John Dasaro

The board addressed the resignation of the current clerk and appointed an interim successor. Discussion topics included strategies to improve voter turnout for upcoming elections and the annual meeting, along with a proposal to engage local youth in a civic activity by allowing them to vote on a new park name. Additionally, the board convened an executive session to conduct business.

The trustees discussed the 2026 general budget, including modifications to incorporate the water budget. Discussions covered the timeline for required postings and the in-house printing of the annual report. Errors were discovered and corrections were needed for the General Fund, preventing a motion at that time. The water fund budget, which included a potential new water line project from Dickenson St to Village Dr, was reviewed and subsequently approved. The trustees also inquired about the electric companies' rate increase update. Other business included an update on Franklin Foods and a discussion regarding the ATV ordinance.

The meeting began with modifications to the agenda, including an item to elect a vice chair and discuss clearing the checking account for the youth center. The trustees proceeded to nominate and elect Heather Moore as Vice Chair. During public comment, a resident raised concerns regarding excessive vehicle speed limits on West Road, noting the danger to young families and the lack of sidewalks, prompting discussion about the process for ordinance changes. Another resident inquired about the status of establishing a town police department. The board also discussed the Town Sheriff's recent communication regarding policing coverage funding. A significant discussion focused on updating Christmas lighting, proposing a transition from older white lights to warm white LED strings, with an associated cost of approximately $13,500, involving the use of existing reserves and a commitment to replenish funds after tax collection. Finally, the trustees addressed administrative matters, including transferring remaining funds ($200) to the youth center account and closing the old account, ensuring the United Way designation now flows directly to the youth center. The meeting concluded with a presentation from the Northwest Regional Planning Commission regarding updates to the regional plan map, which will significantly expand the boundaries eligible for tax credits and alter the threshold for Act 250 housing jurisdiction review.

The Board of Trustees meeting included discussions and approvals related to departmental budgets. The Wastewater Budget was discussed, focusing on employee benefits and healthcare costs, and subsequently approved. The Electric Department Budget was also discussed, covering calculations for AMI and VPPSA administration fees, and was also approved. A motion was passed to approve extending the Line of Credit for the light department's FERC relicensing expenses for another year, addressing questions regarding the interest rate and timeline. Trustees also approved moving forward with seeking financing for a new vacuum truck, although the process for selling the existing truck was tabled for a later date.

The meeting focused primarily on budget discussions for the electric and waste water departments. Trustees identified concerns and required corrections to the budget figures, necessitating a follow-up meeting for final approval. Under other business, a suggestion was made to investigate amending the ATV ordinance to include accessibility for St. Albans Street and Pearl Street, specifically to allow access to the Maple Fields gas station.