounts Receivable 

( 5. ) Other Business 

( 6. ) Adjournment 

ARLINGTON SELECT BOARD AGENDA 

( 1. ) Call to Order 

( 2. ) Public Comments 

( 3. ) Minutes 

( 4. ) Health Insurance Renewal 

( 5. ) Glebe Lot Road Survey Report 

( 6. ) Benedict Crossing Bridge Updates 

( 7. ) Benedict Hollow: Potential Green Mountain National Forest Access  

( 8. ) Planning for Wastewater Initiative 

( 9. ) MERP Updates 

( 10. ) Highway: 7A sidewalk, Murray Hollow culvert 

( 11. ) Park: Request for Memorial Plaque 

( 12. ) Fire Department 

( 13. ) Liquor License 

( 14. ) Town Administrator Report 

( 15. ) Executive Session as needed 

( 16. ) Adjournment 

Regular Meeting

Public Meeting, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Meeting called to order at 6:35pm.

Present: Stephanie Moffett-Hynds, chair; Alexandra Ernst; Grace Katrick

Online: Joan Nash, vice-chair; Mardi Crane;

Alternates:  Garret Siegel

Not present: Mary Anne Holmes, secretary; Bill Laberge

Guests:

1. Additions or Deletions from the agenda:

2. Approval of Minutes from previous meeting of September 2, 2026

Motion to approve:Grace; Joan seconded; Motion passes unanimously.

3. Old Business.

a. Report on September 15 BCRC Energy Committee Convergence: The BCRC’s Callie Fishburn facilitated the meeting.  Steph, Joan, and Mary Ann Carlson attended, along with members of the Dorset, Manchester, and Sunderland energy committees.  Each group reported on the projects they have been working on. Steph will share the list of recommendations made by the Sunderland Energy Committee which they provided to their town when they were updating their town plan, most of which were included in the final version.

Ford Young from VECAN gave an in-depth presentation on:

1.  the 2028 Comprehensive Energy Plan:  the annual progress report just published by the Energy Action Network (https://eanvt.org) of where Vermont stands relative to its climate commitments and energy goals. While Vermont had been making strides towards lowering its footprint, the trends have either stalled or reversed since the current administration stripped incentives and halted green energy development. 

2. Legislative/policy updates

3. Upcoming VECAN initiatives and priorities

4. VECAN Tools and resources to support energy committees

Callie also alerted Steph that we still have funds from our MERP grant of 2024 that need to be spent before the end of the year.  See below under “New Business.”

b. AEC Select Board attendance:  Grace will attend on Nov 9 (Alex can be the alternate), Steph will attend on Nov. 23.

c. Update on WindowDressers: Only three weeks until the Northshire Community Build takes place at the First Congregational Church. Load-in is on October 22. Steph will send the committee more details on the needs and timing of that day’s work and will welcome anyone who can help with setting up the stations.  The actual build is October 23-28. Anyone who can is also encouraged to sign up here to volunteer for a shift or make some food.  And anyone who would like to help with the Southshire Community Build in Bennington the week before is kindly invited to sign up for Bennington WD build. 

d. Town Plan and the energy chapter: Garret reported that the Planning Commission will be going over the preliminary responses to the survey on what community members want to see in it.  He reported that 63 people had responded.  Garret would welcome a list of items the AEC would like to see included.  This is still the gathering stage.  The writing phase has not started.

      The AEC will be meeting with the Arlington Planning Commission to discuss the proposed energy chapter. Steph asked Garret to share it with the AEC ahead of time so that AEC members can attend the meeting having already prepared for it.

      The plan is in the drafting period from November 2026 to March of 2027; public hearing in April; meeting with SB in May; and public comment June-August.  Once finished, it moves on to the state to make sure everything has been covered legally (by the end of 2027).

e. Thermal Energy Network: Grace would be willing to attend a meeting with Debbie New and Marcus Jones. Steph has also approached Mary Anne Holmes to be a part of looking into this. She will put them all in touch for the next meeting.

f. Carbon Tracking Tool: Mardi and Joni will be working on getting the protocol together for others to use.  More to follow.  Mardi commented on what a beautiful job Joni had done on this.

