Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82923623115?pwd=Y8mwXFBz1EXkv5iWbOROTgAAO3PJ6z.1
Zoom Meeting ID: 829 2362 3115 Passcode: 974520
BOARD MEMBERS: Todd Lawley (Chair), Katy Johnson- Aplin (Vice-Chair), Marion Dowling, Chris Cleverly, Mike Fitzpatrick.
OTHERS PRESENT: Avarie Fitzpatrick (Administrative Assistant), Jay Wilson (Road Foreman), Joe DiBernardo (VTNH Survey), Michael Miller (Resident), David Cotton (DRB Chair), Karen Astley (Resident).
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Todd Lawley.
CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED: Confirmed by Avarie Fitzpatrick.
ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
- July 6th, 2026, Draft Regular Meeting Minutes
Fitzpatrick made a motion to approve the July 6th, 2026, Draft Regular Meeting Minutes. Cleverly seconded. Motion passed.
SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
- Joe DiBernardo Surveyor regarding a parcel in S. Newfane
Discussion:
Conversation ensued with Joe DiBernardo, who appeared on behalf of his client regarding a parcel of land in South Newfane. DiBernardo explained that the property owner wishes to adjust the boundary line, so it follows the riverbank and corresponds with the portion of the property being sold. During the survey, the boundary between the owner’s property and the Town could not be established because the deed references an old highway plan that has not been located. The deed also references stationing shown on that plan. As part of the proposed adjustment, the owner would convey approximately 670 feet of frontage to the Town.
Lawley asked whether the Town could assume ownership of the property through FEMA given its prior involvement. Wilson responded that he believes the Town could take ownership, noting that while the property could not be developed, it could continue to be used for storage purposes as it has been historically.
Following discussion, Cleverly and Lawley recommended that Fitzpatrick and Wilson inspect the proposed boundary adjustment and report back to the Board with their recommendation on what would be in the Town’s best interest. DiBernardo stated that if the proposal is acceptable to the Town, the parties would proceed with a quitclaim deed between the owner and the Town, subject to review and approval by the Town Attorney to ensure all legal requirements are satisfied.
ROAD FOREMAN & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:
- DuBois & King is going to put together a proposal for the Sand/Salt shed.
- I met with the DRB at the pit on Radway Hill, they had the meeting that night but had technical problems with the Zoom connection. The engineer could not get reconnected. The meeting will be held on the 29th at 7:15pm, Mike Fitzpatrick is going to attend from the selectboard.
- The over-height warning device for the Covered Bridge is set to be delivered this week.
- Nothing new on the Newfane Village sidewalk project.
- We will be replacing a couple of culverts on Depot Road either later this week or next week. Paving will be starting in August. I will let Katie know so she can post it online.
Cleverly made a motion to accept the Road Foreman and Road Commissioners Report. Dowling seconded. Motion passed.
Access Permit on Hunter Brook Road for Walter Hagerdorn
Johnson-Aplin made a motion to approve the parking spot off Hunter Brook Road for Walter Hagerdorn. Fitzpatrick seconded. Motion passed.
UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
- David Cotton- Representing the Development Review Board regarding the towns gravel pit. Cotton states that they had the engineer on during the meeting. He explained things very well but due to poor connection they had lost him. The abutters who were there had been fine with what the engineer was telling them but, they wanted to meet with someone from the town to answer there “what if” questions. Fitzpatrick and Wilson will be attending the DRB hearing on July 29th to represent the town.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: None
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT:
- The DRB has requested that one of the Selectboard members and the Treasurer be present at the next DRB hearing regarding the gravel pit on July 29th at 7:00 P.M.
- Ted Brady from VLCT came down last week for a meet and great with us. Wanted to check in to see if we needed anything from them or had suggestions on ways to improve their resources.
- We have updated the DISA drug and alcohol portal and brought everything up to date.
- We have assisted the DRB with all their upcoming hearings
- We have been working on updating all the binders making sure all information in them is current and up to date
Johnson-Aplin made a motion to accept the Administrative Assistant’s Report. Dowling seconded. Motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Review for approval of the 2026 PACIF Grant and sign
Cleverly made a motion to approve the 2026 PACIF Grant and have Todd sign. Johnson-Aplin seconded. Motion passed.
- Approval of the 2026 Tax Rate
Cleverly made a motion to approve the town tax rate at 0.4785 and authorize the Town Treasurer to calculate the tax for the local agreement, per the voters at Town Meeting, once the education tax rate is received. Fitzpatrick seconded. Motion passed.
OLD BUSINESS:
- FEMA buyout of South Newfane General Store- None
- Knotweed Removal-None
CORRESPONDENCE:
- Letter regarding speed table in Williamsville
- Windham County Humane Society- Thank You Letter
- American Red Cross- Thank You Letter
- Junk Ordinance Follow-Up Letter
Discussion:
Discussion ensued regarding the speed table in Williamsville. The Board noted that while some residents have expressed concerns about the location of the speed table, many others have been pleased with the noticeable reduction in vehicle speeds and the overall improvement in traffic traveling through the village, particularly in the section approaching the speed table. Dowling stated that she believes there should be a community-wide conversation to gather residents’ feedback and discuss what traffic-calming measures they feel would work best for the Town.
Pay orders:
- Payroll #11792 $7,018.58
- Payroll #11793 $7,185.80
- Payroll #11794 $6,845.34
- A/P #27002 $57,132.24
Fitzpatrick made a motion to approve pay orders. Johnson-Aplin seconded. Motion passed.
ADJOURN:
Fitzpatrick made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Cleverly seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 P.M.