Sharon A. Lucia

The meeting covered old business topics including park accessibility and signage enhancement for Eagle, Sycamore, and Memorial Parks, with funding secured for the design phase via ARPA. Updates were provided on park improvements, such as the completion of the Eagle Park ramp and fishing platform, and consideration of a temporary disk-golf course at Sycamore Park. Discussions included a potential partnership with Middlebury College for a wildlife project, presenting findings on wildlife corridors and connectivity in various parks, and recommendations to eliminate knotweed at Sycamore Park. Planning commenced for a Spring '24 collaboration with an ENVS0401 course for mapping and camera trapping activities. Other items included preparation of the annual report, addressing a vacancy in the Conservation Commission membership, and setting priorities for the upcoming January meeting.

This strategic plan outlines Bristol's approach to address aging infrastructure, climate-related pressures, and community growth through the implementation of a Local Option Tax. The estimated annual revenue of $250,000 will be strategically allocated across three core priorities: Capital Infrastructure, Climate Resilience & Emergency Preparedness, and Economic Development. The plan aims to ensure sound fiscal stewardship, protect residential taxpayers, and foster a self-sustaining cycle of community investment and economic growth, drawing primarily from visitors and out-of-town consumers.

The 2023 Source Protection Plan for the Town of Bristol's New Haven Spring is designed to safeguard the public water supply. It focuses on evaluating source information and the Source Protection Area (SPA), inventorying land uses and potential threatening activities, assessing threats, managing risks, and establishing a comprehensive contingency plan. The plan aims to maintain water quality and quantity, mitigate contamination risks, and ensure emergency preparedness for the New Haven Spring.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session regarding personnel matters, followed by a review of the agenda and procedures for Zoom participation. During the Public Forum, best wishes were extended to the departing Town Administrator. Department Head reports covered updates from the Road Foreman, Town Clerk, Police Chief, and Assistant Treasurer, including work on financial preparations and health coverage options. The Consent Agenda included the approval of a contract amendment for the GPI Basin Street Improvement Project Manager, authorization for Town Office closures around holidays, approval for a memorial plaque installation, and authorization to submit a grant application for skate park funding. Regular business included the appointment of a Library Trustee and the renewal of the Twin Maple Sugar Works' lease, which prompted extensive discussion regarding erosion control measures and water bar construction on the Seth Hill Waterworks property. The Board also approved the Addison County Regional Planning Commission (ACRPC) to serve as Municipal Project Manager for the Airport Drive Sidewalk Project. The results of the North Street traffic and village speed limit studies were reviewed, resulting in a decision to make no immediate speed limit changes. Further discussions covered the ongoing Briggs Hill Road repair, including FEMA funding limitations and the need to clarify necessary repair scope. The Board approved a proposed support agreement with the retiring Town Administrator. Decisions were made to postpone appointing representatives to the Solid Waste Management District Board of Supervisors and the Addison County Economic Development Corporation. The meeting concluded with the authorization of an accounts payable warrant and a final roundtable discussion, including scheduling library sidewalk clearing for the town plowing routine.

Key discussions centered on the police camera system, including formal requests to convert the output to a web camera, with various opinions expressed regarding its necessity, legality, and potential impact on the community. A zoning issue concerning Chris Dion's property and the sale of used cars was addressed, involving a review of an application signed by the Town Administrator, and the decision was made to draft a corrective letter to the DMV. The board also debated issues related to landfill tipping fees and specific recycling container arrangements for a horse farm operator versus general haulers. Concerns regarding cement work for sidewalks were discussed, focusing on concrete mix specifications, the impact of salt, and repair versus replacement methods. Further actions included authorizing access permits for a former property and awarding a bid for slope stabilization work. A special meeting was scheduled to discuss personnel matters in executive session.