Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82923623115?pwd=Y8mwXFBz1EXkv5iWbOROTgAAO3PJ6z.1
Zoom Meeting ID: 829 2362 3115 Passcode: 974520
BOARD MEMBERS: Chris Cleverly, Katy Johnson-Aplin, Mike Fitzpatrick.
OTHERS PRESENT: Katie Bristol (Zoning Admin/Admin), Jay Wilson (Road Foreman), Austin Rice (BCTV), Jane Douglas (Planning Commission), Al Weisbrich via zoom (Resident), Walter Hagedorn (Resident), Emily Gibbs via zoom (U.S Dept of Housing and Urban Development), Kate Kirkwood (Lead Hazard Control), Elisha Underwood (Lead Hazard Control)
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. by Katy Johnson-Aplin.
CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED: Confirmed by Katie Bristol
ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Remove Tim Jones from Green Mountain Power.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
- January 20, 2026, Draft Special Meeting Minutes
Fitzpatrick made a motion to approve January 20th, 2026, Special Meeting Minutes. Cleverly seconded the motion. Motion passed
ROAD FOREMAN & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:
- The engineering proposal for the Newfane Village sidewalk is expected mid-February.
- I have the bid almost ready for the Covered Bridge decking and will plan on having it ready to open for your next meeting.
- I have the bid ready for the over-height warning device for the Covered Bridge, we should be able to open that at the next meeting.
- The Green Iron Bridge scoping meeting was postponed and rescheduled for this week.
Discussion:
Cleverly made a motion to accept the Road Foreman’s report. Fitzpatrick seconded the motion. Motion passed.
SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: Elisha Underwood, spoke to the board about the Windham County Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Capacity Building program. HUD has awarded $1.1 million grant for Windham County to launch this program. This is a three-year initiative which will enhance community health and safety by expanding the county’s capacity to address lead paint and dust hazards. They are holding programs currently in Brattleboro. For more information, please contact Elisha at eunderwood@windhamcountyvt.gov or at 802-212-1548. Underwood asked the board the best way to reach tenants and homeowners. Cleverly recommended Front Porch Forum. They also asked how they can connect best with town contractors to promote free training and certification. Cleverly suggested they talk to WW Building supply. Brochures were left and will be at the Zoning office also a poster is hung in the entry. Kirkwood, Underwood and Gibbs all thanked the board and town for their continued support in this program.
UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: Al Weisbrich appeared via Zoom to follow up on letters sent to Mr. Fisher and the Selectboard, noting that copies were also delivered to the Town Clerk. Johnson-Aplin confirmed receipt of the letters and confirmed that the November 3rd correspondence had been included in the Selectboard’s information packet. Weisbrich requested a timeframe for a response. Fitzpatrick stated that a response had already been provided. Bristol reported that she and Brown contacted Fisher and stated that no violations were found and that further communication would only occur through the Town. Bristol confirmed no violations were identified and that no further action could be taken by the Town at this time. Cleverly stated that, as written, the Bylaws are not being violated and that the matter is civil in nature. Weisbrich requested supporting documentation and was directed to the Town Bylaws on the Town website.Fitzpatrick noted that the matter would have been more appropriately brought before the Development Review Board (DRB).Hagadorn noted that one complaint involved blocking the road was false he provided photos with measurements showing that emergency vehicle access is maintained. The Selectboard reiterated that the issue is a civil matter involving a private road and is not within Town jurisdiction.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Jane Douglas attended on behalf of the Planning Commission the town plan is coming together well. Also, the state isn’t going to be doing anything this year with that, so they want to know if Newfane wants to move forward with the registry that was created to see how many Short-Term Rentals are currently in Newfane. Johnson-Aplin and Cleverly attended the conference back in the fall, which was interesting and informative. Fitzpatrick isn’t in favor with making lots of changes to people who already have a Short-Term rental. Douglas says regulation is many steps down the road, the first step is to see how many we have to see if it’s worth even morning forward with. Cleverly noted he would like to have a full board to move forward with the big decisions but has no opposition to collecting data. Resident Walter Hagedorn suggests just going online and looking up what we currently have in the town. She will circle back to the board with the request again at a later date. The board also noted they will change the next meeting to February 17th since Monday is a holiday.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT: Melissa and I have continued working on the Town Report book, which has now been sent to the printers. We have received a draft copy, which is available should the Board wish to review it. The Town Meeting warning was posted. In addition, we have continued to respond to emails and phone calls and to organize the Administrative Office. We also contacted Bob Fisher regarding the Rock River Terrace continued concerns. He informed us that no violations have been found and that he will not be corresponding with them directly. He does not take calls or emails unless they come directly from town staff. Attached is the email correspondence which was referenced in the last meeting.
Cleverly made a motion to approve the Administrative Assistant’s report. Dowling se. Motion passed
NEW BUSINESS: None.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: None.
PAY ORDERS:
- Payroll #11769 $ 6,645.55
- Payroll #11770 $ 9,193.03
- A/P # 26015 $1,078,104.75
ADJOURN:
Cleverly made a motion to adjourn. Fitzpatrick seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Katherine Bristol
Administrative Assistant