Andrew Berley

Key discussions included the Westmore Town Forest Management Plan, encouraging members to submit feedback. The commission extensively discussed Short-term Rentals (STR), weighing the pros and cons of registration, including potential burdens on property owners versus benefits like identifying responsible parties. For the Town Plan revision, the commission plans to convene an expert panel in collaboration with the Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA) to address major themes such as forests, water quality, housing, and recreation, necessitating new survey questions. Additionally, an update was provided on the Public Utility Commission (PUC) Tower proposal hearing and subsequent legislative considerations.

The agenda for the annual meeting includes the election of a moderator, clerk, and treasurer, all for terms ending at the 2027 Annual Meeting. The voters will also consider an introduction of the 2026 School Board Members and the approval of the District officers' reports as printed in the Annual Report. Furthermore, the meeting includes the election of multiple school directors for various terms and residencies. Key financial discussions involve authorizing payment schedules for Board members and officers, presenting the estimate of expenses and revenue for the ensuing year, considering approval for a recommended budget of $18,460,455.00, discussing the capital reserve report, and authorizing an additional $1,000,000.00 appropriation to the capital reserve fund. Finally, the voters will address whether to authorize the Board to borrow money for indebtedness and current expenses, and to set the date for the 2027 Annual School District Meeting.

The meeting began with the addition of Transfer Station interviews to the agenda. Key discussions included opening bids for the town-wide reappraisal, where two bids were reviewed and the matter was tabled pending involvement from another member. A request was approved to send out an education survey via the town email list. The Town Forestry Plan for Long Pond Forest was approved after being available for public comment for over 30 days. The board discussed establishing a town policy for grant procedures. Several financial actions were taken, including approving additional costs for a generator installation (maintenance plan, surge protector, and support stand), approving an overweight permit for Dead River Co. DBA Bournes Energy, and approving a contract with Blair's Custom Woodcraft. The board decided that purchasing a scanner for the town garage was unnecessary as the work could be completed in-house. Approval was also granted for the Black Fly Run and Ride event scheduled for May 30th, and subsequent steps were set for Transfer Station applicant interviews. Outstanding bills and payroll warrants were reviewed and approved for signing.

The meeting began with the addition of "Transfer Station Attendant" to the agenda. Key discussions involved the replacement of the town's generator, where the Board reviewed quotes from four companies, ultimately choosing to proceed with Brookfield Services for a 14kW Kohler generator, contingent upon confirmation of installation details. The Board also entered an executive session for personnel matters. Upon exiting, the Board accepted Austin Sicard's resignation and noted that the transfer station would be closed the following Saturday due to cold weather, leading to a discussion about advertising for a replacement attendant.

The meeting, required by Title 32 Vermont Statutes Annotated, Section 4111, will cover the addition of a Lister Job Posting to the agenda. A proposed Executive Session is also scheduled to discuss Pending Litigation, as permitted under 1VSA 313 (a) (1) (e), prior to adjournment.