Jim Jones

The Town Plan emphasizes local control while exploring areas of special need to shape the town's development. It addresses changes brought by Act 181 and provides a community-driven vision for the town's future. Key areas include defining rural character, building social connections, maintaining ecological balance, and connecting people through services and infrastructure. The plan aims to maintain open landscapes, protect watersheds, support local agriculture and businesses, and ensure access to essential services like broadband and emergency services.

The Selectboard convened for a special meeting, which included an executive session focused on labor relations agreements with employees, specifically conducting interviews for road crew and road foreman positions. Following the executive session, the board discussed and approved the use of the 2025 Better Roads grant for a stream bank stabilization project on the Wild Branch, recognizing that completing the entire section would be more cost-effective despite the grant not fully covering the project costs.

The meeting included discussions on stream bank stabilization for Wild Branch Road, proposed town plan status, and an update regarding James Barlow's reclamation plan. Other topics included committee updates, a clerk report covering computer purchase approval, telephone system quotes, and issues with the payroll system. The road foreman reported on paving, sand hauling, roadside mowing, and a request for a dead-end road sign on Morey Hill Road. Upcoming projects on the agenda include getting traffic numbers for Common Traffic and cell tower regulation.

The Craftsbury Select Board meeting included discussions and actions on several topics. The Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) presentation of the Shelter Bin Project was approved with funding from the Select Board. Updates were provided on the Food Pantry's increased service and the ARPA funds for cooler quotes. A possible mapping discrepancy was noted, and the Freedom & Unity Committee shared updates on public meetings and ideas for reimagining board and leadership opportunities. The board considered the healthcare crisis in Vermont and the need for another Road Safety Committee. Category Z FEMA reimbursement was approved. Committee updates included the Conservation Commission and the Energy Committee's MERP Grant proposals. The Clerk reported on tax proceeds, Eligo Lake Association buoys, job ads, and delinquent tax lawyers. The Road Foreman reported on gravel interest. Upcoming projects were kept on the agenda, including road concerns, traffic numbers, and cell tower regulation.

The meeting included discussions on the NKHS Front Porch Facility renovations, upcoming training events such as QPR Training and the Vermont Suicide Prevention Symposium, and new programs focused on mental health during uncertain times. The group explored hosting a wellness or suicide prevention walk in October at the Outdoor Center, and ongoing projects like the appreciation schedule, Narcan training, and website updates were reviewed. A monthly community wellness series was proposed, and the establishment of a Wellness Lending Library was discussed, with an initial collection of books on anxiety, grief, and general mental health.