John Montagne

The Selectboard meeting began with the approval of the General Fund warrant totaling $39,823.25, which included a significant expense for salt and sand from Compass Minerals. Two payroll warrants, dated February 6 and February 13, 2026, were also approved. The board then passed three miscellaneous warrants: an industrial park warrant, a storm water utility warrant (primarily for engineering related to the Clyde Allen drive project and the East Basin Aldrich Elliot diversion canal), and an impact fee warrant covering engineering and tree removal services. The minutes for the February 2, 2026 meeting were approved. During public comment, a resident inquired about the funding process for large expenditures like the health path and Marina boat launch. The board discussed the status of the bike/ped path BUILD grant application, noting it is a high-priority project, with an estimated cost around $5 million, which includes the $1 million East Basin storm water project. The board debated the potential federal funding share (100% vs. 90/10 split vs. 80/20 split) for the grant application, ultimately leaning towards recommending a 90/10 cost share to maximize the chance of securing the award, while noting that final commitment would occur after the award announcement in June and subsequent agreement processing. The board temporarily recessed to convene as the Liquor Control Board to approve seven license renewals and applications for AA and C LLC (Colonial Mart), Price Chopper, and Bubba Duffers, before reconvening as the Selectboard.

The meeting included a deviation from the standard agenda to accommodate a presentation from the Planning Commission regarding proposed changes to zoning bylaws and subdivision regulations. These changes primarily focused on making housing more readily permitted by right, conforming to state mandates concerning housing restrictions, and clarifying definitions for various uses such as kennels, animal shelters, and multi-unit dwellings across several districts (Lakeshore, Conservation, Rural, Commercial, Industrial, Village Core). The board subsequently approved these bylaw changes following a public hearing. The meeting proceeded to address financial matters, including the approval of general fund warrants totaling $772,681.01, which notably included a large quarterly payment to the St. Albans Police Department and payments to Amare, Work Safe Traffic Control, and for an audit. Two payroll warrants were also approved. Approval was granted for miscellaneous warrants covering infrastructure development, utility services, stormwater engineering, and impact fees. Finally, the minutes from the January 5th meeting were approved without changes. A public comment segment addressed procedures for notifying the public about zoning changes related to state law.

The meeting covered the approval of various warrants, including the general fund warrant which primarily covered paving costs by Pike Industries and a quarterly reimbursement for recreation. Two payroll warrants were approved. Discussion arose regarding a Stonehouse warrant for banned bookings provided by an external vendor, prompting a review of whether such services should be handled in-house going forward. The board also reviewed several items under 'Errors and Omissions,' including adjustments for Sheny Point Properties tax parcels, a late filing for a veteran's exemption, an incorrect personal property value for Green Mountain Power, and the creation of a new parcel due to a misplaced filing. Additionally, the Director of Public Works presented a plan for the town to undertake in-house buildout of winter maintenance equipment for trucks, which involves installing plows, salt boxes, and gantry systems, aiming to save labor costs while increasing in-house capability. The board decided to defer a motion on engaging in the equipment buildout until labor hour estimates are provided.

The Selectboard meeting commenced with a public hearing to consider the adoption of proposed Zoning Bylaw and Subdivision Regulations updates, which were subsequently approved. Key financial actions included the approval of the General Fund warrant, multiple payroll warrants, and warrants for Infrastructure Development, Industrial Park, Stormwater Utility, and Impact Fees. The Board approved the 2026 Town Meeting Day warning, which included a revision regarding surplus funds, and approved the fiscal year 2027 budget, noting an increase of 2.2% and the elimination of a position. Discussions covered updates on the Regional Water District Bill proposal, the status of the former DPW site survey and automatic gates at Bay and Cohen Parks, and a request to draft an ordinance concerning the regulation of agricultural practices. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss a contractual matter, followed by the authorization for the Police Chief to enter into a police contract with the Village & Town of Enosburg.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance, followed by discussions on financial warrants. General fund warrants totaling $63,578.91, including significant health and dental insurance expenditures, were approved. Three payroll warrants totaling $123,654.05 were approved, covering various payroll periods, employee retirement reconciliation, and stipends for the DRB Planning Commission, BCA, and Interim Town Manager. Miscellaneous warrants were also passed, including an impact fee warrant for Mumbly Engineering and an infrastructure development warrant for Value Drilling related to a well at the park. A significant storm water utility warrant of $297,623.88 was approved to cover damages to a basement property caused by digging during storm water drainage improvement work on Clyde Allen street. The board approved the formal appointment of Casey Touf as Town Manager effective January 1, 2026. A major discussion focused on the proposed Bay Park bio-retention storm water project, which involves Friends of Northern Lake Champlain applying for a $30,000 grant to build a rain garden to manage parking lot runoff; the board agreed to support the grant application contingent on future discussions regarding maintenance responsibilities and utility placement. The board reviewed the proposed budget, which is $7.741 million, an increase of 2.18% over the current fiscal year, primarily driven by a $125,000 increase in the police contract and a $17,000 rise in property and casualty insurance. The goal is to keep taxes flat by utilizing a projected grand list growth and rollover funds. The board also discussed zeroing out the contribution to the Franklin County Industrial Corporation.