Amber N. Baker

The Commission discussed several agenda items including the Downtown Core Master Plan Workshop scheduled for March 2026, inviting members to vote on the Town Center design. An update was provided on the MTF ADA Trail, noting an agreement to remove an extra bench. Progress on the Natural Resources Inventory was reviewed, with plans to contact other commissions for cost estimations. A presentation detailed plans for the MCC to host a Milton BioBlitz during the Summer of 2026, with members agreeing on potential weekends and next steps for planning. The Commission reviewed the newly finished MCC banner and discussed updates to the Milton Town Forest (MTF) kiosk map, including adding the street address and noting elevation points instead of contour lines; a motion was passed to reimburse a member for map proofs. Project list review showed no updates. Planning for Green-Up Day on May 2, 2026, included coordinating with the Recreation Department for bag distribution and park clean-up. Announcements were made regarding a Vermont Conservation Plan Meeting and the Lamoille Riverwalk Road Signs. The Treasurer's Report noted recent expenses for AVCC membership and MCC banners. The meeting concluded with nature notes and the approval of the Minutes from January 27, 2026.

During the Public Forum, a moment of silence was requested for three recently passed community members, and a resident expressed concerns regarding local noise regulations and the exhaust law ordinance. The board unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, which included minutes from a prior meeting and Warrant #16. Key actions included the unanimous approval of the bylaws for the Don Turner Jr. Award Committee. Furthermore, Amanda Pitts and Cassandra LaFayette were appointed as the Representative and Alternate Representative, respectively, to the CCRPC Planning Advisory Committee. Authorization was granted to apply for the 2026 Small Scale Local Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant, up to $50,000, to install guardrails on Sanderson Road and Westford Road. Updates from the Department of Public Works detailed reorganization efforts for the Salt Shed Project, in-house handling of state motor vehicle inspections, and management of a regional salt shortage. The Town Manager reported on the swearing-in of two new police officers, the impending service of a newly acquired ambulance, scheduling of a Downtown Core Master Plan workshop, demolition of a FEMA flood buyout property to create green space, and the plan to issue an RFP for a town-wide reappraisal. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss contracts and real estate, during which no formal action was taken.

The meeting included a public forum regarding the proposed 1% Local Option Tax (LOT) scheduled for the March 3, 2026 ballot. Information was presented indicating the LOT is estimated to generate approximately $581,594 annually, with primary goals being property tax burden reduction, capturing non-resident revenue, and establishing a predictable funding source for capital planning. The discussion addressed the scope of the tax (sales, meals, alcoholic beverages, and rooms) and the revenue distribution split between the Town (75%) and the State (25%). Attendees' comments and questions regarding the LOT were addressed by the Town Manager and Finance Director.

The meeting included a staff update reporting that informal comments were received from the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) on the draft town plan, noting that 20 of 27 required elements were met. The CCRPC provided an organizational overview detailing their history, role, and responsibilities, including information on Act 181 addressing the regional housing shortage. The commission was updated on the upcoming Downtown Core Master Plan Phase II workshop scheduled for March 14, 2026. Additionally, the Planning Commission Bylaws were updated and unanimously approved for submission to the Selectboard.

The meeting addressed public concerns regarding Green Mountain Transit (GMT) trip restrictions due to funding shortfalls, with the Town Manager indicating solutions are under review. The Selectboard approved the consent agenda, including Warrant #17, after adjusting it to remove a $20 gratuity. Appointments were made to the Recreation Commission for Brandy Companion and Erica Guralnick. Key annual forms for the Vermont Agency of Transportation, including the Mileage Certificate and Town Roads and Bridge Standards, were adopted and approved for submission. Allyssa Downs was appointed to the CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee and Clean Water Advisory Committee. An update was provided on the Downtown Core Master Plan, including an invitation to a forthcoming workshop. The Board accepted and authorized an agreement for an $18,400 Building Communities Grant for basketball court rehabilitation and ice rink improvements. Approval was granted for an emergency purchase of 200 tons of salt from Tech-Mix due to market constraints. The annual No Appeal or Suit Pending Certificate was approved. The acceptance of the Patrick Leahy LCBP Public Waterfront Access Improvement Grant of $99,392 for waterfront improvements at the Ice House area was authorized, contingent upon receiving written authorization from Green Mountain Power. Town Manager updates included that Ambulance A3 is in service, construction for the new salt shed is planned for late spring, and Winterfest is scheduled. The Board subsequently entered into an Executive Session to discuss contracts.