Town of Chester

The meeting included discussion regarding hearing #620 for failure to issue NOV to the Julian Quarry. The DRB hearing was suspended indefinitely pending a final decision by the Vermont Supreme Court, the resumption of quarrying operations, or a public notice of hearing. There was also a deliberative session.

The meeting's agenda covered organizational matters, including the approval of minutes from the October 14th, 2025 meeting. Citizen comments addressed concerns regarding traffic stops on Rt.10 and an incident involving offensive gestures toward a minor, where the committee advised contacting the Police Department to file a formal complaint. Concerns about public safety during demonstrations at the Green were discussed, with plans for committee members to contact organizers regarding traffic blocking and response to the police. The Chester Police Department provided input on community policing efforts, including Sgt. Rheaume's engagement with students and Officer Batista's work connecting residents with services through Project ACTION. Sub-committee updates included edits to the 2025 CAC submission for the Annual Report, a review of personnel staffing for full-time and part-time officers, and confirmation that no policy review was needed. Other items included planning for committee member renomination following the Town Meeting.

Key discussions during the meeting included a review of the Treasurer's Report, noting correspondence with the bank regarding CD renewal. Reports from the Director and Youth Librarian highlighted ongoing construction next door impacting parking, the re-opening of the IMLS Grant application, consideration for establishing a Chester historical collection area, a proposed increase in the Non-Resident fee to $35.00, and anticipated costs of approximately $5,000 to redesign the library web page to meet accessibility standards. Fundraising reports showed discrepancies between sources, and procedures for handling walk-in donations and PayPal funds were discussed. The Board reviewed an edited Personnel Policy for finalization, and decisions related to a personnel issue were discussed during an executive session.

The meeting commenced with a review of the Treasurer's Report, detailing revenue and expenses through November 30, 2025, noting positive performance in Book Sales and Fundraising compared to goals, while noting over-budget expenditures in several areas like Administration and Equipment & Technology, partially offset by grant money usage. Other financial matters included the final distribution of Wilmington Trust Funds for the year and plans to renew an M&T CD. Discussions regarding Director and Youth Librarian reports covered ongoing contractor work on the building, the need to relocate the Director's office due to Fire Marshall requirements concerning fire exits, and considering private telehealth pods. Follow-up items included installing snow guards on the roof and checking plumbing issues, potentially using grant funds. Progress on overdue reports to the Vermont Library Association was noted. The board also discussed creating personalized thank-you cards for major donors. A Personnel Policy revision was addressed, with an editor assigned to finalize changes for the next meeting. The session included an executive session to discuss a personnel issue.

The board discussed the treasurer's report, the 2026 budget review, director and youth librarian reports, fundraising efforts, and personnel policy. They also discussed suggestions for replacing Jessie Krust and entered an executive session to discuss a personnel issue. No actions were taken after the executive session.