Tom Tolbert

The meeting addressed a late agenda addition concerning affiliate status for DV Fiber or the CUD, with Chris Robbins scheduled to present. A major discussion focused on approving minutes from the February 9, 2026, regular meeting. The board appointed Jason Cass, a former planning commission member, to a temporary open seat on the Select Board until the town meeting. Significant time was dedicated to the DV Fiber situation, exploring options after CCI won the primary bid, including becoming a non-voting affiliate. An interim solution involving a representative from a neighboring town was also proposed pending legislative changes for affiliate status. The board also discussed scheduling a vote on April 8th, as requested by the West River Unified Education District, regarding the closure of the Jamaica Village School. The resolution to warn this vote included a separate proposed ballot measure to buy the school property back for one dollar. Furthermore, the board planned to form a subcommittee to prepare for an information session regarding the potential school closure and property use.

The meeting addressed several critical items including the consideration of leaving the DV Fiber CUD, with an alternative discussed to become a non-voting affiliate. The board voted to appoint Jason Kass to the Selectboard. Significant discussion involved the West River Unified Education District's request for the town to hold a vote on April 8th regarding the closure of Jamaica Village School (JVS) and a separate vote to purchase the JVS property for $1. A subcommittee was created to consider high-level informative uses for the school buildings. The board discussed and will draft an ordinance concerning excessive false fire alarms, potentially involving fines. Updates were provided on the demolition RFP for the Ladd property following the FEMA buyout. The board approved issuing §1031 notices for five town-owned properties slated for sale and approved three overweight permits. Finally, the board reviewed and approved town office time sheets, pay orders, and discussed public concerns.

The regular meeting included late additions to the agenda, specifically mentioning an RFP for the Goodville Bridge and an update on select board membership. A significant portion of the meeting involved Green Mountain Power representatives discussing the existing cooperation agreement and proposing new resiliency projects for the upcoming season, including work on Turkey Mountain Road, West Jamaica Road, Pike Falls Road, and a new project on South Hill Mauy involving both overhead and underground components. Discussions also touched upon restoring paved services and coordinating road closures. Furthermore, the board addressed the representative status for DB Fiber, as the town would no longer have a representative due to the grant funding shifting to Consolidated Communications, and a motion was anticipated regarding withdrawal from DB Fiber.

The board meeting involved reviewing and approving several sets of minutes, including minutes from the regular meeting of January 12th, the special meeting of January 7th (with a correction to the closing time), and the January 7th budget meeting, as well as minutes from January 21st. A primary discussion centered on approving the migration from the current pay-as-you-throw system using compostable bags to a reusable token system for revenue collection to support transfer station expenses. The proposed token system utilizes three sizes of tokens made from recycled materials, designed to significantly reduce material costs. The board also discussed a project involving Green Mountain Power regarding the placement of a pole on Depot Street, clarifying that part of the proposed area was private property belonging to the Robinsons. This matter was deferred to the next meeting. Finally, the review and approval of a planning grant was mentioned as the next item of business.

The regular meeting addressed the approval of minutes from previous meetings, specifically the regular meeting of October 23rd and the emergency meeting of November 7th, with the latter being deferred for approval due to publication issues. A major focus of the discussion was the storm recovery update, including reviews of recently awarded RFPs for repairs on Old Route 8, the Goodville Bridge wing wall, and work at the transfer station. The board also discussed progress on other awarded projects like bank erosions and paving work, noting delays for guard rail installation and work on the West Windham Road Bridge. Extensive discussion centered on coordinating with various state and municipal entities regarding larger watershed issues, debris removal near the fire station, and long-term flood mitigation strategies, especially concerning properties along West Hill and the potential for innovative relocation programs instead of buyouts. Finally, the board moved to appoint Ed Duke as the third Town Lister to assist with the upcoming town reappraisal, noting that the appointment is an official capacity to fill the position until the next town meeting election.