Karen Mathieu-Astley

The Selectboard approved payroll and accounts payable warrants, reviewed the Housing Solutions Task Force report, and discussed feasibility regarding the Fuss & O'Neill culvert replacement project. Discussions also included the WalkSafe Putney project, pedestrian safety on Kimball Hill Road, and the formation of a steering committee to update the Memorandum of Understanding with the Public Library. The board voted to join the Windham County Regional Law Enforcement Governance Council, authorized Green Mountain Power to bury power lines on Fort Hill Road, and received updates on the Zoning Bylaw Modernization and Comprehensive Village Plan. Additionally, the board reviewed reports concerning town cemetery wall repairs, grant conditions for the town pool, highway department status, and the annual Grand List valuation.

The Selectboard discussed a grant application for the Putney Community Center intended to fund foundation and drainage repairs. The board also reviewed the listers' office draft budget, specifically regarding the potential transition to a contracted assessor to support property valuation and administrative tasks. Additionally, the board discussed the cemetery operating budget and plans for future maintenance and stone wall repairs.

The board meeting covered several topics, including updates on the town's comprehensive village plan workshops, pedestrian safety concerns on Kimball Hill Road, and discussions surrounding recent public comments regarding an incident at the town school. Financial actions included approving payroll and accounts payable warrants, authorizing a reimbursement request for education property tax, and renewing service contracts for the Windham County Sheriff's Office and the Windham County Humane Society. The board also appointed alternate members to the Equity & Inclusion Committee, endorsed a memorandum regarding fair and impartial policing, reviewed an engineering proposal for road stabilization, and adopted new operating principles for the Selectboard. During an executive session, the board addressed contract matters, including the termination of a mowing contract, the award of a new mowing services contract, and the selection of legal counsel.

The Board of Abatement held a hearing to consider a request for property tax abatement for a parcel on South Pine Banks Road. The discussion covered multiple statutory claims, including insolvency, residency status, inability to pay, manifest error by listers regarding property valuation, and property destruction due to neglect. The Board reviewed evidence regarding ownership, life estate termination, tax payment history, property condition, and previous grievance filings. The Board also addressed a conflict of interest challenge regarding the town clerk's participation and deliberated on the application of abatement statutes before entering a closed session to render a decision.

The board discussed expanding committee work related to town library relationships. Updates were provided on the successful community event, upcoming programming including summer reading and guest author events, and library maintenance projects such as moss abatement and HVAC repairs. The board reviewed the financial status, including a rebate for the Tesla Power Wall, and engaged in a detailed deliberation regarding the consolidation of board committees, proposing a structure that separates governance and planning responsibilities. The board also conducted and approved an annual staff performance evaluation during an executive session.