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, Michael Fitzpatrick

OTHERS PRESENT: Katie Bristol (Admin Assistant), Avarie Fitzpatrick (Admin Assistant), Jay Wilson (Road Foreman), Austin Rice (BCTV), Tim Jones (GMP), Michael, Kate Gehring (Resident), Beckley Gaudette (Resident), Jane Douglas (DV Fiber), Don Mills (GMP), Greg LoPiccolo ( Resident)

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Lawley.

CONFIRM PROPERLY WARNED: Confirmed by Katie Bristol

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Fitzpatrick added discussing 181 at bottom

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

1. February 2^nd, 2026, Draft Regular Meeting Minutes

Cleverly made a motion to approve February 2^nd, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes. Fitzpatrick seconded the motion. Three in favor, two abstained. Motion passed.  

2. March 16^th, 2026, Draft Regular Meeting Minutes

Fitzpatrick made a motion to table March 16^th, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes. Cleverly seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Johnson-Aplin discussed taking out portion of March 16^th,2026 discussion. Bristol states that once fixed, it will be brought back to the board to approve.

ROAD FOREMAN & ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:

1. It’s looking like we may have to replace the 36-year-old air compressor at the garage.
2. The fuel tanks and pumps were tested at the garage and they passed. The state is coming next week to inspect the tanks also.
3. Brian Tyler came to the town office and ran his camera up into the bathrooms from the septic tank. He used his Jetter to flush the lines and everything looked good when he got done.
4. Margo at WRC is still working on the Sand/Salt shed.
5. Marc Pickering met me on Adams Hill today to see where the large pine fell on Friday and loosened the steep slope. He gave us guidance on getting the slope stoned.

Wilson was looking to replace the air compressor. He found them at Napa in the range of $2,500 to $3,600. Will report back.  After a meeting on Adams Hill, it was found that there needed to be stumps removed, pine and hemlock trees, and 2 inch stone. Will need to go out for bid.

Cleverly made a motion to approve the Road Foremen and Road Commissioner report. Johnson- Aplin seconded. Motion passed.

Discussion:

Lawley asked whether village trustees had been involved in the ongoing line work. Mills explained that most of the communication has been at the Selectboard meetings or with Wilson. The project primarily involves replacing poles in the center of town and relocating them as needed. Mills stated that the town will receive advance notice, including two-week look-ahead schedule, to keep residents informed of traffic impacts.

Concerns were raised about coordination with village trustees, parking disruptions, and communication with residents. It was agreed that better outreach and coordination would help avoid confusion. Mills confirmed that roads will remain open with traffic control in place, and only minimal tree trimming  will occur. Work will follow existing lines within town rights-of-way.

Additional discussion noted the importance of clear communication moving forward. Mills acknowledged past issues with the underground work on the dirt roads and stated that improvements are being addressed.

Fitzpatrick made a motion to sign the contract with Green Mountain power. Cleverly seconded. Motion passed.

The board discussed planned repairs to the Williamsville Covered Bridge repairs noting the prior estimates from approximately two and half years ago ranged between $50,000- $60,000. It was confirmed that the town currently has $52,500 budgeted under contracted bridge services. Lawley expressed concern about available funds, while Wilson clarified that sufficient funds are in place.

It was emphasized that bidders must have covered bridge experience, Daniels was identified as the sole qualified bidder. Lawley suggested limiting repairs from bumper to bumper rather than the entire span, while Wilson noted plans to remove bumpers due to buildup underneath that can cause deterioration.

Fitzpatrick suggested exploring the cost difference between full replacement versus targeted repairs along the runners. Lawley inquired about the project timeline, and Wilson stated work is expected to begin after the mud season but would like to wait until school is out.

SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: None.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

Gehring nominated LoPiccolo for the Planning Commission, speaking highly of his qualifications and expressing strong support for his appointment. Gehring also publicly thanked Douglas for her time and service on the committee.

LoPiccolo introduced himself to the board, sharing his interest in serving the town and contributing where he can. Board members expressed appreciation for his willingness to serve, and he was welcomed to the Planning Commission.

Cleverly made a motion to accept LoPiccolo for the Planning Commission for one year. Fitzpatrick seconded. Motion passed.  

Cleverly made a motion to reappoint Douglas as DV Fiber representative. Fitzpatrick seconded. Motion passed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• March 9^th, 2026, Williamsville Hall Meeting Minutes

Discussion ensued about the lighting outside of the hall.  Reach out to Tim Jones at GMP to see what can be done.

Cleverly made a motion to approve March 9^th, 2026, Williamsville Hall Meeting Minutes. Fitzpatrick seconded. Motion passed.  

