Terry Choate

The meeting focused on several key items including a review of a DPW truck proposal and equipment updates for the baler. Discussions also covered a mutual aid agreement with Bennington, staffing coverage, police department social media usage, and town meeting logistics. The board initiated funding applications for Water Department work, considered committee appointments, and conducted organizational tasks such as appointing the Selectboard Chair and committee liaisons. Additionally, the board addressed resignations, reappointments, signed a Post Office lease agreement, authorized reimbursement for boiler repairs, and executed a contract for a full statistical revaluation.

The Selectboard approved the purchase of a new police vehicle and authorized various loan agreement documents for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Additional approvals included IT quotes for the Police Department and emergency septic system repairs for the Town Offices. Appointments were made to the ZBA and Conservation Commission, and a draft policy regarding appointments and oaths was accepted. The board also engaged in an informational session regarding the Windy Row Bridge, discussing its poor condition, potential replacement costs, and safety concerns, ultimately voting to close the bridge.

The commission discussed goals and priorities for monitoring and research, including scheduling a remote meeting with the NHDES Limnology Center. Project leaders were assigned for various environmental initiatives, such as the Volunteer Lake Assessment Program, LOCSS pond level measuring, cyanobacteria monitoring, sediment core studies, and E. coli bacteria monitoring at the town beach. The commission also deliberated on the Proposed New Shoreland Protection Overlay District warrant article, noting that action is being delayed until the 2027 town meeting.

The board discussed highway equipment, preparations for the upcoming election and Town Meeting, including voting area layout and staffing assignments. They reviewed warrant articles, specifically an amendment regarding the Water Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund, and planned an informational session regarding the closure of the Windy Row Bridge. Additionally, the board reviewed liaison reports, committee volunteer needs, and future board meeting schedules.

The committee discussed preparations for the 2026 Memorial Day event, scheduled for Monday, May 25, with the program at 2 p.m. Key agenda items included coordinating flag replacement on Saturday, May 16, confirming assignments for band leaders to assign towns, finalizing the guest speaker (Jarvis Coffin) with follow-up required on draft delivery, arranging for additional music by Mary Anne & Keira Cullinane, and determining who will play Taps (potentially trumpeters from the band). The committee also confirmed participation status for Scouts (Travis Boyd) and 4H (Bethany Craig), and coordinated contacts for the Color Guard (Karen Barilani), Minister (Beth Simmons), and Sound equipment (Neal Cass). Additionally, there was a plan for Scott to order postcards using an updated mailing list from Linda Coughlan, and Ellen agreed to supply the winners of the Great Brook essays for readings at the event. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 7.