4. New Business

a. MERP funds. Important deadline: the funds must be spent before the end of the year! The AEC would like to use the balance of $1,296.21 to purchase some thermal energy cameras for townspeople to check out to see where in their homes and businesses they are losing heat. Alex will do some research to see what models other towns are using and the protocol used for checking them out.  She might check with VECAN and EfficiencyVT.  Steph will contact Susan Paustian to see if one could be checked out from the Town Hall and with Kyrra at the library where another one could be checked out. The goal is to make these as accessible to residents as possible. She will also check in with Cynthia to get her help in purchasing these items as Cynthia is filling in as town administrator.

5. Other

a. Solar carport.  Steph received arequest from a Jake Seeley from Kingdom Sun for Arlington to consider a solar carport for the town. She shared it with the AEC. Mardi reached out to Karen Lee to get her initial reaction to the inquiry.  She responded, “…it looks legit.  But the town would have to put up 100% of the project and get between 30-40% back after filing tax forms.  I can do more research if you guys want but the project would require fundraising for the majority of the investment.”  Jim Hand also noted that it would be a pricey project. The AEC discussed the proposal tonight.  Many questioned Arlington’s need to build a covered parking lot.  Joni suggested that it doesn’t have to cover a whole parking area but could be used in, say, the Rec. Park as coverage for equipment and some of the parking and in turn generate the electricity for the lights. Garret pointed out that the Rec. Park is in a floodplain and therefore difficult to build in. Joni will do a little more research into this kind of project.  The AEC does encourage finding more places to incorporate solar, as long as it is practical and provides a return on its investment. Steph will respond to Mr. Seeley that we are between town managers and that the committee thinks it unlikely that the town would support this kind of initiative right now.  But she will also indicate that we are adding it to our list of things to understand better and will keep his contact information on hand should we want to revisit this.

b. Katie Dixon steps down as Town Administrator:  Cynthia Browning let the AEC know that Katie Dixon’s last day as town administrator was last Friday, October 2. The committee is very sorry to hear of her departure and has offered to help Cynthia in any way we can as she once again shoulders the responsibilities of the town administrator in the interim.

c. VT Climate Council report:  Steph, as a member appointed to represent rural communities, attended the quarterly meeting on Monday, October 5.  Presentations were made by several entities: The VT Dept. of Public Service, MassIncPollingGroup, UVM’s Climate Measurement Center of Excellence (CMeC), the Climate Action Office on Greenhouse Gas Inventory, and the Energy Action Network. 

MassInc did a survey to find out what Vermonters are prioritizing right now, in terms of needs. While the survey found that the majority of respondents put addressing climate change low on the list after the need to address lack of housing; the cost of heating, food, and gas; and the future and cost of education, the issue was still important to the majority of Vermonters.  The VTCC noted, however, that there seemed to be a disconnect between the issues and how the survey questions were worded.  The VTCC questioned the framing because respondents pointed to a strong desire for help with weatherization and energy efficiencies such as heat pumps and hot water heat pumps, but didn’t connect that to addressing climate change. In other words, there wasn’t a connection between the state’s efforts to get off of fossil fuels (volatile pricing) and affordability, even as Vermonters face a very expensive heating winter.  Still, no matter how the survey is interpreted, it is clear that most Vermonters are worried about affordability and simply don’t feel they have the personal funds to meet their needs and are not therefore likely to make costly upfront payments for efficiencies – even if they know that such investments would eventually save them money over time.  This is a predicament that the VTCC understands well, as does the Scott administration, the legislature, and the AEC.  This gets at the heart of why the conscientious work of energy committees (and select boards) to help their towns is so important and hard at the same time.

There was also a fascinating presentation by UVM’s Climate Measurement Center of Excellence which studies the changes in the state’s climate, the high costs of extreme weather events in Vermont, and how well (and not well) the state is doing in reaching its climate goals. 

The Energy Action Network in the EAN annual progress report begins with key questions that guided its analysis in 2026 (Steph quoted from the following EAN language and wanted to include it verbatim in the minutes):

1. How does energy affect affordability?

2a. How can we use less energy while getting the same output?

