Town of Roxbury

Key discussions centered on the RVS Task Force proposal to create an official advisory committee for the school and town hall building, focusing on defining responsibilities, size, and governance (advisory vs. non-advisory, elected vs. appointed). The Board also addressed the Village Revitalization Grant close-out and an issue with accessing GEARS, though no action was taken on the Amended Municipal Planning Grant Resolution. Other topics included securing janitorial services for the RVS building, offers to assist with Town Report delivery, and updates on road conditions and potential projects like a culvert on Steele Hill Road or an overlay on Warren Mountain Road. The Board reviewed financial orders and discussed unfinished business related to RVS, including ordering dumpsters, advertising janitorial services, discussing mowing bids, and determining an insurance replacement value of $3.3 million for the building. The Community Hall renovation project insurance requirement was also noted for follow-up. New business involved approving a change order for four lilacs related to the Tenney Road Bridge. An executive session was held to discuss personnel wages.

The primary discussion topic involved a joint meeting which was postponed until the next session because a key attendee was absent. There was also a report regarding a Grant Close-Out, noting that the invoice from gbArchitecture was sent to the Select Board for payment and that the final project report forms were submitted to the RPC Chair. Further steps required include Elizabeth completing the final form and the Select Board uploading the necessary information into GEARS to finalize the Grant. The chair of the Planning Commission planned to attend the subsequent Select Board meeting.

Key discussions included updates from the RVS Task Force regarding collaboration with the Planning Commission and Communication Committee, and planning for a joint pre-Town Meeting on February 21st. The Board addressed public comments concerning the new road foreman's wage and oil purchasing strategy, and road conditions, noting positive feedback on Bull Run. Business items included the approval of the Financial Report and discussion on the Otter Creek invoice. Under unfinished business, the Board addressed RVS items such as the License & Use Agreement with the Montpelier Roxbury School District for the afterschool program, and the approval of HVAC maintenance and network quotes for the school property. The Dog River Project contract amendment was executed, and bids for cemetery and town properties mowing were reviewed. The Community Hall Project bid was accepted provisionally, pending further work on HVAC quotes, with the accepted bid excluding the basement stairway modification. New business involved approving a change order for the Ladd Road Bridge and accepting the Tax Map Maintenance Contract proposal.

Key discussions included a suggestion for installing a permanent evergreen tree, with details on height, species, cost, and location to be determined before presenting a recommendation to the Roxbury Selectboard. The Committee agreed to coordinate the Spring Park Cleanup with Greenup Day. Regarding the park path, the Committee decided to solicit quotes for excavating the existing pathway while preserving the original design, aiming to align with the Roxbury Selectboard's recommendations from September 2, 2025. A proposal for path remediation is anticipated by mid-February. Furthermore, a suggestion was made for the contracted mowing service to bag clippings to help reduce weed control needs on the park path.

Key discussions included follow-up on the RVS HVAC contract and the addition of the Dog River Project to the next agenda. Regarding the Roxbury Community Hall Restoration, plans for scaling back work were mentioned, and the Restoration Group offered over $20,000 in funds for ADA compliance related to the ramp and bathroom. The Town Lister decided against immediately requesting a new laptop. Public comments addressed the preservation of an old kerosene pump during renovation, volunteer efforts to move items to storage, and a proposal from the RVS Taskforce to establish a joint meeting with the Selectboard, Planning Commission, and Communications Group. The Board discussed appointing an official committee for RVS. The Road Commissioner reported equipment status and the use of the grader on Warren Mountain Road, and the Board approved signing the Certificate of Mileage. Financially, the Board approved submitted orders, noted the receipt of a quarterly highway payment, and decided to reinvest maturing CD funds totaling $198,000 into a new 6-month CD using funds from the Highway Equipment, Municipal Building, and Town Garage Reserve Funds. Under unfinished business, progress on RVS was slow, with meetings scheduled regarding the Superintendent and a potential MOU for leasing the building; a budget adjustment for Dog River Maintenance with Dubois & King was discussed in relation to grant opportunities. New business focused on the 2025 CLA/COD, which indicated a potential need for a town-wide reappraisal due to a COD above 20%. Andy Apgar was appointed as the E911 Coordinator, and updates were given regarding the Town's website transition to .gov and an upcoming tax sale. The draft warning and budget for the 2026 Town Meeting were approved, including amendments to allow the Selectboard to lease RVS and rename the Building Repair Fund to the Building Repair and Maintenance Fund.