Jesse Caroline Bridge

The meeting addressed several applications and permits. For Thomas Riffon, verification was provided via a sketch map confirming that two sheds on a triangular parcel are located more than 15 feet from the proposed boundary line. The commission reviewed a subdivision permit application by Richard and Elizabeth Swartz for a 47-acre parcel off Currier Road into 21-acre and 26-acre lots. Requests were made for an updated plot plan including contour lines, proposed right-of-way location, adjoining landowners' property locations, a USGS map, and clarification on the easement width and applicability of 25% Slope District standards. The hearing for this application was continued pending the submission of this information. Additionally, the commission heard an application from Lance Richard to amend the Snow Angel Tavern site plan to add a deck and ramp. Following publication of the Notice of Public Hearing, the commission approved the site plan amendment motion.

Key discussions included a resident's proposal regarding safety improvements and access limitations on Route 4, involving coordination with property owners and the Agency of Transportation. Old business covered taking possession of the 2014 Mack truck, planning coordination with Rutland Town Selectboard regarding a safety intersection evaluation, compiling results from the Old Town Hall Survey, and agreeing on a repair method for the deteriorated metal siding on the Salt Shed. FEMA project updates noted the denial of a request to combine R3-R7, pending review of missing expenses, and ongoing FEMA review for hazard mitigation increases on Wright Road and Woodward Road. For the Medway project, the Selectboard directed staff to analyze the cost/benefit of switching the Maybe Bridge to a State bridge. The Board also reviewed a grant received for replacing culvert #22-01 on Journeys End, noting the hydraulic study recommended a more costly box culvert. The Recreation Committee received an additional $200 for the Fishing Derby. Employee evaluations were scheduled for completion by early July. Finally, an expense request to attend the New England Municipal Clerk Institute was approved.

The primary discussion focused on responding publicly to an alleged Open Meeting Law violation complaint received on February 3, 2026, concerning a meeting scheduled for February 2, 2026. The Commission detailed the events of February 2, confirming that the scheduled meeting was cancelled around 5:30 p.m. due to the absence of required law enforcement presence, which is mandatory for in-person meetings per Town Rules of Conduct & Procedure. No business was conducted, and the meeting was never formally called to order. The Commission also noted disorderly conduct, including shouting and threats, from one of the complainants outside the Town Office after the cancellation. Following the review, the Planning Commission unanimously determined that no violation of the Open Meeting Law occurred and no cure was necessary. Additionally, the Commission voted to include a summary of the allegations and findings with the minutes. Other business included a request for the Select Board to investigate potential damage to the Town Office vestibule door from the prior incident.

The meeting included administrative approvals for orders totaling $49,209.90 and payroll grossing $18,080.43. Key business items involved adopting the annual Certificate of Highway Mileage, approving the annual contract for tax map maintenance with CAI for $1,100, and approving the late homestead penalty policy effective fiscal year 2027. The Selectboard also amended the Better Roads grant contract for a lump sum payment of $5,616 for the Road Erosion Inventory project. Furthermore, they authorized including information about local option taxes in the upcoming voter mailing and adopted non-substantive edits to zoning regulations. The 2026-27 municipal budget of $1,440,733 was approved. During executive session, the resignation of the Constable and Emergency Management Director was accepted, and a motion was passed to appoint a successor to this role.

The public hearing was convened to receive comment on proposed amendments to the Town of Mendon's zoning regulations. Key amendments discussed included consolidating zoning districts from 13 to 6, removing sign regulations into a separate ordinance, clarifying manufactured/modular home definitions, updating height limits for the commercial district (from 30 to 50 feet), regulating mobile businesses, defining primitive camps, and increasing the maximum dwelling units per acre in certain areas from four to five. Public comments raised concerns regarding short-term rentals (now a separate ordinance), geographical map changes, and transparency. The Selectboard discussed preparation for the Town Vote, noting that substantive changes would require another hearing, while minor changes could be adopted on January 26th for a vote warning on March 3rd.