Tamar Bouchard

The meeting focused on the reorganization of the Selectboard, including the election of the Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk, as well as the adoption of rules of procedure and the appointment of various task representatives and committee members. Key discussion topics included the Fourth Street Soil Management Plan, a review of capital planning projects such as town building repairs and infrastructure maintenance, updates on website development, and concerns regarding Franklin County Field Days. The meeting also included a Liquor Control session to approve license renewals and an executive session to discuss confidential contract and personnel matters.

The board discussed several operational and financial matters, including the Swanton Police Department's incident report, authorization to purchase new kennels for animal control, and various updates from the Highway Department regarding culvert permits and grant applications. The board approved multiple expenditure orders across different departments. Significant discussions took place regarding the lack of proposals for a town-wide re-appraisal, the governance structure of the Missisquoi Valley Rescue, plans for a recreation facility, and library elevator repairs. Additionally, the board approved a donation for the 6th-grade graduation, appointed a Public Health and Safety Officer, adopted a new Procurement Policy, authorized asbestos removal at the town office, and approved a new website design. The meeting also included a session of the Liquor Control Board for license renewals.

The agenda for this joint session included calling the Town Selectboard and Village Trustees Informational Hearing to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a Moment of Silence. Key discussion items involved the reading of the Town of Swanton's Annual Warning for 2026 by the Town Administrator acting as Moderator, and the reading of the Village of Swanton's Annual Warning for 2026 by the Village President. There was a PowerPoint presentation and discussion regarding the Town of Swanton's Proposed 2026 Budget, which also included sharing the 2026 Town Report dedications. The Town Selectboard adjourned its informational hearing. The Village portion involved a discussion of the Village of Swanton's Proposed 2026 Budget, which was documented in separate Village of Swanton Trustee minutes.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters, resulting in progress made on employee reviews. Key discussions included reviewing the Swanton Police Department's January 2026 incident analysis, which detailed traffic stops, warnings, arrests, and updates on a 2022 homicide case; the police department also addressed staffing levels and interactions regarding immigration policy. Animal Control matters were reviewed, noting ongoing issues with compliance and difficulties in seizing animals. The Highway Department reported on salt and sand inventory. Several financial orders, including General, Highway, Library, and Payroll orders, were approved. The board approved the Camping and Access to Public Lands Ordinance after making revisions for clarification. Updates were provided on the Library elevator pump repair (selecting Fournier Plumbing & Heating as the low bidder) and the demolition proceeding at 366 North River Street. Discussions also covered drafting materials for a Joint Informational Meeting, reviewing the Soil Management Plan for the Fourth Street Property, and approving license renewals during a recessed Liquor Control Board Meeting.

The document details the proceedings of an informational hearing and a regular board meeting. Key discussions included the reading of the Town of Swanton's Annual Warning for 2026 by the Town Administrator and the reading of the Village of Swanton's Annual Warning for 2026 by the Village President. There was also a presentation and discussion regarding the Town of Swanton's Proposed 2026 Budget, which included sharing dedication information for the 2026 Town Report. The Town Selectboard's informational hearing was adjourned. A presentation and discussion concerning the Village of Swanton's Proposed 2026 Budget was scheduled to be detailed in the Village of Swanton Trustee minutes.