Michael DeSocio

The meeting primarily served as a public hearing for the town plan readoption process, which is set to expire in March 2026. Discussions involved an abbreviated presentation from Winder Regional Commission regarding updates to the town plan, including incorporating community survey results and updating background data to meet statutory requirements. The commission confirmed that required legal notices were provided to surrounding towns and the Department of Housing and Community Development. Feedback was received from the Putney Planning Commission, which supported the proposed plan. Following the public hearing, the commission voted to forward the proposed plan to the select board for their consideration. Additionally, the commission discussed Act 181 of 2024, which institutes major changes to Vermont's land use framework, including creating consistent future land use categories across all regional planning commissions.

The meeting included a unanimous vote to add discussion of an IT contract to New Business. Warrants for payroll and accounts payable were approved. Old Business involved planning and reviewing the Final Warning for the March 2, 2026 Annual Town Meeting, which detailed various articles for voter consideration, including elections, tax collection authorization, and budgetary expenditures for General, Highway, School Building, Community, and Social Funds. The Board also approved the final draft of the HR Personnel Policy, which included rescinding the existing sick leave policy. Discussions on New Business covered a review of year-to-date financials, where the Treasurer noted potential risk due to delinquent tax payments, and updates on the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Ellen Ware Road culvert and the Stone Arch Bridge engineering study requirements related to FEMA funding. The Board decided to move forward with an IT support contract. Updates were also provided regarding insulation plans for the School building, the Certificate of Highway Mileage for state aid determination, and the need to prepare an RFP for a paving grant.

The Selectboard meeting covered several agenda items including the approval of the draft minutes from the January 21, 2026 meeting. Financial matters involved the approval of payroll warrant 2629 and accounts payable warrant 2630. Old business included planning for the March 2, 2026 Annual Town Meeting, with the approval of the Brookline Annual Report as drafted, and a discussion regarding the terms of a new IT contract, which was conditionally approved. The board reviewed plans for a new, larger Town Shed, which would allow for better material storage, and received updates on FEMA projects for Ellen Ware Road, where a grant was approved, and the Stone Arch/Culvert 11 bridge, requiring an RFP. New business included a request from the Cemetery Commission for permission to consult the Town's attorney regarding land purchase options. The next meeting agenda was set, including the discussion of estimated costs for the Town Shed and RFPs for the Ellen Ware Road culvert and paving.

The meeting agenda included initial calls to order and review of the draft minutes for the Regular Agenda Meeting of January 21, 2026. Key items involved the approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable warrants. Old Business covered planning for the March 2, 2026 Annual Town Meeting, including the posting of the Town Warning, review of the Annual Town Report, and communication of open positions. Other Old Business topics included the IT Contract, plans for the Town Shed, updates on FEMA Projects, and authority to borrow funds for FEMA Projects. New Business was scheduled, followed by reports and updates from various personnel including the Building Commissioner and Highway Supervisor. The agenda concluded with setting the agenda for the February 18 Meeting and other discussions.

The meeting included modifications to the agenda, including the removal of the Executive Session. Discussions with members of the public covered the Town's Vacation Policy and concerns regarding the Brookline Meetinghouse (BMH) renovation plans, where a request was made to table insulation work and focus on more pressing repairs like the ridge cap and roof. The board approved two warrants: payroll warrant 2625 and accounts payable warrant 2626. Old business included tabling further discussion on the HR Policy and unanimously approving revisions to the Purchase Policy, which raised the incidental purchase limit to less than $2,500 and set regular purchase limits between $2,500 and $7,500. New business involved the presentation of the final draft budgets for the 2027 general fund and highway fund, projecting a 4% increase, and a proposal to authorize up to $15,000 for a plan to analyze Town building options. Reports from the Building Commissioner detailed progress on the school building's internet installation and addressed specific concerns about the BMH and its Annex.