Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82923623115?pwd=Y8mwXFBz1EXkv5iWbOROTgAAO3PJ6z.1
Zoom Meeting ID: 829 2362 3115   Passcode: 974520

BOARD MEMBERS: Todd Lawley (Chair), Marion Dowling, Chris Cleverly, Mike Fitzpatrick.

OTHERS PRESENT: Katie Bristol (Administrative Assistant), Avarie Fitzpatrick (Administrative Assistant), Mark Anderson (Windham County Sheriff), Vince Schucke (Resident/ 250 Party), Wannetta Powling (Ad Hoc/ Town Clerk), Ken Estey (Resident/Ad Hoc), Dick Marek (Ad Hoc), Michael Miller (Resident), 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: Removing the Road Foreman & Road Commissioner’s Report, no bid openings, and accepting the Access Permit under the Administrative Assistant Report.

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

• Sheriff Mark Anderson- Discussion on Regional Policing in Windham County

Cleverly made a motion the Town of Newfane join the governance council. Fitzpatrick seconded. Motion failed.

Cleverly made a motion to table till July 6^th Selectboard meeting. Dowling seconded. Motion passed.

Discussion:

Anderson reviewed Act 104 and its benefits for participating towns. He explained that the pilot program would create a governing council made up of Selectboard representatives from each participating town to oversee services and operations.

In response to questions from Fitzpatrick, Anderson said the governing council would determine service levels and could adjust them as needed. He added that the program could increase staffing to the equivalent of five an half officers and is similar in structure to the town’s animal control agreement.

Bristol stated that Johnson-Aplin would like to be nominated to serve on the governing council.

Fitzpatrick asked whether the department would focus more on criminal matters. Anderson said that is the department’s goal, but service priorities would ultimately be determined by the governing council.

Estey asked how a major incident in one town could affect the others. Anderson said such situations would be considered crises and, while uncommon, can place demands on all participating agencies. Powling described the arrangement as “friends helping friends.”

Cleverly asked whether response times would improve under the program. Anderson said the goal is to have all available deputies accessible across participating towns, improving response times and allowing the State Police to serve as secondary support when needed.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

• June 1^st, 2026, Draft Regular Meeting Minutes

Fitzpatrick made a motion to accept the Draft Regular Meeting Minutes of June 1st, 2026. Cleverly seconded. The motion passed.

ROAD FOREMAN & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT: None

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

• Vince Schucke- informing the Selectboard about a neighborhood group putting together a 250^th party on the common for families and children.
• Karen Astley- Public recognition to the  NewBrook Fire Department for the bridge washing on River Road. Also, would like to see if the knotweed could be removed so that there is no more blind area coming across the bridge.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• June 3^rd, 2026, Planning Commission Draft Regular Meeting Minutes
• Ad Hoc Committee Update

Marek reported that the committee has been developing a comprehensive survey to gather public feedback on Town Meeting locations and ways to improve attendance. Estey noted that an academic sociologist reviewed the survey to ensure it was free of bias and suggested a few minor improvements. The committee is awaiting additional input from the school system before meeting again. Members are also exploring cost-effective ways to notify Newfane residents about the survey and encourage participation.

Cleverly made a motion to accept the Planning Commission and Ad Hoc Committee Updates.  Fitzpatrick seconded. Motion passed

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT:

1. I have completed two of the ordinances that need to be updated. I have made copies and added them to your packets to take and review before proceeding with a final version to amend.
2. We still have two vacant spots available for the Conservation Commission. I have reached out to people who have still not sent their letters back. I called as well as mailed a letter with the appointment acceptance letter and gave a deadline of June 11^th and still have not received anything. Do you want me to advertise the positions to the public?
3. I have filed and made a list of all the excess weight permits that have been sent in for 26-27.
4. The admin office organization is officially completed and came out very nice and well put together.
5. We need you to make a motion to accept the access permit.

Cleverly made a motion to accept the access permit. Dowling seconded. Motion passed.

Cleverly made a motion to accept the Administrative Assistant’s Report. Dowling seconded. Motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS:

• FY27 Windham County Sheriff’s Contract- Review & Sign

Cleverly made a motion to have the FY27 Windham County Sheriff’s Contract signed.  Dowling seconded. Motion passed.

OLD BUSINESS:

• FEMA buyout of South Newfane General Store- None
• Knotweed Removal-None
• Covered Bridge Repairs- None

CORRESPONDENCE: None.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

• Personnel Matter; Employee Review Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a) (3)

Cleverly made a motion to enter executive meeting at 6:40 P.M. Dowling seconded. Motion passed.

Cleverly made a motion to come back from executive meeting with no decisions made at 6:50 P.M. Dowling seconded. Motion passed.

Pay orders:

1. Payroll #11788 $ 6,565.33
2. Payroll#11789 $5,751.63
3. A/P #26024    $377,634.26

Fitzpatrick made a motion to approve pay orders. Cleverly seconded. Motion passed.

ADJOURN:

Fitzpatrick made a motion to adjourn. Cleverly seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.