Select Board — April 11, 2026
The meeting was characterized by standard committee reports and administrative discussions with no significant interpersonal or political friction.
Public impact
Proposed Land Use Fee Schedule
Land Use Ordinance and Master Plan Updates
Decisions logged
Topics discussed
00:04 Meeting Purpose and Strategic Planning
The Chair explained the meeting's intent to improve coordination between the Select Board and various committees. The Board is planning a strategic planning session for May 15, 2026.
Cemetery Committee
The committee discussed membership, mowing contracts, upcoming activities like veteran flag placement and a green burial panel, and the feasibility of natural burial areas. They also addressed cemetery trust funds and a new policy against planting trees or bushes.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Committee
The committee reported on its completed report and discussed the importance of the Cilleyville Bog Bridge. There was discussion regarding aligning CIP planning with the Master Plan.
Fourth of July Committee
The committee addressed the rising costs of fireworks and potential budget constraints for 2026. They are exploring fundraising methods like QR codes and donation cans.
Historical Society
Updates were provided on the coach barn repairs, the Potter Place Festival, and the acquisition of the All Souls Union Church property.
Planning Board
The board is focused on updating land use ordinances and the Master Plan. Discussions included a proposed land use fee schedule and the need for a formal building inspector and inspection system.
Conservation Commission
Reports included trail work, updates to the Natural Resource Inventory, and a potential beach sand replenishment project at Highland Lake. The commission is also working on a boundary issue regarding town-owned property.
Budget Committee
The committee discussed filling a vacancy and the possibility of holding quarterly check-in meetings outside of the main budget season.
Town Communication and Governance
Residents and board members discussed methods for improving town-wide communication and suggested rotating committee updates to the Select Board.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Town Communication and Information Dissemination
Fourth of July Fireworks Budget
Community vs. board tension
Action items
Notable statements
The [CIP] committee's philosophy has generally been to identify possible funding approaches and timelines for capital projects rather than recommend whether particular projects should or should not proceed. — Doug Phelps · Discussing the scope of the CIP Committee's report.
I have no objection to directing the vendor to work within the available budget, even if that results in a smaller show. — Doug Phelps · Addressing the rising cost of fireworks for the Fourth of July.
Suggested having committees appear before the Select Board on a rotating quarterly basis for short updates. — Charles Stewart · Discussion on improving communication and coordination between boards.
The Select Board is also revising the code of conduct that will likely be distributed to committee members. — Les Fenton · Providing updates on Select Board administrative activities.
Public comment
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grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b · analyzed 2026-06-01.