Town of Westminster

The meeting included the adoption of the Certification of Compliance for Town Road and Bridge Standards and Network Inventory. Key discussions in New Business involved the Road Foreman's report, noting the status of salt and sand supplies, the switch to rubber cutting edges on plows, and plans to bid on paving for Route 121, partially funded by a Class II Paving Grant. The Board also discussed the status of crack sealing and crew training, including CPR/Stop the Bleed courses. Concerns were raised regarding a public records request, specifically who removed public records information from the Town website, and the Board determined this issue would be addressed in a future meeting. The current total delinquent taxes were reported at $1,203,899.70. The Board debated several articles scheduled for Town Meeting, including strong disagreement with Article 26 concerning Town Managers versus Administrators, and discussed Article 20 regarding the renovation and use of the North Westminster Community House. The Board entered into executive session to discuss a contractual matter.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and adjustments to the agenda to include a motion for an executive session. Key actions taken involved accepting the Treasurer's resignation, effective February 10, 2026, and appointing a successor Treasurer, effective the same date. Following an executive session concerning a contractual matter, the Board voted to notify the Town Manager that his employment agreement would not be renewed upon its expiration on June 30, 2026. New business included the approval of the Certificate of Highway Mileage for the year ending February 10, 2026, and the approval of the official road posting dated January 16, 2026. Discussions regarding the upcoming Town Meeting and matters concerning the Westminster Center School were also noted.

The meeting addressed the New Business item concerning Application #26-17, a request for a Boundary Line Adjustment involving two properties on Davidson Hill Road. The adjustment involved annexing 1.05 acres from Parcel #003224.000 (Jamie Eckley) to Parcel #003113.000 (Danny Lecours), and simultaneously annexing 0.13 acres from Parcel #003113.000 to Parcel #003224.000, resulting in new lot sizes. Following discussion and a deliberative session, the Board voted to accept the application as requested without conditions.

The Development Review Board addressed New Business concerning Application #26-15, which requested a Change of Use for property located at 333 US Route 5 from a barn to a small transmission business involving undercoating and general maintenance. Concerns were raised by abutters regarding yard appearance and potential excess traffic. Environmental concerns about oil disposal were addressed by detailing the use of a specific non-dripping oil product and proper recycling of waste oil. Following a deliberative session, the application was approved with three conditions: a 4-car limit at any time, maintaining a clean yard away from the road, and proper disposal of discarded oil.

Key discussions and actions included the announced resignation of the Public & Campbell Funds Trustee before Town Meeting 2026, with the trustee expressing interest in becoming a commissioner. Regarding the FY 2027 Budget draft, the Board debated incorporating delinquent property tax collections, ultimately voting to accept the budget's bottom line as presented but amending the Use of Fund Balance to add $172,111.37. The Board approved the reappointment of two members to the Conservation Commission. An executive session was held to discuss matters that could disadvantage the municipality. Other business involved addressing property tax delinquencies, confirming that new tracks are being installed on the highway excavator, and considering a change to the regular meeting date/days following the Town Meeting in March 2026.