This week’s Selectboard meeting included updates from the Vermont State Police, the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, and Gallagher Flynn consulting. And though it was discussed again, there was still no resolution to the ongoing debate and discussion of what exactly dogs should be allowed to do on Thompson’s Point and Whiskey Beach.
Heightened tensions over a proposed leash law amendment by the Thompson’s Point Leaseholders Association have not yet abated and no decision has been reached, though community input is being considered.
Progression of the Morningside Drive and Morningside Cemetery saga was postponed for the Morningside Cemetery Association and property owners Megan Browning and Will Bown when Selectboard members decided that the town’s general counsel needs to consult on the matter before any further decisions are made.
A highway access permit application is a routine step for property owners who want to build a driveway. In the case of one such permit application this summer, filed by Megan Browning and Will Bown, there have been more than your usual number of snafus, lawyers attending Selectboard meetings, a Vermont Supreme Court decision is in the mix, and the Selectboard has dedicated hours to the matter. And it’s not over yet.
The beach, a budget, and payroll: with the exception of the ever-changing Morningside Drive driveway dispute (see front page), the Aug. 10 Selectboard meeting moved things forward on issues big and small.
Not for the first time, the majority of a Selectboard meeting was spent discussing pay for a position in the town clerk’s office. After an at-times contentious discussion, on July 30 the board approved a pay rate for the new assistant town clerk/treasurer and raised the pay rate for the current assistant town clerk/treasurer Christina Booher, who will stay on to train the new employee.
The bulk of the July 13 Selectboard meeting was taken up with two issues: one a highway access permit request dispute that just won’t die and the other that has residents of Thompson’s Point chasing their tails.
The Selectboard meeting on June 29 confronted decisions addressing changes in hours and pay rates for town employees for fiscal year 2021, reopening the Town Offices, requesting bids for the Town Link Trail, and an update on safe recreation in the heart of a pandemic.
Monday’s Selectboard meeting addressed multiple recent issues around town, including a residential application for a Highway Access Permit on Morningstar Drive, a recreation COVID-19 update, and discussion of an updated Animal Control Ordinance at Thompson’s Point.
The Selectboard tackled topics from picnic tables to open-space tax refunds and everything in between on Monday night.
There were some money worries and library celebrations, among other business, at the May 18 and May 26 Selectboard meetings.
It was a long one on Monday, May 11, even as the Selectboard postponed several agenda items due to time concerns. At one point, Selectboard Chair Matt Krasnow asked who had the next item on the agenda and a patient Zoom meeting participant chimed in with . . .
On Monday the Selectboard again met virtually, with members discussing austerity budget measures, approving reappointments, and reviewing draft request for bids for siding repairs on the Senior Center and construction of the next section of the Town Link Trail on State Park Road.
The April 13 Selectboard meeting marked the third meeting held virtually and moved through a full agenda at an effective clip, spending the majority of its time discussing austerity measures related to the current and next year’s budgets.
Meeting in surreal circumstances, the Charlotte Selectboard decided during an emergency meeting on April 2 to postpone a scheduled April 7 vote on the town budget and town trail funding. In order to comply with Governor Phil Scott’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order, the board unanimously agreed that it was in the best interest of Charlotters as well as town election officials to postpone voting until it can be conducted in a safe manner that meets all legal requirements.
The April 6 Selectboard meeting focused primarily on activities related to business at Town Hall and recreation, as well as the selection of a contractor for ash tree removal. The meeting, held via Zoom,
Monday’s Selectboard meeting ushered in a new era: a virtual meeting option for those not attending in person.
The Selectboard convened on Monday night at Town Hall, with a couple speakers in attendance; the black and white duck decoy that presides over the Town Clerk’s office was still there; the chairs were all set up in rows.
Monday’s Selectboard meeting covered a range of topics, including an update on the Mount Philo State park parking expansion, an update on the security agreement with the Champlain Valley School District, and discussion about the roles of the recreation director and Recreation Commission. There were also related agenda items about the COVID-19 virus – from consideration of a personnel policy for town employees working from home and a briefing from CFVRS Fire Chief Rob Mullen.
Recent weeks showed a conflict between the Charlotte Selectboard and the Champlain Valley School District regarding a contract sent to the board earlier this year informing the town that they are responsible for footing the bill for any security the school district hires for election days and town meetings that take place in Charlotte Central School.