Town of Royalton

Key discussions included a potential voter advisory floor vote regarding a five-year moratorium on crypto and data centers in the town plan. The commission also reviewed a feasibility study grant concerning a Thermal Energy Network System and discussed the finalization of sign verbiage for Class 4 roads/trails. The commission voted to issue no comment on the Act 250 Waterman Road parking application. Further discussion centered on a parking plan around the green, with subsequent action items to gather detailed information about remaining Thriving Communities grant funds to potentially work with a planner on a new sidewalk design, which must accommodate truck traffic and include a kiosk and bike rack. The commission reviewed and discussed several changes to the subdivision ordinance draft, including clarifying definitions such as "top of bank," reviewing consistency in section language, and questioning road frontage requirements. A concept for developing a short-term rental ordinance was introduced to protect existing housing stock. Finally, the reappointment of one member and the posting for an opening due to another member stepping down were addressed.

The meeting included the approval of the December minutes and December and January financial and director's reports under the consent agenda. Key discussions involved a potential new board member, Adiya Kagan, who was subsequently voted in. Policy revisions were approved for library usage, specifically modifying language regarding refreshments and explicitly prohibiting marijuana products in addition to alcohol and nicotine. Other business included planning for the 'Bingo at Babes Fundraiser,' the creation of a biodiverse meadow at the library, and ongoing planning discussions for a Spring 5K event and several author events.

Key discussions included planning for a new SAP Counselor seeking volunteer opportunities, addressing the resignation of the Recreation Director and plans to post the position, and detailed planning for the upcoming Basketball season. Basketball planning involved scheduling assistance, readiness of registration forms, planning for adjustable hoop setup requiring water/sand for bases, and setting dates for a pre-practice workshop. The commission also finalized logistics for the Soccer season end-of-season field pickup and established procedures for managing player movement and team balancing for the following year. Further details covered the "Trunk or Treat" event, including coordinating a costume parade, using the fire department's PA system, assigning prize responsibilities, and setting arrival times. Finally, preparations for the Ice Rink setup, including securing necessary supplies like screws and rope holder stakes, were finalized.

The agenda was approved with the addition of items concerning a MERP agreement, a VTrans agreement, and a Pike Industries request. Key discussions included allowing Pike Industries to store materials at the Town's Gravel Pit in exchange for processed recycled asphalt, authorizing the Town Administrator to sign the VTrans Agreement for the Permanent Bridge Project post-review, and accepting a proposal from Heritage Restoration for insulation and weather sealing work on the Royalton Academy. The Selectboard also prepared for the Town Meeting by discussing each article on the Warning, reviewing budget line increases, and addressing noted errors in the Town Report. A personnel matter was discussed during an executive session.

Key discussions included the selection of Emergent Urban Concepts/RUHL for the fully funded Thermal Energy Network study, negotiating the contract price down to $25,000, and confirming Cx Associates as a fallback option. The Board discussed the historical intent of the Hope Property and the role of the Fire Department, agreeing to include former Fire Chief David Whitney in future discussions if requested. Topics also included researching text alert systems for Transfer Station closure notifications and adopting new state-issued policing guidelines to secure funding. The resignation of Officer Ingraham and a requested pay increase for Officer Gardner were noted, with the latter moved to executive session discussion. The Board permitted the Royalton Public Safety Committee to gather petition signatures outside Town Meeting if legally permissible, approved the use of the Town Green for the VT Sheep and Wool Festival in 2026, and approved the Fire Warden's request to purchase a fire warning sign. The 2026 Town Highway and Bridge Standards were accepted, and a proposal for spring street sweeping was approved. Finally, the Board addressed cleaning contracts for the Academy Building, approving an employee for weekly cleaning services and discussing obtaining additional quotes for a new door.