Seth M. Hopkins

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.

The Select Board meeting agenda for February 9, 2026, included a presentation from Cornerstone Housing Partners regarding the 333 Jones Drive redevelopment. The consent agenda covered recurring matters such as FY26 Check Warrants, liquor license renewals (including new licenses for VISAT 4 CORP), and tobacco/tobacco substitute license renewals for Wesco Inc dba Champlain Farms. The board was also scheduled to adopt the current Vermont Road & Bridge Standards as endorsed by VTrans. The supporting documents detail the minutes from the preceding January 26, 2026 regular meeting and the January 31, 2026 'Pre-Town Meeting,' which focused on presenting the proposed FY27 budget, where the total tax increase was forecast at 0.53%. Financial reports indicated a record high for Q4 2025 local option tax revenue and outlined volunteer board vacancies.

The meeting, characterized as a "Pre-Town Meeting," focused primarily on the selectboard's proposed fiscal year 2027 operating budget presentation. Key discussion points during the public comment period included inquiries about the necessity of a candidate forum due to uncontested races, the strategic use of the town's robust capital funding stream and fund balance for one-off improvements, suggestions for increasing indoor air quality staff positions, updates on the Union Street sidewalk right-of-way acquisition process, and a breakdown of the 1% tax revenue sources (approximately 20% meals & rooms tax and 80% sales tax). The board reminded attendees that the Town Meeting is scheduled for March 2nd.