2b. How do different energy choices compare on mining and

materials?

3. What degree of dependence vs. freedom do different energy

choices provide?

4. How do different energy choices affect the Vermont economy?

5. What are the most significant impacts on human health and the

environment of our current reliance on fossil fuels?

In this work, one challenge stands out. Energy costs — driven primarily

by inefficient equipment reliant on expensive and price-volatile fossil

fuels like gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, and propane — are a significant

contributor to unaffordability in Vermont.

With modern electric technology, from EVs to heat pump water heaters,

many Vermont households have the opportunity to achieve durable

energy affordability — paying lower costs month after month and over

the lifetime of their vehicles and heating equipment. If Vermonters remain

dependent on inefficient vehicles and equipment, they are likely to be

saddled with high costs year after year, often paying far more over time.

Instead, if we can help more Vermonters access efficient technologies

that are more affordable to own, we can avoid locking in decades of

higher costs and higher pollution for Vermont and Vermonters.

The challenges and opportunities before us are too great to think only

narrowly, simplistically, or short term. This report is an invitation to come

together, look at the bigger picture, think systemically, and work to

achieve real, lasting, and sustainable progress for Vermont. 

                The report shows the following:

• Vermonters pay some of the highest household energy costs in the country
• Electric technologies can offer more efficient alternatives to traditional heating and transportation equipment
• Vermont’s energy supply is highly exposed to global markets and price volatility
• Consuming electricity keeps more money in Vermont than consuming fossil fuels
• Our reliance on fossil fuels is causing significant effects on human health and the environment

Steph referred to a chart on page 15 where one can see the sectors in which Vermont is reaching its targets on GHG emissions and those in which it is not. While our progress has stalled or gone backwards in the areas of transportation, thermal, agriculture, and industrial processes, we are continuing to make progress in the areas of waste management and electricity. 

During the public comment section of the VTCC meeting, one person expressed concern over the VTCC’s inclusion of wood as a fuel source to help Vermont reach its carbon goals, providing peer-reviewed studies on both the health costs and carbon footprint that burning wood causes. This concern has come up repeatedly at the VTCC meetings with many questioning its inclusion in town plans. 

Next meeting: November 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Motion to adjourn:  Garret; 2^nd  Joan.   Meeting adjourned at 8:30PM

Minutes prepared by Stephanie.

                                   Arlington Planning Commission 

                                                    WARNING 

Public Hearing, Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM 

Attend this meeting either via Zoom or in person at the  

Arlington Town Hall, 3828 VT Route 7A, Arlington, VT 

Topic: Arlington Planning Commission Zoom Meeting 

Time: October 15, 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83404863313?pwd=6ybzA2Yb96qpKy4koqBj9UaqiSuEEW.1

Meeting ID: 834 0486 3313      Passcode: 216033 

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This hearing is warned in accordance with section 4464 of the Vermont planning and development act (24 VSA, chapter 117).  Please be advised that participation in this proceeding is a prerequisite to the right to any subsequent appeal.   Additional information may be obtained from the Arlington Land Use Administrator (802) 375-1008  cynthia.browning@arlingtonvermont.org. 

Agenda 

1. Minutes 

2. Public Comments 

3. New Business 

1. Land Use Administrator’s report 

2. Other 

4. Old Business 

1. Ongoing Discussions of Town Plan Revisions with Nick Zaiac and Scott Grimm-Lyon of BCRC participating as needed.  

5. Adjournment 

Arlington Select Board

October 5, 2026

Members Present:  Dan Harvey,Matt Bykowski,  Jamie Paustian, Glenn Sherman (via Zoom)

Members Absent:   Sebastian Massey

Also Present:   Cynthia Browning-Interim Town Administrator,  Stephen Stanwood-Stoa (via Zoom), Dominic Cloud-VLCT (via Zoom) Brian Hawley, Eric Marko, Mike Hess,  GNAT-TV,  and Janet Barry ( via Zoom)

Mr. Harvey called the meeting to order at 7:03PM

Additions to the Agenda: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to swap items 6 & 7 on the agenda. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried.

