Brenda Field

The meeting focused on the approval of the Windsor County Sheriff department contract for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, there was a detailed discussion regarding Act 162 and its impact on the roles of Town Forest Fire Wardens and local Fire Chiefs, specifically highlighting concerns about potential volunteer burnout, increased reporting requirements, and a lack of clear guidance from the State. The Selectboard supported the Fire Chief's decision regarding the issuance of fire permits and planned to draft a formal letter to State officials expressing their concerns. Other business included a discussion on formalizing the road closure notification process.

The board convened to hear property assessment grievances from town residents. Key discussions involved reviewing property assessments for specific parcels and addressing written grievances received from companies and individuals. The board outlined the process for deliberations and subsequent appeals to the Board of Civil Authority, and noted they have been addressing informal questions regarding changes in appraisal assessments.

The board conducted organizational votes to appoint a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Clerk. Requests for fund dispersals were approved for the Town Library, Cemetery Commission, and Highway Department. A check-in with representatives from EdwardJones included a discussion on the status of mutual fund consolidation and market volatility. The board approved a motion to shift 10% of funds from bonds into fixed-term CDs for accounts balanced toward growth and income.

The meeting included discussions on agenda additions, specifically regarding the Windsor County Sheriff contract and EC Fiber coverage representatives. Other business topics covered included the installation of guardrails for a bridge project, updates on road work grant projects, the procurement of road stone, and an incident involving a broken compactor roller. The board also addressed procedural questions regarding how to manage meeting minutes for virtual participants.

The board discussed the election of officers, the necessity of meeting with the Selectboard regarding the upcoming full professional audit, and improvements for the future auditor report, including email contact lists and error prevention strategies. Additionally, the committee deliberated on creating an annual auditing calendar to streamline processes, such as auditing cash receipts throughout the year, and planned to feature local arts and crafts in the next town report by soliciting submissions from residents.