Beth Bailey

The Planning Commission held a regular meeting which included a review of zoning bylaw updates. Key discussions focused on proposed revisions to Section 3.2 regarding Road Frontage & Access Standards, specifically concerning shared driveways, shared curb-cuts, and binding maintenance agreements. Additionally, the commission reviewed proposed changes to Section 3.8 concerning Outdoor Storage Limitations for truck trailers at residential and commercial properties, and modifications to Section 4.4 regarding Campers/Recreational Vehicles used as living quarters, distinguishing between Temporary Dwellings and Extended Habitation. The body also discussed updates to Section 4.5 on Campgrounds and Section 4.11 on Home Occupations. Furthermore, revisions were made to SECTION 420 regarding Lots With Multiple Pre-Existing Principal Structures. The commission approved submitting the drafted amendments to the Zoning Bylaw and Subdivision Ordinance to the Selectboard and scheduled a public hearing for March 18, 2026, to present the amendments. Follow-up items included updates on the MPG Bylaw Update Project steering committee formation and draft housing surveys, the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission report, and the Energy Committee's progress on lighting consultant selection and insulation projects.

The meeting focused on the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Key procedural items included the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair, with Norma Malone appointed Chair and Todd Provencher appointed Vice-Chair. Discussion covered the budget distribution method, noting that four entities (Barre Area Development, The Aldrich Public Library, Central Vermont Economic Development, and the Barre Partnership) will present on February 3rd. The committee reviewed Vermont Open Meeting Law and the Municipal Code of Ethics, confirming required ethics training completion. A PowerPoint presentation detailed the budget process schedule, proposed staffing increases (new project-based position and increased ambulance staffing), health insurance rate changes, and sneak peeks into potential General Fund expenditures (new town code hosting, breakroom improvements, fire truck reserve, recreation investment, police door lock system), Highway and Fleet Maintenance Fund needs (reduced engineering costs, new equipment, gravel contract, diagnostic tools), and Ambulance Fund items (New Berlin Station paving).

The meeting focused on reviewing the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The agenda was approved, with an adjustment to accommodate the late arrival of a presenter. Key discussion points regarding the General Fund budget included proposed allocations for a new membrane roof, breakroom wall, Cemetery Sexton Apprentice position, continued reserve funding for police and fire departments, police keyless entry, funding for a future fire truck purchase, and increased funding for a fire tanker refurbishment, alongside exclusions such as additional full-time employee requests and a new Recreation bathrooms project. The proposed total budget is $5,304,283, representing a 5.54% increase from FY26, largely due to the Cemetery Fund and fire truck allocations. Budget handbooks detailing specific departmental budgets and five-year plans were distributed. Presentations were received from The Barre Partnership, which requested an increase to $7,500 to support downtown promotion, business support, and new resident socials; the Aldrich Public Library, requesting $247,500 to cover increased payroll expenses (including a union wage increase), technology upgrades, and capital improvements; and the Barre Area Development Corporation (BADC), requesting $65,000 to support business recruitment, grant seeking, and assistance with the Booth Brothers' closure site.

The meeting agenda included approval of the agenda and previous minutes, announcements regarding Budget Committee meetings, and discussion with guests regarding separating the Planning & Zoning Departments and reconsideration of the annual sewer payment structure. The Selectboard considered awarding the FY2027 paving contract; after discussion comparing bids from F.W. Whitcomb and Pike Industries, the contract was awarded to Pike Industries based on a lower expected cost for hot-mix asphalt despite a slightly higher overall bid. Accounts payable warrants were approved, and updates were provided on potential salt supply issues and the status of the Otter Creek Engineering Interconnection. The Board also discussed the generator at the East Barre Fire Station before entering an executive session to discuss personnel and labor contracts.

The meeting featured the continuation of a public hearing regarding the road acceptance of Hickory Way and Wildwood Drive, which was postponed to January 13, 2026, pending resolution of easement issues with LaGue, Inc. The Board interviewed candidates for the FY27 Budget Committee, including Will Ruth, Bill Bugbee, and Adam Kay. The Planning & Zoning Administrator proposed splitting the Planning & Zoning Administrator position into two roles—Director of Planning and Zoning Administrator—to address staffing shortages and maximize efficiency, with support voiced by the Planning Commission Chair and the Development Review Board Chair. The Selectboard unanimously approved a one-year Agreement with Mad River Valley Ambulance Service to provide partial training and operational support. The Board also reaffirmed the existing $450 non-mutual aid EMS service fee (excluding Barre City and Montpelier). The 5-Year Equipment Purchase Plan for FY2027-FY2031 was approved, noting increased costs and adjustments related to fire department apparatus. Finally, Will Ruth and Jaime Cushman were appointed to the FY27 Budget Committee by the Selectboard, and accounts payable warrants for the week of December 23, 2025, were approved.