Town of Westminster

This Master Plan serves as a comprehensive guide for the Town of Westminster's land use and development decisions, aiming to shape its future over the next decade. It is structured around ten key elements: Goals & Visions, Land Use, Housing, Economic Development, Natural Resources, Historical & Cultural Resources, Open Space & Recreation, Circulation & Transportation, Services & Facilities, and Implementation. The plan envisions Westminster as a community offering a high quality of life, defined by its rural landscapes, open spaces, historical features, and a vibrant, walkable downtown, while addressing challenges such as tax base diversification and housing affordability to foster a safe, sustainable, and enjoyable environment.

The meeting included a presentation from the Westminster Historical Society regarding upcoming events. Regarding business, the town voted to authorize a transfer of funds from Free Cash and General Stabilization accounts to supplement the Snow and Ice Removal budget for the town. The meeting also addressed an article regarding unpaid bills, which was passed over due to the absence of such items.

The Annual Town Meeting addressed numerous articles, including authorizations for the Select Board to enter into contracts for highway maintenance and town services. A new revolving fund for alarm servicing was established, and spending limits were set for various existing revolving funds. Several new personnel positions were created, including an executive assistant for the Council on Aging, a maintenance mechanic for the Department of Public Works, and a digital services librarian. The town approved an extensive operating budget covering various departments, school contributions, and enterprise operations for the sewer, water, and solid waste facilities. Financial actions included budget revisions, allocations for cultural and agricultural commissions, and funding for property revaluation and tax rate reduction. Additionally, the town authorized various capital projects such as road improvements, equipment upgrades for police and fire services, and infrastructure repairs. Several amendments were also passed regarding the general bylaws concerning police traffic direction authority and restrictions on heavy commercial vehicle operations.

This Housing Production Plan update for the Town of Westminster outlines a strategy to meet its affordable housing goals over a five-year period. It includes a comprehensive needs assessment, identifies development constraints and opportunities, and proposes regulatory reforms and various strategies for housing production and preservation. Key objectives focus on expanding senior, veteran, and starter home opportunities, achieving a 10% affordable housing stock, revising zoning for inclusionary practices, and promoting balanced growth while preserving rural character. The plan aims to provide housing options for a diverse population and anticipates adding 365 affordable housing units by the end of 2029.

The meeting began with Town Administrator updates, including announcements for community events such as Breakfast with Santa, the progress of The Giving Tree and Elsie's Toy Drive, and the upcoming Christmas Tree Bonfire party. A public hearing was held regarding the 2026 Tax Factor recommendation, where the residential factor was set at 1.0, resulting in a tax rate of $11.73, which the Board unanimously approved. Warrants totaling $331,157.26 for Accounts Payable and $364,962.73 for Payroll were also approved.