Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82923623115?pwd=Y8mwXFBz1EXkv5iWbOROTgAAO3PJ6z.1
Zoom Meeting ID: 829 2362 3115 Passcode: 974520
BOARD MEMBERS: Marion Dowling (Vice-Chair), Chris Cleverly, Mike Fitzpatrick, Katy Johnson-Aplin
OTHERS PRESENT: Katie Bristol (Zoning/Admin), Jay Wilson (Road Foreman), Kate Gehring, Jane Douglas, Jeffrey Bodge, Ken Estey, Sue Berg
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Vice-Chair Marion Dowling.
CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED: Confirmed by Katie Bristol.
ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
- September 15th, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
Cleverly made a motion to accept the regular meeting minutes of September 15th, 2025. Dowling seconded. Johnson-Aplin obtained. The motion passed.
- October 9th, Special Meeting minutes were tabled until next meeting.
ROAD FOREMAN & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:
- We took the rubbish from the gravel pit to the transfer station, it was a little over 500#. No update from the Sheriffs Dept. on the name we found in the trash.
- The ANR Stormwater permit for the gravel pit has been issued. The next step is the ACT 250 permit.
- I have reached out on knotweed control along the roads, and we are waiting for further information.
- I forwarded the report from the meeting for the Higher Ground access permit.
- The Newfane Village sidewalk project is in the process of getting a proposal for engineering.
- Sill working with Geico on the Covered Bridge Repairs.
Fitzpatrick made a motion to accept the Road Foreman and Road Commissioner report. Johnson-Aplin seconded. The motion passed.
SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: None
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT: Melissa and I continued organizing and updating files and records. We also completed the collection of the final budgets from all committees, and all appropriation requests have now been received. In addition, the Diesel Exempt Certificate has been completed, and we updated the vehicle information on our PACIF report.
Fitzpatrick made a motion to accept the Administrative Assistant’s report. Cleverly seconded. The motion passed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Jane Douglas- Planning Commission- Gave information to the board on how to create an ordinance for the town. It was requested by her to check the wording and follow the steps to activate the short term rental ordinance. She also notified the board that there is a VLCT class on November 8th in regard to this topic, with hopes that a board member will go.
Kate Gehring- Planning Commission- Gering presented information on two grant opportunities that could significantly benefit the town. As part of the discussion on potential projects, a proposal was shared to transform the town-owned FEMA buyout properties along Dover Road into outdoor recreational spaces. The proposal also includes creating a bike or walking path. Gering emphasized the importance of submitting the grant applications promptly, as the deadlines are approaching quickly and she does not want the town to miss out on this program again. The first application is due October 31st, and the second by November 3rd. Johnson-Aplin made a motion to proceed with the applications, with plans to sign them at the upcoming budget meeting on Monday. Fitzpatrick seconded the motion, and it passed.
Cleverly made a motion to accept the committee reports. Fitzpatrick seconded. The motion passed.
UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: None
NEW BUSINESS:
OLD BUSINESS:
- Housing Grant Proposal- Review Housing Grant Application- No update
- FEMA buyout of South Newfane General Store – (Brown)
Bristol reported on behalf of Brown that KAS Completed additional soil testing. Results are coming soon.
- Personnel Policy changes/recommendations (Johnson-Aplin)- No update
- Knotweed Removal- See Road-Foreman report
- Brattleboro Retreat – Dover Road Land-The potential donation of the Retreat land to the town was discussed. However, concerns were raised due to the lack of direct right of way access to the property, as well as the town’s interest in avoiding the removal of another parcel from the tax roster. Following the discussion, a vote was taken on the matter. Cleverly made a motion to not accept the land in question. Fitzpatrick seconded the motion. The motion passed to Not accept the land.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Bob Crego – Interest in serving as Town Planning Commission’s Representative.- A letter was read by Johnson-Aplin from Crego with his interest in being the Windham Regional Commission representative. Johnson- Aplin
Dan DeWalt – Submitted the following letter to be read to the board.
Dear Selectboard members,
I see from your September 15 minutes that you were given erroneous information from Cris White concerning Community Restorative Practice of Vermont.
In the first place, we have not been “dissolved” by the state of Vermont. We are still a registered non-profit organization and are recognized as such by the state.
Secondly, Ms White has confused the actions of me as an individual with the actions of RCPVermont. Our organization has no political viewpoint. takes no stance on any political issue, and has never advocated in any way for any political action of any sort.
Just as Cris’s strong conservative views do not affect her good work on the West River group to which she belongs, my strong progressive views are completely separate from anything I do with RCPVermont.
I am frankly surprised by the allegations as they are based not in any kind of research but rather, it seems, in bad faith.
Of course, the selectboard and members of the public can cast aspersions at my actions as a private citizen. I am well aware that when I write articles in the newspapers that I become fair game for criticism and discussion. However, please don’t allow false information to color your opinion about a fine non-profit organization that is dedicated to free conflict resolution work for anyone who asks.
Sincerely,
Dan DeWalt
Cantos – Bristol reported that Fisher is making a violation from the Zoning office and Road Foreman to be sent out.
Pay orders:
- Payroll #11755 $ 5,678.88
- A/P #11751 $7,293.37
- A/P # 11752 $6,384.54
- A/P #11753 $5,994.01
- A/P #26008 $45,975.22
- A/P #2606A $91.00
Johnson-Aplin made a motion to accept the pay orders. Cleverly seconded the motion. The motion passed.
ADJOURN:
Cleverly made a motion to adjourn. Fitzpatrick seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 6:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Katie Bristol
Administrative Assistant