Loren Bent

This Braintree Town Plan serves as a framework for guiding the town's future growth over the next eight years, balancing economic opportunities with the protection of cultural history, scenic quality, and traditional land use resources. Key focus areas include protecting natural resources and historic character, providing safe and secure living for all residents, attracting and retaining young adults and families, and responding to climate change. The plan aims to enhance recreational resources, maintain affordable public services, and coordinate with neighboring towns and regional objectives, addressing topics such as energy, forest fragmentation, housing needs, and climate resilience.

The special meeting primarily focused on the review and potential approval of the 2027 town budget and the town meeting warning. Discussions involved clarifying line items in the budget, specifically reserve funds such as the Town Hall Reserve Fund (exterior painting and clabboard repair) and the Health Benefit Reserve Fund. There were also discussions regarding updates from passive funds and the status of the Randolph fire department funding. The Board subsequently voted to approve the 2027 town budget for incorporation into the town report and town meeting warning, and approved the town meeting warning itself. Additionally, the Board addressed a potential open meeting law violation concerning the posting of hard copy agendas for the previous regular meeting, taking action to ratify all votes from that prior meeting to cure any potential procedural defects. The agenda also covered the selection of a cover photo for the town report, ultimately favoring the photo featuring the cow.

The meeting commenced with a request to add an executive session to the agenda. The minutes from the February 3rd meeting were approved without issue. A representative from the Two Rivers Aquichi Regional Planning Commission provided an update, noting ongoing work on the regional plan concerning housing and land use, particularly regarding state-dictated land use regions (Tiers 1, 2, and 3) and new housing targets. The representative requested the Select Board decide on continuing or widening the Tier 1B exemption, which waives Act 250 review for housing developments of 10 to 50 units in designated village areas like Snowsville. Discussion also covered the distinction between Tier 1, 2, and 3 mapping responsibilities. Later in the agenda, Pete Fellows from Two Rivers discussed the Act 250 reform bill (Act 181), focusing on housing encouragement in Tier 1 areas and the criteria for the optional Tier 1B exemption, noting that none had occurred in Braintree yet due to local infrastructure limitations (lack of municipal water/sewer). The Board planned to discuss potential priorities for the Planning Commission and the new Tiers or zones.

Key discussions focused on managing the agenda, including tabling contract item 6E until the next meeting. A significant portion of the meeting involved reviewing and discussing proposed changes to the ATV ordinance, specifically concerning the relisting and extension of Class 4 trails, including Golden Road, Boba Road, and Town Highway 8, and the required permissions from Brookfield for access. Updates were provided on highway matters, including the submission of a safety grant application and tree clearing along Davis Acres road. There was also a discussion regarding the status of telephone utility poles on Barn Brook Road and the need for relocation, which involves coordination with Green Mountain Power. Furthermore, the board acknowledged and accepted the resignation of a Planning Commission member (Malcolm) and discussed the need to appoint replacements to maintain quorum on the commission.

The meeting was called to order to determine the time and place for the Town Meeting and the School Budget Voting, and to discuss workers for the budget voting. The Board resolved to maintain the status quo regarding time and place for both events. The Town Meeting was set for March 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at the Town Hall. The School Budget Voting was set for 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall. Discussions then focused on required staffing for the voting, with estimates that two individuals would be sufficient to cover required shifts and transport ballots to the town of Randolph, contingent upon confirmation of Grace's availability.