Minutes of the Meeting of  September 14, 2026: Mr. Paustian made a motion to approve the minutes the meeting of September 14,  2026, as presented. Mr. Bykowski seconded the motion. Motion carried, with Mr. Massey absent.

Public Comments:   Mike Hess was at the meeting with a copy of a survey map of the Benedict Crossing ROW issue that has been discussed at past meetings.  The map will be reviewed, and Mr. Hess will be notified when the review is complete.

VLCT Recruiting: Dominic Cloud from VLCT explained the timeline and process for using VLCT’s recruiting program for the search for a new Town Administrator after Ms. Dixon’s recent resignation. The recruiters place ads locally and nationally and gather resumes to then send six to eight of the best candidates to the Board for review, conduct interviews and help decide who goes to the second round. They facilitate reference and background checks for the finalists.   The whole process can take three to four months, and the fee is $9,000 plus $3,000-$4,000 for potential relocation expenses. The Board agreed to discuss details in Executive Session and inform Mr. Cloud of their decision.

Website Development and Hosting Services:  Stephen Stanwood from Stoa Works, LLC, had submitted a revised contract for the Town website revision, and was at the meeting to answer any additional questions from the Board. It was discussed that photos can be easily added and it will be a site that is easy for employees to manage, with monthly support hours built into the contract.  Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve the contract with Stoa Works, as presented. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried with Mr. Massey absent.

Benedict Crossing Bridge Abutments: The Board and Ms. Browning reviewed the cost of the Abutment Evaluation Study proposal. It was discussed that the Bridge CRF funds are being used to repair the covered bridge and the Town would be short $47,673.74 to complete the study and after the study it would be an additional $1.5- 2.5 million dollars for a new bridge and approximately $700,000 to remove the bridge. Waiting until spring and seeking voter approval was discussed.

Fire Department Updates:  Alarm Permit:  Mr. Bykowski will draft a letter for commercial properties for alarm permits that will be reviewed at the next meeting.

The Board reviewed the two cleaning proposals for bi-weekly cleaning at both firehouses. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve the Praetorian Disaster Response, DBA ServPro, bid for two firehouses, bi-weekly cleaning for $440 a month. Mr. Sherman seconded.  Motion carried with 3 yes votes and 1 no vote, and Mr. Massey absent.

FD Term Limits: Mr. Bykowski will touch base with legal council before this can be discussed at the next meeting.

Missing road signs in Sandgate was discussed, which can cause issues for rescue personnel responding to emergencies. Having a stipulation in the fire services contract with Sandgate and Sunderland requiring all roads have proper signage was discussed.

VERB Ballot: It was agreed this was on the agenda but the Town had never voted on it in previous years and no action was needed.

Water Department Updates:  It was discussed that what was expected to be a simple curb stop leak repair job near Pleasant Street turned into a bigger project with what was discovered, and took three days to repair.

Having Park Supervisor, Cooper Jennings, shovel fire hydrants instead of Mr. Brace this winter was discussed.

Highway Updates:  Mr. Harvey said the Highway crew have been prepping vehicles for winter as well as doing grading and ditching.

Shared School Labor Request:  It was decided the Town doesn’t have the manpower to offer snowplowing at the school  this winter as was done last year.

Park Updates:  It was discussed that Mr. Jennings wants to work towards getting his CDL, which would then allow him to be a back-up Highway driver. He has worked lined up for the winter months, such as painting, repairing tables and cleaning up Park signage as well as plowing sidewalks and shoveling at two firehouses and Town Hall.

Mr. Bykowski said Mr. Jennings has been doing a good job working independently.

Town Administrator Update:   Ms. Browning said she had met with the surveyor who had recently surveyed Gleb Lot Road. He had trouble finding pins at the top of the road and will be double-checking the findings and have a report submitted by the next meeting.

St. James Church has requested on street handicap parking. It was discussed that it has to be a certain width and painted correctly and it is something the State will have to decide.

There is a Wastewater meeting on 10/8/2026 at 7PM, and possibly a public meeting to be held in November.

