James Morse

The board conducted a public hearing regarding the 2026 fire protection contract with the Crystal Beach Volunteer Fire Department. Key business included the approval of an abstract of bills and several resolutions, such as participating in a cooperative natural gas bidding program, designating a Free Stone Day for residents, adopting a standard workday resolution, and authorizing professional services for a Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning grant application. Additionally, the board approved an agreement to spend highway funds, adjusted pay rates for certain highway employees, and authorized budget transfers related to truck orders.

The board discussed and took action on several items, including the approval of an audit of bills, the purchase of a new vehicle for the Code Enforcement and Zoning Enforcement Officer, the appointment of an alternate Board of Assessment Review member, and filling a town council member vacancy. Additionally, the board appointed a Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics, authorized spending for an updated employee handbook and support services, approved a budget transfer for community beautification projects, authorized the sale of surplus town equipment, and approved the installation of a new automatic gate at the highway facility.

The board received updates on various town projects and received departmental reports. Key business included the appointment of a full-time and an alternate member to the Zoning Board of Appeals, approval for the development of a new town website, and setting a public hearing for the Crystal Beach Fire Department contract. The board also approved multiple license and easement agreements related to water quality and flood resiliency projects, and reviewed and authorized the payment of the abstract of bills.

The Board convened to address public input regarding a current vacancy on the Town Board, with a resident requesting that the replacement candidate be a team player who supports local and state law enforcement. The Board also held an executive session to discuss personnel matters, including employment history and potential appointments, though no formal action was taken during the session.

Key discussions during the meeting included the announcement and subsequent discussion regarding the recent resignation of Councilmember Jake Chard, and the process for appointing a replacement to fill the remaining nine-month vacancy. Town Officials' reports were accepted. The Board approved the audit of bills totaling $454,427.44. Resolutions were adopted to approve a credit card for the Highway Superintendent, Brandon Ayers, and to appoint Councilmember Chrissy Watkins as Deputy Town Supervisor following the vacancy. Additionally, Gregory Kern was appointed as Alternate Planning Board Member #2. The Board authorized spending $100,000.00 for continued work at Easton Park and authorized the Supervisor to sign a Proposal for Professional Services with MRB Group for a Culvert Study. During privilege of the floor, residents commented on upcoming 2026 Revaluation workshops, the status of the Oak Wilt issue, and the cleanup operation status for the ECO Operations fire.