Town of Bennington

The meeting commenced with an amendment to the agenda to allow for a discussion with the director of the Bennington Rescue Squad regarding the budget, subsequent to initial presentations. Key discussions included a joint event between the Bennington Community Cafe and the Bike Hub scheduled for January 17th, involving a group ride and an art activity creating wreaths from bike wheels. Updates were provided on upcoming events for the Bennington County Multicultural Community Center, including a Martin Luther King Day event on January 19th and an open house on February 6th. A legislative update covered the introduction of town charter amendments, the status of mandatory district consolidation (not moving forward), consideration of property tax relief using surplus revenue, and notification that Vermont received $196 million annually for rural healthcare projects over five years, excluding Chittenden County. Recognition was given to a high school student for receiving a youth leadership award. Public comment included discussion on rising property taxes, clarifying that school taxes are separate from municipal taxes, and an introduction of the Woomsc Riverwalk event highlighting an Unsung Hero Award recipient.

The Southwest Vermont Regional Technical School District annual meeting covered several articles for establishment of annual salaries for district directors, treasurer, clerk, and moderator, contingent upon attendance thresholds. The meeting also addressed authorizing the school district board to borrow money in anticipation of revenues for operating expenses for the 2025-2027 school year, and setting a date for a public information hearing on items to be voted upon by Australian ballot on March 3rd, 2026. A legislative proclamation honored the memory of former town manager Stuart Allen Herd, detailing his extensive career and dedication to the town of Bennington. A second proclamation declared March 2026 as Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month in Vermont. Following the technical school district meeting, the Town of Bennington held its annual town meeting, outlining the agenda which included reviewing the town warning, legislative proclamations, presentations from community development directors, addressing select board compensation, taking questions on the town report, and reviewing several budget articles for agencies seeking funding.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several items. The Consent Agenda covered approvals of warrants and licenses, specifically amending the minutes of the January 26, 2026 meeting during the approval process. Key presentations included an FY2025 Audit, which resulted in an Unmodified Opinion, and a detailed discussion regarding the Tier 1B Act 250 Exemption, which the Board moved to adopt. The Board also adopted a new Policy for the Standing Economic Development Committee after extensive discussion on membership structure. Furthermore, the Board authorized the Chair to sign a Resolution related to AFFF Product Liability Litigation concerning PFAS, approved a Water Supply Agreement for Morgan Springs water withdrawal, and approved a fully forgivable $185,000 Planning Loan for addressing PFAS impacts on private drinking water supplies. Other business involved discussions on scheduling future Listening Sessions, and approvals related to tax sales and necessary repairs to town infrastructure, including the Fire Department's ladder truck.

The meeting agenda included a Pledge of Allegiance and a reading of the Vision Statement. Key discussion points involved reviewing an updated Conflict of Interest & Public Property Sign Policies and a presentation on vacant properties, which included recommendations for creating a new ordinance with a tiered fee structure for registered vacant properties in the Downtown Zoning District, along with suggestions for economic development incentives. Another presentation covered the Community Survey results, highlighting resident sentiment on town services, safety, and desired municipal investments. Additionally, the board reviewed Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP) Interest Forms for the Monument Place and Putnam Community Health Projects, focusing on infrastructure financing to support new housing development. The Manager's Report addressed a request for a rolling street closure for a march and sought authorization for the Town Manager to purchase properties at tax sale when minimum bids are not met.

The meeting addressed several action items, including authorizing the expense for 50 social media outreach flyers and confirming the design and language details. The Committee plans to propose the creation of two youth member seats for the Select Board in April, with steps initiated to engage the Interact club and draft interview questions. Discussions also covered outreach to Downtown Businesses through the BBC, contingent on the appointment of a new Executive Director, or by arranging a "lunch and learn" event targeting commercial customers. Furthermore, the Committee resolved to advocate with the state for the expansion of the Addison County Energy Coaching program, which trains energy coaches. Regarding new business, ideas for a local DIY energy tool kit, similar to one used by the N. Bennington Library, and a potential bulk purchase of a patio solar system, mirroring an initiative by the Brattleboro Energy Committee, were introduced for consideration.