• Warrants and Orders:  Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve WD Warrant #20, dated 10/2/2026, in the amount of $19,520.16. Most significant items were $13,000 plus to Otter Creek for Wastewater studies, and $3,800 for electric updates at the Well House. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried, with Mr. Massey absent. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve Warrant #20, from the General Account, dated 10/2/2026, in the adjusted amount of $58,083.48. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motion carried, with Mr. Massey absent. The most significant items being FD safety equipment, cemetery mowing, line striping and Town Hall partial insulation payment. A payment to GPI for 7A Sidewalk project had to removed due to the contractor not having the paperwork complete.

All Other Business:   None

Executive Session:  Mr. Bykowski made a motion  that premature discussion of a contractual matter 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 a contractual matter and to allow Interim Town Administrator, Cynthia Browning, to remain in the room. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried.  The Board entered Executive Session at 9:00PM.  The Board exited Executive Session at 9:30PM. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to approve of going with the VLCT recruiter. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried, with Mr. Massey absent. Mr. Bykowski made a motion to switch Select Board assignments to have Mr. Paustian be the Park liaison and Mr. Massey be the Water Dept. liaison.  Mr. Sherman seconded. Motion carried.

Mr. Bykowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:35PM.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Janet Barry

Topic: Arlington Select Board Meeting

Time: October 5, 2026, 07:00 PM Eastern Time Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81999156123?pwd=ebcyOvhuR5zAzppIynvBQS6QkWjtEV.1 Meeting ID: 819 9915 6123 Passcode: 835511
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA
3.
MINUTES
Approval of minutes from Select Board Meeting on September 14, 2026.
4.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
5.
VLCT RECRUITING
6.
REVIEW OF PROPOSALS RECEIVED FOR THE BENEDICT CROSSING BRIDGE ABUTMENTS
Select Board to review proposals received for the “Structural Evaluation of Bridge Abutments”, discuss cost, next steps, and potentially award work or decide to place as an article on Town Meeting Ballot.
7.
WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT & HOSTING SERVICES
Board to review commercial agreement from Stoa and potentially approve.
8.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Discuss cleaning quotes, possibly approve one. Discuss alarm ordinance and commercial permit. Review fire leadership term limit, and possibly amend.
9.
VERB BALLOT
Board to review and cast vote for 2026 VERB ballot.
10.
WATER DEPARTMENT
Update on water Dept. work.
11.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Discuss scope of winter plowing on non-Town properties. Update on highway Dept. work.
12.
RECREATION PARK
Update on Rec Dept. work.
13. WATER DEPARTMENT WARRANTS
14. TOWN WARRANTS
15. EXECUTIVE SESSION
As needed to discuss personnel, legal, or property.
16. ADJOURNMENT

Town Hall will be closed October 20–23 while insulation work is completed.

Town Hall will reopen for normal business hours on October 26.

If you plan to submit a ballot during the closure, consider doing so on or before October 19, as the Clerk’s Office will be unavailable during the closure.

You will be able to submit a ballot early when Town Hall reopens on October 26.

The Town Clerk’s drop box, located inside the front door, will remain accessible during the closure for submitting ballots and tax payments. The drop box will be checked daily during the closure.

Tax Payments During the Closure

If you need to make a tax payment while Town Hall is closed, you have a few options:

• Drop box: Use the Town Clerk’s drop box.
  • Located inside the front door of Town Hall
  • Drop box will be checked daily during the closure
• In person: Pay directly at Bank of Bennington, Arlington branch only.
• Online: Pay through our online bill pay system, DOXO.
  • The link is available on the Town website homepage at www.arlingtonvermont.org 
  • Or you can pay directly at https://www.doxo.com/u/biller/town-of-arlington-19935B5

You will be able to submit tax payments when Town Hall reopens on October 26.

Election Day is November 3rd                                                              Taxes are due November 10th

Minutes – 7/23/2026

Planning Commission members in attendance:

Sebastian Massey

Garret Siegel

Michael Murno

Jenna Tait

Sunjit Chawla

Also in attendance:  Cynthia Browning; Land Use Administrator & APC alternate; Nick Zaiac of the BCRC; David Hagelberg; Scott Hagelberg.

