Kelley Thayer

The meeting included the reorganization of the Selectboard, appointing members to key roles such as Chairperson, Vice Chair, and Clerk. Discussion topics included a presentation by Green Mountain Power regarding a rebuild project and approval for the Friends of the North Westminster Community House to pursue permits for handicap accessibility and safety upgrades. The board addressed lister staffing needs, confirmed various required appointments for the town, and reviewed the recent Town Meeting. Additionally, the Road Foreman provided updates on weight limits, upcoming bid openings for materials and services, and the approval of the Annual Financial Plan for town highways. The board also reviewed delinquent tax notification procedures and town manager duties.

The board convened an executive session to address a contractual matter. Following this session, the board voted to accept an agreement with Louis J. Bordeaux and authorized the Chair to sign the document on the board's behalf. Additionally, a decision was reached to advertise the town manager position.

Key discussions included adding Green Up Day to the agenda, communications regarding regional conservation meetings, AVCC survey feedback on the Vermont Conservation Plan, information on a free online course about forest pests, advocacy for H.758 concerning rodenticides, details on Coverts Cooperator Trainings, and updates on the WCNRCD Plant sale. Unfinished business covered the successful winter tracking event report and a summary of the Conservation Plan listening session, highlighting challenges such as capacity and the need for clear implementation strategies for Act 59 goals. The commission also discussed town plan input processes, funding sources for conservation commissions, and road salt testing kits, noting pending legislation. New business involved forming a subcommittee to develop proposals for AVCC mini grants. Coordination for Green Up Day was also addressed.

The meeting included the adoption of the Certification of Compliance for Town Road and Bridge Standards and Network Inventory. Key discussions in New Business involved the Road Foreman's report, noting the status of salt and sand supplies, the switch to rubber cutting edges on plows, and plans to bid on paving for Route 121, partially funded by a Class II Paving Grant. The Board also discussed the status of crack sealing and crew training, including CPR/Stop the Bleed courses. Concerns were raised regarding a public records request, specifically who removed public records information from the Town website, and the Board determined this issue would be addressed in a future meeting. The current total delinquent taxes were reported at $1,203,899.70. The Board debated several articles scheduled for Town Meeting, including strong disagreement with Article 26 concerning Town Managers versus Administrators, and discussed Article 20 regarding the renovation and use of the North Westminster Community House. The Board entered into executive session to discuss a contractual matter.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and adjustments to the agenda to include a motion for an executive session. Key actions taken involved accepting the Treasurer's resignation, effective February 10, 2026, and appointing a successor Treasurer, effective the same date. Following an executive session concerning a contractual matter, the Board voted to notify the Town Manager that his employment agreement would not be renewed upon its expiration on June 30, 2026. New business included the approval of the Certificate of Highway Mileage for the year ending February 10, 2026, and the approval of the official road posting dated January 16, 2026. Discussions regarding the upcoming Town Meeting and matters concerning the Westminster Center School were also noted.