Cathy Townsend

Key discussions and actions during the Town Meeting included the introduction of Robert's Rules and the pledge of allegiance, as well as reports from town representatives and a committee member regarding local policies and the Robinson School, noting an upcoming retirement. Voters addressed several articles: Article 1 regarding the election of Town Officers (to be decided by Australian Ballot on March 3, 2026), Article 2 approving the Auditors' Report for the year ending June 30, 2025, and Article 3 authorizing total fund expenditures of $1,371,119. Further appropriations were approved for the Fire Equipment Reserve Fund (Article 4) and the Road Equipment Reserve Fund (Article 5). Article 6 approved using $35,000 from the Unassigned General Fund Balance for building repairs in FY 26-27. Articles 8 and 7 were amended and passed concerning the transfer of surplus funds from the Unassigned General Fund Balance to the Highway Fund and the Emergency Fund, respectively, partly to cover an unexpected cost for a required fire station sprinkler system. Article 9 authorized funding for the Starksboro Public Library operations. Article 10 approved an appropriation to the Bristol 4th of July Committee. Article 11 addressed potential withdrawal from the Mount Abraham Unified School District due to potential school closures. Article 12 involved voting on future amendments to the Town Plan and Zoning By-Laws by Australian Ballot. Article 13 extended the Delinquent Tax Collector term from one to three years starting in 2027. Article 14 appropriated funds to various social service agencies, including an increase to the Starksboro Volunteer Fire Department budget. Article 15 set the deadline for Real Estate tax payment. The meeting concluded with nonbinding discussions, including thanks to community members and reports on new equipment and community initiatives.

Key discussions during this meeting included the nomination of the Chair and Vice Chair, the establishment of the regular meeting schedule, and review of the agenda with no changes. The board accepted the draft audit with a noted change to the paving reserve fund name. The Town Administrator and a board member will discuss biweekly payroll with the road crew. Discussions also centered on the decision-making process for the Jerusalem Schoolhouse & Fire Station, leading to an action to schedule a monthly stakeholder meeting. A proposal for a Finance Committee was introduced. The Selectboard signed documents for the Bond Bank and discussed the contract with Silver Maple, with markups pending attorney review. The board also reviewed the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Engineering related to two FEMA Public Assistance Projects, approved three applications for the Department of Liquor and Lottery, and authorized the Town Administrator to obtain a quote from KAS Environmental. Payment for AP and Payroll was approved.

The meeting included a discussion and subsequent unanimous approval to partner with the public library on co-sponsoring events related to the book "The Light Pirate," which addresses climate change. The commission also reviewed and accepted edits to the October and November 2025 minutes, specifically concerning the invasive removal plan. Significant time was dedicated to the Cota Field grant, focusing on reviewing engineering designs for mitigating wetness, discussing alternatives such as a rain garden proposal, and establishing clear communication channels with the LCA and Vermont Land Trust regarding the easement. Updates were provided on the municipal planning grant, which supports developing a Community Housing Trust roadmap for moderate-income housing, noting the urgency for public hearings before the town plan expires in August. The commission also discussed zoning revisions pending a town vote, organizing a spring volunteer schedule with Middlebury College's Center for Community Engagement, and planning a new monthly radio program collaboration with neighboring conservation commissions. Furthermore, the commission planned a presentation for the February 23rd meeting concerning Vermont Conservation Design, Act 181, and habitat enhancement best practices for conserved lands. A final discussion involved communicating with state and town entities regarding optimal mowing timelines for state and town roads to prevent poison parsnip seeding.

The committee discussed updates related to the MERP Grant, specifically concerning the Food Shelf, which involved discussions on weatherization contracting, barrier placement for an ADA parking space, and signage coordination. A review of the audit and budget for Efficiency Vermont rebate eligible measures was planned for the next meeting. For the Jerusalem Schoolhouse, detailed HVAC considerations were reviewed, including heating options for the new wing and main building, radiant floor heat for the fire department, heat load calculations, cooling design load, ductwork feasibility (favoring non-ducted systems), and potential use of heat pumps and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV). Silver Maple Construction was tasked with pricing various heating and cooling options, including Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) for the Fire Station, with budget constraints noted. The committee also reviewed solar panel load capacity, discussed energy analysis methods to net costs based on system costs, rebates, and Federal Tax Credits, and clarified financing questions related to a town vote. Finally, project timing and coordination were addressed, including the appointment of a clerk of the works.

The meeting commenced with a review of the agenda. Key items discussed included the addition or deletion of voters, and a motion passed to eliminate the exit checklist for the upcoming Town Meeting as a trial run for future elections. Preparations for set-up at Robinson School on February 27 and March 2 were discussed, including coordination with Andy Weis for permission to leave supplies in place. Adjustments were made to the work schedule due to the elimination of the exit checklist. Finally, the delivery and hand count of PAHCC ballots and MAUSD ballots were assigned to specific members.