James Feinson

The meeting commenced with public comments, where one resident complimented the road crew on sidewalk work and requested that a door not be propped open to maintain air conditioning integrity. Another resident requested an agenda item modification concerning sign discussions. Public comments continued with an update on the water system, noting that a conservation notice was issued due to the tank not refilling properly, but it appeared to be operating normally subsequently. Significant discussion followed regarding the past behavior of an elected official, with multiple residents expressing deep concern over rude, disparaging, and dismissive communication, and requesting that official's resignation from the Select Board. The board then addressed leadership changes, nominating and appointing a new Select Board Chair and Vice Chair, emphasizing a commitment to respectful conduct and a 'reset' culture. The agenda also included a reminder of upcoming budget meetings and consideration for closing several streets (Esplanade, Pleasant, Tilden AB, and Baker Streets) from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Halloween for public safety, with related discussion on advance signage for street closures.

The meeting began with a land acknowledgement honoring the ancestral land of the western Heban Benina. A significant portion of the early discussion addressed public safety concerns regarding falsely attributed letters containing hate speech sent to residents, which are currently under investigation by the USPS Inspector General and local police. The Board subsequently heard the annual report from the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), which detailed collaboration on projects like the Cochran Road scoping, energy planning, water quality, and compliance with Act 181. CCRPC also provided updates on state capital program projects, particularly major investments along Route 2. Finally, the Selectboard discussed the completion of the Route Two bridge over I9 and the initiation of the discussion process for the I-89 bridge over Jericho Road, along with other bridge projects on the planning radar. An agenda item regarding the possibility of creating a union municipal district for police services between Richmond and Hinesburg was introduced.

The meeting primarily focused on a budget review session, which followed an initial discussion and executive session concerning the Greystone 3-acre stormwater permit. Key budget discussions involved substantial changes since the previous meeting to utilize unassigned and FEMA reimbursement funds to overfund reserve funds for FY26 and FY27, aiming to reduce the necessary tax increase for FY27. Specific budgetary actions included decisions on funding for police officers (budgeting for 3.5 instead of 4), reducing contributions to the bridge and culvert reserve, and eliminating the Willis Community Justice allocation. Updates on the capital plan detailed changes to reserve funding projections. Other budget adjustments included increasing provisions for property and casualty insurance and county tax estimates, an increase in the per-call dispatch cost for the fire department, allocating funds for pickleball supplies, removing the allocation for Fourth of July fireworks, and increasing funding for the Howard Center community outreach.

The Special Budget Review meeting focused primarily on setting budget targets and reviewing the 2026 health insurance plan options for town staff. A key discussion involved establishing a target for budget and tax increases, referencing historical inflation indices, with a proposed target not to exceed a 3.7% tax increase based on the New England CPI. The board also reviewed detailed analyses of the 2026 health insurance plans offered through MVP and Blue Cross. After reviewing rate increases, which were notably modest for MVP plans (1.09% for Platinum, 2.06% for Gold), the board voted to approve proceeding with the MVP Platinum plan, MVP Gold 3, and MVP Silver 2 plans, including the specified town contribution strategy for premiums and HSA contributions.

The meeting included consideration of several action items under the presentation or discussion segment. Key discussion topics involved appointments to the American Rescue Plan Act Funding (ARPA) Committee and the Water and Sewer Commission. The board also considered applying for a Grant in Aid Equipment Grant, approving a road name for a new road off Palmer Lane, and approving Access Permit 2021-018 for Parcel ID GP0760. Additionally, the board considered adopting a Declaration of Equity and Inclusion and discussed calling a Special Meeting regarding the expansion of the Water and Sewer District. Updates were provided regarding the Fire Department Bylaws discussion, Town Staffing, the Rt. 2 repaving project, the National Opioid Settlement, and insurance proposals for Town property, liability, and workers compensation. The session concluded with an Executive Session dedicated to Labor Relations Agreement discussions with the New England Police Benevolent Association Local 415.