Crista Lowell

The committee discussed several administrative and project-related topics. These included the outside classroom request, a visit from Peter Welsh, ongoing trail maintenance, and forest management reports. The Chair expressed a desire for increased committee leadership and member enthusiasm to better organize potential projects. Members shared ideas regarding future mountain bike trail development, potential wildlife research opportunities, and the possibility of adding structures like huts to the trail system.

The meeting addressed the status of contractor bids following the closure of the Request for Proposals for the construction season, necessitating an executive session for review. Key updates included the issuance of the indirect discharge permit by the Department of Environmental Conservation and discussions regarding long-term system monitoring and the development of a QAQC plan. The committee reviewed communication strategies for notifying the public about construction activities via the Front Porch Forum and discussed coordination with the local school regarding future construction impacts, field restoration options, and system connections. Additionally, the committee revisited the topic of recruiting members for the new wastewater commission.

The committee discussed updates on a wastewater construction project, including pre-construction activities, project sequencing, and timelines for the installation of disposal fields. A major topic of discussion was a proposed $15,000 change order to install sod in a zone adjacent to a school play area to ensure safety and playability. The committee agreed to recommend this change order to the Select Board for approval. Additional updates included the status of recruitment for wastewater commissioners.

The Board discussed several municipal matters, including traffic safety concerns regarding bridge construction and reviewed a memorandum of understanding with the Wolcott Community Trust. Tax rates were officially set for the year. The Board awarded a contract for the East Hill Culvert replacement and authorized an additional expense for sod installation related to the Wastewater project. Administrative updates covered personnel changes, grants for fire and municipal projects, animal control procedures, and maintenance initiatives. Furthermore, the Board appointed members to the Sewer Commission and designated enforcement authority for local ordinances regarding solid waste and property maintenance.

The committee discussed updates regarding the Town Forest project, covering the status of the interim stewardship plan, ongoing property surveys, and environmental assessments for specific parcels. The session included reports on coordination with the Trust for Public Land, the US Forest Service, and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board regarding due diligence and funding status. The committee addressed revisions to the conceptual trail design, specifically confirming the removal of a planned pedestrian bridge, and explored the potential management and integration of the Westover property into the Town Forest land.