Linda Barker

The meeting included the review of rules of procedure administered by the Town Clerk. The primary focus was on two abatement hearings. The first hearing concerned property 140 Shelburnewood (Parcel #381-0140) following a fire on May 3, 2025, where the Board calculated a potential tax abatement amount of $3,837.57 for the uninhabited property. The second hearing addressed property 203 Pheasant Hill Ln Ln. (Parcel #364 0203), where an assessor's error resulted in the structure being taxed twice; the Board accepted the calculation requesting an abatement of $8,334.57. Following the hearings, the Board entered deliberations.

The meeting addressed public concern regarding the policy on responsibility for private water line repairs, agreeing that the policy would be reviewed, especially concerning timely contractor acquisition assistance from the Water Department. The Superintendent's report noted the completion of winterization, a discussion of a CWD transmission main break resulting in a $60,000 refund, a review of water loss figures for Q4 2025, November, and December, and discussions on water rates relative to South Burlington and attracting high water-use businesses. Capital projects were reviewed, including the extension of projected start dates for the Route 7 project and the Meach Cove and Lower Bostwick Line project due to increased cost estimates. The Finance Director noted that future rate increases will be necessary when bonding occurs to cover increased project estimates, although the Department intends to limit the rate increase to the previously planned 11% by extending project timelines.

The Board of Civil Authority meeting involved confirming the agenda and addressing potential conflicts of interest. Key discussions centered on election duties, including scheduling the testing of Memory Cards and the tabulation of Absentee Ballots. The board also approved the Election Officials, noting two remote poll locations. Furthermore, the group reviewed and updated voter records based on individuals purged through a specified date.

The Selectboard meeting agenda for February 10, 2026, includes several significant items. Key discussion points involve a public hearing regarding technical and map updates to the Town Plan, a resolution on civil rights to condemn violations of due process, and an update on the recodification of ordinances being handled by General Code. The board is scheduled to discuss the Community Housing and Infrastructure Program (CHIP), potentially approving a $25,000 consulting expense for White & Burke to support CHIP applications related to housing development projects. Additionally, the agenda covers liquor license renewals, where delinquency in town bills must be considered before renewal.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda. During public comments, a citizen discussed the renovation of a daycare center into a health clinic. The primary substantive discussion involved the zoning matter, where the board debated the preferred sequence and necessary guests for the session before voting on the adoption of the Shelburne Unified Land Use Regulation.