A motion was made by Garret Siegel to approve the minutes from the last APC meeting (June 25, 2026), seconded by Sunjit Chawla. Approved unanimously.

No Public Comments

New Business:

          The Planning Commission was presented with a plat for a minor subdivision at 405 Old West Road.  The owners, David & Nancy Hagelberg, wish to divide a 116 acres lot into a 9 acre lot with house and driveway and a 107 acre lot of woodlands.  The woodland lot is not intended to be a buildable lot.  Garret requested that the dimensions of the house should be included on the site plan to conform with Bylaw 3.2.3.  Michael requested that bearings of the boundary lines be included for both of the lots that would result from the subdivision.  There was discussion whether boundary locations including bearings are required for all plats for APC approval or just the new smaller plat which had been thoroughly surveyed. Bylaw 3.4.3c (Preliminary Plat Review) calls for locations and dimensions of all boundaries in area of the parcel.  After some discussion it was agreed that the site plan was acceptable for the purpose of a minor subdivision.

A motion to approve the subdivision was made by Garret Siegel as long as the dimensions and full size of the existing three-bedroom house are noted in the final plat.  The petitioner was advised to verify with the town clerk that metes and bounds of the forest lot parcel (2a) are not required for filing.  Seconded by Sebastian Massey.  The motion was approved.

School Merger Discussion:

          Sebastian gave a recap of Vermont State Senator Seth Bongartz’s Town Hall meeting regarding the school merger discussion. The town has been placed in the Group 4 merger group which is centered around Bennington and other school districts to the South; however, it would be possible for the Arlington School District to choose to change merger groups if they judged it to be preferable.  Sebastian noted that in his opinion the town would be better served to consider joining the Group 3 merger group which is centered around Manchester.  The Planning Commission felt that this matter should be addressed with the Select Board.  Sebastian asked Katie Dixon, the town administrator, to add the subject to the next Select Board meeting.  It was agreed that Garret would write a letter to the SB in advance of this meeting noting the Planning Commission’s concerns and desire to be part of the process.  Several members of the APC vowed to attend the Select Board meeting.

Arlington Town Plan Revision:

          Nick Zaiac of the BCRC was again present to aid with the town’s revision of the Town Plan.  He noted that he planned to schedule stakeholder meetings with the water company, fire department, EMS and highway departments.  It was suggested that members of the APC should join in these meetings.

          Nick presented the town plan survey for review and suggestions.  This survey will be distributed widely in Arlington.  It was suggested that it might be advantageous to have open community workshops first before sending out the survey, but the timeline for completion of the revision made this suggestion difficult.  The town will have the chance to participate in the process once there is a draft revision ready to present to the town. 

          There was discussion of the best ways to get people to fill out the survey.  A big emphasis was placed on distributing the survey during Norman’s Attic in September.  Additionally, it was agreed that the members of the Planning Commission would send the survey to as many people as possible asking those recipients to further distribute the link to the survey.  The survey would also be advertised in various publications.

          There were questions about the formatting of the short and long survey.  Changes were made to the wording of the question about septic systems in Arlington.  Additionally, geothermal was added as a heating mode.  There was discussion about whether there should be more questions about the school issue; however, it was decided that additional questions were not necessary as we do not wish to polarize the act of taking the survey.  Sunjit asked if we could put the survey on a sandwich board in front of town hall, and it was noted that that will be done.

In discussing thenext meeting of the APC, it was noted that Town Hall will be closed during the week of October 19^th through the 23^rd.  It was agreed that Garret would ask the Town Administrator if the meeting room at Town Hall is available on the 15^th of October for our monthly meeting. 

The next meeting of the APC will take place on August 27^th at 7pm at Town Hall.  The agenda and Zoom link to the meeting will be posted to the town website as usual for those who cannot attend in person.

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 9:09 pm by Michael Murno and was seconded by Garret Siegel.

https://bit.ly/ARLTownPlan

Feel free to print and share the informational flyer below! Last day to submit a survey is October 7th.