Natalie Steen

The board discussed upcoming community events including a pre-town meeting and a trivia fundraiser. A representative provided updates on state legislative matters, specifically concerning housing programs and immunization recommendations. Key operational topics included the streamlining of town communication services to generate cost savings, highway department efforts during recent storm events, and the status of committee vacancies. The board also addressed liquor and tobacco license renewals, discussed the status of union easements, and reviewed the annual certificate of highway mileage.

The board meeting included the formal introduction of a new police lieutenant and discussions regarding the upcoming pre-Town meeting for budget proposal presentations. Key agenda items covered an update on the town's equalization study, the status of tax sales for certain properties, and the process for bidding on property reassessment services. Additionally, the board reviewed the progress of the new town website, including the implementation of a community calendar, and deliberated on whether to place a capital paving appropriation article on the town meeting ballot.

The meeting agenda was approved, and minutes from the November 3, 2025 meeting were reviewed and approved with a correction to a misspelling. A key discussion focused on the communication with the Chief of Police regarding the future of the committee given statewide developments in restorative justice; the Chief supports keeping BRAVO active locally for now, despite potential shifts to a Rutland County group. The committee agreed to keep BRAVO active due to the uncertain future, and a report will be prepared for the Select Board. Other topics included updating training for new/returning members, volunteer opportunities in Rutland, following up on possible collaboration in local schools, and noting there are no new cases currently. The need for a future chair was also mentioned.

Key discussions included reflections on interesting energy topics such as "virtual power plants," open-source AI applications, and using dirigibles for wind power generation. The committee reviewed updates on the Nifty Thrifty Solar Projects and the NOVUS contract, specifically discussing the utilization of a $13K tax credit and a potential payment to the town. There was a proposal for the town to seed a revolving loan fund to implement recommendations from MERP level 2 energy audits conducted in 2024 on town buildings, with further investigation into Montpelier's successful model. Other topics included exploring battery back-up power options, updates on state legislation concerning balcony solar systems and net metering rates, and promoting the Brandon Energy Navigator Program and Weatherization Resource Library. The committee also emphasized the importance of designing the new Municipal Garage for maximum efficiency, incorporating solar, heat pumps, and LED lighting, and looked into available EV charger grants.

Key discussions during the meeting centered on identifying potential candidates for a vacant Alternate position on the commission. The commission unanimously agreed that the Brandon Select Board should enact a Short-Term Rental (STR) ordinance as a proactive measure, noting the current prevalence is between 14 and 20 units. Following a review of a model STR ordinance, a draft Brandon STR ordinance will be prepared for discussion at the subsequent regular monthly meeting in March.