Susan Arguin

The meeting included reorganization with the nomination and confirmation of a chair, adoption of customary rules of procedure, and two hearings. The first hearing involved a request for tax abatement due to property lost in a house fire, which was approved. The second hearing concerned a request for abatement related to property taxes on a trailer left at a resort over the winter; this request was denied, but the board agreed to ask the delinquent tax collector to forgive accrued interest and penalties.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss Schedule of Values questions with bidders in preparation for a possible contract. Asbestos clean-up will start this coming week. The status of the Town Letter to Proceed with the chosen contractor was discussed.

The meeting included the election of a chairperson. The board authorized the Town Clerk to send challenge letters on behalf of the BCA, purge challenged voters with no responses after two general elections, and appoint election officials from the voter checklist. The Town Office meeting room was confirmed as the polling place, and 7 am was confirmed as the time to open the polls. The voter checklist was reviewed, and individuals who no longer reside in town were flagged to receive challenge letters.

The Town of South Hero submitted an application for a site plan review for a Town Park. The plan includes an access drive, gravel parking with overflow on grass, picnic tables, an open pavilion, a drinking fountain, and a playground area. The proposal requires a boundary line adjustment and a potable water permit. The access road and parking are expected to be constructed in 2025, with the pavilion and playground following in 2026. The board approved the application with conditions, including compliance with presented evidence, a final landscape plan, erosion control measures, marked HC parking spaces, screened portable toilets, and provisions for electricity to the pavilion and future parking area lighting.

The committee continued working on the project schedule and anticipated funding needs, with discussions focusing on monetary needs associated with each project stage to prepare for discussions with financial institutions. The committee revisited revised plan options and discussed their implications beyond the schematic plan level, considering potential changes to the stairs' design and options for the second level, including the possible inclusion of more mechanicals and ductwork for air source heat pumps and an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). The committee agreed to continue finalizing the site plan, floor plan, and building elevations, incorporating the feedback discussed during the meeting.