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT:

1. Letters were mailed to the abutters of the Green Iron Bridge.
2. Notice of the Alternatives Presentation was put in the Brattleboro Reformer, on the Town Website, Town Office, Front Porch Forum, Moore Free Library and WW.
3. We ordered new State and Federal mandatory workplace posters.
4. Health Officer was filed with the State of Vermont.
5. Updated the list of vacant appointments.
6. Submitted to the State the Tree Warden Appointment.

DISCUSSION:

Discussion ensued to post the vacant appointments to the public to see if anybody has any interest in any of these positions.

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

NEW BUSINESS:

• Authorize Town Clerk to Reissue Existing Liquor Licenses– Discussion and possible approval for the Town clerk to administratively reissue previously approved liquor licenses upon renewal, with only new liquor license applications requiring Selectboard review and approval.

Discussion ensued that if someone has an existing liquor license, all they have to do is go to the Town Clerk and she can renew it. If it is a new application, the new applicants would come in front of the board for approval.

Fitzpatrick made a motion to approve Authorizing the Town Clerk to Reissue Existing Liquor Licenses. Cleverly seconded. Motion passed.

• Purchase of Wireless Microphone System– Review available wireless microphone system options for use during town meetings and public events, and consider authorization for purchase based on identified needs, cost, and functionality.

Discussion ensued about which would be the best type of microphone system that would work in case of changes to the Town Meeting location. Discussion was tabled until April 20^th meeting. No action taken.

• Bid Policy- Review and Amendments:

The Selectboard will review and consider updates to the Town’s Bid Policy, including:

• Establishing designated posting locations for bid advertisements
• Requiring Selectboard approval of the scope of work prior to advertising any bid
• Requiring all Selectboard members to be present for the awarding of bids
• Creating a dedicated section on the Town website for posting open bids

Selectboard members discussed changing the Purchasing Policy/ Bidding Policy. They asked the Administrative Assistants to draft up a policy with the amendments. They will review it at their next Selectboard meeting.

• Discuss Hiring a Grant Writer:

Review the potential need for a professional grant writer to assist the Town with identifying and applying for grants.

Greg LoPiccolo said Susan Ahl would be great for this type of thing and that he would reach out to her to get in touch. Johnson-Aplin states it would be good to see what hiring someone would consist of needing.

• Ad Hoc Committee for Town Meeting-

Review applications from residents interested in serving on the Ad Hoc Committee for Town Meeting  and consider appointments.

The Selectboard expressed interest in forming an Ad Hoc Committee to evaluate potential options and provide recommendations. The committee will be given six months timeframe to review possible locations and develop a proposal for the board. Members who have volunteered will assess the options and offer feedback on what would be most suitable.

Fitzpatrick made a motion to form the Ad Hoc Committee. Cleverly seconded. Motion passed.

• Appointment for Vacant Positions-

Deputy Health Officer

No action taken by board

OLD BUSINESS:

Follow-Up Items (10 Minutes per topic)

1. FEMA buyout of South Newfane General Store

Fitzpatrick stated that the town should not be responsible for paying for the store cleanup, noting it was originally expected to be left in good condition at no cost to the town, with only seeding required. Johnson-Aplin raised concern that if no action is taken, the town may be responsible for fencing off the area. Fitzpatrick reiterated that the town did not agree to additional responsibilities such as fencing and suggested restricting access to the area and the town’s right-of-way if funding is not provided. Lawley requested reviewing the original contract to clarify the agreed-upon terms.

2. Knotweed Removal – None
3. Covered Bridge Repairs- None
4. Green Iron Bridge Repairs- None

• Correspondence– None
• Executive Session (1 V.S.A § 313(a)(3))

To discuss the employment of a public employee, including potential termination and related contracts

Cleverly made a motion to enter into executive session. Fitzpatrick seconded. Motion passed.  Entered executive session at 7:15pm

Dowling made a motion to exit executive session. Johnson-Aplin seconded. Motion passed. Exited executive session at 7:33pm

• Possible action resulting from Executive Session

Johnson-Aplin made a motion that the Town extend benefits to ensure continued coverage for an employee. Cleverly seconded. Motion passed.

DISCUSSION:  None

PAY ORDERS:

1. Payroll #11779 $ 9,484.24
2. Payroll #11778 $ 6,815.96
3. Payroll #11777 $6,251.61
4. A/P # 26019    $116,971.28
5. A/P #2618A      $584.00

ADJOURN:

Johnson-Aplin made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Cleverly seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45P.M .