Chris Bearor

The council discussed various city matters, including vacancy reviews, the approval of a liquor license for Brockton Corporation, and Amendment No. 2 to the agreement with Wright-Pierce regarding construction engineering for the Wastewater Treatment Facility. The public works department presented the draft FY27 budget, and the council authorized the submission of applications for Congressionally Directed Spending for fire station upgrades. Additionally, the meeting included updates on the Community and Housing Infrastructure Program, the Vergennes Hydroelectric Project, and reviews of a draft right-of-way permit application, a resolution for regional collaboration, and a policy regarding civil behavior for staff and appointees. The council also held a discussion to clarify roles and responsibilities between council members and city staff.

The committee discussed several items, including visitor input regarding the Parks and Facilities work group and the Walk-Bike Council of Addison County. Key updates included a review of the Recreation Coordinator's report, which covered the Vergennes Hydroelectric Project relicensing, potential infrastructure projects like a new water line proposed by the Vergennes-Panton Water District, and progress on the Commodore Club and local park planning. The committee also initiated the planning process for the fiscal year 2027 budget, with specific attention given to maintenance and facility improvements such as tennis court repairs.

The council reviewed reports from the Clerk/Treasurer and City Manager, covering topics such as voter registration, tax revenue allocation, the BESS project, and upcoming website improvements. The agenda included a presentation on the Master Plan for Veterans Park and a progress update on proposed revisions to the Sewer Use Ordinance and Department of Public Works standards. The council also held an executive session to conduct the annual performance review for the City Manager, concluding that the manager met or exceeded expectations.

The council discussed organization matters, including the adoption of a meeting schedule, election of a deputy mayor, and designation of a newspaper of record. Business items included liquor license requests, appointments to various committees such as the Police Community Advisory Committee and the Energy Committee, and a review of the Master Plan for Veterans Park, including an agreement with DuBois & King. Additionally, the council addressed a public assemblage permit for a demonstration, municipal plan amendments regarding zoning boundaries, and a review of the fund balance and administration budget.

The Regular Meeting Agenda for the City Council included several organizational items such as administering the Vermont Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office, adopting the meeting schedule through March 2027, electing a Deputy Mayor, and adopting Robert's Rules of Order. Key business items involved requests for approving various liquor licenses and permits for local establishments (Three Squares Café and Maplefields). The council planned to receive requests to appoint members to the Police Community Advisory Committee and the City of Vergennes Energy Committee, and to appoint members to the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Addison County Solid Waste Management District Board of Supervisors. Additionally, the agenda covered the City Manager's recommendation regarding a Third Class Permit for a planned 'No Kings' Demonstration on March 28, 2026, and setting public hearings for a proposed amendment to the municipal plan concerning the boundary between the Central Business District and the Historic Neighborhood District. The agenda also included a review of the Scope of Work and approval of an agreement with DuBois & King for the Veterans Park Master Plan, as well as a staff review of the FY 26 draft Fund Balance Report.